Thứ Tư, 26 tháng 11, 2014

Luon cave Halong Bay

Luon cave is located in the northeast of Bo Hon Island and more than 1km away from Sung Sot Cave. This is one of the most famous places in Halong Bay to travelers in recent years. In front of the grotto is Con Rua Islet, and the Sky Gate is on the right. Here the cliffs stretch vertically out of the pure blue and smooth water. Everything painted an amazing vivid picture.

If you love kayaking, you shouldn’t miss Luon Cave because of the round lake with emerald water hiding inside the cave. The lake is surrounded by luxuriant trees and high dangerous limestone walls. Thus, you can only get inside the cave via a natural gate with a lot of beautiful stalactites on the ceilings. That is also the reason why local people call this place as Luon Cave (means Tunnel Cave). The gate has 4-meter-wide, 100-meter-long, and about from 2.5 to 4-meter-high depending on the tide level. Looking at the arched entrance, you can easily realize that weathering process still occur here, water still drop off slowly from the stone.

3 best places for kayaking in Halong Bay


 After passing the pretty gate, you will see great scenery with cycads, ferns and benjamin’s fig trees shade the landscape and many orchids hang their sweet-scented flowers. If you're lucky, you will have chance to contemplate and take pictures of beautiful golden monkeys jigging up and down on the trees around the cliffs. Of courses, they are so lovely and friendly with tourists. Below the calm emerald water’s surface in lake, there is a vibrant life of many species like shrimp, fish, crab and cuttlefish, etc.
Luon cave Halong Bay
Luon cave Halong Bay

The size of mouth’s grotto isn’t enough for cruising. However, you can either reach easily the cave’ inside by kayak or by small boats rowed by local people and need to spend about 20 minutes for return route. You will be instructed to wear life jackets according to the provisions of Management’s Ha Long Bay in order to ensure tourist’s safety.

Luon Cave (Tunnel Cave) possesses beautiful scenery, great values of geology and paleontology so that we can do sightseeing or research, etc. It’s hard to find anywhere else in Ha Long Bay being as amazing as Luon cave which is the mingling of a number of factors: the mountain’s size and form, the color of the water and the clouds.

Thứ Ba, 18 tháng 11, 2014

Discover Asia On An APT River Cruise

Winding your way past quaint riverside towns and floating markets surrounded by green fields along the Mekong Delta and its adjoining waterways is a great way to discover Asia. APT‘s Southeast Asia cruises offer beautifully furnished private suites, international cuisine and small group excursions on rickshaws and water boats. You can cruise magically through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, discovering hidden gems not seen by land.

A visit to the Mekong Delta cruise is so special because of its unique diversity. See kids riding on water buffalo, rice workers hunched over their fields, flocks of storks at dusk and rowboats on its maze of channels. Home to over 1,000 varieties fish, 20,000 plant species and an array of wildlife, the Mekong Delta is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. It’s Asia’s third largest river; a comma-shaped flatland that is also known as Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’, producing more than a third of the country’s annual food crop. Here are four countries you can explore on an APT Asian river cruise.
Discover Asia On An APT River Cruise
Discover Asia On An APT River Cruise


Otherworldly sights await at Vietnma’s Ha Long Bay
Vietnam
An APT Mekong Delta cruise can take you through the contrasts of beautiful Vietnam, from the hive of activity in its crowded cities,to the relaxed pace of the beautiful countryside. In northern Hanoi, you will find a beautiful blend of French colonial influence, with the modern pace of Asian city life before cruising onward past the spectacular mountains of Sapa and the sparkling Ha Long Bay.

Be transported further south to Saigon, where you will find a mix of soaring skyscrapers with French architecture and the energy of chaotic outdoor markets. Along the way, Australia’s revered chef, Luke Nguyen, can help you discover the culinary heritage of his home country.

See Cambodian life along the Mekong Delta
Travel to Cambodia
Channels carve a lifeline into Cambodia, a country full of history and magnificence. Visit the famous temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and cruise past the beautiful Royal Palace. Located on the riverfrontm the Palace showcases classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding.

You can experience Cambodia’s lush countryside filled with rice paddies and sugar palms, cruising along the south coast past tropical islands and beach huts.

 Lush landscapes around the Nam Song River, Laos
Travel to Laos
After years of isolation, Laos is now one of the most laid-back Southeast Asian destinations. Enjoy the well-preserved culture, stunning natural environment and friendly people. Life in Laos still revolves around tradition and you can experience riverfront life unchanged over generations. See the historic royal city of Luang Prabang where hundreds of saffron-robed monks move quietly among centuries-old monasteries.

The Mekong opens up at Si Phan Don (meaning literally ‘four thousand islands’). It’s an archipelago of tranquil islands popular with travellers for cycling, swimming, tubing, boat cruises, kayaking, and dolphin spotting.

Cruise into beautiful Bangkok
Thailand
Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, you’re awarded the opportunity see Thailand’s famous beaches and lush mountain ranges on an APT river cruise. Stop at Bangkok for a spot of shopping in its many malls, or take in its history by visiting the ancient temples.

Heading further north, the landscape changes to dense forests, where you come face to face with hill tribes of and see village life rooted in centuries of tradition. The Mekong Delta and its distributaries are lined with natural beauty and is the perfect waterscape to discover Asia from a different perspective.

Thứ Năm, 6 tháng 11, 2014

Mekong Delta Travel Tips

1. Time does matter

Life in Mekong Delta is woven by water and season. It is most vibrant in spring (flower season or Tet Holiday: late January - February) and early summer (fruit season: April - May). The flood season (September - November), however, sweeps everything away and brings a new face to the delta with its rich brown alluvial water. This is also the income season for local people with abundant fish source and water vegetables. The waterfront life is most fascinating in this season.

2. You must do this!

The must see in Mekong Delta is of course its floating market. Again timing is very important if you do not want to be disheartened. The most incredible moments on the water of Mekong Delta are sunrise and sunset. The Mekong Delta floating markets reveal their best in very early morning. “To get the best view of the places, there is no other way but getting up EARLY and start the trip at 5.30 (usually recommended) or 5am (I do suggest this since you will be able to see the sparkle stars above the sky quickly transferring to pinkish sunrise and shining yellowish daylight afterwards.”
The must eat in Mekong Delta is deep fried elephant-ear fish (“Ca tai tuong chien xu”) rolled with herbs in rice sheet and served with dipping sauce.
Mekong Delta Travel Tips
Mekong Delta Travel Tips

The must do in Mekong Delta is getting in a small rowing sampan to explore its complicated canal system, cycling through tranquil villages and lush rice fields, and visiting a local market in the mainland.

3. A good tour guide makes your trip worthwhile

A self-guided tour sounds tempting, but not everyone is aimed with strong discovery spirit. A proficient guide will bring you a chance to study about the delta and local life. Also, as the distance from one floating market to another, as well as to other destinations in Mekong Delta is pretty far, there would be nothing boring than sitting on board for a long time. A great guide will fill the gap with fun: chatting with you and teaching you to weave jewelry and flowers from coconut leaves.

4. Set your expectations right!

Many customers were disappointed with their trip in Mekong Delta: the floating market is not colorful, the crowded boat trip, dull scenery, etc. You must know that “fruits and vegetables sold here are seasonable. Therefore, there are times you can find tens of tropical kinds (From Jan to April, usually) which can give your cameras amazing shots, so is time of lacking types due to seasons and crops. Cai Rang and Phung Hiep are big, noisy produce wholesale markets. Phong Dien, Cai Be, Nga Nam, Ca Mau or Tra On floating markets are small and quieter. Neither are romantic, beautiful little markets that you might see on tourist brochures, unless you come in right moments. Also as the floating markets in Mekong Delta are just local way of life and not a planned tourist site as in Thailand, you go to them for authenticity.

5. Be clear with what you get, bargaining hard yet you pay for the quality

You must enquire for what is included and destinations of the tour. Mekong Delta is very big comprising 12 provinces and 1 central town. Can Tho, My Tho and Chau Doc are touristy yet vibrant (in high season). Ben Tre, Long Xuyen and Dong Thap are less visited and more typical of Mekong Delta.

It is up to you whether to book a Mekong Delta tour with big agencies or a small local tour seller or independent operator for a private tour. Just remember "Pay nuts, get monkey". There are big travel agencies offering you really cheap tours in big - noisy - crowded boats comparing to private, king/queen-feel, warm service, friendly guides and impressive keepsakes on small boats with a bit high but reasonable price. In short, you pay for quality. So, don't get upset hearing someone else having a lower-price trip than you. Also, during the trip, buying stuff in markets, coffee shops or in restaurants, do not forget to ask the price first for no "surprise" later.
With small tour sellers, you will sometimes felt obligated to pay lunch for the guide and boat/ car drivers. Some even ask you to tell other tourists about your Mekong Delta tour with them. Do not agree to talk to any other customers about your experience, you can offer to write a review and that's probably best.

Thứ Năm, 30 tháng 10, 2014

Halong Bay nightlife

Nightlife in Halong has drawn locals as well as visitors to spend their vacation here. Halong is the popular tourist destination of Vietnam, which seldom goes to sleep.
Halong Bay nightlife
Halong Bay nightlife
This beautiful city of Vietnam beams with large number of activities even at the odd hours of the city. The residents as well as the tourists to this city of Halong indulge themselves in various kinds of fun and merriment especially at night. There are large options of nightspots in the city, which are worth paying a visit. The dazzling and happening Nightlife in Halong is really worth mentioning. Visit Halong with 5 best cruises in Halong Bay

You will come across plethora of nightspots that are scattered throughout the city. Party-hoppers of different age groups visit these night spots of Halong with their pals and relatives. There are ample of options for night entertainment at this city. Some of the fashionable nightspots of the city are bars, pubs, nightclubs as well as casinos. There are many nightclubs in Halong. Read more: halong bay map

Most of the nightclubs of the city remain open for the visitors till late hours. The college-goers visit the nightclubs usually in groups. The nightclubs of Halong remain packed with locals and visitors even at the wee hours of the day. The main attraction of these nightclubs are it excellent sound system and spacious dance floor. In the nightclubs of Halong the DJs belts out some heart pulsing music including rock music to jazz. Some of the deluxe hotels of Halong like, the Saigon Halong Hotel have an onsite nightclub. Visit Halong with Vietnam tours

Talking about the Nightlife in Halong we cannot afford to miss out the bars and pubs of Halong. The bars and pubs in Halong offers relaxing ambience to sip your liked drinks. You can try out wide varieties of local as well as international drinks in these venues. Nightlife in Halong also includes casinos. Royal International Gaming Club-casino is one of the popular casinos of Halong.

Nhung của hươu nào tốt?

Nhung hươu sao thuộc loại tốt nhất trong những loại nhung của các loài hươu nai. Theo Tây y, nó có tác dụng tốt trong việc bồi bổ sức khỏe, nâng cao thể lực và điều trị các bệnh về thần kinh, tim mạch, tiêu hóa, bài tiết, sinh dục, hàn gắn các vết thương bên trong cơ thể.
Có tác dụng tốt đối với toàn thân, nâng cao năng lực làm việc, giúp ăn ngủ tốt hơn, giảm hiện tượng mệt mỏi, lợi niệu, tăng nhu động ruột và dạ dày, ảnh hưởng tốt đến quá trình chuyển hóa các chất protein và glucid. Chú ý không nên dùng cho người có tiền căn cao huyết áp, tiêu chảy, hẹp van tim, viêm thận...
Thường người ta lấy nhung ở những con hươu giống, nai giống sống hoang dã do săn bắn được (loại này được coi là quí và đắt nhất).
Nhung của hươu nào tốt?
Nhung của hươu nào tốt?

Tuy nhiên vì nhu cầu về nhung nai ngày càng cao trong khi nguồn hươu nai tự nhiên cạn kiệt dần (hoặc có khi săn bắn không đúng lúc nhung đúng tuổi khai thác) nên người ta đã nuôi hươu để lấy nhung và chứng minh nhung của hươu nuôi cũng tốt không kém hươu sống hoang dã.
Ðiều này đã góp phần quan trọng trong việc tìm lối ra cho nhu cầu lộc nhung ngày càng tăng của con người, đồng thời bảo vệ được nguồn hươu nai hoang dã không bị tuyệt chủng do săn bắn.
Tuy ở Việt Nam việc nuôi hươu chưa phổ biến nhưng cũng đã xuất hiện ở các vùng Hương Sơn - Hà Tĩnh, Quỳnh Lưu - Nghệ An, một số nơi ở Tây Nguyên, vườn quốc gia Cúc Phương, đảo Cát Bà, An Giang...
Ngoài ra còn có các sản phẩm nhung hươu nhập từ các quốc gia có nền nông nghiệp phát triển cao như New Zealand và các quốc gia ôn đới.

Thứ Tư, 29 tháng 10, 2014

Mekong delta nightlife

The Mekong Delta was an ancient Khmer territory. The area was mostly marshland and forest. When the Nguyen Lords took control of this region, a series of canals were built and a system of transportation was implemented in the maze of water ways in the area. with Song Xanh cruise

The Mekong Delta is divided into 9 provinces: Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Dong Thap, An Giang, Vinh Long, Kien Giang, Hau Giang and Minh Hai. The people in this region are made up of Vietnamese and some people of Khmer, Chinese and Cham origin. This accounts for the variety of religions that add to the cultural diversity of this area. Among the religions practiced here are: Buddhism, Catholicism, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao and Islam. Mekong delta tours

Life in Mekong Delta

The southwest region of Vietnam is known for the vast rice fields and the huge plantations that make up the core of this region's economy. The region is also known for the many miles of waterways criss-crossing the land making this area both fertile and unique. South Vietnam tours
Mekong delta nightlife
Mekong delta nightlife

The people living in the Mekong Delta make their living as farmers and fishermen.

Often, they live right on the edge of the rivers or canals on various structures built from whatever materials found. Consequently, the architecture along the delta varies from place to place.

Often, many homes have fisheries right under them. Enterprising individuals build a cage like structure of bamboo beneath their homes on these waterways to house fishes. As the fishes grew, they sell the whole batch to processors from the city and start with new ones.

Life in the delta is tightly woven with its rivers as daily activities and businesses are conducted on its banks. Markets, stores, ship yards, repair shops are some of the more popular trades.

A homestay among the people of the Mekong Delta is an unforgettable experience and can give you a unique insight into the day-to-day lives of the local people. The bulk of the local people here make their living from growing fruit or cultivating rice.

Many of the homes that are open to Western visitors are on the banks of the Mekong River. When you reach the home of your host family, you should remove your shoes. Most families also prefer women to be well covered up.

In traditional houses, the sleeping area is open plan and has hammocks and wooden beds with mosquito nets hanging overhead (before the last rays of the sun disappear slap on plenty of repellent, as mosquitoes are rampant throughout the area).

A typical supper is the local favourite, elephant-ear fish, served beit upright on a bed of greens with flourishes of carrots shaped as water flowers. The flesh of the fish is pulled off in chunks with chopsticks and wrapped into a rice-paper pancake and dipped into sauce. This is accompanied by crispy spring rolls, followed by soup and rice (Mekong rice Is considered the most flavoursome).

After dinner some families exchange stories and songs over bottles o( rice wine long into the night, while others cluster around the TV.

The morning starts as the first lights flicker across the water. Before breakfast, everyone takes a bath with the family. Splashing around in the muddy Mekong, fully dressed, can leave you feeling dirtier than when you started! After a hearty breakfast you say your goodbyes and head back to Vinh Long via the floating market.

Thứ Năm, 23 tháng 10, 2014

Tips when traveling to Hanoi

Cuisine.
Hanoi has a long culinary tradition with many famous delicacies.
Hanoi cuisine is rich, but referring to Hanoi cuisine, people first mention of Pho. Pho as a representative thing for identity, characteristics of Hanoi cuisine. The reason is simple, Pho of Hanoi is different from elsewhere, it can't be mix with any kind of Pho. Pho of Hanoi has sweetness of beef bones, aroma of meat,  Hanoi – Sapa 5 days
plasticity without tough. Watercolor of pho is pure, thin and soft pho cake.

Tips when traveling to Hanoi
Tourists often find to enjoy Cha Ca La Vong. Previously, Cha Ca La Vong is made of Lang fish, but recently, Cha Ca is mainly made of qua fish because Lang fish is now very expensive and rare, in addition, meat of qua fish is stronger taste than Lang fish. Noth Vietnam packages tours

Cha ca La Vong is eaten with noodles and herbs:scallions, onions, dill, basil, roasted peanuts and shrimp sauce or fish sauce. This dish should be eaten when it is still hot, you will feel sweetness of fish, enjoy fragrant of cha Ca and spices.

Read more: Pho in Hanoi – Enjoy and feel

Besides, you should once taste Thanh Tri rolls or Ho Tay shrimp cake, nuggets of Vong village,etc.
 Tips when traveling to Hanoi
 Tips when traveling to Hanoi
Shopping , price
Price in Hanoi is equivalent to Ho Chi Minh City, sometimes lower. Best luxury hotel in Hanoi is 200 USD / night until the lowest price is $ 15 / night.

Hanoi & Halong Bay 4 days


Tips when traveling to Hanoi

Budget Accommodation has cheaper price, about 4- 6 USD/ night. To find a budget hotel, you should come to the old town area. For room in the high season, such as Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year, you should book in advance of 2-3 months. If you book a room at these time, the price can be pushed up.

You should book a room at the big hotels and book via travel company, the price will be much cheaper when you book directly at the hotel.


Other note:
If you travel to Hanoi in the summer, you should choose lightweight clothing, absorb sweat because the weather is very hot during that time. On the contrary, when you travel in the winter , you should bring a jacket, cool outfit because the temperature
can lowered below 10 degrees.

When you visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum or temples, pagodas, you should wear discreet, do not wear short skirts, short pants. The streets in the old town of Hanoi is quite small and quirky, so you should bring a map.

When you pay the price, you shouldn't pay too hard or pay once then leave, you should smile and tell seller that you want to see another shop before deciding whether to buy or not.

People of Hanoi often are not go out after 11PM and the streets of Hanoi after 12 o'clock midnight is often deserted and security can not be guaranteed so, if you are a tourist , you should not go out.