Vietnam trips

Our day trips are designed to show you this unexpected side of Vietnam and to take you further in depth to the culture and history of Vietnam. Vietnam trips

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Vietnam Trips

Hue Festival highlights - an international art feast

The 2014 Hue Festival, which opens tonight, Apr 12, and runs until Apr 20, promises to give flocking tourists a host of compelling art, cultural and fashion performances from Vietnam and 36 other countries.

From yesterday, the sparkling Hue streets have been packed with domestic tourists and foreigners, as well as groups of artists and artisans from across Vietnam and other countries. The 2014 Hue Festival, the 8th so far, attracts some 595 artists from 43 international art troupes from the five continents, along with 811 local artists.

The feast offers some 100 performances, which are strongly indicative of the countries’ and regions’ distinctive culture. The opening, which will take place at Ngo Mon Square 8pm tonight, will be aired live on VTV1 and VTV4.

Electro music feast

One of the new features at this year’s Hue Festival is the international electro music fest, set to run at the An Dinh Palace stage from tomorrow.

The fest will feature four celebrated electro music bands, the UK’s “Micachu”, France’s “Joakim Bouaziz”, German’s “Mijk van Dijk”, and Vietnam’s “Tri Minh”. The captivating performances by several world-leading DJs from Vietnam and several European countries are also expected to hold audiences spellbound.

The feast will also boast performances by Australia’s “Deep Blue”, Denmark’s Stoffer and Maskinen, Israel’s “Tararam” and Congo’s “Gasandji”, as well as shows which fuse Oriental and Western music like “Phuong Dong quyen ru” (The enchanting Orient) and “Vu cam” (Dances and musical instruments). The feast will close with a rock live show on Apr 19 evening.

Exchange of rich cultural hues

The 2014 Hue Festival, which has been chosen as “The East Asian – Latin American Cultural Exchange Forum” by Vietnam’s Ministries of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Foreign Affairs, will also highlight performances considered “cultural ambassadors” by many foreign troupes.

They include performances by Uruguay’s “Umbral Duo de Guitarras”, who seamlessly blends folk and chamber music; Argentinean artist Osvaldo Montes, who will showcase popular pieces along with excerpts from classic movies, and Brazil’s “Sururu Na Roda” band with their signature samba and choro.

Mongolia’s “Arga Bileg” band will fuse folk music typical of the prairie culture with Western jazz, while Mali singer/composer Musbaba is expected to bewitch the audiences with his combination with a Vietnamese “dan tranh” (Vietnamese 16-chord zither) artist.

The fashion spotlight

“Dem Phuong Dong” (Oriental night) has been one of the past Hue Festivals’ most-enjoyed shows.

This year’s show, to take place on Apr 13, 15, 16 and 18, will feature performances of traditional costumes from Japan, Korea, China, India, Mongolia, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Unlike in previous years when Japan sent only “yukata” (a kind of summertime, simpler “kimono”), this time the country sends over several gorgeous “kimono”, each of which costs up to some ten US dollars and takes no less than 90 minutes to don. Tourists will also have chances to don the simpler “kimonos” with the assistance of Japanese specialists.

This is the first time Malaysia and Myanmar have joined the Hue Festival.

Malaysia will showcase their 15 “baju kurum” (Malaysian women’s traditional attire), while Myanmar models will also don their traditional “thummy” at the “Oriental night” show. Other fashion highlights include Mongolia’s “deel”, China’s rare collection of time-honored costumes and Korea’s colorful “hanbok” on their iconic “oganza” cloth. Thailand has surprised the festival organizers by giving re-creations of weaving and sewing 15 new traditional costumes on a special kind of silk, which is exclusive to Thai queens.

Three renowned Vietnamese designers, Minh Hanh, Cong Khanh and Hai Long – The Huy will also showcase their stunning, elaborated “ao dai” (traditional Vietnamese long gown).

“This year’s festival has made a great stride by attracting a high number of foreign troupes, compared to the low number joining the first Hue Festival in 2000. The participating countries have seen great opportunities in showcasing their art values and cultural identities at the festival,” said Nguyen Van Thanh, vice head of the festival’s organizing board.

The 2014 Hue Festival’s main highlights:

- Opening at Ngo Mon at 8pm, Apr 12

- “Ao dai” fest also at Ngo Mon at 8.30pm on Apr 14 and 17

- “Dem Hoang cung” (Royal night) at the Hue Royal Citadel at 7.30pm on Apr 15 and 19

- “Ngay hoi am sac Huong Binh” (Huong Binh music fest), which honors “ca Hue” (Hue folk singing), at Nghinh Luong Dinh at 8pm on Apr 16

- Fire installations by France’s “Carabosse” troupe on Truong Tien Bridge at 7.30pm on Apr 18 and 20

- Art street fest titled “East Asian – Latin American heritage and cultural hues” on Hue streets on Apr 13, 15, 17 and 19

- Belgium’s Merchtem stilt-walking performances and Poland’s “OSP Nadarzyn” orchestra performances on Hue’s downtown streets at 4pm from Apr 13 to 19

- Dozens of other shows and exchanges will also take place at Quoc hoc stage, Tu Tuong Park and 3-2 Park as well as other areas throughout Hue city and Thua Thien – Hue province.

          http://vietnamtrips.com/hue-festival-highlights-international-art-feast/

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Hanoi people celebrated Cold Food Festival with Troi and Chay Cakes

It is a tradition among many Vietnamese families to make trôi and chay cakes to celebrate Tet Han Thuc (or Cold Food Festival), which falls today on the lunar calendar. Apart from Tet, or Lunar New Year festival, Vietnam celebrates several other Tets. And there are special dishes specific to each one of them.

Trôi and chay cakes, two special snacks made for the Tet Han Thuc, or the Cold Food Festival, have transcended the festival and become popular everyday food in Hanoi

There is the bánh chưng (square-shaped sticky rice cake) and onion pickles for the Lunar New Year Tet, the bánh trung thu (moon cake) for the Tet Trung Thu (Mid-autumn), and cơm rượu (fermented glutinous rice) for Tet Doan Ngo. Then there is the Tet Han Thuc (or Cold Food Festival) that falls on the third day of the third lunar month (April 12 this year). For this festival, many Vietnamese families, especially in the north, made the delicious trôi and chay cakes. Not surprisingly, these “cool” dishes are just right for the weather that prevails at festival time. The Cold Food Festival originated in China. Legend has it that in 654 BC, Chong’er, King of the Jin Dynasty, endured many hardships while he was fleeing warring states with his courtiers. Once, in order to help the king who was tormented by hunger, one of his courtiers, whose name was Jie Zhitui, cut off the flesh from his thigh and offered it to the king for sustenance.

Nineteen years later, Chong’er regained the throne and rewarded the courtiers generously but forgot about Jie Zhitui. Jie Zhitui, however, did not care much about this and took his mother to a remote mountain and lived in peace. The king later remembered Jie Zhitui’s service and invited him to the royal palace but he refused. Chong’er ordered the mountain to be burned down in order to force Zhitui out of hiding. Unfortunately Zhitui did not give in and the fire killed him and his mother. Filled with remorse, Chong’er ordered that no fire will be lit for three days every year and people must eat cold food.

In Vietnam, the Cold Food Festival is mostly celebrated in spirit. People light the kitchen stoves, and instead of eating cold food, they cook trôi and chay cakes to offer their ancestors, friends and relatives. Trôi and chay cakes are both made of glutinous rice flour. The ingredients and the recipe are quite simple. To make the trôi cake, flour is kneaded into balls and stuffed with small pieces of dried treacle, and for the chay cake, flour is kneaded into flat rounds and stuffed with steamed, crushed green beans mixed with sugar and grated coconut.

Both cakes are then boiled in water until they float to the surface. The floating trôi cakes are taken out and immediately dipped in cold water so that they do not stick together. Trôi cakes are arranged in small round plates and sprinkled with fried sesame. Meanwhile, the chay cakes are placed in small bowls and sprinkled with fried sesame or green beans and served with an amber mixture of boiled kudzu flour, pomelo flower-scented water, and sugar. Both dishes are soft, sticky, sweet-smelling and most importantly, cool. Whether they are eaten on their own or as dessert after hot or spicy food, they live up to their traditional name, and soothe the palate and the stomach with their cooling effect.

In fact, in Hanoi, trôi and chay cakes nowadays are not only cooked for the Cold Food Festival, but have also become popular breakfast snacks that can be found everyday at many food stalls. Some of the best places to get trôi and chay cakes in Hanoi are: Pham Bang at 30 Hang Giay Street; Diep Beo at 52 Hang Dieu Street; a stall at 4 Hang Can Street; and another at 250 Bach Mai Street.

Some photos of people in Hanoi celebrating the festival:

    A woman in Dich Vong Market selling glutinous rice flour

      People can also enjoy the cakes at street stalls

http://vietnamtrips.com/hanoi-people-celebrated-cold-food-festival-troi-chay-cakes/

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Old houses of the Tran - national historical and cultural relics

The front yard of Ho’s house has bonsai, a miniature rock mountain and ornamental plants.

   Two old houses of the Tran Family, which Located in the center of Thu Dau Mot Commune in Binh Duong Province, have existed for over 100 years. Both the cultural and architectural values have been kept intact. Therefore, these houses have been recognized as national historical and cultural relics.

Both houses were built and carved skillfully, reflecting the technique as well as the aesthetic tastes of people in the past. The house owned by Tran Cong Vang was built in 1889 with the architecture of a Ruong (wooden house). The house looks short from the outside but inside it is quite airy and spacious thanks to a system of high pillars and columns. All the feet of the pillars, the roof, furniture, horizontal lacquered boards, scrolls and four-season paintings were red lacquered and mother-of-pearl inlaid, giving the house a magnificent and solemn beauty.

  Inside the ancient house owned by Tran Van Ho.

The house has a corridor around the worshipping hall that leads to a sitting room and bed rooms without going through the worshiping hall to ensure its solemnity. The remaining house of Tran Van Ho was built in 1890 in the shape of the Chinese letter “Dinh”. In the front yard are bonsai, rock-work and ornamental plants.

The house is roofed by yin and yang tiles imbued with the traditional architecture of the Vietnamese people. The most salient feature of the house is carved patterns like unicorns, leaves, phoenixes and creepers. The style of the interior decorations with parallels, couplets and a worshipping cupboard also highlights the ancient beauty of the house.

  A wooden statue of Buddha displayed at the ancient house of Tran Cong Vang.

The main materials to build these houses were precious timber, such as Cam lai (Dalbergia bariaensis Pierre), Giang huong (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) and Sen (Madhuca pasquieri H.J.Lam). Over time, this wood has become a shiny black that has combined with the red and gold colour of parallels and couplets and the shiny silver of mother-of-pearl.

  The worshipping-hall of Vang’s house.

They highlight the beauty of the houses and show the prosperity and aristocracy of the house owners from the past. More importantly, the former owners of these houses knew to combine all factors of the traditional architecture of the Vietnamese people, creating harmony between the house and its surrounding landscape.

Skillfully carved patterns in the ancient house of the Tran Family.

The anteroom in Vang’s house.

Besides the aesthetic and architectural values, these houses reflect the cultural, economic and social factors of the upper classes in the 19th century. For this reason, these houses are considered a type of unique heritage in Vietnam. According to Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi (the Essays on the United Great Vietnam), Binh Duong belonged to Phien An Town in the middle of the two districts of Binh Duong and Phuoc Long. With a dense popularity, it was once the most bustling and gaudy area of Gia Dinh and no place in the country could be compared to it.

https://vietnamtrips.com/old-houses-tran-national-historical-cultural-relics/

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Da Lat has been famous for love and flowers.  This time is Da Lat Flower season – the best for tourists to observe its beauty. You should not forget to visit the three famous flower villages: Thai Phien, Ha Dong and Van Thanh.

Thai Phien Flower Village

    Located in Ward 12, 7km from Da Lat’s center, Thai Phien has a fairly flat terrain, fertile soil and abundant water resources in compare with other areas in Da Lat, which are very favorable for growing flowers. In Thai Phien village, you will see dozens of flower varieties, both domestic and imported ones. You will also observe farming activities of local farmers.

During the harvest time, especially before the New Year holiday, the atmosphere in Thai Phien becomes extremely bustling. Flowers are harvested to transport to other provinces and to export to some neighboring countries. In the daylight, Thai Phien is brilliant with thousands of flowers. At night, the village is shimmering in yellow light. From above the village looks like a charming light city.

Ha Dong Flower Village

  Formed 75 years ago by 35 households from Hanoi, Ha Dong flower village in Ward 8 is now regarded as the first flower village of Da Lat. Only 2km to the west Da Lat city, Ha Dong flower village is an attractive destination for tourists who want to see colorful flower gardens.

Three quarters of a century has passed but the marks of the village founders are still preserved, with the typical architecture of the north. Like Thai Phien flower village, Ha Dong is also formed on a beautiful location, has fertile soil and good water resources. The village mainly grows Vietnamese flower species.

Van Thanh Flower Village

Van Thanh is known as the largest flower village in Da Lat. It is about 3km from the city’s center. The village was formed by people from the northern province of Ha Nam several decades ago. Although its terrain is steep, Van Thanh is still the main source of flower supply for Da Lat, especially roses. The village has dozens of species of roses.

http://vietnamtrips.com/2382/

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Special flavour of Bun Ken - Phu Quoc

Not only reknown for its fresh seafood, sim fruit wine and pepper,  Phu Quoc Island offshore Kien Giang Province is also famous for local dishes such as Bun Ken – a delicous noodle soup.

Bun Ken

  The delicacy can be found near Dinh Cau night market’s roundabout thanks to a street vendor named Ut Luom. The noodle dish has a similar taste to dishes made in Chau Doc or Can Tho with the ingredients of coconut juice, curry spices and lemongrass for a tasty soup. The seller uses thin and small noodles accompanied with bean sprouts, sliced cucumber and vegetables. Vendors in Phu Quoc use nhau or ngan fish (yellowtail scad) instead of loc fish like other regions and then cut the meat into slices and add spices before cooking. After that they grind the meat to guarantee the savory taste of the fish.

Gourmets to the streetside shop of Ms. Ut Luom will be served a bowl of bun ken covered with a layer of fermented papaya salad with fish and soup and vegetables underneath. It is recommended that diners enjoy the noodles in early morning to take away the cool of the sea and warm up their bodies.

Bun ken is priced at VND20,000 and is only available in the morning at Ut Luom’s foodshop at 87 April 30 Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island.

http://vietnamtrips.com/special-flavour-bun-ken-phu-quoc/

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Hanoi ranked 8th in Top Best Destinations list

Hanoi ranked eighth on TripAdvisor’s list of best destinations

  According to TripAdvisor’s list of the world’s best destinations in 2014, which was announced on April 8, Hanoi was at the eighth position as a newcomer. Istanbul tops the travel review site’s list of best spots in the world this year, followed by Rome and London on the second and third positions.

This year’s top 25 list of global spots has Asian destinations climbing in the rankings. Six of this year’s top 25 global destinations are in Asia, with several Asian cities climbing 10 or more spots from their rankings last year. The world’s largest travel site decided the best spots based on the quality and quantity of reviews from its users. TripAdvisor attracted over 260 million monthly visitors in 2013 and more than 150 million reviews and opinions covering more than 3.7 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions around the world.

Saigontourist sets record

Saigontourist, Vietnam’s largest travel company, welcomed over 8,500 visitors and crew members from all over the world on the two luxury ships of Voyager of the Seas and Celebrity Millennium on April 8. This marks a record number of tourists served by the company at one time.

The Voyager of the Seas, carrying 3,500 visitors and crew members, anchored in Vung Tau Port from 7am to 7pm to visit the coastal city, Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Meanwhile, the Celebrity Millennium navigated from Vung Tau Port to Chan May Port in Thua Thien-Hue province on April 8 to visit the Hue ancient capital relic site, Hoi An ancient town and My Son Holy Land. It will head to Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province and stay in the bay from April 9-10.

Italian paper hails northern Vietnam’s beauty

The weekly feature Viaggli of Italian daily Le Repubblica recently introduced foreign visitors to major tourist attractions in Vietnam, including capital Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and some others in the northern mountainous region. The author of the article travelled the length and breadth of northern Vietnam, from capital Hanoi to the northern border province of Quang Ninh and mountainous provinces of Hoa Binh, Lai Chau and Yen Bai.

In the story Hanoi was described as a bustling, crowded city with major tourist spots such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam (Vietnam’s first university), Hoan Kiem (Restored Sword) lake, Ngoc Son temple, and the Old Quarter. The author was impressed by a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake, and a tour of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology featuring cultural customs of 54 different ethnic groups. In Quang Ninh province, the author enjoyed cruising around Ha Long bay, a World Natural Heritage site recognised by UNESCO in 1994.

He then travelled to the northern mountainous localities where he met and talked with local ethnic people, sampled specialities, and did some sightseeing. The author also introduced the breathtaking and romantic beauty of the Sapa tourist resort and a five-day adventure tour of Fansipan Mountain peak, about 3,143 metres above sea level.

VNA/VOV/SGGP

http://vietnamtrips.com/hanoi-ranked-8th-top-best-destinations-list/

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Hang out with Vietnamese Locals

  Throw away that tourism book and hang out with the locals.

Ever eavesdropped on the average conversation between tourists? Well, it immediately becomes clear that tourists are always on the look-out for authentic travel experiences. However, tourism guides often don’t write anything about ‘meeting the locals, eating with locals and going where the locals go’.

Surely, touristic places in Vietnam like to sell the idea of being authentic but most of the time, they are all providing you with the same experience. On your journey abroad, the real magic happens when you step out of your touristic comfort bubble, and start thinking like a local.

There is a new kid in town, an organization called Withlocals which aims to connect travels and locals directly through food and experiences. The idea is simple. Locals can offer tours, workshops and even home dinner experiences directly to tourists. By doing this, the local population of Vietnam can earn good money for something they do daily, and tourists get to experience the Vietnamese culture up-close. Locals can organize home dinner evenings, such as a springroll party, or teaching tourists the best way to prepare the real Pho or sticky rice cake.

There is even more. Locals are the expert of their community. How amazing would it be to visit a food market under the guidance of a local? He or she will be able to show you the best food stalls, and the hidden side-streets where the locals do their shopping. Apart from this, the locals of Vietnam can also offer activities such as a motorcycle traffic class, making your own coffee or teaching how to play a Vietnamese instruments. They can even take interested tourists along on a day activity, such as visiting a local school, or hiking through the rice fields while visiting small villages.

Vietnam720.info

http://vietnamtrips.com/hang-vietnamese-locals/

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Life in the Fast Lane: Hoi An - Ancient Town

”I was privileged to call Hoi An my home for just over a year. As a visitor I will only ever understood a fraction of the activity that keeps the streets and waterways alive. I wanted to capture and share some of the sights that inspired me during my time in this historic town.

Hoi An has effectively been preserved in time from it’s days as one of South East Asia’s busiest trading ports. Each day the morning calm disappears in a frenzy of activity as everyday life starts over. Whether it’s conical hatted ladies conducting million-dong-deals or school girls in their perfect white ao dai uniforms commuting four-to-a-bicycle Hoi An is a hive of activity… That is, until about 9pm each day when the bustling streets empty and calm returns.”

Music: Blithe Ascent Composed by: Adam Burns, Jez Burns & Chris Salt Published by KPM Music Ltd – Licensed by Big Bang & Fuzz Pty Ltd

http://vietnamtrips.com/life-fast-lane-hoi-ancient-town/

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Vietnam Adventure - it's more than a fascinating destination

It’s hard to come to Vietnam with a completely open mind. Everything they know associated with the word Vietnam somehow to be about a war. But Vietnam is much more than that. Every step of our trip away from home brought us to such amaze we have never planned to see.

http://vietnamtrips.com/vietnam-adventure-fascinating-destination/

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Fresh seafood served in Vung Tau

Away from Vung Tau’s bustling front beach, one can round a bend on the Tran Phu coastal road and get clear of the city proper. On this stretch of shoreline looking out onto the open sea one can find some of Vietnam’s tastiest seafood, particularly at local favorite eatery Ganh Hao. Minimal signage directs you to this waterside hideaway, but a steady stream of patrons confirms you’re in the right place.

Grilled stuffed squid

A thick menu awaits you, with an extensive selection including clams, oysters, prawns and other favorites. The “slimed fish” we decided to steer clear of; I expect something was lost in translation on that one. My wife and I settle on three dishes: cha gio hai san (seafood spring rolls); squid with chilis, pepper and lime; and the seafood steamboat (hot pot). With waves gently lapping against the rocks, the spring rolls arrived with shrimp and squid filling. Vung Tau is definitely a central spot for squid, as every dish we ordered contained it in some capacity. This being a Sunday, the place filled up quickly.

The grilled squid was tender and chewy, a nice departure from some more rubbery variations I’ve had during my time in Vietnam. The seafood hotpot was an interesting variation on a Vietnamese favorite; the broth was seasoned with passion fruit, lending a bitter sweet aftertaste. That said, I prefer the traditional broth, but kudos for the effort. The clams, fish, shrimp and squid all tasted fresh from the ocean, washed down with a Saigon red. Only a minor hiccup with the service, being a bit slow to bring extra limes and hand towels, but otherwise the wait staff was attentive.

Most appetizers start at VND95,000, and the entree list tends to start from that figure too, although a lot of dishes were listed as “market price” which we didn’t try. Still, all told our meal came to just under VND450,000 for two people; at roughly US$23 for the both of us, Ganh Hao provides tasty seafood in a picturesque setting. Try it next time you’re hitting the coast.

Ganh Hao is open daily at 3 Tran Phu, Vung Tau.

http://vietnamtrips.com/fresh-seafood-served-vung-tau/

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Come to Vietnam, come to Indochina. Watch it!

Come to Vietnam, come to Indochina, you see art, we see life!

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter S. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.

http://vietnamtrips.com/come-vietnam-come-indochina-watch/

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What to do in Hoi An if you only have one day?

Hoi An is the one of the most unique cities in Vietnam.  The Old Town portion of the city is a UNESCO heritage site and the old architecture is superbly preserved and displayed.  Hoi An is an extremely popular destination for tourists, but because of the high number of tourists here, it can be overwhelming.  Nevertheless, we recommend having one full day in Hoi An as it is definitely worth visiting.  As part of our Custom Itineraries for Vietnam series, here is a guide on how to spend one day in Hoi An.

  1. Tailor some clothes, bags, or shoes

Custom tailoring is a huge industry in Hoi An.  Hoi An is home to more than 400 tailoring shops and thousands of tailors who are not only talented at making clothes but are skilled in making shoes and handbags as well!  Average turn around time for full suits is a day and about 4 hours for handbags or shoes!  If you are interested in getting custom made items, try to find a shop of your liking as early as possible during your visit.

Of course, the quality of the goods comes into question when the turnaround time is so quick.  The truth is that the opinion on this varies from person to person, item to item, and shop to shop.  Even shops with a solid reputation have been known to make sub par products.  A lot of times, the key is to be completely clear on what you want and to communicate it effectively with the shop owners.  If you happen to be in Saigon before your visit to Hoi An, we recommend that you buy the fabric and materials in Saigon as the choices are more plentiful and usually of better quality.  More information here: Custom Tailoring in Saigon.

Here are recommendations for where to go for custom made items (these are places where we have had good luck, and as much as we want you to have the same positive custom tailoring experience as us, we cannot guarantee it):

Shoes, Handbags:  Friendly Shop Hoi An

Shoes, Clothes, Jackets, Suits: Ms. Anh (093 570 5655).  She works independently and sometimes collaborates with different shop and stall owners.  Her tailoring knowledge and knowhow is superb.  She will meet you at your hotel once you contact her.

2. See the countryside

The countryside and rural areas of Vietnam are simply stunning.  Visiting these areas gives you a glimpse of the romanticized vision of Vietnam – the rice fields, the conical hats, the quaint architecture, the friendly faces… As the cities have become more industrial and cosmopolitan, these rural areas have become more remote and harder to reach.  Fortunately for Hoi An, it is still quite small in size compared to other big cities in Vietnam so the countryside is more accessible.

There are several types of tours which take you to the country side for sunrise or early morning glimpses of Vietnamese rural life.  This is also an opportunity for you to pursue some of your interests while traveling.  For instance, if you are fond of photography or of biking, there are tours that are catered specifically to your needs.  Alternatively, a university students’ association also runs free city tours.  Our recommendations:

Hoi An Photography Tour Bike Tour Free Tour

3. Go for a stroll and explore the Old Town

Once you return to the city after the tour, the afternoon is the perfect time of day to see some of the famous sights within Hoi An.  But first, before you set out on foot to discover the city, we recommend that you grab a Banh Mi sandwich to fuel you for the afternoon.  The Banh Mi sandwich in Hoi An is both famous and different from a sandwich that you will get in other parts of Vietnam.  The bread and fillings are unique to the region and is a great first insight into local cuisine.  We highly recommend Madam Khanh’s stand, who has been dubbed the Banh Mi Queen in Hoi An!

After you grab a quick bite, check out the famous bridges in Hoi An.  The first is the historic Japanese covered bridge built by Japanese merchants when Hoi An was an important trading port.  The second famous bridge is simply a foot and motorbike (and whatever other vehicle fits) bridge that connects two parts of the downtown area.  The architecture of this bridge isn’t historically relevant but the way that the bridge is situated makes for a great photo-op!  If you are a museum enthusiast, you can visit any of four famous museums in the old town area.  Or, for a greater insight into the history of Hoi An, visit some of the Assembly Halls built by Chinese merchants.  You can buy a composite ticket that allows you entry into one bridge, one assembly hall, one old house, one museum and one other place of ‘intangible culture’.  All these sites are within the Old Town of Hoi An and are within walking distance from each other.

4. Enjoy the scenery

Hoi An is surrounded by a series of inlets and small channels and some residents of the town have capitalized on this by offering boat rides along these channels.  Although this may initially seem like a very touristy thing to do, it is actually one of the best ways to view the old colonial architecture from afar.  Many boat owners sit along the boulevard closest to the water and offer boat rides.  Feel free to ask several different boat owners to find the one who offers the best price.  Often times, their initial price will fall dramatically if they feel that you will take a boat ride with one of their competitors.

If boat rides don’t interest you, you can enjoy the scenery in a different way.  The ocean is not too far away from the main city so a 100,000 VND cab ride will get you to An Bang beach, one of the best beaches in Vietnam.  This particular beach was also named in CNN’s 100 Top Beaches in the world so if you happen to be in Hoi An during the right time of the year, we recommend checking it out!

5. Enjoy Hoi An’s regional cuisine

As we mentioned earlier, the regional cuisine around Hoi An is unique, and we recommend that you take the opportunity to try it out.  Hoi An has an eclectic mix of restaurants and you will have plenty of dining options.  Look for Cao Lau on the menu, which is a noodle soup unlike pho and other noodle soups you will find in Vietnam.  Also be sure to try white rose dumplings, which are shrimp dumplings shaped with the translucent cover formed in the shape of a rose.

Though Hoi An has both famous and budget eateries where you can try these dishes and more, we recommend Streets Restaurant Cafe.  Not only is it a restaurant serving up delicious food, it is also a social enterprise that helps disadvantaged youth to develop new skills and solid work experience.

6. Visit the Lantern Market and enjoy the nightly entertainment

After dark, the Old Town in Hoi An transforms into a mystical row of lights and lanterns.  In fact, Hoi An is a big centre for paper lantern manufacturers and merchants.  Every shop or establishment will have a few lanterns outside, but the real sight is the lantern market.  Here you’ll be able to see how these lanterns are made and will have a plethora of choices should you wish to take some home with you. (Location of Lantern Market)

After a stroll through the market, check out the outdoor traditional theatre.  You will have a chance to see Vietnamese folk dancers and musicians perform traditional pieces.  The theatre runs from 9 pm to 10 pm at a square on Nguyen Thai Hoc street.  It is completely free and open to the public so it’s interesting to see, even if it’s just for a few minutes as you pass by.  Before you retire to your hotel, be sure to light a candle box and set it in the water.  Many kids sit along the banks of the channel and offer candles to you – remember to make a wish!

    xotours.info

http://vietnamtrips.com/hoi-one-day/

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Vietnam Trips

Grapefruit blossom season has come in Hanoi

          Comes March, comes grapefruit flower season.  These days, grapefruit flower baskets appear on Hanoi’s streets.

  For many years, this woman has sat in the corner of Hang Khoai Street to sell offering flowers.

These days, she also sells grapefruit flowers.

Grapefruit flowers are rustic but have a dominant fragrance.

Mrs. Thu sells bunches of grapefruit flowers while others sell grapefruit flowers in weight, about VND100,000-VND150,000/kg ($5-7).

Hanoians usually buy grapefruit flowers to offer to their ancestors and to boil to shampoo their hair.

Every March, Hanoians who settle far from the homeland miss the scents of grapefruit flowers.

Dien is the famous pomelo growing land of Hanoi. Coming here in March, visitors will smell the sweet scent of grapefruit flowers everywhere.

http://vietnamtrips.com/grapefruit-blossom-season-come-hanoi/

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What to buy in Vietnam from North to South?

Many tourists enjoy souvenir shopping in Vietnam to not only commemorate their time in the country but also to give items as gifts or to purchase beautiful pieces for decoration.  Vietnam is such a vast and varied country that it can be difficult to decipher what handicrafts make a region unique or where in the country is the best place to purchase certain items.  In this edition of Vietnam travel tips, we breakdown exactly what is made in which part of the country and where to purchase it.

NORTHERN VIETNAM

What to buy in Sapa 

Vietnam is home to 53 ethnic minority groups and many of them live in Northern Vietnam near the border of China.  They not only have a distinct culture and way of life, they also have unique handicrafts and ornaments that distinguish each group from the other.  Many of the ethnic groups also grow their own indigo and rear sheep to loom and dye fabric.  In the northern parts of Vietnam, be sure to shop for beautiful embroidered fabrics, naturally dyed fabrics, and silver jewelry.  Purses and scarves with their signature patterns are often sold at the markets and stores there.  But be careful – many market sellers also sell leather and fabric goods which may resemble local artisanal work but are actually imported from China.  It may be difficult to tell the local crafts apart from the imported ones so we suggest asking your tour guide to help you in choosing something authentic.

  What to buy in Hanoi  

Although Hanoi is slowly becoming cosmopolitan, the culture is still very traditional and grounded.  No matter how modern the city becomes, ancient arts and crafts are definitely not lost in Hanoi.  One particular traditional handicraft made in Hanoi is Do paper (Do is roughly pronounced yaw with an upward intonation).  Do paper is made from the bark of the Do tree.  The raw material goes through a lengthy three month process to become a soft and durable paper fibre which is then used for books and paintings.  The paper is also used to print the traditional Dong Ho paintings.  These paintings originated in the Dong Ho village and depict various symbols and scenes to signify spring’s arrival.  These paper products can be found on Hang Gai or Hang Bac street in Hanoi.

  What to buy in Halong Bay

On your way to Halong Bay from Hanoi, many tour cars and buses will stop at tourist shops selling silk embroidered paintings, among other things.  These ‘paintings’ are special in that they are not paintings at all!  They are art pieces that are fully embroidered with silk thread.  Many of these shops also have people working there doing the embroidery right in front of you.  Although it may be hard to believe, these pieces are made by hand only.  In fact, this industry is known for hiring people with disabilities because it is an art that can be done by anyone with good dexterity.  The pieces made by a person with a disability will usually be indicated.  These stores will also send larger pieces by sea to almost any corner of the world.  The prices are usually reasonable because they send containers in bulk so they receive a discount for freight services.

  CENTRAL VIETNAM

What to buy in Hue

You cannot come to Vietnam and not notice the beautiful conical shaped hats that both locals and tourists wear.  Each region of Vietnam has put a unique spin on how to decorate the conical hat.  Some like to embroider them, some draw on the surface, but one of the most interesting variations is the conical hat from Hue.  During the process of making the hat, images and verses of poetry are imbedded between the leaves such that it is only visible when light is shone on it.  This concept is very fitting for Hue, as many poets, artists and romantic epics hail from this area.

  What to buy in Da Lat

Da Lat is one of the most fertile regions of Vietnam and a lot of vegetables and fruit come from this area.  The highlands around Da Lat are also the coffee growing centres of Vietnam.  If you visit any of the coffee plantations in this area, be sure to buy some coffee straight from the source!  Another unique product they have here is Atiso Tea (Artichoke Tea).  As the name suggests, it is a tea made from artichokes and has a floral aroma and earthy taste.  The easiest place to find artichoke tea as well as other products such as jam, root chips, and dried fruit is a chain store called L’angfarm.  Even though you can find Da Lat products at any shop in the area, the advantage of buying items at L’angfarm is that this store is a one-stop-shop for all Da Lat specialties.  And, the presentation and packaging are appropriate if you are purchasing these items as a gift!

  What to buy in Da Nang

Many of the giant marble structures you can buy at stores around the world are actually made in Vietnam.  The advantage of buying it here is of course the huge cost savings.  Most of the marble in Vietnam comes from an area just outside Da Nang called Marble Mountain.  If you take the drive between Da Nang and Hoi An, you will actually see store after store selling huge carved structures of religious figures, fountains, or animals.  If you purchase any of these items, all the stores will also ship them to wherever you live and for a very reasonable price.

  SOUTHERN VIETNAM

What to buy in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the centre point for commerce and trade in Vietnam, and merchants from all over the country come here to sell their goods.  Although many of the items you can buy here are most likely not made in the city, it is easiest to purchase them here simply because it will be more within your reach.  The best things to purchase here are fabric (especially silk), lacquerware and ceramics.   If you have a car available at your disposal, the best place to purchase ceramics is in the Binh Duong province, about 40 minutes outside of the city.  Right along the highway are several warehouses where they sell beautiful ceramic art.  It is quite the sight!  The cost savings are usually huge when buying an item in Binh Duong as opposed to within the city.

  What to buy in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is an island off the cost of Vietnam, very close to the border of Cambodia.  The island has many claims to fame – not only is it a premier beach destination, it is also the largest producer of Fish Sauce and peppercorns in the country.  The fish sauce from Phu Quoc is world renowned.  It is made from the fermentation of black mackerel and is highly purified to remove sediment.  Imitation Fish Sauce uses other types of fish which changes the flavour and sometimes has sediment because of a poor filtration process.

  What to buy in the Mekong Delta

The other fertile region in Vietnam is the Mekong Delta area.  Because of its hot climate, most of Vietnam’s tropical fruit is grown here.  Many tourists love the local experience of riding down the canals on a sampan while enjoying fresh pineapple that you bought directly from the pineapple farm.  Of course, taking fresh fruit back with you to your home country as a souvenir might be difficult but there are more practical ways you can take those tropical flavours back with you.  When you are in this area, make sure to keep an eye out for the coconut caramel candies and other fruit flavoured treats.  Some shops will even make and package the coconut caramel right in front of you.  Since production of these fruit treats are on a small scale, the ingredients are usually natural and homegrown.

  xotours blog

    http://vietnamtrips.com/buy-vietnam-north-south/

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Vietnam Trips

Cong Cake - a must-try rice specialty of Mekong Delta

Coming to the Mekong Delta, after cruising along canals, shopping on the floating market and cycling around orchards, tourists should enjoy many rustic specialties, of which cong cake is suggested as a must-try dish.

Cong is made of rice planted in the delta. The rice flour after being stirred with warm water for around 20 minutes will be added to green beans, potatoes and pork together with spices and fried onion. Then you put shrimp in the mix with flour soaked in oil and fried until it turns golden brown.

  The cake is especially tasty when fragrant and crispy. Diners will have a mouthwatering dish when the cake is served with brassica juncea together with many kinds of aromatic vegetables. Fish sauce mixed with sugar, chili, garlic and lemon will complete the delectability of the dish. Crisp of flour, fragrance of rice and vegetables, light bitter of brassica juncea, sweetness of shrimp, fat of bean and morish sauce will bring revelers a gastronomic experience and a half.

In Can Tho, tourists can find the dish along De Tham, Nguyen Trai or Ly Tu Trong streets.

http://vietnamtrips.com/cong-cake-must-try-rice-specialty-mekong-delta/

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A one-day-round Saigon

If you had unlimited time in Vietnam, you would surely be able to explore every facet of what makes this country unique.  Unfortunately, many people who travel here have limited time and want to make the most of it.  As part of our new “Custom Itineraries for Vietnam” series, we will guide you through the various cities in Vietnam and help you experience the country to its fullest.  We will also show you how to get off the beaten path and see the country in a unique way.  The first of our “Custom Itineraries in Vietnam” series – Ho Chi Minh City!

Tourists often transit through Ho Chi Minh City before moving on to a packed itinerary in Vietnam.  Though Ho Chi Minh City has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and cultural experiences, it is difficult to take part in everything when you have limited time here.  We have compiled a thorough itinerary that helps you maximize your time here.  If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, we recommend that you…

Eat Soup for Breakfast Vietnamese people love their noodle soup dishes.  You may already be familiar with pho, but there are countless more noodle soups that are in fact not pho!  What’s more, with a generous helping of various meats, veggies, and noodles, these soups are a breakfast of champions.  So start your day off Vietnamese style and devour a bowl of Pho, Banh Canh Cua, Bun Bo Hue, or whatever the guy next to you is having.

Recommendation:  Ben Thanh market has a huge section in the middle with food stalls.  The turnover is quite high here so it is usually a safe place to eat.

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh market is the iconic central market in Ho Chi Minh City.  It wouldn’t be a complete trip to the city without seeing this wonder.  They sell everything from souvenirs to kitchen supplies to groceries and meat.  It’s a one stop shop!  Or, just a great place to people watch.  This market is not air conditioned so it gets hot and muggy here during the day.  And the sellers can be quite aggressive with both tourists and locals – that’s just the nature of this market.  Having said that, it’s important to give this place a chance.  It is more than just a tourist grab.  Even for people who live here, the market sells things that are ordinarily hard to find otherwise.  The market is a lot bigger than it seems so make sure you leave some time to navigate through and really explore all that it has to offer.  Be aware that the prices here are very marked up so be sure to negotiate.  If a sign says ‘fixed price’ and the seller is hesitant to budge, you will most likely find the same items at another stall.

Marvel at the Architecture

The architecture in the city is a mish mash of new skyscrapers, old tube houses, and French colonial buildings.  The old colonial buildings in the centre of the city have a lot of character and hold a lot of history.  Fortunately, they are all quite close together so a short walk offers you the opportunity to enjoy most of them.  If you walk between the Notre Dame cathedral and the Saigon River along Dong Khoi street, and wander around Nguyen Hue and Le Loi streets, you will be able to appreciate many of the beautiful old buildings of downtown Ho Chi Minh City.  If you have time, walk into the main historical post office for a closer look at colonial style architecture at its best.

Sip Some Coffee

Vietnamese people really pride themselves on their coffee and there is no shortage of coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City.  Coffee culture was huge here well before Starbucks and other big name coffee brands arrived.  If you’ve been walking around the city for a while,  sipping on coffee and people watching is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle.  Fortunately, most coffee shops have excellent regional fare.

Recommendation: One of the coolest coffee shops in the city is L’Usine at 151/1 Dong Khoi.  The entrance is through an alleyway and up two flights of stairs.

Get a Massage and Hair Wash

Ho Chi Minh City may be chaotic but Vietnamese people sure do know how to provide a serene escape to the chaos.  Cheap foot massages can be found everywhere and for $5-10, you can achieve complete relaxation for an hour to 90 minutes.  If you are in the mood for a more authentic spa service, get a hair wash (Goi Dau).  This isn’t a regular run of the mill hair wash – a proper Vietnamese hair wash includes a head massage, face wash and mask, and a shoulder massage!  They will even blow your hair out and style it for you after.  Read our blog on massages in Vietnam to understand the ins and outs of getting a massage here.

Recommendation:  Get a 70 minute foot massage at 118 (adequately named since its address is 118 Pasteur) for $7 including tip and then go around to Jasmine Spa (45 Ton That Thiep, at the corner of Pasteur and Ton That Thiep) for a relaxing hair wash.

Go on a Motorbike Tour

Soon after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, you will notice that motorbikes are the vehicle of choice.  What better way to see the city than to experience it on the back of the bike?  XO Tours is a leading motorbike tour company in the city.  We have a range of motorbike tours to suit your taste, but by far our most popular is The Foodie.  Not only does it take you to several different districts of the city that are not generally visited by tourists, you will also have the opportunity to try the best street food Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.

See the Backpackers’ Area

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular destination for backpackers because it is relatively cheap to travel around here.  Over time, this small area around Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien streets has become a magnet for budget accommodations, colourful restaurants, and lively watering holes.  Even if you aren’t traveling as a backpacker, this particular area in the city is a tourist attraction in itself.  It is quite lively at night when hundreds of people sit on child sized plastic stools, drink local beer and mingle with the crowd.

Get a View

The city has very few tall buildings so going to the top of one of these buildings gives you an excellent view of the city.  Luckily, there are a handful of bars on really high floors so you can enjoy the view and sip on a drink at the same time.  After a long and activity filled day in the city, this is the perfect way to end your night.  It is mesmerizing to look out onto the streets hundreds of feet below and truly appreciate how the city moves.

Recommendation:  The Heli Bar in the Bitexco tower (52nd Floor, 2 Hai Trieu) is one of the highest viewing points in the city, but the perspective is much better from Chill Skybar (AB Tower, 76 Le Lai).  Both these places have a strict dress code and shoe policy.

    http://vietnamtrips.com/one-day-round-saigon/

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Vietnam Trips

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam Rush Hour Traffic in Real Time

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