Top 7 Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam

Many travellers to majestic Halong Bay spend a day cruising the emerald waters admiring the mysterious limestone rocks that rise up majestically. But there is so much more to do in Halong Bay such as kayaking, exploring the caves and hiking on the islands.

Over 3,000 amazing islands rise up from the Gulf of Tonkin, some with their own caves, beaches and inlets. It’s this stunning and mystic landscape that earns Halong Bay its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.  Many visitors spend a day or two on a traditional junk, bobbing along on the serene waters, watching everyday Vietnamese life going by. North Vietnam tours

Spot the Wildlife and Birdlife on Cat Ba Island

There are many larger islands within Halong Bay, including Cat Ba Island, which is the largest and home to a lush national park, teeming with over 30 different mammal species and 70 bird species. The Cat Ba National Park offers fantastic opportunities for hiking and maybe spotting the rare golden-headed ‘Cat Ba Langur’ monkey. The primate is thought to number less than 100 and is officially the most engendered monkey in the world, despite local conservation efforts. The park covers both land and water and keen walkers can spot giant oriental squirrels, wild boar, the civet cat and deer. Bird species include cuckoos, hornbills and hawks. Try climbing the peak viewing tower which is a two hour round trip, cool off at one of the many pristine beaches and take a boat trip over to Monkey Island. Pelican Cruise

Chill out on Lan Ha Bay’s beautiful beaches

Whilst Halong Bay has many inlets and caves, it doesn’t have many real beaches, except at Lan Ha Bay, which has around 100 deliciously sandy stretches of beach. Pitch up for a few days to take in the stunning views, explore the floating villages and enjoy rock climbing, scuba diving, swimming and kayaking. Or simply chill out on one of the beaches and watch daily life go by.

• MANGO CRUISE

Walk through the Cave of Wonders

Don your most comfortable walking shoes and climb through the Dau Go Caves, aka the Cave of Wonders. Lit up in various colours, the caves systems offer an insight into the intriguing natural rock formations. The caves offer respite from the fierce hit with their eerie atmosphere, where natural daylight rarely pokes through the rocks.

Top 7 Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam

Spend a day kayaking in Halong Bay

Slow the pace down somewhat with a kayaking trip, which allows you to meander through the giant limestone rocks. It’s a great opportunity to get away from the crowds, explore some of the quieter caves, inlets and beaches. Paddle to Ti Top Island, admire the views and hone your kayaking skills in a unique location. Find out for yourself why Halong Bay is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature!

Traverse the Sung Sot Grottoes

In the heart of Halong Bay are the Sung Sot Caves, which are also known as the ‘Surprise Grottoes’. Located on Bo Hon Island, these are widely touted as both the widest and best cave systems in Halong Bay. You’ll take a short hike up to the grottoes through forest and the caves themselves are separated into two natural sections. Admire the forms of the stalactites and the rock formations.

Try hiking on Ban Sen Island

To really get off the beaten tourist trail, try a hiking adventure on Ban Sen Island. The island is thickly forested and just about uninhabited which makes for a peaceful getaway! Take a ferry to Quan Lan from Cai Rong to enjoy your own little piece of paradise. Hire a local guide for the day who will regale you with stories of local folklore including mysterious monster sightings!

Take a Halong Bay Cruise

The ubiquitous cruise on Halong Bay is an absolute must-do! Opt for a traditional junk for that really authentic experience. And to really get into the local spirit, opt to stay for several days, sleeping overnight on the calm emerald waters. You’ll pass floating villages where families, livestock and pets live and trade as part of their daily life. You can also stop off at swimming and snorkelling spots.

Top 3 places to visit in Danang

Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass is located along the Hai Van mountain side, between Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang city. It is the highest and the most beautiful pass in Vietnam (about 500 meters above sea level), and it is the final mountain belonging to Truong Son. Hai Van Pass is also known as 'Cloud Pass' with one side is mountain and other is sea. In the 'Phu Bien Tap Luc', Le Quy Don said that: Hai Van is the bound of Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam. Centre Vietnam tours

At the 13th century, this place belongs to Champa dynasty. In the top of the Pass, the trail of ancestors still retains. The entrance looks to Thua Thien with three words “Hai Van Quan”, the entrance look Quang Nam with the words “Thien Ha De Nhat Hung Quan” (The King Le Thanh Ton granted for this place). According to folk, people said that when Nguyen Hoang Lord protected Quang Nam, Hai Van Pass had a little people passing and it is also the place for wild animal. After the King Minh Mang had been throne, he also visited the beauty of Hai Van Pass and built stone entrance in the top of Pass with the words “De Nhat Hung Quan” (the most beautiful pass). This stone entrance is still on the top of the pass and was recognized as national historical relic. Tourists can contemplate the entire of Da nang city, Son Tra mount.Hai Van Pass is an ideal destination for tourists. From Da nang, along the national highway no.01A to the North. Here, tourists also see Tien Sa, Son Tra peninsula, Cham Islands… and the sand-bank. Coming to Hai Van, you will be sunk into natural space and historical trails of ancient Vietnamese. Jasmine Cruise – Halong Bay

Top 3 places to visit in Danang

Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda
Linh Ung pagoda is located on the hill, with the shape of turtle. Linh Ung pagoda in Son Tra peninsula was inaugurated, it is considered not only as the first processing of Vietnam Buddha in the 21st century but also as the place that gathers quintessence of the earth. PANDAW CRUISE

Linh Ung pagoda faces to The Eastern sea, on the left is Cham Islands, on the right is Hai Van Mountain. Passing the fall and rise of time and history, Linh Ung-Bai But pagoda was built and standing on Son Tra Mountain like the evidence for the combination between belief and nation. It marked the development of Vietnam Buddhism at the 21st century.

Linh Ung-Bai But pagoda is considered as one of the biggest pagoda in Da Nang city in both of scale and architecture. This pagoda has a combination between modern style and traditional style. The main area has a large capacity and it is the most solemn place.

Especially, in Linh Ung-Bai But pagoda, there has Guan Yin statue that is considered as the highest statue in Vietnam (67 meters height approximately 30 stories). This statue put its back to the mountain, faces to the sea. Above the Guan Yin statue is Buddhahood statue with the high of 2 meters.

From here, you can contemplate the whole city, mountain and Son Tra peninsula. In addition, from the distance, you will see Ngu Hanh Son Mountain along with white sand-bank. The beautiful landscape creates a unique impression that you cannot find in other place. It can be said that Linh Ung-Bai But pagoda was built in the tourism relic of the city- Son Tra peninsula tourism place. The pagoda becomes to famous destination for tourist and spiritual place for the Da nang.

Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son)
Marble Mountain belongs to Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son, is far about 7 kilometers from Da nang city to the Southeast. Ngu Hanh Son is located on the yellow sand - bank with 2 kilometers length, 800 meters width. The kind of stone in Ngu Hanh Son has various colors and it is the source of sculpture and arts.

Ngu Hanh Son includes 5 mountains: Kim Son (Metal Mountain), Thuy Son (Water Mountain), Moc Son (Wood Mountain), Hoa Son (Fire Mountain) and Tho Son (Earth Mountain). Number No.05 is the important number in orient and 5 mountains contain unique sense.

Metal Mountain (Kim Son) is located in the Southeast, on the bank of Co Co River. Travelling by boat, tourists can contemplate the beautiful scenery. Ben Ngu, the place, the Kings often stayed each time come to Ngu Hanh Son. Today, it did not exist; however, people can see one ironwood pillar near the Quan Am pagoda.

Wood Mountain (Moc Son)
Moc Son is located near the sea, Thuy Son Islet to the East. The East and South is sand cave, the North is fields and the West is villages. Although it has the name “Wood Mountain”, it has fewer trees. The top mountain is divided into cog-shape as cock spur, so that it also has the name “Mong Ga” Mountain (cock spur mountain).
On the mountain, there has no pagoda; it only has white marble stone as the shape of people. The local people often call “Co Mu” or Guan Yin. In addition, there has small cave named Ba Trung Mountain. In two wars in Vietnam, local people and revolutionary cadre often used this place as shelter.

Top 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Face up to the past
Vietnam's war-torn history can't – and shouldn't – be ignored. Ho Chi Minh City Museum has many informative exhibitions, and explains the country's bloody past through photographs, artefacts and memorabilia. It's sensitively done, without glossing over the atrocities, and (rather ironically) is housed in the Gia Long Palace, where Ngo Dinh Diem spent his final hours in power before his assassination in 1963.

The War Remnants Museum is a more grisly – but equally essential – reminder of local atrocities. From eerie bomb remnants and first-person accounts by war veterans to a bloodied guillotine and photographs of horrific napalm burns, this is a chilling reminder of life not-too-long ago. MEKONG EYES

2. Dress up for Lam Son Square
This well-heeled area has always been one of the city's most prestigious addresses: today, it's the place to head for a night of culture, or a spot of shopping amongst the city's affluent residents.

You can't miss the Hotel Continental in the heart of Lam Son Square (its high-maintenance glossy finish marks it out from the crowd): this was the favoured spot of French high society, and it's still possible to sip cocktails in the hotel terrace, just as they did. South Vietnam tours

If you're after a more meaningful cultural experience, make a beeline for the Municipal Theatre – a lavish 100-year-old building that regularly hosts local and touring dance, opera and theatre companies.

Top 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

3. Reunification Palace
When the French left in 1954, Ngo Dinh Diem constructed the Independence Palace to demonstrate his country's strength, but it was pulled down after an attempt to assassinate him. The replacement building was later renamed Reunification Palace after the fall of Saigon in the 1970s.

Much of the palace remains unchanged since the 70s, and although the shiny rosewood-clad meeting rooms and musty library are interesting, perhaps the most fascinating relic resides in the garden. Here, you'll find the tank that crashed through the gates of the palace on 30 April 1975, signalling the fall of the Saigon regime. Bai Tho Junk – a romantic experience

4. Jade Emperor Pagoda
If you only have time to see one Vietnamese pagoda, make it this one: built in the 1900s by Taoists and Buddhists, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is simultaneously spiritual and awe-inspiring in scale and ambition.

Ornate carved panels and intricate deities line the interior, flanked by lotus flower and fruit offerings and cloaked in a cloud of incense smoke. Head upstairs, and out onto the equally embellished roof terrace, where you'll find a statue of Quan Am (the goddess of mercy) which overlooks a sacred bodhi tree in the courtyard.

5. Wander Dong Khoi
Dong Khoi, a lively stretch of shops and bars, spans from Notre Dame Cathedral to the Saigon River. Visit Dong Khoi for its stories: this characterful road has played a part in Ho Chi Minh's modern history, from the go-go bars that catered for young American GIs back in the 1950s, to its 1970s descent into disrepair after the fall of Saigon.
Today, it's just as colourful: take in the colonial facades and street food stalls while dodging Honda-straddling teenagers and shady characters (watch your wallet – pickpockets abound).

6. Try karaoke
If you're a night owl, you're in the right place. Ho Chi Minh City by night has everything from bia hoi (fresh beer), to a variety of clubs, restaurants and bars for every taste.

Karaoke is a national pass-time, and bright-coloured signs announce it everywhere. Alternatively, relax and listen to traditional and popular Vietnamese music.

Movies are inexpensive, and not a bad place to cool off on a hot day. Tickets cost from $5 at newer cinemas – older theatres cost less. Concerts, plays and other events take place year-round, so be sure to ask at your hotel or hostel for current dates, times and ticket prices.

7. Haggle for bargains in the markets
There are two landmark markets (cho) in Ho Chi Minh City, and numerous others. Cho Ben Thanh, located in District 1 across from the bus station, is probably the best known. It is especially popular in the evening and at night, when food vendors set up stalls and locals and tourists alike gather to eat and shop.

The other, Cho Lon, is a huge Chinese market. You will not see as many tourists here, and the variety of goods is amazing. Both markets are a lot of fun, regardless of whether you're souvenir shopping or just browsing.

Ben Thanh is possibly more regulated, so you may have to worry less about knock-offs or price gouging. That said, you should always be wary of knock-offs and gouging.

Bartering is the way to shop here, so jump right in, offer a price that you think is fair, and have fun. Be extra careful if prices are absent or not clearly marked – that goes for everything, everywhere, every time.

8. Stop for coffee
Believe it or not, Vietnam is the biggest coffee exporter in the world. Vietnamese coffee is excellent – and it's inexpensive and available nearly everywhere. Black coffee with ice (ca phe da) is strong and sweet with an almost chocolate-like richness. Condensed milk can be added, giving you coffee milk ice, or ca phe sua da.

Coffee shops are a huge part of the city's culture. From street vendors to side-walk shops, it's hard to beat having a coffee and watching Ho Chi Minh City go by. Prices range from 33 cents from a street vendor, to $3 or more at the top-end places. Deep-roasted Trung Nguyen is the most popular local brand.

9. Sample the street food
Vietnam’s reputation as one of the world’s tastiest street food nations is well deserved, but many of the pricier restaurants can be disappointing – especially when you combine (more-than-likely) poor service with the hit your wallet takes. You can have a much better meal elsewhere for just a few dollars.

In small eateries, prices range from an incredibly low $3 for a typically large meal of meat, rice and vegetables, but you can pay $50 or more at a four- or five-star restaurant. The hot pots are outrageously good. Tipping is highly irregular, which makes the overall lack of anything resembling service a bit easier to swallow.

Fancy making some authentic Vietnamese cuisine at home? Try your hand at Gordon Ramsay's favourite dishes, Vietnamese sticky chicken wings or pho beef noodle soup.

10. Travel further afield
Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for exploring southern Vietnam, as well as further afield around South-East Asia. The graciousness of the people living in the 'countryside' is quite refreshing after being stuck in the city for long stretches of time.
Taking the express water taxi and checking out all of Vung Tau is an unmissable day trip. Can Tho, the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island, Phan Thiet and Mui Ne are all nearby, as is Cu Chi.

Một số bài thuốc từ nghệ rất đơn giản

 Một số phương thuốc từ tinh bột nghệ đen nguyên chất rất đơn giản mà hiệu quả
- Chữa giun đũa, giun kim: Lấy 1 thìa cafe dịch ép từ nghệ tươi thêm vào đó một nhúm muối, trộn đều và cho trẻ uống vào sáng sớm lúc bụng đói.

- Chữa chứng thiếu máu: Mỗi ngày uống 1 muỗng dịch ép từ củ nghệ đen tươi pha với mật ong trong nhiều ngày.
- Chữa hen suyễn:  Một thìa cafe Tinh bột nghệ hòa với một ly sữa, uống 2-3 lần trong ngày, nên uống lúc bụng đói.

- Chữa cảm lạnh, ho: Nửa muỗng bột nghệ hòa trong 30 ml sữa ấm, uống mỗi ngày để chữa ho. Khi bị cảm lạnh thì đun nhẹ hỗn hợp này trên bếp, ngửi và hít hơi.

Một số bài thuốc từ nghệ rất đơn giản

- Chữa bong gân sưng đau nhức: Tinh Bột nghệ trộn với chanh và muối thành bột nhão rồi bó vào chỗ bong gân, làm trong vài lần.

- Chữa thủy đậu trong trường hợp mụt nước mới mọc: Củ nghệ nướng thành tro, lấy tro hòa trong 1 tách nước lọc, bôi vào các chỗ thủy đậu. Nên sắc nước bột nghệ và uống thêm sẽ giúp mau lành bệnh.
- Giúp sởi mau phát và chóng khỏi bệnh: Củ nghệ khô nghiền thành bột, lấy 1 muỗng bột nghệ hòa vài giọt mật ong, trộn chung với 1 muỗng dịch ép lá bầu hoặc bí, uống 2-3 lần trong ngày.

Ninh binh travel guide

Ninh Binh travel guides are indispensable when you  discover destination  in Vietnam.
Ninhbinh -vietnam is a bridge linking Northern provinces with Southern ones and it is located on the transportation including National Highway 1A and trans-Vietnam railway. Ninhbinh contains all the scenic quintessence of whole Vietnam within its relatively small size. So, Ninhbinh can be said that is a miniature of Vietnam. Ninhbinh - a miniature of Vietnam is a province with potential and diversity terrain of both mountainous and coastal areas. Ninhbinh is located in the transitional position of natural systems: Red river delta, Northwest mountain area in Hoa Binh - Thanh Hoa buffer zone and sea territory. Ninh Binh – Halong 3 days
Ninh Binh

1. Location and weather
Ninhbinh-vietnam is delimited by Hoa Binh and Ha Nam to the North; Nam Dinh to the East and Thanh Hoa to the West and South. Here, the terrain is diverse with mountainous areas in the West and Northwest; and coastal parts in the East and South. The province is about 95km from Hanoi, or 2.5 hour South by car
The average temperature is 23.4 Celsius degree and its high humidity, between 80-85%, there is tropical monsoon climate. The best time to Ninhbinh travel in the dry season. It is between November to April of the following year.

• Jasmine Cruise – Halong Bay

2. Place to see
- Trang An eco-tourism center is a community cenic in Ninhbinh-vietnam. It is the most famous attraction of Ninhbinh-vietnam. With a chain of natural wonders like Tam Coc, Thai Vi Temple, Bich Dong Pagoda, Fairy cave or Sunny Valley; Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist center is regarded as “Nam thiên đệ nhị động” (The second best cave of the South).
- Cuc Phuong National Park belongs to Nho Quan District, Ninhbinh province. It is the first national park of Vietnam preserving a variety of rare animals and plants. Here, there is has May Bac mount with 648.2 meters. It has tropical monsoon climate, average annual temperature about 24.70C. Especially, Cuc phuong has many caves, beautiful landscape and historical natural remnants such as: Trang Khuyet Cave, Chua Cave, Thuy Tien Cave, Nguoi Xua, Cave, Con Moong grotto, San Ho Cave…

• FROM THE DELTA TO ANGKOR

Ninh binh travel guide

- Ninhbinh - a miniature of Vietnam is great destination for cultural explorers. Here, the number of ancient vestiges may overwhelm any other provinces in Vietnam. In addition, Ninhbinh-vietnam attracts tourists by a complex of new pagodas is Bai Dinh Pagoda.
One more remarkable attraction of Ninhbinh-vietnam is Phat Diem Church - the most beautiful church in Vietnam which was built of stone and wood in all 24 year. Beside alluring tourists by its size, the most interesting part of Phat Diem Church is such a center of a religion originated from Western country, is built in Vietnamese architecture.

3. Ninhbinh ’s specialties
If you have chance to Ninhbinh travel would immediately think about delicious dishes made from goat, Kim Son wine, eel vermicelli and scorched rice (dried rice).
Among those specialties, Ninhbinh mountain goat is a well-known specialty that tourists can enjoy in many big cuisine centers like Hanoi, Sai Gon, Ha Long, Vung Tau, etc. However, it can be sure that you will be served with the most delicious one in Ninhbinh- vietnam, the origin of such goat meat.
You can spend time enjoying these specialties since they are not only delicious dishes but also contain the traditional value of this land. It is also a good way of getting to know about Ninhbinh -vietnam.

4. How to get there.

Ninhbinh travel guide has a convenient traffic system and tourist may get there by motorbike, car or train.
If you are in a small group, you can take a bus or a taxi since it is not too far from Hanoi. There are regular bus which depart from the South Bus Station in Hanoi

Hoi An - When to go

Hoi An - When to go
Vietnam's north-south extent and seasonal wind patterns give it a varied climate, which make it a viable destination at any time of the year. Some seasons are more favourable than others, however. Tours Centre Vietnam

The Vietnamese climate

The north of the country experiences four seasons, with a surprisingly cool winter season for the latitude. The summer months from May to September are almost always hot and humid, with the most rainfall occurring during this period. Winter, from late December to early March, is often grey, drizzly and chilly. Indochina sails – Halong Bay travel

The south has two seasons, wet and dry. During the rainy months between May and November, it rains fiercely for about 30 minutes a day (but some days not at all), normally in the afternoon or early evening. The dry season runs from December to April, with the hottest months stretching from March to late April, with temperatures well over 30°C (86°F)

• 4 days private cruise Mekong Delta on Gecko Eyes

Hoi An - When to go

In Central Vietnam – roughly from Danang to Nha Trang – the dry season runs from February to September, and is followed by lots of rain from October to December. The seasons are not as pronounced here, however, and it can rain at any time of the year, but the hottest months are June/July while the coolest months are December/January.

High and low season in Vietnam

Generally, high season is from October through March. The peak is from mid-December through February, at which time prices can nearly double, particularly in beach-resort areas. During the peak season it is essential to have advanced reservations in resort areas such as Mui Ne and Nha Trang. Conversely, in the low season some hotels, resorts and restaurants may close for a month.

The best and worst times to visit are subjective to some degree. If you are a budget traveller and don’t mind a few wet days, come in low season. If you enjoy bustling activity, want the best chance of good beach weather and can afford the extra costs – and particularly want to spend Christmas, New Year or Tet in Vietnam – then high season is for you.

It’s near-impossible to find a time of the year when the north, centre and south have equally good weather, but the safest bet – if you’re travelling the length of Vietnam – is between March and April. The rains will have abated, humidity levels are still bearable, and it will be relatively warm and dry throughout Vietnam. However, if you are just visiting north and south Vietnam and skipping the centre, November and December are good months too.

Vietnam's festivals and events

Festivals in Vietnam are a time of fun and plenty. In fact, the country is a great place for festival lovers. Colourful celebrations, most with a strong Chinese cultural influence, take place throughout the year, although the most interesting are in spring and autumn. Common elements in traditional festivals include temple visits, offerings to ancestors or tutelary gods, costumes, dragon and lion dancing, music, parades – and lots of food.

Central Vietnam Shopping and ancient palaces

Explore the quaint trading town of Hoi An, Central Vietnam's tailoring mecca.

The Ben Hai River in Central Vietnam marks the 17th parallel, which once marked the demarcation line between North and South Vietnam. Though reunited over two decades ago, the north south division of Vietnam remains obvious. When the Ben Hai River is crossed from north to south, everything seems to improve, roads and food being the most obvious. Danang – Hoi an 3 days

Central Vietnam is home to a wealth of attractions from the ancient imperial capital of Hue to the cosmopolitan shopping and the beach destinations of Hoi An and China Beach. 

Less glamourously, the region is home to the Demiliterised Zone (DMZ) which was the scene of heavy fighting during the American war. This part of the country is dotted with all manner of war-period attractions, including the remains of Khe Sanh and other US bases along the DMZ. Unfortunately, little remains at most of these sites as time and scrap hunters have had their way.  CU CHI TUNNELS, VIETNAM

Central Vietnam Shopping and ancient palaces

The one exception is the Vinh Moc tunnels -- a breathtaking testament of the tenacity of the Vietnamese people and a far more worthwhile attraction than the far more touristic Cu Chi tunnels.

Most travellers to Vietnam pencil in Hue and Hoi An as definite "must sees" but then fail to allow themselves enough time in each town. This is particularly the case with Hoi An, where, while it can feel almost Disneylandesque at times, people are always running out of time. If you allowed just a couple of days for Hoi An, be sure to double it. Jasmine Cruise – Halong Bay

And don't forget Da Nang. It's home to more than just the closest airport to Hoi An! There's also a terrific Cham Museum, China Beach and an overall rather fun, little touristed Vietnamese city.