Vietnam Travel Tips & Experiences

Travel Tips & Experiences

Where to Stay in Sapa

Where to Stay in Sapa

When you’re gazing at the jagged dragon’s teeth of Sapa’s forested mountains, watching its misted breath glide slowly across the valleys, it’s hard to imagine all the turmoil that the beautiful hill region has been through. Since French colonisation in the late 19th century, Sapa has risen from the ashes of various wars with China, France, America and even its own government to become one of the essential excursions on any Vietnam holiday.[incredible_toc] Terraced rice fields in SapaTrekking the wonderfully quaint paths between rows of rice paddies, shadowed by gigantic limestone karsts and accompanied by colourful members of friendly hill tribes is an unmissable experience. The answer to the question of where to stay in Sapa is a long one, considering the amount of Vietnamese-run and native-run hotels, hostels and homestays in Sapa Town and along the region’s trekking routes. Here is a quick guide to some of the best Sapa accommodation options around Vietnam’s northern crown. 1. Where to Stay in Sapa Town The natural place for people to search for Sapa accommodation is also its most tourist. Sapa Town is the centre of activity in the region, offering a huge variety of accommodation options, meaning that you’ll be covered even during the most frantic holidays. If you don’t have a set plan then Sapa Town is the place to figure it all out, but we recommend maybe just one night here before moving on to the much more authentic attractions of the region. 1.1. Heart of Sapa Hotel  Located exactly where the name suggests, the Heart of Sapa Hotel is close enough to the main restaurants and attractions of Sapa while finding peace down a small alley with not much traffic. The rooms are very reasonably priced and warmly welcoming, offering a cosy interior and incredible views of the wisps of mist flying past the mountains. Heart of Sapa Hotel - https://heartofsapahotel.com/ - +84 203 772 456 Heart of Sapa Hotel 1.2. Sapa Odyssey Hotel  Backpackers looking for places to stay in Sapa will not be short of options, but the best of these is the Sapa Odyssey Hostel, a cheap accommodation option built around the incredible views of Sapa’s green karsts that guests can enjoy from the balcony. There are several private room options with the same stunning views, as well as a nice communal area in which guests can unwind after hiking. Sapa Odyssey Hotel – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 945 183 001 Views from Sapa Odyssey Hostel 2. Where to Stay in Ta Phin Village A mild-mannered trek separates Ta Phin Village from Sapa. This is a popular destination for short treks, with many people opting to stay in Ta Phin to avoid the buzz of Sapa Town 12km south. Ta Phin is the home of both the Black Hmong and the Red Dao, two proud hill tribes easily distinguishable by the black or red bandanas atop their heads. Let's find out what those accommodations brought to you by Incredible Asia Journeys! 2.1. Sapa Heavenly Homestay The much smaller number of accommodation options compared with Sapa Town evidences the genuine nature of Ta Phin, and there are few options more genuine than Sapa Heavenly Homestay, a wide, wooden stilt house operated by a Black H’mong local called Mr Dat. The beds are very comfortable, the food is of a deliciously local flavour and the hospitality of Mr. Dat and his family knows no bounds. Sapa Heavenly Homestay – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 975 565 308 Sapa Heavenly Homestay 2.2. Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological If Sapa Town is chosen for its views, then Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological is chosen for the beautiful garden on the property. The bamboo walkways, small ponds, a variety of native flowers and wood-hewn chairs create a wonderfully blissful atmosphere in this quiet section of Sapa. Rooms open up onto the garden and all needs are tended to by the caring Mr. Thanh and his wife. Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 912 927 769 Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological 3. Where to Stay in Lao Chai Village The harmony of people and nature is the reason that visitors decide to look for places to stay in Sapa, and there aren’t many better options to feel this than Lao Chai. The 100 Black H’mong families that live here are always welcoming guests into their traditional homes, many of which run without electricity and require a completely different change of mindset for most travellers who wish to experience life without modern comforts. 3.1. Mica House  The lopsided brick gateway and thatched cottage roof of Amica House are as charming as the homestay’s interior. Each room has a cosy, rustic feel and views of the stunning valley of rice can be enjoyed through the large windows throughout the property, especially when specks of fog fly in front of the limestone mountains. Amica House – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 983 048 166 A corner of Amica House 3.2. Sapa Clay House  As the name suggests, Sapa Clay House is made from durable clay, a feature of traditional homes of the Ha Nhi hill tribe. Rooms in the seasonal house are modelled on the four distinct seasons of Sapa, while the private bamboo hut is fitted with contemporary amenities and stunning views from the outdoor shower and garden. Sapa Clay House - https://sapaclayhouse.com/ - +84 965 288 160 Views from Sapa Clay House  4. Where to Stay in Giang Ta Chai The village of Giang Ta Chai lies on the other side of a stream, connected by a suspension bridge over the Muong Hoa Valley. It also lies close to a waterfall as well as thick groves of bamboo, which have been the surroundings for the generations of the Red Dao hill tribe that live here. Giang Ta Chai is the beautiful terminal destination for some of the extended treks from Sapa. 4.1. Mrs. Soi’s Homestay  Due to its eponymous host, Mrs. Soi’s Homestay is one of the friendliest places to stay in Sapa. Mrs. Soi looks after guests like her children, cooking delicious food and providing warm, comfortable, humble beds in the communal sleeping area. As with most homestays in Sapa, the views of the undulating scenery outside are outstanding. Mrs. Soi’s Homestay – https://mrs-sois-homestay.sa-pa-hotels.com/en/ Mrs. Soi’s Homestay 4.2. Po Mu House  The feeling of community throughout the Po Mu House is very evident. Comfortable mattresses are placed together and dinner is a very social affair on one long table. The very welcoming Mr Minh and his family will give you lots of tips for hiking to nearby waterfalls and along paths that other tourists don’t hear about. Po Mu House – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 968 456 984 Po Mu HouseWith the above-mentioned suggested Sapa accommodations, we hope that you can find out the suitable places to stay in Sapa. Thank you for reading this Sapa Travel Guide! Also, if you want to book any Sapa tour, contact us to make your dream trip come true!Check our best tours to visit Sapa: Best Of Sapa Explore, Sapa Trekking & Bac Ha Market, North Vietnam & Sapa Excursions, and Highlights of North Vietnam.

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Vietnamese Traditional Dresses & Costumes

Vietnamese Traditional Dresses & Costumes

If there’s one thing that people can’t get enough of from Vietnam, it’s the clothes. The colourful, intricately detailed Vietnamese clothing has become well-known worldwide for its bold look and for the variety of individual stories woven into its fabric.[incredible_toc] The traditional dress, the Vietnamese Ao Dai, is a garment of intense national pride for Vietnamese people; it is highly-revered inside Vietnam as well as out for its sleek elegance. However, the wealth of Vietnamese costumes runs deep, and a population on the cusp of 100 million, including 54 individual ethnic backgrounds, creates a lot of scope for fashion.  The textile industry continues to reach a huge market outside of Vietnam. In the first quarter of 2018, textiles were the country's second-biggest export, creating $7.83 billion, which is 15% higher than last year. So why is there such a scramble for Vietnamese textiles? What are the traditional Vietnamese Dresses that create such a stir around the world? Let Incredible Asia Journeys tell you the secret! 1. Vietnamese Traditional Costumes 1.1. Ao Dai  There’s no other place to begin than the iconic Ao Dai Vietnam. Pronounced ‘ow zai’ in the North and ‘ow’ yai’ in the South, the words literally translate to ‘Vietnamese Long Dress’. The Ao Dai has made incredible transformations from its birth during the 15th century to today where it remains a very popular garment for special events like Vietnamese New Year, weddings, graduations and various national holidays.  Ao Dai in Vietnamese New Year The original Ao Dai was a horrendously unflattering affair dreamt up by a Southern Vietnamese lord, Lord Nguyen. It was a blended design borrowed from the Chinese Ming Dynasty and Cham ethnic tribe, featuring a long and baggy, colourless tunic with four panels and worn by both men and women. Over the years, it went through many transformations. Men gradually lost enthusiasm for the whole thing and female members of high-society began adopting an increasingly slimmer and more elaborate version while peasants remained with the more practical, conservative option. It wasn’t until French colonialism arrived that the Ao Dai took off. Cat Tuong was a French-trained artist who revolutionalised what soon became the official national dress, making it much more fitted and in true colonial style, requiring a tight-fitting corset. That modern version went through the standard 20th-century fashion mill, appearing in many, many different styles throughout the decades until its appearance today as the simple, colourful and graceful Vietnamese national dress. Ao Dai Where to buy Ao Dai in Vietnam Modern day Ao Dai are very popular holiday souvenirs from Vietnam and are great to wear at either formal or informal events.  Modern-day Ao Dai Several tailors in Hanoi range from just $30 to about $200, but anyone on a stringent budget might consider heading to nearby Van Phuc Silk Village, where entire Ao Dai can be picked up for $15.  You’ll never see more Ao Dai as you do in Hoi An. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town in the centre of the country has Vietnamese tradition at its heart, with even the local schoolgirls sporting ao dai as their uniform. It’s hard to move for the number of tailors who will create your perfectly fitted ao dai, and you will have an incredible amount of choice when it comes to materials and style. Ho Chi Minh City has a good amount of markets where fittings can be done, but anyone scared of the authenticity of the material can look around a boutique, where standard Ao Dai ranges from $13 to around $200. For anyone with a bit more disposable cash, finely embroidered and luxury silk ao dai can be bought from about $300 to $1000.  1.2. Non La This may not be as recognisable by name alone for most tourists, but one look at the Vietnamese conical hat and all you can think of is Vietnam. The Nón Lá Vietnam comes in very handy in the countryside – if it’s not raining then it’s hot, if it’s not hot then it’s raining, if it’s not one or the other then it’s both. The Non La provides full protection from these elements while also gracing its wearer with a humble stylishness, one that has worked its way out of years of simple practicality to become somewhat of a modern-day art canvas. Non La Vietnam The ascent of the Vietnamese cone hat to a symbol of national pride started quite possibly about 3000 years ago, depicted on two ancient relics from around this time. Very little has changed in terms of the design; the 16 circles of bamboo covered with palm leaf are the standard formula and it is one of the few crafts that has resisted any form of industrialisation because machines cannot replicate the level of human dexterity necessary to make it. Nowadays, the Non La features regularly in traditional dance performances and in the world of art, with many artisans around the country capable of stitching romantic images into hats. This is especially the case in Hue, a city near the centre of the country where the Non La gained the most popular because of the region’s persistent rainfall and sunshine. Here, the Non La became the Non Bai Tho, translating to ‘poem hat’, a truly amazing regional variation that features poems and images of Vietnamese folklore that only become visible in sunlight. Non Bai Tho Where to buy Non La The Vietnam cone hat is a popular yet not easily transportable souvenir among tourists. In the big cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, tourists can find cheap productions in souvenir shops around the centres, starting from as little as $3. Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi and Binh Tay Market in HCMC are the best areas to haggle and get a great deal. Hue is the best place to get a genuine and beautiful Non Bai Tho. There are 15 villages around Hue that have Non Bai Tho production as their main trade. Visit any of these villages personally to get the most authentic, best deal on Non La in the country. 1.3. Ao Yem - A Vietnamese Traditional Clothing A less popular item of Vietnamese traditional clothing among travellers, the Ao Yem Vietnam is a very simple garment worn as underclothing or on its own. It comprises merely of a single square piece of cloth with corners cut away and straps added, tied loosely around the body with a rounded collar (co xay) or a V-neck (co xe) at the top. The Ao Yem Vietnam has a similar story to many other items of Vietnamese national clothing. It was first depicted at a similar time to the Ao Dai and has gone through very little stylistic change over the hundreds of years since then. An Ao Yem is usually one single colour and it’s normally pretty mild, but the more vivid and bold Ao Yem come out during festival time in the villages around Vietnam. Ao Yem Where to buy Ao Yem The Ao Yem fell out of fashion in the 20th century with the invention of the bra, but tourists can still find them in shopping malls around the country. Hoi An would be the best place to get this beautiful garment tailor-made; its simple nature means it should be made fairly quickly and at a very reasonable price.Check the best trips to Hue and Hoi An to discover more about the land of Vietnamese traditional costumes:Highlights Of Vietnam Holiday PackageEssence of VietnamCentral Vietnam HolidayUltimate Vietnam Holiday 2. Vietnam Ethnic Tribal Dress While 86% of the population of Vietnam is of the ethnic background ‘Kinh’, the remaining 14% are members of various ethnic minority tribes around the country, each forging a specific identity from before Vietnam was unified as one country. In Vietnam, ethnic tribe clothing can vary wildly depending on the tribe’s customs, but most share a common theme of featuring very colourful and very elaborate repeated patterns, with many clashing items worn at once. 2.1. H’mong The Hmong hill tribe comprise about 1.2% of the country’s population and is split into subsections depending on the colour of the dresses that they wear: Black, White, Blue, Red, Green and Flower H’mong. They live in the northern provinces of Vietnam and, for those who can, congregate every Sunday at Bac Ha Market in Sapa; a usually drab stretch of concrete that comes alive with the amazing colours of the H’mong traditional clothing. Tourists can visit this market to find intricate, hand-woven labours of love for around $10.Check our best tours to Sapa to discover more about Vietnam Ethnic Tribal Dress: Sapa Trekking & Bac Ha MarketSapa Trekking & ExploreDiscover The Best Of SapaBest of Sapa Excursions H'mong's Dress 2.2. Dao A more modest representative of the Vietnam hill tribes, the clothes of the Dao are not quite as vibrant as the H’mong, but they are still sub-categorised depending on their attire: Red Dao, the Dao with long tunics, the Dao with white trousers etc. The Red Dao are the most famous of this group, donning a light, flowery top with a bright red hat featuring an array of tassels and silver coins. There are Red Dao villages close to Sapa that sell full outfits to foreigners. Heading straight to the source and buying from them is a great way to help the local community. Dao's Dress 2.3. Lolo Split into three main groups: the Black Lolo, Red Lolo and Flower Lolo, these northern Vietnamese tribes have some of the most labour-intensive clothing to make. The plain black of the turban and trousers is a canvas for some very intricate patterns of many shapes and sizes. The repeating motifs can take months to create, meaning the prices for these wonderfully ornate pieces of Vietnamese ethnic tribe dress are usually a bit higher than others. Lolo people's dress

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The Best Time to Visit Sapa

The Best Time to Visit Sapa

The four distinct seasons of Sapa affect the landscape and the activities of its people in many ways. Higher than Hanoi, both in terms of altitude and latitude, Sapa features its own micro-climate, one shared by other hill regions in the north like Ha Giang and Cao Bang.[incredible_toc] The main hub of Sapa Town has come a long way since its use for military purposes by the French in 1922, with layers of Western and Vietnamese culture adding to that of the original ethnic minorities of the region. The hurricane of tourism has passed through Sapa in recent years and now a visit to its many golden rice paddies, sky-scraping mountains, rippling green hills and humble hill tribe villages is an essential part of Vietnam travels. The Stone Church in Sapa The best time to visit Sapa changes depending on the reason for your stay. While the distinct seasons make it easy to know when the Sapa weather will be less than optimal, the reasons to visit Sapa are numerous in amount and some are even enhanced by the colder and wetter weather that occurs at certain times. Sapa’s weather is in constant flux and its unpredictability often frustrates travellers to the region. Comprehensive guides are tough in this beautiful but volatile region, but here is our attempt at finding the best time to visit Sapa.1. Sapa in Spring 1.1. Mid-February to Mid-May in Sapa The Sapa scene in spring looks like something straight out of a storybook. Romance is in full flow as peach blossoms spring up between mid-February and mid-May, creating a splash of vivid pink to add to the brilliant blue sky and crisp green rice paddies of the Sapa palette. Spring is very much peak season in Sapa, so be prepared for higher prices and more tourists. Sapa in Spring Temperature If it is comfortable trekking you’re after, then there’s no better time to visit Sapa than spring. The temperature rises quite a bit over the months of March, April and May; averaging about 15°C (59°F) at the start but 20°C (68°F) by the end. Though naturally colder than most of the rest of the country, the heat of the sun is not so debilitating that you feel your energy drain just by standing under it, like you might during the same month in Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City. Rainfall Morning drizzles during spring are not uncommon, but the clouds are really just testing the waters before the summer deluge. Heading out later is usually the key to staying dry, but the impulsiveness of the quickly congregating clouds will have other ideas. The difference between the start and end of spring is massive, with March producing about 120mm per month compared to the threefold increase by May, which produces 370mm. Visibility  The rolling mist that descends around Sapa essentially does so whenever it feels, often here and gone within the blink of an eye. The best chance for avoiding the fog is in its sunniest month, April, which boasts about 6 hours of sunshine per day and is the perfect month for any potential photographers visiting the region. 1.2. What to do in Spring in Sapa The beautiful spring weather brings the beautiful people of Sapa out in full force. Boisterous festivals are thrown after the start of the new lunar year, which falls either at the end of winter or the start of spring depending on the lunar calendar. The Gau Tao Festival, celebrated by the H’mong people, the most prominent minority tribe in the region, is initially a solemn religious affair before a few days of music, dancing and sport put everyone in a very festive mood. As with spring throughout the world, the best time to visit Sapa for its gorgeous flower blossoms is between February and April. Pink cherry blossoms, white pear flowers, purple plum flowers and the yellow of small shrubs become ubiquitous, turning Sapa into a vast, colourful wonderland and giving photographers many amazing backdrops to shoot some of their best work. Children in Sapa 2. Sapa in Summer 2.1. Mid–May to Mid-September Once the clouds have made their vague threats in April and early May, they are ready for the downpour of summer. This is easily the wettest season in Sapa, but rains tend to wash away the debris of foreign tourism, replaced by domestic tourism pretty much exclusively in Sapa Town and other hubs. A visit between June and September might be a brave endeavour, but it’s likely to be a quiet one out amongst the remote paddies. Temperature Naturally the hottest season in the region, heat joins the other components of Sapa’s weather in going full force. Averages are still a very comfortable 21°C (70°F), but highs of around 26°C (79°F) can feel a little draining if experienced for multiple hours while trekking in the sun. Nights are warm, however, which lends a lovely twilight atmosphere throughout the region. Rainfall If you haven’t invested in a fashionable Vietnamese poncho during your summer visit, you might want to consider getting a fairly substantial one. 80% of all of Sapa’s rain falls within summer, with July and August producing almost 500mm of rainfall each. As miserable as this sounds, the warm weather and the much quieter trekking trails actually lend Sapa a calm, contemplative vibe, one that’s hard to find in busier areas around the country. Visibility The vast clouds that devour hilltop villages and the peaks of mountains are a fairly common sight during summer in Sapa. However, the mist rolls quickly in the region, and a bit of patience can be rewarded with rapidly cleared skies and the opportunity to get breathtaking pictures of the retreating fog as it unveils rice paddies and whole villages in its wake. If you’re into photography, there’s really no better time to visit Sapa. Sapa in Summer 2.2. What to do in Summer in Sapa The swirling kaleidoscope of colours that Sapa’s rice paddies progress through each year reaches their greenest stage in summer. The reflective blue of the water that is common in the rice paddies during spring is replaced with young rice seed and picture-perfect layers of lush green descending all the way down to the valley floor. The Summer Tourism Festival is a planned event to stir up tourism in this quiet season. Starting quite early, in May, and lasting until the end of June before the torrential rain really kicks in, the Summer Festival in the square of Sapa Town gathers various traditions of far-reaching hill tribes in Sapa and displays them together. This is a great way to absorb some of the traditions of the hill tribes that you wouldn’t usually have time to go and see.Check out our Best Tours to visit Sapa:Best Of Sapa ExploreSapa Trekking & Bac Ha MarketNorth Vietnam & Sapa ExcursionsHighlights of North Vietnam 3. Sapa in Autumn 3.1. Mid-September to Early December Autumn in Sapa has no need for festivals to drum up tourism, it simply lets its natural beauty speak for itself. The period between mid-September and early December is one for the romantics, as vast seas of golden rice stretch out in every direction and the sky opens up to a deep blue and a fervent sun; creating, in many peoples’ eyes, the perfect conditions and the best time to visit Sapa. Rice fields in Sapa Temperature From the heat of summer, the temperature falls from about 20°C (68°F) through the end of September to 14°C (57°F) at the start of December. This can cause a few chilly shivers when the wind picks up on the trek, but really it is the ideal trekking temperature. Rainfall The later on in autumn that you decide to head to Sapa, the more chance you have of avoiding the rain. From about 320mm in September to barely 40mm in December, the anger of the summer clouds subsides and leaves Sapa in a calm, if occasionally wet, state of being. Sapa’s weather in autumn is just as unpredictable as it is in spring, so be ready with that poncho in case you see the clouds moving swiftly in. Visibility Views of the rice harvest are the prime reason to come to Sapa during autumn and this is why peak season prices and traffic are in full flow around Sapa Town. Getting out of Sapa Town and into nature, with its long, clear days with 4 or 5 hours of sunshine is a much better alternative. The sun really accentuates the gold of the rice and also provides some almost biblical scenery courtesy of the shadows it casts with occasional clouds. 3.2. What to do in Autumn in Sapa At this time of the year, Sapa gets back to its roots. There is no song-and-dance, no spectacle for tourists, just local people going about their local work in the fields, on the mountains or at the house. The idyllic scenes of the fields being tilled are quintessential Asia and trekking is the best way to see it all happen. Many Sapa trekking tours operate around this time, but the routes are rarely crowded due to the vast area that Sapa covers, meaning tourists have spread thinly around. Towards the middle of the season is absolutely the best time to visit Sapa for camping, an activity that ideally requires no rain, moderate temperatures and clear visibility, all of which are present during autumn. 4. Sapa Winter 4.1. December to Mid-February Sapa in winter conjures the most magical images for Vietnamese people about their homeland. The region is sometimes covered with a blanket of snow during its short winter, a complete novelty for the Vietnamese, many of whom have neither seen nor touched snow directly before. Visits to Sapa during winter are essentially solely for this, as snow never fails to get national news coverage and drum up big interest throughout the country. Winter in Sapa Temperature Usual lows of about 6 or 7°C (45°F) at this time are not uncommon, every so often dipping even lower during the night. With averages just about scraping double digits at 10 and 11°C (52°F), it’s a fair assessment to say that it’s pretty cold in Sapa in winter. The upshot, however, is that this puts a lot of tourists off, giving you much more freedom to frolic around the white rice paddies. Rainfall Snowfall in Sapa, no matter how romantic the image, is still a rare phenomenon. It is cold, drizzly rain that usually trickles languidly across the province, making treks pretty uncomfortable and camping experience a miserable experience. Though the averages of just about 40mm per month suggest a generally dry time, these rains often come in the form of a persistent sprinkle rather than in one torrent like the other months do, meaning they can last for hours. Visibility All that light sprinkling requires lots of grey clouds to carry it out. Towards the end of autumn, dark clouds like to shift over the Sapa landscape and settle in for the long haul. Just about 3 or 4 hours of sunlight a day over December and January means that Sapa becomes quite a dark place, with the fog sometimes settling about 15 feet from your face. Sapa is covered with fog 4.2. What to do in Winter in Sapa After such a dour assessment of Sapa in winter, you’ve probably written it off already. Honestly, you’d be right to do so, but if it’s the only time that you can go and you’re determined to make it work, then there are a few events towards the end of the season that you can try to catch to liven things up. Nowadays, due to global warming, the orchid and peach blossom starts towards the back end of winter and spectacular new blooms can be seen as early as January around Fansipan Mountain. If you’re lucky to catch this at the same time as the snow, then you’re in for a real photographic treat. The Giay hill tribe perform a ceremony called Roong Pooc in January to wish for a good harvest in the upcoming year. This comes in the form of a shuttlecock-throwing game followed by general festivities. Roong Pooc became so popular in the past that many other hill tribes around the region made their own versions, giving you many opportunities to see authentic hill tribe culture in Sapa.Now, if you eager to visit Sapa, what you're waiting for? Don't hesitate to contact Incredible Asia Journeys now!

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Where to Stay in Ninh Binh

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh

As Ninh Binh surges in popularity with domestic and foreign tourists alike, the question of where to stay in Ninh Binh becomes one on everyone’s mind. To accommodate travelers coming from both the south and the north of Vietnam, hotels, hostels and homestays have begun to sprout up in this wonderful province.[incredible_toc] Ninh Binh is a destination bestowed with natural beauty and perfect harmony between many man-made creations like floating villages, pagodas and cathedrals. Here, we break down the accommodation options for the different attractions of the province and give you an idea of where to stay in Ninh Binh, depending on your budget. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - New World Heritage Site Recognized by UNESCO 1. Where to stay in Ninh Binh City Being the hub of all travel throughout the province, Ninh Binh City has quite a selection of hotels, homestays and hostels for every type of traveller. Transport connections to all of the province’s sites can be accessed from here, making it the focal point of Ninh Binh accommodation. 1.1. Hotel The Vancouver Hotel Ninh Binh is a professional, family-run hotel located in the heart of Ninh Binh City. They offer pick-up services from and tours to various destinations. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and equipped with a wide range of amenities.Website: thevancouverhotel.com   Tel: +84 (0)985 390 999 The Vancouver Hotel in Ninh Binh 1.2. Hostel Go Ninh Binh Hostel is the best choice for backpackers looking to save some dong. This hotel was renovated on an old train station and now offers spacious dorm rooms and private double rooms. Website: goninhbinhhostel.com  Tel: +84 30 387 1186 Go Ninh Binh Hostel 2. Where to stay in Tam Coc If you feel like getting out of Ninh Binh City and into more rural surrounds, then maybe opting for a stay in Tam Coc is your best bet for accommodation in Ninh Binh. Tam Coc’s village and its grottoes comprise a much more idyllic atmosphere than Ninh Binh City, with cheap places to stay abounding amid the green and gold rice fields. 2.1. Hotel Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort is not so much a ‘hidden charm’ as it is a gigantic imposing building on the side of the road towards Tam Coc from Ninh Binh. Nevertheless, rooms are very stylishly decorated and many feature wonderful views of the undulating Tam Coc scenery.  Website: hiddencharmresort.com Tel: 0229 3888 555 Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel 2.2. Hostel There are only a few hostels in Tam Coc and they all offer a very basic service at a very low price. Tam Coc Backpackers Hostel is about as low-thrills as the name suggests but has everything you need for a good time in Tam Coc, such as a bar and a pool table.  Tam Coc Backpackers Hostel – Search on Booking.com Tam Coc Backpacker Hostel in Ninh Binh 2.3. Homestay La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay is an elegant accommodation option in the centre of Tam Coc, with some very charming features such as an expansive garden where dinner is held on warm nights.  La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay - (Search on Booking.com) - 0169 679 0173 La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay 3. Where to stay in Van Long Nature Reserve Van Long Nature Reserve is a vast marshland where locals row boats for visitors to Ninh Binh who are maybe fatigued by the mass tourism in Tam Coc. The most peaceful solution to the question of where to stay in Ninh Binh is often Van Long. 3.1. Hotel Quite possibly the stateliest example of Ninh Binh accommodation, Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh is a stunning specimen of Vietnamese architecture, set on a lotus pond and encircled by tall limestone rocks. The level of service and quality of the amenities here is unbeatable, and this is reflected in its rather luxurious price tag of 2,800,000VND per night including breakfast. Website: emeraldaresort.comTel: 0229 3658 333 Emeralda Resort in Ninh Binh 3.2. Homestay Van Long Family Homestay is a simple but friendly accommodation option just down the road from Van Long Nature Reserve. The buildings are built entirely from, of all things, red bricks, lending a touch of home to the décor of the rooms. They provide a cheap, private option for your accommodation in Ninh Binh. Van Long Family Homestay - (Search on Booking.com) - 098 108 84 56 Van Long Family Homestay 4. Where to stay in Cuc Phuong National Park Cuc Phuong National Park is right on the fringes of Ninh Binh Province, but it is gradually seeing more and more interest as its beauty is uncovered to visitors. Accommodation options are very sparse around the park as most tours come from Ninh Binh City, but any independent travellers looking to spend the night surrounded by rugged wilderness should check out the options. 4.1. Hotel The cottages of the Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa are a bizarre mix of romantic straw-roofed huts and stately English manors. This adds much to the charm of this piece of Ninh Binh accommodation, along with its spa, gym swimming pool and location amongst the fertile trees of Cuc Phuong National Park. Website: cucphuongresort.vnTel: 0229 6299 555 Cuc Phuong Resort & SpaCheck our best tours to Ninh Binh and trips to Northern Vietnam:Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day TripHighlights of North VietnamNorthern Vietnam Muslim TourNorth Vietnam Package with Halong Bay Cruise 5. Where to stay in Trang An Just 5 minutes by car from Ninh Binh City, Trang An offers much more appealing surroundings than its neighbouring city and is situated on a river that is popular for boat tours. The beauty of Trang An is in its homestays that put you directly in touch with nature. 5.1. Homestay It seems like everything at Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay is made of bamboo, which adds to the very natural feel of the place. Hammocks are situated on the decks for anyone wanting to relax with a view of Tam Coc’s rice fields stretching for miles around them. Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay – (Search on Booking.com) - 094 844 36 16 Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay 5.2. Homestay You can’t really get closer to the action than at Lotus Field Homestay, where stilt huts sit just above the water amongst the reeds. A wooden walkway connects the huts that lie at the foot of some vertical limestone peaks, while a view of Trang An waterway reaches out in front. Lotus Field Homestay – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 98 735 01 35 Lotus Field HomestayYou May Like:Best Things to Do in Ninh BinhThe Best Time to Visit Tam CocHow To Travel From Hanoi To Tam Coc

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How To Get To Halong Bay From Hanoi

How To Get To Halong Bay From Hanoi

Halong Bay is the most popular destination nowadays for all travellers when they come to Vietnam. The outstanding karst outcroppings in Halong Bay are made of 3000 years of chemical reactions between dripping water and limestone. It is truly an outclassed and unforgettable experience. Located in the Northeast of Vietnam in Quang Ninh Province, Halong Bay is about 180 kilometres away from the Hanoi City Center. [incredible_toc] Most of the people’s concern is how to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi. This article will give you some idea about the means of transport to find the answer to how to get to Halong Bay Vietnam.1. Shuttle Bus 1.1. Local Coach How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi with a Local Coach? There are many means of transportation such as buses, airplanes, trains, motorbikes, bikes, etc. However, the coach is the most popular, helpful, and easy for everyone to move from place to place. All you need to do is just check the time of the coach, get a taxi to the Coach station, buy a ticket (or you can buy online) then you can travel by coach easily. Normally, for the trip to Halong Bay, almost of coaches will have the same route and depending on Coach Providers, you will have to go to the My Dinh Station or Gia Lam Station. For example, if you travel with Kumho Viet Thanh and Phuc Xuyen Limousine, you have to go straight to My Dinh Station (which takes about 45 minutes by taxi from Old Quarter). Nevertheless, if you travel with Dai Phat Limousine, you could go to Gia Lam Station (about 30 minutes from Old Town). Get to Halong bay from Hanoi by Local Coach What is the duration of the local coach? The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay by a local coach usually takes about 4.5 – 5 hours’ drive (including the short break in the middle way). The price for a one-way ticket can be from USD 5$ – USD 10$ depending on the quality and size of the coach. The earliest coach can start at 06:00 am and the latest one is at 20:00. Some of the coaches will leave every 1 or 2 hours depending on Coach Providers. The first coach comes back to Hanoi at 12:00 and the last one is at about 21:30. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Everyone knows that local coaches will be cheaper than other transportation. You do not even have to know the way to the place; you just need to choose the correct route for the coach. Along the way, you also could see the beauty of landscapes and take some photos. However, there are several difficulties with a local coach. Firstly, most of the local coaches are for local people so that is the reason why the salesperson and drivers only speak Vietnamese. You could have some misunderstanding during all the time travelling with the local coach or when you meet your stop, they could not understand you well. Secondly, the local coach stations are not in the Old Quarter. Normally, you have to take a taxi to get there and it takes about 45 – 60 minutes depending on traffic. It is also an inconvenient thing. Finally, since the local coach has departed time quite early sometimes you could not know if they cancelled the coach or not. You will not have an enjoyable holiday if you always be in a hurry and worry about the time of the coach. The local coach may not run as the schedule because they try to get more customers on the ways to fulfil their bus for better benefit. 1.2.Luxury Bus How to catch this to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi? Besides the local coach, there are luxury buses also known as tourist buses considered the best way to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi, which provides high quality and has a smaller size than a local bus. With the luxury bus, you will have a better service; and feel more comfortable and convenient than the other one. The luxury bus provides 9 to 16 seats such as Ford Transit, Mercedes Benz, D-car, etc and some have free wifi. This kind of bus serves foreign customers so they mostly pick up passengers from the Old Quarter.Some luxury buses are available at the local Coach stations; others offer a pick-up service in your hotel. You could find this bus through tourist bus agencies or book directly on the website of the common bus or call them. Get to Halong bay from Hanoi by Luxury Coach What is the duration of the luxury coach? For the luxury bus, it does not pick up the passengers in the middle of the way or along the way. You just only have a short break about 15 -20 minutes on the way. Compared to the local coach, the luxury bus will take less time to travel from Hanoi Center to Halong Bay about 3 – 3.5 hours. The price for this kind of bus is about USD10$ to USD20$/way/ticket/person depending on the brand name and instant service on the bus. There are several good brand names such as Hoang Long VIP, Minh Anh Limousine or Ha Vy Limousine. They will depart around 07:30 to 08:30 depending on the provider’s schedule. What are the advantages? As a luxury bus serves foreign tourists, the salesperson and driver could speak a little bit of English (enough to understand the easy sentences and common problems while travelling with them). If you only spend a one-day trip, the luxury bus should be a perfect choice for you. Furthermore, you do not need to go too far to catch the bus. It is very easy and convenient to book the ticket and you do not need to worry about its service. It is definitely better than a local coach. 2. Private Car/Taxi 2.1. Private Car If you travel with a group, or family or even you just want to have your own private area, a private car or taxi would be the second option for you. You will have more space to put your luggage along with you; and can chitchat with your companions. Especially for the businessperson, the private car is a good choice if you want to work on the way. You could book a private car on the website of a famous and good company, for example, Viantrans and get the price. You also can call directly to book the car with them. The driver just cannot understand simple sentences enough to communicate with you. The price range is from USD100$ - USD 150 $ for 2 ways depending on the brand name of the car (sedan, SUV, or Van) one way or round trip. Normally the price includes the parking fee, driver fee, petrol, and tolls fee. The duration of the private car would be around 3 – 3.5 hours almost the same as the luxury bus. You could leave at 08:00 or 08:30 according to your schedule. 2.2. Taxi Similar to the private car, a taxi also considered being the second option for a private transfer. Despite choosing a good brand name for private transfer above, you could choose a reliable taxi including Xanh SM, Hanoi Taxi Group, Mai Linh Taxi, ABC Taxi, etc. The price is from USD 80$ - USD 100$ for 1 way depending on taxi size and the taxi driver could not speak English as well. What are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a private car/ taxi? As mentioned before, if you are the one who does not want to follow something with schedules or if you like privacy, a private car/taxi would be a perfect choice for you. You could have time to take some nice photos, you could work all the time travelling without any disturbance from others. However, besides the advantages, you may have to deal with some hidden dangers that we could not predict. For example, we are not sure if the driver may overcharge you more for some reasons along the way. You are alone and you do not know what to do because you also could not communicate well with them. It seems not a good idea for those who travel for the first time and have no idea or experience with a taxi and the route before. Get to Halong Bay from Hanoi by Taxi 2.3. Motorbike If you are a motorcycle traveller; you love adventure and love to conquer the road, the motorbike is not a bad idea to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay. You could have a valuable chance to discover every local thing you see along the way. You could manage the time effectively by yourself during a 3.5 – 4-hour drive with different routes as well. This is your holiday, your schedule and your time so you can decide to do anything you like, so choose the best time to visit Halong Bay to have a great trip. Besides, the price of a motorbike is much cheaper than a private car or taxi. How to rent a motorbike? Nowadays, it is not hard to find a motorbike-renting store. You could find many shops in the Old Quarter from manual motorcycles to the automatic ones. Some of the shops provide also motocross for travelling on a special route. They can speak English quite well and they can give you some advice when you choose a motorcycle. You could see some websites for motorbike renting or James Hanoi motorbike. Otherwise, you could ask the hotel to give you some suggestions. There are several brand names of motorcycles such as Honda and Yamaha common to rent. The price of renting and depositing this motorcycle for one day is around USD6$ - USD20$/day depending on different motorcycle types and schedules. They will ask you a photocopy of your passport besides the rent fee and deposit. What are the disadvantages of the motorbike? Easy to see that if you would like to travel by motorbike, you must always make sure that you have enough health conditions and good driving skills. Just imagine with 180 km distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay, if your motorcycle has any problems, you have to find a place to fix it. Moreover, what if it rains hard along the way? There is a very high possibility to have an accident and get lost because of the weather. In conclusion, the motorcycle is not a smart choice for those who do not have experience and may not a good idea when travelling to Halong Bay. There is one more thing the cruises in Halong Bay depart in the schedule so if you are late you cannot catch the cruise and that is not easy to book the cruise on arrival because most of the cruises are needed to book in advance. 4. Railway Vietnam has an old history of Rail transport and it is a very interesting experience when travelling by train. If you would like to gain a deeper knowledge of the local people’s lives in Vietnam, you should choose to travel by train. You could have a great opportunity to see the landscape on both sides along the way in the bumpy train. 4.1. How to get the train? Travelling from Hanoi to Halong Bay, there is just only one train departing per day from Yen Vien Station, Gia Lam. It takes about 30 minutes from Old Quarter to the train station (about 9 km away). They have two kinds of seats: hard seats and soft seats. The price would depend on which kind of seat you choose. Normally it is USD 4.5$ for local people and for foreigners would be USD 15$/one-way ticket and leaving is at about 05:00 am. Otherwise, you could choose the Gia Lam Station and travel with Halong Express. The journeys with the train would be around 05-07 hours long and it’s quite safe. Get to Halong Bay from Hanoi by Train 4.2. How to book the train ticket? You just need to access an online website for the information and go straight to the Yen Vien station, call the hotline number +84 19001224 or +84243 995 2588 to book a ticket 24/7. 4.3. What are the disadvantages of the train? Besides the local atmosphere you could have, travelling by train is not a popular way compared with others. You have to wake up early in the morning, take a taxi to the station and spend that long to travel to Halong Bay. In addition, after arriving at Halong Station, you have to take a taxi to transfer to the hotel or harbour. Moreover, the price is higher than other transportation and you also have to spend more time with this. If you just have a one-day trip, the train is not a good idea for you. 5. Airway Nowadays, air transport is quite common with everyone. If you have a good budget and would like to save time in spite of waiting 3 or 4 hours on the shuttle bus or coach, travelling by aircraft is not a bad idea. You could receive a luxury service and a comfortable journey with much beautiful sightseeing from the sky. 5.1. Helicopter How to get the helicopter? Airbus Helicopter has the EC 155 B1, which can carry a maximum of 4800kg and 12 seats (minimum is 06 people). You will take a taxi to Gia Lam Airport (a small airfield which owned by the military) and your flight will depart at 09:00 am. It takes about 45 minutes from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The price for one person from Hanoi to Halong Bay is USD 440$/way/person, from Halong to Hanoi is USD 390$/way/person and round trip is USD 770$/person. What are the disadvantages of the helicopter? As you may know, travelling by aircraft is not for some people who have heart disease, height fear or fear of small spaces (Claustrophobia). The helicopter is quite small and it is not friendly to the environment and expensive but not always available as well. 5.2. Seaplane Besides the helicopter, you can have the second option for travelling by air: Seaplane. This is not a new transportation in other countries. The seaplane is even more popular and definitely safer than traditional aircraft. Get to Halong Bay from Hanoi by Seaplane Why should you travel by seaplane? In Vietnam, seaplane service is provided by Hai Au Aviation with three Cessna Grand Caravan 208B – EX amphibian aircraft. You could have professional tourism and personalized service when travelling by the seaplane. From the check-in process, you will have a VIP welcome service from the well-trained team; especially International pilots. Along the journey, you will have a valuable chance to see the magnificent view of limestone and mountain ranges in Halong Bay from the sky within 60 minutes. It should be an unforgettable memory that you've ever had before. Furthermore, you could use 3G, 4G and take some nice pictures of all the breathtaking sceneries you like as well as all the other digital devices that are allowed when travelling by seaplane. How to book the seaplane?As mentioned above, you could check the website of Seaplane Vietnam to see further information about Hai Au Aviation or call directly to their company at +84 962 069 689 to get suggestions and assistance. Normally, they offer 2 flights per day: one is at 10:00 and 14:00 for winter time. Summertime will be between 09:00 and 14:00. The price range is from USD 175$ - USD 385$ for a one-way trip depending on the timing and season. Round trip is around USD 350$. The passenger could bring 07 kg hand luggage and need at least 03 pax when travelling by the seaplane. The duration of the trip is 60 minutes including 15 minutes for you to fly around the Bay and glimpse the beautiful landscape. To summarize, there are 07 different ways to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay: local coach, shuttle bus, private car/taxi, train, helicopter, and seaplane. Each one has advantages and disadvantages but overall, you should choose the means of transportation depending on your schedule, the size of your team, budget, and purpose of travel. You have to decide which transportation would be suitable for you because it will influence a lot for your whole trip and you do not want to ruin anything from the beginning. If you just only have a one-day trip and do not have much time to look around the sightseeing, the shuttle bus would be a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you are a business person and you want to work in a private space along the trip, the private car must be your first option. Otherwise, if you are a big youngster group and want to have an interesting experience on the road, you could try a motorcycle and you can conquer the road together, explore new places, and have nice photos back home to show to your family and your friends. In my opinion, a shuttle bus (luxury bus for tourists) would be the perfect choice for the trips to Halong Bay because of the convenience as well as the reasonable price and the service that you will have.These are some best tours from Hanoi to Halong you may be interested in:Halong Bay Day TripHalong Bay 2 day 1 night CruiseHalong Bay 3 day 2 night Cruise Check the different cruises at  Halong Bay Cruises and Lan Ha Bay Cruises provided to you by Incredible Asia Journeys to choose the best option for your group in Halong Bay.

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Hanoi Nightlife

Hanoi Nightlife

Hanoi nightlife offers a wide range of fascinating things to do and interesting places to go after the sun sets. From wandering around the night market to relishing the local food at street vendors, sipping draught beer, and sightseeing the city’s major landmarks at night, all are worth for your time. Read on to find out what to do in Hanoi at night, the best nightlife in Hanoi, along with some Hanoi nightlife tips not only to experience the best of Hanoi's nightlife but also to see why Hanoi is considered to have one of the best nightlife in Vietnam. [incredible_toc] 1. What to do in Hanoi at night Visiting Hanoi, many travelers will ask the same question "Things to do in Hanoi" or "What to do in Hanoi at night". You may find the answer for your question with some tips for the places to visit and things to do in Hanoi at night below.1.1. Exploring Hanoi Night Market  Hanoi Night Market is one of the worthwhile things to do in Hanoi as it is the good way to touch on the real local life. One of the best attractions in Hanoi is Hanoi Night Market which stretches through some of the busiest streets found in the Old Quarter, comprising Hang Duong, Hang Ngang, and Hang Dao. Hanoi Night Market which is open every night of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from around 7.30pm until late is full of delicious food and local souvenirs, not to mention the exciting live performances.   Another night market needs to be mentioned is Quang Ba Flower Night Market which supplies fresh flowers for Hanoi and nearby provinces. It is open from midnight to the early morning of next day so try to stay awake over this night and stroll around the lively market to enjoy Hanoi nightlife.  Hanoi Night Market 1.2. Walking around the Hanoi City’s major landmarks  Hanoi City’s highlights bring you a different feeling after dark. Considered to be the best attraction in Hanoi, the storied Hoan Kiem Lake attracts people of all ages coming to enjoy the fresh air and participate in an endless range of activities such as walking, jogging, aerobics, and daydreaming. Especially, the roads around Hoan Kiem Lake are blocked on weekend evenings, to turn them into the walking streets, creating a wonderful festival vibe all around the charming lake. After a short lakeside walk, you can head to Hanoi Opera House which offers the stunning view at night. It also hosts regular shows by Vietnam's National Symphony Orchestra, along with a twice-weekly modern dance show called Lang Toi (My Village). Hanoi Opera House 1.3. Savouring Hanoi street food Hanoi is very famous for its street food, especially local dishes in the evening. Just try to wander around the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter to sample some local specialities, you will see that is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. You may take a walk by yourself or follow a local expert to experience the real Hanoi Street Food through taste under the guide. It can be said that Hanoi nightlife is one of the best in Vietnam thanks to its street food.Hanoi Street Food is offered by different companies and you may join in different itineraries. You may discover the street food in Hanoi by walking or staying on the back of a motorbike arranged by a local company. You will see that Hanoi is the paradise of food and not many places in the world have the great street food like street food in Hanoi. You may book a Hanoi street food tour easily through. Hanoi Street Food 1.4. Trying Hanoi Local Beer Conveniently enough, Hanoi Old Quarter is the perfect spot to drink a glass (or two) of o beer. Bia Hoi is the most famous for Hanoi Local Beer and it is popular with the local people. When you walk on the street in Hanoi or around it is not difficult for you to see “ Bia Hoi” in most of Hanoi corners. The most famous place in the Hanoi Old Quarter is Bia Hoi Corner, which is the junction of Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien Streets. Pull up a tiny plastic stool, order, and then try a glass of "Bia Hoi" which costs you approximately 25 cents a draft, adding some snacks from the vendor, you will get a unique experience in Hanoi at nightfall. Hanoi Beer corner 1.5. Having drinks at a bar/ nightclub in Hanoi Another suggestion about Hanoi nightlife is enjoying a couple of drinks at a local bar or nightclub. The city’s vivid bars and lively nightclubs are conveniently located around Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy great music, an exciting atmosphere, as well as make new friends with fun-loving locals and expats. The interesting thing about experiencing the bar or nightclub in Hanoi is you can sit at the bar near the door to drink, chat with friends, along with watching the people walking on the streets.   Night Club in Hanoi Old Quarter 2. Best nightlife in Hanoi  2.1. Bia Hoi Junction  A “must-come” for any first-timer to Hanoi, Bia Hoi Junction is widely regarded as the best nightlife spot not just only in Hanoi, but also in Vietnam. This bustling beer corner is open throughout the day and until late at night, giving you the view of hundreds of people sitting on tiny plastic stools with a glass of Bia Hoi in their hands. If you do not like to sit on the pavement, you may choose a bar that sells soft drinks and imported beers such as Tiger, and Corona. In addition to that, many stalls selling a wide range of snacks such as steamed peanuts, skewered meats, fried tofu, and beef jerky are available on the street. Ta Hien Beer Corner 2.2. Water Puppet Theatre The Water Puppet Show is a “must-see” show that has gained its reputation all over the world, so it is a rare treat to watch the performance in the place where it originated at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This world-famous theatre is one of the best attractions in Hanoi with tickets usually sold out in advance so it is highly advised to purchase the tickets as soon as you reach the town. Watching the unique show which is performed on the water stage will surely be a memorable experience in Hanoi.  Water Puppet Show is one of the best Hanoi nightlife clients want to see while visiting Hanoi. Water Puppet Show in Hanoi 2.3. Binh Minh’s Jazz Club Another Hanoi nightlife spot that needs to be mentioned is Binh Minh’s Jazz Club which is the place to see live music shows performed by several of the finest jazz musicians in the city. Features minimal decoration, warm lighting, cozy seats, and excellent service, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is great for escaping from the busy cityscape as it also offers a welcoming yet intimate ambiance. Though the drinks cost more in comparison with most bars in Hanoi, it is totally worth it due to the live jazz that takes place from 21:00 to 23:30 every night. Binh Minh Jazz Club 2.4. Hanoi Press Club Hanoi nightlife offers fun things to do with different service levels, from beer corners for low-budget travelers to upscale bars/ pubs for those who do not mind paying more. Hanoi Press Club is a great example of this bar type. Offers a sophisticated ambiance and outstanding service, a well-stocked bar with stunning wines and cocktails, together with some delicious bar snacks, Hanoi Press Club is perfect for people looking for a relaxing time. Live music performances are available from Thursday to Sunday, not to mention a special buy-one-get-one-free on selected drinks choices every Thursday.  Hanoi Press Club 3. Hanoi nightlife tips After getting to know what to do and where to go in the place with one of the best nightlife in Vietnam, below are some Hanoi nightlife tips that are very useful to make your trip to Hanoi Capital City fulfilled and perfect.  If you visit Hanoi Night Market or Hanoi Walking Street on the weekend evenings, why don't you try some Hanoi Street Food to get energy for a night full of fun and exploration? Surely, Hanoi offers street food with diversity, but not about hygiene. It is better to participate in a guided walking street food tour with a local expert as your tour guide knows very well where to eat good and clean food. Some crowded places such as Hanoi Night Market or Bia Hoi Corner may sometimes have pickpockets so be mindful of your personal belongings. It is highly advised to leave your passports and your valuable jewelry in your hotel’s safe. Though it is safe to stroll around the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter at night, it is best to avoid the dark alleyways after 10 pm. Should you like to purchase some souvenirs or handicrafts at Hanoi Night Market, Incredible Asia Journeys recommended to bargain as the sellers may quote you a higher price. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask us about booking tours, accommodations, and cruises!

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Sapa Tours From Hanoi

Sapa Tours From Hanoi

Sapa Tours from Hanoi is the best way for you who want to visit Sapa. Sapa Tours are the best tours when you visit North Vietnam. If you love adventurous traveling by hiking or trekking, Sapa Tours from Hanoi would be one of the best options for you. Joining Sapa Tours is a great way to know more enjoy the landscape and learn more about local life there. Travel to Sapa and you will see that is amazing to do it. Located 350 km far north-west of Hanoi City Center, Sapa is the Capital of Lao Cai Province, where you can witness the most breathtakingly beautiful mountainous town in the north of Vietnam. Joining a tour in Sapa, you will have a valuable chance to communicate with the ethnic minorities here and gain a deeper understanding of their local life.[incredible_toc]1. How to Get to Sapa from Hanoi?There are some ways for you to get to Sapa from Hanoi and it can be by bus, car, or train. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of going by this kind of vehicle? You may find the answer to your question below depending on your request, budget, and interest.1.1. Bus to SapaTo join in any of Sapa Tours from Hanoi there are some different ways. As you may know, the bus is a common transportation that people choose to move from place to place with the best cost. From Hanoi City Center, you also could catch a bus to Sapa and it can be a day bus or a night bus depending on your schedule. It takes about 06 hours from Hanoi to Sapa (including the short break in the middle way). Normally, the price depends on the size, type or standard of the buses, Limousine or just normal bus, sleeper bus, or soft seat bus.You could travel by a night bus to Sapa with Inter Bus Lines at 10:30 pm and arrive at 03:50 am the next day, the pick-up point is at 110A Tran Nhat Duat Street. You also could go by Hung Thanh bus at 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm and the pick-up point is at Gia Lam Station (it is about 30 minutes away from The Old Quarter). Almost all the buses will depart at 07:00 in the morning with the pick-up point in the Old Quarter and arrive in Sapa at 13:00. You could also request the bus to pick you up at your hotel; however, the pick-up time will be earlier at around 06:15 – 06:30 then the buses will go to the meeting point for departing.Bus to Sapa1.2. Train to SapaThe second choice for you to get to Sapa is an overnight train to Sapa from Hanoi. Some people want to have an interesting experience with the train in Vietnam to enjoy the beautiful sceneries on both sides of the train while traveling. Furthermore, some people also believe an overnight train to Sapa is more comfortable and safer than traveling by bus or car.Schedule and price for overnight train to for your and of Sapa Tours from Hanoi: There are 4 main sleeper train schedules leaving from Hanoi Center at Tran Quy Cap Station gate (the western entrance of Hanoi Railway Station): SP1 at 21:10 arrive at 05:25, SP3 at 21:50 arrive at 06:15, SP5 at 19:40 arrive at 04:20 and SP7 at 20:35 arrive at 04:55. You will spend 8 hours and a half on a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai Station then transfer about almost an hour from Lao Cai station to Sapa Town by private car or bus.  Along the way, there are many beautiful sceneries of mountain ranges for you to take some photos as well. With those schedules, you may use some good operators with more private cabins (2 berths or 4 berths) including Livitrans, Sapaly, Fansipan, King Express, Chapa Express, Orient Express, or Victoria Express with the higher price. For standard cabin is from USD30$ - USD40$/way ticket and the luxury cabin is from USD80$- USD150$.Compared to the other trains in Vietnam the train to Sapa has different choices from the standard train to the luxury train for you to choose. Enjoy your Sapa trip by experiencing a train.Night train to Sapa1.3. Private car/van to SapaIf you travel with a group, or family or even just want to have your private area, Doing a Sapa Tour with a private car/van would be the third option for you to get to Sapa. You will have more space to put your luggage along with you or chitchat with your companions. Especially if you are a businessman, the private car for your Sapa Trip is a good choice to get to Sapa if you want to work on the way if you have to.You could book a private car with your travel consultant. The driver just cannot understand simple sentences enough to communicate with you. The price depends on how long you will stay in Sapa and how much you do the trip in Sapa but we advise you to use the package tour with a tour guide for more convenience. Normally the price includes the parking fee, petrol, and tolls fee. The duration of the private car would be around 5.5 hours and it is almost the same as the bus. You could leave at 07:30 am or 08:00 am from Hanoi for a good tour schedule but that depends on your schedule. So how to get to Sapa depends on your budget, needs, and your interests of experience.Private car/van to Sapa2. Sapa Tours from Hanoi Itinerary2.1. Sapa Tours by bus/Luxury Van/Private carFor your convenient duration, you could consider the Sapa Tour 2 days and 1 night by bus or the Sapa Tour 3 days 2 nights as well. It doesn’t matter if you travel by bus or private car, you should be ready in the morning to start Sapa trips. If you travel by bus to Sapa, you could request a pick-up at your hotel and they will come to pick you up at around 06.15 am – 06.45 am depending on each bus and their schedule as well. If you travel to Sapa by private car, the tour guide and driver will come at around  07:30 am to pick you up for the transfer from Hanoi to stunning Sapa. Otherwise, you could just go with the driver and you will meet your tour guide in Sapa upon your arrival. Duration to get to Sapa by private car/van takes approximately 5-6 hours on the highway. You will have a short break in the middle way. 2.2. Popular Sapa ToursSapa Tours 2 days 1 night Sapa Tours 2 days 1 night is an option for many clients visiting Sapa or by train. The first day will be easier, after arriving at Sapa Town, you will check in at your hotel and then visit Cat Cat Village- one of the age-old villages of the H’Mong ethnic minority with their specific customs and daily activities. It is a good time for you to take some photos here, talk to the locals and have a remarkable experience.  After finishing Cat Cat village exploration, you will come back to your hotel, take a res,t and spend your free time in the evening to discover the town of Sapa. There are several restaurants wite special dishes such as Clamped-under-the-armpit pig, Meo Cabbages, and Salmon in Sap. Nevertheless, barbecued stick meat, fish, and veggies on the street are an attraction to travelers who visit Sapa. The more time you spend on discovering about the place, the more special things you see. On the second day of Sapa Tours you may spend your time trekking to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages where Black H’Mong and Zay hill tribes live. You could have a chance to trek along local paths and enjoy the wonderful view of the terraced rice paddy fields on the way. Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages are located in Muong Hoa Valley – one of the most spectacular villages where offered you the gorgeous panorama views facing by the river and backed by the mountain. Here you will absolutely relax and commune with nature by feeling the fresh air, seeing their tribal life, and interact with ethnic minorities. In the afternoon around 15:00, you will get back to your bus private car to go back to Hanoi. You finish the Sapa Tours 2 days 1 night.Terrace rice paddy field in SapaSapa Tour 3 days 2 nightsIn case you choose Sapa Tour 3 days trip, you can stay overnight in the Sapa hotel or homestay then you will have one more day in Sapa to visit Ma Tra Village, Silver Waterfall, or Fansipan Peak with the cable car to admire the most breathtaking of “The Roof of Indochina”. Sapa Tours day trip will bring you the best experience for learning about the local life in the mountainous area.2.3. Sapa Tours by TrainAs mentioned before, if you would like to have a unique experience of transportation while enjoying a Sapa tour in Vietnam, traveling by train is a good option for your trip to Sapa. Different from a bus/private car, the night train will depart at around 21:30 so you have to move from your hotel to the Hanoi Railway Station at 20.30 for check-in. Traveling by train to Sapa will give you bumpy feeling but it is safer and you will have experience on the local train in Vietnam. You will arrive at Lao Cao Station at around 05:00, our tour guide will pick you up, and transfer you to Sapa Town by private car (estimated 35 km). Along the way, there are many beautiful sceneries of mountain ranges for you to take some photos. It is very flexible with the itinerary for Sapa, similar to a bus or private car, you could do the Sapa Tour 2 days 1 night or Sapa Tour 3 days 2 nights. You may trek to Cat Cat, Lao Chai- Ta Van Villages or Ham Rong (Dragon Jaw Mountain) or Ma Tra Villages – a rural village that less touristic like the others. There are nearly 50 homes living here and most of them are the H’ Mong tribe minority people. Your tour guide may take you to see the small primary school meet little children here and you will have time discovering the village and have an overall view of the tribal culture and custom. They earn their living by using their craft such as carving silver; weaving brocade, silk and some of them make decorated cloth to sell on the main street in the centre of Sapa.You will have an opportunity to learn about their living by growing rice and corns on terraced fields, make traditional handicrafts or cotton cultivation and unique fabrics. Sapa tours by train is a popular choice for many clients from long time ago because in the past it was the best way or doing a Sapa Tour from Hanoi.Love Market in Sapa3. Sapa Accommodation for Sapa trip3.1. Hotels in SapaOne important part of your Sapa trip must be accommodation. There are a hundred hotels in Sapa, hostels, resorts, and homestays from standard to luxury service. You could find good hotels, Sapa Dragon, U Sapa, Sapa Legend Hotel & Spa to the Luxury resort include Sapa Highland Resort, Topas Ecolodge, Jade Hill Resort & Spa, Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa, Spa Victoria Sapa, etc. Each hotel in Sapa has air-conditioning, hot water, and all the services as same as a hotel in the city with the splendid view to the mountain of Sapa would be a great choice for you to relax after your long day trip.Hotel in Sapa3.2. Sapa HomestayBesides hotels, another option for those who do not want to avoid the noise from the street and want to stay in the village with local people is the homestay in Sapa. Nowadays, many travellers when visiting Sapa stay in Sapa homestay. Homestay could be in Ta Phin Village, Ta Van Village or Lao Chai Village depends on the itinerary. With the homestay in Sapa, you will have a valuable opportunity to know more about the local’s daily life, listen their sharing about how they could earn their living in and learn more about the cultural diversity of the village local and other hills tribes living nearby while helping them to prepare and enjoy the dinner with. Staying in Sapa homestay would be an unforgettable memory because you will feel their warmest hospitality and friendliness from the host and atmosphere like your family. This definitely different from the hustle of city life or in Western countries. Enjoy your Sapa trip with the Sapa homestay.Read more: Sapa Travel GuideSapa Homestay

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How long to spend in Halong Bay

How long to spend in Halong Bay

"How long to spend in Halong Bay" or "Halong Bay how long" are common questions for many clients who want to visit Vietnam and there is more than one answer to this question. How long for Halong Bay depends on the duration you have and your interests. Most people may choose Halong Bay 1 Night Cruise and Halong Bay 2 Night Cruise while people coming from Asian countries may visit Halong Bay for 1 day.[incredible_toc]Accompany Incredible Asia Journeys to find out your answer for the upcoming Halong Bay trip!1. Halong Bay OverviewHalong Bay needs no introduction! It definitely should be on every traveller's bucket list! This famous Vietnamese attraction is World Heritage listed by UNESCO for its unique, natural beauty and charm. It has collected many other awards and titles making Halong Bay a must for all travellers.2. How long to spend in Halong Bay? The most common question for travellers is “How long should I spend in Halong Bay?” There is no correct answer to this question as personal circumstances such as time, budget etc come into effect. Below is an analysis of the cruise tours on offer which are the most popular way for international tourists to discover the bay. Then you can decide how long to spend in Halong Bay on your own.2.1. Halong Bay Day TripA Halong Bay Day Trip is one of the best day trips on offer from Hanoi. You will visit one of the most outstanding attractions in Vietnam on a deluxe boat, creating unforgettable memories.Symphony Cruise in Halong Bay day tripThings To Do on A Halong Bay Day TripJoining in on a Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise requires visitors to return to port within the day. Your cruise can last 4 hours, 6 hours or 8 hours but the 4-hour cruise option is what most operators offer. Should you wish to extend your time on the bay, contact your travel agent or tour operator for a special offer. On this cruise, you will have the chance to explore one of the many karst caves in Halong Bay. Marvel at the spectacular display of stalactites and stalagmites within these huge grottos. Visit a local fishing village, go swimming and try your hand at kayaking or opt for a bamboo boat, rowed by locals, around these beautiful emerald islands topped by rainforests. Please note that due to time constraints, not all of these activities will be available.Take a bamboo boat trip to explore caves in Halong BayHalong Bay Day Trip - Who Is this Suitable For?Travellers with a limited amount of time but still want a glance at this legendary Bay. The one-day Halong cruise gives you just enough time to admire its exquisite beauty and experience one or two activities.Halong Bay Day Trip - Advantages And DisadvantagesThis cruise is perfect for those travellers with limited time or for keen photographers who are less inclined to participate in outdoor activities. It is very reasonably priced for those wanting to capture or experience the beautiful panoramic views of the bay.Day cruises do have some disadvantages. It is approximately a 4-hour drive each way from Hanoi to the wharf, so more time is spent in transit than on the beautiful bay. There is less time to experience all that Halong Bay has to offer and you may feel rushed at different destinations. You also miss the chance to witness Halong Bay at night by savouring a delicious meal under the evening sky.2.2. Halong Bay 2-day 1-night cruiseA Halong Bay Overnight Cruise is an excellent choice for those who have a little more time to discover the Bay. Compared to the Halong Bay Day Trip, there is more time to relax and enjoy the sights and activities of this magnificent Vietnamese destination when you join in a Halong Bay Overnight cruise. Among that Halong Bay Overnight cruise for 2 days 1 night is a good option.Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise - Things To DoA Halong Bay 1 Night Cruise is the most post popular choice for tourists visiting the area. There are many tourist packages offering various activities which include: sightseeing amongst the magnificent karst scenery; savouring fresh seafood; exploring magical caves; swimming in the emerald waters; practising Tai Chi on the boat deck, fishing for squid at night; enjoying the stunning sunrise and sunset; kayaking on the bay or rowing in a bamboo boat. The extra time allows you to experience the magic of Halong Bay at a more relaxed pace.Tourists enjoy a spring roll cooking class in V'Spirit Cruise Halong BayAside from the usual activities, many cruise operators can arrange Vietnamese cooking demonstrations. Uncover the secrets of creating a tasty Vietnamese dish. Whether it be a salad, a soup or fresh spring rolls, it is bound to be delicious!With hundreds of overnight cruises available on Halong Bay, there is a cruise to fit almost every budget and individual taste. Some Halong Bay luxury cruises include spa and wellness treatment packages which you can take advantage of to recharge your batteries.Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise - Who Are Suitable For This TourA Halong Bay Overnight Cruise is a “must” for all travellers on their vacation to Vietnam. For those with a bit more time in their travel itinerary, consider an overnight cruise. By spending a night on a comfortable boat, you will have more time to explore the far corners of the bay away from the crowds of day trippers.Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise - Advantage & DisadvantageA Halong Bay Overnight cruise is the best way to explore this beautiful natural wonder. More time on the bay allows you to see and experience all it has to offer at a slower pace when compared to the day cruise. Overnight cruises also offer more services and amenities for your enjoyment. Sipping a drink as you watch the sunset over the bay is truly an unforgettable experience.Elite of the Seas Halong Bay CruiseOf course, each type of tour has its pros and cons and a, 2 day 1 night cruise is no exception. Although you will be able to find a cruise to suit almost every budget, it is still more costly than staying on the mainland. Having only one night on the Bay still restricts how much you can see and experience when you compare it to the, 3 days 2 nights, cruises.Check out the best cruises that go to Halong BayHermes CruiseCatherine CruiseEssence Grand CruisesMilaLux CruiseIndochine Premium Cruise2.3. Halong Bay 3 Day 2 Nights CruiseThe Halong Bay 3-Day 2-Night Cruise is an excellent option for those travellers who have more time in their itineraries. It allows you to sail and discover the most remote and untouched areas of the bay. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, more are available such as kayaking and swimming but there is always the option of just relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere of this beautiful bay.Kayaking to explore Halong Bay's surroundingsHalong Bay 3 Day 2 Nights Cruise - Things To DoIn addition to all, that’s on offer in the 2-day 1-night package, a Halong Bay 2 Night Cruise can sail further off the beaten track and allows you more time to fully appreciate the beauty of this magnificent landscape. There is additional time for swimming, kayaking, exploring the many karst caves, sunbathing on the top deck of the boat or simply relaxing. Take time to go swimming during your Halong Bay cruiseMost cruises use smaller day boats in their, 2 nights, tour which allows you to disembark the boat for kayaking and swimming and get amongst the smaller islands and inlets that the bigger boats can’t access. It gives you a chance to venture into the hidden areas of the bay and have a quieter time to just marvel at Mother Nature in all its splendour.Only a, 2 nights, cruise allows you to discover the furthermost corners of the bay such as Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. More activities can be offered such as trekking through Cat Ba National Park or cycling to the local villages on Cat Ba Island that aren’t available on the 1-night cruises. Trekking Cat Ba National ParkHalong Bay 3 Day 2 Nights Cruise - Who For This TourA Halong Bay 3-Day 2-Night Cruise is the perfect option for those travellers seeking the ultimate experience on Halong Bay. The added day and night allows you to do extra activities at a more relaxed pace.Halong Bay 3 Day 2 Nights Cruise - Advantages & DisadvantagesA Halong Bay 3-day 2-night cruise comes with obvious advantages. The stand out is that you get more time to experience this beautiful, unique UNESCO World Heritage site. You cruise further in and around the karsts where fewer tourists congregate whilst soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the excellent services on offer.Onboard activities such as Tai Chi or squid fishing are offered each day or night so if you missed out the first time you will get a chance to participate. The choice is yours. Halong Bay 3 Day 2 Night Cruises are the most expensive cruises which may not be in all traveller’s budgets.

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