Jun
23
2011
Article by Jessica Thomson
Jun
23
2011
Article by Jessica Thomson
Jun
21
2011
Article by Exotissimo Traveler
If Hanoi isnt enough for you, then we have just the day trip. Not too far from the capitals vicinity are some great sites that should demand your attention. Whether itd be historical or natural, theres a little dose of something for you in Northern Vietnam.
Just a couple hour drive out of Hanoi is that picturesque Vietnamese countryside that youve heard so much about. Nestled amongst this pristine natural environment is a little bit of history. Welcome to Hoa Lu, Vietnams first capital. Browse through the towns former glory as you visit temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty, both well over 1000 years old.
Did you notice the scenic limestone karsts that surround the area? Yearning for a climb? Well, go on ahead! Your half-hour walk up one of these natural beauties will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Certainly a time to whip out that camera.
But wait, dont put that camera in your bag just yet. Depart for Tam Coc and snap away at the local villages and that stunning Northern Vietnamese landscape that just instinctively forces you to take deep breaths of relaxation and appreciation.
And the same feeling continues as you hop on your private samphan boat for a truly memorable river trip. Youll be cruising about and seeing what many people call the Halong Bay on Land. There is reason to back that claim up. The limestone formations here gut straight out from the rice fields, forming a picture perfect scenery. And if youve been to Halong before, this is your chance to compare and contrast the two. Should you feel adventurous, feel free to climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, dating back to 1428.
Your Hoa Lu & Tam Coc daytrip concludes here. Its now time to take the samphan back to land and head back to Hanoi. Youve just experienced Vietnamese beauty at its best!
www.exotissimo.com/
Jun
11
2011
Nanning, located in the south of Guangxi Province, is not a city most travellers would fall in love with. It seems to be an urban jungle rather than a massive cultural centre, but it is home to some of the friendliest people in China, some delicious cuisine and the chance to learn more about the different ethnicities in the area.
The main reason travellers come to Nanning is for Vietnam. The city is situated near the Vietnamese border and the cities close friendly relationship with Hanoi makes it the ideal place to cross over from China to Vietnam. You can also wait to have your visa ready for this and most hotels will be able to help you with this and travel arrangements.
The train station is located in the north of the city and the Yong River intersects the middle. You will find a few internet cafes here as well as a Bank of China, a post office and the Public Security Bureau (PBS).
So what is there to see and do here? Take a trip to the Guangxi Provincial Museum (Guangxia Sheng Bowuguan) where you see and admire 50,000 years of Guangxia history. The museum showcases some incredible finds, including the world’s largest collection of bronze drums. The tree filled gardens to the back houses some full sized Miao and Dong houses (the Miao and Dong being two of the 56 officially recognised ethnic groups in China), as well as a bridge that was created without the use of a single nail.
The Qingxiu Shan Scenic Area (Qingxiu Shan Fengjingqu) is a popular destination for everyone during the summer time. It has been since the Tang and Sui Dynasties; the imperial court members would use this as a summer resort. It is full of fragrant lush woods, perfectly designed gardens, and tranquil lakes and springs. The peaks here rise up to 180m which can be climbed and will reward you with the most fantastic views.
Another interesting place to go to is the Guangxia Medicinal Herb Botanical Garden (Guangxia Yaoyong Zhiwuyuan). It is the largest one in China where you can see more than 2400 different types of medicinal herbs which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The gardens here are simply beautiful and there are a few English speaking guides here who will show you around.
During the summer months, head down to the Yong Jiang Bridge where you can take a two hour river tour. Also, sample the famous gourou huoguo (dog hotpot). However, if that doesn’t appeal, there are scores of restaurants here.
Nanning may not appeal to everyone who passes through Guangxia but it is an interesting city that should not be overlooked. Visit today and you will understand why.
Jun
9
2011
Travel Destinations: Guangxi Province, China
Guangxi Province is a region made up of so many different things – ethnic groups, lush rolling hills, impressive peaks, ancient temples, fertile plains – that it has become a wonderful colourful cultural mosaic that people just have to visit.
This is a region that is sadly overlooked by international travellers, but the south of the province has some of China’s best beaches, a border with Vietnam giving you access to more Asian travel and influence, and so many different cultural monuments it will make your heart catch in your throat.
One of the best reasons to come here is to get to know the many different ethnic groups that live in China – nearly 75% of the people are non-Han Chinese.
NANNING:
Nanning is one those cities which take a second, or third, glance to really appreciate her charm. Sprawling, urban and unenthusiastic initially, Nanning is yet a city that oozes charm. In addition to this, she shares a border with Vietnam which makes travel over to Hanoi very easy.
If you are in the area, come here to see the Guangxi Provincial Museum, the beautiful Qingxiu Shan Scenic Area and the Guangxi Medicinal Herb Botanical Garden. In the surrounding area, you can visit the Yiling Cave, Daming Shan and the beautiful 17thcentury town of Yangmei.
DETAIN WATERFALL:
Located around the 53rdboundary marker between China and Vietnam, the Detain Waterfall is one of those places that will make your heart stop beating with its spectacular beauty. Although most of the waterfall is in China, be careful you don’t accidently step into the Vietnamese part.
BEIHAI:
If you are a beach lover, then you will not want to miss out on the beaches here! It has a ferry that will take you to Hainan Island, but Beihai has some of the best stretches of sand in China.
GUIPING:
This small town is one of those places in China that seems almost not real – friendly, moss-covered and very pretty, it is the home of the famous Xi Shan tea that you must try whilst here. The town is also well known for the beautiful Xi Shan Park, where you hike up the modest mountain range.
WUZHOU:
Wuzhou is often overlooked by other cities nearby, but this town is simply charming once you arrive. You will find traces of the British colonial legacy here which makes for interesting walks around the back streets.
Come here to visit the Snake Repository, the incredibly stunning Western Bamboo Temple and the multicoloured Longmutai Miao, also known as Dragon Mother Temple which was said to have been the home to the dragon mother of a legendary female chieftain.
GUILIN:
A trip to Guangxi is never complete without paying a visit to Guilin, one of the most beautiful places in the world. This is a place whose beauty is immortalised in the works of poets, artists and authors for centuries; even today, this is the beauty of China imagined by Westerners.
There are so many places to visit here. The Solitary Beauty Peak, Fubo Shan, Diecai Shan, Seven Star Park, Dark Dragon Cave, Seven Star Cave, Reed Flute Cave, Rong Hu and Shan Hu … there are so many things to see here.
The highlight of any trip to Guilin is to take a trip up the Li River. Here, you pass through some of the most beautiful scenery that words cannot simply do justice.
Jun
7
2011
Article by Daisy Nguyen
At the end of Sep, 2011, the first trip for travelers to discover SON DOONG, the world’s largest cave will be implemented by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA. Mr. Ho Khanh, who is the first person to find the entrance to cave will be the tour leader of this adventure group.
The lucky tourist group is from Australia, they are researching scientists from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries in Australia. This group of four is going to take 3 days 2 nights to explore parts of the cave system where the regular tourists are still not allowed to go.
This trip not only brings the real experience but also is a challenge for tourists when they take 3 day trekking and 2 night camping in the cave.
Son Doong cave (meaning Mountain River Cave) is a cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. The cave is located near the Laos-Vietnam border.
It was first discovered by a local in 1991 (Mr.Ho Khanh), and surveyed by the British Cave Research Association from April 10 to April 14, 2009. According to the survey team, Son Doong is the Earth’s largest known cave passage at present. It is more than 200 meters wide, 150 meters high, and at least 6.5 kilometers long, though the explorers said they were unable to explore it fully.
With these information, Son Doong is much larger than Deer Cave in Malaysia, currently considered the world’s largest, an explorer said (Deer is 90 meters wide, 100 meters high and 2 kilometers long). This cave has replaced to take pole position as the world’s largest cave.
It is formed by a system of grottos, flowing underground rivers, giant walls and deep lakes. In the 200m high arch of the cave, the sight is extremely magnificent with images of the Eden in the grotto, stalactites giant wall or the collection “Pearls” with thousands of years. The grandeur of the nature is really unbelievable.
“Son Doong Cave is the masterpiece of nature. It is the must-see destination once in a lifetime for those who love adventure”, Mr.Tony Tran – The product manager of ATA said. He also added: “I will join the first group in the expedition to Son Doong Cave this September”, showed his excitement about the next coming trip.
With ATA holding the adventure tour to Son Doong Cave will give travelers the chance to explore the world largest cave and see the magnificent beauty of nature. It also marked ATA as the first company organizes the tour to discover Son Doong cave.
TOUR INFORMATION:Ha Noi – Dong Hoi – Phong Nha-Ke Bang – Son Doong Cave – Chay Lap – Vinh Moc – Hue5 days with 3 day trekking & 2 night campingGrade: ModerateHead office: Floor 12 Building 45 Nguyen Son street, Long Bien district, Hanoi, VietnamOperation office: 367 Ngo Quyen St., Son Tra Dist., Da NangOperation office: 108 Le Lai St., Dist. 1, HCMCSupport number: +844 3573 8569
Mar
5
2011
Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries located in the South East Asia. Its becomes one of the most popular vacation spots in Asia. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is located on the bank of the Red River. It is famous for lovely landscapes such as lakes and amazing green public parks and a touch of French architecture in the streets.
Vietnam has become a favorite destination for the travelers. It has amazing collection of unique cultures awesome scenery throughout the nation. It has many famous national parks, which are great collections of precious plant and animal species of the tropical zone. There are several regions in Vietnam that have been reserved as gardens and bird sanctuaries.
Vietnam now becomes one of the best places in the world for beach vacations & holiday. There is another places in Vietnam is the best for beach vacations is Nha Trang the beach city. The beach is nice with clear water and alternative with Palm trees. The tourists are real enjoying beach vacation.
A Vietnam vacation can be purely recreational and fun. The best palaces for hiking and trekking tours in Vietnam are in the northwest and northeast of Vietnam. Cycling in Vietnam are the best modes of adventure and recreation in Vietnam. The tourists are real like cycling riding because they are watching beautiful areas of lush fruit orchards, endless paddy fields, lively floating market and busy canals.
Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich and exotic culture. Vietnami people with vibrant culture celebrate various festivals and events with great fun and fanfare. Festivals and events in Vietnam are celebrated with great excitement. Various games like tug of war, rope pulling, pigeon race etc. are an important part of the festival celebration. The Vietnamese are friendly.
Shopping in Vietnam is a fun and interesting experience. Vietnam is most famous for its handicrafts, authentic clothing, art, antiques and gems. Markets vary from high class shopping malls, galleries, boutiques and street stalls.
Today, tourism in Vietnam is a growing industry. It is beginning to attract a lot of attention as a vacation destination. Vietnam can be visited any time of the year given its pleasant climate all round the year. It is a beautiful country, with a long coastline of broad, sandy beaches, shimmering paddy fields and mountains cloaked in forests. Vietnam is offer trip of mixture of adventure, relax, fun and culture interactive.
Mar
3
2011
In northern Vietnam the loop from Hanoi through Sapa to above Ha Giang and back is regarded as one of the most challenging and spectacular motorbike rides in the region. Hanoi – based artist and writer Bradford Edwards made the grueling trip to attend the annual “Love market” in Khau Vai near the Chinese border.
The most practical way to get around in Vietnam’s highlands is by Minsk, the 125cc Russian motorcycle that has achieved cult status among a small group of adventurous Hanoi expats. While these bikes beak down regularly (what can you expect for $ US300 second hand?) they can take heaps of punishment on the trail. The best way to begin a Minsk ride is to bypass the boring and congested routes out of Hanoi and transport your bike on the night-train to Lao Cai.
I was tenderfoot, a neophyte in the Minsk touring subculture, having only gone on day – rides.
Fortunately I was with Glenn, a Minsk tour guide, and that was to prove in the days to come. Instead of heading up to Sapa like all the other tourists we headed east toward Bac Ha, eventually spending the night in Tan Quang. This tiny town was most memorable for its unbelievably good value guesthouse – VND 20, 000 or the price of a coffee at Starbucks. After arriving in bustling Ha Giang and securing our travel permit (the area around the bolder is considered “sensitive”) we started the long ascent toward Meo Vac.
The ride u was gorgeous. The greens kept getting greener and the canyons steeper. Well – paved canyons, the richest colors imaginable, sprouting waterfalls clean air …It just doesn’t get any better than his in northern Vietnam.
Looking for love
With the arrival of spring comes the annual “Love Market” in the small village of Khai Vai.
This is mostly a Black H’mong event, with some Long Trouser Dao also present. The young can meet potential mates and (rumor has it) established couples can experiment a bit without condemnation. This is an unusually large regional market where people trade essentials like’s livestock, tools and produce.
Few outsiders make the trek to this particular event, which takes place just a few kilometers from the Chinese border. The variedly of what we call “costumes” but is really the H’mong daily garb was andless – no two people were dressed exactly alike. Every year the colors get more vivid as the H’mong use more synthetic materials, which tend to be brighter than natural fibers.
There were food stalls and vendors selling plastic Tupperware, utensils and fabrics. It was the H’mong version of a Western “county fair” with exactly the same dynamic of drawing people together from long distances to hang out, do some business, and party.
Copious thimble – sized glassed of ruou (potent locally – brewed rice wine) formed a common language at this marketplace. Borders were only as far apart as the knee next to your own as you sat around a short wooden table topped with a bottle of cloudy herbal ruou.
Marcos, an expatriate who is relaying his near perfect Vietnamese into learning basic H’mong, had a telling conversation with a man during lunch. “Where do you like? And how long did it take you to come to the market?” Marcos asked the farmer. The man replied, “It took me two days by canyon over from here. What about you? How many days did it take you? And by the way, where is your horse” Indeed.
Times change
The night before the market musicians performed Khen flute dances and sang their distinctive lifting songs. Apparently this performance is a new feature at the market, perhaps started in response to the growing influx of Kinh (ethnic majority) Vietnamese tourists curious to see what Khau Vai is all about. An interesting, and somewhat surprising, itilization of technology can be seen in the portable ghetto blasters that are now carried around playing recorded tapes of H’mong songs.
Heading up the rocky trail to the road back to Meo Vac ofter the market ended, we encountered “rush hour”. Most people were heading out the same way, tire to tire; a few stragglers lay stretched out on large boulders, trying to recover from the rigorous demands of communal toasting. One more night in the capital town Meo vac, nestled high in the surrounding mountains, and we headed back to Hanoi.
Slip sliding away
We opted for added adventure, deciding to use a less travelled route than the road on which we had come, this time from Ha Giang via Bac Me to Ba Le Lake.
We started at noon on what we estimated to be four – hour trail. It soon became obvious that it would be slow going. On the flats we sank in the mud so low that my feet became like snowmobile skis – the font tire had no grip t all. We slid downhill with brakes locked and heels dug in. The uphill were brutal with no surface where we could get a solid foothold – we often pushed the bikes up with the help of two or three hill tribe people. We faced team crossings where half the bike was submerged and we had to try to race slick stones. It rained the entire day.
My pride at not dumping the Minsk for the first hour was quickly dashed. I must have gone down at least 10 times that day – sliding down slopes, spinning out in the deep mud, losing control while racing uphill. Even Glenn, 18 years my junior and an experienced Minsk rider, was having a rough time. Pushing, pushing, and pushing toward an unknown goal. Another K? Where are we now/ How much farther to go?
Well past nightfall with my lights about and driving a few meters in front of Glenn, I was squinting through fogged and rain – streaked glasses – we had to stop. We were somewhere in the middle of a muddy, rocky track bordered by the occasional stilt house. Our luck turned as we reached a ranger station. We were saved. With a dry wooden bed and running water we were truly blessed.
The next day we slogged through two more hours on that rough trail to end up at the riverside and on to gorgeous Ba Vi Lake by flat boat. Eventually we reached the much longed for paved road. For me, this trip was the perfect reminder that the journey is the real destination.
Jan
11
2011
Article by Hoang Duy Linh
Vietnam’s First Luxury Travel and Tour Operator to provide incentive travel for not only Vietnam but also Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.
We (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com ) announced recently that they have an incentive travel team to provide corporate and incentive travel to their clients.
“The market potential is there and we have our knowledgeable, competent staff who are passionate about travel and offer guests values. We have more MICE requests for 2012 and an incentive group of 200 people in Dec 2011,” said Pham Ha, President and CEO of our company.
Incentive travel is often used by companies to reward, recognize, motivate, increases sales and boost productivity. It helps companies show their employees that their hard work pays off.
Incentive travel can range from an individual trip to a group outing. We will help plan the trip from A to Z to provide a unique and rewarding experience.
“We’ve been working with corporations for many years now. We offer our corporate clients even more incentives and VIP access,” added Ha.The first luxury tour operator (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com ) and full travel service agency based in Hanoi with offices throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, We are exceptional in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences. Opened in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury advisors, and sales offices in California, Paris, and Melbourne. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations. We won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator in Vietnam.We are Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator and full service travel agency. We are a 100% fully registered and privately-owned Vietnamese company, founded by our award winning luxury travel specialists.We offer luxury travel exclusively to Southeast Asia, one of the world’s most diverse and compelling regions. We specialize in high end travel packages in Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.Living in Asia, we are truly lux travel experts in the region, which has some of the planet’s richest and most fascinating history, art, architecture, cuisine, customs, and rituals. Asia boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, as well as spectacular hotels and spas. You will also discover the most delicious food, finest service, and kindest people on earth.
For more info about the company, check it out at http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com or mice(at)luxurytravelvietnam.com
Jan
9
2011
Their tops lost in clouds, an apparently endless array of mountains and caves await exploration at the Xuan Son National Park (Photo courtesy of phuot.com)
All we had was two days away from the city and we were spoilt for choice.
It was somewhat difficult to comprehend that this lushness, this quiet, this incredible scenery; whole forests growing out of limestone rocks, any number of caves that have been discovered and others waiting discovery – all this was available little more than 100 kilometers away from Hanoi.
Yes, we were spoilt for choice at the Xuan Son National Park in Phu Tho Province. Do we go trekking, spelunking or have a homestay experience with the ethnic minority families? Even within these activities there were “sub-choices.”
REMEMBER:
– Xuan Son National Park can be reached by motorbike or car from Hanoi, following National Road No. 32.
- It is better to set off on a clear day because the roads there can get very muddy on rainy days.
- There are many itineraries for visitors to explore the national park. The best options are half-day trekking and overnight home-stays with the ethnic minority residents. ^ Prepare enough food and necessities before travelling as supplies are limited at the park.
We opted for a trip to the Du Village and a day’s trek up the Ten Mountain. The other mountains and caves would have to wait until next time.
Just to give you an idea about the settings we found ourselves in on a clear Saturday morning with a breeze caressing our faces and fresh, clean air filling our lungs, the Xuan Son National Park stretches over an area of more than 15,000 hectares.
It is the only national park with a primeval forest growing on limestone. It also boasts a diverse floral and fauna system, with over 700 flora species and nearly 400 different fauna species.
Our trusted steeds, the Honda Futures that the half a dozen of us were travelling on, took us uneventfully to the Du Village in a couple of hours. On the way hundreds of hectares of tea plantations undulated in front of us, reminding that tea was one the provincial specialties.
At the Du Village there was no question of driving the bikes through the narrow, rough roads.
So we left our motorbikes at the first house and walked.
Du Village is inhabited by Dao ethnic people, and the houses are built in their traditional architectural style. It was around 2:30 p.m. and the village was rather quiet. An old man told us that everyone had gone into the forest to collect firewood or vegetables. We chatted to him for some time, and learnt that the village, along with many others in the park, only came into existence a few decades ago when the government told the Dao people to relocate from their mountain homes to the valley
The entrance to one cave in Xuan Son National Park surrounded by thick greenery
As we walked around the village we came across a big wooden house. Here a middle-aged couple ushered us in and began preparing a dinner of chicken, bamboo sprouts, some wild vegetable taken from the forest and rice wine.
It got dark quickly and there was a biting chill in the air. We gathered around the fire in their kitchen, which was also the living room. The couple told us that the Dao always welcomed guests in the kitchen, which would always have a fire lit.
We set out early morning the next day for the eight-hour trek up Ten Mountain. Our hosts, hospitable as ever, gave us a big package containing sticky rice and chicken.
Ten Mountain is one of the three highest peaks in Xuan Son, about 1,000 meters above sea level. It’s not a stroll in the park, so it is better to go well prepared. We made sure we were well stocked with warm clothes, a first aid kit, food, plenty of water and leech repellant.
As there was no path in the forest, we had to mark our way so we could remember how to get back. The path is steep and rough, and we hacked our way through thick undergrowth. It was tiring, and just as we thought we could not take one more step, the trees parted and a breathtaking panorama stretched out in front.
Beneath us, the sun glanced off miles of forest-covered peaks. We had reached the top and we felt fantastic.
It didn’t take so long to get down from the mountain, and we arrived back at Du Village at 3:30 p.m. As we said goodbye to our hosts and left for Hanoi, we were loath to leave behind the leafy green paradise. There was a consoling thought, though. There was plenty more to do here, and there would always be a next time.
by Phong Lan
Article by John Andrew
Hue City is one of places which have many cultural heritage. Up to now, there is no place like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City.
On the northern bank of Perfume River has relics consisting of palaces, which were constructed as arc defensive ramparts with 11km length. This valuable construction includes more than 100 architectural works which were extremely reflected the life of Emperors and mandarins under reign of Nguyen.
To travel to Hue, tourists can take a flight by Vietnam airlines in 1 hour or can travel by open bus from Hanoi or HCMC but the most wanted way is to book a train ticket from Hanoi to Hue or a ticket from HCMC to Hue, a soft sleeper ticket is the best choice for the customers.
Asian Travel and Tours JSC, who are based in Hanoi, a specilaist in Vietnam train travel and tour package will take care of all your Vietnam train bookings, Vietnam train timetable and fares accodingly. They sort out best livitrans train tickets and Vietnam Railways tickets for customers for the advancement of the rail transportation system in Vietnam.
The train from Hanoi capital to Hue has full facilities that are being provided for tourists preferring to travel by Vietnam train are pre-processed and pre-packaged supply of food to the passengers along with refined mineral water bottles. Other facilities that are being provided are ticket covers, trolleys and plastic cups. There are no better professional tour operators than Asian Travel and Tours who can confirm your train from Hanoi to Hue, train ticket from HCMC to Hue easily. The tickets are available at a promotional price being offered by from Hanoi Capital or HCMC to all other Trans Vietnam cities.
Hue, Vietnam train is a great option for all travelers to see the natural countryside acrossing may provinces from Hanoi to Hue such as Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Vinh, Phong Nha, and DMZ, Vinh Moc tunnels, Vietnam by travelling comfortably.
You are offered trips on new trains that are equipped with modern air-conditioned cars and berths for comfortable overnight journey. Some trains even have VIP cabin. The train tickets include government tax and transportation insurance. In addition to the Hue,Vietnam train bookings, you can book special train tour promotion to reach various tourist destinations in Vietnam through Asian Travel and Tours who are the specialists in train travel and tour package all over Vietnam.
It is advisable for you to use Livitrans train tickets in air conditioned soft-sleeper cabin. Soft seats are fine but often unavailable. If you are not pressured with time and you are not travelling overnight, then the soft seat is ideal. With air conditioned cabin, you can notonly take photographs of the scenery outside but also record your journey by the Hue, Vietnam train travel. Hard sleepers and hard seats have to be avoided altogether as they are usually crowded and uncomfortable. The best time of the year to travel by train in Vietnam is in the autumn season. The weather is cool between September to March next year.