... market. Markets are also abuzz with street food stalls. Vietnam is known for its delicious and mouth watering cuisines.However, at the same time, Vietnamese are extremely modest about their dishes. They are spicy, delectable and appetizing. Accommodation is no problem in Vietnam. Tourists have just to ring a good hotel and they take full care of your accommodation. Hotels in Vietnam are grand in style and spacious Vietnamese are highly hospitable and generally good in nature. Buddhism is the largest followed faith in Vietnam. Wonderful scenery, hospitable people, pristine waters and sun kissed beaches call out to every tourist to visit this beautiful land. ... , 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 ...
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... refugee who arrived in the United States when she was just sixteen, this novel tells the story of one family of Vietnamese women, and in doing so reflects the struggles of a nation. If you are about to visit Vietnam, you are visiting a country which has a particular fascination for those of us from the West - it is impossible to travel through Vietnam without being confronted by the roles colonization and war have played in its history. Arm yourself with these novels and you will be able to understand just that little bit more about the people who walk the roads of ... 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 ...
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... Markets and streets give you the best insight about any place; this is especially true for Vietnam. In Vietnam, markets are the busiest place in any town big or small. In every market you will come across people selling food. Vietnam is especially known for its street food which has now become a part of its culture and it is said that a visit to Vietnam is incomplete if you haven't tasted the tasty wares sold on streets. Street food leaves you satiated and satisfied and you get a chance to sample some best cooking without burning a hole in your pocket. Many people ... 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 ...
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... proud Vietnamese are more willing to embrace foreign travelers and share their magnificent cultural background as their economy starts to age. Pay a visit to the economical capital of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) inside the south to witness the vibrant and progressive culture that has taken root in Vietnam. While there, discover the extensive botanical gardens, Buddhist monasteries, and prevent by the Binh Soup Shop, which was the secret Viet Cong headquarters in Saigon in the course of the Vietnam War. Inside the far north, the capital city of Hanoi is a bit extra relaxed, contacting ancient Vietnamese culture and 1000 years ... 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 ...
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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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... . 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 low budget accommodations as well as three star hotels. ... 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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... 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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... , 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. It gives you can opportunity to observe the daily lives of the locals. You can visit the various floating markets along the Mekong Delta. Floating markets consist of ... done here. You can stop at any town or village for lunch or tea and explore the area. You will mostly find bee farms, fruit orchards etc here. You can buy local handicrafts as souvenir as well. There are some interesting buildings like ancient colonial houses and pagodas you can visit. Kayaking along Mekong River is pretty interesting and the unusual sights you come across makes it all the more charming. The Huong River is also known as the Perfume River and is 80 kilometers long. This river got name because it carries with it the fragrance from the various shrubs ...
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... 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 treasure as some of its most memorable spots are tucked away, waiting to be discovered. Da Nang is not tourist-friendly in that its attractions are spread out and its best are unadvertised. Visit the Cham Museum, Cham Island, Ba Hill Na ... 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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... 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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... as coconut candy factory, 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 ... 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 factory, 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 ...
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... 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 interested ... 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 ...
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... in Hanoi provides entertainment to people of all age groups. There are water slides with tube rides, a tube lake and wave forming pools. 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 ... 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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... 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 stair rises from the lip of the pond into the temple, where a steady stream of tourists and pilgrims queue up to pay their respects. Women are supposed to enjoy better fertility after their visit to the pagoda. People still can enjoy the ... 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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... 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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... A little fun fact about my mother is that she's Chinese, but born and raised in Vietnam. So it's fair to say that Asian food-wise I've been quite spoiled. But unfortunately when the craving hits, no matter what city I'm in, I find it much harder to find a quality Vietnamese restaurant to satiate me. Imagine my surprise when I heard about the ...
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... can reach 40 degrees, with the night's not being much cooler. Not ideal weather for a holiday. Travelling Around in the Wet Season Just like Cambodia and North of Vietnam, the most obvious effect of the wet season is damaged infrastructure. Landslides are common, and the heavy rain can create severely bumpy roads. The roads in Laos are generally better than the ... lower in the southern areas of Laos. Dry season The dry season in Laos runs from November to February, with temperatures averaging 28 degrees. This is the best time to visit Laos as it's the most comfortable, with low rainfall and cool, dry days. If you are planning on visiting the mountain areas in the north, it's best to ...
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... country has to offer. Many people I have talked to seems to think that there is nothing adventurous about this island state. It is true that this country is very well organize, and it is not one of the cheapest in South East Asia to visit when you compare with the neighboring countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. However, Singapore is still living up to its reputation of being a shopping paradise to those who have visited this country in the past. Forget about the usual tourist attractions like the Zoological Gardens, Botanical Gardens and the shopping district along Orchard and Scotts ... Resort World Sentosa. Casino, hotels, Universal Studio, galleries, cinema, convention centers and most important (for the ladies) upmarket shopping and restaurants are all located in Resort World and also Marina Bay Sands. There you go something new and exciting and of course, if you have plenty of time you could visit all the tourist attractions. Lastly, if you really want to get to know Singaporean, simply take the efficient subway that always arrive on time and venture into the suburbs. You will soon find out that there are many things to see and do even outside the tourist strip.
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... World Heritage Sites, you will see spots unmatched elsewhere in the world. With spectacular, pristine beaches along the coast and unique sites inland, you will find that hotel accommodation throughout Vietnam is a win-win situation wherever you go. As we take you on this journey, we will reveal why Vietnam is one of the most fantastic places to visit in SE Asia. The Mekong Delta of Southern Vietnam The Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam is a must see. The origin of this delta is from silt deposits of the Mekong River, which come from nearby countries like Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The river then ... 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 the area ...
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... region in which they grow. brewing this coffee is done differently than in most parts of the world as it is brewed in single serving cups, as opposed to the brewing process in America with its drip makers. Once brewed the java is sweetened with condensed milk. Both Brazil and Vietnam are the two largest coffee producers and exporters in the world today, thus are going to be preeminent leaders in this industry for years to come. Most java lovers who truly think of themselves as purist have sampled beans from these two countries and understand all that went into the ... . Most of the industry in Brazil is owned by foreign companies - the top two companies are American. Vietnam - number two in coffee production. It was the early 1900s when Vietnam started growing coffee and soon after becoming a leading exporter of coffee beans. Like Brazil, coffee is not naturally occurring in Vietnam. French explorers introduced the coffee bean in the 1850s and Vietnamese plantations have been growing it ever since, except for during a short disruption during the Vietnam War. What is truly amazing is that Vietnam was the very first country to produce a manufacturing plant that made instant coffee. Pretty significant in the ...
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