Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, and Cambodia to the southwest. On the country's east coast lies the South China Sea. The country’s total length from north to south is 1,650km. Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km at the widest point in the north, 400km in the south, and 50km at the narrowest part, in the centre, in Quang Binh Province. The coastline is 3,260km long and the inland border is 4,510km.Latitude: 102º 08' - 109º 28' east. Longitude: 8º 02' - 23º 23' north Vietnam is also a transport junction from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Climate
Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. There are two major climate regions in Vietnam. Northern Vietnam (from Hai Van Pass toward to the north) has a highlyhumid tropical monsoon climate with four distinguishable seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) and is influenced by the Northeast and Southeast monsoon. Southern Vietnam (from Hai Van pass to Ha Tien) has a rather moderate tropical climate given the weak influence of monsoon and is characterized by dry and rainy seasons and warm weather all year round. .
The average temperature in Vietnam varies between 21°C and 27°C and increases from the North to the South. Every year there are 100 rainy days and the average rainfall is 1,500 to 2,000mm. The humidity ranges around 80%. The sunny hours are 1,500 to 2,000 and the average solar radiation of 100kcal/cm2 in a year. Air humidity is 80%.
Time
Time in Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7).
The history of Vietnam, according to legends, dates back more than 4,000 years. The only reliable sources, however, indicate that Vietnamese history roughly dates to 2,700 years ago. For most of the period from 111 BC to the early 10th century, it was under the direct rule of successive dynasties from China. Vietnam regained autonomy in early 10th century and complete independence in 938 AD. While for much of its history, Vietnam remained a tributary state to its larger neighbor China, it repelled repeated attempts by China to make it once again part of the territory under direct imperial rule. Moreover, it managed to repel the three invasions by the Mongols during the Yuan Dynasty, when China was under Mongolian rule. But the king at that time, Trần Nhân Tông, would eventually diplomatically submit as a tributary of the Yuan to avoid further conflicts.
The independent period temporarily ended in the middle to late 19th century, when the country was colonized by France. During World War II, Imperial Japan expelled the French to occupy Vietnam, though they retained French administrators during their occupation. After the war, France attempted to re-establish its colonial rule but ultimately failed. The Geneva Accords partitioned the country in two with a promise of democratic election to reunite the country.
However, rather than peaceful reunification, partition led to the Vietnam War - which, depending on one's perspective, was either a civil war or another battlefield of the then-ongoing global ideological conflict, the Cold War. During this time, the North was supported by the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, while the South was supported by the United States. After millions of Vietnamese deaths and the American withdrawal from Vietnam in March 1973, the war ended with the fall of Saigon to the North in April 1975. In 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam changed its economic policy and began reforms of the private sector similar to those in China. Since the mid-1980s, Vietnam has enjoyed substantial economic growth.
Vietnam Culture
The richness of Vietnam's origins is evident throughout its culture. Spiritual life in Vietnam is a grand panoply of belief systems, including Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Tam Giao (literally 'triple religion'), which is a blend of Taoism, popular Chinese beliefs, and ancient Vietnamese animism.
The most important festival of the year is Tet, a week-long event in late January or early February that heralds the new lunar year and the advent of spring. Celebration consists of both raucous festivity (fireworks, drums, gongs) and quiet meditation. In addition to Tet, there are about twenty other traditional and religious festivals each year.
Vietnamese architecture expresses a graceful aesthetic of natural balance and harmony that is evident in any of the country's vast numbers of historic temples and monasteries. The pre-eminent architectural form is the pagoda, a tower comprised of a series of stepped pyramidal structures and frequently adorned with lavish carvings and painted ornamentation. Generally speaking, the pagoda form symbolizes the human desire to bridge the gap between the constraints of earthly existence and the perfection of heavenly forces. Pagodas are found in every province of Vietnam.
Buddhism
Buddhism was first introduced to Vietnam in the 2nd century, and reached its peak in the Ly dynasty (11th century). Presently, over 70 percent of the population of Vietnam are either Buddhist or strongly influenced by Buddhist practices.
Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced to Vietnam in the 17th century. About 10 percent of the population is considered Catholic.
Protestantism
Protestantism was introduced to Vietnam at about the same time as Catholicism. Protestantism, however, remains an obscure religion. At present most Protestants live in the Central Highlands. The number of Protestants living in Vietnam is estimated at 400,000. Islamic followers in Vietnam are primarily from the Cham ethnic minority group living in the central part of the central coast. The number of Islamic followers in Vietnam totals about 50,000.
Caodaism
Caodaism was first introduced to the country in 1926. Settlements of the Cao Dai followers in South Vietnam are located near the Church in Tay Ninh. The number of followers of this sect is estimated at 2 million. The Hoa Hao Sect was first introduced to Vietnam in 1939. More than 1 million Vietnamese are followers of this sect. Most of them live in the southwest of Vietnam.
Mother Worship (Tho Mau)
Re-searchers describe the Vietnamese mother-worship cult as a primitive religion. The mother worship cult might be originated from the cult of the Goddess in ancient ages. In the Middle Ages, the Mother was worshipped in temples and palaces. Due to the fact that it is a worshipping custom and not a religion, the Mother worshipping cult has not been organised as Buddhism and Catholicism have.
Worship of Ancestor Custom)
A very popular belief among Vietnamese is the custom of the ancestor cult. In every household, an ancestor altar is installed in the most solemn location.
Paper notes include: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200. Cheques with value as Vietnamese dong include: VND 1,000,000 and 500,000.
- Foreign currencies and tourist cheques can be exchanged into Vietnamese Dong at banks or foreign exchange agencies
- Credit cards are popularly used, especially in cities and big tourist centers. Before leave Vietnam, Vietnamese dong can be changed into foreign currencies at the airport
Vietnam has some fantastic shopping opportunities, so it’s well worth setting aside half a day or so to properly peruse. Hotspots include Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, each of which has a temping selection of everything from avant-garde art to sumptuous silk suits.
Some of the best buys are as following: Vietnamese Art & Antiques; Vietnamese Clothing; Vietnamese Handicrafts; Souvenirs…
Bargaining should be good-natured, smile and don’t get angry or argue. Once the money is accepted, the deal is done. Remember that in Asia, “saving face” is very important. In some cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%.
Visa exemption:
- Not more than 30 days: for citizens of Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos.
- Not more than 15 days: for citizens of Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.
- Not more than 14 days: It will be applied when the multilateral visa -free travel agreement takes force for citizens of Cambodia, Brunei, and Myanmar travel within the Asean region. Others who want to enter Vietnam must be provided with a visa.
- Tourist visa is valid in 30 days.
- Visa is issued at the Vietnamese diplomatic offices or consulates in foreign countries. Visa is possibly issued at the border gates to those who have written invitations by a Vietnamese competent agencies or tourists in the tours organized by Vietnamese international travel companies. - Application files for visa: the entrance application (printed form) must be accurate and full-information; two 4x6 photos; passport and fee for the visa issuance.
There are 3 International airports To Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Beijing, Guangzhou, Kaoshiung, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Pusan, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuka, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Dubai, Frankfurt, Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Moscow: No Bai (Hanoi) is 28 miles (45km) from downtown Hanoi, approximate travel time is 45-60 minutes. Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) is about 4 Miles (7 km) from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang (Da Nang) has flight to Bangkok, Singapore, and Moscow
With the advent of tourism, the practice of tipping is just beginning in Vietnam. Tip sparingly and only where it is deserved. Ten percent will suffice. It is increasingly common to tip guides, drivers, waiters and masseurs
HANOI ATTRACTION
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
Hoan Kiem Lake is really an emerald jewel of Hanoi, it is also called Lake of the Restored Sword. Lake of the Restored Sword is derived from a legend: Golden Tortoise Genie asked King Le Thai To return the sacred sword to the King of the Sea after he won Ming invaders and became King of country. Ngoc Son Temple is located on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake in the 19th century. Initially, the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda and was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, since temples are dedicated to saints: Saint Van Xuong, considered to be one of the brightest stars in Vietnam's literary and intellectual circles; National hero Tran Hung Dao who led the Vietnamese people to victory over the Yuan aggressors. From entrance, the temple is very attractive with: But Thap (Pen tower); Dai Nghien (Ink Stand); Cau The Huc (rays of morning sunshine touch Bridge).
President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum & Residence
Hochiminh’s Mausoleum is where Uncle Ho's dead body dressed in faded khaki clothes and plain rubber shoes was put in a glass coffin. The construction of the Mausoleum started in September 1973, on the foundations of the old rostrum in Ba Dinh Square where president Ho Chi Minh used to chair national meetings. Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum was completed nearly two years later on August 29, 1975. Hochiminh's Residence is located in a large garden at the back of the Presidential palace is a winding road covered with pebbles and bordered with house: Uncle Ho's Residence and office from may 1958 until his death.
One Pillar Pagoda
The One Pillar Pagoda is architecturally-unique example of Vietnam's pagodas. It was first built in 1049 during the Ly Dynasty, on the west side of the ancient capital of Thang Long. Its original name was Dien Huu, expressing a wish for longevity of the second Ly emperor. The pagoda has the shape of a lotus blooming on its s t e m . Legends s a i d t h a t King Ly Thai To was old but had no son. One night, in a dream the king saw the goddess of Mercy sitting on a lotus flower offering him a male child. Shortly after that the queen got pregnant and she gave birth to a son. The king thanked the goddess by ordering the construction of this pagoda in the form of a lotus and named it Dien Huu, meaning long lasting happiness and good luck.
The temple of literature (Van mieu - Quoc tu giam)
The temple of Literature (Van Mieu) is a famous ancient monument consisting of the Temple of Literature and Vietnam's first university. The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 in honor of Confucius. Six years later, Quoc Tu Giam , the first university of Vietnam, was on the premises of Van Mieu. It was the first educational school for royal family members, and it was later opened to talented students. In 1482 Emperor Le Thanh Tong ordered the erection of Stele with inscriptions of the names, places of birth, and achievements of graduates who had taken examinations since 1442. Presently 82 Stelae stand at Van Mieu.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
located on an islet of West Lake in Hanoi. Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism God who guarded and administered the north of the country. That is why it is also known as the Tran Vo Temple or the Temple of Quan Thanh Tran Vo Vietnam History Museum: Vietnam History Museum is located at No. 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi; behind the Hanoi Opera House. Vietnam History Museum was founded in September 1958 and it contains a great deal of valuable objects, which reflect all the periods of Vietnamese history. The museum is a beautiful architectural work. It provides an area of 2,000m² for exhibition
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is located on Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi. It contains more than 10,000 objects, 15,000 black and white photos and hundreds of video tapes and cassettes which depict all aspects of life, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.
Hanoi Old Quarter:
Hanoi old quarter is often called quarter of 36 guilds and streets locating in the centre of Hanoi, in Hoan Kiem district, with area of 100 hectares. In the past, there were handicraft guilds. Each street bears an evocative name such- as silk street, sugar street, rice street, vermicelli street... In the old quarter, among traditional styled house, there are cultural, historical, religious constructions and restaurants... Architecture of vietnamese people and Asia is maintained herean original architectural ensemble-ensemble- with crowded houses, dense street. Domestic activities of urban residents are simultaneously carried out here such as, trade, production, entertainment, recreation, festival... creating a strong dynamics for eternal existence and continuous development.Hanoi Old quarter is facing complex and great changes of adaptability with social development making some houses, street to be replaced by new and modern architectures. However, old streets with small, beautiful and mossy tube houses covered by the fragrance of greentrees will never have its elegant and pure beauty faded that only Hanoi has.
Water Puppet Performance
Việt Nam has a long and active tradition of puppetry or múa rối, which is believed to have originated in ancient times as an integral component of religious ceremonies and festivals. However, Việt Nam is best known for its water puppetry or múa rối nước, a unique northern Việt variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition which some say originated during the 11th century when determined puppeteers in the Red River Delta found an alternative way to perform their art during times of severe flooding.
AROUND HANOI ATTRACTIONS
Chua Huong (Perfume Pagoda):
Chua Huong (Perfume pagoda) is located in Huong son (Perfume Mountain) 70 km southwest of Hanoi. Perfume pagoda has a long history in Vietnamese literature. This temple, its name, has been a theme of many songs, topic of poetry, used in literary works as well as backdrops for paintings. The uniqueness of Huong Son is that the mountains, river and forest appear like an oasis for Buddhists in the middle of the great plains of northern Vietnam. This location truly incorporates all the elements of beauty that is often used in Eastern philosophy and arts. Chua Huong is famous for the annual pilgrimage of Buddhists. Every year, between February and March, Hoi Chua Huong or Chua Huong festival draws hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country. The festival is also a very popular place for young couples to meet and it is also a place where many budding romances are formed. During this time of the year, Ben Duc is packed with thousands of row boats used for shuttling visitors.
Hoa Lu – Tam Coc
Hoa Lu and Tam Coc are two the most beauty attraction of Ninh Binh province, just 120 Km southeast of Ha Noi . Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is 13km from Ninh Binh Town, Ninh Binh Province. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne and took the name of King Dinh Tien Hoang and reunified the country under the name of Dai Co Viet and Hoa Lu was its capital for 41 years (968-1009). The mountains and sea combined to make Hoa Lu’s picturesque landscape. Hoa Lu lays in a flat valley surrounded by the Trang An lime stone mountains, which form a natural wall protecting the old citadel. The city’s northwest is bordered by the Hoang Long River, the tributaries of which run through the capital, cooling the weather within the city and serving as convenient waterways. Tam Coc is considered as Ha Long bay on land because of its beauty and charm. The highlight of the trip is taking a local rowboat on the River, floating between the towering limestone outcrops and traveling through three beautiful caves, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
Mai Chau - A Beautiful Highland Town in Valley
130km from Hanoi on the west way, it is the closest place to Hanoi where you can see a real hill tribes. Maichau is really rural area, rather it is collection of villages, farms and huts spread out over a large area. Most people in Mai chau are white Thai ethnic. Visitors should spend a night in Mai Chau to enjoy the music from gongs (Cong Chieng), to watch Thai dances, to enjoy the fragrant steamed glutinous rice, and to drink Ruou Can (wine drunken out of a jar through pipes). with Thai girls who are very skilled at tilling the fields, weaving fabrics and embroidering scarves, overnight in the Thai community’s traditional stilt houses. These are built from hard wood and stand about 1.5m above the ground. The roofs are often made of palm leaves. The windows are relatively large to allow fresh air to circulate and are decorated with baskets of orchids and bird cages hanging on the outside.
Van Phuc Silk Village:
Van phuc village is situated on the bank of Nhue River, 10 km from Hanoi on the southwest way in the center of Ha Dong. The people of this village excel in the traditional skill of weaving silk. In the village, there is a temple that was built to worship ancestor who taught them the weaving professions The silk of Van Phuc is famous for being very fine. Today, the inhabitants of the village practice this traditional profession on an event larger scale. The silk of Van Phuc is not only used in Vietnam, but it is also exported to many other countries all over the world.
Bat Trang Pottery Village
The traditional village lies on the northern bank of the Red River where this runs through Ha Noi. It has been specialized in the production of ceramics and potteries since hundreds of years. The ceramics of the village are made of a special kind of white clay. Thanks to the skill of generations of workers here, the products of the village have a long-held reputation for their beauty and endurance.
Le Mat Snake Village
Just 10 km from the center of Hanoi in Viet Hung commune, Gia Lam district. The villagers have been feeding and catching snakes for more than 900 years. Some families were for their skill in snake feeding, such as the Nguyen Dang Phac and Tran Nhu Ban families. Mr Phac has been working in this trade for more than half a century. His four children have also been thoroughly trained to succeed him. There are many ways to use snakes. For example, the bones are used to produce a cao (jelly); the fat is used as a medicine to chase away colds; the venom is used as a remedy; and the alcohol is used as a tonic. Visitors can appreciate snake alcohol and some specialties dishes from snake in the village itself.
Dong Ho Traditional Painting Village
This village is located in Ha Bac province; the province just north of Hanoi. It’s been made famous for the folk themes printed onto a special paper made from the Do tree. Artisans in this village carve images onto thin wood blocks that are carefully layered with paint; then printed onto the specially made paper. These designs are particularly popular around Tet.
PAGODAS
Tay Phuong Pagoda
Located about 30km from Hanoi City in Ha Tay province, this famous pagoda was built in the 8th century and has been restored several times since. In 1632, the pagoda was rebuilt according to the Sino-Vietnamese character Tam (three), featuring three sections: the upper sanctuary, back palace, and lobby rooms. Tay Phuong Pagoda is not only an historical site with valuable architecture, but also a scenic spot in Ha Tay Province.
Thay Pagoda
Thay pagoda, located 35 km west of Hanoi in a tranquil and beautiful village, is combination of Buddhist pagodas and a Taoist Temple, which is dedicated to Tu Dao Hanh, a Taoist hermit lived in 12th century who was considered one of the karmas of king Ly Than Tong. The temple preserve many precious worshipping objects like the statues of Tu Dao Hanh describe three "karmas" of this figure, wooden and stone bas-relieves and steles, lacquered statues, thrones, bells. Most of the structure was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th century and has a big significance of classic architecture.
MBut Thap Pagoda
Located 27 km far from Hanoi in Bac Ninh Province, the pagoda is one of the finest pagodas in the country’s north and known as Vietnam’s first Buddhist centre. The pagoda was built under the dynasty of King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 17th century in the Le Dynasty. Being recognized as the country’s cultural historic relic, But Thap Pagoda is not only an important place for pilgrims but also a tourist attraction.
Dinh Bang Communal House
Dinh Bang is one of the largest and finest village communal houses in Vietnam. It is located in Đình Bảng village, Từ Sơn district, in the Red River Delta province of Bắc Ninh, 17 km from the nation's capital, Hanoi. Dinh Bang communal house was built in the early 18th century and construction was completed in 1736. The first effort was attributed to Nguyen Thac Luong, a mandarin and native of Dinh Bang village. Each carving at Dinh Bang communal house is like a masterpiece and is reputed for its uniqueness, which impresses any visitor.
HALONG BAY- AMAZING LANDSCAPE
Halong Bay is one of the world’s natural wonders, and is the most beautiful tourist destination of Vietnam. Halong Bay features more than one thousand awesome limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes. The bay was World Heritage listed by UNESCO at the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994). Halong Bay is a body of water of approximately 1,500 square kilometers in North Vietnam with a 120 kilometers coastline, in the Gulf of Tonkin Gulf of Tonkin near the border with China, and 170 kilometers east of Hanoi. Ha Long Bay - means "Bay of the Descending Dragon" in the Vietnamese language. The bay consists of a dense cluster of 3000 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves such as: Hang Dau Go (Grotto of Wooden Stakes); Hang Thien Cung (Heaven Palace Grotto); Hang Sung Sot (Amazing Grotto); Hang Trong (Drum Grotto)… Wherever you come from, whoever you are and however old you are, you will certainly experience the same emotion and feeling when admiring this wonder of stone and water. And great experiences will always remain even when you leave the place.
Islands in Halong Bay
Viewed from above, Halong Bay looks like an extremely vivid huge drawing. This is a wonderful and skilful masterpiece of the Creation and of nature that turns thousands of dumb soulless stone islands into fantastic sculptural and artistic works of various graceful shapes, both familiar and strange to human beings. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild. Amidst these islands we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world. There are many names given to islands according to their shapes and forms. Hòn Ðầu Người (Human Head Island); Hòn Rông (Dragon Island); Hòn Lã Vọng; Hòn Cánh Buồm (Sail Island); Hòn Trống Mái (Male and Female Chicken Island); Hòn Lư Hương (Incense Burner Island)… All are so real that people are taken aback by them. Those stone islands have experienced unpredictable changes over time and they take different shapes from different angles of view. Here, we come to realize that they are not dumb inanimate things but are vivid and soulful.
Grottoes in Halong Bay
Inside the stone islands are various breath-taking caves, such as Thiên Cung, Ðầu Gỗ, Sửng Sốt, Trinh Nữ, Tam Cung and others. Each one has its difference beauty. These are really magnificent palaces of the Creation on earth.
Beaches in Halong Bay
There are many natural beautiful beaches, both popular and evasion kinds scatter in the Bay such as Bai Chay beach; Titop beach; Quan Lan beach; Soi Sim beach; Van Don beach; Ba Trai Dao Beach…
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is situated in Ha Long Bay, 50 km to the east of Hai Phong City, in Northern Vietnam. It is the largest of 366 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago, and has a surface area of about 140 square km. In November 2004, the Cat Ba Archipelago was approved as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Cat Ba Archipelago shares the distinctive rugged appearance and scenic beauty of the Ha Long Bay Area. The greatest part of the islands’ mountain range like most of the smaller offshore islands of the Archipelago, are covered by tropical moist limestone forest. Cat Ba Island also has coral terraces, sandy beaches, freshwater wetland areas, tidal flats, mangrove forests and willow swamp. Spectacular scenery and a high diversity of landscapes make Cat Ba a special place and it has become a main destination for national and international tourists.
SAPA LIFE BETWEEN HILL & CLOUD
The Premier destination of Northwest Vietnam, Sapa is very well-known with Sapa Townlet, a beautiful and romantic resort. Sapa is former hill station built in 1922. Nestled in a beautiful valley close to the Chinese border, the spectacular scenery that surrounds Sapa includes cascading rice terraces that hug the heights looming over town. The mountains are often cloaked in mist that rolls back and forth along the mountaintops, offering tantalizing glimpses of what lives in wait on a clear day. The valleys and villages around Sapa are home to host of hill-tribe people who wander into town to buy, sell and trade. Sapa has many natural sites such as Ham Rong Mountain, Silver Waterfall, Rattan Bridge, Bamboo Forest and Ta Phin Cave. Sapa is also the starting point for many climbers and scientists who want to reach the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143m. Hoang Lien Mountain Range is also called the Alps of the North Sea area since Fansipan Mountain is not only the highest peak in Vietnam, but also in the Indochina Peninsula. The pyramid-shaped mountain is covered with clouds all year round and temperatures often drop below zero, especially at high elevations. Visitors to Sapa will have opportunities to discover the unique customs of the local residents.
Getting there: There are two main roads to reach to Sapa: The first way is by passing North western way. The North West is a very remote and undeveloped region that offers the country's finest mountain scenery. It also offers the best chance to meet colorful and varied ethnic minorities (also referred to as hill tribes, or Montagnard), whose traditions have been the least affected by the modern way of life. The region can be explored by adventurous travelers in at least a week-long loop trip along Highway 6, from Mai Chau to Sapa, with a 4WD vehicle. For most visitors, 8 hours overnight on train travel to Lao Cai then by road to Sapa is the best option.
SIGHTSEEING
Love market
Sapa is famed for its "Love Market". On Saturday nights, hill tribe youths of both sexes congregate in a weekly courting rite, singing tribal versions of Loretta Lynn love songs to woo the opposite sex. Sadly this ritual is dying out. While foreign tourists search in vain for a snapshot and hawkers sell them trinkets and trash, the teenagers slip out to neck on a bench around the lake.
Ham Rong mountain (Jaw of Dragon)
Visitors to Ham Rong have chances to climb up the San May (Cloud Yard) to enjoy the panorama of Sapa Townlet, visit the orchid gardens with beautiful and colorful flowers. In addition, Ham Rong Mountain has numerous caves and stones in extraordinary shapes.
Cat Cat village
Cat Cat Village is 2km from Sapa Town. This is an ageold village of H'Mong ethnic group remaining unique customs and practices that are lots in other villages. A leisurely walk within the old village provides visitors with a better understanding of the traditional customs and practices of the ethnic group H’Mong who live there. Further into the village are waterfalls and a stream weaving its way through boulders, hills and mountains. The pristine stream is spanned by a suspension bridge which offers a good viewing point for the waterfalls and mountains.
Laochai – Tavan Villages
Lao chai & Ta Van are small villages set within a picturesque valley not far from the northern Vietnamese mountain resort of Sa Pa. The area is renowned for its colorful ethnic minorities, this land is home to some groups like Black H’mong, Dzay, Tay people. A stay with one of the farmer families here will give you a close-up experience of the life-style and culture typical of the area. Trekking in the surrounding area is most satisfying, including access to a 3-day route up Mount Fan Si Pan, to the highest point in Indo-China, at 3,143 m.
BAC HA
Bac Ha - a small town built on a desolated highland plain North West of Lao Cai (80 km far from Sapa town), is well-known for the century-old colorful market of the real mountainous people including the Dzao and the Flower-H'Mong. They and the mountains seem to fall in a sleep and time stands still until Sunday mornings when the Bac Ha market occurs. Bac Ha market is the most interesting ethnic markets in Vietnam and possibly everywhere in South East Asia: "Sunday is market day in Bac Ha, which is the occasion for the various local ethnics to gather in huge crowds to exchange the last news, gossip, shop, and eat a copious lunch. It was visibly a festive event. I was surrounded in a sea of color, and had the feeling to be on a movie set. Everyone seemed excited…”
HOCHIMINH CITY
Ho Chi Minh City - one of the most important commercial and tourist centres in Vietnam - lies between the Mekong River Delta and Eastern Nam Bo. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Sai Gon) is the second most important in Vietnam after the capital of Ha Noi. It is 1,730km by land from Ha Noi, and 50 km from the East Sea. Over the past centuries, Sai Gon was known as an important trading centre to Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants, who traveled upstream the Sai Gon River to Pho Island to do business. Sai Gon was once praised as the "Pearl of the Far East". At present, Ho Chi Minh City is not only a commercial centre, but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist one.
Reunification Hall (Former Presidential Palace)
Formerly South Vietnam's Presidential Palace, this is a restored five-floor time warp to the Sixties left largely untouched from the day before Saigon fell to the North. On April 30, 1975, the war ended when tank 843, now parked outside, crashed through the gate. Be sure to check out the impressively kitschy recreation room, featuring a circular sofa. You can also visit the war rooms in the basement and view a propaganda film recounting how the South Vietnamese lackeys and American imperialists succumbed to Ho Chi Minh's indomitable revolutionary forces HOCHIMINH CITY
Notre Dame Cathedral A French-built Catholic Cathedral
cathedral in the city center was built in the 18th century and decorated with stain glass windows. Perhaps the best day to visit is on Sunday when the church service is held.
War Remnant Museum
War Remnant Museum or War Crimes Museum, is a must see for anyone interested in late 20th century history. The tanks, helicopters, planes and arms on display are not what makes of this is such an important visit. What draws most visitors here are the images on display. Visitors can see the effects of the weapons of mass destruction used by the Americans during The War
AROUND HOCHIMINH CITY ATTRACTIONS
CU CHI TUNNEL
Located 70km in Northwest side far from Hochiminh city, Cu Chi Tunnel is a unique architectural work, a system of deeply underground tunnels, in which many storeys, many ramifications interlace, where people can lodge and eat, organize meetings, conduct activities, and do fighting. This secret system of underground tunnels is unearthed since the time of Resistance War against the French Colonialism (1948), having then only 17 km. After 1960, the system continued to be reinforced, developed further to reach 250 km, with 3 storeys, of which the deepest is 8 - 10m underground. Cu Chi is called the native land of “tunnel war”, titled to be “steely ground, coppery rampart”.
CAO DAI TEMPLE (TAY NINH)
The Cao Dai Great temple is the cathedral of the Cao Dai religion and is the main attraction in Tay Ninh. The temple, build between 1933 and 1955, is located more specifically in Long Hoa, is 140m long and 40m wide. The construction is harmonious fusion of Asian and European styles. The interior consists of a huge decorated hall ans sanctuary The two rows and columns are decorated with dragons and are coated in white, red and blue paint. The Temple is located just 100km far from Ho Chi Minh city.
VUNG TAU
Vung Tau is a resort town in the province of Dong Nai 125 km from Hochiminh city. The town is a long strip approximately 14 km long and 6 km wide. Vung Tau used to be the beach destination for the rich and famous in Saigon. Its beautiful beaches and its proximity to the South capital of Vietnam sure helped. Nowadays you can reach Vung Tau from Saigon in an hour with a fast ferry. You can also get here by taxi and/or bus. The ride will take two and a half hours by road. If you are going to stay in Saigon for a long time and want to escape of this hectic city for a couple of days, Vung Tau is a good destination.The main reason to visit Vung Tau are its beaches. There are four of them:
White Palace
The White Palace was built by the French from 1898 to 1916 to be used as the summer holiday house of French Governor General Paul Doumer and the building was named Villa Blanche after his favourite daughter. The meaning of “Villa Blanche” in Vietnamese coincides with the outward look of the building therefore the local people were in the habit of calling it “Bach Dinh – White Palace”. Here a great variety of cultural activities are organized from time to time for the sake of the tourists. And the tourists, both local and foreign, wish very much to visit the White Palace to enjoy the sceneries here and to breathe the pure and fresh air of the sea.
MEKONG DELTA VIETNAM RICE VASE
The Mekong Delta (Vietnamese: đồng bằng sông Cửu Long “Nine Dragon river delta”) is the southernmost region of Vietnam, the “rice basket of the country”. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southeastern Vietnam of 39,000 km². The region is intersected by a vast network of canals which also make lifestyle in here so different, life on water. Daily activities mostly take place on water. Check out the colorful floating markets or just enjoy the tasty fruits in an orchard are the highlights of the trip to the Mekong Delta. Cantho is the capital city of the region. The Mekong delta is currently divided into 12 provinces: Long An, Tiền Giang, Bến Tre, Ðồng Tháp, An Giang, Kiên Giang, Vĩnh Long, Trà Vinh, Hậu Giang, Sóc Trăng, Bạc Liêu and Cà Mau. The people in this region are made up of Vietnamese and some people of Khmer, Chinese and Cham origin. This accounts for the variety of religions that add to the cultural diversity of this area. Among the religions practiced here are: Buddhism, Catholicism, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao and Islam.
CAN THO CITY
Can Tho is the main city of the Mekong Delta. It is the transportation center for the region, as its Mekong River is particularly wide there, and must be crossed by ferry, but it is along the smaller canals that most of the rural population lives. One of the most interesting sights in the Delta is the floating markets and associated river life. Near Can Tho, there are three different floating markets.
Floating Markets
The very essence of river culture. The floating markets are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta and contribute greatly to its culture and atmosphere. A floating market will spring up anywhere that sellers and buyer happen to meet. Trading can take place for a few minutes or all day, but it is always most exciting in the morning as the buyer's boats are empty and the supplier's boats are laden with their produce. And the range of produce can be bewildering: from food for special occasions to rambutans, oranges, pomeloes, mangosteen or durian the staple fresh-water fish, turtles, snakes, field crabs or shrimps. Apart from the ad-hoc buying and selling on the backwaters, there are well established floating markets worth seeing at Phung Hiep, Nga Bay, Phong Dien, Cai Rang and Cai Be. The produce offered at the floating markets is usually sold at wholesale for further processing or onward sale in the bigger towns and cities.
Fruit Orchards
The majority of Vietnam's fruits come from the many orchards of the Mekong Delta. On any given season, one can find a variety of tropical fruits that are produced by farmers of this region in the markets of many cities in Vietnam. After fruits are picked, they are transported on small boats to floating markets where they are sold to wholesale dealers. In the off-season, many orchards become flower nurseries to meet the peak demand for flowers during the new year celebration in the big cities. The orchards are divided by a myriad of small irrigation canals with delicate bamboo bridges called "Cau Khi" or monkey bridges crossing them.
CENTRAL VIET NAM HUE – ANCIENT CAPITAL OF VIETNAM
Hue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam. Located 660 km from Ha Noi and 1080 km from Saigon, Hue has always been considered the fulcrum of Vietnam's two rice baskets, the Red river delta and the Mekong delta. Hue became the name of Vietnam's most well known ancient capital because of the local mispronunciation of the word Hoá in Thuâ.n Hoá. Since the 16th century, Thuan Hoa, due to its strategic location, has been a very prosperous area. The Nguyen Lord chose this area to be their headquarters. Nguyen Anh made it Vietnam's capital city in 1802 after he defeated the Tay Son and ascended to the throne with the name Gia Long. KingGia Long (1762-1819) was credited for building and fortifying Hue from the very beginning. Since then, successive king of the Nguyen Dynasty has added to the foundation set by his predecessors. Although Hue has sustained much damage from natural disasters and wars, the city and most of the architecture remain. As a capital city, Hue is relatively young since the Nguyen dynasty only ended some 50 years ago (1802-1945). Of the ancient capitals in Vietnam, Hue is the only one that still has the intact appearance of a complex of the monarchic capital consisting of walls, palaces, and royal tombs. Consequently, Hue is among Vietnam's most valued national treasure in terms of history and heritage. In 1981, after visiting Hue, Mr. Amadou-Mahtar- M'Bow, then Director General of UNESCO proclaimed Hue to be "a masterpiece of urban poetry". On December 11, 1993, UNESCO's Director General, Federico Mayor acknowledged the Complex of Monuments of Hue to be a World Culture Heritage.
Hue Citadel
Based on the ancient practice of geomancy, the Citadel was designed and planned around the natural elements in the area north of the Perfume river. The complex faces southeast, taking Mount Ngu Binh (Royal Screen Mount) as a natural screen. Two islets in the Perfume river, Ta Thanh Long (Left Green Dragon) and Huu Bach Ho (Right White Tiger) play the role of sentinels for the Citadel. The construction of the Citadel took place from 1805 to 1832. The Citadel is a square enclosure with a circumference of 10,000 m, a height of 6.6 m and a thickness of about 21 cm. The center of the wall is packed with dirt while the outer shell is built with bricks. There are ten gates to access the Citadel each with a two story watch tower. The gates are named according to their direction of exit. The southeastern gate is also known as Thuong Tu gate, The Eastern gate is also called Cua Dong Ba etc...The Citadel was built to accommodate 24 bastions with over 400 canons.
Ngo Mon - Midday Gate
Ngo Mon was constructed in 1833 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang. The gate leads to the Imperial Palace and was the observation point for the Emperor to review his troops and for ceremonial use.
Dien Thai Hoa - Palace of Supreme Harmony
The Palace of Supreme Harmony houses the thrones of the 13 emperors in the Nguyen Dynasty from Gia long to Bao Dai. It was built in 1805. The palace and San Dai Trieu (Esplanade of Great Salutation) were the site for all major festivities such as Coronation Ceremony, the Emperor's birthday, and where the king held court during the first and fifteen day of the lunar month.
The Royal Tombs of Hue
The Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) is the last of Vietnam's Royal families. In all, there were 13 kings, however, due various reasons, only seven had tombs. The seven imperial tombs were planned and constructed in a hilly region southwest of the Citadel. Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Duc Duc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh all had a tomb built. All tombs were constructed during the reign of the respective kings for which they were named. Each tomb was laid out with statues and monuments in perfect harmony with one another to form a poetically natural setting. The following elements were incorporated in all the tombs: walls, triple gate (Tam Quan Gate), Salutation Court, Stele House, temples, lakes and ponds, pavilions, gardens, and finally the tomb.
Tu Duc Tomb
Born in 1829, Emperor Tu Duc had the longest reign of all in the Nguyen Dynasty. The King died in 1883 after 35 years on the throne. Built between 1864- 1867, his tomb includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m wall. Emperor Tu Duc was an expert in eastern philosophy, history, and literature. Being a romantic, the king immersed himself in the world he created at the site of his tomb. The king ordered the construction of his tomb to be a fairyland with poetical features, making it a lifetime dream and a world for his eternal life after death.
Khai Dinh Tomb
Emperor Khai Dinh (1885-1925) ruled Vietnam for 9 years. His tomb took 11 years to complete. Construction began in 1920 and was completed in 1931. Under Khai Dinh, Western culture and influence began to seep into Vietnam. The king himself visited France in 1922. As a result, his tomb has many elements of Western architecture. In fact, of all the tombs, Khai Dinh's probably least resembles oriental architecture.
Chua Thien Mu - Heavenly Lady Pagoda
According to legend, the people around this area used to see a vision of an old lady appearing on the hill where the pagoda now sits. Upon seeing people, she always said that someday a great leader would build a pagoda at this site to bring peace to the country. One day, when Lord Nguyen Hoang passed by this area, upon hearing the story, he ordered the construction of the pagoda in 1601. He named it Chua Thien Mu - Heavenly Lady Pagoda. Overlooking the southwest bank of the Perfume river, the Pagoda has two sections. The front of the Pagoda can be accessed from the Perfume river and has the Phuoc Duyen tower which can be seen from many points in Hue. This area also houses the great bell which was cast in 1710. It also has the turtoise bearing a great stele carved in 1715. The rear of the pagoda is the main hall where Buddha is enshrined. It is also an area where the monks of the temple live and practice Buddhism. The Pagoda was the center of Buddhism in central Vietnam. In 1963, in a defying act against the Diem regime, Thich Quang Duc burned himself in downtown Saigon. Today, the car that took him to Saigon is stored in the rear of Thien Mu Pagoda.
NON BAI THO
Take a peasant's common conical hat, add a touch of this and a little of that, and you will have the idea, but not quite an authentic Non Bai Tho or "Poetical Leaf" from Central Viet Nam. Just a few simple arrangements added to the conical form are enough to give it unique features found nowhere else among Asia’s various types of conical hats.
DA NANG
Danang (Da Nang) is located on the central coast of Vietnam, midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, also between Hue ancient capital and Hoian ancient town. It has an excellent airport with regular flights from both major cities. There are also some international flights to Danang. Danang is also one of the most popular beaches in Vietnam. There are many attractions in Da Nang that would draw one's attention towards planning a visit. One of the attractions features the tranquil countryside South of Da Nang with a chain of Marble Mountains: five large hills representing the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire, earth). Marble Mountain is just a big mystery but the mountain itself is a unique landform that is rugged, oddly shaped, and scary looking. Another place to visit would be the Cham museum. If one is not into history, the building itself is worth the trip to make. The Cham museum features artifacts and sculptures dating back from the time if the Champa people. The sculptures are very unique and mythic-like.
HOI AN - ANCIENT TOWN
Hoi An Ancient Town was recognized as a World Heritage at the 22nd Session of UNESCO's Council of World Heritage held in Marakesh, Morocco in December 1999. Lying on the coast of Central Vietnam, 138 km (4 hour drive from Hue) south of Hue, surrounded by the quiet Thu Bon river, Hoi An has been a renowned destination for many decades with its ancient features and attraction. After its foundation in the 15th century, Hoi An port quickly became a big commercial center in the southern part of Vietnam. The town is now full of vestiges of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Dutch and Indian people who came here for business or permanent residence and erected lots of pagodas, etc. Today, the original architecture of Hoi An remains roughly unchanged with an array of various constructions, including houses, club-houses, assembly halls, temples, pagodas, wells, bridges, family worshiping places, ports and markets, etc. The traditional lifestyle with time-honored customs and cultural activities are well maintained. The town is also a living museum of architecture and urban lifestyle. The town is also decorated by numerous tile-roofed ancient houses built hundreds of years ago covered by moss. The Bridge Pagoda (Chua Cau), the most stunning construction of Hoi An, was built by the Japanese during the very first days of the town. Clay tombs of the Cham people are dated back to the 13th-15th century. Hoi An's touch of romance and its ancient spirit are evident in ancient china glaze plates, glittering lanterns on a full-moon night, quiet streets and unique dishes of Hoi An such as Cao Lau noodle, dumpling cake, and Quai Vac cake.
MY SON HOLY LAND
My Son sanctuary - located in Quang Nam province, 65km southwest of Hoi An in a lush green valley, was an imperial city during the Champa dynasty, between the 4th and the 12th centuries. The sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics comprised of more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers connected to one other through complicated red brick designs. The main component of the design is the tower, built to reflect the divinity of the king. Although time and the wars have destroyed some towers, the remaining sculptural and architectural remnants still reflect the style and history of the art of the Cham people whose civilization was strongly influenced by the Indian culture. The legacy is the many Hindu-like temples. Their masterpieces mark a glorious time for the architecture and culture of the Cham, as well as of Southeast Asia. MySon is a World Heritage Site and can be visited in half a day from Hoian or Danang.
NHA TRANG PLACE OF SUN - SEA - SAND
Nha Trang is 450 km north of HoChiMinh city, a coastal city and capital of Khánh Hòa province, center land of Vietnam, 1 hour forty mins from Hanoi and 40 mins from Saigon by flight. It is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers of travelers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nowadays, Nha Trang is one of the most important tourism hubs of Vietnam, thanks to its beautiful beaches with fine and clean sand, clear sea water with mild temperature all the year round. There are several resorts, amusement parks in this city and on islands off the coast. The most beautiful streets of the city is Tran Phu Street along the seaside. Nha Trang is a venue for annual sailing boat racing from Hong Kong. In recent years, the city has welcome many 5-star sea cruises. As a seaside city, its cuisine is characterized by several seafood. Nha Trang Bay is amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists can participate in Sea Festival and August- Nha Trang Rendez- vous Festival every 2 years.
MUI NE (PHAN THIET) CHARMING BEACH
Phan Thiet is the capital of Binh Thuan province that is lying in the south of Vietnam, 200 km away from Ho Chi Minh City, four hours by car/bus. This town is well-known for fishing industry and the popular Vietnamese fish sauce. Off Phan Thiet 24 km to the North East is Mui Ne, an ideal tourist site and a source of inspiration for artists and for relaxation. The lonely beaches, still untouched by tourists made Mui Ne became popular. It boasts shady roads under coconut trees, a beautiful beach and cliffs battered by the waves of the sea. The typical scenery of Mui Ne lies in the moving lines of golden sand caused by the wind and when they are seen from afar they look like moving waves. The scenery looks more fascinating at dawn, when young Cham girls in green dresses go to work. That's why no photographer fails to visit this area. This is an ideal place for rest and relaxation. Visitors can certainly enjoy swimming in the blue water of the sea, climbing the sand dunes or relaxing by a swimming pool. In fact this oasis enter-people of all ages, and furthermore, provides an endless inspiration to the artists' creation. How to get there: Normal tourists take flight to Ho Chi Minh city, then take 4 hours more on car/bus to reach to this attractive beach. There are lots of 3 stars and 4 stars resort along the beach.
MUI NE HIGHLIGHT Kite boarding & Windsurfing in Mui Ne Bay
Mui Ne is quickly becoming a South East Asian Mecca for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Mui Ne has the best conditions in all of Asia for water sports because it has Asia's strongest and most consistent cross-onshore winds and the lowest rainfall in Vietnam. Every day is a perfect day. You may ask why you haven't heard of it, if it's so great? The reason is the tourism industry has only existed for about 10 years in this province. The development is new, and this best-kept secret has only just been discovered.
D A L A T ETERNAL SPRING LAND
Dalat was "discovered" in 1893 by Dr. Alexandre Yersin and the city itself was established in 1912. Dalat rapidly became popular with Europeans as a cool retreat from the sweltering heat of the coastal plains. This so-called city of love is built on a plateau some 1,500-meters above sea level, and enjoys the mild climate of an everlasting spring and marvelous landscape with waterfalls, lakes, springs, pine hills, and beautiful flowers in French built villas.
Formed by a dam on a stream right in the centre of Dalat in 1919, Xuan Huong is a very beautiful lake with surrounding hills, pine trees and French style villas. Covering about 5 sq.km in crescent- moon shape, the lake is a poetic rendezvous attracting leisure visitors as well as honeymoon couples.
Dalat Market
This is one of the most colourful and lively markets that visitors would like to see in Vietnam.The catching site is flowerstands which display various kinds of rose, tulip, gladiolus, orchids, etc. Visitors can find a wide array of fruits and vegetables from the tropical and temperate zones. Moreover, visitors can get some souvenirs like lacquer ware and handicrafts made by ethnic people.
WATERFALLS Prenn Waterfall
Located at the foot of Prenn Pass, Prenn Waterfall is one of the loveliest waterfalls in Dalat. It is about 1,120 metre of elevation and the water falling from a height of 15 m. From the path goes under the outcrop, there is a view of a pool surrounded by flowers and pipe-trees that can see through the water falling curtain.
Dalat Palace Golf Club
The golf course was originally built in 1922 with 9 holes and was expanded to 18 holes in 1994. Placed on the highest plateau (1500m above sea level) of the central highlands, right in the heart of Dalat, Southeast Asia’s only bent grass course offers perfect surroundings for a relaxing round of golf with pine trees, lakes, valleys and romantic flower gardens. - 18 holes, 7,009 yards par 72. - A colonial clubhouse featuring a pro shop, a restaurant, fireplaces and outdoor patio areas. - A 290-yard driving range and putting greeens.
PHUQUOC ISLAND WHERE SUN AND SEA MEET
Phú Quốc is the largest island of Vietnam, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, one hour flight from Hochiminh city. The district of Phú Quốc includes the island proper and 21 smaller islets. The district seat Dương Đông on the west coast is also the largest town on this 574 km² island. Phu Quoc is also called the Emerald Island because of its natural treasures and infinite tourism potential. Stunning, beautiful, rugged, deserted, jungle covered, unadulterated, white sand, turquoise waters and on and on and on. The mix of isolated, totally deserted beaches and a few thriving yet unadulterated Vietnamese towns, make Phu Quoc a rare find indeed.
White sandy beaches:
First-time visitors to Phu Quoc are often surprised of its beaches which look sugary-white and the water is so crystal-clear. All are rated to be the best in Vietnam. The most spectacular beaches mostly spread along the western coast and gather around the southern tip of the island. Not far from the district town, private beaches next to all kinds of cozy hideaways are perfect for the family holiday. For young couples, the best choice of a secluded heaven is deserted bays ringed by sand, bushes and hills at the southern tip of the island.
NORT-01:-4 days 3 nights - Start Date: Daily
Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) - See off: Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) Hanoi - Halong
Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)
Our guide will meet you at Noi Bai airport and escort you to a hotel in the center of Hanoi. After two or more hours relax, our cyclo tour does not make you tired but more relax. After one hour ride around the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter, the cyclo deliver you at Thang Long theatre for enjoying Water puppets show. After the show, enjoy a welcome dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long bay (B/L/D)
Today we leave Hanoi to Halong bay, "Dragon Descending to the Sea". Upon arrival, we will embark to a junk /boat for a cruise around Ha Long Bay. While the junk cruising caves, grottoes, floating villages and beaches on Ha Long bay, having fresh seafood lunch on boat. Stop for a while for an excursing to Surprise Cave, (Grotto of Surprises) and Swimming, Kayaking (kayak cost is not include in this package) if weather permitted. Have dinner on board. Overnight on board.
Day 3 : Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B/L)
In the morning, cruising to Bai Tu long bay, Fire Island, Bo Nau Island, fishing village. Have lunch on boat and arrive at Ha Hong wharf about 12.00 noon. Return to Hanoi by private car, on the way you may like to take a short visit to Dong Trieu or Phu Lang Pottery Villages. Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi around 17:00.
Day 4: Hanoi - Departure (B)
From your hotel, we do a short Hanoi city tour to Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, His House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda, Quan Thanh temple or Free time for shopping before transfer to Noi Bai airport for departure.
Tour name: Hanoi – Halong Highlight
Tour code: NORT-02
Tour Duration: 4 days – 3 nights
Pick up from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) – See off to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi - Halong
Greetings at the airport, you are welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to Hanoi city for Lunch and tour briefing. Afternoon you drive through the Northern countryside to Halong Bay and view the rural scenery. Arrive at Halong city and check in the hotel in late afternoon. Dinner at Local restaurant..
Day 2: Halong Bay Cruising Full day)
Today, you will visit Halong, a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. After breakfast, transfer to a junk for a cruise (7 hours) around Ha Long Bay. Passing Dog Island, Incense Urn Island, Ga Choi Island, Finger Island, Hoa Cuong Island, and visit Surprise cave and short swim at Titov beach, kayak (kayaking is upon request), if weather permitted. Have sea Food Lunch on board. After lunch, continue cruising to Bai Tu Long Bay where there are great number of island utter from Emeraude water… In the afternoon, return to harbour for disembark. Return to hotel. Dinner and relax in Halong city.
Day 3: Halong city – Hanoi
After breakfast, we move to Hanoi by 3 and half hours on bus. Lunch in Hanoi city. Check in Hotel. Afternoon, We will visit the city's outstanding tourist sites - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the political area of Vietnam, learn about the history and the country’s constitution - One-pillar Buddhist Pagoda and The Temple of Literature (Confucius temple), a brief learning about two most popular religions in Vietnam - You also walk through the lively streets in the old quarter of Hanoi after visiting Hoan Kime Lake. Evening is highlighted by the water puppet performance, a Vietnamese traditional form of art. Dinner at Local restaurant. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi city.
Day 4: Hanoi – Departure
Today you have a free time for shopping and discover Hanoi on your own till departure to Noi Bai Airport. End tour.
Tour Duration: 6 days 5 nights - Start Date: Daily Pick up: Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) See off: Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) Hanoi – Halong - Sapa
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival - Halong (D)
You are met at Noi Bai Airport and escorted to Halong Bay - World Heritage. Check in hotel for freshen- up and relaxation. Have dinner at local restaurant and overnight in Halong.
Day 2: Halong - Hanoi (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, you will embark a sailing boat for cruising around the islets, caves and grottos of Halong Bay. The boat will stop a while for you to take a short excursion visit Heaven Palace grotto. Having seafood lunch on board before leaving Halong for Hanoi. Upon arrive Hanoi, stop at Thang Long theatre for enjoying the Water puppet show. Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi full day – Night train to Lao Cai (B/L/D)
Today we would like to show you the major cultural sites around Hanoi city. The first visit to Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (the Temple of Literature & the first university in Vietnam) then we go to Ba Dinh Square for visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, His Residence area, and One Pillar pagoda nearby. Next site is Quan Thanh temple and Tran Quoc pagoda. In the afternoon, we will visit the largest and most interesting Museum of Vietnam Ethnology, then go back to the Old quarter for shopping. Overnight on train to Sapa
Day 4: Lao Cai - Sapa (B/L/D)
You will arrive at Lao Cai at about 6.30. Pick up and transfer to Sapa about 37km from Lao Cai, have breakfast at local restaurant before check in. Relax or optional visit the town in the morning. In the afternoon, 2 hours trekking to visit Cat Cat village, home of a Black H’mong hill tribe, which is just 3 km from Sapa town. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 5: Sapa – Hill tribe villages – night train to Hanoi (B/L/D)
In the morning, taking a drive to Lao Chai - Ta Van villages, Home of Dzay and Black Mong hill tribes. While trekking around the village, meeting and talking with local hill tribes to learn more about their daily life, customs and traditional habits. Optional visit around Sapa town or free at leisure before taking car trip back to Lao Cai train station. Get on the train return to Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi – Departure (B)
Early morning arrive to Hanoi, we will come to visit Flower Market and free untill flight back to your home country.
TOUR NAME: SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHT TOUR
TOUR CODE: SOUT-01
Tour Duration: 4 days
Pick up: Tan Son Nhat airport (HCM city)
See off: Tan Son Nhat airport Hochiminh city – Mekong Delta – Cao Dai – Cu Chi
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh city - Arrival (D)
You are welcomed by our guide at Tan Son Nhat airport and then be transferred to your hotel in the center of city. Half day city tour visit Reunification Palace, War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral with the passing Ben Thanh market. Dinner & Over night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Mekong Delta (B/L/D)
Our car will pick up at your hotel in early morning. Upon arrival at Cai Be, embark a private boat to cruise around Cai Be Floating Market to see local people being selling, buying, exchanging goods from their boats. Visit local garden and house to see orchard, rice crisped producing process, etc. After lunch cruising along river to see peaceful tranquil life of villagers, admire marvelous natural setting of Mekong Delta region. About 3 pm, the boat will arrive at Vinh Long Market, walking around to explore Vinh Long Market. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh for overnight.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh - Cu Chi (B/L)
Drive a long way on the country side of Vietnam to Tay Ninh, 100 km from Ho Chi Minh city. On arrival to the head quarter of Cao Dai religious, you will have a chance to witness the daily ceremony at Cao Dai Holy See, and meet followers come to attend the ceremony wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Buddhism. Having lunch at a local restaurant then continue the trip to Cu Chi, visit the incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight at Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
Free time for shopping or relax until time to airport for departure home or more visit the North of Vietnam.
TOUR CODE: TVH-01
Tour Duration: 5 days – 4 days
Start date: Daily
Pick up: Noi Bai airport-Hanoi
See off: Tan Son Nhat airport –Hochiminh city
Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hochiminh city – Cu Chi – Mekong Delta
You are welcomed at Noi Bai airport by our guide and he will accompany you to your hotel. In the afternoon, we start the tour with Hanoi sightseeing. We will present you Vietnam daily life in the past and now with one hour cyclo tour around the Hoan Kiem lake, Ngoc Son temple and Old quarter streets. You are then attending the Water Puppets show. Enjoy welcome dinner and over night in Hanoi.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay – the World heritage (B/L)
This day, you will visit Halong, a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. The travel start at 8:30am, after 3 hour and a half, you will arrive at Halong. Embark on a traditional style wooden junk around noon. Lunch with sea food served on boat during your cruise. With 4-hour boat trip, you are cruising around rocks, islets, caves and grottos. You then will visit to the Thien Cung & Dau Go caves - the most beautiful among thousands. Drive back to Hanoi for over night in Hanoi.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi tunnel (B/L)
Leave your hotel early for morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival we take a quick view of the busiest city of Vietnam by visiting the Independence Palace and China Town. Lunch at local restaurant before checking in hotel. This afternoon, you will visit Cu Chi tunnels, the “Iron Triangle”, our Viet Cong basement in the American war. Back to Ho Chi Minh city late after for over night.
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh city - Mekong Delta (B/L)
Leaving the busy city, you are going to visit country side in the Mekong Delta - water, the base life of the South of Vietnam. On arrival at Cai Be, of course, the only way for you to observe the local lifestyle is getting on a boat navigating around the small canals in the delta region. You will see the Cai Be floating market with sellers and buyers bargaining and exchanging their goods from their boats. Lunch at local restaurant or Vietnamese house. Roaming around and observe how the people make the living from fruit trees such as coconut, corn and other local product. You may love to enjoy tea with honey and tropical fruits prepared by the locals. Return to Ho Chi Minh city in the late afternoon for over night. Day
Day 5: Departure (B)
You are at leisure for shopping or relax before transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure. Tour end at the airport.
TOUR NAME: VIETNAM HIGHLIGHT
TOUR CODE: TVH-02
Tour Duration: 8 days – 7 nights
Ha Noi – Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival (D)
You are arrival at our thousand years Capital – Hanoi city. Our guide will welcome you at Noi Bai airport and then transfer to your hotel in the city center. It is time for freshen up and a short rest after long journey. You will know our legend/history about Hoan Kiem lake (the lake of the Restored Sword), our architectural and our way of with small street and its name (Old quarter). Have dinner and enjoy our welcome show of northern rural Vietnam – Water Puppet show. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Day 2: Ha Long bay – the World heritage (B/L)
Day 3: Hanoi - Hue (B/L)
In the morning, you will visit to Van Mieu (our first national university), Hochiminh’s Mausoleum, His House on Stilt, Hochiminh’s Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover more of Hanoi with shopping in Old quarter. Leave our Capital to the Imperial city – Hue in the evening or afternoon flight. Overnight in Hue.
Day 4: Hue (B/L)
Today, you will visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue, King Tu Duc’s tomb (Tu Duc is a king but also a poet, so his mausoleum is a poet garden), King Minh Mang tomb (typical formal oriental style designed), and Thien Mu pagoda. In the late afternoon, we take a cruise on Huong River to admire sunset. Overnight in Hue.
Day 5: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B/L)
The car will drive you to Hoi An town, which is about 120km from Hue. You will travel through Hai Van pass, and Lang Co beach – one of the most beautiful beaches of Vietnam. Passing Danang, the car will stop for the visit to Marble Mountain. Arrive to Hoian town, you will walk to visit ancient tiny town Hoi An. The visit includes Japanese covered bridge, some Chinese Assembly Halls, and some typical Vietnamese houses of 18 century. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
You will take morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After lunch, continue the trip to Cu Chi, visit the incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Back to Ho Chi Minh City for short city tour passing Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 7: Mekong Delta (B/L)
Leaving the busy city early, you are going to visit typical country side of Vietnam. On arrival at Cai Be, of course, the only way for you to observe the local lifestyle is getting on a boat navigating around the small canals in the delta region. You will see the Cai Be floating market with sellers and buyers bargaining and exchanging their goods from their boats. Roaming around and observe how the people make the living from fruit trees such as coconut, corn and other local product. Return to Saigon for overnight.
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh city - Departure (B)
Free time for shopping or optional visit before transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure
TOUR NAME: HANOI HALF DAY CITY TOUR
TOUR CODE: HAN-01
Tour Duration: 4 hours Start Date: Daily, except Monday and Friday
Morning: 08:00 to 12:00 - Afternoon: 13:00 to 17:00
Pick up at hotel - Drop off at hotel.
Pick up from hotel, the first place is Ba Dinh Square that is a huge plaza composed of 240 squares of grass covering an area of 32,000 m2. On the west side of the esplanade is President Palace & house on stilts of President Ho Chi Minh, located in a large garden. At the back of Presidential Palace is a nice road covered with pebbles and bordered with mango trees that lead to a stilt house, Uncle Ho's residence and office from May 1958 until his death. - One Pillar pagoda with its typical architecture built in 1049 & dedicated to Goddess of Mercy. The unique figure of this pagoda is considered as a symbol of Hanoi city. - Temple of Literature built in 1070 as the worship place of Confucianism. In 1076, Quoc Tu Giam-the first university of Vietnam, was built in this area. - Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake): former name is Luc Thuy (Green Lake) with Rua Tower (Tortoise Tower) and Ngoc Son Temple. It’s really interesting and romantic for a walk along the lake every morning or afternoon. - Hanoi Old Quarter: ancient tube houses, shopping at Hang Dao, Hang Gai streets…
TOUR NAME: HANOI CITY FULL DAY TOUR
TOUR CODE-HAN 02
Tour Duration: 8 hours -Start date: Daily - Time: 09:00 to 17:00
Pick up at hotel in Hanoi - Drop off at hotel Hanoi
09:00 Depart from hotel to city attractions like: Hochiminh Mausoleum, President Palace; Hochiminh House on Stilt; One Pillar Pagoda and Tran Quoc Pagoda in West Lake. 12:00 Lunch. Afternoon, you will continue to visit Ethnic Museum where to learn 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups; Sword Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Silk Street. Enjoy 1 hour Water puppet Performance. 17:00 Return to hotel
TOUR NAME: PERFUME PAGODA-HAN-04
Tour Duration: 11 hours - Start Date: Daily
Depart From: Hanoi - Return To: Hanoi
7:30 Pick you up from hotel in Hanoi. 2 hours road-trip will be taken for reaching to the Duc village; from where you take one –hour boat trip to the foot of Huong Son Mountain. The main area is about a 4km steep hike up, approximately two hours for a return trip, even longer if it rains, on the way back, you will take a break in ThienTru Pagoda before Lunch. After lunch you will take the boat back to the village and take our car/bus back to Hanoi. 18.30: End tour
TOUR NAME: TAM COC – BICH DONG-HAN-05
Tour Duration: 8 hours - Start Date: Daily Depart From: Hanoi - Return To: Hanoi
08:30 Pick you up at Hotel, we will reach to Tam Coc for first destination after about 2 hours by road. A sampan is waiting for you to enjoy the scenery along Tam Coc River. The boat goes through 3 cavernous limestone tunnels, offering a cool break from the sunshine and astounding views of the cave structures. 12:30: we return for lunch at a restaurant in Tam Coc. After lunch, we will go to visit Hoa Lu Temple, the ancient citadel of Vietnam in 10th century. Enjoy a trek to the King Dinh’s Tomb on a terraced hillside and gaze down at the ancient capital in the beautiful Truong Yen Valley below. Bus/car trip to Hanoi.
TOUR NAME: HALF DAY HOCHIMINH CITY TOUR-HCM-01
Tour duration: 3.5 hours - Start date: Daily Morning: 08:30 to 12:00 - Afternoon: 13:30 to 17:00 Pick up at hotel - Drop off at hotel
08.30 or 13:30 Meet at your hotel. Transfer to visit Former President Palace which witnessed the handover of power between the last government of the South and the new Revolutionary Government in 1975. Proceed with a visit to the War Remnants Museum or History Museum, Thien Hau pagoda and Saigon’s own China Town. Take a photo stop at Notre Dame and Central Post Office. 12.00 or 17:00 Return to your hotel. End of all sservices.
TOUR NAME: FULL DAY HOCHIMINH CITY TOUR (L)-HCM-02
Tour duration: 8 hours - Start date: Daily Pick up at hotel - Drop off at hotel
08.30 Meet at your hotel. Sightseeing begins in the morning to discover the history and culture of the city:Visit Former Presidential Palace which is now Reunification Hall. Afterwards, stop by the Historical Museum or War Remnants Museum and Thien Hau Pagoda. 12.00 Have lunch at local restaurant 13.30 In the afternoon visit China Town and Binh Tay Market where Vietnamese and Chinese locals live and trade together. Back to the center of the city for a walk and photo stop at Notre Dame and Central Post Office. 17.00 Drop off at your hotel. End of all services.
TOUR NAME: FULL DAY HUE CITY TOUR (L)-HUE-01
08.00 Pick up at hotel, visit Thien Mu Pagoda then Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Tombs. 12.00 Have lunch in local restaurant. 13.30 Discover Vietnamese feudalist mysteries in Citadel (Kinh thanh), including Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh), and many more. 16.30 Come back to hotel. End of all services.
TOUR NAME: FULL DAY DEMILITARIZED ZONE (DMZ) (L)-HUE-02
Tour Duration: Full day tour - Start date: Daily Depart from hotel in Hue- Return to hotel in Hue
During Vietnam-American War, the Ben Hai River was demarcation line between North and South Vietnam. This makes a Demilitarized Zone of five km each from the river. However during the war, the Southern area of DMZ was one of the bloodiest battlefield. This tour to DMZ will take you back to the war sites, including: Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnel, Khe Sanh Combat, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Dong Ha Town, Rock Pile. Last but not least, you will have a chance to visit Van Kieu ethnic minority people in the Central of Vietnam. Return back to your hotel late afternoon.
TOUR NAME: PHONG NHA CAVES, KE BANG NATIONAL PARK AND DMZ TOUR-HUE-03
Tour Duration: 2 days 1 night - Start: Daily Depart from hotel in Hue - Return to hotel in Hue
Day 1: Hue - Ke Bang National Park - Phong Nha Caves - Dong Hoi (L, D)
After about 2 and half hours from Hue, on the way stop to visit Vinh Moc underground tunnel, one of the most famous battle-field in Vietnam War, Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, lying in the Demilitarized Zone of the Vietnam war. Lunch at Dong Hoi Town, and then continue to Phong Nha – Ke Bang. Getting on boat and cruise along the river to Phong Nha Cave. The deeper one penetrates, the more magical are the natural aspects of the caves. After on boat for 700m, a large dry passage is appear, then you can walk to discover the cave for 500m more. You will have a chance to explore remain of Cham Altars and Inscriptions inside. Overnight in Dong Hoi Town (Sun Spa Resort)
Day 2: Dong Hoi - DMZ - Hue (B, L)
Return to Hue with stopover at historic Khe Sanh Combat, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Dong Ha Town, Rock Pile. Return to Hue in the afternoon via Quang Tri Citadel. End tour.
TOUR NAME: NHATRANG CITY TOUR (Tour Code: NHA-01)
Tour Duration: 7 hours - Start date: Daily Depart from hotel in Nha Trang Return to hotel in Nha Trang
The real cultural trip. An excellent insight into the history and culture of the city and also that of the Vietnam. join this excursion to visit a selection of the numerous cultural attractions situated in Nha Trang.You will be taken from the south to the north of Nha Trang to visit the following attractive places
Oceanographic Institute, a remarkable aquarium with 23 ground floor tanks housing a variety of colorful live specimen. View the local marine life and 60,000 dead sea life specimen. The specimens are sure to surprise and interest you.
Ponagar Cham Tower - The Champa Kingdom flourished for over a thousand years. This tower complex overlooking the Cai River is perhaps the best preserved of all Cham sites. Dedicated to the goddess Uroja, the central tower features a black stone sculpture of the deity. Local villagers still bring offerings of flowers and incense to her shrine. An outstanding example of Cham architecture, panoramic views of the surrounding bay and countryside.
Hon Chong Promontory - This small, rocky peninsula juts out into the South China Sea and offers fine views of the bay, the coast and the offshore islands. + Long Son Pagoda - Dragon-shaped balustrades flank the entrance to the pagoda. The sanctuary is decorated with muralsmurals and images of the Buddha. The sanctuary is decorated with murals and images of the Buddha. Behind the pagoda sits an enormous white Buddha built in 1965. The Buddha commemorates those monks who protested the abuses of the Diem regime by setting themselves aflame.
+ Dam Market: Let your personal guide show you some of the most selective silk and handicraft shops, along with the popular Dam market. You will not only have the chance to shop till you drop, but to meet with the best local tailors and sample the traditional Vietnamese culinary delights.
+ Silk Embroidery Workshop - Observe the ancient Vietnamese art of picture embroidery at a local workshop. Silk embroideries illustrate subjects ranging from scenes of everyday life to myths.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Walk across Xom Bong Bridge and pause for a photograph of the local fishing village with its gaily painted boats.
Sand Dunes Tour (Tour Code: MNE 01)
Tour Duration: 5 hours Start date:Daily Departure from Mui Ne Return to Mui Ne
This tour is best early in the morning to see the sunrise at the sand dunes, or late in the afternoon to watch the sunset. The dunes may now be reached by motorbike, but we recommend taking a jeep tour so you can ride on the beach. Stop at the market in Mui Ne village to pick up supplies (food and drink). Make your next stop at the Red Sand Dunes. Stay for a few minutes to take some photos. After passing Hon Rom village, ride along the beach to the village of Binh Tien. Head over the hills to the White Sand Dunes. This is the highlight of any trip to Mui Ne. Get some pictures, slide down the dunes on plastic sleds, and then have a picnic lunch by the lake, under the pines. Head back, stopping at the Red Sand Canyon for an exploration. Back in Mui Ne Beach, make an optional stop at the Fairy Springs (you should visit the springs at some point during your stay), and follow the stream through the canyon to the small waterfall at the back. The walk should take 30-minutes to 1 hour. This whole tour should last all morning and halfway through the afternoon.
Payment
Full tour price must be paid within 15days prior to arrival of the passengers. Payment can be made by bank remittance or bank draft. The prices listed in this brochure all the programs organized by Thai Vision Holidays Co.,Ltd & Tours, are in American Dollars and are given as information only.
Price Include
Hotel accommodation base on twin sharing room, all road transfers, tour guide (English, French, Japanese, Mandarin, German, Vietnames, Thailand), as mentioned in the program and entrance fees.
Price Exclude
Air Ticket, Ticket International and domestic airport taxes, visa fee, beverages, camera fees at sites, person expneses, tips and other expenses due to unexpected events.
FOC
1 FOC will be given to every 15 adult paying.
Cancellation Policy
Customers canceling their booking will incur the following cancellation fees: - 30 days prior to arrival date : No Charge - Less than 30 days pior to arrival dte : 25% Charge - Less than 21 days pior to arrival dte : 50% Charge - Less than 10 days pior to arrival dte : 90% Charge - No show : 100% of the total amount of the trip.
Child and Infant Rate
Infant Under 2 years old : Gratis (except air ticket 90% discount of adult normal full fare) - Child under 6 years old stay with parent no extra bed : 50% discount on total package price- Child under 12 years old stay with parent no extra bed : 25% discount on total package price- Child over 12 years old is condidered as an adult.
Bank Details
Name of the Beneficiary : THAI VISION HOLIDAYS CO., LTD
Name of the Bank : BANGKOK BANK, SUKHUMVIT SOI 43,
BANGKOK – 10110, THAILAND
Account No. : 172 – 307 – 2219
Currency : US Dollar
Swift Code : BKKBTHBK