Tuesday, December 25, 2012

How to enjoy homestay in Sapa Vietnam


Homestay in Sapa and surround areas features one of the highlighted experiences for those who are keen on cultural exchange, learning odd and unique tradition and customs. However, the experience may be as good as you expected if you do not understand properly the way to do it.
In this article, we suggest some of the basic information so that you can make your homestay a memorable time:

1. Things you should know before doing homestay
When you start doing trekking, please ask your tour guide or read the books about the ethnic minority who will host you at their home. Different tribes may have different culture and the welcoming methods.
You should ask about some taboos or things that make you embarrassing while visiting the house.
In general, in Sapa the homestay condition are quite basic, please expect sleeping with mattress, pillow and mosquito net.
If you are on diet or doing special dining request, it should be informed in advance.

2. When you are staying at their home
Very often, you are welcomed by friendly host who will show you the place you will sleep and the toilet.
Taking notes of the restricted area which is for praying, storing their personal clothes.
A proper attitude with smiles, accepting the services are appreciated. In general, Vietnamese culture is quite reserved, if you are not content about any thing, you should leave the message or a note when you leave the house.
Dining etiquette is an important part of your homestay. It normally comes with dining etiquette.
In the mountainous area, people drink a lot of alcohol.
- Using chopsticks to give you foods from main plates should be understood as a good gesture, nice attitude.
- Refusing cheers means you do not respect them unless you informed them at the beginning.
- Hand shaking should be done by 2 hands, not single hand
- Do not throw the food in front of your host.
For conversation, you should notice about the age of the person you talk to. Old people may expect a nice talk about culture, polity or knowledge than just fun while young people tends to drink, laugh.

3. Places to do homestay
Places to do homestay in Sapa: Ta Van village, Hou Thao village, Ban Ho village, Cat Cat village.
Places to do homestay outside Sapa: Sin Chai village near Ban Ho, Muong Khuong district, Ta Van Chu in Bac Ha

Note: please bring your passport for your homestay register your stay in local village.

More details at:
http://www.sapatravelexpert.com/tips-to-enjoy-homestay-in-sapa
Homestay in Vietnam

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Cruise halong on luxury violet


Being overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of Halong Bay, the infamous Unesco-recognized Heritage while soaking up the uncompromise luxury of Violet.

Day 01: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay
Enjoy your private transfer from Hanoi to Quang Ninh city this morning.  Upon arrival, you are welcomed on board to set sail through Bai Tu Long Bay, accompanied by a sumptous seafood lunch.
It is time for your laidback while beholding the infamous Mat Quy and Am islets. 
The highlighted activity of this afternoon is a bamboo boat ride to floating homes. We then visit Tien Ong cave and back to the boat to capture the beautiful sunset from your cruise.

Day 02: Lan Ha Bay
Another day on the bay, exploring the most untouched areas located deeply in the bay of Lan Ha. As we reach Cat Ba island, we will embark a light biking trip to experience the life in Viet Hai village. 
This afternoon, after some basic instruction for kayaking, we will paddle into the hidden lagoon of Ba Ham.

Day 03: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Rise up early for a healthy lesson of Tai Chi on top deck. After that, you are invited either to relax at white sand Soi Sim beach or join our chef for cooking demonstration to learn about the delights of Vietnam artistic cuisine.
On the way back, we will discover more sights of Bai Tu Long Bay as the cruise passes Pearl Farm, Phao Dai islet, Tam Cung cave and Dau Moi temple.
Head back to Hanoi with an interesting visit to Bat Trang village, where traditional ceramic producing work is exposed.
More Reference:
Best hotels in Halong
Sapa Halong Tour

Monday, December 17, 2012

Top Luxury Hotels Vietnam

1. Sofitel Metropole -  Hanoi
A dinstitive hotel in Hanoi with rich history of serving famous politicians and famous people all over the world. 
The hotel is a proud member of Accor group,was built in 1901 with 363 rooms and suites. The prominent feature of this hotel is the reflection of French classical architecture, boasting the charm of Colonial elegance and a mixture of legendary Vietnamese hospitality and finest facilities befitting its European heritage.

2.  The Nam Hai Resort – Danang
This high-end property is designed to bring the ultimate privacy in comfort with 100 villas facing the virgin beach and lush gardens with outdoor showers. The rival features of this resort is the introduction of Vietnamese culture and hospitality that you can feel in every single service.
If you are looking for a serene resort with best services in Da Nang or Hoi An, this is surely your wise choice.

3. Pilgrimage Village – Hue
This village-like resort showcases the spirit of Vietnam rural residential structure in luxury. The meticulous decoration from skillfull artisans signifies your rooms with cozy and enjoyable items.
The resort is also a famous place to study Vietnamese traditional cuisine derived from Hue royal style. 
We highly recommend this resort for honeymooner and leisure travelers

4. Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay – Nha Trang
Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay perches on dramatic Ninh Van Bay, with its stunning rock formations overlooking the pristine beach features one of the best resort in Nha Trang.
The additional value of sandy beach, towering mountains colorize your luxury stay with nature sense. 
At Six senses Ninh Van, your comfort is ensured by uncompromised standard of luxury, incredible view and sumptuous foods.

5. Park Hyatt – Ho Chi Minh city
Park Hyatt is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city with easy access to major attractions of the city. 
Hyatt’s 244 rooms & suites redefine urban luxury, blending sophisticated design and décor with the latest modern comforts as the leading Ho Chi Minh hotel. Our Saigon hotel plays host to world-class restaurants and bars, including Italian Restaurant Opera, Square One Vietnamese Restaurant, Park Lounge, with a traditional Afternoon Tea, and 2 Lam Son martini bar, one of the city’s top nightlife destinations. For sheer relaxation, Park Hyatt features Xuan Spa, a tranquil urban retreat offering private therapy rooms, a fitness centre and outdoor pool

RECOMMENDED READINGS:
Vietnam Holidays
Sapa Trekking Tours
Vietnam Adventures