Tips for homestaying in Sa Pa

Vietnam Travel

Come to Sa Pa in a clear day to amaze the beauty of it with blossom orchids covered the hill and valley of cascading rice terraces, with mountains towering above. Come here to experience warm in an old day with smiles from people living here. And it’s really a mistake if you don’t stay and immerse yourself in village life here. For any visitor coming to Sa Pa, spending time with local people is a must to understand about the life and the soul of this highland. Staying here means experiencing cultural performances, trekking opportunities, and the sale of handicrafts in local stores and markets.

Home staying in Sa Pa is quite confortable with basic western bathroom and flushing toilet. The families operating homestays still rely on an agricultural subsistence living that are charming in its traditions and simple honesty. Sharing a traditional meal and glass of rice wine off cushions will make you feel like “at home” and “in the heart”. However, an adventure always has a “roughing part”. Ask carefully your tour guide to understand about culture of people here.  Don’t lose your point with some “unnecessary” mistakes.

These are some useful tips if you want to experience completely sweet hearts of people living here.

• Remove your shoes before entering the house
• Don’t sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar
• If offered a glass of rice wine be polite and accept your host’s hospitality – but only take a sip if you don’t like it as drinking everything will indicate you are ready for a refill!
• Avoid giving gifts without reason as it encourages begging
• Avoid using video cameras in ethnic minority villages and don’t take pictures of children without permission as it is considered intrusive
• Be prepared for sitting on the floor, as this is where you eat, socialize and sleep
• Remember, in most cases, the more rural the homestay, the more basic are the facilities.

Long Tan Tour | Nam Cat Tien Tour

Nam Cat Tien Tour

Nam Cat Tien Tour

Cat Tien National Park is an important national park located in the south of Vietnam, approximately 150 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. It has an area of about 720 km² and protects one of the largest areas of lowland tropical rainforests left in Vietnam. Cat Tien comprises an amazingly bio diverse area of lowland tropical rainforest. The 72,000-hectare park is one of the outstanding natural treasures in Vietnam, and the hiking, mountain biking and bird-watching here are the best in southern Vietnam. the park includes 326 bird species, 100 types of mammal, 79 types of reptile, 41 amphibian species, plus an incredible array of insects, including 400 or so species of butterfly.

DAY 1: SAI GON – NAM CAT TIEN (- / L / D)
The Park was established in 1998 and is comprised of two separate areas: Nam Cat Tien and Cat Loc. Together they cover around 185,000 acres of evergreen rainforest, which is home to over 600 varieties of plants, 240 types of birds and 50 species of mammals, including the one-horn Java rhinoceros. However don’t expect to see one on this afternoon’s walk through the park.
Tour guide and car of Vietnam Travel Group started from your hotel at 7h30, we leave the busy city of Sai Gon and heading to a mountainous area full of roadside plantations of rubber and green coffee. An approximately 3 –hour drive takes us to a former volcanic crater, known as Lava tubes. Crossing Dong Nai River to enter Nam Cat Tien National Park, we enable to begin our wildlife experience.
In the afternoon, go on a three-hour trek through the Reserved Core Area where you will see many trees of different species that are hundreds years old. Then return to the center for dinner

DAY 2: NAM CAT TIEN –SAI GON (B / L / - )
Wake up to the uplifting songs of the native birds. A good breakfast will sustain you for another four-hour trekking 12 km  to see the Crocodile Swamp. Return to the center for lunch and take the bus back to HCMC. 
Rest of the morning time in the park for lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City around 4pm. Drop off at hotel and end services by Vietnam Travel Group. 

TAG: Long Tan Tour

Long Tan Tour (Australian Base) Nowadays

Long Tan Tour 

This trip is specially designed for those interested in the American, Australian and Kiwi veterans during the Vietnam war. Although extensively documented by the survivors of Australian’s heavily engagement of the war, little is known of the Viet Cong’s actions. Therefore, we always try to find some of the local Vietnamese veterans who fought in the remarkable of Long Tan. From this trip, you have a chance to visit former battle fields such as Long Tan Cross, Nui Dat SS Hill and Long Phuoc tunnels. Our clients find that bringing the former protagonists together with a good interpreter and a plenty of rice wine is an unforgettable for both sides. This trip can also be combined with enjoying short relaxing trip in Vung Tau Beach.

Detail

The tour guide of Viet Nam Travel Group will pick up at your hotel and start the trip. You can enjoy the beauty of white sand dunes and the sound of the waves lapping against the oars on the road. We will stop at Vung Tau to visit an orphanage and pick up your travel permit to the sites. And then we will on the road to Long Tan.The first stop on this full-day tour is the Long Tan Memorial Cross. The Long Tan Cross (LTC), located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province approximately 110 km east of Ho Chi Minh City, marks the site of the Battle of Long Tan. This Battle, which took place on 18 August 1966, was Australia's single most costly engagement of the Vietnam War, with the loss of 18 Australian soldiers.Then, we will explore the Long Phuoc Tunnels. The village of Long Phuoc had an extensive system of tunnels which linked the village to the jungle areas to its north east. Like other tunnels systems found in Vietnam they included meeting areas, first aid stations, and fighting pits. American units clearing the area for the establishment of the Australian base sustained heavy casualties when they entered the village and came under fire from the tunnel system's fighting pits.After having lunch, You can also enjoy the trip to Nui Dat SS Hill. In 1966, when the area was part of the then Phuoc Tuy Province it was the location of a prominent Australian military base in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The site was chosen by Lieutenant General John Wilton in 1966 and was built mainly by men from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. The occupation of Nui Dat required the removal of all inhabitants from within a 4,000-metre radius of the base in order to ensure the security of the facility. Visit Ming Dam, the place that used to be "The Secret Zone" in the past.Come back to Ho Chi Minh City and finish a memorable trip with Viet Nam Travel Group. Good bye and see you again!

TAG: Vietnam Tour and Nam Cat Tien Tour

Business hours in Vietnam (GMT +7)

Vietnam Travel -Business hours in Vietnam (GMT +7)

Lunch is taken very seriously and virtually.  Everything shuts down between noon and 1.30p.m. Lunch is taken very seriously and virtually.  Everything shuts down between noon and 1.30p.m. Government workers tend to take longer breaks, so figure on getting nothing done between 11.30a.m and 2p.m.

Post offices keep longer, from  7.30 a.m to 9 p.m.

Banks open from 8 a.m to 4 p.m and Saturday’s morning.

Museums also open in the weekend for visitors but close on Monday.

Temples and pagodas open every day, from around 5a.m to 9p.m.

Markets open at 7a.m and close at 5p.m, except Night market (from Hang Dao Str. to Dong Xuan market – walking streets, in the evening of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8p.m to 3a.m)

Super-markets (mini-marts) open from 8a.m to 8p.m or 9p.m.

Most private shops, restaurants and street stalls stay open seven days a week, often until late at night.

Bars and night clubs generally open in the afternoon and to midnight (official closing time) but always till 1p.m or 2p.m (most).

TAG: Long Tan Tour, Nam cat Tien Tour

Hoi An City looking for new its own souvenirs

Vietnam Travel - Hoi An City looking for new its own souvenirs

 On the occasion of 14 years of Hoi An a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage (04/12/1999 - 04/12/2013), Hoi An City People's Committee has launched  the 3rd  Hoi An Souvenirs Creation Contest - 2013.
The contest‘s aim is to honour the artists and artisans in researching and creating new souvenir of Hoi An cultural characters; creating conditions for the artists and artisans in exchanging technology, learning experiences in production, processing capacity and souvenirs consumption. The contest is also an opportunity to promote and introduce the craft villages’ products, fine art handicraft products to meet the shopping demands of visitors and  gifts for the protocol or diplomatic activities.

All products participate the contest have to identify the new trend of Hoi An’s souvenirs, largely serve the domestic and oversea visitors. The contestants are organizations and individuals that operate, work and live in Vietnam. The quantity of entries is unlimited.

According to the contest regulation, the souvenirs have to demonstrate the characters of Hoi An people and landscapes, high aesthetic plactiscity, easy to remove and package which are composed by participants, not copied and have not joined any contests yet. The Organising Board encourages the participants to use green materials to create souvernirs.

There will be 15 prizes to grant to the winners including 1 special prize, 1 first , 2 second, 3 third, 7 consolation prizes and 1 prize voted by the public. The deadline for preliminary round is September 30th 2013. The winners announcement and prizes awarding ceremony will be held on December 4th 2013.

Vietnam Travel Group: Vietnam Tours Package Ho Chi Minh - MeKong Cruise

Vietnam Tours Package Ho Chi Minh - MeKong Cruise

Welcome to Mekong Delta to enjoy the peace of the life in real countryside. Mekong Delta is a watery landscape in the south of Vietnam. Visit Mekong Delta to enjoy the beauty of green rice fields stretching to the horizon. Coming to Mekong Delta, you have chances to explore the system of crisscrossed brown canals and rivulets by boats. Enjoy the wealth of the land “God-blessing” with thousands of orchard gardens and specialties. Here you can enjoy the sweetness not only in the tropical fruits but also in the ways behaving of people living in. A little of friendliness and honest will make you feel like “in your house”. Come and discover the life style in river side with floating markets, boat- building workshop and feel the soul of southern people in “Southern Vietnamese folk song” performed by the islanders. Come and join the daily activities of the local people to enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful natural countryside.

Coming to Mekong Delta to experience the dynamic and busling atmosphere of the floating market, a beautiful symbol of Vietnamese culture. A floating market is a market where goods are sold from boats. Originating in times and places where water transport played an important role in daily life, most floating markets operating today mainly serve as tourist attractions, and are chiefly found in Thailand,  Indonesia and Vietnam. Come here to enjoy a different life style of people living in river side in a beautiful rural countryside.

In this trip you also have a chance to explore Cu Chi Tunnels, a heroic part in Vietnam- American war. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War in that they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area.  The network, parts of which were several levels deep, including innumerable trap doors, specifically constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life during the war must have been like.

Detail:

DAY 1:  ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY 
Upon arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by the staff of Viet Nam Travel Group. Stay overnight  in Ho Chi Minh city and enjoy the night life in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy Ho Chi Minh City in night to feel the ‘living breath” of a biggest commercial and cultural center in Vietnam. Standing on the highest buildings in Ho Chi Minh, you will be surprised by fanciful beauty of “the Pearl of Far East”. Ho Chi Minh City seems to wake up and wear new clothes when the lights start. It’s time to see a gentle but dynamic spirit of a sleepless city.

DAY 2: HO CHI MINH - CU CHI - HO CHI MINH 
Have breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Cu Chi to visit the tunnels, an underground network of tunnels constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the struggle for independence. The tunnels containing hospitals, accommodation, etc.  were used as a military base for the Viet Cong during the American war. At this place you can experience the feeling "how to manage" and get knowledge of the life during war. After that, return to Ho Chi Minh city and have free leisure time in the afternoon. Dinner on guest’s account. Stay overnight at the Signature Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH  – CAI BE  – TRA ON
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Cai Be. Board Le Cochinchine boat, up for cruise to continue to Can Tho via Cho Lach and Tra On at 12:00Up to river tide. Disembark and make a pleasant walking or biking on the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people’s activities, especially somes orchards (orange grove) with its famer. After that, we continue to Tra On and enjoy the magnificent sunset on the river. Leisurely cruise up the Mekong River while enyoying the beautiful scenery and the aperitifs, sunset cruise . This is a wonderful day with picturesque ferry crossings over Mekong River branches. Have dinner and nite on board in Tra On.

DAY 4: TRA ON - CAN THO - HO CHI MINH (Breakfast)
The noise of the floating market wake you up early in the morning. A floating market is a market where goods are sold from boats. Originating in times and places where water transport played an important role in daily life, most floating markets operating today mainly serve as tourist attractions, and are chiefly found in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. After breakfast, the cruise to continue to Can Tho. Enjoy the magnificent sunrise on the river. Leisurely cruise up the BASSAC river while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Arrive Can Tho, a small boat will take you explore the Cai Rang market, one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats barging and jostling for space as owners attempt to sell their goods. Get through the palm-shaded creek to see local houses and green orchards.
At 10:00 you come back to Ho Chi Minh City and finish an unforgetable trip with Viet Nam Travel Group. Good bye and see you again!

TAG: Long Tan Tour, Nam cat Tien Tour,

Vietnam Travel : Sweet Memory Of Vietnam Tour 8 Days 7 Nights

Vietnam Travel - Sweet Memory Of Vietnam Tour 8 Days 7 Nights

This is a soft adventure holiday that combines a bit of activity with culture experiences. This trip has been designed for school student with reasonable amount of time with fare a bit of activities on each spot. You ride your bicycle along quiet village roads and have a unique opportunity to discover traditional village life that has experienced very little change over the centuries. Sail amongst thousands of Karsts limestone islands and islets of Halong Bay. This trip offers great value as it introduces all the main sights in the country, providing plenty of flexibility so you can share great experiences with your fellow friends.

Detail:

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival 

Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival at the airport, you will be picking up and transfer to your hotel by car of Vietnam Travel Group. If time permits, we can start our touring with the visit to the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride rambling through the maze of Hanoi's old quarter. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at a loHa Noical restaurant with authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Hanoi. 

Day 2: Hanoi to Maichau 

Today, we drive 140km south west of Hanoi along the scenic country road to Mai Chau, this valley offers a splendid vista of a valley surrounded by lush landscape, and stilt houses inhabited mainly by the White Thai ethnic group. On arrival, you will be welcome by our host family with some green tea and afterward we start to cycle to the nearby Thai villages for watching local artisans weaving their beautiful handicrafts. Return to our house for some cold drinks before diner. Tonight you will be entertained by a traditional dance performance by the local Thai tribe. Overnight in the traditional house built on stilt of the Thai minority. 

Day 3: Maichau to Hanoi (B) 

After breakfast, we begin with another easy ride passing peaceful Thai villages to see the daily lives of the white Thai people such as rice planting, herding water buffalos and building traditional houses. And then we say goodbye to our host family and return to Hanoi for some more touring at Hochiminh complex or visit to the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison. Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Overnight in Hanoi 

Day 4: Hanoi- Halong Bay (B, L, D) 

Hoi An Leave the bustling city of Hanoi for Halong city, drive through lush green rice paddies of the Red river delta. Stopping along the way for photos opportunities and learning how Vietnamese people cultivating their rice and doing their garden. Upon arrival in Halong city, our boat crew will greet you with a special seafood lunch whilst cruising around the bay to explore a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky. Enjoy our cruise amongst thousands of limestone karsts formations which are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Visit one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs and swim off the boat or in one of many sandy beaches. Tonight, our chef will prepare you a sumptuous seafood dinner and some authentic Vietnamese dishes. Overnight on our traditional Junk. 

Day 5: Halong Bay-Danang-Hoian (B, L) 

Enjoy the sunrise and quiet atmosphere of the bay in the morning. After breakfast with some tea and Vietnamese coffee we continue to visit the Luon Cave then move toward the islets in the shape of Man's Head, and Tortoise Island. Lunch will be served on board before disembarkation for the drive to Hanoi airport. We take a short flight to Danang then transfer to Hoian. After check in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Hoian. 

Day 6: Hoian (B)

After your breakfast, enjoy a walking tour in the ancient town of Hoian to the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung Ancient House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Chua Ong Pagoda. Afterward, we ride on our bicycle off the town to Cuadai beach for a swim or playing some sports with your group on this white sandy beach. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time at the hotel pool or riding around the local stores for some photo opportunities. (Join in one of the cooking class in Hoian for a fun-filled experience: Optional). Overnight in Hoian. 

Day 7: Hoian - Hochiminh City –Cuchi Tunnels (B, D)

Cu Chi Tunnels Today, we take a short flight to dynamic Hochiminh city, followed by an orientation visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The complex system of underground tunnels contained innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American/Vietnam war must have been like. Tonight, your tour guide will host a lavish farewell celebration dinner. Overnight in Hochiminh city. 

Day 8: Hochiminh City Departure (B) 

Today, you will have free time for your own activities in Hochiminh city until the pick up time for the airport transfer to your onward flight. Say goodbye and hope see you again with Vietnam Travel Group.

TAG: Vietnam tours,Long tan Tour,Nam Cat Tien Tour