1. Requirements on epidemic prevention and control for people on entry:

• Regarding testing, people entering by air: must have negative test results for SARS-CoV-2 (except for children under 2 years old) before leaving the country within 72 hours if using RT method -PCR/RT-LAMP or within 24 hours if the rapid antigen test method for SARS-CoV-2 virus is used and certified by the competent authority of the country performing the test.
• For people entering by other routes (road, waterway, railway) must have the same test as required at the point above. In case there is no negative test result for SARS-CoV-2 as specified at point a) above, a SARS-CoV-2 test must be performed within the first 24 hours (by RT-PCR/RT method). -LAMP or rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 virus) since entry. If the test results are negative, they are allowed to leave the accommodation and take measures to prevent and control the epidemic as prescribed. If the test result is positive, it must be reported immediately to the local health authority for instructions on timely handling.
• Children under 2 years old who are not required to be tested for SARS-CoV-2, have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have never been infected with SARS-CoV-2 are allowed to enter and participate in activities outside the accommodation with their parents.

2. For the medical declaration and medical quarantine at the border gate:

• People on entry must make a medical declaration before entering and use the medical declaration application (PC-COVID) during their stay in Vietnam according to regulations.
• At the border gate if you have symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decrease or loss of taste; decrease or loss of sense of smell; pain); , headache; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; respiratory infection…) should immediately notify the health agency at the border gate to take medical measures as prescribed.
• Monitor health and apply preventive measures against COVID-19:
• Within 10 days from the date of entry: self-monitor, if there are symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell; pain, headache; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; respiratory inflammation…) must immediately notify the nearest medical authority for instructions. , timely management; take preventive measures: regularly wear a mask, disinfect hands with an antiseptic solution.

For those who have not tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 before leaving the country: during the process of moving from the entry border to the place of residence, do not stop and park along the way; Avoid close contact with people around.

Cambodia Entry Policy for International Tourists valid from Mar 17, 2022

Cambodia government has made the following decisions valid from 17 Mar 2022:

1. All travelers, who are coming to Cambodia are not required to provide a PCR Test result within 72 hours of their arrival.
2. No longer required to do Antigen Rapid Test upon arrival.
3. Visa on arrival once again available for all international travelers, including by air, sea and land.

Despite the change of requirements as stated in point 1 and 2 above, the Ministry of Health encourages all passengers to do self-test. In addition, all passengers must present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate upon arrival in Cambodia.

Passengers who have not been vaccinated with Covid-19 will need to do 14 days quarantine.

Vietnam Entry Policy for International Tourists valid from May 15, 2022

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has imposed several travel restrictions on those entering the country. As of May 15, 2022, Vietnam had confirmed 10,695,036 cases of COVID-19 with 43,065 deaths, though 9,349,592 of the patients, had recovered.

Those planning to travel to Vietnam should be aware of the latest restrictions currently in place:

1. Vietnam dropped COVID-19 testing requirements for all international arrivals from May 15 as per Official Dispatch No. 416/CD-TTg after a significant decrease in the number of cases.
2. Vietnam suspended the medical declaration requirement for all international arrivals from April 27 as COVID-19 cases dropped nationwide. Medical declarations for domestic travel have also been suspended.
3. Tourists entering Vietnam should also have medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum liability of US$10,000.
4. The e-visa government website link is now open for visa submissions.
5. Vietnam’s government on March 15 agreed to resume its visa exemption policy for 13 countries for up to 15 days regardless of the purpose of entry. This applies to citizens of Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. The visa exemption policy had been in place prior to the pandemic. Further details on entry procedures are awaited from the government.

The post Travel Entry Update to Vietnam and Cambodia – Covid 19 Restrictions appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

Golden Bridge Vietnam become very famous recently for tourists who travel Central Vietnam or Da Nang. In 2018, Golden Bridge Vietnam, also called Hand Bridge Vietnam, is emerging destination. It attracts so many domestic and international visitors, show its influence to the world.

We would like to introduce briefly about this attraction and provide travel guide for international tourists who are planning to visit.

1. Why Golden Bridge Vietnam become famous?

In 2018, USA Time Magazine select Golden Bridge Vietnam to the list of the best 100 destinations in the world. The selection is based on votes from travel journalists, bloggers, experts all over the world. Beside that, Golden Bridge Vietnam also appear in the list of best 34 sight-seeings beside other famous ones in USA, China, France, UAE, Korea…

Moreover, social networks boost the recognition of the bridge to travelers. Amazing Things in Vietnam fan page archive 1.9 million views after posting clip in one month.

2. Where is Golden Bridge Vietnam?

Inside Ba Na Hills complex, Golden Bridge Vietnam’s location is in Le Jardin d’Amour flower garden. Two heads of the bridge is placed in Marseille station and Thien Thai garden.

Locally, Ba Na Hills location set in An Son village, Hoa Ninh commune, Hoa Vang district, Da Nang city, Vietnam.

3. What is the best time to visit Golden Bridge Vietnam?

In Da Nang, there are 2 separate seasons, wet and dry. Wet season start from September and end in November. Dry season extends from January to August. But temperature from May to August is high in Da Nang (27 – 35^oC). As the result, from January to April is the best time to travel in Da Nang and Golden Bridge.

In this time, temperate is from 20 to 28^oC. It’s very comfortable for foreign tourists especially from Europe, America, Canada or Australia who live in temperate zone. Otherwise, monsoon also affect weather in Da Nang in some period of time. So travelers might feel cooler at this time.

4. How to go to Golden Bridge Vietnam?

Actually, there many ways to visit Golden Bridge. It really depends on your travel plan and where you start the trip. For the reference, we suggest the way to Golden Bridge from 4 main tourist destinations in Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hoi An

Visit Golden Bridge from Da Nang

Start from Da Nang is the best way to visit Golden Bridge. Actually, all travelers need to stay in Da Nang and go to Golden Bridge from here. Or using it as the connection from other destinations.

If you begin the trip in the center of Da Nang city, you should go across the main roads named Dien Bien Phu and Ton Duc Thang. And then join in Ba Na – Suoi Mo Highway to reach Ba Na Hills ticketing office. Buying ticket and follow instructions from staffs here to Golden Bridge.

Going to Golden Bridge from Hoi An

From Hoi An ancient town, there are 2 ways by road to Golden Bridge – Ba Na Hills. The first and fastest way is to use Da Nang – Quang Ngai highway by car. The second and shortest way is to use National Highway No. 1 by car, motorbike or bus. Along that it takes around 1 hour by car.

How to visit Golden Bridge from Hanoi

If you start from Hanoi, you need to reach Da Nang first and then visit the bridge from Da Nang. There are 3 main ways to arrive in Da Nang from Hanoi: by road, by flight or by train. Please read the post Hanoi to Hoi An and Da Nang to Hoi An for more detail.

Going to Golden Bridge from Ho Chi Minh

Similar as from Hanoi, you need to arrive in Da Nang or Hoi An first and then discover Golden Bridge. By flight is the best way for travel from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. Because there are many choices of flights and price for this route. Vietnam has 4 domestic airlines to provide flights from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang and back. They include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jestar Pacific and Bammboo Airways.

The post How to visit Golden Bridge Vietnam (Hand Bridge Vietnam) – Ba Na Hills appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

As a rich country with “golden forest, silver sea”, Vietnam is one of the world’s great biodiversity points. With the terrain stretching along many latitudes, the climate of Vietnam is a characteristic of the equatorial tropics. Therefore, it create a variety of natural resources as well as natural landscapes, especially marine ecosystems

The sea is not only a resource, but also a unique identity of Vietnam. As you know that the S-shaped Vietnamese curvature stretches to 3,260 km from Mong Cai (Quang Ninh) to Ha Tien (Kien Giang). The area go through 64 provinces and cities with 28 of them bordering the sea. The sea zone of Vietnam is extremely large with over 4000 islands. In which the Northeast Sea has over 3000 islands. In addition there are 40 islands in the North Central Coast. The rest are in the South Central Coast and the Southwest and both the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Islands in the center of the East Sea. Therefore, Vietnam’s sea is one of the countries with great potential and advantages in marine resources.

One of the great potentials is the potential of developing marine tourism with 125 big and small beaches, warm sunshine all year round, fresh air with many beautiful landscapes. Especially, Da Nang beach was voted by Forbes magazine as one of the 6 most charming beaches on the planet. Vietnam is also one of 12 countries with the most beautiful bays in the world. They are Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang Bay. In addition, a series of prestigious magazines in the world on tourism have also ranked Vietnam beaches on top of the most beautiful and worthy beaches in the world.

With the desire to bring useful information for tourists who love to get information about Vietnam. Vietnam Great Tours would like to introduce the topic of The best beach destinations from North to South in Vietnam.

1. Minh Chau Beach – Quan Lan Island – Quang Ninh Province

Minh Chau Beach of Vietnam beach destinations is a beautiful and famous private beach, only 15 km from Quan Lan beach. Its location is in the Quan Lan Island, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. The sand here is white and smooth, as the slogan “White as snow, smooth as velvet”.

To reach to Minh Chau beach, visitors can go from Cam Pha to Tai Xa ferry (near Cua Ong temple) to Cai Rong town (about 9 km). The boat in Cai Rong port picks you up straight to Quan Lan island where Minh Chau beach is located. The boat runs about 3 hours and stops at some islands. So visitors can take some photos and admire the bay at sunset or in the afternoon.

At Minh Chau beach, visitors can relax in the camps, go for sightseeing, learn more about the daily marine life, join and organize the sea games, watch the sea at night in the calm and beautiful space of the sea.

2. Lang Co Beach – Thua Thien Hue Province

The beach is one of the best Vietnam beach destinations, a natural beauty spot of Thua Thien-Hue province. Moreover, Lang Co beach has been famous as a beach with the most beautiful natural conditions and landscapes in Vietnam. It owns white sand beaches of over 10 km long and the blue pure beautiful sea lanes.

Lang Co location is the middle between 3 World Cultural Heritage Conservation Centers: Hue Imperial Citadel, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary with a radius of 70 km. The beach attract visitors, as well researchers from the above centers and relieve the pressure of crowded times.

Lang Co Sea Bay is the 30th member of the “World’s most beautiful bays” Club in June 2009.

3. My Khe Beach – Da Nang Province

My Khe beach – Vietnam beach destinations is the common name of the coastline stretching about 10 km from the foot of Son Tra Peninsula to the Marble Mountains. Looking from above, My Khe Beach makes visitors “mesmerized” by a blue color stretching to the horizon. In particular, when the sunset falls, this place puts on a new shirt with extremely romantic and quiet colors, creating an extremely comfortable and relaxing feeling.

The beach location is in Phuoc My ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang city. As one of six beaches voted by Forbes magazine as the most charming beach on the planet with smooth, white, beautiful and poetic beaches. To Da Nang, no one would miss a fun and relaxing time on My Khe beach.

The reason why My Khe beach was voted the top 6 most charming beaches on the planet. Because it is fully met the voting criteria. For example convenient transportation, free opening for visitors, long and flat sandy beaches, sunny and suitable waves for playing sports, able to ensure safety for visitors, hotels or resorts near My Khe beach all meet international standards… Beside the distance from the city center to the beaches is very close, just a few minute you can immerse yourself on the beach.

4. Nha Trang Beach-Khanh Hoa Province

Nha Trang beach – Vietnam beach destinations stretches about 7 km along Tran Phu street, is a beautiful long beach with clear blue water, always full of sunshine. This is the ideal bathing place for city people and tourists.

The beauty of Nha Trang beach is like a charming magnet, attracts a lot of tourists. Whenever you look at the natural picture of this land, you will always admire and admire and forget the time. Just immerse in the beauty and charm of this coastal town. It is a wonderful and priceless gift that natural motherland gave to Nha Trang.

Coming to Nha Trang, besides to enjoy the beauty of the sea. The uniqueness of a city located along the 20 km long coastline and charming beaches in the island are being exploited offshore, visitors can also join in many vibrant games on the sea. These games give visitors a great sense of pleasure. For examples: paragliding, water motorbikes, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling,…

Tours in Nha Trang: Nha Trang Beach Tours

5. Mui Ne beach – Binh Thuan Province

Its location is on the east coast of Phan Thiet city – one of Vietnam beach destinations. Which is famous for coconut-line streets. Mui Ne also owns many the resorts there and is one of the top destinations for those love vacation.

Mui Ne Beach stretches tens of kilometers with beautiful places such as Rang beach, Hon Rom beach, Suoi Nuoc beach, Ong Dia rocky beach; with the cliffs where the waves are flapping to the shore. With the long sand dunes become the endless inspiration of many photographers.

Rang Beach is the most beautiful beach in the Phan Thiet city. Rang Beach is about 15 km from the north of the city center. Its location under the dense coconut groves that looks like a very beautiful coconut forest. In the summer Rang Dong beach is crowded with many guests going there and enjoying the sweet grilled green dragon fish.

6. Phu Quoc Beach – Kien Giang Province

Known as Pearl Island, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam of 22 islands nearby in the Gulf of Thailand. Phu Quoc Island -Vietnam beach destinations together with other islands constitute Phu Quoc island district directly under Kien Giang province.

Phu Quoc Beaches are very beautiful. The two famous beaches you can’t miss when travelling there are Long Beach and Star Beach.

Long beach’s location is in the northwest of the island. It is an indispensable factor when mentioning Phu Quoc tourism because of its untouched beauty. Long beach ranking is the first in the top 13 most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world. With a length of about 1,500 m, the beach is a golden sun paradise, pure blue water and green rows of poplar tree whispering in the wind.
The difference that Phu Quoc Long Beach brings to visitors is the wildness that has not been affected by human impact. As the result, there are not many services around Long Beach for everyone to use. The lack of facilities and surrounding service itself makes visitors really like to experience and discover more and more.

Star beach is considered to be the most beautiful beach in Phu Quoc. The sand in Star beach is not as yellow as Nha Trang beach, or dark yellow turning brown like Vung Tau sea, which is pure white and smooth like ice cream. This beach has a length of about 7km, curving like a crescent moon. The sea water here is pure, calm and cool. Star Beach location is in the affectionate arms of two gentle mountain ranges to bring quiet space and fresh climate for visitors.

Tours in Phu Quoc: Phu Quoc Tours

7. Con Dao beach – Ba Ria Vung Tau Province

This beautiful Vietnam beach destinations’ location is in Ba Ria Vung Tau province, less than 100 km from the city center. Visitors to Con Dao will have 3 choices for their trip: road, waterway and air. Con Dao is increasingly attracting the attention of tourists with it wild beauty. Con Son Island with more than 21 islands and large beaches will surely make tourists feel like lost in a paradise.

If you want to find yourself a peaceful wilderness, please choose to Shark cape. Contrary to the name, this beach is not “aggressive” or the habitat of sharks, this is simply a stop near southern Con Dao, closing to the Nhat beach. With the fresh air, clear blue sea water, Shark cape is also famous for the pebbles. That are created by the Great Nature, making this stop new and strange to tourists. Shark cape with Nhat beach, Dam Trau beach and the first part of the road to Ba island with charming scenery is the inspiration of many photo hunters when traveling to Con Dao.

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First of all, Vietnam is a country with many wild natural landscapes, with a long coastline, from green terraced fields in Sapa to white sand beaches in Phu Quoc… Vietnam has attracted millions of international visitors to visit.

Here are some useful Vietnam Travel Advice when travelling in Vietnam

Pass the road – Vietnam Travel Advice

To overcome this tough challenge, slowly merge into the car under the road, keep a steady speed, don’t hesitate, don’t stop, don’t text by phone or view the map when crossing the street. The vehicles will automatically adjust to you.Vehicles in the heart of major cities in Vietnam are mainly motorbikes, taxis, buses … For the first time to Vietnam, visitors can use the vehicles mentioned above. However, if you like to discover by yourselves, should rent a motorbike package at hotels and motels. Motorbike rental prices are usually not too expensive, ranging from 150 – 200,000 VND/day.

Be careful with dog and cat meat – Vietnam Travel Advice

You will be very easy to eat without noticing. If you love cute cats and dogs as well as consider them as an indispensable best friend, please learn Vietnamese before for these 2 words to be able to distinguish. Dog and cat meat are two popular dishes in Vietnam. Although there was a law that didn’t consume cat meat in 1997, it still appeared a lot. People also smuggle cats from China and Laos to Vietnam. In the menu, cat meat is called “tiger tiger”.

Vietnamese currency – Vietnam Travel Advice

The exchange rate between US dollar and Vietnamese currency is about 23,300.Traveling in Vietnam, foreign visitors do not necessarily need to convert cash to Vietnam dong. Stores still accept exchange in USD. Also to be advantageous in many situations,  visitors should remember to change to Vietnamese currency.

Foreign visitors must try to pay attention to the number to tip correctly. The bills in Vietnam have many zeros. Due to lack of experience, visitors often get confused between 10,000 and 100,000 sheets. The trick is to remember the color of each currency to avoid confusion.

Pronounced the word “pho”

This is a delicious dish everywhere. You should try to learn the correct pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings when ordering.

Prepare seasonal items – Vietnam Travel Advice

Vietnam belongs to a tropical monsoon climate. Summer is very hot, you should prepare personal items such as umbrellas, sunscreen or sunglasses. And the winter in the North is usually very cold, don’t forget to bring a thick coat. Therefore, the luggage to bring to Vietnam, there are enough costumes to match the weather here to protect your health. You should also see the weather forecast before you leave and bring an umbrella to prevent rain.

Ask taxi prices, tour guides first – Vietnam Travel Advice

If your group has 3 people, the price may be equal or cheaper than buying a tour in group. When organizing your own tour or having your private tour, you can decide when to leave the hotel, where to eat, where to go, when to return to the hotel… and with a group tour, you cannot do this.

Careful cheat taxi – Vietnam Travel Advice

At the airport there are many taxi scams. You should book a taxi at the hotel to avoid overcharging. They will come to the airport to pick you up to reduce risks and unnecessary costs. You do not have to pay tolls, so if the driver asks you to pay, you should refuse immediately. Vietnamese drivers often do not follow traffic laws. Ask the driver not to talk on the phone while driving as they can drive the wrong way and this may make your schedule longer. At the same time, listening to the phone while driving can be dangerous due to complicated traffic in many cities.

Passport valid at least 6 months – Vietnam Travel Advice

You need to make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after you arrive in Vietnam. Customs officers in Vietnam are very strict in this.

There are many ways to apply for a visa – Vietnam Travel Advice

You can send your passport by post to the Vietnamese embassy in Washington DC, and it takes about 1 month to get a visa. You can also apply for a visa when you arrive, but you need a visa approval letter through an entry visa service for about $50.

Buy Vietnamese phone sim when you arrive – Vietnam Travel Tips

As soon as the plane lands in Vietnam, you should buy a phone sim at the airport to contact relatives and friends, inform them of the location you are going to travel.

When you use up all the money in your account, you buy recharge cards at roadside grocery stores at any point in cities. Besides, you can use chat applications like skype, Viber, Zalo by connecting to free Wifi. However, remember to turn off the roaming service before using Wi-Fi.

Street food – Vietnam Travel Tips

Street food in Vietnam is not always clean. However, the tourists rated the food very delicious and very cheap. Vegetarians are welcome in Vietnam because when coming to Vietnam, vegetarians will be lost in paradise. There are many attractive menus for vegetarian dishes here. Food is not only delicious but also cheap.

Be careful with personal belongings – Vietnam Travel Tips

Guests should keep personal belongings carefully, not leave them in dormitory rooms (dorm). If you take a bus, you should also be careful with your phone and wallet.

What is the facts about Vietnam?

The country is not too poor – Vietnam Travel Tips

Most Western travelers who have never been to Vietnam know that this is a distant country on the other side of the globe with yellow and black haired people. Severe wars in the past made most of them think the whole country was still very poor and needy. This also means an increase in crime and robbery.

Even some of the older American tourists who came to Vietnam for the first time worry about the previous war. As a reason for them to be discriminated against by indigenous people. Contrary to these visualizations, visitors from the other half of the globe are often surprised by a modern and innovative country and friendly people when they coming to Vietnam.

Vietnamese people often use English – Vietnam Travel Tips

Many Western travelers share a surprise when they know the popularity of English in Vietnam. Because of geographical as well as culture and language differences, many Western tourists often think it will be very difficult to communicate in Vietnam. In fact, most of them expressed their surprise about the popularity of English when traveling to this country. Many foreign tourists also told their stories of meeting indigenous people while walking on the Sword Lake with an open and confident attitude.

Stay away from street vendors – Vietnam Travel Tips

Western tourists are often considered as the favorite objects or “good prey” of street vendors in big streets. Before coming to this S-shaped land, they were often advised to stay away from peddlers who always pull and invite, and be absolutely careful with accessories such as cameras, phones and wallets.

Service prices may be super expensive – Vietnam Travel Tips

In almost any areas with large numbers of tourists in Vietnam, many shops sell both different prices. For example, in Hoi An, you can easily buy flip flops for 50,000 VND if you are Vietnamese. But with blue-eyed blonde, the price could be twice expensive.

Western travelers often share this problem and many bargaining tips. The most common way is carefully asking the price before using the service or buying the product. You should use some value websites about evaluating services thoroughly.

Be ware of being cheated with language differences – Vietnam Travel Tips

Many Western tourists were mistaken between 15,000 VND and 50,000 VND (fifteen thousand dong and fifty thousand dong). Many people complained about the situation when asking for a coconut or shoe shine service, the seller replied “15,000 VND” to quickly agree. But when they open the wallet and make the payment, they are dumbfounded because they are asked for 50,000 VND. The secret is to show the denomination notes to the seller, which are in accordance with the agreed amount before using the service.

Do not be discouraged by falling motorbikes – Vietnam Travel Tips

Despite suffering painful injuries due to falling motorbikes, Western tourists still enjoy driving this vehicle when traveling to Vietnam. Almost of them likes to explore this land on a motorbike. However, due to the unfamiliar road, not much experience handling the situation, many people have to suffer from bandages or limbs limping for a while after a trip to Sa Pa or visiting Mui Ne because of falling, rubbing car. Although they assess the level of driving by motorbike is extremely danger, most of them still expressed that driving a motorbike is an unforgettable experience and still want to continue testing when coming to Vietnam.

Vietnam is large and has many beautiful scenes – Vietnam Travel Tips

Before coming to Vietnam, some Western tourists used to think that this land was very small, still poor and not much beautiful. The fact is not like that. Throughout Vietnam, you will encounter countless beautiful scenes and it is best to spend about 3 weeks to go. If you have only about 1-2 weeks, you should gather only one area like the North or the South of Vietnam and spend the full time exploring and experiencing.

Things should do in Vietnam – Planning a trip to Vietnam

• Always carry a full bottle of water with you because traveling in the hot sun makes you tired and tired. If you drink tea, coffee or alcohol, drink more water.
• Before leaving the hotel, bring the hotel business card with you as it will make it easier for you to return to your hotel.
• You should bring some toilet paper or tissue in your bag because you will not know when you will need it.
• Vietnam is a very conservative country in dressing up. Although in big cities, it is more comfortable to dress, you should wear appropriate clothes, not only to adapt to the weather but also help you be more friendly with the locals.
• Should send money, airline tickets, passports and other valuable jewelry in the hotel’s depository area.
• When entering someone’s home, always remember to remove and leave your sandals (shoes) in front of the door before entering the house.
• When you want to talk about a photo of someone in your home, you need to get permission from the owner. If the homeowner expresses the disagreement, you should not arbitrarily discuss the subject.
• When crossing the road in Hanoi, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, pay attention to vehicles on both sides and go slowly.
• Taste at least one street food.
• See the traditional water puppet show in Hanoi.

Things should not to do in Vietnam – Planning a trip to Vietnam

• Do not wear clothes, skirts, dresses too short or too revealing into churches or temples. Because there is always a dress code in these sanctuaries.
• When traveling to villages of ethnic minorities, you should not invite them to candy, or things contain high sugar, or a bottle of water. Because you may be mistaken for having bad intentions with local people here. If you want to learn about history or customs, you should not arbitrarily find out, but ask a guide or villager to arrange for you.
• Do not directly give money to ethnic minorities, instead donate local charities or give them a small gift, such as a pen.
• Do not lie down or sit, but your feet turn towards the altar of the homeowner. That is one of the persistent things of Vietnamese people.
• Do not bring lots of money or valuable things with you when you go out, as you may be pocketed or robbed.
• Do not try to take pictures where there is a ban and the area is not allowed to take photo.

The post Vietnam Travel Advice – Planning a trip to Vietnam appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

Vietnam is a land of challenging myths and the diversity of the landscape. You’ll be amazed by the country’s wonderful natural beauty. From the green rice fields in the north to the fascinating bustle of the Mekong Delta in the south. Especially, you will be attracted by local foods in this country. 6 months is not enough for you  to try ALL the variety of food Vietnam has to offer. Besides, Vietnam is  also the land of smiles, warm hospitality and generosity, where people give you the same behavior and attitude, no matter who you are and where you are from.If you are still consider where to go in Vietnam, here is an overview of the most amazing tourist attractions for your vacation.

Halong Bay – Where to go in Vietnam

As the top of the list where to go in Vietnam, Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. If normal limestone mountains are usually found on the ground, the Halong Bay’s limestone are raised from above the water, which is taken 500 million years to form Halong Bay to 2000 limestone islands as today.

While cruising on Halong Bay, you will see huge lime stones around and the beautiful colours in the sky. Visitors should not miss watching the beautiful sunrise and sunset, kayaking and snorkelling here as well.

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Suggestion for places to visit in Halong Bay: Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Sun World Halong Park…

Sapa – Where to visit in Vietnam

By taking 380 kilometers from Hanoi to the northwestern part of Vietnam, you will find one of the most attractive place to go in The Northwest of Vietnam. It is a land of humility, quiet but hidden in the wonders of nature. Talking about Sapa is talking about a home to stunning mountain landscapes, picturesque rice-terraces, hill-tribes and Indochina peak, the Fansipan. Sa Pa’s natural landscape is combination between the creativity of the people along with the hilly terrain, the green of the forest. As the picture is arranged in harmony to create a region with many attractive scenes. This is also the top trekking destination in Vietnam, with oodles of options for easy or hard trek between tiny villages to explore the distinct cultures of many tribes as well as admiring  its picturesque mountain landscapes.

Where to go in Sapa

Suggested sites to visit in Sapa: Lao Chai, Ta Van, Cat Cat Villages, Fanxipan peak with cable car, Heaven Gate, Silver Waterfall, Ham Rong mountain…

Hanoi – Where to go in Vietnam

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is home to a large number of must-see attractions that will capture your mind and soul. Hanoi has a long history and many cultural works of architecture. It owns both ancient and modern as well as famous historical sites and the intangible cultural heritage. Besides, it is the best city to explore on foot with a variety of entertainment. Thanks to its ancient, thoughtful and elegant look, and the hidden beauty of this thousand-year-old civilization city, Hanoi is one of where you must go to when you arrive in Vietnam.

Where to go in Hanoi

Interested sites in Hanoi: Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Thang Long Citadel, Ngoc Son Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Bat Trang ceramic village…

Ninh Binh – Where to go in Vietnam

If you are finding where to go in the North of Vietnam surrounding Hanoi. Ninh Binh is one of  favourite destinations. Its location is about 95 kilometers- about 2.5 hours from Hanoi Capital. This place is also known as “Halong bay on land” because of the same view of doted mountains as Halong Bay. You will have a chance to explore  natural landscapes of limestone pillars, hidden caves & tropical rain forest as well as  historical & cultural sites. Besides, you will see the  typical rural villages of Northern region with vast green paddy field, expanding mountains and poetic river that flows to the horizon.

Where to go in Ninh Binh

Tourist sites in Ninh Binh: Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu Ancient, Van Long, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Grotto…

Hue – Where to go in Vietnam

Unlike almost tourist spots in Vietnam with the luxurious and flashy beauty, Hue has the totally different beauty. This city was once the capital of imperial Vietnam. The old Kings of Vietnam was built there and much of its rich history still remains. When setting foot in Hue, you feel that this city is quieter and more peaceful and the time pass more slowly.  It is a perfect combination of a romantic landscape of mountains and river and the ancient beauty of temples and tombs. Especially,  Hue is famous among the locals for its Royal cuisine. Boasting over 1,000 speciality dishes, Hue is full of foodie surprises.

Where to go in Hue

Famous places in Hue: Hue Imperial Citadel, Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Duc Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, Vong Canh Hill…

Da Nang – Where to visit in Vietnam

Da Nang is not always inclusive in the travelers’ plan when they travel to Vietnam. But lots of people just don’t realize that there are so many amazing things to do here. It is a strongly developing city on the coast of the East Sea with a lot of religious sights. As well as noteworthy museums, iconic beaches, “eccentric” bridges and even a theme park. Visiting Da Nang, you will be able to enjoy the most charming beach on the planet. Aside from mountains and passes, and luxurious resorts and bar. Besides, you will can see another attraction of Da Nang. Life here is simple, just like the way Da Nang people are: rustic, honest and sometimes rudely straight-forward. All people are friend. They want to keep the best image about Da Nang in the heart of everyone who ever sets their feet here.

Where to go in Da Nang

Sightseeing in Da Nang: Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountain, Cham Museum, My Khe beach…

Hoi An – Where to visit in Vietnam

Hoi An is one of the best places to go in the Central Vietnam. It is also the most delightful and interesting town in the country. Although Hoi An is significantly smaller in comparison with the capital Hanoi or the buzzing Saigon or other cities. The ancient city owns many sights to see, wonderful food, colorful architecture and surrounded by gorgeous countryside. Beaches and rice fields can be reached on an easy bike ride from the city centre. Moreover,this town is also  famous for the many tailor shops. You can get  tailor made suits and dresses within 24 hours with a very good price. Hoi An Ancient Town is really a perfect mixture of heritage, culture, nature, cuisine and relaxing.

Where to go in Hoi An

Must-see places in Hoi An: Hoi An ancient town, My Son Holly Land, Tra Que Herb Village, Cham Island…

Nha Trang – Where to go in Vietnam

If you are looking for something a little bit different. Nha Trang is a destination where travelers should go in Vietnam. Situated about 442 km to the north of Ho Chi Minh City. This coastal city is well-known as  the green jewel for the value of beauty, nature and climate with a lot of breath-taking attractions, both historical and natural ones. Coming to Nha Nhang, you can definitely enjoy the sun, sea and sand. It is a real relaxing place you can not find anywhere else.

Where to go in Nha Trang

Sites to visit in Nha Trang: Ponagar Cham Tower, Dam market, Vinpearl Land, Mun Island…

Da Lat – Where to go in Vietnam

Located a height of 1500 meters above sea level. The weather in Da Lat is cool and an ideal retreat in the south of Vietnam. You will enjoy four seasons within one day in Dalat. Spring in the breezy morning, summer in the warm noon, gusty autumn afternoon, and a chilly winter evening. With its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, dreamy forest and waterfall pool. Along with year round blooming flowers, it is  the perfect place to rest, relax, and be lazy all day.

Where to go in Da Lat

You should visit interesting site in Da Lat such as Love Valley, Robin Hill, Langbiang Mountain, Linh Phuoc pagoda, Da Lat Flower Garden…

Ho Chi Minh City – Where to visit in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is the important center of economy, culture and education in Vietnam. Besides, it is also the most active and bustling city  in the country. If you are still wondering where to go in Vietnam, you can’t miss  this city. You will be felt immediately captured by its energy. People here seemed more cheerful, more interested in communicating with travelers . This developing city is famous for Vietnam cuisines, world-class restaurants, trendy cafes, sky bars, luxury hotels and a nightlife scene. As well as the desired shopping places. Besides, this tourist spot is also home to a large number of pagodas and temples as well as to historical sites. It allows you to learn more about Vietnam’s history and how Vietnamese people fought for independence and liberation.

Where to go in Ho Chi Minh City

Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City: Reunification Palace, War Remnant Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh market, Central Post Office…

Can Tho – Where to go in Vietnam

Located on the south bank of the Hậu River, the bigger branch of the Mekong River. Can Tho is the biggest city of the Mekong Delta with the specific culture of water-based. Wake up early in the morning, you will take a boat to visit Cai Rang floating market, one of the famous floating markets of the Southwest. You have opportunity to observe the typical market activities, but this is all done on boats. They will sell fruits and agricultural products of the whole region on river. Besides, you can board a smaller wooden boat (sampan) to row through these tiny canals. And visit stilt houses, boat houses, farms, orchards, cottage industries, and riverside restaurants. The activities will give you a insight about local live on Mekong Delta.

Ninh Kieu Harbor – Can Tho

Suggested places to visit in Can Tho: Cai Rang floating market, Phong Dien floating market, Binh Thuy ancient house, Ninh Kieu harbor, My Khanh fruit garden…

Mui Ne – Where to visit in Vietnam

If you are finding where to go in the South of Vietnam to escape the bustling cities. Mui Ne is also ideal with unspoilt beaches, tropical forest, finishing villages, stunning  sand dunes as well as idyllic seaside resorts. After 4 hours drive from Saigon, you will go to one the best beaches in Vietnam – Mui Ne. In there you can spend days lazing on the endless sandy beaches, playing fun water sports such as Quad Bike Across the White Sand Dunes, Kite Surfing or Wind, enjoying delicious fresh seafood, and golfing.

Sand Dunes in Mui Ne

Mui Ne sightseeing places: Mui Ne sand dunes, Mui Ne beach, Po Shanu Cham Towers, Fairy Stream…

Phu Quoc Island – Where to go in Vietnam

Located in the deep south of Vietnam, off the coast of Cambodia. Phu Quoc is the good idea for you to consider where to go at the end of the trip. After only 50 minute flying from Ho Chi Minh City, you will have a chance to explore the tropical paradise of Vietnam and the world. Phu Quoc is the largest island in Kien Giang province with a total acreage of 574 square kilometers. The factor that attract tourists to go to Phu Quoc as untouched coastline featuring several heavenly beaches. It is really a slice of heaven for relaxing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Besides, you may pay a visit fishing village to see  the routine daily fishing work of the locals or trek or camp in the national park.

You can travel to Phu Quoc any time of the year. But the best time to travel to this island is around November to March in the dry season, when the sky is blue and clear and the rains are away.

Where to go in Phu Quoc

Sites and places to visit in Phu Quoc: Phu Quoc National Park, Cau Temple, Duong Dong market, Ham Ninh fishing village, Vinpearl Amusement Park…

The post Where to go in Vietnam – Where to visit in Vietnam appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

Each year, there are around 8000 Vietnamese festivals from every one of the regions, ethnics, and religions, ranging from the simple to the complex, from small festival to celebration. They bring you a chance to see more experience, more Vietnam’s culture and emerge yourself into the festive atmosphere with the locals. Vietnamese festivals  provide an authentic way to see the “real” Vietnam. We would like to introduce some best festivals for tourists as below.

Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) – The biggest event for Vietnamese festivals

Let’s start at the top of Vietnamese festival. The full name for Tet is Tet Nguyen Dan, which is the most important to all Vietnamese people. This festival sometimes falls between late January or early February that when Spring arrives. After a year of hard-working, Tet maybe the only occasion for all family members to have happy moments together and paying respect to ancestors and grandparents. It is an important mark to forget about the past. Especially unlucky and unhappy things, start afresh, and await  good ones in the New Year.

Tet Ong Cong, Ong Tao (Gods and Goddess of Kitchen)

Before Tet, people prepare for Tet Ong Cong, Ong Tao (Gods and Goddess of Kitchen), which takes place on the 23rd of the last month in the lunar calendar. They prepare the traditional offerings and especially the carps to regale three gods and goddess of their kitchen. A week before Tet, their house is decorated with trees and flowers. Hoa Mai – Apricot Blossom (in the central and southern parts of Vietnam). Hoa Đào – peach flower (in the northern part of Vietnam) or Hoa Ban (in mountain areas). Especially, they spend more time to prepare for the altar with tray of five fruits, cakes, sweets, coffee, wine… Broken or old things will be repaired or replaced.  All preparations to welcome the New Year and to receive luck as well as fortune.

On the last day of the year, every member gathers around a grand banquet to enjoy the last meal of the year. At the first moment of New Year, the young often go out to watch the firework performance. While the elderly and adults stay at home making offerings for outdoor worshiping to the Gods and indoor one to the ancestors.

Vietnamese New Year – Tet Holidays

During the Tet festival, Vietnamese people often go to pagodas to pray for a new year of luck, health, and fortune to every family members. They also stay at home to welcome guests or friends, relatives and neighborhood houses. It is an occasion when everyone says good things about each other. And they give lucky money to young children and old people.

Wandering Souls Day

Trung Nguyen or The Vu Lan ceremony or Wandering Souls’ Day is the second largest Vietnamese festivals after Tet Holiday. It is the important event to all Vietnamese people.

Many Vietnamese believe that every person has two parts: the soul and the body. When a man dead, the soul leaves the body, but the soul will continue to live on. The soul can return to heaven, or reincarnate (as a person or things), or go to hell. On the 15th day of the 7th Lunar Month, souls are are freed and be  able to visit their families. If the souls don’t have home or relatives, they will wander on the streets, on on black clouds or over the rivers.

Wandering Soul Ceremony with monks

As Vietnamese people believe that the souls’ life after they die is the same to the time when still alive. They buy money and clothes made of votive papers for their ancestors. All are also burned at this time. Huge tables are prepared with offerings including meats and fruits. Besides, they also prepare more foods such as sticky rice cakes, vermicelli soup, and meat rolls for wandering souls, who have no home.

Perfume Pagoda Festival

Located at Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Perfume Pagoda is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in the North.  Therefore, Chua Huong Pagoda Festival is one of many traditional and well-known Vietnamese festivals. The festival is taken place from the 6th day of the 1st month to the end of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar in three places, Huong Tich pagoda, Tuyet Son, and Long Van.

Each year, this Vietnamese festival attracts hundred of thousands of Vietnamese or foreigners. People heading there pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year. As well as seeing a magnificent land, a famous beauty spot in Vietnam.

Visitors going by boat on Yen stream to Perfume Pagoda Festival

While taking a boat along the Yến Stream, visitors will have a chance to  admire green rice paddles studded with jagged limestone mounts. You will forget the busy life to commune with nature, heave and earth. From the riverbank, pilgrims proceed on foot, up hundreds of stone steps and a switchback trail or take a cabin car  to reach the pagoda.

Hue Festival

Hue Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Vietnam, celebrated in even years in order to honor Hue’s cultural heritages. Since 1992, each time of celebration always attract millions of visitors and thousands of artists from from all over the world.

Coming to Hue on this occasion, you can also enjoy art exhibitions, film screenings, acrobatics, puppetry, and street performances. You will never have any moment as there are some many activities in this Vietnamese festivals. Event activities including Hue Poetry Festival, Ao Dai Fashion Shows, dialogue of drums and percussion, human chess, boat racing, kite flying, and more.

Main performance in Hue Festival

Hoi An Lantern Festival

Lanterns, a “specialty”, are the unique symbol of local people in Hoi An. After the sun has sunk, lanterns are lit every night in Hoi An. This is the charm of Hoi An ancient streets.

Hoi An lantern festival is one of the most attractive Vietnamese festivals in the Centre. It takes place monthly, but the largest event is the first full moon of the lunar new year. Each street, shop, public place… is decorated with many different lanterns. People leave hundreds of lanterns into the river as an offering and to worship their ancestors as well as the God of the land. Coming to Hoi An these days, tourists absolutely go into a fairy tale country, a magic kingdom of lanterns.

Hung King Festival

The Hung King Temple Festival is one of the most important and sacred festivals of the Vietnamese people. It takes place yearly at King Hung Temple from the 8^th to 11^th day of the third lunar month. It’s an opportunity for every Vietnamese to honors the first King of Vietnam. Each year, not only Vietnamese people from all over the country but also Vietnamese people living abroad gather on Nghia Linh Mountain, Phu Tho Province to take part in this historical and meaningful festival.

The ceremony takes place over several days, but the 10^th day of the month is the most important. People prepare five-fruit trays including a pig, a goat, a cow, a couple of “chung” cakes and “day” cakes to sacrifice to Hung’s Kings. The main festival begin with a speech by a representative of government.  A procession starts at the foot of the mountain and stops at every small temples before reaching Upper Temple (“Den Thuong”). After hearing the sound of an old bronze drum, they conduct the incense-offering rite.

People preparing for Hung King Festival Ceremony

After that, a wide range of activities will be taken place such as performances of folk songs (Cheo, Quan Ho…). As well as games of “danh du” (bamboo swings), “nem con” (game of throwing a sacred ball through the ring), rice cooking competitions, lion dance, human chess, water puppet performance,  etc.

Mid-Autumn Festival – Vietnamese festivals for children

Besides the Tet Holiday, the Mid-Autumn festival is one of the most famous Vietnamese festivals. Held on the 15th day on the 8th lunar month,  this festival is a traditional celebration for Vietnamese children. This is an occasion for members of the family to visit together . The young generation express their gratitude to the old generation. The parents show their love for their children.

Before Mid-Autumn day, the adults prepare many gifts for children such as : masks, clothes, toys, lantern… On this day, streets have dense crowds and noisier by the roistering drum and music. The adults prepare many different foods  – moon cakes, candies, biscuits, jellies, and fruit, such as grapefruit,  bananas, apples, mango, etc.  Moon Cake is the symbol of the Mid-autumn festival. In the early days, there are only two traditional kinds including Banh Nuong (baked mooncake) and Banh Deo (sticky rice moon cake). Now, moon cake  has many new ingredients introduced from other cultures and  natural coloring from available fruits and vegetables.

Shops for Mid Autumn Festival in Hanoi Old Quarter

The most interesting on this day is dragon and lion dances performance. During and after the festival, most joyous in the days of 15th and 16th. The kids and their families follow the dancers and show their resplendent lanterns in the bustling crowd.

Lim Festival

The Lim festival, opening on January 13^th of first month of Lunar year, is the celebration of ‘Quan Ho’ singing. It was recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2009.

During festival, young men and women from other villages come to Lim hill, Lim pagoda together to sing. Their name are brothers and sisters groups or “lien anh” and “lien chi”. All of them wear traditional costumes, which are a feature of the singing with female dress in the four panel traditional dresses: ‘’au tu than’’, and hats, ‘’non quai thao’’. Except for singing, there are many traditional games including bamboo swings, wrestling, rice cooking and human chess.

Folk songs in Lim Festival

The post Vietnamese Festivals – Top 8 Vietnam Festivals and Events appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

Visiting Sapa, you can not visit the Sapa villages. There are so many tribe villages in Sapa. Some of them are so famous and remarkable.

Cat Cat Village

Lying on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range,  Cat Cat village is away from Sapa town about 2 km. This is the old place of H’Mong tribe. Nowadays it is the most attracting touristic village in Sapa. It is also the nearest village from Sapa center. Visitors can easily reach there by many ways. Visiting Cat Cat village, you will have the chance to explore the beauty of nature scenery. In addition, you will discover the normal life of the local and find out many interesting things.

Wandering around Cat Cat village, you can see the beautiful little houses on the mountain side, the men who work in the fields, the woman weaving the looms and the naughty little kids playing around.

There are two popular ways to reach Cat Cat village. Firstly, you can take 20 minutes by walking from the Sapa town to Cat Cat village. Secondly, you can catch “xe om” or taxi to go there.

On the road in Cat Cat village

Cat Cat village is the most touristic village in Sapa.

Sin Chai Village

Located on the North of Sapa district, Sin Chai village is away 4 km from Sapa town. It is so quite and wild. Sin Chai village is covered by the green of the Sapa mountains.

In Sin Chai village, visitors not only admire the rice fields, corn fields, but also watch the fresh fruit and vegetable beds. They will be covering up the unique colors adorn the scenery of this place. This is the non-touristic village, so it still retains its inherent wildness. The local people are the Black H’mong tribe.

Walking through Sin Chai village

Sin Chai village is non-touristic village.

Lao Chai Village

From the town of Sapa to the southwest about 9 km, you will reach Lao Chai village. This is a village of H’Mong people. Lao Chai village is one of the most-visited Sapa villages. It is near Ta Van village. Leaning against the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, along the Muong Hoa stream flowing through and the vast terrace fields, Lao Chai is the most beautiful and charming landscape in Sapa.

Terrace fields in Lao Chai village

Lao Chai village is one of the best for travelers to discover local culture and people life in Sapa.

Ta Van Village

Along the highway 4D to the southeast, about 8 km from Sapa town is Ta Van village. It is also one of the most-visited Sapa villages along with Lao Chai village. This village is located at the foot of the mountain in Muong Hoa valley. Mainly concentrated in Giay and some other ethnic minorities. It is near the Lao Chai village.

On the way to Ta Van village, you will go through Lao Chai – a place with a very beautiful nature of the mountains and forests. Moreover, there is the famous ancient stone beach in Sapa there. After leaving the two busiest streets in Sapa, Cau May Street and Muong Hoa Street. You just need to follow the Muong Hoa stream to reach Ta Van. For your convenience to reach Ta Van village, you should go by motorbike or car. However, to be able to feel and enjoy the scenery of this land, you should go by motorbike or on foot. The road to Ta Van village is quite small and narrow. But the scenery on both sides of the road is so charming. You can not capture enough all the beauty of the fertile terraced fields or green corn fields.

Terrace fields from high in Ta Van village

Ta Van is one of the most visited village in Sapa or tourists.

Ta Phin Village

This is home to the Dao and H’mong ethnic people, about 12 km away from the center of Sa Pa town. As the result, Ta Phin village is one of the Northwest highland villages attracting a lot of tourists. Photographers and visitors always love to explore and enjoy the wild beauty. Ta Phin village not only has a green nature, a cool atmosphere. But also a place with many natural caves with many mysterious cliffs in strange shapes.

In addition, visitors can learn unique traditional culture through many festivals, rituals, customs and daily life of the people here. Guests will admire the colorful costumes, enjoy the specialties of the highlands, bathe medicinal leaves. And they also immerse in the rustic life with the indigenous people of Ta Phin.

Overview of Ta Phin village

Ta Phin Village is one of the less touristic Sapa villages

Ho Village

Ho Village (Ban Ho) is 30 km from Sapa town center to the southwest – when coming to Ho village you can feel the weather here is much warmer than Ta Van and Ta Phin villages, the average temperature is about 18-25 degrees C. Today, Ban Ho village to be one of the great villages, visitors can’t miss in the journey to explore villages around Sapa town. In particular, Ho village is known for its zigzag roads, undulating hills, soft streams, majestic waterfalls and rich vegetation. The more you look at the lake, the more ecstatic you will be at the picturesque nature here.
Ho village is also quite famous for home stay tourism, suitable for visitors who want to experience the days of living in a wooden stilt house, enjoy rustic dishes, take part in the warm community activities with local people and blend in nature.

The place of Ho village between mountains

Ho Village is one of the less touristic Sapa villages.

Y Linh Ho Village

(Ban Ho) Y Linh Ho Village still reserve its wild and poetic beauty despite of touristic route in Sapa. The village is near to Hoang Lien Son mountain range. In addition to the mountain, the village also has streams, terraced fields, corn fields. People said that, in the past the area around the village of Y Linh Ho was reclaimed by some Dao people, headed by Mr. Ly Linh Ho. After a long time of living and building, Dao people setup a new village, Y Linh Ho Village. A period of time later, the Dao in Y Linh Ho leaf and the H’mong came. But the name of this village is no change to commemorate the person who built the village. Visiting Y Linh Ho village, you will be surprised by the peaceful beauty of the place.

Terrace fields in Y Linh Ho village

The atmosphere in the village is very quiet, noiseless, non-bustling like other tourist places inside Sapa town. The location of the Y Linh Ho village is now expanded more than before but still far from the main road. Therefore, tourists participating in tours Sapa visit the village of Y Linh Ho must pass a long and long, hard and hard road to reach the village. Because the location is far from the main road, the village is quite quiet and peaceful.From Sapa town. If you like to reach Y Linh Ho village, you can follow the direction of Lao Chai village. Going through Lao Chai village for about 3 km along the mountainside. Then you will see a glimpse of the pristine, beautiful image of Y Linh Ho village on the mountainside, surrounded by beautiful terraced fields that have existed for a long time.

Experience in traveling and visiting Sapa villages

Knowledge

Trekking in Sapa villages is a kind of experience and discovering the unique cultural space of ethnic minorities living here, so to have a fun and impressive trekking. You should learn about the village, that is customs, culture, things to do and should not do when visiting villages. Besides measuring, you have to study the cadastral and topographical map of the area to come to plan the trip, calculate the distance to move in a way that is reasonable with humanity and prevent from falling into situations of danger. Preview weather forecasts to prepare some options. Prepare a referral paper if the trekking area is a border area or protected area with the management of specialized authorities.

Costume

Because the trip is mostly walking, you need to prepare clean, sweaty and cool clothes. (One suggestion is: Clothes should have multiple compartments – bags for storage).

Firstly, you should prepare 01 pair of flat shoes, sport shoes, this is a very necessary tool and it makes convenient for your trip.

Absolutely not: high heel shoes, new shoes bought for this walk because it will be very uncomfortable) the material of the shoes also ensures airy, cool, waterproof and fast drying.

You will have to carry your luggage yourself during your trekking journey so please choose for yourself a backpack that is suitable for storage.

You should prepare backpack with belts to tighten on the back, backpack must have a foam mattress to create a smooth feeling and comfort for the whole backpack to wear.

Food

A walk makes you consume a lot of energy and sweat so much that you lose water so you need to prepare enough food and drink to supplement your body when you need it. Some food to bring: Bread, canned meat, sausage, snack, confectionery (note that you should bring a few more candy packages to share with the children in the village during the visit.)

Medicine

Medications for colds, fever, diarrhea, antipyretics, antibiotics, bandages, red pills, vitamins, tonic and Snicker candy (a kind of candy that provides very high energy) are indispensable. Vaselin is also necessary to prevent cracking.

The post Sapa Villages – Villages in Sapa – Minority Local Villages in Sapa appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

Looking for Vietnam with kids tours: Vietnam Family Tours

DA NANG and HOI AN TOWN – Vietnam with kids

Children are always sensitive to the weather. If you travel with kids, you will know for sure when your baby feels uncomfortable, he will constantly stir. It will make your trip in Vietnam less happy because you must spend a lot of time worrying about your kid/s.

Da Nang – Great place for living

The most perfect destinations for your vacation in Vietnam with kids are Da Nang city and Hoi An old town. Located in the central Vietnam, they are not only the famous places for domestic tourists but also for international visitors. It is no coincidence that Danang is called a “Great city to live in”. Because it has beautiful scenery, unique culture and especially the friendliness of the local people.

Da Nang city and Hoi An old town are particularly suitable for families travel to Vietnam with kids who come here to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature, learn about unique local culture as well. Many activities for kids and family members do together. Your family can play on the beach, swimming, dying to watch coral reef; exposure to green and peaceful nature surrounding by bike, eco fishing and basket boat trip or simply an interesting walking tour; enjoy many kind of delicious Vietnamese local foods; check in artisan galleries and coffee shops; shopping and having your own tailor handmade suite and silk dress… The sea air is also very good especially for children’s health.

Danang is famous for many tourist sites such as Ba Na Hill with huge Amusement Park and Golden Bridge, Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda, … and the system of sparkling and brilliant bridges such as Han River Bridge, Rong Bridge , … Visiting these places, the whole family should not forget to save the pictures together so impressive and memorable.

Da Nang Travel Guide

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An ancient town is one of the world heritage in Vietnam. Not only famous for the peaceful and green environment but also a beautiful beach and romantic river near by the town. The calm friendliness of local people here presents you a good memory.

Moreover, in addition to visiting and staying in Da Nang and Hoi An ancient town. The whole family can take a short trip to the World Heritages surrounding: Hue Imperial City, Quang Binh province with National Park and the biggest cave over the world… So visiting Danang city and Hoi An ancient town is a must choice to traveling with kids in Vietnam

More information about Hoi An: Hoi An Travel Guide

DA LAT – Romantic City for Vietnam with kids

Da Lat is known as a place with cool, fresh climate suitable for children. When you travel in Vietnam with kids, you should visit Da Lat in around July, August and September. This is the time where this place has the most neutral weather, no drizzle.

Parents always pay particular attention to their children’s mood. But in Dalat city, you can see a little sunshine combined with cool air here will make them feel comfortable and ready for every games. The outstanding colors of the brilliant flowers will also make your child more excited and happy. You can take your child to visit famous places of Da Lat such as Xuan Huong Lake with swan boats, City flower gardens, Cau Dat tea hill, Da Lat children’s house, Langbiang peak, strawberry gardens…

The food here is also extremely attractive and suitable for the child’s taste. Your family can enjoy many different delicacies, especially the delicious Dalat strawberries and many kind of fruit jams. Dalat city is loved by many tourists when they travel in Vietnam with kids.

PHU QUOC – Pearl Island and Safari for Vietnam with kids

In this list, do not forget Phu Quoc when you travel with kids in Vietnam. The stunning beaches of Phu Quoc Island are clearly the biggest tourist draws of this paradise. Named by ABC News as “The World’s Cleanest and Most Beautiful Beaches”. In 2008, these seaside delights are simply gorgeous, amazing and idyllic. Not only do these beaches offer clear turquoise waters, but they also have powdery white sands that are lined majestically with coconut trees.

Coming to Phu Quoc, you will feel immediately attractive by the beautiful blue color of the sea and the majestic mountains; because white sparkles under the sunlight of smooth sandy beaches. Moreover, it is also famous for many beautiful beaches stretching from the North to the South, with high hills covered with vast green trees and famous for its rich flora and fauna.

In the south of the island, there are 12 different small islands such as Mong Tay, Hon Bang, Doi Moi… where very suitable for organizing yacht, fishing and other activities. Playing here, children will have many interesting experiences, practice skills and raising the love for nature.

Moreover, Phu Quoc Pearl Island also brings a modern beauty of tourist resorts with attractive entertainment games, attracting tourists, especially young children, such as Vinpearl Land Resort.

If you traveling with kids in Vietnam and want your family trip is relax, fun and rewarding, Phu Quoc is a wise choice.

Looking for more activities in Phu Quoc: Phu Quoc Tours

NHA TRANG – PEARL OF THE FAR EAST

Nha Trang is a beach stay city in the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is the political, economic, cultural, and tourist center of Khanh Hoa province. Nha Trang is also famous for the Salangane Nest, one of the most nutritious high quality foods used by kings 400 years ago.

Dubbed the “Pearl of the Far East”, Nha Trang possesses a fresh, cool natural landscape with white sand beaches stretching, offshore islands with magic coral ecosystems. Here, the whole family can play together in the amusement parks then use the mud bath service, visit Ponagar Tower – a tower complex with unique architecture of the Cham ethnicity …

Nha Trang is also a culinary paradise with fancy dishes, both attractive and very affordable. Don’t miss the opportunity to eat seafood dishes like grilled crabs, grilled oysters or Nha Trang vermicelli…So do not forget Nha Trang when travel with kids in Vietnam.

More activities in Nha Trang: Nha Trang Tours

MAI CHAU – THE PURE LAND

If you travel to Vietnam with kids, you may love a trip for the baby to go to the highlands to enjoy the fresh environment far away from noisy city center to feel and learn about the unique customs and habits of the ethnic minority areas.

Mai Chau is a beautiful small valley between the marvelous Northwest mountains, where  offer delicious food, people communicate with each other by music and is the home of Vietnamese unique cultural ethnology… All things above are suitable for families with kids to explore and experience.

In Mai Chau, we must mention the models of local homestay as accommodation. You can rent a homestay for your kids to experience a sleeping night at the floor of ethnic minority houses. Stilt houses are tall, spacious and clean, keeping traditional architecture. Inside each house is very good service, fully equipped with blankets, cushions, neatly folded and neat pillows. If you prefer international standard, eco resorts here serve your family comfortable and stylist.

Mai Chau tourism may be a good ideal for families travel with kids in Vietnam, especially when your beloved ones are living in the city with too much noise, smoke and little contact with the countryside, mountains, animal and green trees.

Suggested activities: Mai Chau Tours from Hanoi

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When to travel Vietnam – Vietnam Tours from India

Climate in Vietnam is quite similar to India as diversity from north to south with different seasons and temperature.

In the north, Vietnam has 4 seasons separately including winter, summer, autumn and spring. As the result, winter starts from December to March with temperature from 8 to 16^oC. Respectively, spring from April to May with temperature from 17 to 26^oC, high humidity. Summer from June to August with temperature from 25 to 36^oC. Autumn from September to November with temperature from 20 to 30^oC, low humidity.

In the south, we have 2 different seasons: wet and dry. As the result, wet season start from April to November; dry season from December to April next year. Accordingly, wet and dry season maybe come earlier or later but usually lasts in 6 months.

In the central of Vietnam, climate is mixture between north and south. Consequently, it has 4 seasons: winter, summer, spring and autumn like the north; wet and dry season like the south.

Click here for more details: Best time to visit Vietnam.

Climate in Vietnam

Climate Table – North Vietnam (Hanoi)

Climate Table – South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City/formerly Saigon)

Climate Table – Central Vietnam (Da Nang)

Flights from India to Vietnam – Vietnam Tour Packages from India with flights

Actually, there’s no direct flight from India to Vietnam at the time of writing this article. Therefore, Indian travelers usually book connecting flights from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Luckily, Vietnamese airline company – Vietjet Air is planning to open direct daily flight from New Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City. Hopefully, they launch this flight in 2019. Currently, you need to book one-stop flight with various choice from Jet Airways, Air India, Malaysia Airline, Bangkok Airways…

What to see in Vietnam for Vietnam Tour Packages from India

Normally, Indian travelers Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh combine with extra days from Halong Bay or Mekong Delta. Sapa is also a popular choice.

Additionally, Ninh Binh province with experience in Bai Dinh pagoda and Trang An grottos is also one of the best choice for Indian visitors.

For travel style, leisure and culture route is suitable for Indian persons who like temples, nature sights and history stories.

See more: Best places to visit in Vietnam

What to prepare to travel Vietnam – Vietnam Tours from India

Indian visitors must apply visa approval to Vietnam before the trip, book air tickets and hotels. You need assistance from travel agents or tour operator for more details of multiple day tours or day tours before arrival. For more information please refer to our Pre-departure guide.

Today, Indian travelers could apply visa online to Vietnam (E-visa). You can visit Vietnam Immigration Department website at the address: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt to apply and take results from them.

Combination between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia – Vietnam Tours from India

Usually, Indian visitors like to combine between Vietnam and Cambodia for the trip. From 7 to 8 days of Vietnam and Cambodia trip is good enough for them. With this short period, you only can combine between Siem Reap (Cambodia) with Angkor temples and north or south of Vietnam. The itinerary includes Hanoi, Halong Bay and Siem Reap; or Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Siem Reap is ideal for the trip.

Please go to Indochina Itinerary article for more suggestion.

How long should you travel Vietnam for Vietnam Tours from India

How many days is really depended on you trip, but we advise you spend at least 5 days for Vietnam, 10 days and more for deep discovery of Vietnam, and from 8 days to combine with Cambodia. If you want enjoy beaches, length of stay could be more.

Some suggested itinerary for Vietnam Tours from India you might be interested as below:

• Highlight Tour of Vietnam
• Vietnam in Brief – 8 days
• Vietnam Moment – 7 days
• North Vietnam – 5 days
• Saigon and Mekong Delta – 4 days

If you need more advice please contact us, Vietnam Great Tours’ advisors and experts always be happy to assist you for the trip with no fee.

The post Vietnam Tour Packages from India – Vietnam Tours from India appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

Cuc Phuong National Park for the first day – Things to do in Ninh Binh

The first things to do in Ninh Binh is the full day activities include staying overnight and camping in the forest. The place looks like a large natural museum housing the most diversity of flora and fauna on karstic mountains in Vietnam. Coming to Cuc Phuong, tourists have a chance to contemplate century-old trees. Especially species of plants and valuable birds dating back to the Tertiary –  the third period.

05:00 AM: depart from Hanoi heading for Cuc Phuong. Bus ticket: VND 60,000 – 80,000/ person.

Set off the journey getting insight the forest of high trees, caves and century-old trees.

Firstly, you visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man is a precious heritage of Cuc Phuong. In there, prehistoric people lived and laid to rest 7,000-12, 5000 years ago.

And then, you walk 2 km from the Cave of Prehistoric Man is Dang tree – the ancient tree up to 45 m in height and 5 m in diameter.

Finally, you see the giant Cho tree can be embraced by more than 20 people.

Thousand-years old Cho giant tree

Even more, there are other options for your excursion in the forest of high trees: Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden, Cuc Phuong tourist centre, Cuc Phuong Endanger Primate Rescue Centre, Muong ethnic commune, the summit of Silver Cloud Mountain, Yen Quang Lake, Pho Ma Cave, etc.

Visit the museum of rare and valuable animals

Not only a preserve and scientific research centre. But also Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Centre is an ideal destination for nature lovers observing activities. Especially special traits of each primate and collecting useful knowledge. As the result, the centre is home to about 160 creatures from 15 species of gibbon, langur and loris.

18.30: dinner at restaurant in Cuc Phuong forest.

19.00: join night activities in the forest.

Additionally, coming to Cuc Phuong National Park, you can choose one of three areas to stay: the crowded garden gate, Mac Lake and wildlife centre.

Note: In wet season, you are easily exposed to insects like a kind of jungle mosquito at Cuc Phuong. Hence, you should apply DEP ointment to the sensitive parts like head, back of the neck, collar, wrist, shin and waist. The smell of burning from DEP ointment frightens these mosquitoes.

Sightseeing ticket for Cuc Phuong National Park: VND 60,000/ person ~ 2.6 USD/person.

Hoa Lu Citadel – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An Grottos for the second day – Things to do in Ninh Binh

06:30 AM: 20 km drive from Cuc Phuong to Hoa Lu

Originally, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital attached to three imperial dynasties of Vietnam (Dinh – Le – Ly) as a sacred land of Vietnamese celebrity. In 968, the local warlord Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne, and established the first centralized feudal state of Vietnam and its capital was Hoa Lu. Therefore, few vestiges of palaces, temples, pagoda, tombs, etc remain to this day.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Located Truong Yen Village, Hoa Lu rural district are two temples worshipping King Dinh and King Le at 500-metre intervals. In there, you can learn about the history of Dinh and Le monarchs. Additionally, some of beautiful pagodas are still in existence like Ngan Xuyen Pagoda (near the foot of Ma Yen Mountain) and Nhat Tru Pagoda (200 metres apart from the Temple of King Le).

Sightseeing ticket for Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Complex:  VND 20,000/ adult, VND 5,000/ child

Enjoy landscapes of Bai Dinh Pagoda on electric cars.

As we know, this is the complex of Buddhist temples set more records for the owner of the largest pagoda area. Consequently, the biggest bronze Budha statues, the largest number of Arhat statues and Bodhi trees, etc.

500 Arhat stautes are made of monolithic white-stone. Each one engraved lively by artisans has a unique face.

Therefore, Bai Dinh Pagoda has lots of Buddhist temples located on high mountains and far away from each others, the best way to visit is using electric cars.

Ticket for electric car: VND 30,000/ person.

11.30 AM: taste Ninh Binh scorched rice (elderberry)

Don’t leave out a dish of scorched rice or goat meat – the rustic dainties of this land. The moreish scorched rice must go with rich sauce made of beef or pig’s heart, kidney frying with onion, carrot and tomato. You can eat it on the road or near the tourist area.

Sightseeing tour of Trang An on boat

First of all, it takes about 25 minutes to drive from Hoa Lu to Trang An tourist area.

Respectively, exploring caves and feeling the fresh and tranquil ambiance of scenery while sitting on a boat downstream the emerald water will become your treasured memories. The journey through nine amazing and unique caves like Sang (Bright) Cave, Seo Cave, Toi (Dark) Cave or Nau Ruoi (Wine-brewing) Cave… is very impressive. On the way, travelers will visit mysterious temples and shrines or sanctuaries covered by mountain breeze and thick cloud.

Visit Trang An Complex by boat

16.00: have dinner, take a rest

Kenh Ga hot spring – Phat Diem Cathedral and back to Hanoi is things to do in Ninh Binh for the third day

Kenh Ga Hot Spring

7.00 AM: From Trang An, go to Kenh Ga (chicken canal) pier. There, you buy a boat-ticket cruising along Hoang Long river and 15 minutes later you reach Kenh Ga Floating Village. Hence, you will have a whole morning soaking in natural water of hot springs.

Duration: about 4 hours. Boat ticket: VND 25,000; bathing ticket: VND 170,000/ person

Phat Diem stone church

Locally, Kim Son parish with beautiful scenery and stone church – the quintesence of nature has long attract tourists all over the world, especially the god-fearing.

28 km to Southeast of Ninh Binh City, Phat Diem stone cathedral, an original masterpiece, is a cross between the West and Orient. Erected a decade ago, the entire church was built of large cubic meter of stone and uniquely incredible shapes were engraved inside.

On another way ,you can change your schedule visiting the stone church on Sunday to attend the mass at 9.30 weekly. Sightseeing and photographing duration is about 3 hours. Have lunch with floating cake, Kim Son fish snake eel salad and take a rest near the stone church.

At the time departing for Hanoi, you can take a trip around Ninh Binh city to buy something and taste sidewalk dainties at night.

19.00: come back to Hanoi

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