Dalat Vietnam

                                                                                               Photo by Thuy Nguyen

In Vietnam, Dalat ranks first among honeymoon destinations inside the country yet for foreign travelers the picturesque landscapes added by botanical garden, cascading waterfall, fascinating hill tribe villages has formed Dalat a wonderful hill station.

Whoever has come to Da Lat could never forget Xuan Huong Lake (Hồ Xuân Hương), which is located in center of town. Xuan Huong lake is now one of the main draws of Da Lat, and also where we can see honeymooners and locals strolling its banks. Side by side Xuan Huong Lake is Top-peg Hill (Đồi Cù), where has grown up a vast golf ground. If you are fond of fresh flowers, Da lat Flower Park is your accurate choice. The park, around 7,000 sq.m2, is situated on top of the Top-peg Hill, northern bank of Xuan Huong lake, and full of species of beautiful colored flowers to be extremely well-fed by planters. Tourists are all interested in the Da Lat’s flower festival, bringing them to a flowerfully fresh heaven!

For couples, Valley of Love (Thung Lũng Tình Yêu) is the premium place to go. Its special name derived from its romantic view of silence, grace and green. The other choice is Lake of Sorrow or Lake of Sighs (Hồ Than thở), whose name came from a tale of two lovers, one of whom committed suicide after the other was called up to serve in the army. The romantic and beautiful Tuyen Lam Lake (Hồ Tuyền Lâm) (the lake where rivers, springs and forests meet), Prenn Falls, or Pongour are also worth visiting for their beauty and fun.

On the other hand, Da Lat is popular for French-style architecture. Examples are King Bao Dai’s Palace, Ngo Dinh Diem and Nguyen Cao Ky’s villas, Hang Nga villas, and so forth. All of those should really be visited since they demonstrate the deeply special beauty and somehow culture of the old French.

References:
Vietnam Adventure Tours
Vietnam Adventures

Phu Quoc Vietnam

Known as the pearl of southern Vietnam, Phu Quoc makes your beach escape perfect thanks to its white-power beaches, fascinating fishing villages, colorful ocean excursion.

Phu Quoc is a very mountainous and densely forested Island of approx. 600 sq kms situated in the Gulf of Thailand, shaped like a “tear” its approx. 48 km in length south to north at its longest point and 19 km at its widest point in the far north.

                                                                                                           Photo from Flickr.com
It has a population of approx. 90,000 people approx. is 45 km’s west of Ha Tien on the Vietnamese mainland and approx 5 km off the south east coast of Cambodia.
This supernatural Island (surrounded by a number of smaller islands mainly to the south) arguably has some of most beautiful beaches in Vietnam and some of the best seafood, also abundant with local culture and some of the friendliest people in Vietnam!

Another point of interest is the Phu Quoc Dog which was reputedly a wild animal before and later trained as a hunting dog by the local people.
These animals have unusually sharp teeth (as they tear their food when they eat it rather than bite) and have claws that over the years have been conditioned for catching their prey and are razor sharp, in saying this generally “their bark is worse than their bite!”

References:
Vietnam Tours
Vietnam Practical information

Mui Ne Vietnam

Just few hours driving from southern hub of Vietnam, Mui Ne beach offers the one of the finest beaches in Vietnam with chances for diving, kitesurf and many other outdoor activities.
Besides the beach, Mui Ne also feature an easy access to many fascinating attractions in the area.

                                                                                                      Photo by Tom Hoang

The name ‘Mui Ne’ interestingly has many origins. The first meaning comes from the fishing people in the past. They usually faced sea storms, so they used to hide in a cape, which was called ‘Mui’ in Vietnamese, and ‘hide’ meant ‘Ne’. The second one originated as the name of the youngest daughter of Cham King – who was known as the owner of this land. Her alias was Ne, therefore, the cape where her temple was built, was called ‘Mui Ne’.

Mui Ne is a tropical beach with wonderfully warm weather, which is ideal for swimming. However, since the area from the central stretch to the northern end is dominated by fishing industry, the southern part is more suitable for swimming.
With strong sea breezes, Mui Ne is most famous for kite and wind surfing. Days from November to March have clear skies with perfectly strong winds from 11 am until late evening. The rock-free water makes it relatively safe for the kite surfers. There are also some Kite Surfing Schools, in which kite surfing starters are helped to launch the kite by beach boys. For starters who want more self-practice, you can try the western part front around Kite Surfing School Windchimes, where there are not many surfers, so that you can avoid unwanted accidents.

Obviously, lots of beautiful spots in Mui Ne attract domestic as well as international tourists, such as Ca Na Beach, which takes a 2-hour drive from Mui Ne and provides probably the best coral reefs and diving opportunity in Vietnam, Fairy Springs (Suoi Tien) – a stream where people can sightsee the local wildlife (birds, crabs, fish, frogs, many exotic flowers, etc.), Fish Sauce Plants, where famous Phan Thiet fish sauce (nuoc mam) is produced and sold all over Vietnam, Phan Thiet Water Tower, designed by Prince Suphanouvong of Laos – also the symbol of Binh Thuan province, Takou Mountain – 1-hour drive from Mui Ne Beach, which has not only beautiful tropical rainforest, but also an old pagoda on top of the mountain, PoShaNu Cham Tower – a relic of Cham culture built in the 8th century, which should not be missed, etc. The most must-see one is the Sand Dunes (Doi Cat), where the dunes turn from white to gold (red dunes can be found further south in Mui Ne Village).

Tourists arriving in Mui Ne can also enjoy the atmosphere in Mui Ne Village Market, which sells lots of fresh fruits and inexpensive clothing. Best time to visit is early in the morning.

Recommended Readings:
Vietnam Travel Tips
Vietnam Eco Tours

Con Dao Vietnam

While local Vietnamese mentioned more about history of Con Dao, this amazing island is truly a treasure for discerning travelers who seek for ultimate romance and relaxation.
Since the archipelago is off beaten track, visitors will find themselves lost in nature with numerous chance to dive, trek and enjoy the sea excursion in Con Dao.

The largest of the islands is Con Son, also known by its colonised name of Iles Poulo Condore. Settled as early as the 16th century by Europeans and then the British East India Company two centuries later, the island has gone on to have a culturally rich and politically intense history.

Under French rule Con Son was a penal colony for opponents of French colonialism and saw the imprisonment of many Vietnamese revolutionary heroes. Right up until the American War when US troops joined the South Vietnamese government who had captured the island from the French, Con Son had become infamous for its mistreatment and torture of its detainee's. The many prisons, now desolate shells, scatter the island along with manicured gardens and photogenic French villas.

Today Con Son has a sleepy and tranquil atmosphere with several lovely beaches and a beautiful untouched interior.  The island can be reached by a regular 45 minute flight from Saigon.

Reference:
Con Dao Travel Guide

Top Things to do in Con Dao

Northwest Vietnam Cycling Tour

Northwest Vietnam Cycling Tour is one of the most highlighted experience in northern Vietnam which is rewarded by stunning landscapes, beautiful river valleys, awesome mountains, mirror-like lakes and smiling people.

The biking trip from Hanoi to Sapa crosses different areas where you will have a chance to get in touch with Thai, Hmong, Dzao and many other ethnic minorities. This cultural interaction along with local hospitality is expected to make your trip here extraodinary.


SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Day 1 : Hanoi Arrival
You will be welcomed and transferred to our hotel in the center of town. In the evening before heading out to dinner, there will be a briefing as to what will be happening on the challenge. Tonight we have tickets for the famous Water Puppet show. (Dinner included)

Day 2 : Hanoi – Mai Chau
After breakfast we will head North west to Hoa Binh town. After lunch we will cycle through the valley, the hills and the sugar cane, orange and corn plantations and get an introduction to the stilt-house villages of the Muong and Thai peoples of the Mai Chau valley. Tonight we will stay in a stilt house of the Thai people. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 3 : Mai Chau- Moc Chau - Son La - (Cycling around 80km)
We will take breakfast with the local family then drive out of the village to begin our challenge. The road between Mai Chau and Son La is where you will begin to savor the spectacular mountain panoramas of the North West. Son La province is populated by various ethnic groups including the Ma, H'Mong, Dao, Muong, Kinh, Khmer, Tay, Thai and so on.  (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 4 : Son La – Pha Din – Dien Bien Phu - (Cycling around 70km)
One hour by bus takes us to the top of the Pha Din pass from where you can freewheel your bike down through stunning, rural scenery where limestone mountains rise out of the valley floor. Our night stop at Dien Bien Phu is the site of the longest and most ferocious battle of the Indochina war (1954) where the French were defeated and forced to withdraw from Vietnam. This was one of the most important battles of the 20th century.  (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 5 : Short ride day in Dien Bien Phu
Today we take a short ride around the historical town of Dien Bien Phu. After the last few days a soft riding day is really welcome. It also gives us a chance to visit the battlegrounds and museums and gain an understanding of how this battle changed history. (Breakfast included)

Day 6 : Dien Bien Phu – Muong Lay - (Cycling around 80km)
Today we cycle along the windy roads that snake through the beautiful countryside that characterizes this part of the country. At times the roads are steep but the stunning panoramas afforded us more than compensate for any hardships  (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 7 : Muong Lay – Paso - (Cycling around 80km)
After breakfast we cycle through more magnificent mountain scenery en route to Paso. Along the way we pass through several different minority villages and you will be in awe of the toughness of these people in terms of maintaining traditions and seemingly untouched by modern influences.  (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 8 : Paso– Sapa - (Cycling around 70km)
Today is a hard day as we continue on winding our way through the scenic hills and ascend the Tram Ton pass (2120m), one of the highest mountain passes in Vietnam, to reach our finishing line in Sapa (1600m). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 9 : Sapa
We have a full day to see some of Sapa’s most colorful and interesting sights by bicycle. These include the Red Dao village of Ta Phin, nestled on the floor of a beautiful valley and the picturesque Tay people of Ta Van village.  (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 10 : Sapa – Hanoi
Free time for you relaxing in Sapa until 17:30pm our driver will pick up and transfer you to Lao Cai Raiway Station to catch a night train to Hanoi.
Stay overnight on train

Recommended Readings:
Northwest Vietnam Adventure
Sapa Tours

Top Adventure destinations in Vietnam

Amongst the beautiful Vietnam attractions, we would like to introduce you the top destinations in Vietnam for your reference:



1. Cao Son Vietnam
Activities : trekking, motorbiking, mountain biking
The lofty mountain of Cao Son is similar to Sapa or some beautiful hill stations in northern Vietnam, however the land is totally off beaten track with less tourists.
The road is small but so scenic and inspirational for any ride to behold the unspoilt nature and remote villages. For trekking, options from 2 to 3 days inside the forest with homestay is so interesting as you will learn much about local culture from Red Dao, Hmong people
For tour to this area, please contact : http://www.sapatravelexpert.com )

2. Dalat Vietnam
Activities: waterfall conquest, kayaking, elephant riding
The nature in Dalat is so diverse that you can enjoy kayaking in some beautiful rivers or untouched streams without difficulties.
Local tour operator also offers you a chance to conquer the waterfall with much fun.
For those who love elephants, a ride for 2 hours to Lak lake is very easy and enables you to stay on the back of an elephant, visiting the lake and its surroundings.
Read more about: Top Dalat attractions

3. Cat Ba island
Activities: national park trek, rock climbing
The national park in Cat Ba is very famous for its reservation activities that travellers can enjoy the jungle as it was 20 years ago or more. Trekking inside the national park takes from 1 to 2 days with a homestay night for travellers who love mingling with local.
Rock climbing is very famous here too thanks to the islets with different shapes and this make the challange for everyone. Great view after the climbing is the best compensation ever here !

More to come:
Top Places to see rice terraces in Vietnam
Best Tours to Vietnam

Hanoi Cuc Phuong Biking Tour

This 4 day biking tour allows you to delve into the mountain zone of Cuc Phuong National park where you have chances to encounter friendly Thai people, understanding their unique culture and life.
It is also a good time to absort the typical nature of northern Vietnam which changes beautifully from picturesque Pu Luong reserved area to primitive forest of Cuc Phuong.

The following itinerary is just an example of this biking trip. Travellers can customize their trip with Vietnam Travel or Tour to Vietnam

Detailed Itinerary: 

Day 01: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong
Enjoy the first scenic drive to Mai Chau, the gate to the Northwest of Vietnam. After 160km with a winding road thru stunning view of mountain, sugarcane farms, we will stop at Mai Chau, a hometown of White Thai hill tribe renown by their houses-on-stilts. Have a quick lunch here before taking a short walk around the village to see their daily work: embroidering and weaving Thai traditional costumes. After lunch, take a short ride along Ma River before off the main road and start cycling by mountain tracks, enjoying new and different images of landscape, rainforest, streams that cross over the path. After 20km cycling, we will reach Kho Muong, a peaceful village of Thai hill tribal people. We will overnight in home-stay supported by FFI (Flora and Fauna International). If time available, we can join the ordinary life of locals in their farming works, cultivation or herding buffalo.

Day 02: Pu Luong - Cuc Phuong National park
We will have a long hard day for cycling by leaving beautiful Kho Muong village to get up-and-down paths with messy mixture of rocky mountains and slippery soil, as well as winding and extreme ascending routes. In response you could have wonderful view of landscape with houses-on-stilts, rice terraced fields, farming work of local people. Stop en route for lunch at Pho Doan local market, then continue an easier cycling along a calm river, with stops for pictures or refreshment at bamboo water-wheels. The escort bus will meet you in the afternoon to head to Cuc Phuong National Park for overnight.

Day 03: Cuc Phuong National Park
130km south of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is a typical limestone area and rainforest with an impressive collection of animals and plants. Seriously and carefully reserved by the government, Cuc Phuong maintains itself as home of some special primates and species including langurs, gibbons, macaques and fantastic birds including red-collared woodpeckers, limestone wren-babblers, fork-tailed sunbirds and many others. Full-day cycling in the Park under the umbrella of century–old trees to explore the forest and trails within the Park’s karst ecosystem will give us an overall conception of the nature protection in Northern Vietnam. Have dinner and overnight at the Cuc Phuong Guesthouse.

Day 04: Cuc Phuong - Hanoi
After breakfast, we will leave Cuc Phuong for a short ride to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le reigned in 10th century. This is an outstanding switch from three-day cycling over the mountain and rainforest to a new discovery of the low plain land with 2-hour thru rural village, passing rice paddy fields and rural houses. Have lunch in Tam Coc before taking a 2- hour boat trip around an area where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields  Halong Bay of Vietnam, which gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-in-land”. Late afternoon back to Hanoi.

Photo Trip to Vietnam

A trip that brings you to the best attractions of Vietnam, allowing you to capture the best moments, best images of the country into your lens, Vietnam Photo Trip features 15 days tour with the accompany of a professional photographers.

The local tour operator in Vietnam will be able to customize the theme of the trip as you prefer varying from historical photos to landscape photos or people photos.

This sample itinerary is provided by one of the most famous tour operator in Vietnam, besides this itinerary, you many find many other choices while searching for Vietnam Photo Tour

We recommend you to read about Vietnam Photography Guide and Vietnam Photography Tour also before settle your trip to Vietnam

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Saigon Arrival
Arrive at Saigon airport, meet the guide with the welcome signboard. Transfer to hotel for check in with an orientation tour of Saigon city to have an overview of Saigon.

Day 2: Saigon City Tours 
Today’s full day city tour visits Saigon’s historic landmarks including walking tour for photo opportunities toward the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, former Presidential Palace and possibly War Remnants Museum (the main room, where a collection of photos taken by war journalist photographers are now on display). Lunch is at the traditional Vietnamese Kinh Bac restaurant Afternoon visit to the Chinese district of Cholon to enjoy the bustling wholesale quarter of Saigon. China town has been established in Saigon for over 200 years but remained unchanged with its old temples and houses characterizing the disintegrated Vietnamese- Chinese culture. There are lots of photo opportunities about the local life during the visit. Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3: Saigon – Cu Chi – Tay Ninh 
Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Cu Chi district, and Tay Ninh Province. Upon arrival in Cu Chi district, make a couple of stops for photo opportunities and a visit to a rice paper making factory at Tan Phu Trung Village. Experience ourselves the underground village of Cu Chi guerrilla fighters, which is simply a network of tunnels built during the long years of wars. Continue to drive another an hour and half from Cu Chi towards Tay Ninh to visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple, and attend the noon time service with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy and where all the major faiths of the world blend together in a unique religious cocktail; photo opportunities during the ceremony. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Drive back to Saigon and arrive at 4 pm. Balance of the afternoon is to wander about Saigon for photo shooting. Dinner is on the Rex rooftop Vietnamese restaurant with traditional music performance.

Day 4: Saigon – My Tho – Can Tho 
Leave Saigon for My Tho. My Tho is located on the northern banks of the Mekong river and is the closest town in the Delta area to Ho Chi Minh City, about 2 hours drive away. In the center of the town close to the river there is a large market that sells just about anything that can be eaten or is used in day to day business. Around the My Tho area you will find a maze of small canals that can be explored on one of the many organized boat tours. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River and visit an orchard on an island, with lunch en route. Continue with a visit to a snake farm and then continue driving to Can Tho.

Day 5: Can Tho – Saigon 
Early morning board for a 3-hour cruise to Cai Rang and Phong Dien, 2 big floating markets with stops at a Bun Tau noodle factory and a short trek before arriving at a rice-husking mill. You can even try passing one of the many fragile monkey bridges along the canals photo shot. At the floating markets, you will discover a typical way of displaying and advertising farm products of local people gathering on the Mekong river to trade their goods. Leave our boat at a dock opposite Cai Rang market. Drive back to Saigon with a lunch stop at My Tho. Dinner at hotel.

Day 6: Saigon – Danang – Hoi An
Morning transfer to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to hotel with an immediate visit to Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach before driving another 30 km to Hoi An. Hoi an, a former international trading port during the 17-18th century, is a charming small town with an eccentric mix of western and eastern-influenced architecture. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check in. Lunch is at Pho Hoi restaurant. Afternoon, take a walking tour on its narrow cobblestone streets visiting former merchants’ houses, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the colorful bazaar, and the local market, where we spend a lot of time to shoot the most lively pictures of fish mongers on the river bank. At 5 pm, take one hour boat ride on the Thu Bon River visit the Kim Bong pottery and carpentry villages to learn the traditional way of making clay products and fishing boat building.

Day 7: Hoi An -  Hue 
Free to explore the town on own until 10 am. Depart Hoi An for Hue, the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty of emperors from 1802 till 1945. The scenic route passes through Danang before climbing over the Mountain Clouds Hai Van Pass where a spectacular panorama of the central coastline can be viewed at the summit, dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co located on a sand dune line. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Thanh Tam restaurant in Lang Co village before continuing driving to Hue. Upon arrival check in your hotel. Afternoon , take an hour cycle ride around the city an overview and photo the romantic French colonial styled villas located a long the Perfume River bank. We carry on visiting the Dong Ba central market before driving back to the hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Day 8: Hue 
Morning take a dragon boat downstream to visit Con Hen island, where we have chance to describe the life of boat people on the sampans by photo. Continue upstream toward the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most reserved religious monument standing on the riverbank with its seven-floored tower. Drive to visit the Imperial Citadel. Lunch is at the Thuong Tu pancake restaurant (specialties of Hue). Afternoon continue by vehicle to visit the elaborate Royal tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Before returning to the hotel, we come up to the Vong Canh hill for a photo opportunity of the spectacular upper part of the Perfume River. Evening, royal dinner is at the An Phu restaurant.

Day 9: Hue – Hanoi
Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi, meet and transfer to your hotel. After check in, begin a tour of this charming capital city visiting the One Pillar Pagoda, Fine Arts Museum, Temple of Literature, Lake of the Restored Sword. Lunch is at Hoa Sua cooking school restaurant. Afternoon, we continue to wander the downtown area through the old section of 36 streets and 36 wares, where each street hosts vendors of particular trade, and also where we will visit an ancient house located at 23 Hang Giay, owned by Mrs. Le Thi Loc who has lived there over the French colonial time. Free shopping or wandering around Hanoi old part of the city for photo shooting.

Day 10: Hanoi – Sapa
Early morning around 5.30, walk to Hoan Kiem Lake where local seniors practice a rigorous, joint-limbering version of tai chi. After breakfast, depart for the “Pagoda of the West” (Tay Phuong) and the Master-Thay pagoda. Tay Phuong pagoda, 40 km southwest of Hanoi, consists of three parallel single level structures built on a hillock said to resemble a buffalo. These structures represent three treasures, Buddha, his laws and the bronze. Take a relaxing hike (for photo opportunities) for a few miles through the rice paddy and villages to the Master-Thay pagoda, the home of the Water Puppetry Art. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the pagoda. Return to Hanoi at 3.30 pm and transfer to the hotel. At 5 pm, leave hotel for a water puppet show. Dinner is at the Le Tonkin French colonial Vietnamese restaurant. Transfer to the train station to take an overnight train ride to Lao Cai.

Day 11: Sapa
Arrive in the early morning at Lao Cai Station, near the Chinese border, and transfer to our private car for a scenic drive to the hill station of Sapa. Enjoy the spectacular views of rice-terraced mountains and Black H’mong and Red Dao hill tribe people dressed in their colorful wares walking along the roadside. After checking into the hotel and breakfast, begin a walking tour through the market, where hill tribe people from villages afar converge here on Saturday, and continue towards Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’Mong hill tribe. Back to the town for a late lunch at a local restaurant After lunch hang around the town to interact with the Dzao, H’mong and Dzay hill tribe people. Balance of the day is free at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 12: Sapa – Bac Ha 
Waking up early morning at 06:30. Drive to Bac Ha. This Sunday market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated H’mong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi, Tay who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognizably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is unique. After touring around the market, the car will take you to Ban Pho villages where inhabited of Flower H’mong people. Driver back to Lao Cai town to board Victoria Express back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Day 13: Hanoi – Halong – Junk Boat Overnight 
Early arrive in Hanoi. Transfer to a hotel for fresh up and breakfast. Then, drive 160 km to Halong City with a coffee break en route at the Sao Do handicraft village. Arrive by noontime at the dock, we board our private junk to begin sightseeing cruise through spectacular Halong Bay, visiting the amazingly beautiful caves and grottos. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch served on board. Visiting The Grotto of Awe and the boat transfer you to the calm and clean water areas (pearl farming area) for swimming. Having dinner party on the cruise.

Day 14: Sunrise on the Bay – Hanoi 
Waking up very early morning to catch sunrise and take photos of Halong Bay in early morning. Disembarking off the boat and driving back to Hanoi with a stop en route in ceramic-making village of Bat Trang to observe the century-year old trade of ceramic production. Lunch is at Cha Ca La Vong restaurant. After that you are free to do the shopping. This evening we all meet for the farewell dinner at the Indochine Restaurant.

Day 15: Hanoi Departure 
Having breakfast at the hotel. Free until transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Best Photography Tour to Northern Vietnam

This photography Tour enables you to capture the highlights of northern Vietnam and its friendly people.
From stunning mountain range to serene village, from lush river valley to cascading waterfall, from fascinating towns to enchanting hill tribes village... all features chances to make your photography amazing.



SAMPLE ITINERARY:

Day 01: Hanoi Arrival
Welcome at Noi Bai airport

Day 02: Hanoi – Ha Long
We will transfer to Halong through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and the daily Vietnamese village life. On the way, we will stop at some nice places to take photograph. Arrive in Ha Long and board our traditional sailing junk. While cruising the exquisite waters, sample the local fresh seafood. Start a fantastic cruise in Halong bay and sightseeing Dog Island, Incense Urn Island, Fighting Coq Island, Finger Island, Hoa Cuong Island and explore the mystery of Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.
Note: luxury option of Halong Cruises will let you cruise into the less-visited part of Halong

Day 3: Halong - Hanoi
Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, Bai Tu Long bay and take small bamboo boat to visit Luon cave. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board, disembark at the dock at Ha Long City. Transfer back to Hanoi by road. Dinner at restaurant on your own. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Mai Chau - Son La 
After a quick breakfast, picked up by our guide at hotel and transfer by road to Mai Chau, 74km southwest of Hanoi. Enjoy your time to take snapshots of very beautiful single landscapes in North on the way. After arrival, visit Thai minority in Lac village (Ban Lac). Have lunch on the house on stilt  in Mai Chau. Continue to go to Son La in the afternoon.  The road to Son La is lined with fruit orchards, tea plantations, towering mountains and the traffic of Black Thai, Muong and White Thai hill tribe people heading to markets. Stop to take photos on the way. Check in hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Son La.

Day 5: Son La – Nghia Lo 
Visit the lookout tower on the hill to take photos of the sweeping overview of Son La and the surrounding area. The climb is teep and takes about 20 minutes but the view from the top is well worth it. Continue to visit the Prison & the Museum, which remains as a poignant reminder of the inequities of the former French colonial rule. Transfer by road to Nghia Lo. The road to Nghia Lo is very impressive with many sightseeings to take photograph.  Arrive in Nghia Lo in late afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at a hotel in Nghia Lo.

Day 6: Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai - Sapa 
After breakfast, continue a photo tour on the beautiful stretch of road to Mu Cang Chai and Sapa. Lunch. Arrive in Sapa, the permier destination of north west Vietnam at late afternoon. Check in hotel, dinner at a local restaurant on your own and overnight in Sapa.
Read more about Sapa Photography Guide

Day 7: Sapa – Lao Chai, Ta Van
After breakfast, transfer to Lao Chai, Tavan villages to see the daily life of H’Mong & Dzao people.  Back in Sapa for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon free to visit Sapa town, Ham Rong mountain, take a trek to Cat Cat village. Dinner on your own and overnight in Sapa town.
In the evening, visit Sapa’s unique Love market of ethnic minorities which takes place every Saturday.

Day 8: Sapa – Bac Ha 
After breakfast,  transfer to Bac Ha for seeing the lively & crowded market of ethnic minority people with colorful dressing. Visit Local minority villages in Bac ha. Check in hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 9: Bac Ha – Ha Giang 
After breakfast, visit the famous Can Cau or Bac Ha market, which is open on Saturday & Sunday respectively. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then transfer to Ha Giang in the afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Ha Giang.

Day 10: Ha Giang - Dong Van – Ha Giang 
In the morning, transfer to Dong Van. Dong Van is very beautiful with mountains, forests, hidden  grottoes and caves where you can take a lot of good pictures. Visiting Pho village, Dong Van market, visit  Pho Bang Street, which was built a long time ago and features multi-storey houses made of clay bricks and tile roofs. Lunch at a local restaurant. Back to Ha Giang in the late afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Ha Giang.

Day 11: Ha Giang - Hanoi 
In the morning, transfer back to Hanoi. Lunch at a local restaurant in Tuyen Quang Province. Arrive in Hanoi, check in hotel, Free time at your leisure in Hanoi. Dinner on your own and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 12: Hanoi – Departure 
A good opportunity to do some photograph tour in Hanoi in the early morning before transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your ongoing flight.

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Reference: Vietnam Tours    Myanmar Tours
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For the best photography tour, we suggest you to customize your trip with some local expert.
If you prefer a special themed trip, ask local Sapa Tours or Vietnam Adventures will be a good idea

Unique Cao Son trekking

Cao Son is located in the rugged mountain range of Muong Khuong district in Lao Cai province. The area is full of surprise from its stunning landscapes to hospitable minorities of Hmong, Dao, Nung people.
This tour is to showcase the best of Cao Son.

Night 1: Hanoi  - Lao Cai by train
Taking overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai city

Day 1: Lao Cai - Visit Lung Khau Nhin market - trekking in Vang Leng
Transfer to Lung Khau Nhin, visit this special weekly market with our guide. After 1,5 hour in the market, we start walking to the valley of Vang Leng and its waterfall. The Nung people will welcome you with their best and we will have lunch with them. Continue walking to Vang Det village where our car awaits to transfer you to Cao Son lodge.
Upon arrival, visit Ngai Phong Cho village to see the life of Flower Hmong people.

Day 2: Cao Son - Tin Thang - Xa Lung Cheng trekking
We will spend full day walking over the land of Flower Hmong people who immigrated to Cao Son from China. From Tin Thang peak you are to behold the rugged mountain ranges, Chay River and secluded villages. We will have picnic lunch and offer books, toys for local children where they really appreciate your visit.
Surely you will have so much fun with local people this day.
After 6 hours walking, our car will transfer you back to Cao Son Lodge for your relax.

Day 3: Monkey forest - Chay river boat trip - Trung Do village - Lao Cai
Transfer to Mongkey forest, start walking on the hidden trail where the view is amazingly beautiful if you have blue sky.
Picnic lunch will be served in Ban Pho village. The local people will come to you as the highlight of their day. You will surely be surprised by the way they greet you to their habiat.
After lunch, descent to Chay river where the boat is ready to take you downstream, visit Fairy cave and enjoy a soft walk to the village of Tay people. Return to Lao Cai city, visit China border then take the overnight train back to Hanoi.
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More information about Vietnam:
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Ha Giang Vietnam

Vietnam Adventures

Ha Giang is one of the less-visited area in northern Vietnam which is home to different colorful hill tribes.
From breathtaking mountain views to secluded hamlet of Hmong people, from lively markets which happens once a week to the odd traditions, Ha Giang showcases its uniqueness through every step of your travel.


While the beauty of this land is overwhelming, the road to Ha Giang takes long time and partly not in good condition if you wish to explore its remote land. However, all the effort to adventure this land is worth.

For those who love motorcyling, a journey Ha Giang - Meo Vac - Dong Van - Lung Cu would be ideal for 5 days, further trip which takes you into the heart of Hmong habitat may take about 7 days.


Trekkers also find a beautiful chance to be embraced by the local friendliness with trekking trail from Ha Giang to Hoang Su Phi or Dong Van which is often accompanied by option of doing homestay.

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Ha Giang Motorbike Tour                             > Sapa Trekking Tours
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Touring Ha Giang from Sapa is also very interesting as you traverse a vast land which is unexplored and meet the people who welcome you with their smiling faces and weaving children.

Adventure Northwest Vietnam

Northwest Vietnam including Sapa, Lai Chau, Dien Bien Phu, Son La and Mai Chau offers incredible journey through its rugged mountains, vivid villages, lush valleys and richly forested trails.

This is simply a suggestion for 7 days trip from Hanoi to the beautiful northwest area.
You can either take a packaged trip or do it yourself with a motorbike.

Night 01: Hanoi  - Lao Cai Overnight train
Our staff will welcome you at your hotel for Hanoi Railway station transfer.
He/she will bring you to your cabin, explaining you the train facilities function.

Day 01: Lao Cai – Hill tribe market – Sapa
Our guide and driver will welcome you at Lao Cai station for a scenic drive to one of the colorful hill tribe market: Coc Ly market ( Tuesday), Cao Son market ( Wednesday), Lung Khau Nhin market( Thursday), Can Cau market ( Saturday) or Bac Ha market ( Sunday).
After visiting the market, we will offer you a pleasant walk to a local village of Flower Hmong people.
Heading to Sapa for your rest and leisure.

Day 02: Sapa Trekking
Spend your day trekking along the hillside of Muong Hoa valley where you will encounter Black Hmong, Red Dzao and Giay people whose cultures are unique and inspired.
The trek brings you through the most beautiful part of Sapa with rice terraces, rivers and stunning mountains.

Day 03: Sapa – Lai Chau – Muong Lay
Today, we venture into the road that is less-known and very spectacular. After passing the Heaven Gate we will enter the area of Dzao tribes in Phong Tho before traveling to the world of Thai people.
The sceneries glide vividly through your car window from Da river side to peaceful valleys , green rice fields to stilt village of Thai tribe.

Day 04: Muong Lay – Dien Bien Phu
Start your day with a visit to White Thai village. Our guide  will introduce you the colorful culture of this grateful people before enjoying your half day on the car to Dien Bien Phu.
Upon your arrival in Dien Bien Phu, we will visit the Museum, Independent Hill and other relics in the city.

Day 05: Dien Bien Phu – Son La
After breakfast, we commence our drive from Dien Bien Phu to Tuan Giao which offers chances to visit Thai people and know more about their peaceful life.
As we travel to Son La, we will cross one of the longest pass in northern Vietnam, the Pha Din.
Upon our arrival in Son La, our guide will take you to Son La prison, a famous site that depicts the war during Indochina Colonial time.

Day 06: Son La – Mai Chau
Today we descend from Son La to Mai Chau via the vast tea and plum plantation in Moc Chau.
Once we have arrived in Mai Chau, enjoy your rest and start walking along the rice field to visit Thai people in this verdant valley.
The highlight of this day is the musical dance performed by local people in the evening.

Day 07: Mai Chau – Hanoi
After breakfast, travel off beaten track to walk on a beautiful trail Kho Muong. This authentic experience will impress your time in Mai Chau.
Having lunch in Mai Chau before heading to Hanoi.

For further information of this tour, you can contact: Vietnam Tours, Sapa Travel or Vietnam Adventure

Sapa Vietnam

Situated on the elevation of 1600m, Sapa is well-known as one of the most unique travel site in Vietnam which offers magnificent mountain vistas and colorful hill tribe cultures.

Sapa Photography Guide

While the town boasts an exotic place with the presence of Black Hmong, Red Dzao and Giay minorities , the surrounding villages and attractions expose their distinctive natural beauty ranging from cascading Cat Cat waterfall, verdant rice terraces to lofty Fansipan mountain range. Sapa landscapes vary beautifully with its topography with misty forest, green valleys and secluded hamlets.

 Lying on a rocky side of an inspired valley, Sapa town, which was established in 1922 was to function a refreshment hill station for colonial soldiers and officers. Sapa was affected by WWII then the border Chinese conflict in 1979. Many parts of the town were destroyed, however the ruins and the remained villas nowadays still reflects the French colonial charm that is unlike in Sapa.

Sapa Vietnam

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With the access of tourism, Sapa has returned to its glory. The investment for infrastructure enables more visitors coming to Sapa thanks to new, wide roads, better electricity providing, more hotels, restaurants and service suppliers. While the town become outstanding amongst tourist destinations in northern Vietnam, campaigns are created to reserved the quaint, interesting traditions of local Montagnards.

The weather of Sapa is very changeable in a day. The best thing in Sapa is you always enjoy the fresh air. On the other hand, Sapa is quite foggy and misty. In winter, the temperature drops to 0 degree with breeze and fog. Do not forget your woolies if you travel in this period.
The greenest time is summer which often brings interrupted rains. While the landscapes are best viewed, you may encounter the dirty trails for a trekking trip.

Hoi An Vietnam

Hoi An is a World Heritage site in central Vietnam, it is rewarded for its rich history, unique works and beautiful traditions. The town is special because from the 16th century on, many flourishing commercial ports such as Malacca & Penang developed. Today, most of these either decayed totally or became a large modern port. In both cases the original townscape was lost through neglect or demolition.

Hoi An Vietnam

In 1999, UNESCO formally recognizes Hoi An as a World Heritage Site. There are the things that make up the reputation. Hoi An is home to many temples, pagodas and the ancient homes that bear its very unique mark. The density of such sites is unlike any other in Vietnam. These places carry with them the history of Hoi An itself. The depiction of its formation, its once-prosperous merchant past, its progress and how it manages to become one of today are all well documented, in words and in priceless relics.

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The town is not just reminiscent of the past, it truly takes one for a slow enlightening journey to the past. Such journey is simply unthinkable most elsewhere in Vietnam. It is only possible because of the careful and dedicated works that have gone into preserving and presenting its way - efforts that have come as the result of the UNESCO recognition. Enjoying the spotlight and catering to the increasing number of tourists flooding its narrow streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the past, hotels and resorts are now sprouting up all over town.

Hanoi Travel Guide

Located on the right bank of the Red River, Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is the oldest and one of the most attractive capital cities in Southeast Asia which has a lot to offer to its visitors and residents alike. Visiting Hanoi, foreigners don’t forget green spaces and beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake within the city. Hanoi creates its charm and uniqueness from the narrow streets of the Old quarter to the many lakes dotting the city.

Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities, Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples.

Many traditional handicrafts are also practiced in Hanoi including bronze molding, silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery. Hanoi has many famous traditional professional handicraft villages such as Bat Trang pottery village, Ngu Xa bronze casting village, Yen Thai glossy silk village.

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Top Hanoi Attractions

1. Temple of Literature
A tribute to Confucius and the site of the first university in Vietnam, the beautiful Temple of Literature has been around since the year 1070. The landmark contains numerous courtyards and pavilions, many of which have undergone careful restoration in recent decades.

2. Grand Opera House
A dramatic memory of French influence in Vietnam, the Grand Opera House in Hanoi is a typical and exquisite piece of colonial architecture. Built between 1901 and 1911, the opera house is a replica of the Palais Garnier in Paris.

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
One of the most conspicuous mausoleums in the world, the massive tribute to the most famous leader in Vietnam provides Hanoi with a landmark on par with Lenin’s tomb in Moscow. Open since 1975, the mausoleum site also contains a museum on Ho Chi Minh.

4. One Pillar Pagoda
The Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda is almost peerless in Vietnam, with a history that dates back a full millenium. The iconic landmark was badly defaced by French troops in 1954 but was rebuilt decades later.

5. Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi is a city of lakes and Hoan Kiem is one of the most popular with visitors. Superbly scenic and serene, the lake provides a habitat for soft-shell turtles and contains many picturesque pagodas and small bridges.

6. The Presidential Palace
Although Ho Chi Minh obstinately refused to stay there, the Presidential Palace in Hanoi is a remarkable landmark. Built by the French at the turn of the last century in Italian Renaissance style, the palace serves as a government house today. Visitors can walk the grounds for a small price.

7. National Museum of Fine Arts
For a singular glimpse into Vietnamese culture, the country’s National Museum of Fine Arts is the best place to visit. The facility contains a vast collection of art, sculpture, crafts and artifacts from every period in Vietnam’s history.

8. Hanoi Hilton
Synonymous with prisoners of war, the Hanoi Hilton is a colloquial term for a notorious facility first used by the French, then by the North Vietnamese, to hold and torture captives. American POWs at the height of the Vietnam War gave rise to the name, with John McCain as one notable long-time prisoner. Today a part of the Hanoi Hilton serves as a museum.

9. West Lake
West Lake is first in size in Hanoi and is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. Pagodas, restaurants and hotels line the body of water and serve as lively focal points.

10. Tran Quoc Pagoda
The most historic pagoda in all of Hanoi, Tran Quoc is the foremost symbol of Buddhism in the country. The landmark’s origins date back some 1,500 years, although over time it has undergone changes in appearance and location.

Halong Bay Vietnam

Halong Bay Vietnam consists of a dense cluster of over 3,000 limestone monolithic islands (although locals claim there are only 1,969 as this is the year of Ho Chi Minh’s death), each topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes cave) is the largest grotto in the Halong Bay. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuần Châu Island and Cat Ba Island, that have permanent inhabitants, as well as tourist facilities including hotels and beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches on the smaller islands in Halong Bay.

Vietnam Attractions

A community of around 1,600 people live on Halong Bay in four fishing villages: Cửa Vạn, Ba Hang, Cống Tàu and Vông Viêng in Hùng Thắng commune, Hạ Long city. They live on floating houses and are sustained through fishing and marine aquaculture (cultivating marine biota), plying the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Many of the islands in Halong Bay have acquired their names as a result of interpretation of their unusual shapes. Such names include Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha Islet (roof). 989 of the islands have been given names. Birds and animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and lizards also live on some of the islands.

Tours to Vietnam

Almost all these islands are as individual towers in a classic fenglin landscape with heights from 50m to 100m, and height/width ratios of up to about six.

Another specific feature of Halong Bay is the abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands. For example, Dau Be island has six enclosed lakes. All these island lakes occupy drowned dolines within fengcong karst.

Top Vietnamese dishes

Vietnamese cuisines are diverse. The differences from northern and southern cuisines or central Vietnam comes from their lifestyle, plant diversity and their own tastes.
In a short article, I would like to quote the famous dishes voted by CNN for top dishes in Vietnam :

1. Pho
What list of Vietnamese cuisine would be complete without pho? It’s almost impossible to walk a block in Vietnam’s major cities without bumping into a crowd of hungry patrons slurping noodles at a makeshift pho stand.
This simple staple consisting of a salty broth, fresh rice noodles, a sprinkling of herbs and chicken or beef, features predominately in the local diet -- and understandably so. It’s cheap, tasty, and widely available at all hours.

2. Pho cuon
Pho cuon packages the flavors of pho and goi cuon in one neat little parcel. This Hanoi take on fresh spring rolls uses sheets of uncut pho noodles to encase fried beef, herbs and lettuce or cucumber.

3. Banh xeo
A good banh xeo is a crispy crepe bulging with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, plus the garnish of fresh herbs that are characteristic of most authentic Vietnamese dishes.
To enjoy one like a local, cut it into manageable slices, roll it up in rice paper or lettuce leaves and dunk it in whatever special sauce the chef has mixed up for you.

4. Cao lau
This pork noodle dish from Hoi An is a bit like the various cultures that visited the trading port at its prime. The thicker noodles are similar to Japanese udon, the crispy won-ton crackers and pork are a Chinese touch, while the broth and herbs are clearly Vietnamese.

5. Rau muong
Some might call it river weed -- with good reason -- but that doesn’t stop the masses from scarfing down platefuls of morning glory, usually stir-fried and seasoned with slithers of potent garlic.
Rau muong is common at Vietnamese restaurants and beer gardens.

6. Nem ran/cha gio
Vietnam’s bite-sized crunchy spring rolls might not enjoy the same popularity as their healthier fresh equivalent, but they deserve a special mention.
The crispy shell with a soft veggie and meat filling dunked in a tangy sauce gets the gastronomic juices flowing before a main course. In the north these parcels go by the name nem ran while southerners call them cha gio.

7. Goi cuon
These light and healthy fresh spring rolls are a wholesome choice when you’ve been indulging in too much of the fried food in Vietnam.
The translucent parcels are first packed with salad greens, a slither of meat or seafood and a layer of coriander, before being neatly rolled and dunked in Vietnam’s favorite condiment -- fish sauce.

8. Bun bo Hue
Central Vietnam’s take on noodles caters to carnivores with its meaty broth and piles of beef and pork. The thick slippery rice noodles also make for a heartier meal than noodles found in the north and south.

9. Banh khot
This dainty variation of a Vietnamese pancake has all the same tasty ingredients but is a fraction of the size. Each banh knot can be scoffed in one ambitious but satisfying mouthful.
The crunchy outside is made using coconut milk and the filling usually consists of shrimp, mung beans, and spring onions with a dusting of dried shrimp flakes on top.

10. Ga tan
Got the sniffles? Opt for ga tan, a broth that’s Vietnam’s answer to the proverbial cup of chicken noodle soup. Sure it’s not quite how your mother used to make it, with its greenish tinge from the herbs and hunks of chicken parts, but it’s worth a try if you’re needing a Vietnamese tonic.

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11. Nom hoa chuoi
Vietnam’s banana flower salad packs a much bigger punch than a typical plate of mixed greens.
Banana flowers (thick purple lumps that will later turn into bunches of bananas) are peeled and thinly sliced then mixed with green papaya, carrots, and cilantro along with chicken and a heavy-handed pour of a salty fish sauce dressing and crunchy peanuts.

12. Bun bo nam bo
This bowl of noodles comes sans broth, keeping the ingredients from becoming sodden and the various textures intact. The tender slices of beef mingle with crunchy peanuts and bean sprouts, and are flavored with fresh herbs, crisp dried shallots, and a splash of fish sauce and fiery chili pepper.

13. Hoa qua dam
This chunky blend of fresh tropical fruit in a cup is the perfect local treat when the heat of Vietnamese summer starts to wear you down. It could be considered a healthy alternative to ice cream -- if you stick to the shaved ice variation -- but for the full experience it’s best had with diabetes-inducing condensed milk mixed in.

14. Cha Ca
Hanoians consider cha ca to be so exceptional that there is a street in the capital dedicated to these fried morsels of fish.
This namesake alley is home to Cha Ca La Vong, which serves sizzling chunks of fish seasoned with garlic, ginger, turmeric and dill on a hot pan tableside.
Cha Ca La Vong may be the busiest but the service is a bit gruff and the food overpriced. Instead make your way to Duong Than in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district, where you’ll find plenty of more affordable but just as tasty options

15. Lau
Eating this hodgepodge hotpot dish is a communal affair with everyone digging in to the oversized boiling pot. We’ve found that just about anything can (and will) go into this soup from tofu to frogs.
It’s best to stick to one main protein rather than opting for the mix of meat, poultry and seafood together.

Top Vietnam Attractions

Since Vietnam opened its door to the world, there are more and more attractions to explore while touring Vietnam. In my short writing, I would like to introduce some must see destinations that you should visit in my beautiful country :

Vietnam Tours

1. Halong Bay
An absolute highlight of my holiday in Vietnam , the enchanting archipelago of Halong Bay lies off the north east coast of Vietnam and comprises around 3000 limestone islands. Cruising around this beautiful bay on board a traditional junk boat is a magical experience that no Vietnam trip should be without. Just try to save some room on your camera for the rest of your trip!
View more information : Ha Long Travel Guide

2. Sapa
Tucked away in Northern Vietnam, this stunning area is home to hill tribes such as the Black H’mong and the Red Dzao. With hikes through the lush green valleys departing every day, and the opportunity to visit the famous Love Market, a trip to Sapa will give you a real taste of rural Vietnam.
View Sapa Tours

3. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta produces one of Vietnam’s most important exports – rice, and thus acts as the backbone of Southern Vietnam’s economy. During your Vietnam trip, you can take a boat trip down the Mekong, where you will pass the colourful floating markets of Cai Rang and Cai Be among others. Here, vendors will offer their wares from their boats jammed with produce.

4. Hue
Hue is the ancient royal capital of Vietnam and is very rich in history and culture. During my trip to Hue, I found that there were plenty of things to do, including a cruise down the Perfume River and visits to historic sights and monuments such as the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and the Palace of Supreme Peace.

5. Hoi An
Hoi An is located on the coast in Central Vietnam and is well known for its excellent tailors, its art galleries, and its narrow streets crammed with tiny wooden cafes serving steaming coffee. There is a noticeable Chinese influence in Hoi An. Centuries ago Chinese traders came to offer their goods here and the charm of the town is still completely undeniable. There’s plenty to do in Hoi An, from visiting the historic temple complex of My Son, to relaxing on the beach. Make sure you leave some time in your Vietnam travel plan to try your hand at some traditional Vietnamese cooking.

6. Con Dao Archipelago
This is a hidden gems with pleantiful untouched islands, faded historical sites and exotic culture. If you fancy a place to enjoy the beach by your own in luxury style, take a flight to Con Dao then !

7. Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is a splendid tropical gateway set with beautiful beaches and quaint fishing villages. There’s plenty to do here if you’re looking for more than just lying on a beach though. The interior of the island is a protected area where you can go for walks or even hiking. Phu Quoc is largely considered as one of Vietnam’s star attractions!

8. Ho Chi Minh City
Packed full of interesting things to see and do, HCMC has plenty to keep visitors occupied. Visits to the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace and the Revolution Museum will offer greater insight into the country’s history, whilst trips to the numerous temples and pagodas will offer a far more spiritual experience.

9. Hanoi
The beautiful city of Hanoi is crammed full of local eateries, markets and shops. If you fancy a weird experience, you could visit the mausoleum of former president, Ho Chi Minh. Perhaps you may like to finish a busy day with a trip to the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre, on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake.

10. Ha Giang
The land of Ha Giang is really sealed. So far, there are only intrepid adventures who are keen on experiencing something extraordinary, love trekking come here. This land, however has something to offer every visitors from rugged mountains to stunning river valley, from smiling welcome to incredible culture of Hmong people
Check more Vietnam Adventures

Vietnam Visa Application

Most of travellers need to have visa to Vietnam, except citizens of some countries with visa exemption: most Asian countries, Korea, Japan and the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland).
All other citizens are required to have a Vietnamese visa before departure or pre-approved entry visa supplied before arrival in Vietnam by the Vietnam Immigration Office.

Vietnam Visa

How to apply for a visa to Vietnam?
There are two ways to get your visa for Vietnam:

- Get your visa in the country you live.
Please contact the visa section at the Vietnam Embassies or Consulates in the country where you live.
Documents: Passport of 6 months validity, visa application forms, and probably some others required by the embassy or consulate. Visa application forms are available to you directly to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country or by sending there, a stamped addressed envelope.
Rates: vary from embassy to embassy.
Duration: It can take between 4-10 days depending on your country of origin.

- Get your visa upon arrival in Vietnam
We can do it for you. Khoaviet travel, you will send a letter of visa Approval by Vietnam Immigration Office, and when you enter Vietnam by air  will be given a stamp on your passport - it is all done, fast and easy
How long:
Normally it takes two days to complete from the time we receive your information.
What does it cost:
It depends on the number of people traveling together.
What is the duration of stay:
30 days of stay in Vietnam (with single entry or multiples entries), you can extend for one more month when you are here.
Document requires:
Please send a complete copy of your passport (of 6 months validity) via email of full name, date of birth, sex, nationality, passport number, passport expired date of your arrival in Vietnam.
Attention please: We can only obtain the visa for you once you book tours with us - by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Visa on arrival can be arranged when you enter Vietnam by air (international airport in Hanoi, Danang or Saigon) or you can get the visa at the Vietnamese embassy in your country.

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On arrival, you must be in possession of:
- Your passport
- Invitation letter
- 2 photos (4x6 cm)
- Visa for one month, single entry: 45USD
- Visa for one month, multiple entry: 60USD