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The Traditional culture – Vietnamese water puppets

Vietnam Water Puppet goes along with history of over 4000 years. The traditional form of art was created when local working on the rice field, first it entertained the farmers then it was performed on the stages for guests during the festival. This performance was conserved through generations until today. Unlike the shadow puppetry found in other Asian countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, the puppet shows held throughout Vietnam take place over a waist-deep pool of water. A water puppet show will not only demonstrate for the outstanding performance but also the unique, long-established culture, customs of the S-shaped country. Considered as one of the most indigenous cultural traits of Vietnam, it would be a big miss if travellers do not watch the Vietnamese traditional puppet show in their Vietnam trip.

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Overview of water puppetry & History

Water puppetry is a form of folk arts originating in the Red River Delta in the North of Vietnam, dating back in the 11th century. The wet rice civilization of Northern Vietnam was believed to be the cradle of nurturing this traditional art form. Being born as a communal entertainment performance during harvest time for farmers, the very first Vietnamese puppet shows weren’t just for the entertainment of villagers but were thought to keep the spirits amused enough to stay away from mischief.
Originally, simple stages were constructed around flooded rice paddies, which were available in most of ancient villages & towns. The easy formation enhanced the widespread development of the art form. The water puppet shows gradually progressed as an entertaining activity for the royals. That’s an intriguing adventure from the rice field to the citadel stages.
Until now, the water puppet shows haven’t changed significantly from the old days. Shows at this modern theatre are performed in a pool of water as the stage for the puppets.

Characters:

Please don’t expect realistic movements or intricate costumes found at puppet shows in other parts of Asia. The puppets are carved out of fig wood and then lacquered. Each puppet can weigh up to 15 kg. Most of the puppets look cheerful and awash in vivid colors to emphasize their own characters. For example, “Chú Tễu” is a recurrent and the most notable character in water puppetry. “Tễu” means “laugh” in ancient Vietnamese. His appearance is of a cheerful boy who often wears simple loincloth, sometimes accompanied by a simple open vest. He is very talkative and optimistic like any typical northern farmer. He sometimes acts as a narrator, sometimes as a commentator on social realities, politics, especially officials’ corruption.

Performance & secrets of water puppetry

Performance today occurs on one of three venues: 1 – on traditional ponds in villages where a staging area can be set up, 2 – on portable tanks built for traveling performers, or 3 – in a specialized building where a pool stage can be constructed. This special stage requires a chest-deep pool of water. This water pavilion is called “Thủy đình” (“thủy” means nước, “đình” is a communal house) is where performance carries out. No more than eight puppeteers stand behind a split-bamboo screen decorated to resemble a temple facade, and control the puppets using long bamboo rods and string mechanism hidden beneath the water surface. Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional music using wooden bells, drums, bamboo flutes, horns, and cymbals.

Have you ever wondered how puppeteers can control the puppets behind the bamboo screen and still can coordinate smoothly to each other?
The secret of how water puppet shows work has been kept quiet for centuries. The puppeteers even forms their own dialect and codewords to prevent ones from overhearing talk of a particular technique.
Trying to figure out exactly how puppeteers can control the intricate movements blindly is part of the magic of each water puppet show. Great shows of skill include passing objects from puppet to puppet and other coordinated movements which have to be done by instinct rather than sight.
The musicians providing voices for the show – who, unlike the puppeteers, can see the puppets and their movements – sometimes shout codewords to warn the puppeteers when a puppet is not where it should be.
As tradition, it is adorable that Vietnamese water puppet shows are typically performed without English. The language makes little difference; the theatrics of the colorful puppets and the constant wonder of how the performers can hide beneath the water says everything best and keep puppet shows entertaining! At the end of each performance, the eight puppeteers typically come out of the water to take a dripping bow.
Some Typical Vietnamese Traditional Water Puppetry Scenes: Flag Raising, Dance of the Fairies, Water-spurting Dragon, Dance of the Four Sacred Creatures, Swinging, Thi Mau Returns her Baby, Wrestling, Planting & Pulling up Flags, Buffalo Fighting, Farming ect.

Water Puppet Shows & Theaters

This tradition is unique to North Vietnam but has recently found fame on stages all over the world. It is not difficult to reserve a show ticket wherever tourists congregate in Vietnam. This popular culture show holds regular performances.

– In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

The most popular water puppet venue is Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, which is located inside of a giant sports complex between Tao Dan Park and the Reunification Palace.
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in Saigon has three daily shows – 5pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm. Tickets cost US$7.50/ show, lasting about 50 minutes each.
Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

– In Hanoi:

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: Conveniently located next to Hoan Kiem Lake and within walking distance of the Old Quarter, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is familiar place to enjoy for this traditional artform. This is only water puppet show running 365 days a year. You can’t miss it.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre has four daily shows – 4:10pm, 5:20pm, 6:30pm, and 8pm, with the addition of a 3pm show during the busy winter season between October and April. Tickets cost VND 100,000 (about $4.40, read about money in Vietnam).
Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi, Vietnam
Site: thanglongwaterpuppet.org/en

Lotus Water Puppet Theater: located on the other side of Hoan Kiem Lake, this ancient theatre is a magnet for both locals and international tourists who want to see the legendary traditional Vietnamese form of art.

If you are looking for more exotic cultural spot, where you not only experience this comical water puppet performances but also meet the water puppetry’s professional craftsmen to hear their exceptional story, Dao Thuc village is a perfect address. Nestled in Dong Anh district 20 km on the outskirts of Hanoi, the village is famous for its 300-year-old water puppetry. “Seeing is believing” is what people talk to each other when come to Dao Thuc and experience water puppetry that has been preserved down through many generations.

– Water Puppet Shows in Hue and Hoi An

The heritage town of Hoi An in Vietnam’s Central area – home to cuisine paradise, the Japanese bridge and a fantastic Old Town – has a water puppet show of its own.
The Hoi An Theater located a little outside of the Old Town operates on water puppet shows daily except Wednesdays and Sundays. The show begins at 6:30pm and at 7:15pm, lasting 45 minutes. Admission costs VND 80,000 (US$ 3.50) for adult viewers, VND 40,000 vnd (US$ 1.70) for children.
Address: Hoi An Theater, 548 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An

In the ancient capital of Hue, the Co Do Hue Water Puppet Theatre occupies up to 160 seats, situated right in the heart of the city, and stages an impressive three shows per day, even during holidays. First show starts at the same time in any season, at 3:30pm. Summer evening shows take place at 7:30pm and 9pm, while winter evening shows take place at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.
Admission costs VND 50,000 (US$ 2.15) for adult viewers, VND 30,000 vnd (US$ 1.30) for children.
Address: 08 Le Loi, Hue, Vietnam

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The most famous local markets around Sapa

Northwest Vietnam is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, lush, terraced rice fields, diverse culture of different minority groups, especially unique bustling local markets. For those who love to explore the ethnic culture, learn more about the local daily life and enjoy nature beauty, visiting 8 best local markets around Sapa listed as below is a perfect way to do.

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Sapa Market

Sapa market is right in Sapa town, about 1,5km from Stone Church. Opening every day for people to buy and sell products, it is the most popular and touristic market. The most impressive feature of Sapa market is its unique brocade products in vibrant colors, and subtle patterns of the H’Mong, Dao Do, and Giay. On the other hand, such products as fruits, vegetables, and spices are also favorite goods of tourists.

Every Saturday night, Sapa Love Market would be operated, a place for young men and women from other villages come find partners. They show up sentiments and loving gestures through playing leaf-horns, traditional games, singing and dancing basing on special melodies, and if luckily, they might become husband and wife. However, due to the influence of the tourism industry, it is no longer a place to find true love; however, you can find something special here.

Time: Every morning (*Sapa Love market opens on Saturday night only)

Coc Ly Market

Coc Ly is a colorful market in a mountainous area where the Nung, Tay, Black Zao and H’mong ethnic minorities frequently gather every Tuesday. Here you will find a variety of goods from local fruits, vegetables, honey and corn wine to colorful fabrics, clothes and embroidered items, horses, cows and buffalos. For ethnic locals, going to market is an interesting activity which is an important chance for them to sell and buy products, to meet friends and exchange information, to date and find partners.

Time: Every Tuesday morning
Distance from Sapa: 80 km

Sin Cheng Market

On every Wednesday, Sin Cheng market (100 km from Lao Cai Railways Station, or nearly 40km from Bac Ha Town) offers the opportunity to discover a colorful gathering point of many local minorities such as the Flower H’mong, Tay, Nung and Thu Lao.

This market is not only a place for people trading local products like buffalos, horses, vegetables, herbs, clothes…. but it is also a socialized place for the young people to meet and find partners, for the old to get away from life’s struggles, and for men to enjoy the traditional corn whiskey with their old buddy.

Time: Wednesday morning
Distance from Sapa: 130 km

Cao Son Market

Cao Son is a small market of 4 ethnic minorities of Mong, Phu La, Dao and Black Han living in Muong Khuong district. Opened every Wednesday, this colorful market is set among majestic rolling mountains, terraced rice fields and mighty Chay river. Coming here, you will have opportunity to interact with local people, see how they exchange local goods and learn about their cultures. Like other local markets, the main products in Cao son include vegetables, herbs, honey, corn wine, household items, jewelry, brocade fabric, etc.

Time: Wednesday morning
Distance from Sapa: 90 km

Lung Khau Nhin Market

Located close to the border with China, about 80km from Sapa, Lung Khau Nhin market is operated every Thursday, starting around 7.30am and closing in the early afternoon. Compared to the other local markets, Lung Khau Nhin is smaller but older. This market is a place for Black Dao, Giay, Tay and Flower H’Mong groups to exchange agricultural products such as corn, rice, soybean, peanut, vegetables, handicrafts and livestocks.

Time: Thursday morning
Distance from Sapa: 80 km

Can Cau Market

Can Cau Market is one of the most attractive outdoor markets in Sapa, specializing in cattle trade, or known as the largest buffalo market in the Northwest. This market is only 7km from the Chinese border, so do not be surprised when you see a large number of Chinese traders here. Organized every Saturday, Can Cau attracts many people from several ethnic groups surrounding like Flower H’mong, Black Dao, Red Dao, Tay… come to this market to sell and buy their products from vegetables, honey, rice, herbs, brocade fabrics to several of livestock like pigs, dogs, chickens, horses, etc.

Time: Saturday morning
Distance from Sapa: 120 km

Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha Market is typically assumed to be the largest and most famous market in Northwest region. The market takes place every Sunday, from 6.00am to 2.00pm but the best time to visit the market is in the early morning. It is so crowded with several ethnic groups such as Flower Hmong, Black Dao, Nung, Tay, Phu La, Xa Fang… They come from the surrounding hills and valleys and have to walk for some hours to take part in the market. Here you can see the local women in their beautiful handmade traditional clothing and colorful scarves focusing on selling and buying their local products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, brocade, homemade wine, etc.

Time: Sunday morning
Distance from Sapa: 100 km.

Muong Hum Market

Muong Hum market is located in a small valley in Bat Xat district, next to lovely stream and surrounded by majestic mountains. Taking place every Sunday morning, this is a place for Hmong, Dao, Ha Nhi and Giay ethnic people to gather, meet, communicate each other and trade local communities in a very traditional and intimate village setting. Muong Hum is not as famous and touristic as Sunday Bac Ha market so it offers you the authenticity and bring you the true experience of mountainous hill tribe cultures.

Time: Sunday morning
Distance from Sapa: 45 km.

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Discovery Nam Du Island

Discovery Nam Du Island

Nam Du Island, around 40 kilometers away from Phu Quoc, is becoming an attractive destination for backpackers heading to the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang. This pristine island has 21 islets, 11 islets of which are inhabited, while the others remain completely untouched.

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The immense blue sea and sky, imposing mountains erupting amidst the ocean, endless evergreen primeval forests, long stunning beaches and splendid rock cliffs of Nam Du Archipelago (Quan dao Nam Du – in Vietnamese) in Kien Giang Province have seen it compared to the “New Wonder of the World” – Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province.

The archipelago stretches over two communes of An Son and Nam Du with a population of 10,000 people working in fishing and sea-related services. Formed from a volcano, it has numerous six-meter creeks which are advantageous for transportation. As it is endowed with high mountains, Nam Du also is suggested as a great spot for offshore fishermen to flee rough storms.

There are two main seasons in Nam Du: dry season (from November to May) and rainy season (from May to October). The rainy season is characterized by rain, and during the peak of this season from July to September, it may have a lot more rain and rough seas. Hence, the best time to visit Nam Du Island is from December to April when the sea is peaceful and turquoise, the temperature is comfortable, and the weather is consistent and sunny.

HOW TO GET TO NAM DU ISLAND

By Plane
You can take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc to Rach Gia Airport (Kien Giang Province) and then take a bus or taxi from the airport to Rach Gia wharf to catch a ferry to Nam Du.

Ferry to Nam Du Island from Rach Gia
At the Rach Gia ferry wharf, you can take Phu Quoc Express Boat, Superdong Speed-boat or Ngoc Thanh Ferry to Nam Du Island. The Phu Quoc Express Boat and Superdong Speed-boat are efficient, orderly, air-con and comfortable. Seating is assigned and you get a bottle of water, a refresher towel and entertainment on flat-screen TVs.

Ferry	Route	Departure	Arrival	Adult	Child
Phu Quoc Express VIP Catamaran	Rach Gia – Nam Du	6:30 ——- 11:45	8:30 ——- 13:45	250,000 VND	200,000 VND
Nam Du – Rach Gia	9:00 ——- 14:30	11:00 ——- 17:30
Ngoc Thanh	Rach Gia – Nam Du	7:30	9:45	205,000 VND	145,000 VND
Nam Du – Rach Gia	12:15	14:30
Superdong	Rach Gia – Nam Du	7:20	9:50	210,000 VND	150,000 VND
8:45	11:15
Nam Du – Rach Gia	11:00	13:30
11:50	15:20

GETTING AROUND NAM DU ISLAND
By Boat: To explore the surrounding islands like Hon Lon and visit some beautiful places, you can rent a private boat or join in a group. Find a boat of the local people at the main pier on Hon Lon Island.

By Motorbike: The main road to Hon Lon Island is paved and you can rent a motorbike from your motel/guesthouse for about 150,000 VND – 200,000 VND per day. One of the most memorable things to do in Nam Du Island is to ride around the coast at sunset. The scenery is so stunning, and the ocean sunset is absolutely gorgeous.

By “Xe om”: You can also hire a motorbike taxi driver to visit some of the popular sites on Hon Lon. Sometimes, they will be a tour guide showing what and where you should visit on Nam Du Island.

ACCOMMODATIONS ON NAM DU
Almost hotels, guesthouses in Nam Du Island are motel and they are still basic. There are two ways to spend your night on Nam Du Island, rent a hotel’s room or choose homestay with the locals. For those who like experience, you can rent a tent in beach to spend your night.

The majority of the accommodation options in Nam Du are available on Hon Lon Island. They range from simple guesthouse to motels and price vary from 100,000 VND to 500,000 VND per night. You should check and book a room in advance, especially on the weekends. To enjoy the sound of sea waves with an ocean view, you can book a room in Phuong Vu Hotel (outside of Cu Tron Town), Humiso Resort, Thao Thuong Camp, Kim Yen Motel, Thuy Diep Motel and Sau Co Motel in Hon Lon Island.

Camping on Nam Du Island is also popular for tourists who want to have a special experience. Hon Dau Island is the most suitable beach for overnight cause of coconuts and long sandy beach, price for rent beach is 30,000VND and 40,000VND per night for rent a tent.

KEY SITES
Hon Lon Island
Hon Lon, also known as Big Island, locally called Cu Tron islet, is Nam Du’s largest island on Nam Du, where you can find most accommodations, restaurants and the ferry dock. Hon Lon Island is famous for its lighthouse, a restricted military zone and has some stunning beaches: Dat Do Beach, Nhun Beach, Men Beach and Mam Beach. And Men Beach is the most beautiful one of Nam Du Archipelago with green row of coconut, white sands and blue sea.

Hon Dau Island
A must-see location is Dau Islet, which is 95 percent forest and also boasts shady, picturesque coconut gardens, simple yellow sand beach. Tourists should take a boat trip around the whole archipelago, cruising along Nom Ngoai, Dam, Hang, Moc, and Tre islands’ beautiful rocky beaches.

Hon Ngang Island
Hon Ngang is the center island of Nam Du, where most of the people live. It takes 30 minutes to get here from Hon Lon by boat. There is no means of transport on this island, you have to walk around to explore the island, visit the pier to see a sea inundated with fishing boats and fish farms for a photo opportunity. Tourists can also rent a room in the local’s guesthouse for an overnight stay.

Hon Mau Island
Mau Island is about 2 square kilometers and has a small fishing village with a hundred households. This is famous for beautiful beaches lined with coconut trees and Chuong beach is the best because it is the only real white sand beach. Other beaches are Nam beach, Nom beach, Da Den beach and Da Trang beach. Hon Mau is rapidly expanding to accommodate the tourist surge and there is now a sizable community found on the island that cater to the growing tourism sector.

Hai Bo Dap Island
Hai Bo Dap is an uninhabited island that is surrounded by coral. Most island hopping tours stop here for camping, swimming, snorkeling and fishing. One of the unique features of this island is its natural bridge that connects two islands together to form Hai Bo Dap. This natural sea bridge can only be seen at low tide.

WHAT TO EXPLORE ON NAM DU ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO
Trekking and Hiking
For people who love some sport activities, trekking to Nhum Beach is a great experience, you need to hike along a small trail, pass the towns fresh water supply source, and down through a densely forested area teeming with wildlife. The trail eventually leads to a rocky beach and the best time to hike this trail is before sunrise.

Snorkelling
Nam Du Archipelago is plentiful marine life and coral reefs, and Hon Dau Island is a perfect destination for diving, snorkelling that offers you a discovery of the colorful world of wonderful coral reefs. You can snorkel from shore, join a tour, or charter your own boat and don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and your swimming goggles.

Sunrises and sunsets
Nam Du’s Ocean sunrises and sunsets are some of the best you will ever see in Vietnam and since the island is so small you can actually watch from a single location. The pier at Hon Lon Island is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise right behind Hon Dau Island. Be sure to keep an eye out above to spot the few hawks in the area. Meanwhile, sunset along the coastal road on Hon Lon Island is breathtaking. Stop anywhere along this road and watch an amazing ocean sunset.

Fishing and foraging on Nam Du
You can either fish from the main pier, commission a small boat, or rent a boat. There are also night squid and baby octopus fishing excursions that may be of interest to you. You can also forage for your own food as all the Nam Du Island are blessed with many wild edibles and seafood such as sea snails, oysters, clams and sea urchins.

Nam Du Lighthouse
Nam Du Lighthouse is located on the top of Hon Lon Island, 300 meters above the sea level and it is considered to be the highest lighthouse in all of Vietnam. With this height, tourists can see the most beautiful panorama of Nam Du island. However, it is a restricted military zone and most visitors to Nam Du will not be able to visit it without “tipping” someone or being invited by the military.

Temples and pagodas
There are two colorful temples called Mieu Ba Chua Xu and Ngu Thanh Mieu. Mieu Ba Chua Xu is near Tret Beach having a beautiful statue of Ba. Ngu Thanh Mieu is near Bai Ngu, worships whales and you can see their bones on display.

Nam Du Island discovery tour
Discover the Nam Du Archipelago by joining a full or half day tour of the Nam Du Islands. The itinerary for these tours consists of visiting the popular islands, swimming at calm bays, snorkeling in areas that have good coral, and visiting Nam Du’s best beaches. There are 2 tours available, a full day tour or half day tour so you should consider with your schedule.

SPECIAL FOODS ON NAM DU ISLAND
Nam Du Island specialty dish is Blue bonefish or “Xuong Xanh”, as this green colored fish is quite abundant in and around the Gulf of Thailand. It is of served grilled or a dried version is fried.

Grilled scallop with fat and onion
Scallops are a popular seafood with delicious ivory flesh without toughness, suitable for both fried and roasted, and is one of the materials to be processed into a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes such as: fried scallop with salt and pepper, grilled scallop with fat and union.

Steamed squid with ginger
During the breeding season, squids contain many eggs, for more than 70% of a squid. With Squid eggs, you can make many a tasty dish like: fried squid eggs with chili fried ruffled squid, but the most striking is still steamed squid with ginger.

PERMITS FOR FOREIGNERS
Nam Du is a popular tourist attraction among Vietnamese people. Foreigners are only allowed on the island with a permit. Foreigners need a valid passport, visa, residence papers and “permits for entry into maritime boundary areas issued by provincial-level public security departments” to go to Nam Du Island. However, Nam Du is off limits to foreigners because Nam Du businesses cater to mainly “package tourists and tour group”, please check for foreigner’s permission information to travel to Nam Du, which is best worth to spend your beach holiday when you want to extend your trip.

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Da Nang best things to do & travel guide

Da Nang is halfway between the capital Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh city in the south. It is the fourth largest city in Vietnam. Apart from some historical sites, the famous Hai Van Pass, the Son Tra peninsula and the beaches are the main reason for staying here.

5 reasons to visit Da Nang

Drive motorbike over the Hai Van Pass
Explore the Son Tra peninsula
Rock climbing at the Marble Mountains
Relax on the beach
Watch the fire show of the dragon bridge

What is in this Da Nang travel guide

Practical information

Recommended days to stay

If you are in Da Nang in the right season, it is a great place to stay for a few days at the beach. If you are desire a bit more culture and things to do, it is recommended to skip this city and stay in the neighboring town of Hoi An.

ATM’s & money exchange

There are ATMs everywhere in the city, including a number at international banks.

Local events and holidays

Danang International Fireworks Festival: Held in the months of May or June, with spectacular displays of international fireworks teams illuminating the river and bridges.

Best time to visit

Dry season: April – August
Monsoon season: September – March
Warmest months: June – August (with the highest average temperature of 35 ° C)
Coolest months: November – January (with lowest average temperature of 18 ° C)

10 best things to do in Da Nang

Not long ago, Da Nang was a port town like so many can be found in Vietnam. However, in a short time Da Nang has developed into one of the largest and most modern cities in Vietnam. The beautiful beaches of Da Nang and the surrounding area have made the city one of the best beach destination in Vietnam.

There are lots of things to do in Da Nang, but especially around it. It is located right between the two ancient cities of Hoi An and Hue and you can find impressive national parks and stunning coastal roads.

1. Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass is at number one of the top 10 things to do in Da Nang. Made famous in an episode of the Top Gear TV show, the Hai Van Pass is now a must-do for thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and adventurers looking for alternative things to do in Da Nang.

This 21 km long mountain pass between Da Nang and Hue offers some of the most incredible ocean views. A new highway tunnel that has been built ensures that the traffic over the mountain pass is minimal. Rent a scooter in the city and leave early in the morning if you plan to be back in Da Nang the same day.

2. Son Tra

The beautiful rainforest that juts out into the sea from the city of Da Nang is called the Son Tra peninsula. Rent a scooter to ride the newly constructed road to the end of the peninsula and view the nature reserve and head to the top for a great view. If you are lucky you can see a very rare monkey, the red Duoc Langur. There are also a host of unspoilt beaches along the peninsula, making it one of the most beautiful and unspoilt sights in Da Nang.

3. Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are a cluster of marble and limestone hills just 7 km from the city and one of the best sights in Da Nang. The mountains are full of caves, tunnels and Buddhist shrines that you can discover. You can climb to the top of the mountains for spectacular views of the entire area. If you are more adventurous, you can also rock climbing and abseiling in the Marble Mountains.

4. Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is one of the best known landmarks in Da Nang, particularly for Vietnamese tourists. It is one of the newest and most exciting projects in Vietnam. It is a mountain village on top of a mountain that looks like a medieval castle, but within these stone walls are modern accommodations, restaurants and a Fantasy Park full of exciting attractions. The newest addition is the golden bridge that is being held by two giant stone hands.

5. Relax on the beaches

The best beaches in Da Nang are known for their clear water and fine sand. The more popular beaches, such as My Khe and Non Nuoc, are relatively close to the city center and are often full of locals during the weekend and on public holidays. You can also find plenty of local restaurants with fresh fish and Da Nang specialties at affordable prices. Beaches further from the city are often a lot quieter. View here the list of the most beautiful beaches in Da Nang.

6. Dragon Bridge

The Dragon Bridge is a long bridge with six lanes and a popular place among photographers. This unique bridge is built in the shape of a golden dragon. Although it is a beautiful sight at any time of the day, Dragon Bridge is special (and full of tourists) during the weekend because it is illuminated with colorful LEDs as the fire exhales and water spits out from 9 p.m.

7. Cham Island

If you want to see coral reefs, colorful fish, tropical beaches and islets, then the best thing to do in Da Nang is taking a trip to Cham Island. It is actually a cluster of beautiful islands that are only an hour’s boat ride from Da Nang. It is a great day trip or you can spend the night there. In a day trip you visit a few islands, you go snorkeling and you can relax on the beach.

8. Cham Museum

Cham Museum shows the age-old culture, lifestyle and customs of the indigenous Cham tribe in Vietnam, dating back to 192AD. Founded during colonial French rule in 1915, it is known as the only museum of its kind in the world. Cham Museum Da Nang is divided into ten rooms, where 300 terracotta and stone sculptures from the 7th to the 15th century are exhibited.

9. My Son

My Son is approximately a 40-minute drive from Da Nang. There are several companies that organize trips there, or you can drive there yourself with a scooter. This attraction is not as big as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but it does offer a good insight into the past of the country. There is a small museum at the entrance and all the ruins have information boards.

10. Hoi An

The most famous landmark in the region is the old town of Hoi An. If you do not plan to stay in Hoi An, this is the best thing you can do from Da Nang. Read here how to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An. In this well-preserved old trading city you can easily spend a whole day seeing and visiting old buildings, markets and the lanterns that give a nice atmosphere in the evening.

Best hotels & hostels in Da Nang

Where to stay

On the beach – One of the best things to do in Da Nang is enjoying it’s beautiful beaches. So for obvious reasons this is the best place to stay. There is a very long strip along the beach with different neighborhoods like Son Tra, An Thuong, My An and Khue My. This is also the place with the most hotels and (western) restaurants.

Near the river – The Han River is a very popular place to find a hotel in Da Nang with many restaurants, bars and good nightlife.

Staying in Hoi An – Most tourists choose to stay in Hoi An for a better atmosphere and take a day trip to Da Nang. It is only 45 minutes from Da Nang to Hoi An.

Best hostels & hotels in Da Nang

Budget hotels & hostels

Barney’S Danang Backpackers House
Travellers Nest Hostel
Danang Backpackers Hoste

Mid range hotel

Halina Hotel and Apartment
Mitisa Hotel Danang
John Boutique Villa Apartment
Frangipani Boutique Hotel Da Nang
Avora Hotel

High end hotel & resort

Monarque Hotel Danang
Grandvrio Ocean Resort Danang
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

Food & drinking

Restaurants

There are many places where you can eat well in the city of Danang. Due to its location, in the middle of Vietnam, you can find many types of food from the rest of the country. In addition to local dishes, there are also many international style restaurants, with dishes like pizza, pasta, hamburgers and Indian food .

Thien Ly Danang-style
Madame Hanh
Market’s
Tamarind Tree Restaurant Da Nang
Sofia Restaurant
Red Sky Bar & Restaurant
Lam Vien Restaurant
Madame Lân
Ngon Villa Danang
Burger Bros

Nightlife

The nightlife and nightlife in Da Nang consists of a collection of rooftop bars, sophisticated lounges, friendly expat bars and lively night clubs.

Rooftop bars

Sky 36
Brilliant Top Bar

Clubs

New Phuong Dong Nightclub
Golden Pine
OQ Bar

Bar & live music

The Daw
Seventeen Saloon
Bamboo Bar 2
7 Bridges Brewery

How to get there

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Flights to Da Nang

The busy Danang airport has many domestic connections and popular international flights to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore. There are also a growing number of connections with Laos, China, Taiwan and South Korea. Domestic flights to destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Dalat and Nha Trang are operated by regional airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar.

Busses to Hanoi

Buses run regularly between Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. There is a large Danang bus station in Dien Bien Phu Street, 3 kilometers west of the city center. From there, there are buses to all major destinations in Vietnam, including Quy Nhon, Hue, Nha Trang and Hanoi.

Trains to Da Nang

The Da Nang train station is just outside the city center and you will find a train connection that can take you anywhere in Vietnam. The train ride to Hue is one of the best in the country and is worth taking on itself as an excursion.

How to get around

Grab / Taxi: Getting a Grab taxi anywhere in Da Nang is pretty easy. This saves money compared to a normal taxi. You just have to download the app and have an internet or data connection. To avoid expensive taxis, you must choose a well-known taxi brand: Mai Linh Taxi, Vinasun Taxi, Tien Sa Taxi.

Motorbike rental: Traveling by motorbike is the most fun option of all. The average price for renting a motorcycle is 130,000 VND ($ 6) per day.

Private car: If you want to make a day trip to certain places of interest or a place outside Da Nang, you can rent a car with driver.

More tips for traveling in Da Nang

Where to go next?

It is very easy to travel from Da Nang to other cities in Vietnam due to its airport with very good domestic connections. You can fly to Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Dalat or Nha Trang. In addition it is also located a 45 minute ride to Hoi An and a 1,5 hour ride to Hue.

Da Nang with kids

Da Nang is a great place to bring children. There is a huge beach where they can play, different attraction parks such as Ba Na Hills and Asia Park and plenty of day trips you can do from here.

Language

Da Nang is a very international city, so most people in hotels and restaurants speak a descent word of English.

Plan well before your cruise to make your every moment in Vietnam unforgettable.Make your plan to Vietnam right now by apply a Vietnam visa at vietnamvisapro.net . We, a reputable and reliable Visa service, will assist you turn your plan into reality at the very first step

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Dalat best things to do & travel guide

Dalat is clearly one of the highlights of Vietnam, especially if you like adrenaline. Dalat is completely different from any other place in Vietnam. The weather is spring-like cool instead of tropical hot, the city is littered with elegant French-colonial villas instead of a grim socialist architecture, and the farms around are littered with strawberries and flowers instead of rice.

5 reasons to visit Dalat

Increase the adrenaline pace with mountain biking, white water rafting, canyoning or a climbing adventure in the hills around Dalat.
Jump on a motorbike and explore the waterfalls, lakes and forests in the area.
In the early morning, gibbons wanted to track down and then search for crocodiles in the Cat Tien National Park.
Visit the local farms and plantations.
Enjoy local food, which comes directly from the area.

What is in this Dalat travel guide

Practical information
Best time to visit
10 best things to do
Best hotels & hostels
Food & drinking
How to get there
How to get around
Itinerary

Practical information

Recommended days to stay

If you like adventure it is recommended to stay around 3 days in Dalat, so you have time to do some activities as well as driving through the area and visiting the waterfalls, forests and lakes.

ATM’s & money exchange

Dalat is a relative big town with enough ATM’s.

Local events and holidays

Dalat Flower Festival – A cultural festival which takes place every other year between late December and early January, with the purpose of exhibiting flowers, vegetables and ornamental plants from the local as well as other regions within the country

Best time to visit

Spring (January-March) – Season of trees and flowers; between 20 and 28 degrees
Summer (April – June) – Season of fog and warm weather; between 24 and 31 degrees
Autumn (July – September) – Season of rain; between 24 and 31
Winter (October to December) – Season of flowers on the hills; between 20 and 26 degrees

10 best things to do in Dalat

Dalat is a cool mountain town for both Vietnamese and travelers who want to escape the heat and smog of the larger cities. Most people come here so that they can relax and enjoy the natural sights in Dalat, such as the lakes, forests, hills and plantations. But there is also a lot of action for those who want to make their heart beat in perhaps the adventure capital of Vietnam. These are the 10 best things to do in Dalat.

1. Canyoning in Dalat

Without a doubt, canyoning is the best thing to do in Dalat. Especially for the real adventurous travelers it is one of the highlights in Vietnam. During canyoning in Dalat you abseil from waterfalls, jump from cliffs into the river, enjoy a zipline above the water, float in a river and slide down a natural water slide.

2. Explore waterfalls

There are many different waterfalls in Dalat. Some of these are not far from the city and are therefore easy to visit, but others require a long drive. The most famous is the Datanla waterfall. Here you will also find a mountain toboggan roller coaster, cable car and the place where you will find the popular canyoning.

The Pongour waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls, where the water flows down several steps. The forests around the waterfall give it an extra magical atmosphere.

The Elephant Waterfall is another impressive waterfall that is a little closer to the city. The path that leads to the waterfall is a bit tricky, but well worth a visit.

A number of other waterfalls around and in Dalat are Bao Dai waterfall, Prenn waterfall and Tiger waterfall.

3. Mountain biking

Dalat is a paradise for mountain bikers, with some great single-track, technical descents, mountain climbing and once on top, breathtaking views of fields, forests and mountains. Mountain biking is therefore one of the best things to do in Dalat and a great way to explore the region.

4. Trekking

Relaxed walks or adventurous treks through nature and along forest paths are another way to discover the beauty of this area. It is full of many natural sights in Dalat where you can find interesting animals and birds. Some tours can lead you to caves, waterfalls, lakes, volcanic peaks, minority villages, suspension bridges and farmland. The best known treks are to the top of Lang Biang Mountain and treks through the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.

5. Easy Rider Tour

Would you like to explore the forests, lakes, waterfalls and plantations of Dalat, but would you rather not be in a car or would you rather not drive a motorcycle yourself? The Dalat easy riders are the perfect solution! Easy Riders are experienced guides who take behind travelers to popular sights, as well as places that all these local guides know where to find a more authentic experience. They can be found all over Vietnam today, but are originally from Dalat. This is therefore the best place to take an Easy Rider in Vietnam.

These motorcycle guides drive around the city, but you can also book them in advance. They often have a book with reviews and pre-made routes, but you can also indicate your wishes. It is possible to take a day tour to a waterfall, plantations and forests, but you can even take a multi-day easy rider tour, where you can choose to go through the central highlands or drive to the coast and continue along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam.

6. Coffee shops

Vietnam is the second largest coffee exporter in the world, just after Brazil and most coffee comes from the central highlands, where Dalat is located. So what better place than to have a coffee in this region?

In addition to coffee in Vietnam, a whole culture has also developed around coffee shops, and Dalat is the capital of this. It is more than a place where you come to drink coffee, but also where you come for the environment. These small coffee bars are often uniquely decorated or have a special theme and others have are situated in a unique environment. For example, you will find coffee shops in Dalat on top of mountains with a beautiful view over the forests or greenhouses that are lid in the evening. Enjoy the view over a lake or the city. And coffee shops in less good locations are uniquely decorated or with a special theme, such as Harry Potter, fairy tales or a jungle theme.

7. Tuyen Lam lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is the most beautiful lake in the Dalat area and is also called Paradise Lake. The lake is surrounded by a green pine forest and gives a peaceful feeling in a beautiful landscape. In addition to enjoying the romantic scenery around the lake, you can go horse riding, climbing, fishing and kayaking. You can combine a visit to this lake with the cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda, which is right next to the lake.

8. Dalat night market

The best thing to do in Dalat at night is a visit to the Dalat night market. When the night market is open in the weekend, the central market area is pure madness, with thousands of people shopping and socializing. It is a lively scene apart from the usual relaxed pace of the city. Even on weekday evenings, the area is rich with inviting scents from all street vendors.

9. Coffee and tea plantations

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee exporters and many of the highlands around Dalat are used for plantations. The central highlands of Vietnam offer the ideal climate for growing tea and coffee. When you drive through the Dalat region you will pass large plantations of both coffee and tea and depending on the season there will be countless tarps on the road where coffee beans dry in the sun.

10. Crazy house

The Crazy House in Dalat offers a bizarre structure and completely unique experience. It is officially called the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, but is known as Crazy House for its bizarre and crazy design. With many revolving corridors and odd spaces, this is something completely different.

You can choose to stay here overnight, altough you have to keep in mind it is also a tourist attraction. A better option might be just visiting this place for an hour.

Best hotels & hostels in Dalat

Where to stay

Staying in the center – Located near the Dalat night market, suitable for shopping, eating and relaxing, most means of transport (taxi, motorcycle, bicycle) are available, with many beautiful views that are worth seeing, including Xuan Huong Lake, the flower garden of the city of Dalat.

Hotels outside the city of Dalat – Staying further away from the city center also has some unique advantages: a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, less touristy and a cheaper price. Although it takes you more time to travel to the market or other highlights of the city, in return you get a beautiful landscape to enjoy, as well as more private space to relax.

Best hotels & hostels in Dalat

Budget hotels & hostels

The Lake House
Gaia hostel
Magnolia
Cozy Nook Hostel
Mr.Peace Backpacker’s House

Mid range hotel

La Vie En Rose Villa
Tasme Hotel
Boutique Stop and Go
Tulip Hotel
Iris Dalat Hotel
Sam Tuyền Lâm Resort

High end hotel & resort

Zen Valley Dalat Resort
Swiss Belresort Tuyen Lam
Terracotta Hotel and Resort Dalat

Food & drinking

Restaurants

Dalat has numerous restaurants to serve varied visitors, of all shapes and sizes, ranging from local Dalat dishes to central and South Vietnamese dishes and a large number of Western and French-inspired eateries, bars and restaurants. The city has a reputation for high-quality fresh produce and is also the source of some of the best coffee in Vietnam.

Restaurants
1. Artist Alley Restaurant
2. Le Chalet Dalat
3. Goc Ha Thanh Restaurant
4. Da Quy Restaurant
5. Chu Quan Bbq Grill

Cafe / coffee shop
1. An cafe
2. Me Linh Coffee Garden
3. Wednesday’s Violet book cafe
4. Ma Rung Lu Quan (Ma Rung Inn)
5. Panorama Cafe Dalat
6. Cafe Nông Trại Vui Vẻ

Nightlife

The nightlife in Dalat is quiet compared to other cities in Vietnam because it is best known as a place for rest and relaxation. However, you can still find a handful of great bars and pubs until late in the evening:

Dalat Night Market
Maze bar
The Escape Bar
Beepub Hostel & Bar
Rain Nightclub
V Club Da Lat

How to get there

Flights to Dalat

There are regular flights with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar, including a daily service to Danang (1¼ hour), four daily to Hanoi (1¾ hour) and HCMC (45 minutes), and twice a week to Can Tho (1¼ hour) ).

Busses to Dalat

Dalat is an important bus stop for open bus tickets. The Sinh Tourist has daily buses to Mui Ne, Nha Trang and HCMC.

Dalat’s long-distance bus station is 1.5 km south of Xuan Huong Lake and is dominated by Phuong Trang buses that offer free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs and buses to all major regional destinations.

How to get around

Motorbike: The bets way to get around is by motorbike/scooter. Rent is 150,000d to 200,000d per day. It is understandable if you don’t want to drive around yourself, as the roads in Vietnam as not very safe. In this case we highly recommend doing a Easy Rider tour.

Car: Alternatively you can travel by comfortable car. Daily rental (with driver) starts at around $ 50.

Taxi: For within the city you can use taxis. Uses Mai Linh for reliable service.

More tips for traveling in Dalat

Where to go next?

From the city you can easily travel by bus or car to the coast cities of Nha Trang (if you are planning to go north) and Mui Ne (if you are planning to go south). You can also go by bus or flight to to Ho Chi Minh City. It is possible to go straight to Hoi An / Da Nang by bus, but it is not recommended to takes these long bus trips. There are flights available too from Dalat to Da Nang.

You can also choose to continue your journey through the central highlands and visit destinations such as Dak Lak, Kon Tum and Pleiku.

Dalat with kids

Dalat is a nice destination in Vietnam with kids, especially if they are a little older. You can take wonderful walks through the forest, mountain biking and kayaking. There are also plenty of sights that you can visit in the city and the surrounding area.

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Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam

A visitor to Hue once remarked after his vacation here: “A visit to Hue would not be complete without a boat excursion on the gentle Perfume River, or else you cannot feel the romance of Hue”. The Perfume River (Vietnamese: Sông Hương or Hương Giang) is a river that crosses the capital city of Hue, in the central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien Hue. Perfume River or Huong River is around 80 kilometers long, and owes its name to the fact that it flows through many forests of aromatic plants before reaching Hue, bringing with it a pure and fresh aroma.

The Origin of Perfume River

The Perfume River has two sources, both of which begin in the Truong Son Mountain range and meet at Bang Lang Fork. The Ta Trach (Left Tributary) originates in the Truong Dong mountains and flows northwest towards Bang Lang Fork. The shorter Huu Trach (Right Tributary) flows through the Tuan ferry, landing towards Bang Lang Fork.

Then it flows in south-north direction passing the temples of Hon Chen and Ngoc Tran, and turns north-west, meandering through the Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan plains. From this, the River then continuously flows int the north-east direction to Hue city, only an echo of Truong Son mountain, and passes the rest place of the Nguyen Emperors. The river of green water continues its itinerary, passing Hen Islet and various villages, crossing the Sinh junction, which is known as the capital of ancient Chau Hoa, before emptying into the Tam Giang Lagoon.

From Bang Lang to Thuan An estuary, the Perfume River is 30 km long and runs very slowly (as the river level is not much above sea level). The Perfume River darkens as it winds along the foot of Ngoc Tran Mountain – home of the Jade Cup Temple – where there is a very deep abyss.

Artist Inspiration of Huong River

The poetic romantic Perfume River is the deep inspirations to numerous artists, poets, and composers;

“Who turns to Hue

Who comes back to Ngu Mount

Who comes back to Huong River

The river water never sinks

Ngu Mount birds fly back to friends

Whoever are children of Hue remember to return…”

are the beautiful lyrics of a famous song, “Who comes to Hue”, written by Duy Khanh. In the autumn, flowers from orchards upriver from Hue fall into the water, giving the river a perfume-like aroma, and a beautiful poetic view. I have asked several artists about the reason for their inspiring love for Perfume River, and received nearly the same answer: “Well, my inspiration derives from the pure water, the fascinating landscape, and the gentle bridge over the river”.

What to Do at Perfume River?

1.Boat along the River

Today, travellers coming to Hue could not miss a while of boating along the river. Most of them admit that this is one of the most beautiful and extremely splendid riverside landscape (especially at night when lights are on) that they have ever visited!

2.Visit Some Nearby Hue Attractions

As mentioned, the river flows through a series of beauty-spots, taking visitors to every corner of the ancient citadel when you travel by boat. Along the river, you can visit Da Vien, Phu Xuan, and Truong Tien Bridge, come to the Tomb of Minh Mang, Hon Chen Shrine, Thien Mu Pagoda, and finally to bathe in the sea. Upstream, at the Tomb of Thien Tho, you can hear the rustling of the pine tree, which may help you become a… poet!

When the night comes, the surface of the river glistens under the moonlight, and the songs of the boat rowers can be heard breaking the silence. Just come here and you will feel the pure atmosphere of romance and beauty!

As one of the most popular attractions in Hue, a boat ride or cruise on the Huong River in Hue is included in a lot of classic Hue city tours or day trips. Pick the most suitable itinerary for you and start exploring the beauty of this poetic river and city today!

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Top 7 Best Markets in Ho Chi Minh City

For the shopping enthusiasts and first-time visitors, the best markets in Ho Chi Minh are must-visits place. Mostly located in District 1, these markets bring you a brand new shopping experience, totally different from the supermarkets and commercial malls you have visited. So what market in Ho Chi Minh should you visit? Let’s take a look at this list of 7 best markets in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

1. Ben Thanh Market

Why go: Ben Thanh market is the most popular name when mentioning about shopping. As the biggest market in HCMC, you can find all the stuff you need right here in District 1. It’s a great place to buy branded goods, handicrafts, Vietnamese art, and souvenirs. It is so big that you may find it difficult to navigate at times but worth your visiting. If you are not going to buy anything and tired of bargaining too much, let’s find eating stalls inside the market. You can simply cool off with a cold drink or get a taste of hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine. Especially, the market becomes more vibrant when night falls. All the restaurants around the market open their doors welcome the guests with the mouth-watering scents of fried noodles, barbecued fish and meats. It is totally on top 1 market for enjoying the authentically Vietnamese market.
Insider tip:

If you go in the early morning, you can get a better price as some traders offer “morning price” to bring them luck.
If you are not a local, the price is often inflated up 2 or 3 times than normal. So, you can try to bargain and just haggle your way down.
If you don’t want to buy anything, then just look for a moment and walk along. Do not touch the items and put it down. The vendors don’t like it.

Location: Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Daily 6:00 am – 00:00 pm

2. Ben Thanh Street Food Market

Why go: Ben Thanh street food market is a highlight in Ho Chi Minh City as a food heaven. For food lovers, it is a must-visit place to enjoy a wonderful dining experience with tasty specialties from many countries as well as tasty dishes from all regions of Vietnam. Also, the guests can discover the hustle and bustle of nightlife in the heart of Saigon at the same time. Some traditional Vietnamese dishes you should try: bun ca Long Xuyen (noodles with fish), bun mam (noodles with broth made of fermented fish), com tam la sen (Vietnamese broken rice wrapped in lotus leaf), chao tom (grilled shrimp mousse on a sugarcane stick), and grilled seafood. The price is very cheap, starts at VND 25.000. The Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Indian dishes are also easy to find in this street food market.

Insider tip: At high times, the market usually lack sufficient seating. So, it is better to avoid the lunchtime and dinner time.

Location: 26-28-30 Thu Khoa Huan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10:00 am – 09:00 pm

3. Binh Tay Market

Why go: Binh Tay market is located in the center of the largest Chinatown district in Vietnam. Constructed by the French in the 1880s, it is a great example of French architecture. Unlike Ben Thanh Market, this market mainly provides the Saigoners with its wide range of fresh fruits, poultry, vegetables, meat and seafood from all regions of Vietnam. Also known as Cho Lon Chinatown Market, it is a two-storey building along Thap Muoi Street. Though the goods are not as various as other markets in downtown Hanoi, you can find an assortment of handicrafts, textiles, and lacquerware here. Apart from the interesting cultural and historical aspects, Binh Tay market also attracts the customers for experiencing the local lifestyle and sampling delicious unique Vietnamese-Chinese delicacies.

Insider tip:

While you are walking around Binh Tay market, be careful of your belongings. Especially when you are taking photos, be cautious and don’t be too attached to anything you take with you.
It’s better to visit the market in the early morning to buy the fresh food such as meat and seafood in outdoor wet market. The fresh food is the best to create a delicious meal.
Significantly influenced by Chinese culture, some popular dishes you should try include: Chinese-style roast duck, black chicken braised with Chinese medicine, Pha Lau (pig’s organs), and fish curry.

Location: 57 Thap Muoi, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Daily 07:00 am – 06:00 pm

4. An Dong Market

Why go: Compared to other markets, An Dong Market has its reputation for the variety of fashion wholesalers and handicraft stalls. Located in District 5, An Dong Market occupies a four-storey indoor market and it only takes around 10 minutes to drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. The market is an ideal place for fashion enthusiasts because you can find a huge collection of textiles, apparel, handbags, and accessories on the first two floors and quality knitwear, trinkets, and woodwork in the top floor. The ground floor also has several stalls where you can enjoy traditional snacks, desserts, and bulk food for less than USD 1. Some recommended food to enjoy here: pho, banh xeo, goi cuon, and mi quang.
Insider tip: For an interesting contrast, let’s check out An Dong Plaza which is just next door to An Dong Market. It’s a modern and convenient shopping center. If you can’t find something in the market, you probably can find it in the Plaza but at a higher price.

Location: An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Daily 08:00 am – 02:00 pm

5. Tan Dinh Market

Why go: Built in 1926, Tan DInh market serves as a historical monument and also a well-known shopping location for both local people and newcomers. If you want to have a look at the Vietnamese food heaven, Tan Dinh should be on your itinerary. You can taste many different kind of food, really good food. We especially recommend “bun rieu”- one of Saigon’s signature dishes and sea snails. Besides, you can also immerse in colorful local silks in sophisticated patterns as you walk into the main area of the building. Although fabrics and food are Tan Dinh market’s specialties, the market contains a lot more commodities to make your routine much better: clothing, footwear, fresh produce, household items, accessories,… Many products has good quality but there are other ordinary products as well that you can buy at an affordable price.
Insider tip:

Since the market is surrounded by some bustling streets such as Tran Quoc Toan, Nguyen Huu Cau, and Hai Ba Trung, the traffic jam could get extremely bad especially in the peak hours, so please choose your time wisely.
Check out the Tan Dinh Church nearby. The unique building is fully painted pink will probably give you the most memorable snapshots when in Saigon.

Location: 300 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Daily 05:00 am – 05:00 pm

6. Russian Market

Why go: Located next to Sunland Hotel Ho Chi Minh City, the Russian Market attracts a steady following of expats and tourists from the north of Eurasia. The market is like a miniature of Russia in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. There are a lot of reasons that it becomes a must for you to pay a visit. It offers you a totally different aspect of the city. Much like its name, it brings the Russian atmosphere from the exterior decoration to the inside. The market has 3 floors for trading and packaging. With approximately 2.000 square meters and about 100 booths, the market offers various goods from clothes, shoes to unique souvenirs. The price is so reasonable that you may not need to bargain. And, another interesting thing you can find in this market is that most of the sellers used to study and work in Russia. They can speak several languages like Vietnamese, English, and Russian. They sometimes share their own stories to the customers who they like.
Insider tip: The sellers in this market know that it’s difficult to make the customers pay, so the price is just a little higher than normal price. So please don’t bargain too much that causes sellers angry.

Location: 328 Vo Van Kiet, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm

7. Dan Sinh Market

Why go: Dan Sinh Market is so called War Surplus Market. You just need a short five-minute walk from backpacking street to arrive here. The most common goods in this market are related to the Vietnam War from both infantries (the Vietnamese and the Americans). You can buy old zippo lighters, M-17 gas masks, the helmets of fighter pilots, army uniforms, and dog tags. There are also countless stalls selling different types of building materials, household hardware, plumbing pipes, and industrial machinery. And, if you are planning for a camping, this is the place to go to buy useful camping gear like water-resistant clothing, combat tents, rain boots, sleeping bags, and mosquito nets.
Insider tip: Vietnam War has ended since 41 years ago, therefore, it is very challenging to find authentic items. If you are a serious collector, it may be disheartening because more and more sellers admit that the goods are copies or reproductions. The price is always negotiable, so remember to bargain for the best prices.

Location: 104 Yersin, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Daly 07:00 am – 06:00 pm

The above markets are the most popular markets in Saigon. They play a central role in the daily lives of locals, so it will be truly a shopping experience you won’t forget quickly to visit these markets. Make your plan to Vietnam right now by apply a Vietnam visa at vietnamvisapro.net . We, a reputable and reliable Visa service, will assist you turn your plan into reality at the very first step

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Van Phuc Silk Village Hanoi

Listed as one of more than 1,000 traditional villages in Vietnam, Van Phuc is a silk weaving village with a long history of development. The village captivates visitors not only with its unique embroidery lines and patterns, but also with its most beautiful cultural and historical tradition of the country.

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Overview

Vietnam has a long history of silk production and Hanoi is one of the best places in the country to discover the ancient handicraft. Van Phuc Village, located 10km far from the Hanoi Old Quarter, is renowned for its traditional weaving and premium quality silk products. Like other so called “craft villages”, there’s not a strong sense of tradition here and most of the village has been turned over to modern shops selling silk wares of varying quality and appeal. Shoppers or visitors just need to spend a half-day trip or less to Van Phuc Silk Village that reveals the secrets of traditional silk weaving and offers plenty of opportunities to purchase quality silk products.

History

Some documents & relics say that the weaving of Van Phuc village originated in the 9th century. It was rumored that a local girl gave birth to the rough silk weave with simple, ordinary silk products and the tradition didn’t become flourished until the 16th century, when a lot of premium items had been created with vivid, subtle patterns.

Van Phuc Silk Village once used to select as the tailor taking responsibility for making royal outfit under Nguyen Dynasty in Hue. Between 1931 and 1932 during French colonial, Van Phuc Silk, for the first time, was introduced worldwide in international exhibitions in Marseille and Paris. Since then, French clients have paid special interest in Van Phuc Silk. From 1958 to 1988, Van Phuc Silk mostly was exported to Eastern European market, and it has been popular product worldwide since 1990.

Special features of Van Phuc Village’s Silk

With long tradition and well conservation by the locals, weaving has been passed from generation to generation, contributing to create unique cultural features on costumes of Vietnamese people.

All the patterns are made elaborately and sophisticatedly, each sheet of silk is a masterpiece bearing the enthusiasm and soul of each artisan. Moreover, all the processes are done by the oldest techniques that can only be achieved by Van Phuc villagers. Each stage follows strict regulations.

Van Phuc Silk has been known for its smooth, soft, and elegant appearance. Especially, a traditional kind of silk called Van Silk made in Van Phuc make the wearers feel cool in summer and warm in winter. Today, to satisfy various demand for silk of the market, Van Phuc handicraftsmen have expanded their silk and garment goods like embroidered silk, wrinkled silk, double layers and more colors for silk products.

What to explore at Van Phuc Silk Village?

Many families in Van Phuc open their own shops in a convenient location in the village; create a “town of silk” that sell eye-catching and high-quality silk products. You may buy items available in the shop, or favorite fabric to get customized products. Most of the sellers are very friendly and can speak a basic English and French to serve foreign tourists.

Silk products of Van Phuc could vary differently from clothes to accessories like handbags or purses. Price is incredibly reasonable (the price for the meter of silk usually depends on the material, about 10 USD in average), some of the models you could bargain for a lower price even. Additionally, you could also drop in spiritual spots like Van Phuc Pagoda, or Natural Silk Protected area to understand more about the tradition of Van Phuc Village.

A highlight of a visit to Van Phuc will be an opportunity to see the old looms in operation. While some basic technology has been introduced to the process in recent years, there is still plenty of manual labour in Van Phuc’s silk production processes.

Additionally, a 100 meter-street decorated with colorful umbrellas that look no less than the art of Agueda in Portugal. Don’t skip to wander along it and snap some photos!

How to get there

In a short distance to Hanoi Old Quarter, it is very convenient to access Van Phuc Silk Village.

You can easily rent a motorbike, take a taxi or catch a local bus number 02 or 21 before going on foot 500m to reach the village gate. You should travel Southwest out of Hanoi center on Nguyen Trai Road until reach the border of Ha Dong District, then turn right and drive about 3km to reach the village.

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Guide to Halong International Cruise Port for Tourists

Halong International Cruise Port is a premier cruise port located close to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam. So exactly where it is located, how to reach it from the surrounding areas, as well as what to do to fill in your cruise experience to the port, check all here.

Halong International Cruise Port Overview – Location and facilities

Ha Long International Cruise Port is the first cruise port in Vietnam with a large capacity that can accommodate the largest and most modern cruise ships to Vietnam.

The port is located on Beach Road, New Beach, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province (or Đường Bao Biển Bãi Cháy Mới, Phường Bãi Cháy, Thành phố Hạ Long, Tỉnh Quảng Ninh, in Vietnamese). Its strategic location on the shore of Ha Long Bay makes it convenient for visitors to explore the area. In addition, the port is approximately 500m away from the Sunworld Ha Long Complex, an amazing playground in the city.

The Ha Long International Cruise Port has 6 wharves, of which:

4 wharves for receiving cruise ships & tourist boats
1 pier with 2 wharves, dedicated for heavyweight international passenger vessels.

In addition, to serve the tourists’ demands, the cruise port is also well equipped with:

Passenger shuttle services: The port provides shuttle buses to take you between your cruise ship and the terminal building, as well as to nearby attractions and hotels.
Support services: To ensure a stress-free experience, the port offers a variety of services including luggage handling, currency exchange, and assistance with booking tours.
Security and safety: The port prioritizes your safety and has comprehensive security measures in place. This includes CCTV cameras, security checkpoints, and a trained emergency response team.

How far is Hanoi from the cruise port?

The driving distance between Hanoi and the Ha Long International Cruise Port is approximately 150-180 km, depending on the specific route taken.

Given typical driving speeds in Vietnam, the travel time from Hanoi to the Ha Long International Cruise Port would likely be around 2.5 to 3 hours.

How to get to Hanoi from Halong International Cruise port?

There are a few options for getting from the Ha Long International Cruise Port to Hanoi:

Private Transfer/Taxi:
- This is likely the most convenient and direct option.
- You can arrange a private transfer or taxi service from the cruise port directly to your destination in Hanoi.
- Travel time would be approximately 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Public Bus:
- There are regular bus services that connect Ha Long City to Hanoi.
- You can take a bus from the Ha Long bus station, which is likely in close proximity to the cruise port.
- Bus travel time is around 2.5-3 hours.
- This is a more budget-friendly option compared to a private transfer.
Organized Tour/Shore Excursion:
- Some cruise lines or local tour operators may offer organized day trips or shore excursions from the Ha Long port to Hanoi.
- This can be a convenient option if available, as the transportation and logistics are handled by the tour provider.

Regardless of the method, it’s recommended to plan your transportation in advance, especially if you have a tight schedule or specific requirements.

How far is Halong Bay from the cruise port?

The Halong international cruise port is located on the shore of Halong bay area, so it’s quite close to each other. As such, a Halong Bay cruise is an activity that is often included in the experience during the free time from the international cruise docking in Halong.

If you want to take a domestic Halong Cruise from Tuan Chau Harbor, it’s around 14km from the port, 20 minutes drive.

Cruise Lines Calling at Halong Bay International Cruise Port, Vietnam

Halong Bay is a popular destination for cruise lines, and several major players feature it in their itineraries. Here are some of the most common:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises:Known for their all-inclusive luxury experiences, Regent offers elegant voyages through Southeast Asia, frequently including Halong Bay as a port of call.
Silversea Cruises:Another luxurious option, Silversea emphasizes all-suite accommodations, personalized service, and a refined experience. Their itineraries often involve Halong Bay, providing guests with exquisite views and excursions.
Seabourn:Seabourn offers a similar luxury experience to Silversea, prioritizing small-ship intimacy, gourmet dining, and curated shore excursions. Halong Bay is a regular stop on their Asian voyages.
Holland America Line:Known for their classic elegance and relaxed atmosphere, HAL frequently features Halong Bay in their transpacific and Asia itineraries.
Princess Cruises:Considered a solid mid-range option, Princess Cruises offers a lively on-board experience with multiple dining options and entertainment. Their itineraries often include Halong Bay as part of their Asia sailings.
Royal Caribbean International:Offering a more contemporary cruise experience with innovative activities and entertainment, Royal Caribbean includes Halong Bay in their Asia itineraries, offering a range of shore excursions.
Viking Ocean Cruises:While their focus is on cultural immersion and exploring destinations in depth, Viking Ocean Cruises also includes voyages featuring Halong Bay.
Celebrity Cruises:Celebrity Cruises offers a modern, contemporary experience with a focus on stylish design and dining. They often bring their ships to Halong Bay as part of their Asia sailings.

Note: It’s important to check specific itineraries, as ports of call can vary greatly depending on the route and time of year.

Beyond the cruise lines listed, many smaller, more niche lines may also call at Halong Bay International Cruise Port. It is always best to consult the official website of your chosen cruise line to confirm port calls.

Suggested Things to Do from Halong International Cruise Port

Halong International Cruise Port serves as a gateway to a wealth of exciting shore excursion opportunities, enabling cruise passengers to explore the natural and cultural wonders around the region.

Halong Bay Cruises and Excursions

The most popular shore excursions from Halong International Cruise Port revolve around exploring the stunning Halong Bay. These excursions may include:

Day cruises or multi-day voyages through the bay’s limestone islands
Visits to the famous Sung Sot Cave and other cave systems
Kayaking and paddleboarding adventures
Excursions to floating fishing villages

These activities offer a chance to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of Halong Bay up close.

Conclusion

Halong International Cruise Port is a premier cruise destination that offers a truly exceptional experience for visitors exploring the wonders of Halong Bay and the surrounding region. With its strategic location, comprehensive facilities and services, and a diverse array of shore excursion options, the port serves as a gateway to one of Vietnam’s most captivating natural and cultural destinations.

Posted on by Vietnam Airport Service

“Cai Rang Floating Market Culture” Tourism Festival In 2024

In response to World Tourism Day of September 27th, the 8th “Cai Rang Floating Market Culture” Tourism Festival in Can Tho city – 2024, will take place for 3 days, from August 30th to September 1st.

This year’s festival celebrates the theme: “Preserving and Promoting Cai Rang Floating Market Culture – A National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Associated with Tourism Development.” Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the daily life of the locals and delve into the rich culture of the Mekong Delta.

The festival features over 130 booths, showcasing businesses from both within and outside the city. The activities are centered around preserving the unique values of the “Cai Rang Floating Market Culture.” Additionally, there are numerous events dedicated to supporting merchants, trade services, and local cuisine.

Specifically, in addition to the opening and closing ceremonies, the festival has many activities such as boat parades on the river; booths to promote tourism and trade; seminars on developing the potential of river tourism from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho; surveying the river tourism route from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho…

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy various competitions, including the National Motorcycle Racing Tournament, Can Tho City Football Championship, and the Can Tho City Open SUP Boat Racing Tournament.

The Cai Rang District People’s Committee oversees activities like the contest for decorating and displaying models of boats, ships, and poles for selling agricultural products at Cai Rang Floating Market. They also organize a culinary competition and a contest celebrating “The Beauty of Ao Ba Ba – Past and Present.”

Beyond cultural and artistic activities, the festival emphasizes social and welfare initiatives, such as repainting boats for merchants at Cai Rang Floating Market and boat parades to collect trash from the river.

Pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready to enjoy this interesting festival in Mekong Delta regions of Vietnam.

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