Ha Giang Province – Chinese Border Region

 

Ha Giang town and state of the same name is in the northernmost part of Vietnam. It is remote but that is certainly part of its charm.Life has changed little over the decadeswith the many ethnic groups still retaining their individual languages and their own customs involving weddings religion, festivals or death. This Ha Giang travel guide suggests you attempt to see as many of the tribes as time allows.

In many ways it is the final frontier with a 270 km border with the Yunnan State of China. Vietnam’s capital Hanoi is 320 km to the south. It is a poor state with the mountainous terrain having minimal potential for agriculture except at levels below 800 metres and the central plateau which produces plums, peaches, soya beans, oranges and tea.

The highest peak is Tay Con Linh at just over 2,400 metres while the woods are a precious resource that also contain numerous plants with medicinal properties.

There are differences within the state. The south has rocky limestone and granitemountains with stunning peaks and rivers while in the west there is a sloping mountain side, high passes, valleys and springs. Elsewhere the land area is not so high with the Lo River Valley and Ha Chiang town.

The town was severely damaged during the struggle with China in 1979 but has been largely restored.

This is a remote state and as such here is a very outside chance of seeing a tiger but more chance of peacocks and pangolins.Vietnam travel can guarantee a great experience but sadly not the glimpse of the increasing rare tiger.

How to get there

The highway up to Ha Giang is in fairly good condition. It takes eight hours by bus but the journey is enjoyable by day with the interesting countryside en route. There is also an overnight option.

Should you wish to hire a car or minibus together with a driver that is a further alternative.Vietnam tour packages will do most of the hard work for you.

Another way to reach the town then travel on to the State’s many attractions is to take the train; there is an overnight train to Lao Chi 100 km west of Ha Chiang with a slow bus transfer to the town itself though you will see none of the countryside en route.

Best time to visit Ha Giang

There are two climatic seasons in Ha Giang with altitude being an additional factor to consider. The lower region in the south has a dry season between the middle of September and the end of May. Further north the rains start a month earlier. The average temperatures vary from 15C in January to 28C in the middle of the rains, July.

Climate is not everything. Lunar New Year is a great time to visit Ha Giang because of traditional customs involving such things as celebrating success or the rains. Stand back and watch the fun. Vietnam travel packages are available all year round incidentally.

Things to see and do

This State has much to offer and our Ha Giang travel guide will show you. There are plenty of things to see and do and anywhere you see a market you should stop for a while and take in the activity you are seeing.Vietnam private tours can be tailored to clients’ wishes and here are some suggestions to consider:

01 – Quan Ba Valley

Called “Heaven’s Gate” is at 1.500 metres above sea level. There are caves and grottos, wonderful orchids and fruit trees. Phương Thiện Cave and Chui Cave are just 7 km from Hà Giang. Quan Ba is the opening to the Dong Van Plateau.

02 –  Dong Van Plateau

Dong Van is one of 77 geological parks in the world recognised by UNESCO. It is close to the Chinese border and a great place for trekking and climbing.

03 – Vuong Palace

This palace dates back to the Qing Dynasty in China. It is almost 150 km from Ha Giang but if you have time to really explore the State then go to see it.

04 – Pho Bang

This village is minutes from the Chinese border. It can be fairly cold at times because it sits at over 1,000 metres. Its market is fun and sells local produce such as plums and peaches as well as medicinal plants like anise and cinnamon.

05 – Khau Vau Love Market

This market held near the mountain pass of Meo Vac either on the 26th or 27th of each lunar month. It is a place where young people go in search of a partner.

06 – Ma Phi Leng Pass

This pass is difficult to reach but the views during the journey and on arrival are truly spectacular.

07 – Do Thong

It dates back 30,000 years and archaeological excavations reveal it belonged to the Son Vi period  having unearthed  axe heads and tools which you can see both in the local museum at Hà Biang and the History Museum in Hanoi.

08 – Lung Cu

In the Plateau is the very north of Vietnam. It is situated on Dragon Mountain where there is a watchtower modelled on the one in Hanoi.

Accommodation

The very charm of Ha Giang is that it is remote so you cannot expect 5 star accommodation; adventurous travellers neither need nor expect it the vast majority of the time.

There are hotels available, notably the Huong Tra, a few kilometres out of town, which can organise tours and amongst their services are wi-fi, cable TV, a swimming pool and restaurant. Bong Hostel has 2 dormitory style rooms and a neighbouring cafe.

Other options to consider are Truong Xuan Resort and Huong Thao 2.

The other alternative is to stay in one of the homestay cottages in villages such as Thon Tha just 6 km from the town centre. What better way to get to understand local daily life? In many ways this is the best choice.

Travel tips

You need to understand that this area is fairly remote as Ha Giang travel guide has revealed from the start. It is certainly worth carrying some of life’s essentials with you and that includes a basic medical kit.There are problems getting around to see everything but that is part of what is a really memorable experience as this Ha Giang travel guide has attempted to demonstrate.

Have a nice trip!

Cao Bang – Hidden Paradise of Vietnam

 

Cao Bang situated in the Northeast of Vietnam is the land of rich revolutionary traditions of Vietnamese people. The province marks resounding victories of the people of Vietnam. Every place, every forest, every road here seems associated with the development of Vietnam’s revolutionary history and the life  of President Ho Chi Minh in the early stages of the war.
The province has borders with Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan, and Lang Son provinces. It also has common international border with Guangxi province -China. The province covers an area of 6.690,72 square kilometres, and its population was 507.183 peoples (according to statistic in 2009).

Cao Bang is the land of a long revolutionary tradition and the original place of Vietnam’s revolution.  In the 224 historic sites and landscapes, 23 were rated at national level and 6 at local level. Typically, the historical area of Pac Bo, Kim Dong historical relic includes his tomb and a spacious monument at the bottom of a high and massive stone mountain range; Tran Hung Dao Forest was listed in the nationally significant historic landmarks at the end of 2013; There are also famous historical relics such as Dong Khe Victory and historical and cultural heritages such as Sam Temple in honour of  Nung Chi Cao, King Le Temple in honour of King Le Thai To, ect…

Destination

Cao Bang is endowed with many natural masterpieces such as Nguom Ngao Cave, Ban Gioc Fall, Thang Hen Lake, Khuoi Lai Lake, Phja Oac – Phja Den ecotourism destinations. Visitors to Cao Bang will be involved in many unique traditional festivals of the peoples annually and admire the beauty of the traditional villages.
After identifying strengths and potentials of tourism in Cao Bang, the Provincial Party Committee developed the Tourism Development Programs such as development programs in key tourism areas; Tourism Development Program 2011-2015.

Visitors can stay at hotels of good quality like Anh Duong Hotel, Bang Giang Hotel, Duc Trung Hotel…ect and enjoy the famous specialties such as Da Hien vegetable (or Phien Yien in local language, 7 – taste fried duck, quiche egg cake, Trung Khanh chestnut , steamed stick rice with fillings, ect.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

This waterfall is the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. The falls are located in Cao Bang province and easily reached by travellers based in the capital city of Hanoi on the package holidays to Vietnam. The actual falls are 300 metres across and 30 metres high to make a truly impressive sight.

The falls are found in the beautiful jade-blue waters of the Quay Son River, which forms the border between Vietnam and China and surrounded by limestone pinnacles, bamboo groves and rice fields. Accordingly, the waterfalls are located half in China and half in Vietnam. Both sides of the border hire out the bamboo rafts to let visitors get closer to the fall and really appreciate the cascading waters.

Best time to visit

The river and its water are typically high enough year-round to make a trip to Ban Gioc waterfall perfect whenever you are in the country. But, the volume of water is certain to change with the arrival of the rainy season. The best time to visit the fall is between May-September when the water is flowing at its best and the falls look amazing.

The climate in the region can be quite moderate. The average temperature is in the region of 25-28° C in the summer and 16-18 ° C in the winter. Also, there is a risk of snow in the region in the winter.

Getting there from Hanoi

Ban Gioc Waterfall is about 350 km from Hanoi, but the time and effort to visit this beautiful waterfall on the Vietnam family holiday is certain to be worth it.  The bus travel route is via highway 3 to Cao Bang City (approx 8 hours journey time), and then along a few provincial roads in good condition that pass some great scenery in the countryside until arriving at the falls. It is relatively easy to get to the falls at Ban Gioc, but the number of foreign travellers to the region is still quite low.

The falls are a wonderful destination for tourists on the motorbike tour of northern Vietnam, or other travellers that are simply in search of the more off the beaten track attractions to explore in the country.

If travelling by motorbike and planning on a leisurely pace to take in the stunning scenery, there is the option to split the journey over two days and stay overnight in a hotel in Bac Can, and continue the ride the next day. On the motorbike tour it is important to prepare the luggage carefully and pack spare tires, repair tools, etc. Also, make sure to fill the petrol tank before leaving town because there will be limited petrol stations after reaching the mountains and forests.

Alternatively, there is the option to hire a car and driver in Hanoi to drive to the region, which gives a very convenient and comfortable trip. It is best to start the journey early in the morning with the intention of arriving in the afternoon. On the trip to Ban Gioc Waterfall it may benefit to stop at Trung Khanh town which is on the travel route to organise overnight accommodation before continuing the journey.

For travellers that prefer to avoid staying overnight in the region after visiting the falls, there is the option to book a seat on a sleeper bus, which leaves late in the evening and arrives by early morning the following day.

Also, Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport accepts regular flights from around the country and is within a 10 hour bus journey from the waterfalls.

Where to stay?

There isn’t much in the way of hotels in the region, but there are several private hostels in the area of Ban Gioc Waterfall. However, the majority of travellers on the Vietnam tours will visit the falls for the day, and then return to the main town at Cao Bang to spend the night.

For travellers returning to Cao Bang for the night there are more options available in relation to accommodation. There are several motels and hostels in town with the motels starting at approx. $8.50 per night, and the hotels, such as Giao Te hotel, Bang Giang hotel, and Thanh Loan hotel starting at $17.50- $22.50 per night.

If you want to stay at Ban Gioc, Saigon Ban Gioc is just 500m from the falls, which is the best hotel in the area and you will have plenty of time taking photos, swimming, etc…

Things to do on Ban Gioc Waterfall trip

While Ban Gioc Waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam and the main highlight of the tour, there are several other attractions that are worth seeing in the Cao Bang region. A travel itinerary to the region can include checking out the beautiful Ma Phuc mountain pass, Thang Hen Lake, rice fields along the route, and Nguom Ngao cave.

The local mountainous landscape is extremely beautiful with the slowly flowing blue river, or the curved Ma Phuc Pass that crosses over the mountains and rated as one of the most striking mountain passes in the north of the country.

The Nguom Ngao cave is located within a short distance of the falls and at 3 km in length is a very beautiful cave to explore in Vietnam. Along with the interesting caves, rivers and mountains, Ban Gioc falls can make a very interesting and exciting tourist attraction that is easily enjoyed by the entire family.

Tour to Ban Gioc Waterfall

For travellers with a little extra time to spare on the Vietnam tours package, say 3 or 4 days, the trip to Ban Gioc Waterfall can be combined with travelling to Ba Be Lake to make a wonderful circular trip and will incorporate all the major attractions in Cao Bang. This tour gives a perfect opportunity to discover the Nguon Ngao and Hua Ma caves which are among the most striking and beautiful in the north of the country, while also soaking up the daily life and witnessing the unique cultures of the local ethnic minorities of Nung and Tay. Also, there are plenty of local speciality meals to try while travelling in the region. On arrival at Ba Be Lake, a boat trip is the best way to appreciate this large freshwater lake that is really peaceful and located in a limestone area.

Have a nice trip!

Mu Cang Chai – Paradise Rice Terraces in North Vietnam

 

Mu Cang Chai is a mountainous district of Yen Bai province and appreciated for its remote location. It is well-liked by both foreign and domestic tourists. Even though Mu Cang Chai sees more tourist activity today, the region is still able to retain its traditional way of living and outstanding natural landscape.

Beyond the stunning landscapes, any traveller to this region on the Vietnam travel packages will get to learn more about the daily life of the local people and their unique cultural features.

On arrival in Mu Cang Chai, be ready to witness the traditional lifestyles of the local people living in the region and marvellous scenery that make the striking backdrop for the photographic tour.

Best time to visit

When it comes to organising the trip to Mu Cang Chai, there are two seasons that make a really good time to explore the region. The best time to travel to get the picture-perfect views of the yellow carpet of terrace fields is mid-September to mid-October. Plus, the climate at this time is pleasant and cool to make a wonderful time for the relaxed trekking tour.

Alternatively, a trip that takes place earlier in the year – May to June – gives the opportunity to see the start of the harvesting season. This gives a completely different side of the terrace fields which have been flooded by the summer rains.

Getting there from Hanoi

Mu Cang Chai in the Yen Bai province is approx 280 km from the capital city Hanoi. This mountainous district is particularly popular in the times of the harvest season and sees many thousands of travellers visiting this region on the Vietnam tours package for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

The travel route to Mu Cang Chai is possible in several different ways, including:Hire a car and driver or motorcycle and travel directly from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai

Book a ticket on the bus from Hanoi to Lai Chau which passes through Mu Cang Chai. To get a better appreciation of the local landscape, travellers can also hire a motorcycle to visit the local towns and neighbouring villages.

Also, there aren’t many buses that take a direct route to Mu Cang Chai, so an alternative option is to travel to Yen Bai City, and then hire a motorcycle to complete the rest of the journey.

Where to stay?

Mu Cang Chai is a relatively small town with a small number of hotels and guest houses so travellers planning a 3-4 day trip to the region may want to book in advance to ensure availability.

However, for the travellers that wish to have a real authentic experience, a stay in a stilt-house homestay for the night with a local family is the perfect option. You are treated much like a family member and get to enjoy the home cooked and delicious meals and local alcoholic drinks.

What to see and do in Mu Cang Chai?

01 – Khau Pha Pass

Khau Pha is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam and links Mu Cang Chai District and Van Chan District. The peak of the pass is in the region of 1,200 metres above sea level to give the panoramic views that are certain to be appreciated by the photo lovers. Also, the length of the pass stretches for nearly 30 km and the mountain summit is often covered in fog.

A climb up the pass offers a perfect place for beautiful views and the most striking moments come at the time of the rice harvest seasons, which includes when the terraces are flooded for the upcoming rice crop early in the year (May-June), and later (Sept-Oct) when the rice ripens. Any travellers in the region on a motorcycle tour at this time of year are certain to get a great collection of photographs.

Khau Pha is approx 250 km from Hanoi and is easily reached by travelling on route 32. Also, for travellers looking to rest up after making the trip to the summit, there are several hotels and guest houses in Tu Le and at the summit.

02 – Ride on Motorcycle

A motorcycle tour of Mu Cang Chai is popular in this region because of its stunning mountainous terrain. The travel route takes in the winding passes and stops at local villages on the way. Plus, this motorcycle tour is one of the best in northern Vietnam with its amazing land and gives the complete freedom to travel at the preferred pace and stop anywhere you want.

03 – Spend the day with local farmers

Travellers to Mu Cang Chai on the Vietnam holiday can get to experience the traditional farming techniques and spend the day planting or harvesting with the local people. For most travellers this will be a very unforgettable experience and makes it possible to appreciate the hard life and work of the H’mong people.

04 – Visit the local market

While in Mu Cang Chai it is worth visiting the local market to see the colourful customs of the ethnic-minority people, special products, and local food that may not be seen in other parts of the country.

05 – Explore the local villages

A visit to the one of the many local villages, such as Che Cu Nha on a trekking adventure gives a perfect opportunity to appreciate the dramatic views of the rice terraced fields. This region of natural beauty with its refreshing breeze and postcard-perfect landscape is a great destination for the photography tour. Other villages to visit on every journey to Mu Cang Chai include La Pan Tan and Ze Xu Phinh.

06 – Tours to Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is a practical destination on the package holidays to Vietnam for a 3-4 day tour to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The peaceful region is appreciated for its amazing landscapes of terraced fields and easily explored on a trekking tour of the region. A trekking tour typically includes staying in homestay/hotel for the night. Treks in the region can follow many different routes, but a great tour includes Che Cu Nha to La Pan Tan which is approx 13 km and gives the perfect opportunity to see the best of the rice terraces.

Have a nice trip!

Mai Chau – Thai Country in North West Vietnam

 

Mai Chau is set in an idyllic valley and about 120 km south-west of Hanoi, which puts it close enough to the capital city to make it a worthwhile destination for the weekend or overnight trip for travellers.

This is a great place to visit on the Vietnam tour packages. It is appreciated for its easy cycling, some good treks, welcoming local minority people, and long stretches of natural beauty. If you don’t have the time to get to the northern town of Sapa , you may find Mai Chau is a great compromise to still be able to experience the mountain country and its ethnic minority people.

Mai Chau travel guide highlights

Hire a bicycle and explore the scenic and peaceful countryside. Take a long or short trek through the valley and paddy fields.

Chat with the local minority people over a cup of tea. Have a go at bargaining for traditional textiles without having to experience the hard sell

Most travellers on a short stay at Mai Chau can easily find accommodation in the settlements of Poom Cong and Ban Lac which offer the traditional stilt houses. Travellers get to stay with real minority communities and real families in houses that had been set up with the tourist in mind. The locals are complementing their weaving and farming income by offering the relatively authentic accommodation for the traveller.

Once the traveller is fully settled in the stilt house, it is time to start the Mai Chau homestay tour and explore the local area. This valley is mostly dominated by small villages and rice paddies that are hemmed in by hills. While a one or two day stay is likely to be typical, it is possible to stay longer, especially for those that wish to experience the Mai Chau trekking tour. Cycling is another easy and scenic way to get around.

The local villages are populated by mostly white Thai who are distantly related to tribes from China, Laos and Thailand. The villagers in this region have their own cultural uniqueness while also having a difference in personal style, with many no longer wearing traditional dresses. The Thai women are expert at weaving traditional style textures. One of the most welcoming aspects of a Mai Chau tour is the hospitality of the locals that serve up the delightful family meals.

Best time to visit Mai Chau

The preferred time to visit Mai Chau is between October and April when the weather is a lot less intense. The weather during June to August can become unbearably hot and you will find little respite from this for the duration of your stay. But for those that are looking for the best possible deals, it may be worthwhile to book outside the busy tourist period.

Accommodation

There are a variety of relatively authentic stilt house homestays throughout the villages that are available to stay on this type of Vietnam travel package. Most of the homestays are priced quite similarly (about 80,000 Vietnamese dong per night excluding meals), so it is usually a case of finding one with space and gives the preferred views.

Most of the villages are within easy walking distance, so use a Mai Chau travel guide to help find the best places to stay. Also, it is worth noting that the homestays are communal, so if you would prefer a little privacy, it may be worth looking for one that is empty and has no guests. Additionally, there is also the option of the more luxury at Mai Chau Lodge, which is located near to the village. This is a nice boutique resort with its own outdoor swimming pool and steam room.

What and where to eat

The only real choice to eat is in your homestay, although there are a few small pho and rice places if you head into Mai Chau itself. Most of the homestays will serve dinner and breakfast, but the food service isn’t included in the price of the accommodation and is extra on top. Dinner is likely to consist of a variety of home-cooked dishes while breakfast is likely to include fruit, jam, bread, etc.

Transport

The journey to Mai Chau from Hanoi is in the region of 4 hours on a direct bus route. There are several start times throughout the day with the cost in the region of 80,000 Vietnamese dong. There are also bus routes from Hanoi to Hoa Binh with the connecting bus to get you to Mai Chau. On arriving in Mai Chau town, the actual villages are about to 2-3 kilometres further on, which is easy to complete on foot or by hiring a motorbike taxi at 20,000 Vietnamese dong.

Getting around Mai Chau

If you’re planning to stay in one of the villages or Mai Chau town it is really easy to get around on foot. But if you’re planning to undertake a long trip it is possible to rent a bicycle in the villages for 30,000 Vietnamese dong per hour.

Things to do in Mai Chau

• The Mai Chau homestay tour has become a very successful tourism project for the villagers and continues to increase in popularity. For this reason, you’ll find that travelling to this valley region is more favourable during midweek, rather than waiting until the weekend.
• Mai Chau trekking tour. A major highlight of visiting this valley is the Mai Chau trekking tour that makes it possible to explore the less visited parts of the region. You get to see untouched and remote villages, experience the stunning scenery (waterfall, tea plantations, lush-green rice fields and jungle-clad limestone mountains), and learn a lot more about the local life and culture. The highlands of this part of Vietnam are home to several ethnic minorities that have their owner beliefs and culture.
• Mai Chau cycling tour: Mai Chau is a perfect destination for the keen cyclist with a diverse range of trails with undulating rough trails, single track paths and several climbs that are finished with great descents. The Mai Chau cycling tour gives the opportunity to admire stunning views with its close proximity to lush rice paddies and plenty of villages, as well as to learn more about the local hill people. After a day or two of cycling in the countryside, you may wish to reward yourself with homely accommodation at the nearby Mai Chau Valley View hotel.

Have a nice trip!

Ninh Binh – Called Halong Bay on Land

 

Ninh Binh province is around 100 Km from Hanoi city which stretches from Cuc Phuong National Park in the west to a sliver of land facing out to the Gulf of Tonkin. The province is filled with half of lime-stone Mountain and half of plain area, forming stunning landscape of fascinating grottos, striking limestone outcrop and lush rice fields. Thanks to its flat land and tourist sites within only 12Km from Ninh Binh city, tourists can reach to those sites easily by motorbike and bicycle. That’s why Ninh Binh is always a great option for those who love biking or motorbike riding, as the small paths take you through green paddy fields, garden, mountains, river and lakes.

The landscape in Ninh Binh province is just different to Halong bay in one element that is limestone islands emerging from the sea surface in Halong Bay while they jutting out from the river and land in Ninh Binh. Besides natural values, Ninh Binh is also well-known for its ancient history as the first imperial capital in Vietnam from 968 to 1010 under the regime of Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties.

Best time to travel to Ninh Binh

With tropical monsoon climate, Ninh Binh gets dry season from November to April with cool temperature of 25 degree C in November & April, cold temperature of 18 degree C in December, January, February & March. If you love enjoying yellow rice fields, you should travel to Ninh Binh in July and October.

How to get to Ninh Binh

From Hanoi to Ninh Binh: It is best to take care instead of train as it takes only around 2 hours – 110 Km. However, train is also an option if you want to experience and it costs only $20 usd per person. Then you will need taxi to Hanoi railway station and from Ninh Binh railway station to your hotel.

From Halong Bay to Ninh Binh and vice versa: If your Vietnam tour package to the North includes both Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, then you should connect Halong Bay with Ninh Binh to save driving distance as it also takes only 4 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay or vice versa. It is much better than driving back to Hanoi and then connecting to next destinations.

Connect Ninh Binh with Halong Bay and Mai Chau Valley: Instead of taking Hanoi as a transit, should directly connect those sites with each other as it will save much of your time. Then, it can be Hanoi, Mai Chau Valley, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hanoi or vice versa. It takes only around 3.5 hours (130 Km) from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh

Tourist attractions in Ninh Binh

01 – King Dinh Temple

The temple was first built in the 17th century with special architecture leaning against mountain and facing a lake. In the middle of the courtyard, there is a dragon bed with decoration of dragons, shrimps, fishes, rats, etc.  The main house has 3 different parts. The first one is worshipping room. The second one is an incense burning room where local people worship 4 important mandarins under Dinh dynasty. The last and most important one is used for worshiping King Dinh Tien Hoang and his three sons. While visiting to King Dinh Temple, you will see special features like peaceful ambiance, beautiful scenery and delicate architecture.

02 – King Le Temple

Just in walking distance from King Dinh Temple, King Le Temple where worships an excellent general under King Dinh Tien Hoang. He got a big support from the king’s wife and other mandarins to take the throne and to lead the fight against China and to begin the southward expansion process. Inside the temple, there are statues of the King, his wife and his elder son who succeeded himself in power.

03 – Thai Vi Temple

Thai Vi temple is located in a quiet place and still inside Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist complex. The temple worships first kings of Tran Dynasty with famous generals under Tran Dynasty. This is where you will have opportunity to recall memories of a glorious reign in Vietnam history and to admire unique architecture.

04 – Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral is a beautiful church with special architecture combined elegant features of Western churches and Vietnamese Pagodas. It took 24 years from 1875 to 1898 to finish building this cathedral as it is a wide area including a lake, a cathedral, a stone church, a Bell House and three artificial grottoes.

05 – Tam Coc

Or Three Caves are so beautiful that they are even praised as “Halong Bay on land”. The caves are emerging out from Ngo Dong River and you will ride the boat though both 3 caves to admire their spectacular stalactites. As soon as you arrive at the Wharf, you will get on a small sampan for paddling along the river that takes around 3 Km – 2.5 hours. The 1st Cave is named Ca Cave with 127 meter long and 20 meter wide. The 2nd Cave is Hai Cave with 60 meter long and 18 meter wide. And the 3rd Cave is 50 meter long and 18 meter wide. At the end of the 3rd Cave, you will have a stopover where located a small temple that locals often pray for good luck and health. The most beautiful time to visit Tam Coc is during Mar when cotton trees having red flowers or the end of May and early June when green rice fields go together and form an endless yellow silk.

06 – Bich Dong Pagoda

Just around 3Km driving to the East from Tam Coc pier, Bich Dong Pagoda is a nice stop that offers wonderful panoramic view and quiet ambiance. To reach to the pagodas, you have to climb up steep stone steps and it is really worth to go. The pagoda includes 3 parts that back against the mountain and have wooden architecture based on styles of Le Dynasty and Nguyen Dynasty.

07 – Trang An Complex

Trang An Eco-tourism Complex is very near from Tam Coc but it is less touristic. The system consists of numerous caves, trees and mountains that are very beautiful. It is estimated that there are over 310 species of higher plants, many algae and fungi, in which, many of them are rare woods, valuable trees used for food and medicine. Besides that, there are about 50 species of birds, 30 species of mammals and many other species of reptiles and rare animals.

08 – Van Long Nature Reserve

Situated in Gia Vien District, around 90Km from Hanoi to the South, Van Long Nature Reserve is considered as a legendary land with beautiful landscape, spectacular mountain ranges creating a natural wall of lush trees. Especially, there are 32 amazing grottos within an area of 3000 hectares and each one has its own beauty. Flora and fauna system in Van Long Nature Reserve is diversified with 457 species of higher plants, in particular, 8 species was recorded in Vietnam Red List. Van Long Wetland is even called “the bay without wave” as visitors will see a flat surface like a big mirror while going on a boat.

09 – Thung Nang – Valley of sun

Not similar to Tam Coc area that is so popular and touristic, Thung Nang is an untouched and pristine site with less human activities. The boat trip to Thung Nang lasts for 3,5 kilometers, about 2 hours and 15 minutes passing mountains, rice fields and gardens to visit the holy Voi temple that was built hundreds of years ago. Especially, there are many activities in Thang Nang that you can try like religious tours, mountain climbing and eco-tourism.

10 – Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary

Thung Nham is becoming an appealing destination thanks to its iconic beauty, the harmony between the creativity of the locals and the natural landscapes. While cruise around Thung Nham, you can see many types of birds from normal ones like storks, herons, warblers, starlings to rare ones like flamingoes and phoenix.

11 – Cuc Phuong National Park

If you are looking for a fresh and natural place to visit from Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is one of the most impressive national parks in Vietnam. The primary rainforest is filled with diversified fauna and flora, hot springs and caves. Besides trekking, Cuc Phuong National Park is also a good option for bird watching. If you want to have longer trek inside Cuc Phuong National Park, you can go there for 2 days 1 night and stay overnight at a homestay of Muong Ethnic people.

Top things to do:

Sampan riding: It is a must-do activity while traveling to Ninh Binh as you can’t enjoy the full beauty of this wetland area without a boat trip.

Religious visiting: Phat Diem Stone Cathedral and Bai Dinh Pagoda are the two most important and outstanding religious buildings in Ninh Binh that should be added on your trip if you are planning to go there for 2-days 1-night.

Biking tour: Biking is a must-do activity while traveling to Ninh Binh as it is one of the best ways to enjoy quiet and peaceful ambiance as well as to enjoy pristine landscapes. It is so easy to hire a bike at your hotel or nearby shops and it costs only around 5 – 7 usd per day.

Trekking: Trekking is not obliged but it is a good option for those who love nature and Cuc Phuong National Park is a great place for trekking.

Accommodation

Emeralda Resort: Emeralda Resort is on the edge of Van Long Natural Reserve with traditional Vietnamese styles from architecture to furnishing. The facilities are still modern and luxurious but combined perfectly with ancient features. Emeralda Resort is surely the best option while traveling to Ninh Binh.

Legend Ninh Binh Hotel: Located right at the city center, Legend Ninh Binh Hotel is modern with eleven floors and 108 comfortable rooms. It is a great option if Emeralda Resort is over your budget and you don’t want to experience homestay in Ninh Binh. It is also a good stopover for continuing your discovery to the South.

Homestay in Ninh Binh: Countryside areas in Ninh Binh are so beautiful and charming that spending a night at a homestay in Ninh Binh is really a great idea for relaxing and cycling around the most scenic terrain.

Other tips

Combine Ninh Binh tour with Halong Bay: If your trip includes both Ninh Binh and Halong Bay, you should connect them with each other to save time or you will have to spend one night in Hanoi to connect those two sites.

Less touristic place: If you are looking for a trip staying away from the crowds, you should not choose Tam Coc as it is the most popular sites for both domestic and international tourists. While it is crowded, it will be very noisy and it seems to be much affected to other visitors.

Tip for boat rider: Tip is of course not obliged but you can see the hard working of your boat rider as well as the small money that they get from the local management. Then small tips like 2 or 3 usd per person are highly recommended as they encourage them a lot and make them very happy.

Photos are not free: While traveling to many sites in Ninh Binh province, you should be aware of being captured by a professional camera as it is not free. They are your photo hunters and will then ask you to pay for those pictures.

Have a nice trip!

Sapa and the Bac Ha Market in Northern Vietnam

 

Sapa is a colourful and charming town in northern Vietnam and continues to attract more tourists every year. Similar to Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this mountainous town is able to attract its visitors based on its natural beauty. The tours in Sapa are a perfect destination for those that love to get involved in treks and include great panoramic views of the local surroundings that include the tiny hill tribe villages and cascading rice terraces.

Learn more about this Vietnamese town by reading our Sapa Travel Guide.

Sapa must see highlights

• Experience the perfect mountain views of the town, including the foggy scenes of Ham Rong Mountain
• Soak in the astonishing views of the Lao Chai & Ta Van village and its terrace fields and the Muong Hoa valley
• Learn more about the cultures of the local minority people as well as the customs of Zay, H’mong and Red Dao

When to go to Sapa?

The preferred time to visit this mountainous region in North Vietnam is from March to May and September to November when it is possible to get a break from the intense heat that is very noticeable of the major cities. At an altitude of 1600 m, the climate in Sapa can vary and ranges from the highest of 29°C to the lowest of -1°C to give the temperature that is chilly and foggy in the winter and moderate and drizzly in the summer.

Note: Best time to take great photos of the rice terraces in Sapa is from July to September.

How to go to Sapa?

Sapa is about 380 km from the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi and there are a variety of transport methods to reach this town. One of the most popular trips to reach Sapa is via the overnight train ride which will take you to Lao Chai, which is about 38 km from the intended destination. From there, it is possible to complete the rest of the journey by minibus to Sapa. The ride on the tourism train can take in the region of nine hours, and the ongoing minibus journey will take approximately one hour to complete the journey. While en route to Sapa, there is magnificent scenery to enjoy, including the lush valleys and streams.

The preferred way to get to Sapa now is taking tourist bus from Hanoi as the new superighway takes only around 6 hours. A priate tour to Sapa from Hanoi is highly recommended as tourists will be escorted by our private tour guide and driver.

Accommodation

The town of Sapa has a variety of accommodation options, especially for the travellers in the low to mid-range price brackets. But there is also the option for travellers to stay in the boutique or luxury accommodation. Most of the hotels in the local area overlook the valleys with perfect views of the Hoang Lien Mountains and Mount Fansipan. Hotels can also assist with exploring the sites and can help with organizing market trips, visa arrangements, train tickets and local Sapa tour packages. This town can get very busy throughout the peak holiday periods so it is important to book well in advance to get the preferred type of accommodation organized. Also, it is worth noting that the prices on the weekends can be slightly higher than other times.

Note: To book the right hotels in Sapa which offer great view toward to mountains, valley and rice terraces, please contact Vivutravel.

Eating and drinking

If you visit Fansipan, Muong Hoa or Cau May you are certain to find plenty of traveller friendly places to stop and eat. Most of the places serving food have a very similar menu that consists of authentic local fare, including the subtropical vegetables such as chayote, red beet and white cauliflower. Some of the must try dishes for the tourist include boiled chayote with sesame. The cool climate makes it possible for the street stalls to survive barbecued fish and meat with vegetables and mushrooms. Other great choices include bamboo tube rice, dumpling, sweet potatoes and corn. In addition to the street stalls, there are also several Western-style restaurants including those that serve the French and Italian influenced dishes.

Sapa trekking tour

Sapa is one of the absolute best destinations in Vietnam for the trekking tour. The tours include the dominating Hoang Lien Son mountain range which consists of the Indochina peninsula and Mt. Fan Si Pan. This type of tour not only gives splendid mountainous views, but is also a very tough challenge for the most dedicated trekking enthusiasts. The geological location of Sapa means it is blessed with unique features, such as the diverse range of insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds and plants. Many of these features are only noticed in the North Western regions of Vietnam.

The actual mountain is within a relatively short distance (nearly 9 km) of Sapa and is located in the province of Lao Cai. It is part of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in the south-west region of Vietnam and part of the border of the Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces.

The trek up the mountain makes it possible to see a very diverse range of flora which can include over 1650 plant species with many of them rare and difficult to find. For the traveller that has an interest in botany, climbing this mountain is certain to offer plenty of great natural attractions to admire.

The types of plants found on the trekking tours in Sapa can differ with the altitude with cotton tree, pterocarya popular at the foot of the mountain. By moving further up the mountain to an altitude of 700m to 2000m it is possible to witness the seed-bearing plants such as the fokienia. And moving further up the mountain to the peak it is possible to find various species of chrysanthemums, genus rose and short phyllostachy. Other plant life when climbing up Mt. Fan Si Pan includes the wildflowers drodohendrons and stunning orchids, which are best when the weather starts to warm in the spring.

For a beautiful and relaxing spot to rest while making the long climb of Mount Fansipan is the beautiful waterfalls throughout the region. At the foot of the mountain are the Dragon Jaw Waterfall, Cold Waterfall, and Silver Waterfall, while for those climbing to the peak it is possible to also admire the Love Waterfall. In addition to being a great place to rest after a long trek, this is also perfect place to take photographs.

The preferred time to climb the mountains is from September to March, although late February is a great time if you really want to see the mountain blossom at their best.

Things to do in Sapa

A must see place in Sapa is Cat Cat village with its distinct practices and customs that have mostly been lost in other ethnic villages. Additionally the mushrooms and vegetables in this town are among the finest to see on the Vietnam tour packages. This gives a first-hand view of Ham Rong Mountain with its wonderful green fields, fountains and scenes. For the traveller looking to shop, the Bac Ha market is a wonderful place to explore with the option to trade for unique jewellery and clothes. And for the traveller that wants to experience the Sapa trekking tour, a climb of the 3143 m Fansipan peak is certain to be quite appealing.

01 – Cat Cat Village

Within a short walking distance of the centre of town, Cat Cat village is one of the most popular attractions with tourists. The village dates back to the 19th century and was established by ethnic families, such as the Black H’mong in this mountainous region. A visit to this village gives a perfect opportunity to admire the quiet scenes of the local community going about their day-to-day life. Plus, this village is also known for its tradition of creating silver and gold jewelleries.

In addition to getting a glimpse of the local ethnic people going about their daily life, it is also possible to get involved with some of the traditional activities including fabric weaving. Plus, this is a great time to shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs from the local craftsmen.

A further benefit of visiting the Cat Cat Village is the ability to use the road as an interesting and easy path for trekking. This village is only about a 25 to 30 minute walk from the centre of Sapa, and the relaxed hike through the mountains will give the traveller an opportunity to gaze at the water buffaloes, waterfall and rice paddies.

02 – Ma Tra Village

Just a few kilometres from Sapa town, Ma Tra is the village of the Black H’Mong minority where tourists can take a leisure walk to enjoy beautiful scenery of the mountains, rice terraces and meet friendly kids.

03 – Ta Phin Village

The Ta Phin Village is approximately 17 kilometres to the west of the town of Sapa and home to the H’mong and Red Dao minorities that have been living in close proximity for hundreds of years while still being able to retain their unique cultures and traditions. By strolling around the village, it is possible to view the hill tribe houses, mountings and rice fields, as well as to understand the differences with the unique tribal communities. Additionally, in the Ta Phin Village, the tourist can shop for the locally made and distinctive brocades.

Note: It is too touristic now in Ta Phin and tourists are disturbed by Re Dao ladies who follow you whereever you go to sell their brocades. our advice is not to book the tour to this village.

04 – Bac Ha market

Around 100km from Sapa, the biggest ethnic market in the north-western region of Vietnam is Bac Ha market, which is held Sunday on a weekly basis. This market is able to attract a lot of locals that visit from the nearby hill tribes. Many of the local people have to walk for hours to arrive at the market with the intention to sell or buy home-made goods or products. This is a great place for the locals to meet and demonstrate their traditional and colourful costumes. Bac Ha Market is not only for the locals, but also a very attractive destination for the tourists.

05 – Coc Ly market

The Coc Ly market is approximately 70 km from Bac Ha and takes place every Tuesday. It is appreciated by the brightly coloured and distinctive outfits of the Flower H’mong ethnicity.

06 – Xin Cheng market

The Xin Cheng market is open every Wednesday and makes a great destination for locals to gather from minorities like the Giay,Tay, and Flower Hmong

07 – Lung Khau Nhin market

The Lung Khau Nhin market is open to locals and travellers every Thursday, is rich in original characters, and is relatively hidden in the forests and mountains of the far North.

08 – Can Cau market

The Can Cau market is one of the most interesting markets in the local area and open every Saturday. It is approximately 130 km from Sapa and is a quite busy market that has been able to retain its authentic outlook over the years.

09 – Binh Lu & Tam Duong Market

The Binh Lu and Tam Duong Market is open to the public every Sunday and is not too far from the town of Sapa

10 – Ham Rong Mountain

The Ham Rong Mountain peaks at an impressive 1850 meters makes it possible to a view stunning views of the local surroundings and sunset, as well as admiring the local valleys and towns in the background. With the clear sunny days it is also possible to catch a view of the outstanding Mt. Fansipan which is regarded as the Indochina rooftop. The Ham Rong Mountain range is a relatively short walk from Sapa and the preferred time to visit is throughout spring when it is possible to admire the flowers in full bloom which helps to boost their perfume and beauty.
Note: There is traditional music and dance show performed by the dancers from the hill-tribes. Please check with your tour guide for the exact time.

11 – Fancipan mountain

Climbing Fansipan Mountain, at a total height of 3143 meters, makes it possible to reach the highest peak in all of Vietnam. The actual trek to reach the summit can take in the region of 48 hours with at least one night spent in bamboo huts or tents at a height of 2200 meters. For those that are really fit it may be possible to complete this trek in a single day. But for those that want to reach the summit as quickly as possible, there is the cable car system that can get you to the top of the mountain within about 15 minutes. A visit to Fansipan Mountain is a top highlight in the Sapa travel guide for the adventurous travellers that wish to conquer this wonderful mountain range.

Have a nice trip!

Halong Bay in Vietnam

 

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has often been suggested as one of the major natural wonders of the world. It is populated by local fishermen who have lived in villages scattered throughout the area for generations.

Halong is 170 kilometres east of Hanoi. The name translated into English means “Bay of Descending Dragons” and first appeared in print in a 19th Century French map.  There was a story about a huge sea snake being seen by a French boat in 1898 and the name emerged from there as a French newspaper described the snake as a dragon.

No modern development is permitted and as the number of people visiting Vietnam has risen so has the number taking Hanoi tour packages. There is over 100 kilometres of coastline and almost 2,000 islands as well; plenty to include in such tours. This Halong travel guide aims to provide ideas about what is available for tourists to get a comprehensive idea of the Bay and its many attractions.

Best Time to Visit

There are two main seasons in Halong Bay. From April to the end of September it will be hot with intermittent rainfall. Temperatures will then drop and there are cool winds much of the time until spring returns again. The climate is described as tropical, coastal with an average temperature over the year of 24C, rising above 30C in the summer but averaging only 14C from October onwards.

Over 80% of annual rainfall comes during the summer even though a second monsoon, that from the north east arrives during the winter. A fairly sheltered bay, Halong is hardly ever affected by the storms which can occur elsewhere in South East Asia.

On balance March to June is the peak tourist season with fewer visitors until October and November. Having said that a Halong private tour can be arranged any time in the year. The climate in Vietnam does involve some compromising when you select your dates because of the two monsoons that hit different parts of the country so take advice from a good tour company who will be only too happy to help.

How to Get There

Some people arrive in the Bay by boat but it is more likely that the majority travel from Hanoi which is the first “port” of entry for many overseas tourists. It is possible to organisea Halong cruise tour from an experienced tour company in Hanoi. Travel arrangements, a comfortable bus from Hanoi, are easy to arrange. The bus trip takes up to four hours from Hanoi while the good road infrastructure links the rest of the country to Halong.

There is actually a rail line though it is a freight route that someone booking a Halong private tour will not really consider.

Tour Alternatives

If you have limited time then you might just decide to take a day trip into the Bay. It is such an important attraction in Vietnam that it is worth devoting more time in this beautiful part of the country. After all sunrise and sunset provide different experiences within the Bay while a clear starry night is a great sight.

You can just want to sit back and enjoy a cruise, spend a night onboard and enjoy the second day. Perhaps you want to kayak and explore some of the caves? The choice is yours.  Whether you have the time to research the detail or not experienced tour companies will give you all the advice and help you need for a Halong cruise tour.

What you decide to book is dependent upon the time you have available. If you discuss your holiday with an experienced tour company in Hanoi then you can decide what to include in your Vietnam holiday. You may decide to have a single night on board but if you opt for two nights then you will have the opportunity to go further out to some of the more outlying islands.

As already mentioned there are many islands in the Bay and here are just a few examples of ones that might be included on Halong tour packages.

01 – Cat Ba

This island is the largest of the islands in Halong Bay. It is a national park and there is overnight accommodation that can be included within a Halong private tour. The island is the home of the Cat Ba langur, an endangered primate. There is forest, coral, sea grass beds and mangroves. There are 6 communities with Cat Ba town the main one; a total population of around 13,000. Another 4,000 live in offshore fishing villages.

02 – Quan Lan

It has some great beaches and is one of the outlying islands. It is sparsely populated with little to do except enjoy the great sand and warm sea.

03 – Dau Be

It is great for diving. There are grottoes, spectacular coral and inland lakes surrounded by steep cliffs. The lakes are interlinked and it is a great experience to kayak on the waters.

05 – Bo Hon

It has one of the Bay’s best known caves, Hang Trinh Nu. The flora and fauna on this fairly large island are found in an environment of limestone cliffs and green forests.

The Vessel

A Halong cruise tour  on a traditional junk amongst the islands in Halong Bay is a delight. The junk has been part of South East Asia life for centuries. The junks used for Halong tour packagesmight look old but they are thoroughly modern and comfortable.  Not every cruise involves sailing on a junk but it is surely the best way to travel? You will be given some options when you book your Halong private tour; if you want luxury then it is available but there is a cheaper way to sail as well which is guaranteed to be comfortable and equally exciting.

You can expect great Vietnamese cuisine and there is nowhere that you will get fish any fresher on your plate.

Cuisine

One of the pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. There are often regional variations within individual countries and when you are at Halong Bay then you obviously get seafood as a central part of the diet whether you are on board a vessel or staying on the mainland.

The following may not be things you have encountered before:

• Gan is a large version of a clam which is often put into porridge or soup and accompanied with wine. Be careful to say the word in a high pitch otherwise you will get duck.
• Tu Hai is a rare shellfish, steamed or baked served in soup or with a salad. You can expect garlic and fish sauce in a typical recipe using Tu Hai.
• Gat Gu is a rice pancake; gat gu means ‘’nodding’’ so you can expect to see plenty of that as diners begin to eat and as thanks for the food.
• Sa Sung is sandworm cooked with celery and leek. The sandworm will be grilled or friend so as to be crunchy. It is often put into soup and regularly diners drink alcohol when eating it.
• Sam is a crustacean that is cooked in a variety of meals; sweet and sour, breaded, grilled or eaten with pasta. Look for Cao Xanh or Gieng Don on the menu.
• Ha are a small type of oyster and added to soup with onions, tomatoes and often pineapple.
  There will be plenty of things on the menu that overseas visitors will find familiar if you are not too adventurous.

Shopping

Few tourists going to Halong Bay expect to see big shopping malls and they won’t. Those looking for souvenirs of their Halong tour packages are best advised to go to the night market in Halong City where they will be able to buy such things such as necklaces and wooden products made by local craftsmen. Leather items are also fairly good. Pay a visit and see for yourself.

Accommodation

If you decide to visit Halong Bay then you can sleep on a boat for as many nights as you want in theory though 2, maximum 3, will be sufficient for you to really be able to understand the Bay, its attractions and its people. You may anchor for the night at one of the floating fishing villages to give you further insight into the daily lives of these people. As the Bay becomes more popular so do the alternatives to cater for tourists.

Islands like Cat Ba are inhabited and as a result it is possible to spend a night on dry land but within the Bay itself. There is actually a 5 Star resort on the island of Tuan Chau.

There are also varying levels of accommodation on the perimeter of the Bay. Halong is a city close by where there is everything from budget backpacker accommodation to luxury. You can get a luxury villa looking out into the Bay if you wish and Halong tour packages can be tailor-made to the wishes of clients.

Have a nice trip!

Hanoi – The Capital of Vietnam

 

Hanoi is capital of the unified Vietnam, having formerly been capital of just North Vietnam. It has survived struggles for centuries and indeed the first institute of learning dates back to the 11th Century, Quoc Tu Giam. The Nguyen Dynasty moved the Capital to Hue yet the French recognised the worth of the City and its strategic position to make it the capital in the later years of their occupation until independence were earned in 1954. Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh took over and when the Vietnam War finished in 1976, Hanoi became the capital of unified Vietnam and remains so today. A travel company in Hanoi is ideally placed to help you see the best of the City.

Few people at the height of the Vietnam War would ever have dreamt that less than half a century later Hanoi would be regularly appearing in the top ten tourist destinations in the world. It is a well-deserved accolade because it is a city that offers so much. It is a mixture of legend and tradition, of colonial times and today’s world just minutes from rural Vietnam where villages tend to the fields as they have always done. Indochina deserves everyone’s attention and many travellers who head to this region quite rightly devote some time to Hanoi.

Best time to visit

Hanoi’s latitude puts it into the tropical zone. Having said that the temperatures do drop in the winter with summer feeling hot with few winds to act to moderate the heat and plenty of rain.

Early in the year, February until April humidity builds and visitors can expect drizzle. Temperatures reach up to 20C and the growing season begins.  The Tet Festival is a feature of spring. The hot weather then approaches with averages over 30C. While it is the monsoon season, rain has become less predictable. With the approach of autumn, a short period of just a few weeks, temperatures begin to fall as few degrees and cool breezes combine with a drier atmosphere; a great time to visit Hanoi.

The only really cold period begins at the end of November and can last until the end of February at times. The winds can be cold and temperatures regularly fall below 10C.

How to Get There

When you use a travel company in Hanoi, it will arrange for you to see all the highlights of the City. Noi Bai International Airport is around 35 kilometres north of Hanoi. The airport has grown enormously in recent years and there are direct flights from all over the world as well as domestic connections with Ho Chi Minh City which may be the point of entry for other overseas tourists. Transfers to the City will be arranged by your Vietnam travel company  if you wish.

There is a fairly good train and road infrastructure in Vietnam for travellers who are coming from other parts of the country.

Things to do and see

One of the main experiences that Hanoi offers doesn’t involve its famous landmarks, museums or temples. It is simply feeling and observing the environment, watching local traders or eating food from street vendors. There will hardly be a moment on the streets when there isn’t something to photograph. Your ‘’album’’ at the end of your Vietnam holiday is likely to include a range of buildings, shots of the natural environment as well as typical photographs of everyday life.

Similarly the cuisine is a real pleasure. There are some dishes that you may politely refuse but there is plenty to enjoy whether it is on the streets or in the many restaurants in the City. If you have used a travel company in Hanoi, you can expect it to select some great restaurants as part of your Vietnam travel packages.

Temples

Locals are friendly and hospitable. The important thing for you to remember if you are enjoying Vietnam travel packages is that you show them and their religion due respect. In terms of visiting temples you must dress appropriately. Here are just some examples of temples you may wish to see; there are many more.

01 – The Temple of Literature

The temple dates back to the 11th Century. It is dedicated to Confucius and has undergone a number of restorations over the years, most recently in 2000.

02 – Ngoc Son Temple

The Temple of the Jade Mountain is another dedicated to Confucius and is located at the northern end of the famous Hoan Kiem Lake.

03 –  Bach Ma Temple

This temple is the oldest in Hanoi and is to be found in the Old Quarter. It has been damaged over the years by flooding so much of today’s temple is more recent, 18th Century while the Confucius shrine was added in 1839.

Museums

You need to check because some museums are close on Mondays or Fridays.

01 – Vietnamese Women’s Museum

This museum is close to Hoan Kiem Lake. It first opened in 1995 and is a fairly comprehensive study of the role of women in Vietnamese life.  It examines both daily life and the part that women played in the many struggles over time.

02 – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The city named after him is far to the south but this is where his body lies. Ho Chi Minh Museum is a great place to learn more about the man and his life. Ho Chi Minh’s Vestige in the Presidential Palace complex

03 – Fine Arts Museum

This museum  was originally a school before becoming a museum in 1966. It has exhibits from old and new Vietnam but many originals were destroyed during the War.

04 – Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution

This museum is a French style building that has 3 main sections; the French colonial period, the struggle for independence continuing through to the struggle for unification, and the post- unification period.

05 – Museum of Ethnology

This museum  is arguably the most interesting in the whole of Vietnam. There is plenty of information about the different tribes of Vietnam. There is an outdoor section with some great examples of traditional architecture typical of such tribes.

Parks

Perhaps the most famous natural site in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake. Legend says that the gods gave King Lo Lei was given a sword to repel Chinese invaders in the 15th Century. Once he did so the returned the sword to the lake. This Lake will always be included in Vietnam travel packages.

•  Ho Tay – West Lake
  •    Lenin Statue & Park
  •    Ly Thai To Statue & Park

The War

The “Hanoi Hilton” is a wartime nickname, not a hotel included in Vietnam tour packages. It is in fact a prison, Hoa Lo, where Vietnamese were held by the French and US military personnel who were shot downand captured by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Those interested in that War should also try to visit:

• Huu Tiep Lake and the Downed B-52 which sits in the middle of a residential neighbourhood.
• Downed Aircraft Memorial; one of the airmen in the plane was John McCain who stood for President in the USA in 2008.
• Army Museum has broken tanks and trucks, exhibits from both the Vietnam War and the struggles against the French.

Entertainment

Often a good way to find out more about local culture is to visit a theatre to watch dance and listen to music. There are several places in Hanoi where you can experience such things and your travel company in Hanoi will ensure you can go to any of them that takes your interest:

• Ca tru Hanoi Club includes song and poetry and is regarded by the government as a national asset.
• Golden Bell Show is one way to spend Saturday night that is both informative and entertaining and welcomes overseas visitors.
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is something to include on your list if you visit Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Cookery classes are available and once you have sampled Vietnamese cuisine it is likely that you will be interested in the basic principles behind it.

Shopping

There is something interesting in every market in Indochina, day or night.  There is the colour of the local produce and even though you may have no plans to do any cooking it is worth seeing the stalls of fruit and vegetables. There are all kinds of things sold in the markets; many locals buy everything they need at such places.

The Night Market in the Old Quarter is certainly something not to be missed.

The Old Quarters are extremely popular with tourists. In their free time this is the place to walk around to see the daily life of the locals. As you take a walk down these streets, do not miss Hang Ma is a very colourful street of Hanoi close to Dong Xuan market which sells everything. The fresh produce is especially interesting and lunch from a street vendor will never disappoint. A travel company in Hanoi with intimate knowledge of the City is best placed to provide help and advice on your time in the Vietnamese Capital.

Accommodation

Hanoi has plenty of accommodation for all budgets. Those on organised Vietnam travel packages will be given a range of alternatives within Hanoi.

The Old Quarter is certainly popular and your Vietnam travel company will provide some alternatives for staying there. Such a popular tourist city has 5 star hotels to provide luxury, comfortable mid-range hotels and apartments. Take your pick.

Ba Be Lake in North Vietnam

 

For a sightseeing tour of the northeast region, a fantastic place to start is Ba Be National Park in Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province. There is a huge amount to explore here, with a vast variety of flora and fauna, as well as interesting geology and landscapes to discover.

One of the best ways to get a feel for the area on arrival is by boat on one of the three lakes –kayaks for the more adventurous or guided motor boat tours for those who want to relax a little. Ba Be National Park has featured in hundreds of newspapers, magazines, forums and blogs, but nothing can prepare you for experiencing its intoxicating landscapes and clear waters first hand. The lakes have a lot to offer, including waterfalls, rivers, valleys, lakes, and caves all set amidst picturesque landscapes. From Ba Be Lake, tourists can also visit other neighbouring attractions such as Dau Dang Fall, Puong Cave and Tien Pond.

The lake itself is actually three small lakes joined together – Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng. The area was established as a national preserved forest and tourist centre in 1978, before being established as Vietnam’s eighth national park in 1992. It was recently recognised by UNESCO as the third Ramsar site in Vietnam – an important wetland of the world. Located 145m above sea level, the lake has an average depth of 20-25m and its deepest part is 35m. The lake bed is made up of limestone with millions of crags and crevasses that are ideal for a large variety of marine life – there are over a hundred of species of freshwater fish in the lakes.

Be Lake lies in the middle of the vast limestone mountain range of Ba Be National Park with large and small islands of limestone rising out of the water, many of which can be explored as you kayak around. There are also several caves to find, with beautiful rock formations that have developed over millions of years. Of those, a good example is Puong Cave, through which the Nang river runs under its magnificent limestone structures. It is 30 metres wide, and 300 metres deep with thousands of stalactite and stalagmite structures and a bat colony numbering tens of thousands. Its picturesque entrance lies to the north east of Ba Be Lake, in the hillside of the Lung Nham Range.

With further exploration of Ba Be National Park, tourists will also begin to discover some of the villages in the region. This is best done by joining one of manytrekking tours which can be arranged, as they include a guide that will introduce you to the people of the various ethnic communities that are resident here. Bo Lu Village is a great example, and by visiting the village, tourists have a chance not only to admire old stilt houses but also to learn more about culture and daily life of Tay people.

Vietnam’s largest fresh water lake is in the north east of the Country within a protected region in Bắc Kạn Province. Ba Be Lake is 240 km from the capital Hanoi and just west of the nearest town, Cho Ra. The lake, thought to have been formed 200 million years ago, varies in size between the dry and monsoon season. In similar limestone regions lakes can become completely dry but not Ba Be; it is never shallower than 17 metres and at its deepest it is 35 metres. It runs 8 km north – south and at 150 metres above sea level it is also the highest in the Country. Ba Be Lake has been ranked within the 20 most beautiful freshwater lakes of the world and in 2012, it was recognised as a special National landscape monument.

How to get there?

Depending on your mode of transport it will take between six and eight hours to get to Ba Be Lake from Hanoi. Some hire cars while Vietnam private tours offer comfortable transport to Ba Be. It is certainly a location for inclusion in Vietnam family tours as well.
Travel should always be by day and even the journey in the slowest buses is enjoyable because of the beautiful countryside.

Best time to visit

Vietnam travel is an experience any time of the year but there are different seasons and you should look at Vietnam travel packages with that in mind.
The dry season is the best time to visit, winter through to April and the Long Tong Festival on the 10th and 11th days of the first lunar month has traditional games and performances by the ethnic groups in the region.

Things to see and do

Trekking in Ba Be national park is particularly popular but you do not have to be especially active to enjoy the Lake. Boat trips are very popular, a chance to relax and look at both the Lake and evergreen forest and limestone slopes. It is perhaps a place to enjoy a honeymoon in Vietnam.

There is varied fauna including the Chinese pangolin, the slow loris, macaques and langurs,  black bear, European otter, Asian golden cat and the red giant flying squirrel. Birds are plentiful and varied, likewise fish and butterflies. Take care there are also salamander and king cobra. Our Ba Be Lake travel guide cannot promise anything but you are sure to see several types of fauna.

Puong Cave a large cave in the north near the Nang River is up to 50 metres high and 300 metres in length. It could be described as a bat cave because the population might be even as many as 10,000 of them. In Hua Ma Cave there are beautiful stalactites and a Guanyin Buddha statue on a lotus throne.

Limestone is porous and a “Fairy Pond”, on a hill close to the Lake has filled with water. It is 3,000 metres wide.Meanwhile the Dau Dang Waterfall on the Nang River is another great natural feature; the rapids stretch for a kilometre.

Widow Island, one of three in the Lake, in the south and is so called because legend says it was once the home of a widow who was saved from floods by the gods.

Boat tours are one way to enjoy the Lake but you may like to enjoy the Lake by yourself; kayaking is certainly an option and cycling on land as well.

Accommodation

Homestay is the popular way to stay in the region.  This is clean and air-conditioned accommodation available near the Lake and organised tour companies offering Vietnam tour packages will make all the arrangements for you.

Summary

Ba Be Lake provides a great contrast to the hectic life in the city. This Ba Be Lake travel guide has explained why a holiday in Vietnam should include a balance between the history and culture of Vietnam and the natural environment that has suffered little by the increasing number of tourists that are coming to the country each year. Experienced tour companies await.

Have a nice trip!