Vietnam

[Prawn_86]

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east. With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world.

[Prawn_86]

Now i know Vietnam is cheap as chips and has bargain shopping for fakes and the like, but is there any nice beaches/resorts/islands if one wanted a romantic getaway?

[kennas]

There's a few nice ones in Nha Trang.

A sail around Halong Bay is a must.

I travelled from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh via train and it was an awesome trip. And as you said cheap as chips.

[Prawn_86]

For all those interested check out this link and photo from Kennas about Halong Bay:

http://www.aussietravellersforum.com.au/forums/showthread.php?p=465#post465

[begusarai]

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of East and West, with Chinese and French influences enriching the vibrant Vietnamese culture.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's thriving commercial center, located near the Mekong River Delta.

Hue is the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam and delights visitors with its monuments and architecture.

Halong Bay is a UN World Heritage site featuring thousands of limestone karsts and isles rising spectacularly from the ocean.

[kennas]

One thing to be VERY wary about in Vietnam is hotel desks putting a massive cut on top of your bus and train tickets. They add like 25-35% to the ticket as service fees! Pricks. Highly recommend finding your own way to the bus and/or train station nd buying the tickets for yourself. Much more fun, adventurous, and will end up being cheeper.

Same goes for Egypt. They'll try and rob you blind as well.

[EverNothing]

Can anybody tell me more about the beaches in Vietnam? I hear Lăng Cô beach in Huế city and Mui Ne beach in Mui Ne Bay are crystal clear with a fairly long coastline but they're mainly used for fishing. What would be the best time of the year to travel over? I wouldn't want to holiday during typhoon or tourist season and i've heard it rains quite a lot during mid-year. Perhaps October/November.

Oh, and if anybody wants to pay for my trip over i'll be forever grateful. :)

[Prawn_86]

Can anybody tell me more about the beaches in Vietnam? I hear Lăng Cô beach in Huế city and Mui Ne beach in Mui Ne Bay are crystal clear with a fairly long coastline but they're mainly used for fishing. What would be the best time of the year to travel over? I wouldn't want to holiday during typhoon or tourist season and i've heard it rains quite a lot during mid-year. Perhaps October/November.

Oh, and if anybody wants to pay for my trip over i'll be forever grateful. :)
I have only spent a brief amount of time in Ho Chi Min, so cant comment on the beaches, but i know some good friends who are heading over there early Decemeber and the weather is meant to be fine then. Mid-year is monsoon season, as you noted.

[kennas]

Along the east to north east coast the beaches are good, but not up to Mexican Carribean coast standards. But, I've just been to Hue and Nha Trang so limited experience I suppose. You must go to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay on a cruise if you go. Excellent. Good idea about picking the right time to go. It can be bloody hot and uncomfortable during the hot time.

[Lindat44]

We went to Vietnam in October last year and it poured in Hue and Hoi An, the rain was non-stop which was disappointing, we couldn't see 2 steps in front of us in Hue. :(

Just after we left there was the big floods in Hanoi, so I guess the seasons are pretty unpredictable these days.

[tinasweet]

Can anybody tell me more about the beaches in Vietnam? I hear Lăng Cô beach in Huế city and Mui Ne beach in Mui Ne Bay are crystal clear with a fairly long coastline but they're mainly used for fishing. What would be the best time of the year to travel over? I wouldn't want to holiday during typhoon or tourist season and i've heard it rains quite a lot during mid-year. Perhaps October/November.

Oh, and if anybody wants to pay for my trip over i'll be forever grateful. :)

I could give u some advise,if u prefer to come beach,u should visit Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. I think it's better than Lang Co and Mui Ne.Phu Quoc and Nha Trang have clean water and more beautiful.In Nha Trang,u could find all Sport activities(special diving with many colorful fishes and corals around)but it's quite expensive.Phu Quoc is natural and if u go some private beach,u even could see red star-fish on the sand.
About Langco beach in Hue,i think it's better u come Hoi An and visit Cua Dai beach.The sand is white and sparkle like diamond.Hoi An is near Hue and i think it's not to difficult for u to visit that beach.
Have a nice trip!

[tinasweet]

Along the east to north east coast the beaches are good, but not up to Mexican Carribean coast standards. But, I've just been to Hue and Nha Trang so limited experience I suppose. You must go to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay on a cruise if you go. Excellent. Good idea about picking the right time to go. It can be bloody hot and uncomfortable during the hot time.

Ha Long Bay is nothing to say because it's recorded by Universal.It's beautiful but too much tourists,and sometimes it destroys the beauty of natural.
For me,i prefer some province futher in the North of VietNam with wonderful landscape,more natural and not crowded( high moutain,good weather,diffirent special kind of ethnic people).I'm Vietnamese and i travel a lot.In general i could tell u that the North ( for landscape,peple,war history),in the middle ( for old architecture) the South( for Vietnamese living,also famous abt Mekong delta).Not only in Ha Long Bay has many diffirent cuirses but also in Mekong delta) Anway ,each of area has diffirent special things to discover.I hope u could visit Vietnam again and try to discover more these places.

[Prawn_86]

Welcome to ATF Tina :)

We look forward to hearing more about your home country. It's always good to have a locals opinion.

[tinasweet]

Thanks admin. i like this website because i could share my view abt travel with everybody and also introduce my country.I think people need to have good advise b4 going to travel somewhere.it helps them to save money and their gold time.
I hope this website will be more and more developed.

[aimhigh]

I haven't been to Vietnam yet but my friend recommend some beautiful spot like Nha Trang beach and Sa Pa -The Town in foggy, She says it is very beautiful.

[inenigma]

Hi,

We're planning our next holiday to be in Vietnam. Any and all tips are gratefully appreciated.

Tina, have you got any names of places further north of Halong Bay that you would recommend to go to ??

Cheers,
David

[Prawn_86]

if you come to Vietnam you will enjoy many beauty spots
Such as? What are your favourites?

[euclid1990]

Vietnam Travel Guide (www.vietnamtravelstyle.net) / Vietnam Tourism (www.vietnamtravelstyle.net) | Viet Nam Travel Style (www.vietnamtravelstyle.net)
(www.vietnamtravelstyle.net)
An Introduction to Vietnam (www.vietnamtravelstyle.net)

Vietnam (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net) borders with China in the north, Laos and Cambodia in the West, and the Pacific Ocean in the east. Its lies in the centre of South-East Asia. Vietnam’s territory stretches from Lung Cu village (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net) (Ha Giang province) in the north to Rach Tau hamlet (Ca Mau province (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net)) in the south. It is a S-shaped peninsula, with thousands of off-shore islands and archipelagoes; the biggest of which are the Hoang Sa (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net) (Paracel) and Truong Sa (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net) (Spratly) Archipelagoes. Vietnam’s mainland covers 331,689 square kilometers .
The immediate image in the minds of most people at the mention of Vietnam (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net) is that of the war fought against the United States some twenty years ago. Most people think of the country only in terms of the American conflict in Indochina. The war ended nearly twenty years ago, and today, despite lingering signs of past American involvement, the situation in Vietnam is markedly different. People have finally begun to look at the country from another perspective, now that travelers and tourists from the West are being welcomed into what was once a forbidden country. It may take a bit more effort and tenacity to plan an excursion into Vietnam than it would for another Southeast Asian country (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net), but Vietnam has much to offer in terms of culture and sights.

For more vietnam travel information (www.vietnamtravelstyle.net) please visit: www.vietnamtravelstyle.net

[euclid1990]

Halong Bay – Quang Ninh (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)
Baitulong (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/tag/baitulong), Halong Bay (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/tag/halong-bay), Quang Ninh (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/tag/quang-ninh)

The end of the Vietnam war, and the advent of “Doi moi”, Vietnam’s policy of opening its economy to foreign trade, means that Westerners and South Vietnamese now have a chance to visit Ha long. Vinh Ha Long or Bay of the Descending Dragon is often touted by proud Vietnamese as the world’s Eighth wonder. One of the main attractions of Ha long is the bay’s calm water and the thousands of limestone mountains dotting the seascape. The Bay’s water is clear during the spring and early summer. Some of the islands are quite large and there are small alcoves with sandy beaches where swimming is possible. Ha Long bay lies in the northeastern part of Vietnam and is 165 Km from Hanoi. Ha Long literally means descending dragon(s) and according to local myth, the story goes as follows:

Long ago when their forefathers were fighting foreign invaders from the north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend their land. This family of dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long bay and began spitting out jewels and jade. Upon hitting the sea, these jewels turned into the various islands and islets dotting the seascape and formed a formidable fortress against the invaders. The locals were able to keep their land safe and formed what is now the country of Vietnam. The Dragon family fell so much in love with this area for its calm water and for the reverence of the people of Vietnam that they decided to remain on earth. Mother dragon lies on what is now Ha Long and where her children lie is Bai Tu Long. The dragon tails formed the area of Bach Long Vi known for the miles of white sandy beaches of Tra Co peninsula
http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/halong-bay-1.jpg (http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/halong-bay-1.jpg)
Halong Bay (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)

This myth is in line with the Vietnamese myth of their origin Con Rong Chau Tien. This myth describes the union between a king (representing the dragon) and his bride (representing a goddess) giving birth to 100 children which are the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. The Ha Long myth illustrate the Vietnamese belief of their origin and the fact that throughout their history, they are aided by their ancestors, the dragon and the gods, in the defense of their land.

Scorched Beach (Bai Chay) (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)
http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Bai-chay.jpg (http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Bai-chay.jpg)
Scorched Beach

Upon arriving in Ha Long city, the visitor will be driving along ‘Bai Chay’ or scorched beach. The sand on this stretch of beach is dark. And judging by the name the visitors may mistakenly think that this is due to the dry climate or lack of wind in this area. However, contrary to this interpretation, the area is quite pleasant during the summer and fall months and the temperature here is around 70 deg F. According to the locals, Bai Chay got its name long ago, based on another historical event. Bai Chay was once a forest. In 1287, the Mongols led by the great Truong Van Ho,(a Vietnamese name for this Mongolian general) attacked Vietnam and was driven back by general Tran Khanh Du. Many Mongolian ships were set afire and drifted to shore aided by high wind setting the forest on fire. Since then this stretch of beach became known as Bai Chay or scorched beach.
From Bai Chay, visitors can hire a boat and go out to the bay. It is here that visitors will be find some of Southeast Asias most fascinating sites. Visitors to the bay speak highly of its almost mystical qualities and the surrealistic scenery that defines this bay. The limestone formations are both bizarre and awesome. Over thousands of years the base of many of the formation have corroded to a point where many seem to be balancing on thin air. The shapes and the positioning of these formations often resemble people, animals etc., hence, most are given a name by the locals. Some of the more famous are: Hang Dau Go ( Wooden Stakes cave), Hang Bo Nau (Pelican cave), Hang Trinh Nu (the Virgin), Hang Sung Sot (Cave of Awe), Dong Hang Hanh, Dao Tuan Chau (Sentinel Chau Island), Qua Chuong (the bell), Con Voi (the elephant) etc.. Now, about one thousand formations have names. One can’t possibly see all of Ha Long grandeur in one day or even a month since depending on the time of the year, the weather, or the condition of the bay the visitor may see only one small aspect of Ha Long’s beauty
http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Hang-Dau-Go-1.jpg (http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Hang-Dau-Go-1.jpg)
Hang Dau Go

Hang Dau Go (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay) is one of the most beautiful cave at Ha Long. The name, Dau Go or Giau Go, has direct ties to the history of Vietnam. According to the locals, while preparing for the Mongolian attacks in 1288, general Tran Hung Dao, sent a convoy to this area to cut wood from this region. Wooden stakes were then fashioned from the wood and hidden in Dau Go cave. The stakes were embedded in Bach Dang river to form a barrier against the attacking Mongols. According to legend, general Tran Hung Dao dealt a great blow to the Kublai Khan when he tricked the Mongolian army into chasing him deep up Bach Dang’s channel. When the tide were down the enemies were stuck in these wooden stakes driven into the river bed. Dau Go was also the site where general Tran Khan Du hid his force while waiting for the Mongols led by Truong Van Ho in 1287.
http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Hang-Dau-Go-2.jpg (http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Hang-Dau-Go-2.jpg)
Dau Go Cave (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)

Dau Go is located on a limestone islet 8 km south of Bai Chay. The islet itself stands 187 m above sea level. Upon arriving visitors must hike the 90 rocky steps that lead to the cave’s entrance. There are three chambers with the outer one having the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Some are as tall as 20 m in height. The locals claim that these giant formations resemble human forms and are the keepers or guardians of Dau Go cave. The outer chamber is also the largest with capacity for three to four thousand people. The cave’s floor is approximately 6 m lower than the entrance and the distance from floor to ceiling is approximately 25 m.
The middle chamber is accessible through a narrow passage approximately 1.4 m wide. There is a round crystal like structure on the path. When struck by light, this structure emits a kaleidoscope of light that is both breathtaking and unique. The inner chamber is famous for the colorful stalagmites and stalactites.
The inner chamber is much smaller by comparison. It is here that visitors will find stone wells filled with fresh water. According to the locals these wells are filled year round.
Dau Go is probably the most famous of all grottoes in Ha Long. Since its discovery, many Vietnamese dignitaries have visited Dau Go cave. In 1929, King Khai Dinh (Nguyen dynasty) visited Dau Go cave and was awed by its beauty. His praise in writing is carved on a stone stele at the entrance of the cave.

[euclid1990]

Pelican Cave (Hang Bo Nau) (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)
Unlike Dau Go cave, Bo Nau cave is not as deep and large. Looking out from the cave the visitor can enjoy the scenic beauty of Ha Long. The clear blue water with rocky formations rising forms a picturesque setting. Bo Nau is a compound word derived from two words, bo cau meaning pigeon and nau meaning brown. Bo Nau literally means brown pigeon. For some reason, many foreign translations refer to this cave as Pelican cave.
According to the fishermen in this region, long ago, when there were still few visitors, Bo Nau cave was home to thousands of pigeons. Today as more visitors and people begin to inhabit the surrounding islands, the pigeons have left until only the name Bo Nau remains out of habit of the local fishermen.
Hang Trinh Nu (Virgin Cave) (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)
Hang Trinh Nu or the Virgin is also known as Mid Gate cave. According to local lore, an old couple lived here long ago. The husband made a living fishing around the bay. They were very poor. They had only one daughter. She grew up to be a beautiful young woman, so beautiful that people from all around knew of her. There were many suitors and her reputation reached the local mandarin. The mandarin immediately sent his soldier to her home to capture her. She was forced to marry the old mandarin.
After much cajoling and threats the fair maiden still steadfastly refused. One day, she escaped from the mandarins home, however she was afraid to return home for fear of retaliation. After much thought, the maiden decided to go to Mid Gate cave to commit suicide. Her body turned into the stone statue lying atop a flat surface. Since then, Mid Gate cave became known as Virgin cave.
Virgin cave tunnels through the middle of an island approximately 2 km long. Along the tunnel, there are many chambers. Each is famous for a different reason. All are unique in their beauty. Many visitors to the cave are awed by its beauty and so the name Hang Sung Sot was given to the outer chamber of the Virgin cave. Sung Sot literally means astonishment or awe.
Cave of Awe (Hang Sung Sot) (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)
http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Hang-Sung-Sot.jpg (http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Hang-Sung-Sot.jpg)

Cave of Awe (Hang Sung Sot) (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)

Sung Sot cave is on the same island with Trinh Nu cave. The path to Sung Sot is quite steep and is lined with shady trees. The cave has 2 chambers. The outer chamber is square and is often referred to as the waiting room. The cave’s ceiling is approximately 30 m high. The walls are almost perfectly smooth as if it was built by man. The walls generate a variety of colors that blend with the setting of the area.
The path to the inner chamber is approximately 3m wide. The inner chamber is known as the serene castle. The formations in the chamber take the form of sentries conversing with one another, animals in varying poses etc. In the middle of the chamber stands a formation which resembles a general surveying his troops.
There is a side entrance which is approximately 6m in height. The light reflected from the moving water outside causes the formations inside the chamber to seemingly come alive. According to the locals, this was the reason the cave was named Sung Sot, from the awe-stricken reaction of the visitors to the cave
Other attractions in Ha Long Bay
Dong Hang Hanh tunnels through mount Quang Hanh 9 km from the township of Cam Pha. The tunnel and cave is approximately 2 km in length.
To visit this cave the visitors must take a small row boat to access the entrance. On the way the rower must maneuver through a variety of rock formation often so narrow that only one boat can fit through at a time.
The air in the tunnel is several degrees cooler than the air outside. As one proceed deeper into the cave, the surroundings become more mystifying as the rocky walls take different shapes, sizes, and hues. Hang Hanh contains many formations. One formation takes the form of a drum (for water)
called Ang gao. One looks like a temple with millions of diamond-like crystals as its outer layer. There are several columns of rocks that look like remnants of buildings from some ancient world. These monoliths are several stories high. Theres also a formation of a natural amphitheater in the middle of the water with smaller formations in place as the audience.
Ao Tien (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay) or Pond of the Nymphs, was named by the locals because it was rumored this is where the nymphs gathered to take a bath. The limestone walls surrounds this part of the ocean creating a natural pond in the middle of the bay. Ao Tien is located in an island with a lagoon-like setting, surrounded by limestone walls, accessible only by small row boats and only in low tides. During high tide, the water rise to cover the opening and keep the water here clean. The water in Ao Tien is only chest deep and very warm. During low tide visitors can disembark from the bigger boat and use a row boat to enter Ao Tien. Some visitors even swim through the opening without using a boat. Many tourists use Ao Tien as a place to sunbathe and wade.
Like Ao tien, Hang Luon is in the middle of rock formations the center of which is an open area where the water is clear and calm. There is also a sandy beach. However, Hang luon’s opening is substantially bigger than the opening of Ao Tien. Depending on the tide, a large boat can go through the tunnel.
http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Tuan-Chau.jpg (http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Tuan-Chau.jpg)

Tuan Chau Island


Tuan Chau island or Sentinel Chau Island is 3 km west of Dau Go cave. The island is approximately 3 km2. This island is inhabited by people. The nurturing hands of humans have turned this island into a fertile farm producing vegetables and fruits for the outlying mining and fishing villages of Ha Long Bay.
According to the inhabitants, Tuan Chau is a derivative of two words. Before the revolutionary war, each island was under the surveillance of an officer. Each was in charge of a group of sentinels assigned to keep security for one island in the bay. There were several of such officers assigned to Ha Long. The Vietnamese words, linh tuan means sentinel(s) and tri Chau means mandarin (officer) Chau, hence the combination of the two words
means Tuan Chau or Sentinel Chau.
There is a bamboo hut on the island that has became a shrine, since it was rumored that this place was favored by Ho Chi Minh when he visited Ha Long. The hut is maintained and kept by the people of the island. Today visitors to the island can visit the hut as if it was a historical monument.
http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Poem-Mountain.jpg (http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Poem-Mountain.jpg)

Poem mountain (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)


Poem Mountain stands over the city of Hon Gai. On his visit to Ha Long, King Le Thanh Tong (15th century) wrote a poem glorifying Ha Long’s beauty. This poem is carved on a stele on Nui Truyen Dang which was later renamed Nui Bai Tho or Poem Mountain. The King was a poet and the person responsible for forming the group of intellectuals, Tao Dan Nhi Thap Bat Tu, or Tao Dan twenty-eight scholars.
http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Cua-Ong-Temple.jpg (http://gs167.photobucket.com/groups/u150/MTFXKJJ64C/Cua-Ong-Temple.jpg)

Cua Ong Temple (http://www.vietnamtravelstyle.net/quangninh-travel/44/halong-bay)


Cua Ong Temple is located on a hill over looking Bai Tu Long Bay. The temple was built as a shrine to mandarin Tran Quoc Tang, the son of Vietnams most famous general Tran Hung Dao.
In 1283, during the height of the war against Mongolia, Tran Quoc Tang was sent here to build a fort to defend this frontier. This area was known for its rough and less than ideal conditions. Tran Quoc Tang created a government here and turned the area into a prosperous place. Tran Quoc Tang was made supreme commander and became one of Vietnams most successful general. During this period, there were many bands of outlaws and pirates harassing the people in this region. General Tang successfully wiped out many of these bandits and brought peace to this area. He was also successful in keeping the great Mongolian army at bay during their numerous attempt to invade Vietnam. The people revered him so much that he became a demigod to them. So much reverence was given to general Tang that he was dubbed King of the Sea while he was still alive!
General Tang died in 1313 at the age of 61. The people in the region mourned his passing and built a shrine in his honor. Today, the words Great Eastern Sea King are still imprinted on the placard at the entrance of the temple. Den Cua Ong was built in the Le dynasty (17th century), but was later remodeled in the Nguyen dynasty (17th – 19th century). Every year during Tet, Vietnamese new year, the people in this area have a festival to celebrate and honor General Tang.

[danviettravel]

Very nice post!
Thanks!

[euclid1990]

Very nice post!
Thanks!
Thanks !
I want to introduce vietnam to all of member :D

[danviettravel]

Lang Co beach and Mui Ne beach are considered the best ones in Vietnam.

[danviettravel]

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq156/phamcan50/Phisngbh.jpg
Hanoi by night
Vietnam has become a favorite destination for world travelers. They frequent the popular and typical touristy spots such as Hanoi, Sapa and Mui Ne, to name just a few. But there are other places that boast an unrivaled beauty and a wealth of culture. These are locations you ought not to miss, which are best toured during the months of February through September. They’re sure to provide you with the perfect Vietnam experience.
So if you’re ready to discover one of the most beautiful places on earth, journey to Da Nang, on the shores of the South China Sea. Its beaches are a must see, an idyllic spot for romantics and paradise on earth for many. Get a feel for its colonial ơmbience by taking a stroll downs the streets, and feast your eyes on the magnificent architecture dating centuries past. Visit the interesting Cham Museum, the only institution in the world to house artifacts belonging to the people who ruled the country for one thousand years. Make time to stop at the Can Dai Temple, showcasing a magnificent collection of paintings, depicting Confucius, Jesus Christ, Buddha and other important saints. And if you decide to extend your stay in Da Nang, you’ll be more than happy with the selection of beach resorts and budget hotels.

To continue your exploration of the Vietnam that’s been kept a secret, go on to Bach Ma National Park; this treasure is usually overlooked by tourists who spend time in the city of Hue. But now that you’re reading about it, you have the chance to witness its impressive mountains and out of this world wildlife. If you’re inclined to climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with scenery that would certainly inspire poets and painters. And if you follow the miles of panoramic hiking trails, you’ll come across a wide range of animal species, some of which were only discovered in the late 20th century. You’ll feast your senses on the fragrances that fill the air, all of which come from the array of medicinal and essential oil plants. Or you’ll get to spend quiet time admiring the beauty of the mesmerizing waterfalls.

[Noah]

I bought the 3 travelguides before I left and used them while in Vietnam, and I must admit it's really difficult to find big differences. All 3 of them offer the same info, with probably the Rough Guide a bit more details on background, but also f.i. walks in Sapa were better explained. The LP has excellent maps, but the other 2 also have good maps. Still in the Footprint it can be confusing that they use the same numbers for both restaurants and hotels, the difference is the hotels are marked with a square, and restaurants with a bullet. In the Rough guide, the position of a map is not always where you'd expect it, for instance the map with restaurants of Saigon is 10 pages before the restaurant chapter.

[Noah]

Travel insurance: As still a developing country, Vietnam has several diseases, so besides bringing medicines, it’s better to buy insurance for yourself before you go, because all the medical safety advice in the world isn’t going to cover your medical bills if something does go wrong. You may refer to World Nomads for buying online.

First Aid kit. Now that you've gone to the trouble of getting yourself a whiz-bang first-aid kit, remember to actually take it with you. There's no point coming off that mountain bike at the top of the hill and realizing the bandages are all the way at the bottom.

[Pontam]

What amazing country!

It was the first time i came to Vietnam. I had had no idea where to go what to do.

Another impressive thing here is that everything is very cheap and the food (OMG) were really really delicious.

On the first day, the guide took me around Hanoi capital city.

Wow, Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and traditionall pagodas and temples that date back hundreds of years ago.

That morning city tour, we drove to Ho Chi Minh's complex, including the mausoleum of the nation's founder and leader. Here, large crowds gather to pay there respects to the man they simply call Uncle Ho as they silently file past his glass sarcophagus. The Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho's wooden stilt house can also be seen here.

According to the guide One of must-see places in the complex is One Pillar pagoda dating back 11th century. from far view its shape looks like a huge lotus flower.

The next stop was the Temple of Literature, the site of Vietnam's oldest university and dedicated to one of the world's most famous scholars, Confucious.

Inside the temple grounds, huge steles rest on the backs of even larger stone turtles ( in Vietnam's culture, the turtle represents longevity). The stele recorded the names of the successful candidates who later became mandarins in the Emperor's court.

From here we followed the visit of the walking tour of Hanoi 's vibrant Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake , the focal point of the city. This is not only a beautiful spot but also is the historical site. You should be here to get to know about the legend of the lake and how it become one of the Must-See places in Hanoi for both domestic and international tourists. It was really interesting story.

[Pontam]

Vietnam - What amazing country!

It was the first time i came to Vietnam. I had had no idea where to go what to do.

Luckily my friend did introduce me to Hoabinhtourist- a reliable travel agency in Vietnam. To my surprise, their tourguide and most of Vietnamese were very kind, friendly and considerate.

Another impressive thing here is that everything is very cheap and the food (OMG) were really really delicious.

On the first day, the guide took me around Hanoi capital city.

Wow, Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and traditionall pagodas and temples that date back hundreds of years ago.

That morning city tour, we drove to Ho Chi Minh's complex, including the mausoleum of the nation's founder and leader. Here, large crowds gather to pay there respects to the man they simply call Uncle Ho as they silently file past his glass sarcophagus. The Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho's wooden stilt house can also be seen here.

According to the guide One of must-see places in the complex is One Pillar pagoda dating back 11th century. from far view its shape looks like a huge lotus flower.

The next stop was the Temple of Literature, the site of Vietnam's oldest university and dedicated to one of the world's most famous scholars, Confucious.

Inside the temple grounds, huge steles rest on the backs of even larger stone turtles ( in Vietnam's culture, the turtle represents longevity). The stele recorded the names of the successful candidates who later became mandarins in the Emperor's court.

From here we followed the visit of the walking tour of Hanoi 's vibrant Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake , the focal point of the city. This is not only a beautiful spot but also is the historical site. You should be here to get to know about the legend of the lake and how it become one of the Must-See places in Hanoi for both domestic and international tourists. It was really interesting story.
Click the image to open in full size. Click the image to open in full size.

[Noah]

We took the hard sleeper from Hanoi to Lao Cai (no soft sleepers available), and this was reasonable. We were with 6 in our compartment and slept reasonably well. Some points to remember however:

- Go for the lower berths: they are cooler then the top berths, and the luggage can be stored underneath the bed, so stealing is impossible.
- The train from Lao Cai to Hanoi arrives in Hanoi before 5 am, which is unreasonably early.

.

[Traveller]

We took the hard sleeper from Hanoi to Lao Cai (no soft sleepers available), and this was reasonable. We were with 6 in our compartment and slept reasonably well.

They are fairly short and narrow which makes it difficult for a lot western men.. myself included. My trip on the hard sleeper was made all the more difficult because there were 4 vietnamese travelling in the compartment who talked all night long.

[Pontam]

They are fairly short and narrow which makes it difficult for a lot western men.. myself included. My trip on the hard sleeper was made all the more difficult because there were 4 vietnamese travelling in the compartment who talked all night long.

Hehe Vietnamese people are very friendly. If all of you could speak English together, it would be very fun and interesting to make friends with them. I now still like and keep contact with some of guys in the trip organized by Hoabinhtourist agency.

[nguyennamhg]

i like Ha Noi and Nha Trang cities.

[Traveller]

Hehe Vietnamese people are very friendly. If all of you could speak English together, it would be very fun and interesting to make friends with them. I now still like and keep contact with some of guys in the trip organized by Hoabinhtourist agency.

Yes it would have been a good chance to get to know some locals. Unfortunately it was after midnight and I was very tired.

[Cactus Jack]

There's a few nice ones in Nha Trang.

A sail around Halong Bay is a must.

I travelled from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh via train and it was an awesome trip. And as you said cheap as chips.

Hey kennas (and others),

Tell me more about Vietnam. I'm looking to go there soon and would appreciate any "can't miss" destinations and experiences!

Also interested in any similar advice about Cambodia and Laos.

[Cactus Jack]

Looks like I posted too quick. Lots of info in this thread! If anyone else has anything further to add, feel free! :)

[inenigma]

The wife and I are starting to cost a 21 day trip to Vietnam and it looks like it's going to be in the range of around $5K - $7K per person which doesn't make any sense to me.... We did Thailand last year for $2.5K per person. I thought Vietnam was supposed to be cheaper than Thailand ????

Anyone know of any cheap deals for Angkor Wat as a side trip ????

[Prawn_86]

As far as i know Vietnam is still a lot cheaper than Thailand. Depending on what you are doing etc.

If you are looking at doing a few tours etc, what you are best off doing is actually booking them over there. Ask at the hotel lobby, or just go for a walk and find a tourist place who does tours. Obviously you can get an idea here of what you want to do, but if you book it over there it will be cheaper and you will be able to bargain with them

[Traveller]

The wife and I are starting to cost a 21 day trip to Vietnam and it looks like it's going to be in the range of around $5K - $7K per person which doesn't make any sense to me.... We did Thailand last year for $2.5K per person. I thought Vietnam was supposed to be cheaper than Thailand ????

Anyone know of any cheap deals for Angkor Wat as a side trip ????

Looks like way too much! Is this a tour or DIY?

You can get good 3* hotel rooms for US$25 a night including breakfast. Food is generally cheaper than Thailand, especially local food. Trains and buses are really cheap too.

[bestlady]

Being one of the most charming capital cities in Asia where past, present and future are all bended so well in one single place, Hanoi truly deserves a several days stay. And, make sure you go these places to have best experience of Vietnam's capital city.

1. Ho Chi Minh complex, visiting his Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and his old houses. The Mausoleum is where the body of the greatest president of Vietnam is kept in a glass coffin. The Presidential Palace is a beautiful French building that was originally built for the French General Governor of Indochina, later on Ho Chi Minh worked in the building.

2. One pillar pagoda: Built in the 11th century as a memorial to the Goddess of Mercy. The whole pagoda stands on a column

3. The temple of Literature: the once biggest education center of Vietnam and also the most beautiful temple in the country dedicated to Confucius- the founder of Confucianism.

4. Museum of Ethnology: Biggest one in town displaying exhibits and lives of 54 groups of people living in Vietnam

5. Old Quarter: Trading part of the city, most populated and flourish place in town. Thousands of tiny shops selling cheap things. Ideal to look for clothes, fake watches, fake Lacoste T-shirt and nice painting galleries. Every last 3 evening of the week, part of the Old Quarter is only for the pedestrians (traffic is banned). Local shops are the set up in the middle of the daytime-busy streets to sell local thing. Pretty good for going out having a look. Watch your language once you're here, just to be on the safe side.

6. Ngoc Son temple: A nice little temple dedicated to one of the 10 best generals in war history. The temple was built in the 18 century. Make sure you see a turtle (maintained in a glass coffin) to the small roof next to the temple, which used to be living in the water of the lake.

8. Cheap clothes and watches: Go to Hang Dao street (near the Sword Lake). This is where you can find a 4$ Lacost T-shirts or a 3$ Swiss watch. I'm sure they're not really bad comparing to a the genuin.

9. For a traffic experience? Spend around 3-4$/hour renting a cyclo, you will be cycled around the Old Quarter, be a part of the amazing traffic. After that, first thing you're gonna say is: I have survived.

10. Wanna taste a bit of the local culture? Go to cafe Lam (91 Nguyen Huu Huan street) where you taste nice Vietnamese coffee, but seeing the local is more interesting for those who expect)

11. Heard of the Water Puppet show? It originated in Vietnam and the ticket is about 2.5$ where you see 1 hour show of the stunning art takes place on the water. The Puppet theater is on the bank of the Sword Lake. Can't miss it

[Prawn_86]

Wow, awesome info bestlady, thanks very much :)

[jayarr]

See beautiful places in Vietnam.

Phan Thiết beach

Hạ Long bay

Nha Trang beach

Phú Quốc beach

Cát Ba ̀ island

Sa Pa -The Town in foggy, very beautiful!

Tour in Vietnam

Is it helpful?

[kennas]

See beautiful places in Vietnam.

Phan Thiết beach

Hạ Long bay

Nha Trang beach

Phú Quốc beach

Cát Ba ̀ island

Sa Pa -The Town in foggy, very beautiful!

Tour in Vietnam

Is it helpful?All good.

I suggest buying an beneral travel book on Vietnam or look it up in detail on Wiki, checking out all the highlights and then asking people here to narrow your plan.

There's just so much to see and so little time!

[vietnamphoenixtour]

Majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious: words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. Imagine 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and you have a vision of breathtaking beauty. Halong Bay is pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature. Vietnam Tour Operator
In 1994 it was designated a World Heri¬tage site. Visitors can’t help but compare the magical, mystical landscape of limestone islets to Guilin in China and Krabi in southern Thailand, but in reality Halong Bay is more spectacular. These tiny islands are dotted with beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves, and have sparsely forested slopes ringing with birdsong. Halong Cruise
Beyond the breathtaking vistas on a boat cruise through the bay, visitors to Halong come to explore the caves – some of which are beautifully illuminated for the benefit of tourists – and to hike in Cat Ba National Park. There are few real beaches in Halong Bay, but Lan Ha Bay (off the coast of Cat Ba Island) has more than 100 sandy strips.
Halong City is the gateway to Halong Bay but not the ideal introduction to this incredible World Heritage site. Developers have not been kind to the city and most visitors sensibly opt for tours that include sleeping on a boat in the bay. In short, Halong Bay is the attraction; Halong City is not. Vietnam adventure tour
As the number-one tourist attraction in the northeast, Halong Bay draws a steady stream of visitors year-round. From February to April the weather in this region is often cool and drizzly. The ensuing fog can make visibility low, but this adds an ethereal air to the place and the temperature rarely falls below 10°C. During the summer months tropical storms are frequent, and tourist boats may have to alter their itineraries, depending on the weather.
Halong Bay is the stuff of myths and naturally the Vietnamese have concocted one. Halong translates as ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’. Legend has it that the islands of Halong Bay were created by a great dragon that lived in the mountains. As it charged towards the coast, its flailing tail gouged out valleys and crevasses. When it finally plunged into the sea, the area filled with water, leaving only the pinnacles visible.
Dragons aside, the biggest threat to the bay may be from souvenir-hunting tourists. Rare corals and seashells are rapidly being stripped from the sea floor, and stalactites and stalagmites are being broken off from the caves. These items get turned into key rings, paperweights and ashtrays, which are on sale in the local souvenir shops. Obviously the fewer people buy, the less the local people will take to sell, so don’t encourage the trade.

[vietnamphoenixtour]

Imagine a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality. Vietnam adventure tour
A mass of motorbikes swarms through the tangled web of streets that is the Old Quarter, a cauldron of commerce for almost 1000 years and still the best place to check the pulse of this resurgent city. Hawkers in conical hats ply their wares, locals sip coffee and bia hoi (beer) watching life (and plenty of tourists) pass them by. Witness synchronised t’ai chi at dawn on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake while goateed grandfathers tug at their wisps over the next chess move. See the bold and beautiful dine at designer restaurants and cut the latest moves on the dance floor. Hanoi has it all: the ancient history, a colonial legacy and a modern outlook. There is no better place to untangle the paradox that is modern Vietnam.
The grand old dame of Asia, Hanoi lay in a deep slumber after Vietnam’s partition in 1954 until the effects of economic reforms kicked in four decades later. The city survived American bombs and Russian planners to emerge relatively unscathed in the early 1990s as an example of a French-conceived colonial city. Huge mansions line grand boulevards, and lakes and parks dot the city, providing a romantic backdrop to the nonstop soundtrack. There are still moments of Paris, as the smell of baguettes and café au lait permeates street corners. Vietnam Tour Operator
Known by many names down the centuries, Thanh Long (City of the Soaring Dragon) is the most evocative, and let there be no doubt that this dragon is on the up once more.

[vietnamphoenixtour]

Rugged, craggy and jungle-clad Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, is straight out of Jurassic Park. Lan Ha Bay, off the eastern side of the island, is especially scenic and offers numerous beaches to explore. While the vast majority of Halong Bay’s islands are uninhabited vertical rocks, Cat Ba has a few fishing villages, as well as a fast-growing town.
Except for a few fertile pockets, the terrain is too rocky for serious agriculture; most residents earn their living from the sea, while others cater to the tourist trade. Life has always been hard here and many Cat Ba residents joined the exodus of Vietnamese boat people in the 1970s and ’80s. Although the island lost much of its fishing fleet this way, overseas Vietnamese have sent back large amounts of money to relatives on the island, fuelling the hotel boom of the past decade. Cat Ba is still relatively laid-back, despite about a 20-fold increase in hotel rooms (and karaoke machines!) since 1996.
Almost half of Cat Ba Island (which has a total area of 354 sq km) and 90 sq km of the adjacent waters were declared a national park in 1986 to protect the island’s diverse eco¬systems. These include subtropical evergreen forests on the hills, freshwater swamp forests at the base of the hills, coastal mangrove forests, small freshwater lakes and coral reefs. Most of the coastline consists of rocky cliffs, but there are a few sandy beaches hidden away in small coves.
There are numerous lakes, waterfalls and grottoes in the spectacular limestone hills, the highest of which rises 331m above sea level. The largest permanent body of water on the island is Ech Lake, which covers an area of 3 hectares. Almost all of the surface streams are seasonal; most of the island’s rainwater flows into caves and follows underground streams to the sea, which creates a shortage of fresh water during the dry season.
The waters off Cat Ba Island are home to 200 species of fish, 500 species of mollusks and 400 species of arthropod. Larger marine animals in the area include seals and three species of dolphin.
Ho Chi Minh paid a visit to Cat Ba Island on 1 April 1951 and there is a large annual festival on the island to commemorate the event. A monument to Uncle Ho stands on Mountain No 1, the hillock opposite the pier in Cat Ba town.
The best weather on Cat Ba Island is from late September to November, particularly the latter, when the air and water temperature is mild and skies are mostly clear. December to February is cooler, but still pleasant. From February to April rain is common, while the summer months, from June through August, are hot and humid. This is also peak season and the island is overrun with Vietnamese tourists from Hanoi and beyond.

[grapconor]

The Central Highlands town in Lam Dong Province is a veritable paradise for a series of adventure sports - rock climbing, abseiling, parachuting or biking on rough terrain.

[skyblue]

Visit Phu Quoc island, it has best beaches in Vietnam in my opinion. Pristine and amazing!

[originvietnam]

Winter season lasts from November to April in the North with temperatures averaging 16 degree centigrade. The rest of the year is considered summer time with heavy rainfalls and occasional storms.

The rainy season lasts from May to October in the south. However, it only rarely rains the whole day. It gets dry after rainfall as quickly as it comes. The dry season is generally from November to April.

The central parts of Vietnam are affected by the South West monsoon season coming from Laos during May.

June experiences a muggy heat and sometimes produces typhoons and tropical storms.

During November and December there is sometimes long lasting rains. Despite of this fact, the months of November and December are constantly considered the peak period for incoming tourists.

January and February are still occasionally cloudy and rainy.

The best time for a long tour from North to South Vietnam would be from January till April. For those who wish beach holidays can come to enjoy warm water and sunshine in the central coast during summer time, from May to October.

[Scottys88]

Visit Phu Quoc island, it has best beaches in Vietnam in my opinion. Pristine and amazing!

Agreed, one of the Travel experts from my work did his blog about this place. Looks pretty awesome. It was interesting to note the actual pronunciation of the island! Foo Wok!

[pimlfo]

I am totally agree with your opinion. Phu quoc is a nice and beautiful beach but not the best in my opinion.
There's so many beautiful beach and depending on your view and many aspect to give out the standard of BEST.

[jojo61]

Phu Quoc is a nice island and it´s for sure worth to visit. It´s easy and fast to reach, even it will become the main island holiday destination of Vietnam. Actually and in the future you will always find a nice place to stay and a lonely beach, it´s far away from being overcrowded like the whole country. Only during Tet you will have no chance to get a flight or place to stay.

Five million visitors (business visitors included) aren´t much for a big country,
for australiens it´s like a very little point on the map, but you need a löt of time to travel up and down.

But it depends on what you like. I always prefer places, where I get many contacts to the locals, therefore Phu Quoc isn´t the best location. But if you rent a bike and go around with friends, you will have a lot of fun and it´s a pretty good location. If you are touring the south and you are coming from or going to Ha Tien by ferry it´s the best stopover.

If you are looking out for a really quite island, Con Dao will be perfect, but it is a bit difficult and more expensive to go there. One of my favourites is Ho Tram, a small village 80 Km from Vung Tau, a relaxed and beautiful place,
where I had a fantastic time. The surrounding of Ha Tien and the beach area of Hon Chon is a great place for beaching and culture. You won´t meet many western travellers and it´s a perfect place to meet and chat with locals.

If you are looking out for nightlife you have to visit Mui Ne or Nha Trang, otherwise you will be bored soon. Even in Phu Quoc. If you are looking out for beautiful beaches in the center, Quy Nhon is a fantastic place and a good starting point for culture trips. But no nightlife.

Hoi An, one of the most famous destinations is wellknown for hundreds of tailors. I personally don´t understand, why are so many people going there for handmade clothings or shoes? Vietnam is a country filled up with tailors and you can buy everything everywhere much cheaper. But the beach of Hoi An is nice, over the day there are not many people and during sundown it´s a great experience to eat and drink with the crowds of locals.
There is some, but little nightlife and a lot of australiens. May be funny, but it always depends on what you like.

The beaches of Da Nang, very close to Hoi An, are nice too. The city will be an interesting experience, the locals will ignore you. The same will happen to you in Hai Phong too, located in the north.
From there you can go by ferry to Cat Ba island for beaching or a junk tour. Beaching in Cat Ba is not my cup of tea, but it´s a good starting point for some beautiful islands and a good possibilty to avoid Ha Long Bay and to book a bit different junk tour.

Cheers

Jojo

[pimlfo]

Some time ago I started to put my free time into the Trip Advisor Forum that seems to be the in-place for travelers now so I could get back the fluency of ‘Westerner’s conversation’ that I lost when I quit my tour guide job a few years ago. These days I find this forum useful for me (apart from spammers and touts) as I can see the ‘travel trends’ that people are moving towards, and that helps me keep ahead in business. The Halong Bay section of the forum now seems to be the hottest. Experiences are mixed – good and bad – but that’s what you would expect with such a large enterprise. I am not trying to recommend any specific cruise agents to you in this article, just wanting to alert you to use your common sense to help you make the right choice in general travel shopping (especially online shopping).

Purpose of your visit

You should ask yourself first: “What am I coming to the bay for? Relaxation? Sight-seeing? Photography? Luxury? That is the first step towards choosing the right Junk boat. If you are on your honeymoon or a photographic expedition, an affordable charter Junk can be found – or even a small capacity one would be suitable. A trip just for relaxation may require a bit further research on Junk facilities. A few Junks now offer massage, cooking classes or Tai Chi exercising on board, and they seem to be the ones for leisure customers. If you are not too sure about the purpose, then just choose a classic Junk that offers a basic cruise with transfer, food, and sightseeing included. Don’t worry too much about what you might miss on a ‘classic option’ as most Junks in Halong Bay go by the same routes and you are unlikely to miss the highlights of the Bay.

Read more... (http://www.vietvaluetravel.com/blog/2011/01/16/junk-or-junk/)

[Julia88]

For those finding untouched beaches in Vietnam, please choose Phu quoc island and Con dao island. However, the price here is quite expensive from hotels, resorts to restaurants. Consider it before going there.

[rena42war]

Originating in what is now southern China and northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese people pushed southward over 2 millennia to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of the Indochinese Peninsula.

[jennifer]

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of East and West, with Chinese and French influences enriching the vibrant Vietnamese culture.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's thriving commercial center, located near the Mekong River Delta.

Hue is the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam and delights visitors with its monuments and architecture.

Halong Bay is a UN World Heritage site featuring thousands of limestone karsts and isles rising spectacularly from the ocean.

Hoi An Ancient Town- The middle part of Viet Nam. Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Check hoian-tourism.com to get more info

[jennifer]

All good.

I suggest buying an beneral travel book on Vietnam or look it up in detail on Wiki, checking out all the highlights and then asking people here to narrow your plan.

There's just so much to see and so little time!

You missed Cua Dai Beach, My Khe Beach.

[fan123]

Sapa is most beautiful in spring. Apricot, plum and cherry flowers are splendidly beautiful. Markets are crowded and merry, and are especially attractive to visitors. Minority groups come here to exchange and trade goods and products. Market sessions are also a chance for locals to promenade and young men and women in colorful costumes to meet, date or seek sweethearts.

[Mel]

You can go to Whale Island (or some people call it: "Palm Island" too). It is a 2,5 star accommodation run by a Frenchman. It has 20 beach huts, snorkle and diving possibility (great diving!), sailing and windsurf also very okay. You are picked up from Nha Trang for a 1,5 hrs drive plus a 20 mins ferry to the island. Not too expensive and not too touristy.

[tonny]

Hoi An Ancient Town- The middle part of Viet Nam. Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Check hoian-tourism.com to get more info
HoaLu- Tam Coc, ancient capital & another Halong in Viet Nam. Nice to see

[lightness]

Nha Trang is the most beautiful beach in VietNam. and HaLong Bay is a wonder of the world :). Nice to see

[weakqueen99]

I like when go to travel at NhaTrang. There are much seafood and can go to beach.:)

[jennifer]

Can anybody tell me more about the beaches in Vietnam? I hear Lăng Cô beach in Huế city and Mui Ne beach in Mui Ne Bay are crystal clear with a fairly long coastline but they're mainly used for fishing. What would be the best time of the year to travel over? I wouldn't want to holiday during typhoon or tourist season and i've heard it rains quite a lot during mid-year. Perhaps October/November.

Oh, and if anybody wants to pay for my trip over i'll be forever grateful. :)

Best beach in Viet Nam is My Khe Beach (Da Nang)

There are many beaches in Viet Nam: Cua Dai Beach (Hoi An Ancient House), Nha Trang Beach, Mui Ne Beach, Vung Tau Beach...

For beach lovers, you should travel around March to August

From October to December: rainy season

[olardo]

Halong Bay, one of the World Heritage Sites is a great scenic destination that has been attracting numerous tourists including celebrities over years. It is one of the favorite places to visit during Vietnam tours . The bay in its geographical shape itself is an art. The stone islands are beautiful calm resorts for relaxing your souls. The variously shaped islands in the Halong Bay evoke your imagination and almost make you a philosopher.

This place is also a residence of numerous rare species of flora and fauna. The varied ecosystems like the salt water filled forest floor, tropical forests, coral reefs, etc that this bay offers has resulted in such diversified wild species of plants and animals. To enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the Halong Bay, take up the Vietnam tours!

Various Vietnam tour packages are offered by Vietnam Advisor, one of the fastest growing tours and travel company in Vietnam and Indochina. You can either go to any single destination at Vietnam, like the Halong Bay and deeply explore it, or visit all the locations of tourist significance at Vietnam as a whole. A variety of must see destinations like the Hue City, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang City, Hoi An, Hue, Mekong Delta, Lao Cai, Ho Chi MinhCity, Con Dao Islands, Sa Pa, etc exist at Vietnam. There are various packages and luxuries offered by this travel company which one can avail at a true value for money.

The services offered by Vietnam Advisor are great. The professional staff here are multilingual, friendly and enthusiastic. They themselves have travelled to these tourist spots and hence can offer you unbiased consultation on them. A great feature that this company offers is a full money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their services during your Vietnam tours with them. There are many happy customers of Vietnam Advisor worldwide.
Vietnam Tours vietnamadvisor.com

[Martin2106]

Halong Bay, one of the World Heritage Sites is a great scenic destination that has been attracting numerous tourists including celebrities over years. It is one of the favorite places to visit during Vietnam tours . The bay in its geographical shape itself is an art. The stone islands are beautiful calm resorts for relaxing your souls. The variously shaped islands in the Halong Bay evoke your imagination and almost make you a philosopher.

This place is also a residence of numerous rare species of flora and fauna. The varied ecosystems like the salt water filled forest floor, tropical forests, coral reefs, etc that this bay offers has resulted in such diversified wild species of plants and animals. To enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the Halong Bay, take up the Vietnam tours!

Various Vietnam tour packages are offered by Vietnam Advisor, one of the fastest growing tours and travel company in Vietnam and Indochina. You can either go to any single destination at Vietnam, like the Halong Bay and deeply explore it, or visit all the locations of tourist significance at Vietnam as a whole. A variety of must see destinations like the Hue City, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang City, Hoi An, Hue, Mekong Delta, Lao Cai, Ho Chi MinhCity, Con Dao Islands, Sa Pa, etc exist at Vietnam. There are various packages and luxuries offered by this travel company which one can avail at a true value for money.

The services offered by Vietnam Advisor are great. The professional staff here are multilingual, friendly and enthusiastic. They themselves have travelled to these tourist spots and hence can offer you unbiased consultation on them. A great feature that this company offers is a full money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their services during your Vietnam tours with them. There are many happy customers of Vietnam Advisor worldwide

[perfection]

Each of the Asia countries has its own unique attractions. Vietnam is sure to fulfill the dreams of adventure or beach lovers where you can view amazing location and enjoy some adventures activities like kayaking and explore some craving and much more. If you choose to opt for a tour to Vietnam with Buffalo Tours, you will get quality and service that reaches beyond your expectations. Accommodation varies between the different packages and tours on offer, whether you are staying deluxe or budget accommodation the level of comfort remains consistent.

[jackytan]

hi there guys
i am just a new comer for this good forum, i really want to stay for participating, please let me know how many post i have to be done to be able to add link, or signature link, watching this nice new tour production
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMeL2EFjUeI

[Double Holiday]

The advice here is great. Vietnam is a perfect holiday destination because it has a little something for everyone:
- Great shopping in Hoi An
- Great beaches in Nha Trang
- Wartime history in Hoi Chi Minh City
- French influence in Hanoi
- Hillside tribes and trekking in Sapa
- Stunning natural beauty in Halong Bay
- Exquisite temples in Hue

You won't regret a trip!
_________________________________

Double Holiday Travel Art | Black & White New York Photo Prints (http://www.doubleholiday.com.au)

[TNGHO]

I was travel vietnam with travel company : Indochina Pioneer
so good !

[asiatraveladvisor]

Another beach optional choice: Con Dao Island

One of Vietnam’s most promising ‘up-and-coming’ destinations in our opinion, Con Dao is actually an archipelago of 15 islands located in the South China Sea, just 45 minutes by air from Ho Chi Minh City.
The islands of Con Dao are home to some of Vietnam’s most pristine National Parks, undisturbed beaches and have several rather unique aces up their sleeves – firstly there’s the small matter of the turtles that come ashore between the months of June and September, and there is also the large French Penal Colony – cum - American POW complex that housed political prisoners during the 20th century.
The main island of Con Son was once known as ‘Poulo Condor’ and is the largest island in the archipelago. There is currently a limited number of hotels to choose from on the island and certainly nothing that can be considered as ‘deluxe’ however, standards are certainly high enough to ensure a more than comfortable stay on or close to one of Con Dao’s many superb beaches.

Climate:
Con Dao is located at a point where cool and warm ocean currents converge and create a localised climatic system. From June to September, frequent fierce squalls buffet the west facing aspects of the islands whilst the east is sheltered. In September, the currents and winds reverse thus exposing the east of the islands to bad weather until January. The weather is calm all over the archipelago during the remainder of the year.
This unusual weather pattern allows swimming, snorkelling and diving to be an all-year-round activity.

The National Park
The French wardens forced prisoners to collect live coral and turn it into lime. The coral reefs survived, but only to face further damage from uncontrolled and destructive fishing. The National Park was established in 1977, but protection extended only to the flora and fauna on land. The park now covers fourteen of the sixteen islands and their surrounding marine areas.

The forest cover on the islands is dense: a sizable proportion is in pristine condition, particularly the humid hill forest growing above 500m above sea level.
Even though control over the exploitative use of the sea was established as late as 1993, and despite the damage wreaked by the French, over a thousand hectares of Con Dao National Park's coral reefs survive in the shallow waters - a stark contrast to other areas of Vietnam that have low coral cover as a result of overexploitation, destructive fishing, and sedimentation.

The entire marine area is rich in biodiversity: over 1,300 species of sea animals have already been identified. The ecosystems on Con Dao are favourable habitats for rare species such as the Hawksbill and Green Turtles, and Dugong, the strange creatures popularly known as ‘sea cows’ and believed to be the source of the ‘mermaid’ legends from their habit of sunbathing on rocks.

Main Attractions
+ Dive and see cuphorbia at Hon Tre which is about 1 hour going by boat from the main island. You can enjoy many kinds of cuphorbia as well as impressive fishes.
+ Ong Dung Forest: Tourist could absorb in nature on the beach, enjoy the beautiful sun setting over Tinh Yeu Peak (Love Peak) after a day discovering Con Dao.
+ Sunset on Bai Nhat: Tired out after a long day exploring Con Dao, visitors can now indulge themselves into nature at the beach, watching magically beautiful sunset slowly going down off the Tinh Yeu mount.
+ Dam Trau Beach: To be considered as the most beautiful beach. Tourist can swim as well as dive here.
+ Seeing the turtle on Hon Bay Canh: visitor could spend a quiet but extremely attractive night on Hon Bay Canh, see the turtoises making the nest and laying on the beach.Turtoises lay eggs throughout the year but they lay the most from June to September. :)

[halongbayjunkcruises]

Halong Bay is a body water off the Tonkin Gulf located near the North East border with China and covers an approximate area of 579 square miles. Dotted with 1,969 limestone islets rising from the emerald waters and referred to as “Bay of descending dragons”, Halong Bay has been the top attraction of worldwide travelers and holiday makers in Vietnam. With basically two distinctive kinds of rock islands, limestone and schist, this particular area of the Halong Bay archipelago was differentiated between Bai Tu Long Bay (the southeast) and Halong Bay (the southwest). Sculpted into awesome shapes by the wind and weather for millions of years, these islands hide deserted beaches, numerous magnificent caves and hidden lagoons that may only be reached by kayaking through reclining cliffs revealed at the low tides.

Ancient legends are passed word of mouth to the younger generations from many years past, since their local forefathers were fighting against Chinese invaders, the Gods designated a family of dragons to help defend the land. That family of dragons descended upon what is now Halong Bay and began spitting out their jewels and jades. Those jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form barriers against the invaders. That pride was made evident one more time in the year 1288, when General Tran Hung Dao stopped Mongol ships from sailing up the nearby BachDang River by entrapping the steel-tipped wooden stakes at high tide, to sink the Mongol Dubhai Khan’s fleet.

Far beyond what the legend says, Halong Bay features beautiful geographic works of art as over half of the islands were given their names exactly from their unusual shapes and by human imagination. These shapes can magically be changed by the angles of light, directions of view, and especially when they are silhouetted against the sun. On the boundary of this archipelago, there are two bigger islands with permanent inhabitants. They are Tuan Chau island and Cat Ba National Park. Both of them are well equipped with tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants and beach resorts. Though declared to be a World Natural Heritage by late December 1994, Halong Bay was already well known to outsiders from the movie “Indochine”, starring Catherine Deneuve in 1991. Splendid rocks emerging from the emerald waters, serene sky, mountains touching mountains, Halong Bay has always been a dream for any naturalist and cruise lover.

We happy if everybody want to go there :)
halongbayjunkcruises.com

[ruwan]

Vietnam is pretty reasonable, cost-wise. And while I personally feel VN is one of the safest places I have ever lived.

As most of Vietnam is located in the tropical / sub-tropical region, all beaches in Vietnam will be exposed to sedimentary inflows (that is, the silt waste from rivers). In the wet season, and for some time thereafter, the river discharges will produce tons of sediment that will permanently 'cloud' all Vietnam beaches. Later, when the weather produces warm sunny windless days, and the wave action becomes minimal, these sediments will subside and settle into the top sand layer.

In areas like China Beach and ALL the way to Hoi An - when there are plenty of waves, the beach waters will be very cloudy. This cloudiness will minimise after a few windless and waveless days. But, during these times, if the wind 'picks up' it produces waves that stir up the water to bring the sediment back up.

This is the same for Cam Ranh Bay, Mui Ne and the Vung Tau regions as they are directly exposed to the China Sea (or Pacific Ocean).

[etravelvn]

Explore Halong Bay with Oriental Sails Scorpio – one cruise vessel in classic Vietnamese style. This six-hour cruise includes visiting Surprising Cave, Titop Beach, and many other islands and islets and other activities that will indeed provide a truly unique experience.
It’s all terrific!

Itinerary in Brief
07 15 – 07 45: Pick-up at hotel and drive to Halong Bay (~160 km, 3 ½ hours)
11 30 – 12 00: Embark on Oriental Sails. Start cruising.
Savor a delectable lunch as Oriental Sails Scorpio cruise further along the limestone islands of Fighting Cock, Turtle Island…
13 30 – 14 30: Visit Surprising Cave
14 30 – 16 00: Rest/relax on Titop Beach and/or do some kayaking among the multitude of limestone islands.
16 00 – 17 30: Relax as the sun starts to set while cruising back to the harbor.
17 30 – 18 00: Transfer back to Hanoi. Evening Snack. Trip finishes at the hotel around 21 00 pm

PRICE: USD 59
Children under 9 years old: USD 39
Children under 4 years old: FOC (maximum 1 child per group)

Inclusions
Lunch, Evening Snack
Pick-up and transfer by A/C vehicle
English speaking tour guide
6 hour cruise on Oriental Sails Scorpio
Entrance fees.
Water on bus (2 bottles)
Kayaking
Welcome drink, fresh fruit

Exclusions
Drinks
Gratuities and personal Expenses

Attention
• What to bring: Swimming suites, sun glasses, insect repellent
• Special requests on food (diet or vegetarian) please inform us before departure.
• The itinerary may be subject to change due to the bad weather condition.

[lemonlimebitter]

I´m planning on going to Berlin in March - I know people have indicated ideas of what you should do when over there - but what is a list of the absolute must do´s when there!?

I was thinking about hiring a scooter to drive around in, perhaps from one side to the other - has anyone done this?

And yes, before anyone asks I did get the idea off Top Gear! :P

[cnnd]

Series of activities will be held through the year for promoting destinations of the national tourism, attracting foreign tourists and improving domestic tourism.

The organization purpose of the National Tourism Year 2012 of North Central Coast Region in Hue is to confirm the strength of Vietnam Tourism, especially heritage tourism in North Central Coast Region where there are various world cultural heritage sites, national relics and interesting festivals. This factor can be recognized as highly valuable tourism resources for the formation and development of distinctive tourism products, contributing to the growth in number of tourists, so that the country will be able to attract 7-8 million foreign tourists in 2015.

Time of organization:

Activities will be organized in different periods in 2012, with focus on January and February, April (new year festivals, Hue Festival 2012), June and July (summer vacation) and year-end months (the end of the National Tourism Year 2012).

Locations of organization:

Activities will be held in the locality of Thua Thien Hue Province and related cities/ provinces, including Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Quang Nam…