Things To Do

Most Attractive Things To Do in Hoi An

Most Attractive Things To Do in Hoi An

Walking around the Ancient town at night, enjoying Cao Lau, relaxing at the beach, or discovering Hoi An on the full moon day... are unforgettable experiences when traveling to Hoi An. Visiting the land that used to be "the most prosperous trading port in Southeast Asia". If you have the opportunity to visit Hoi An, please refer to some suggestions below to get a deeper feel for the life and people here. 1. Walk around the Ancient town at night A very simple experience, visitors just need to step out into the street and see the old houses, the lantern streets are brilliant at night. You will feel like you are lost in a gala of lights, a picture that combines the calmness of ancient architecture with rustic images and the bustle of modern life. Perhaps the most beautiful is still the banks of Hoai River, where bright streaks of color sparkle on the water. Hoi An is even more beautiful when there are no tourists and shops, then the old town really takes on an old, quiet shape. Walking around the Ancient town at night 2. Enjoy Cao Lau (Hoi An vermicelli) Cao Lau is a specialty dish of Hoi An that anyone coming here should try. The origin of the name of this dish is quite interesting. In the past, when traders came to Hoi An to trade, they had to enjoy this dish on the "high floor" to be able to look after the goods. Since then, this dish has been named Cao Lau. Cao Lau (Hoi An vermicelli) A bowl of Cao Lau Hoi An is a combination of yellow noodles with shrimp, pork and raw vegetables. Its special feature is that yellow noodles are mixed with ashes of Melaleuca firewood from Cu Lao Cham. This typical Vietnamese dish contributes to the culinary soul of Hoi An town. Therefore, you should not miss this dish when coming to Hoi An. Visitors can enjoy this dish at Ba Be restaurant located at the beginning of lane 69 Phan Chau Trinh, or at the Hat shop at the intersection of Tran Phu with Hoang Dieu. In addition, restaurants for foreigners along Bach Dang street also serve Cao Lau. 3. Sip a Cup of Coffee Hoi An has many cafes that are very crowded in the morning, especially Ms. Thao's shop located right around the bend from the Japanese bridge to Bach Dang street, the guests here are mainly young people. Across the bridge is a shop for middle-aged people. Sitting at both shops, tourists can enjoy the view of Hoai riverbank, fishing scene and An Hoi street. Fresh mornings before motor vehicle ban, sitting and drinking a cup of coffee after eating Phuong bread is a gentle way to start a new day in the Ancient town. Sip a Cup of Coffee Also in some other cafes, they even roast Vietnamese coffee beans themselves to make its taste more special and memorable. If you're interested, the staff will explain how they source and roast their coffee and their different brewing methods. It will be your pleasant experience when enjoying a cup brewed in a traditional stainless steel filter called “phin”. 4. Go Shopping at Hoi An Night Market and Central Market Walking around Hoi An night market is an activity that you should not miss. Hoi An Night Market and Central Market are different in character and layout, so they will give you a different shopping experience. Central Market, the largest market in Hoi An, is always busy day and night, with busy streets surrounding the market. Hoi An Night Market is the noisiest area of Hoi An with many restaurants and bars. This place is distinguished by the colorful lights of several shops selling lanterns everywhere. In these markets you can find the same fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat and other essential items. Hoi An Night Market 5. Snorkeling to see coral in Cu Lao Cham Cu Lao Cham Island is about 15 km from the Ancient town, and is one of the places that should not be missed when traveling to Hoi An. Tourism services in this island have not yet developed, but perhaps because of that, Cu Lao Cham still retains its wild features. Coming here, you will experience, and explore the service of scuba diving to see corals, make campfires, sleep at local people's houses, and enjoy fresh - “delicious - nutritious - cheap” seafood. Cu Lao Cham 6. Boat trip on Thu Bon River If you want to explore the town in a different way, instead of cycling around like most other tourists, Hoi An offers you plenty of opportunities to explore it on a boat. The boat trip usually takes an hour or two to travel along the Thu Bon River. You will sit on a boat to row with locals or tour guides on small rivers and canals. If you don't know how to paddle, don't worry, they will show you. Boat trip on Thu Bon River This activity helps you not only enjoy the poetic scenery of Hoi An but also learn about the unique cultural features. The boat trip is more interesting than you might expect as you will participate in other activities in Hoi An such as catching fish and getting to know the normal life of the locals here. 7. Relax at the Beach Hoi An owns many famous beaches in the world. Among them, outstanding are Cua Dai and An Bang beaches with golden sand-covered beaches, spectacular palm trees and turquoise blue waters, these beaches are ideal places to spend a day relaxing or sightseeing. participate in some recreational activities such as swimming, sunbathing and other water sports. Cua Dai Beach Visitors can drop their souls at a beach without umbrellas, tables and chairs, only waves, clear water, bask in the bright sunshine, read a book, enjoy a glass of light wine, or drink a few bottles of cold beer,... Especially on summer days, this is a must-see in any Hoi An tour so that visitors can enjoy the beautiful East Sea view and cool off. Click on the links to see our best tour to Hoi An: Authentic Vietnam Itinerary 2 Weeks , Highlights Of Vietnam Holiday Package , Vietnam Grand Discovery , Luxury Tour Discover Beauty Of Vietnam , Best Vietnam Tour – Beach Holiday 8. Eat Hoi An Bread After enjoying 15 banh mi at various shops across Vietnam, David Farley - a reporter for the BBC specializing in travel and food, commented that "Vietnamese banh mi is the most magical in the world" in the article "Is Vietnamese bread the best sandwich in the world?". Among them is Hoi An bread. Hoi An Bread Hoi An has many famous bread shops for foreign tourists such as Madam Khanh bread (Tran Cao Van), Phuong bread (Phan Chau Trinh) and Ba Lanh bread (Cua Dai). Hoi An bread with slices of pork, pate, cucumber, herbs and signature meat sauce is extremely delicious and attractive. Hoi An bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. you cannot find this flavor anywhere other than Hoi An.  9. Visit Tan Ky Old House Located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, built nearly 200 years ago, Tan Ky old house can be considered as the oldest old house in Hoi An. It is considered a fine example of an 18th-century merchant's residence in this large trading port town. It can be seen that the ingenious combination of 3 architectural styles in this house is Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese styles. The house is built from traditional materials such as wood, brick and stone purchased from different provinces in Vietnam. Tan Ky Communal House is a special communal house that has welcomed the leaders of Vietnam and international countries to visit. Tan Ky Old House 10. Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 18th century, is one of the most iconic sights in Hoi An. This is a beautiful historical work of Japanese architecture featuring sculptures of two dogs and two monkeys (the Chinese years in which many Japanese Emperors were born). It is about 60 feet long, painted a colorful red with a wooden pagoda roof. You can find the bridge at the west end of Tran Phu Street, easily accessible from the town center.Japanese Covered Bridge 11. Visit Quan Cong Temple The temple is named after a loyal general of ancient China - Quan Cong. The temple is a striking sight with its red, yellow and blue colors, attracting a lot of domestic and foreign tourists. It is surrounded by brick walls, and wooden pillars. The roof is composed of horizontal and vertical bars arranged in a complex manner. Visiting this place, you have the opportunity to admire the sophisticated and beautiful decoration and feel the solemnity inherent in Asian worship spaces. Quan Cong Temple 12. Take a cooking class For food lovers, taking a cooking class where you can learn to cook and taste traditional Vietnamese dishes is a great idea. Currently in Hoi An there are many cooking classes that teach Vietnamese and Hoi An dishes, from simple to complex, to suit your preferences. Classes usually begin with a morning walk to the market to purchase the necessary ingredients. You will then enter a small and intimate kitchen to learn how to cook traditional dishes. After class, you can enjoy your own creations. Take a cooking class 13. Discover the Fujian Assembly Hall As a symbol of Hoi An architecture, the Fujian Assembly Hall is famous as a masterpiece of great historical importance. It was created as a place where people from Fujian in China could meet and socialize while living or visiting Hoi An. To see the hall at its fullest, you should visit it during a Chinese festival. It's well worth your time to admire the artwork, pictures and animal statues, as well as Thien Hau Temple dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea and also the caretaker of sailors. Fujian Assembly Hall 14. Discover Hoi An on the full moon day If you come to Hoi An on the right day of the Full Moon Festival (lunar day 14), you are really a lucky person. On this day, the ancient town of Hoi An turns off all the electric lights and instead hangs up brilliant lanterns, releasing bright lanterns on the riverbanks. It is a great space for those who love the quiet and peaceful beauty of Hoi An ancient town. Full Moon Festival In addition to the full moon day, visitors can come to Hoi An on other special days such as Vu Lan festival, Thien Hau festival, Mid-Autumn festival, Tet Nguyen Tieu... to immerse in the unique cultural beauty of the land. This. Hoi An ancient town is small, but to understand it, you will need a lot of time. If you have the opportunity to visit Hoi An, try to explore the experiences above. It will be a memorable journey for everyone. Hopefully the above will help you feel all the beauty of a place you must not miss when traveling to Da Nang - Hoi An with Incredible Asia Journeys.

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Best activities in Sai Gon at night

Best activities in Sai Gon at night

Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Sai Gon) is the biggest, fastest-growing, as well as the most densely populated city in Vietnam. This city attracts a lot of travelers all over the world thanks to a variety of activities that it offers to tourists both in the daytime and night time. In this article, Incredible Asia Journey will introduce to you the best activities in Sai Gon at night that you can consider when traveling to this city.Best activities in Sai Gon at nightHave fun at Bui Vien walking streetBui Vien is considered as the international junction in Saigon as you can see a lot of foreign tourists converge into this hectic street because it can meet all of your demands from food, drinks, tourist information, accommodations, entertainment, etc. Therefore, it not only a famous hang-out point for the Vietnamese youngster, but also for any tourists coming to Sai Gon.Bui Vien street is fun every day, but you will have much more fun at the weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday, this street will restrict all means of transportation to get through from 19:00 until 2:00 AM. From that moment, it changes its outfit to become an amazing night-life street. Besides, you can also enjoy some street performances which makes the atmosphere much bustling. In addition, if you are into traditional games, then you will have a chance to play those games right here.Something you cannot miss at Bui Vien street is food and beer. You can find a variety of restaurants from luxury to inexpensive picks. And beers are everywhere, that’s why this is also called beer street in Sai Gon. Take the romantic river cruiseA cruise alongside the Sai Gon river is a perfect idea for a romantic night, especially for couples. This experience allows you to enjoy the view of the city at night and, at the same time, to relax with on-board traditional performances and quintessential cuisine. Bonsai Cruise is one of the top recommendations for tourists which provides such a good service and luxury experience. You can book the tickets directly on their website or book through several online travel agents.Bon Sai River CruisePier and Docking: Nha Rong Port (Sai Gon Port), 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh CityGet high at a nightclubIf you are a party lover, the nightclub is something you cannot resist to come when traveling to Sai Gon – the city never sleeps. There are hundreds of clubs in this bustling city that you can choose from and spend a great night dancing and chilling out with your friends. Among them, you can consider Blanchy’ Lounge, Republic Club, Lush Nightclub, those are all recommended by travelers.Enjoy the city view at Rooftop barIf you want to chill out in a fancy place with a spectacular view over Ho Chi Minh City to observe its rapid growth, then nowhere is better than a rooftop bar. This busy fast-growing metropolitan has a slew of rooftop bars with different interior designs that bring different ambiances. The very first rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh city is Chill Sky Bar. Until now, it still receives a myriad number of rave reviews from the locals and tourists thanks to its perfect view, modern style, and tasty drinks.Chill Sky BarAddress: 26th floor, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh CityOpening hours: 17:30 – 2:00 AMWalk along the Starlight BridgeStarlight Bridge is located in District 7 which is a pedestrian bridge passing over the Thay Tieu Channel. Known as the most beautiful bridge in Sai Gon, this bridge is an undeniable place to visit in the evening when all the lights are turned on. The reason behind its name is that the bridge is equipped with a high-tech lighting system that makes itself glowing in the evening like a universe. Thus, if you want to enjoy a peaceful evening with your lover, this is definitely a great place to pay a visit.However, you can only see this light show on Thursday and Sunday night from 18:30 to 22:00 and on several special holidays such as New Year Eve, etc. Thus, before coming to Ho Chi Minh City, plan your visit on those days.Address: Rach Bang Bridge 2, Tan Phu, District 7, Ho Chi Minh CityStay safe in Sai Gon at nightBe careful of petty theftsLike many other hectic tourist attractions, Ho Chi Minh is also a convergence of many pickpockets. Not only in the evening, but also in the daytime, you have to always pay attention to your belongings and keep it in a safe position. As long as you keep an eye on your stuff, everything will be fine. In addition, it’s not very safe to walk outside at night, especially alone, therefore, when you travel alone, take a taxi or a motorbike ride back to your hotel when it’s after midnight. Furthermore, always find some companions with you when you want to chill out until late.Avoid scam taxisScam taxis are pretty common in Southeast Asia countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, etc. Therefore, it’s every travelers’ fear to take taxis when traveling to this region. However, thanks to an excellent application called Grab, nowadays, you can take a taxi with ease at an accurate rate when traveling to those countries. However, make sure you have a local sim card in order to register to the system. If you are not a high-tech person, then ask the price carefully or deal the price with the drivers before you jump into any taxi.Read more articles about Ho Chi Minh travel guide:Top 6 things to do in HCMCWhat to eat in Sai Gon?You might be interested in some of our tour departing from Ho Chi Minh City:Mekong Boat Trip from Ho Chi Minh CityLong Tan – Nui Dat Day TourCu Chi Tunnels – City Tour 1 Day

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How many days to spend in Mai Chau?

How many days to spend in Mai Chau?

Mai Chau is an amazing natural destination located in North Vietnam, that is, though, often ignored by travelers who always look for touristic and famous places. If you want a peaceful place which is not chock-full of tourists, then Mai Chau is definitely a worthy option. In this article, Incredible Asia Journey will advise you how many days to spend in Mai Chau as well as a travel guide to this hidden gem. Let’s get started! Where is Mai Chau? Mai Chau is situated in the mountainous area which belongs to the province of Hoa Binh. It is approximately 135 kilometers Northwest from Hanoi which may take around 4-5 hours driving from the capital city. The entire region has an area of a total 520-kilometer square which consists of a plethora of magnificent landscapes. How to get to Mai Chau from Hanoi? By bus The bus is the most common way to get to Mai Chau from Hanoi. You can go to My Dinh bus station to catch it or book a bus that can pick you up from your hotel. Of course, the price would be more expensive for the latter option. There are buses departing at 06:00, 07:30, 14:00, and 14:30 every day at My Dinh bus station. You can find a ticket counter and ask for a bus ticket to Mai Chau, however, if you come there on the weekend or national holiday, it’s better to book the ticket in advance on online channels or ask your hotel’s staff for help. Some recommended buses from My Dinh bus station to Mai Chau: Ha Loan Departure time: 7:50 Tel: 0912490679 Hoang Thao Departure time: 14:30 Tel: 0914 688533 – 0218 386829 By motorbike If you are brave enough to get on a motorbike and ride for more than 100 kilometers, then it’s also a good option. However, it’s not cheaper than you go by bus because the motorbike rental fee in Hanoi is even more expensive than a bus ticket.  How to get around Mai Chau? Motorbike If you stay in Mai Chau for more than a day  and want to reach far-distance destinations such as Thung Khe Pass, then a motorbike is the best option for you. You can either drive from Hanoi or come here by bus and rent a motorbike at a local rental company. Electric car This is a car designated to serve tourists. This car will run around the village at a w speed so that you can enjoy the scenery. If you want to go to further places, you can deal with the driver about the price.  Bicycle Biking in Mai Chau This option is often chosen by tourist companies that provide tourists a eat experience of enjoying the green rice field while riding a bicycle. Bicycle is also an environmentally-friendly choice that can help the local community to sustain the environment. What to visit in Mai Chau? Go Lao Waterfall Go Lao Waterfall Go Lao Waterfall is nested in Phuc San area which is about 15 kilometers far from Mai Chau town.  From the main road, you have to park your bike and trek to the waterfall. Although the way down to it is quite rough and challenging, once you get to the waterfall, you will be amazed by its majestic untouched beauty. It is 15-meter height and alongside, there is a small area that you can hold a small picnic party with your friends. Thung Khe Pass Thung Khe Pass Located between Tan Lac and Mai Chau, Thung Khe Pass is a stopover that you can see a beautiful view of green mountains and valleys. Along the pass, there are some local stands that you can park your bike and enjoy some local signatures as well as the spectacular view. However, be careful when passing it because there are a lot of big trucks passing by this winding path. Lac Village Lac Village Lac Village is now one of the most famous community tourism destinations among the Vietnamese as well as foreign tourists. It’s not a crowded, splendid, hectic town, but everything is just so local and natural making it so memorial in people’s hearts. This is a village of Thai ethnic minority group which consists of 5 families, namely Ha, Lo, Vi, Mac, and Loc. Until now, the village has been existing for more than 700 years. In the past, people here just did farming and weaving for a living, nowadays, since the village is becoming famous among tourists, the villagers start to do the tourism business to make more earnings. Pom Coong Village Ban Pong Coong Pom Coong Village is home to 70 households with more than 300 inhabitants. When coming there, you can see a lot of traditional stilt houses of the local Thai ethnic minority group. Thai stilt houses are a little different from those of other ethnic minority groups which are built higher on a 2-meter wooden pillar and made of bamboo. Windows in the house are very big so that wind can come through. Under the house is the place where Thai girls make their traditional stuff such as purses, shirts, etc. Coming here, you will also have a chance to listen to traditional Thai songs and dancing. If you are interested, you can join them too. Van Village Van Village Van Village is located 1 kilometer away from Mai Chau town and under the foot of Pu Van mountain. Different from the other 2 villages, Van Village doesn’t have many tourists visiting, thus, its original beauty is still remained intact. If you visit Van Village in new year’s eve, there are some traditional games that you can join together with the local villagers. Thai Museum - Mai Chau This is a family-owned museum established by Mr. Kieu Van Kien who has a great passion for keeping Thai culture. Therefore, for years, he has been collecting a plethora of old stuff of Thai people residing in many places such as Son La, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, even Laos. In June 2012, he founded this museum as a place for visitors to come and learn more about Thai culture. Thai Museum - Mai Chau How many days to spend in Mai Chau? As Mai Chau has not only beautiful nature but also contains rich culture, it’s better to stay as long as you can to dive into the local life. However, if you cannot, Incredible Asia Journey recommends you stay at least 3 days 2 nights to visit all of the sites listed above.  However, if you are really pressed in time, you can book a Mai Chau 1-day group tour departing from Hanoi run by our company which can help you to grasp an overview of this spectacular attraction. We have shown you the most essential information that you need to know before coming to Mai Chau. We hope you will have a clearer idea of this place after reading this post.

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Top 6 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Top 6 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City , also known as Sai Gon, is the most populated city in Vietnam with a population of approximately 100 million people. It is also one of the most commonly visited destinations in Vietnam which welcomes about 30 million tourists in the year 2022. So what makes this city an interesting destination? Let’s find out the top 6 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in this article. What to see in Ho Chi Minh City? 1. Have a lot of fun at Pham Ngu Lao Street If asking young tourists where is the funniest place in Ho Chi Minh city, surely they will answer “Pham Ngu Lao street”. Sitting in District 1 of Sai Gon, this street is a perfect place for travelers to stay, to find delicious local delicacies, and to join the local nightlife. Of all activities that this street offers, having a cup of local beer on the sidewalk is the weirdest, yet interesting experience to try. Here, you can find local Sai Gon beer in every corner with only about 10.000vnd. Furthermore, you can also watch street performances such as dancing, singing, or even fire-spitting while enjoying your beer.  However, this hectic street is only opened on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) from 18:00 to midnight. So, keep that in mind when arranging your schedule. Pham Ngu Lao street 2. Take waterbus ride The waterbus was put into operation since 2017 to meet the transportation demand of local people. However, it has been drawing a lot of attention of tourists and is considered as one of the most interesting experiences when traveling to Ho Chi Minh because it not only gives tourists chances to enjoy the scenery of the city from the water, but also is a cheap, yet fun thing to do in Ho Chi Minh city. Here is some general information about this water bus: Capacity: 66 seatsBus stops: Bach Dang, Binh An, Thanh Da, Hiep Binh Chanh, and Linh DongPrice: 15.000vnd/wayOperating hours: 6:00 – 19:30Total time from Bach Dang – Linh Dong: about 50minsWhere to buy a ticket: at the stopsThere is one thing you should keep in mind that it is advisable to avoid weekends because the demand is very high at this time which will take you long hours waiting. Water bus ride in Ho Chi Minh City 3. Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous places of interest in Ho Chi Minh city located in District 1. Originally, this cathedral was made of wood and was hugely damaged by termites. Not until 1877, refurbishment was made and finished in 1880 which converted the old wooden cathedral into the current version. As it was built by the French, all the red bricks used to erect the construction were bought in Marseille, France. The design of it was also an imitation of the famous Notre Dame de Paris with Romance and French Gothic architectural style. Besides its beauty, the event in October 2005 also made up its reputation among tourists. That is the moment the Virgin Mary statue in front of the cathedral shed into tears which drew tons of attention from the public and mentioned in a number of international news. Thus, this is a must thing to do when you visit Ho Chi Minh City. Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The Notre Dame Cathedral 4. Discover the Cu Chi tunnel Cu Chi tunnel is the most famous historical site in the South of Vietnam as it played such an important role in the victory of Vietnam in defeating the American. The tunnel was built in 1948 and took 25 years to complete, the whole complex had the original length of 250 kilometers, until today, only 120 kilometers remained and conserved by the Vietnam government. In wartime, it functioned as the operation base of Viet Cong for the event of Tet Offensive in 1968. It has a total of 3 levels which can accommodate everything needed in the war such as food, hospitals, supply routes, weapons, etc. and also was an accommodation for the soldiers. Nowadays, to ensure safety for tourists, it is allowed to visit and crawl the 1st floor and only some safe parts of the lower levels. Consider our tour: Ho Chi Minh & Cu Chi tunnels tour to have a full explanation of the historical depth of the tunnels. Address: TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Gun shooting in Cu Chi Tunnel 5. Wander along Starlight Bridge Starlight Bridge is located in district 7 which crosses Thay Tieu Canal. It is considered as one of the most beautiful and modern bridges in Vietnam. What makes this bridge special is that, as it is called, the bridge has a system of light stretching along its floor which brings visitors a feeling of walking in the galaxy with many stars. In addition, it’s also designed with the water spray system combined with rainbow lights which makes the bridge so gorgeous from a far distance.  However, the scenery is not available every day. You can only see it on Thursday and Sunday night from 18:30 to 22:00 and in some national holidays such as New Year Eve, etc.  Address: Rach Bang Bridge 2, Tan Phu, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City Starlight Bridge 6. Explore Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh market is situated in the prime location of District 1. The market dates back to more than 100 years ago during the French colonial period, thus, its architecture was strongly influenced by the French. It is one of the most well-known places of interest for tourists when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City which welcomes more than 10,000 people visiting every day.  One special thing is that it transforms every day from a shopping paradise to a night market. In the morning, you can come here for shopping. It offers tourists almost everything from souvenirs, handicraft items, branded goods, etc. with approximately 1,500 booths of more than 6,000 business owners. In the evening, it converts into a night market with a wide arrange of delicious street food such as seafood, crispy pancakes, etc. even options for vegetarians. Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 Ben Thanh Market Best tours to take when you staying in Ho Chi Minh City When you are staying in Ho Chi Minh City, you may wonder what are the best tours to take. See some tours suggested by our experts as below: Mekong Boat Trip from Ho Chi Minh City After several days exploring the hustle and bustle city of Sai Gon, it’s time to relax a bit by a trip to a further place. Mekong Delta day trip is one of the best choices for you. In this tour, you will be taking a river cruise along a part of the Mekong Delta River, having local tea while watching the Vietnam folk singing performance and enjoying a local lunch at the Unicorn Islet. For more detail, please click here . Long Tan – Nui Dat Day Tour Long Tan and Nui Dat were battlefields that watched a fierce battle between the ANZAC’s – an Australian and New Zealand Corps – and the Vietnamese army forces. Coming here, you will have a chance to understand more about Vietnam’s history. In this day trip, you will also be visiting Long Tan Cross Memorial, Horseshoe FSB and Long Phuoc Tunnels For more detail, please click here .

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8 Best things to do in Hue

8 Best things to do in Hue

Hue is a famous tourist destination and one of the most charming cities in Vietnam. Located by the beautiful Perfume River, Hue used to be the royal capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty. This is a great destination for history lovers with ancient buildings, old landmarks, beautiful pagodas, and museums. People flock over here to check out the ancient tombs of the emperors located throughout the city providing a deeper knowledge of Hue in the good old days. And it’s also a place of wonderful food with huge options around the town.There are so many exciting things to do around this renowned and charming city that attracts millions of tourists every year. However, not many people know well about what are the Best things to do in Hue, especially first-time visitors. Incredible Asia Journeys has rounded up the list of 8 Best things to do in Hue to help you bring the best memory home.Best things to do in Hue1. Visit the Imperial CityThe best things to do in Hue is visiting the Imperial City even if you are only here for 1 day. The Imperial City was built in the 18th century under the reign of King Gia Long – the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. It served as the Imperial Seat of Vietnam for a long time but then lost its role when the new government of President Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of Vietnam. After that, the Imperial City suffered from heavy damage during the Indochina War in the 20th century.Nowadays, the Imperial City is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hue. This is a perfect place for a walk and learns about the rich history. If you are planning to visit on your own, you can have a tour guide to explain the information at the ticket booth. They will take you around for 1 hour, but be aware that their English skill is not excellent. The ticket to enter the Imperial City is 150.000 VND (USD 6) for adults and the price to hire a tour guide is also 150.000 VND for one group.Imperial City2. Visit the Tombs of the Former EmperorsVisiting the Tombs of Former Emperors is probably one of the best things that you should do in Hue. There are 7 tombs of ancient emperors in total but the tomb of King Khai Dinh, King Tu Duc, and King Minh Mang is the nicest that you should visit thanks to its unique appeal.The tombs are mostly built in the 19th and 20th centuries with beautiful architecture and typical Vietnamese design. If you are wondering between various options, you can take a look at our tour full day to visit Hue city here. Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh3. Cruise along the Perfume RiverThe Perfume River runs through the city of Hue and is one of the most beautiful waterways in this city. It is the best place to take in all the beauty of this romantic city. Therefore, cruising along the Perfume River is one of the best things to do in Hue. If you take the cruise in the daytime, you will see people going out for an early run and buffalos swimming, enjoying the cold water. If you take the cruise in the daytime, you will see people going out for an early run and buffalos swimming, enjoying the cold water. If you opt for a night cruise, you will have a chance to see the local vendors with their food stalls by the river bank. All the dragon boat that hosts Hue Folk Music will light on with lanterns creating a romantic scenery on the river. After finishing the boat tour, you can go to those food stalls and get something to eat.Besides, tourists can also tour around Hue City by this dragon boat in the morning. The boat will take you to visit the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Tomb. It is a fascinating day tour around Hue providing the amazing landscape with an interesting history of the city.Perfume River and dragon boats4. Visit the Thien Mu PagodaBesides the royal tombs, Hue is also famous for ancient and beautiful pagodas. The Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most interesting places to visit in Hue and people often go there to find peace. It is also considered as the symbol of Hue and visitors can take a beautiful view over the Perfume River from here.It is known for the gold and silver images of Buddha inside and also a huge bell as well as a stone turtle. The best time to visit Thien Mu Pagoda is in the early morning when the temperature is not too high and you can slowly stroll around, observing the life here.Thien Mu Pagoda5. Go shopping at Dong Ba MarketWhen traveling to a new destination, the best thing to do is to go shopping, buy gifts from that place, and in Hue, Dong Ba Market is the best shopping spot. Coming here, you will see a flea market and you can buy everything here from classic souvenirs to traditional Vietnamese food. The market is open from 3:00 AM to 8:30 PM so feel free to visit at any time of the day. However, be aware of the price because some people will sell higher prices for tourists so you will need to negotiate.Dong Ba Market became more famous when chef Anthony Bourdain came and filmed an episode of his show. He tried the noodle vermicelli with beef and found it delicious.Dong Ba Market6. Go trekking at Bach Ma National ParkGo trekking at Bach Ma National Park is recommended as one of the best things to do in Hue if you stay there for more than 1 day. Bach Ma National Park is located at 1,450 meters above the sea level therefore it is the spot for a panorama view of Hue. In the past, it acted as a French Hill Station and now it turned into a popular attraction for tourists and locals.On the way up, you will see an amazing waterfall and hiking trails as well as a few campsites for those who want to stay overnight. The fresh air, flora, and fauna here will be a memorable experience during your trip to Hue. Besides, you can also pay a visit to Cau Hai Village after go trekking.Bach Ma National Park7. Admire the Hue Museum Of Royal AntiquitiesAdmire the Hue Museum Of Royal Antiquities is probably one of the best things to do in Hue if you are a lover of history. It is where the variety of pieces from the Nguyen Dynasty are displayed from 1802 to 1945. In the Museum Of Royal Antiquities, you will find different galleries showing traditional furniture, textiles, jewelry, and other things that used to belong to the royal family. The museum is situated right outside of the Citadel so you can visit it after walking around the Imperial City. The entrance fee to this museum is already covered with the same ticket of the Citadel so it’s very convenient to combine the visit of these places.The museum will show you the Imperial life and the antique collection of the Nguyen Dynasty. Besides, it’s free so you shouldn’t miss this!Hue Museum Of Royal Antiquities8. Do cycling to Thanh Toan VillageThanh Toan Village is located about 8 km away from Hue center and it is one of the less touristy destinations nearby. Besides the beautiful countryside roads, peaceful rural scenery, Thanh Toan village is also famous for its tile-roofed bridge. The bridge which crosses the Nhu Y river is made up of wood and topped with a tiled roof. It is only 17 meters long and it has a shrine inside dedicated to the patron of the construction. This is a perfect place to get some rest, see the authentic feature of Hue and its residential neighborhood.After cycling, you can relax in a small village market nearby for food and drinks. Thanh Toan Village is definitely in the list of best things to do in Hue.Thanh Toan BridgeWhen is the best time to visit Hue The best time to visit Hue is from January to April when the temperature is not too high and there are fewer chances of rainfall during the day. Visiting Hue during this period, you will feel comfortable wandering about or exploring the historical sites. There are also many festivals celebrated at this time, such as Lunar New Year and Hue Festival. You will have a chance to enjoy cultural shows, visit local markets, enjoy traditional music performances, or taste amazing special dishes.Hue Festival 2022On the other hand, the rainy season of Hue begins in September and ends in December. The temperature of this period tends to drop quickly and it rains more often. If you are planning for a trip to Hue in this period, it’s recommendable to avoid visiting in October and November because these are the peak months of the wet season.Hue Rainy SeasonBesides, Hue can be extremely hot at mid-day so to make your trip more enjoyable, you should start the tour early to avoid the intense heat.Otherwise, take a look at some of our day tours from Hue city. It is more convenient when you have transportations and someone to explain the information for you:Phong Nha Day Tour from Hue    Hue – Paradise Cave Full-Day TourHue Full Day City Touretc... We hope that this list of a few things to do in Hue gave you a great start for your plan of a short trip to Hue. In our opinion, it would take more than one day to visit all the charming attractions of this city. However, if you only have one day, that’s enough for the main attractions or a Full day Hue city tour. Tell us if you have any more difficulties, Incredible Asia Journeys is always happy to help!Articles you may also like:7 Things to buy in Hue - A Heaven of HandicraftsWhat to Eat in HueWhere to Stay in Hue and its Surrounds

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Is October a good month to visit Vietnam?

Is October a good month to visit Vietnam?

Vietnam is an exciting country with cultural and natural attractions that attract millions of tourists each year. The country offers all you need for a unique and memorable adventure. It is a year-round destination so the best time to visit Vietnam could be any time of the year. If you are planning to travel this October, you might wonder Is October a good time to visit Vietnam? Our article below will show you what to do, what to bring, the weather and where to visit in Vietnam in October. Weather in Vietnam in October In general, the weather in Vietnam is typically humid and warm but it varies differently in each region over the country. In one month, you may experience the cold weather (and even snow) in the far north mountain and the sunshine on the beaches in the south. Therefore, it is necessary to research the weather before your visit to make sure you don’t have to suffer any inconvenience. To answer the question "Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?" we will see the weather in each region.  Weather in Northern Vietnam in October October marks the end of the west season in Northern Vietnam and the average temperatures tend to drop quickly. In October, there are more rainfalls than previous months and the second half of the month is cooler and dry. In the mountainous area like Sapa and Ha Giang , the weather is even cooler and dryer. However, it’s also considered the best time for trekking through the mountains when you can see the endless golden rice fields ready to harvest. Rice field in Sapa Weather in Central Vietnam in October During October, the central of Vietnam has more rainfalls and the heavy storms occur more often. Because of heavy rains, some regions may suffer the flooding in October but it can’t dilute the charm of the region. In fact, the rain may become a romantic inspiration for many poets and artists in Hue and Hoi An. Be aware that the heavy rainfalls could block some sightseeing activities such as visiting Phong Nha Cave. Overall, the temperatures of central Vietnam are quite pleasant in October which vary slightly between 24 – 27oC. Hoi An Ancient Town Weather in Southern Vietnam in October In the south of Vietnam, October is the month of change in the weather with the decrease of rainfall. Towards the end of the month, these regions become dry and hot with an average temperature at 27oC.   If you want to visit the beaches and islands, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, and Con Dao are starting to recover from the winter months and there will be more sunshine. It is best to visit these destinations by the end of October because the weather will be warmer. Phu Quoc Beach What to pack when visiting Vietnam in October Packing the right clothes is very important when traveling abroad which helps you save space in your luggage and avoid being too hot or too cold in the country. Therefore, we will help you answer the question “Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?” by letting you know what to bring to each region when traveling. The North of Vietnam The weather of Northern is not too cold in October so you can dress as normal in your country but a little more conservative. Tourists should pack lightweight clothes or linen trousers. You don’t even to bring too many clothes because in Vietnam they are very cheap. You can also buy accessories such as hats, flip-flops, or sunglasses at the markets or shops in Hanoi Old Quarter. However, the mountainous area of the North such as Sapa or Ha Giang becomes colder at night so a light jacket is a good choice to keep you warm. If you love trekking, it is important to bring good walking shoes to avoid footsore. Besides, because it is the beginning month of the rainy season, packing a lightweight raincoat is also recommendable.Trekking in Sapa The Central of Vietnam The weather in October in Central Vietnam is still hot so you can bring bikini, swimsuits or shorts to go swimming. It’s also necessary to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to protect from the UV. If you visit Hoi An Ancient Town, you should bring sandals with good quality for walking around the town. Also, a light raincoat is a must to bring during this rainy weather.Take a stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town The South of Vietnam To the South of Vietnam, you don’t worry too much about what to bring for traveling because people here are more open to Western culture. Tourists can dress in freestyle as in their hometown. For morning and afternoon visiting, you can bring a light jacket because the weather is cool. A pair of sandals and a raincoat is more recommendable than a pair of shoes because it may rain suddenly at any time of the day. If you also visit the Mekong Delta, you should bring sleeveless tops and long pants because the weather is pretty hot. Plastic bags against water is a must to protect your camera and phone while sitting on the boat. In general, bringing quick-dry clothes is the best.Floating Market in Mekong Delta Places to visit in Vietnam in October 1. Hanoi October is when the heat, humidity, and heavy rains disappeared and replaced by the cool dry days. It’s also the beginning month of autumn so it’s one of the best months to visit Hanoi and its colonial building.  There are no better activities than taking a cyclo to go around Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy the cooling wind blow frequently. Or else, any walking tour or street food tour is suitable in this month because the sunlight and the heat are not too strong. At night, you can walk around the streets of Hanoi and sense the sweet fragrance of milk flowers – the symbol of autumn in Hanoi.  Coming to Hanoi in October, you will also have a chance to see the city changes, enjoy Com and the warm sunlight, cool atmosphere. Also, there are a few important celebrations in this month. October 10th is the day to memorize the change of capital to Hanoi. Moreover, there are Vietnamese Women’s day and the Halloween festival.  "Com" - Green Rice Hanoi See some of our customize Hanoi Tour by clicking here. 2. Ha Giang For those who love adventures, visiting Ha Giang is a must during your trip to Vietnam because October is the best time for traveling to this province. October marks the end of the wet season in Vietnam so the temperature falls rapidly making the weather quite relaxing and comfortable for tourists. Especially, from the beginning of October, Ha Giang Mountains turn to the most beautiful colors. The province is covered in the triangle buckwheat flowers – the flowers that can only be found in the mountainous provinces so you shouldn’t miss the chance of taking amazing photos here. Besides, some other places you shouldn’t miss are Dong Van town, Meo Vac town, Hoang Su Phi, Khau Vai market, etc. Enjoy the unique cuisine of Ha Giang with Meo chicken, pigs (lon cap nach), five-colored rice or horse meat.  Triangle buckwheat flowersSee some of our customize Ha Giang Tour by clicking here. 3. Halong Bay Halong Bay is the destination that needs to be on your travel bucket list. Unlike previous months, Halong Bay weather in October is favorable with better chances of clear skies.  One of the best things to do in Halong Bay is to take a cruise ship. It will take you to the fishing village where you can see the life of local people here. The villagers will use the bamboo boat to take you around, show you the magical scenery of their home. You can also use a kayak to enter the amazing caves with beautiful stalactites. It is a life experience that you should do at least one time in your life. A luxury Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay CruiseSee some of our customize Halong Bay Tour by clicking here. 4. Hue Hue – recognized as a World Heritage Site used to be the capital of Nguyen Dynasty. It is not only impressive with unique architecture but also the attractive destinations and beautiful beaches. The city is located by the bank of Perfume River – a romantic river in Vietnam so tourists coming here can feel the romance in every corner of the city. For those who love discovering the culture and history, Hue offers the visit to royal tombs, museums and ruins which tell you a part of great history. The Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City are on the top list of must-visit destinations in Hue.  Taking a cruise along Perfume River, you can also visit the Tombs of Emperors, contemplate the magical landscape and enjoy art performance onboard. Furthermore, tourists should visit Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the most beautiful pagodas in Hue or relax on Thuan An beach and Lang Co beach. Imperial City of HueSee some of our customize Hue Tour by clicking here. 5. Mekong Delta – Can Tho The province of Can Tho is famous for the interesting floating markets, special local cuisine, beautiful pagodas as well as friendly people. There is a famous saying about this biggest city on the Mekong River Delta: “Can Tho, ivory rice and clear water”. Some of the most beautiful and recommended places for tourists are Cai Rang Floating Market, Ninh Kieu Wharf and Bang Lang Stork Garden.  October is a good month to visit Can Tho because you will have the opportunity to sail through the small canals, see the verdant farms of locals on the river bank, buy exotic and qualified products on the boat.  Floating market In conclusions, “Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?” – yes, it is. This month has all the favorable conditions for a long trip throughout this beautiful country. If you have any questions about the plan, contact us right away!

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Which is the best place to see the Golden Rice Field in Northern Vietnam?

Which is the best place to see the Golden Rice Field in Northern Vietnam?

Wetland rice farming is a very common farming method in Vietnam and you can find rice paddy fields everywhere among the country. In the mountainous areas, you will see mostly they cultivate terraced rice fields while in Red River Delta or lowlands, mostly they grow flat and spacious rice fields. This is because the rice needs a lot of water to grow and with terraced rice farming, peasants take advantage of the water flowing from the hillside into rice terraces, especially when they transplant rice seedlings. The Golden Rice Fields during harvest season is one of the most impressive views that any tourists going on their Northern Vietnam Tours would love to see. When the harvest season comes, the fields are covered with mesmerizing yellow color. The combination of blue sky, green mountains and yellow paddy fields with ethnic houses will create a mind-blowing scenery for tourists. So where are the best places to capture these stunning golden rice fields in Vietnam? These glooming golden rice fields are breath-taking 1. Tam Coc Along with the famous World Heritage Site - Halong Bay, Ninh Binh is also one of the must-see destinations in your Vietnam Tour with amazing landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. Located in Ninh Binh, Tam Coc is considered the most popular attraction besides Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Complex or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital for its picturesque paddy fields and scenic view from the mountains. With its cave system, limestone mountains and spectacular rice paddy fields, it is also known with the name “Halong Bay on land”. This is a perfect place for travelers looking for an easy day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. We can catch bright yellow rice fields from mid-April to early June, which is the time for the perfect blue sky and not so sunny weather. The most common activity in Tam Coc is the boat ride in Ngo Dong River. From the boat, you will see the magnificent view of the sky, the mountains and the shades of yellow rice fields are truly breath-taking. Along the road, you will see the hard-working peasants wading through the water to harvest the rice. Tourists can easily reach Tam Coc from Hanoi Capital via train, car, bus or even motorbike. On your day trip to Tam Coc, you can also visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Mua Caves. Therefore, there’s no doubt that Tam Coc is the first in the list of best places to see the Golden Rice Fields. Tam Coc is the easiest place to visit if you want to see the golden rice fields 2. Mai Chau Located about 140km from Hanoi and 65 km from Hoa Binh province, we will find the incredible valley of Mai Chau. Surrounded by mountains and covered with rice fields, the valley of Mai Chau is one of the best alternative destinations for Sapa if you don’t have much time but still want to admire the wonderful view of the golden rice fields. The main attraction in Mai Chau is undoubtedly to relax, enjoy the nature and tranquil atmosphere of this area. It is very easy to visit Mai Chau by bus or motorbike. Coming here, you will have a chance to try the tempting colorful sticky rice and local wine, try one day to stay with locals in their stilt houses. Mai Chau is also considered the best place to see the Golden Rice Field beside of Tam Coc. After a short trekking tour, you will be amazed by its rice paddy fields cultivated by H’Mong and Tay's tribes stretching to the skyline. And the best time to witness this famous golden rice fields will be between May and June when the rice just begins to ripen. Mai Chau is an alternative choice for Sapa as one of the best place to see the golden rice fields 3. Bac Son Valley Bac Son Town is located about 70 km from Lang Son Province and 160 km from Hanoi. In the heart of this rural district, you will find Bac Son Valley surrounded by charming mountains and beautiful sceneries. Coming here, you will enjoy pleasant weather, beautiful place, inhabited by nice and friendly people and featuring some ancestral crafts. This is home to many ethnic groups in the mountain and people here mainly do farming for their daily life. Thanks to the flat land, beautiful weather and rich soil, Bac Son Valley is an ideal place for planting rice. Tay people in Bac Son Valley cultivate two crops in one year: one at the end of July and one in mid-November. These are the two best periods for tourists to see the yellow paddy fields. The rice terraces in Bac Son are very unique, the yellow ripen paddies are dotted with green ones. This is because peasants here grow crops at a different time and it’s also the reason why Bac Son Valley is one of the best places for the Golden Paddy Fields. Bac Son Valley has a unique view for the golden rice fields 4. Sapa If you love trekking through the mountainous areas, you would be so regretful if you don’t visit Sapa during your trip in Vietnam. Sapa lies in Northwestern Vietnam, near the Chinese border. This is one of the most outstanding attractions with phenomenal landscapes, not to mention significant cultural importance. Sapa is home to many ethnic tribes and ethnic people here grow rice and carve them into the hilly or mountainous slopes. Talking to locals, you will find out that some rice terraces here are hundreds or even thousands of years old and have been the main feeding crop of the region. The curving terraces are perfectly fit with the landscape across the valley, creating a splendid painting of Mother Nature. They make Sapa an ideal place for hiking and photo hunt. Besides the beautiful rice terraces, it’s also a good place for travelers seeking for local experience with the ethnic culture. The rice terraces in Sapa usually ripen from the last week of August to mid-September and can be found in Ta Van, Lao Chai, Ta Phin, Ta Giang Phinh, Muong Hum and Cat Cat Village. Don’t miss this place if you are planning to visit Northern Vietnam – one of the best places to see the Yellow Rice Fields! Sapa is the most famous place for tourists to visit during harvest season for its gorgeous golden rice terraces 5. Mu Cang Chai If you are planning to visit the North of Vietnam, make sure you don’t miss Mu Cang Chai in your bucket list. With unspoiled nature and adventurous trails, the golden rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai were listed as one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world. The rice terraces here are created by the hard-work of H’Mong people, they have become significant in their culture and represent the indomitable spirit of locals here against the rigorous nature. To reach Mu Cang Chai, you can jump on a bus to travel from Hanoi to Than Uyen and from there you can go to Mu Cang Chai. Otherwise, you can travel to Yen Bai province, rent a motorbike and travel around. There are many exciting attractions besides the yellow rice terraces and Khau Pha Pass is among one of them. On the way, you will pass Tu Le, Cao Phuc Valley, Lu Thai, Lung Mong, etc. Rice in Mu Cang Chai ripens quite late, normally from September to the first week of October. During the harvest season, this area brings a marvelous beauty with Golden Rice Fields stretching all over the place. This is our top recommended place for tourists to see the golden rice terraces in Vietnam. Mu Cang Chai is very beautiful during harvest season   6. Y Ty If Sapa and Mu Cang Chai sound awesome when we talk about the golden rice fields, check out Y Ty, you will find perfect tranquility here. Y Ty is in the northernmost region of Vietnam, about 70 km from Sapa and it’s among the poorest places in the country. This is the impeccable place if you are looking for “true north” of Vietnam where you can enjoy the pristine nature. People come to Y Ty for two main purposes: to hunt the clouds or to take photos of extraordinary rice terraces. With the background of white clouds, the rice fields here become gorgeous with unbelievable beauty. You will have a chance to take photos of the clouds moving over the field, which can’t be found anywhere else in Vietnam. The crop season in Y Ty varies depending on every year, but it’s usually from September to October. During this month, travelers coming here will be overwhelmed with the picturesque Yellow Rice Terraces which look like a staircase to heaven. These jaw-dropping rice fields attract thousands of tourists every year. Undoubtedly, Y Ty is the best place to see the beautiful golden rice terraces. From Hanoi, you can take a night train or limousine bus to Lao Cai province and then take another bus to get to Y Ty. You can also rent a motorbike in Lao Cai to go there but be careful because the road is quite dangerous. Y Ty with its pristine nature is one of the best places to see the golden rice field

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Best things to do in Hanoi and around

Best things to do in Hanoi and around

The consistent appeal of Hanoi , for the millions of tourists who visit it every year, is the fact that it is usually unlike anything they have ever seen before. The uniqueness of Vietnam’s capital city has been over 4,000 years in the making, rising from the depths of an alligator-infested swamp to become one of the most vibrant, exciting and beautiful cities in Asia. Amidst the modern flurry of motorbikes and the perennial echoing of horns that engulfs Hanoi on any given day, you’ll find a city grounded in tradition and locals cherishing its enchanting, pulsating energy. Best things to do in Hanoi – Vietnam’s Culture-Soaked Capital Stroll Around the Old Quarter Hanoi’s central district is the best place to see the city’s mesh of influences from its ancient  beginnings  to the present day. On a stroll, visitors can see the incredible colours of eclectic architecture along the Old Quarter’s Vietnamese, Chinese and French-built streets. Walking around Hanoi Old Quarter Visit the Temple of Literature Built with beautiful stone blocks, wooden columns and low-slung tiled roofs amidst a verdant garden, the Temple of Literature acted as Vietnam’s first university from the year 1070. The brightest students in the country were invited here to take an extremely difficult entrance exam and to learn the treasured teachings of Confucius. Temple of Literature Pay Homage to Uncle Ho at Ba Dinh Square The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at Ba Dinh Square is an immense symbol of independence for the Vietnamese, who make pilgrimages here to see the embalmed body of the Father of the Nation. Outside here is where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnamese independence from the French in a speech broadcast to millions. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Take in the Views at Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi’s oldest religious building is an excellent location for views of Tay Ho Lake, Truc Bach Lake and the city skyline. The pagoda was built in the middle of the 6th century by the Red River but moved to its current spot on the resplendent Thanh Nien Street in 1615. Tran Quoc Pagoda Get Educated at the Museums Between the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison and more, Hanoi is the place to learn about the history and current state of Vietnam through society, culture and war. Most museums have excellent English translations and a wealth of interesting displays opening a window onto the birth of a nation. Hoa Lo Prison Things to do Outside of Hanoi – A Lush Playground on the Capital’s Doorstep As hard as it might be to tear yourself away from Hanoi, there is a huge playground lying directly on its doorstep. The scenery of Northern Vietnam is defined by deep and lush colours, stretching to soaring mountain peaks, rolling over terraced fields of rice and shimmering amongst lakes, rivers, waterfalls and the ocean. Take a Cruise around Halong Bay Halong Bay is Vietnam’s number 1 tourist destination and the scenic icing on the cake for a country bursting with breathtaking nature. For the duration of 1, 2 or 3 days, visitors can live the unmissable Vietnam experience amongst towering limestone spires, permeating an emerald sea in consistently dramatic fashion. A fleet of cruises sails around the 1,600 forested islands of Halong Bay on a daily basis, showing their passengers an alternative world in the caves, beaches and incredible floating communes of fishermen living defiant of the modern approach to life. To experience the uniqueness of Halong Bay Day Tour with thousands of 5-star Tripadvisor reviews. Please click on: Halong Bay Tour with Incredible Asia Journeys . Having more time in Halong Bay you can stay overnight on the cruise. Please see: Halong Bay Cruises. Opt Instead for the Serenity of Lan Ha Bay Lan Ha Bay, located just to the south of Halong Bay, is a limestone copy of its infinitely more famous neighbour, but with a fraction of the touristic attention. The bay is the earthen Sea of Tranquility and a 1-day, 2-day or 3-day cruise reveals its majesty for the relatively few tourists who make the trip here. 367 islands make up the tropical archipelago and Cat Ba Island sits as the jewel in the crown, containing a sea of healthy jungle clinging to imposing mountain ranges. To really absorb the special atmosphere of Lan Ha Bay, click on itineraries of 2-day and 3-day Lan Ha Bay tours. Explore the Diversity of Ninh Binh Province In scenery reminiscent of Halong Bay, Ninh Binh Province stands 100km south of Hanoi as a land-based alternative to the country’s number 1 tourist attraction. A strong palette of colours finds a home in Ninh Binh, splashed across stretching fields of rice and incredible karst rocks coated in trees, all viewable on bamboo rowboat rides at across Trang An, Van Long and Tam Coc. Click on Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip for more information of the day tour from Hanoi offered by Incredible Asia Journeys. Get Lost Amongst the Mountains of Sapa Much of northern Vietnam’s hugely attractive natural features can be found amongst its mountains, but the crown of the region belongs to Sapa. The country’s final flourish of elegant mountain ranges, before its border with China, offer unbelievable vistas and a look into how rural ethnic minorities express their individual cultures in front of the most astounding of backdrops. Trekking remains the most popular activity in Sapa and is the best way to slowly unfurl the beauty of the region.  Our one-day or multi-day treks around the jaw-dropping Muong Hoa Valley are available across our Sapa Tours – clickable through this link.

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