... , this 'S' shaped country remains abuzz with tourists throughout the year. More than 3.77 million tourists tour Vietnam every year. With China in the north and Laos and Cambodia in the west, Vietnam is a perfect blend of ancient cultures in modern colours. Vietnam is blessed with enthralling highlands and rainforest regions. Its islands and beaches are the finest in Southeast Asia region. Vietnam is a booming economy. According to the BBC report of 7 April 2011, Vietnam inches to be a developed country by 2020. Vietnam has three distinct areas: south, central and north. All the three regions have a plethora of picturesque tourist ... best option. Most of the foreign tourists prefer cycling to see different parts of Vietnam. Elephant Riding is another exciting activity done in Vietnam. Dalat at Tuyen lake is the main spot for this type of enjoyment. Horse Riding: Vietnam is blessed with a special horse breed known as Vietnamese Hmong Horse. Visitors enjoy a royal ride on these horses. Kayaking can be done throughout the length and breadth of Vietnam. The best among them is the picturesque Halong Bay area. Swimming: This activity is enjoyed in every part of Vietnam. In Vietnam, swimming is mainly done in Public swimming pools, beaches, lakes, streams, etc. The ...
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... of the war which is rarely revealed. Here we see the 'glory' of the cause giving way to displacement of civilians, the hunger of villagers and the inevitable breakdown of families and relationships that are a result of sustained conflict. 'Dragon House' by John Shors And now to modern day Vietnam, where two Americans try to deal with their own past by setting up a center to look after Vietnamese street children. On arrival the duo are confronted with the corruption and chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, and as readers we are treated to all the sounds and smells that ... getting away from the realities of the war in this book, as Second Lieutenant Waino Mellas and his Bravo Company face their fears of combat and the harshness of the jungle highlands of South-East Vietnam. 'The Man from Saigon' by Marti Leimbach Books about the Vietnam War are often written from a male perspective, but with this one we meet Susan Gifford who is sent to Vietnam to write human interest stories about the war for a women's magazine. While she may be quite naive to begin with, Gifford is soon covering the actual conflict, and finds herself in love with ...
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... and 1000 years of background along the streets of the Old Quarter. Go to the intriguing 1 Pillar Pagoda construct by Emperor Tong within the 11th century and top-up your spirits within the Bach Ma Temple, the city's oldest and most revered. Retreat to the captivating beauty of Vietnam's wilderness for a more tranquil part of your trip. Tropical rainforests abound in the protected location of Ba Be National Park, situated near to the Chinese border in the north. The local Tay individuals live in stilt houses and contribute cultural significance for the location. Take an elephant ride ... 3,444 kilometers of coastline from the northern Red River Delta close to the Chinese border towards the Mekong Delta in the southernmost tip of the South-east Asian peninsula, Vietnam is a splendid blend of picturesque coastline and lush inland terrain. The region's background of conquests and wars makes travel to Vietnam today a wealthy and rewarding experience in the course of this moment of valuable peace. Throughout the 20th century, Vietnam was at war for almost 45 consecutive years with assorted nations. Right after French and Spanish forces ravaged the region, the majority of the south became a French colony ...
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... a thriving tourism industry and offers the visitor incredible adventure and the chance to tour a country that has such an incredible history. Top destinations include Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Min City, and Hanoi. How about venturing off to less traveled locals? Da Nang. During the Vietnam War, American soldiers headed to Da Nang for R&R. The beaches were pristine then, and they are still clean and dazzling today. Da Nang is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. While it does see its share of visitors, it largely remains a hidden ... island paradise is about an hour off the coast, and its gorgeous coral reef and colorful spectacle of fish make it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. Enjoy camping on the beach or stay at the Island's only guesthouse. Enjoy the silence and the waves. Every corner of Vietnam is rife with history; traveling off the beaten path can feel like traveling back in time. It is an experience not to be missed.
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... are prepared before you. People young and old go around selling a variety of food such as freshly sliced fruits, hot buns, popcorns and the popular spring rolls. Some vendors also carry a small kitchen with them and set up a shop wherever they fancy or see potential customers. In Vietnam, you do not need to look for food, food finds you. There are many food stalls where food is sold. Language is not a problem; let your senses do the talking. The tantalizing aroma often makes people stop and pull a plastic stool. After sitting down, just point at what ... the popular Vietnamese dishes Bun Cha, Bun Ga (noodles with chicken), Bun Bo (noodles with beef) and the most demanded pho noodle soup. In fact Com and pho are the two most popular dishes in Vietnam. Com means rice and com dishes are available in every nook and corner of Vietnam. Rice is commonly served with pork sauce or beef sauce. Pho is another popular dish of Vietnam. Pho is a soup dish with noodles and local seasoning. Meat is an important ingredient of pho and if you do not eat meat, you can ask for vegetables instead. Eating on the streets comes ...
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... wood and carved out by hand. Vibrant colors are used in painting them; they mostly represent characters from folk plays and theatre and often images of saints are painted too. Silk paintings are perhaps the most popular handicraft of Vietnam. Vietnam is known for its silk. Silk is called the national treasure of Vietnam and a lot of people are involved in silk making throughout Vietnam. The traditional hand looms have been replaced by modern power looms and the patterns are computerized. Silk is used for a lot of purposes such as the canvass for silk paintings, silk lanterns etc. Silk paintings come with ... of the world. The ceramics are quite sophisticated and are beautifully decorated with exquisite patterns. The Bat Trang Ceramics are pretty valuable and make great collector items. The cute Vietnamese hats called Non La are another handicrafts you can take back home. Tall conical hats can be seen everywhere in Vietnam, from a farmer working in the field to a vendor selling spring rolls on the street to the smart well dressed business women, everyone dons a conical hat to beat the scorching heat or to seek refuge from the rain. The hats are made up fresh young leaves wrapped around ...
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... from easy rides to the more exciting ones. The tours usually last from a week to ten days and the motorcyclists can rest in the villages on their way. Here they get a chance to sample some tasty cuisine Vietnam is so famous for. Motor biking is a popular sport in Vietnam enjoyed by the locals. It is also the best way to explore Vietnam especially the northern mountainous areas where the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and the tracks most challenging. However not all tracks are challenging or risky; there are various routes made for all levels of abilities and experiences. You can ... country with diverse interests; here people will find solace in the serene landscape, quiet beaches, lovely lakes and can watch the life of the locals while kayaking through the Mekong River. Vietnam is also the ideal destination for thrill seekers as it offers some extremely challenging tracks which can be explored on motor bikes. The off road destinations are mostly in the mountainous regions and vary from easy rides to the more exciting ones. The tours usually last from a week to ...
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... couples as well as ladies only groups. Some hostels also have kitchenettes where you can prepare your own meals. The hostels are generally clean. For those who can spare some dollars, the Old Quarter District offers midrange hotels which are equipped with internet facility. Hue is another interesting town of Vietnam popular among tourists. There are many low priced hostels here which provide comfortable and secure accommodations to tourists. Hue itself is a lovely place to visit as is Hoi An. This historic town is a must visit place and has plenty of cheap accommodations. The Tran Phu Street has many ... features a number of budget hotels which though have seven floors but have no elevator facility. There is also a Mini Hotel Alley which has 30 hotels equipped with just the basic facilities. The Pham Ngu Lao district is best suited for those who are on a shoestring budget in Vietnam. Another reason why tourists choose this place is because it is in the heart of the city and many city attractions are in close proximity to the area. There are also several restaurants and bars where one can go for eating. In the capital city of Hanoi, accommodations of various ...
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... , with the Vietnamese! About 90% of them couldn't speak or understand English! Good thing somebody told me about this so I researched ahead of time on important phrases. So be guided by the following when you go to Vietnam: -> Thank you - cam on -> How much - baw new -> Expensive - makwa -> Waitress - emoy -> Hello - xin chao -> Go straight - di thang -> Right - fai -> Left - sai Vietnam is a good shopping place, especially Ben Than market. My advice: haggle haggle haggle! Use the word 'makwa' a lot! And if you are given a certain price, offer 75% off and work your way up a little ... in Vietnamese. Buy Vinamit! Yummy and good present for your family and friends back home. Bring a lot of towels.. it is scorching hot! And drink a lot of fluids! Go to Cu Chi Tunnel! It's far but worth the travel. I can't wait to go back to Vietnam!
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... columns and a wrought iron balcony which overlook the city. The Opera House was renovated in 1990 and with a seating capacity of 900 people; it continues to entertain the people. To see the building from inside, you need to purchase a ticket for the performance. The National Library of Vietnam, the Post Office and the State Bank of Vietnam, Metropole Hotel are other examples of French colonial architecture. ... under the French rule in the 19th century; The French left Vietnam but left their mark in the form of buildings in many places especially Hanoi. The French started by demolishing the old buildings and building new ones in their place. The French wanted to give the place European look and that is why buildings were constructed on European patterns. Even today ...
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... coastline and the mighty Mekong River offer numerous kayaking opportunities. Kayaking along the Halong Bay is extremely adventurous as you will come across enchanted islands, lovely beaches, hidden caves, coves and lagoons. Mekong is a major river of Vietnam and has many tributaries; kayaking through them can be real fun. The mighty Mekong is the third largest river of South East Asia. In Vietnam it divides into many tributaries and canals have also been dug for agricultural purposes turning the whole Mekong Delta into islets. Kayaking along the Mekong is fun and it also gives you a cultural tour of the region ...
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... of the Buddha or the Vesak, the emperor would come to the One Pillar Pagoda and bathe a representation of the Buddha in the presence of his monks. In 1105, the pagoda was renovated by emperor Ly Nhan Tong. The French troops destroyed the original one at their withdrawal from Vietnam. The present temple or pagoda that you see now is a replica built in 1960. The One Pillar pagoda or Chua Mot Cot is made of strong wood, three square meters in area and stands on a stone pillar rising above a pond with diameter of 1.25 meter. A ... The One Pillar Pagoda (or also called Chua Mot Cot, which means long lasting happiness and good luck) has become the symbol of Vietnamese culture and history. This unique Buddhist pagoda is located in Ha Noi, the Vietnam's second largest city. It is regarded alongside the Perfume Pagoda, as one of Vietnam's two most iconic temples. It was built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong of the Ly dynasty (1028 - 1054). Legend tells that Ly Thai Tong was childless and he used to go to pagodas to pray for a son. One day he was dreaming that he met Bodhisattva Avalokteshvara ...
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... you can view the magnificent Cham Towers. You will be impressed that the ancient Cham ruins are still well preserved. Moving inland, visit Dalat, the main resort town and French-styled hill station that is a popular honeymoon spot in the Central Highlands. The Treasures of Central Vietnam Central Vietnam, the home to four of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage Sites - My Son, Phong Nha Cave, Hue Citadel and Old Quarter. You'll be captivated by the beautiful beaches such as Lang Co Beach and Thuan An Beach. The Perfume River Boat tour is an interesting thing to do when visting Hue, the ... the ancient pagodas and buildings of colonial French architecture. Some key French colonial buildings to view are: The Notre Dame Cathedral Municipal Theater and The General Post Office. Some of the main pagodas in Ho Chi Ming City are: · Xa Loi · Vinh Nghiem · Jade Emperor Discover South Central Vietnam When exploring South Central Vietnam, tourists frequently visit the coastal Fishing Villages like Mui Ne and some of the finest beaches in the country, such as the 12-mile Mui Ne and the beautiful Doc Let. The picturesque resort towns like Nha Trang and Phan Thiet are a sight to behold. This is ...
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... and the West Halong. The eastern part is an industrial zone having official buildings; the western part is for the tourists. Halong Bay the incredible World Heritage Site. The caves and limestone's grottos are truly spectacular. The bay is distributed amongst almost 3000 islands. It is the highlight of Vietnam. There are temples, pagodas, historical sites too in the city worth visiting. Phu Quy Island: Phan Thiet Sea, 120 kms to the south east of the sea, has a chain of 10 islands which constitutes Phu Quy district. Phu Quy is the largest and the best island amongst them. The ... is especially for the adventure seekers. The excursion can last here from 2 to 5 days. Proper planning is needed before you take up excursion, so you can take maximum benefit of it. The destination is perfect for hiking. Thua Thien Hue: Are you interested in seeing cultural heritage of Vietnam? Then Hue City is the answer to it. It has got temples, tombs, palaces and pagodas are unimaginably beautiful. Hue has truly managed to preserve its charm. Some of the sites in the City are worth visiting including Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb, Citadel and Imperial City and many ...
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... the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is the thirteenth most populous country in the world. It has a very rich history and culture. Vietnam is a favourite tourist destination because of its natural environment and geography. Travelers who have booked for cheap flights to Vietnam have seen the beautiful coastlines, forests, mountains, and caves. Vietnam is famous for its unique architecture and traditional festivals which are worth watching for. Vietnam's coastline boasts of 20 beautiful beaches such as Ha Long, Do Son, Sam Son, Nha Trang, Vung Tau and Ha Tien. Nature lovers that have visited Ha Long ... like toys of baked clay. Huehas been recognised as a cultural heritage of the world because of its valuable cultural architectures. Cheap flights can grant your dream journey of a lifetime. The experiences that you will gain will truly be memorable and unforgettable. Whatever the reason and whatever the budget, Vietnam is the perfect place for all types of travelers.
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... however offer 90 percent guided tours and only 10 percent independent or unguided tours. Motorbikes should be carefully chosen as they do not refund the deposit and motor bikes can be had for a minimum of 4 days. In Ho Chi Min City, Mototours Asia and Motorcycle Rental Service in Vietnam are two reliable and renowned online agencies which rent you your dream bike. The Saigon Bike Rentals and Xe May Motorcycle Hire are some big names. Also in Ho Chi Minh City is Mst. Mai who runs a humble motorbike rental business from a cigarette stand at the Pham Ngu ... bike from your hotel and that too at cheaper rates. At Hanoi you can get good motorbikes for rent at Mr. Cuong's Motorbike Adventure. This agency is situated on Ouven Street, Old Quarters. This place is highly recommended if you want to hire Russian Minsk Motorbike. Mr. Hung's Vietnam Adventure Tour is another place you can rent bikes from. You can rent bikes from his town office situated on the Dinh Liet Street, north of Hoan Kiem Lake or from his repair shop at Tran Quang Khai Street. Off road ...
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... , rice husking factory etc. You can see the locals make ceramics and can visit the old houses. Visitors are also given tours of the fruit orchards and the fish farms. You can also find pagodas in the vicinity of some areas. Vietnam has a lot to offer to the tourists in terms of tourism. The unique sights and sounds of Vietnam can be best seen and enjoyed by visiting the various towns along the Mekong Delta. There are many towns you can visit along the Mekong Delta. Cai Be is a nice little place where you can spend a day. You can ... numerous bounties; it is an amazing country with a fantastic coastline, lovely beaches, tall mountains and lots and lots of rice fields. The mighty Mekong River is the lifeline of Vietnam. A number of canals have been dug from the river and the little towns along the banks seem more like small islands. The inhabitants of the area are very amiable people and welcome the visitors with big smiles. There are many small factories in the area such as coconut candy ...
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... in the malls or other departmental stores, bargaining is simply out of question. The night shopping areas come alive after 6:00 pm and you can find many interesting items here such as handicrafts, garments, DVDs, Vietnamese coffee, candies, local dresses and shoes and lots of other things made in Vietnam. You can buy stuff for yourself or shop for souvenirs either way you can get good quality stuff at relatively low prices. Remember price haggling is the key to a good bargain. There are various food stalls at the evening markets as well. Here locals gather for food and drinks ... and travelers can get tasty food at a low price. You will be surprised to find a large number of locals eating and enjoying themselves at the food stalls in the night market. Here different dishes from all over Vietnam are available. To get a real glimpse of the local life, do visit the night markets of Ho Chi Minh city when in Vietnam. Night Market situated adjacent to the Ben Than and is the most famous night shopping destination of Ho Chi Minh City. It opens after 06:00 pm and is crowded by tourists and locals alike with tourist more ...
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... . You can also visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum to pay respect to the dead leader. In the mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's mummified body is put on display; you can later visit the Ho Chi Minh's House to find out about the great leader and founder of modern Vietnam. One of the biggest attractions of Hanoi is the Van Mieu or the Temple of Literature. It was built in 1070 and is a prime example of the ancient Vietnamese architecture. Another interesting historic place in Hanoi is the One Pillar Pagoda. It was built in 1049 and speaks volumes ... Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam full of interesting places The popular tourist attractions of Hanoi include theatres, museums, parks, temples, lakes, night clubs and many buildings of the French colonial era. There are various theatres, music clubs and nightclubs in Hanoi. The music clubs also have dining facilities and you can enjoy the performances of ...
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... important to know some of the local language. Traveling lightly is one of the easiest ways to ensure a less stressful trip. Only pack what you absolutely need. Secure travel documents like travel insurance, passports and Vietnam visas or other visas for that matter; you might need to carry them along wherever you go. Say for example that you are traveling to Vietnam - bring only your Vietnam visas, and other necessary legal documents, but keep them in a secure place. Also, one must take precautionary measures at all times so as to avoid instances of theft and to keep way from ruthless locals ...
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