Breakfast at Cai Rang floating market

In the middle of the vast river, fast bean bowl noodles, hot noodles or croissant pieces of sweet coconut milk and bitter coffee will be the experience that makes you unforgettable. Indochina travel agency

Cai Rang Floating Market is located on a tributary of the Hau River (Can Tho). It is not only a place for gathering, trading and living of people in the area, it is also a crowded tourist attraction. When the sun is not yet appearing, the boats are full of goods moving to the market, it is also at the boat passenger tourists began exploring the river west.

Floating markets are in the morning with many items including vegetables and fruits: sweet potato, squash, gourd, longan, cassava roots ... to rice, tea, bread and even a row of boats The trees are everywhere to be exchanged Although living is completely on the water, but not so that eating and drinking activities for visitors become difficult. jahan cruise

Boats scoop up food, cooking utensils inviting each time you see a delegation passing through. You just sit still and call any boat that is able to enjoy the rich breakfast flavor of the river west.

There are many options for visitors to choose, in which the noodles are more familiar. Just with noodles, some pork pieces, the price and the scallions is to have a good meal. The feeling of bringing the chopsticks to the noodles in the mouth of the boat when a large boat passing by will make you feel excited and interested. 

Vermicelli is also one of the dishes left impressed with the diners by the characteristic shrimp sauce. The noodle soup is hand-eye-catching with the red color of the tomato, the green onion, the meat, the aromatic shrimp sauce flavor and the spicy chili will make you not off the hiatus.

No spring rolls or roasted beef tend to be seen often, barbecue meat buns on the rustic Cai Rang River include fresh bun, some pieces of meat and raw vegetables. Pork is chopped into small pieces, marinated spices to fit and pre-grilled. When sold to diners, the processor will bake it again and then heat it into the box. Soft meat, smell good.

Doing so on the boat should only be a malfunction that will spill food. Therefore, the implementation process requires the user to be very careful and skillful. Still, the people here are normal traders as there are no difficulties. Bubbly so that passing each other fast, hot and delicious.

Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia

Halong bay:

As one of the UNESCO 's landscape , Halong land is endowed lot of large and small limestone islands beautiful. Because so famous, there are so many tourists come here to visit and enjoy. But do not worry, the tour will take you away from the rush to the boat journey to visit the big cave, watching the stalagmites, stalactites, swimming or snorkelling. Visit Halong with adventure indochina travel 

City Centre Hotel

Ideally situated in the center of the city, the City Centre Hotel is a comfortable boutique hotel, not far from many popular tourist destinations, luxury restaurants, and vibrant nightlife of the city. Famous throughout the country for the large number of restaurants in the surroundings and nightlife along the riverside of the nearby area, Sisowath Quay is definitely what you want to visit. All of the comfortable guestrooms at City Centre Hotel are conveniently equipped with high standard beds, free wireless Internet access, a large screen flat TV with a wide range of cable channels coming with a security safe. A conference room available together with an in-house tuk tuk service for convenient transportation in this hotel is suitable for those who are travelling on business. Angkor Silk Farm in Siem Reap

Fried noodles

Well known as the simpleton cousin of pad-Thai or amazing Japanese ramen, Cambodian fried noodles are a must-try dish on your trip to Phnom Penh. In Phnom Penh, you will have a chance to both see how vendors crack open special ramen packets and fry them up in large wok pans and taste this dish with Chinese kale, sprouts, eggs together with a myriad of Khmer sauces and local spices with no more than $2.

Central Market

At the western side of the structure facing the Monivong Boulevard, visitors can find out a host of good value food stalls. Displaying a wide range of the freshest and most healthy food, if food shopping is on your mind, Central Market is definitely a perfect choice. Remember to arrive early in the morning before all of the best food and produce has been sold out. Open from early in the morning until the early evening, Central Market is surely the best market in Phnom Penh for browsing.

Greeting in Cambodia

For foreigners, Cambodians also use a handshake, however, women still use water from the traditional greeting for guests. Principles of conduct when greeting in this country is very simple: A response to all those greeting you receive. In Cambodia, to call other people politely and with respect, it is often more from "Lok" for men and "Lok Srey" for women before their full name.

facilities, have many beautiful space.

Himawari hotel

The staff, in particular, are always so genuinely friendly and positive. Little things, like quality coffee in our room, make for a very comfortable and relaxing stay.

Things to do in Cambodia

Raffles Hotel Le Royal 

Address: 92, Rukhak Vithei Daun Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Raffles Hotel Le Royal is located in the center of Phnom Penh. It takes only

20 minutes to drive from Phnom Penh International airport to the hotel and it is easy to visit of the city’s attractions, such as Royal place, central market, Russian Market and the national Artefacts Museum. The hotel is set peaceful, offers many services such as restaurant and swimming pool. The price is from 336 US per room. Cambodia Discovery tour

Old market

The Old Market area, including the Pub Street alleys and the Night Markets, are popular destination in Siem Reap. Expanding from the river to the night markets on Sivutha Blvd, the whole area is now the dining, shopping center of town. How to get from Kampot to Kep (and vice-versa)

The Old Market

Curios at the Old Market, Siem Reap of all the traditional Cambodian markets in Siem Reap, the Old Market supplies the deepest choice of souvenirs and curios. There are souvenir sellers throughout the market, especially on the river side. The north side along Street 9 sports a number of cheap food stalls serving Cambodian fare in an amazing atmosphere. This is a good destination for a budget meal and a taste of Cambodian street food.

Appropriate time

Weather and climate in Cambodia is quite similar to Vietnam, so you can come in any month in Cambodia during the year. However, in Cambodia climate will be somewhat more heat, so avoid those seasons in Vietnam too harsh sun.

The Privilege Floor Hotel:

High storey -site large swimming pool in front ranks No.1 among the top 10 best hotels in Cambodia. All services are standardized internationally. There are buses to tourist attractions in the city.

- High star hotels.

- Price: from $ 208 to $ 230 / room with 2 people.

- Address: National Road 6 0369 Banteay Chas Slorkram Siem Reap, Cambodia.

- Phone: +855 15408222.

Queen Grand Boutique Hotel and Spa:

Welcome guests with a relaxing spa pool on the roof, rooftop bar and soothing spa treatments, Queen Grand Boutique Hotel and Spa is an elegant spot Central Market is just a 5 minute drive.

This modern building is just the Royal Palace and National Museum, a 5-minute drive away. The hotel is within 1 km from the famous Wat Phnom temple during a 30-minute drive from Phnom Penh International Airport.

The stylish rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV and tea/ coffee. Mini bar and DVD player are also provided in the room. The private bathroom has a shower.

At Queen Grand Boutique Hotel and Spa, guests can use the 24-hour reception, laundry/ dry cleaning and luggage storage. The car rental service and currency exchange are also provided for guests.

1. Delux Villa:

Delux Villa is the original log house with an outdoor swimming pool and terrace rooms with views towards the garden or pool. It offers Wi-Fi in all areas and free private parking.

This villa Phsar Nath Market is far famous for 5-minute walk. Battambang Railway Station is just a 5-minute drive of this holiday, while Siem International Airport and the World Heritage by UNESCO as Angkor Wat are located within a radius of 70 km from the property.

Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a wardrobe, a seating area, an electric kettle, personal safe, flat screen cable TV and minibar. The ensuite bathroom has a hair dryer, hot shower facilities and personal hygiene items free.

Highlight dish in Vietnam

Pigs of Sapa

• Really drop rare wild in the forest because now the ball is still in some villages near the forest, but the forest alpine headlines, it's quite rare too. With these standards, the specialty pork Sapa Muong perhaps even harder than the wild boar should. Travel to Vietnam with Tours of Indochina

Grilled pork
• This dish can be called bush meat but not bush meat. In cold, taste meat of both the wild without ' sin ' kill wildlife, it was very wonderful. But perhaps just to be sitting between Sapa mountain clouds , the fire rose to the sky corn liquor with friends new display shows all the freshness of the forest in every meal accumulate this . My heart silently thank God predestined of land tonight.
Grilled pork noodles
Step 1: You give the material from dried minced onion ... to vegetable oil and a large bowl , mix up . Then you have sliced ​​pork in general, you use your hands to knead spices infuse the meat evenly, then brought to the cabinet. Where to experience beach holiday in February in Vietnam?

Crush peanuts is pointed 
Step 2: After you skewers marinated meats and brochettes, then roasted on charcoal or stove for about 20 minutes. While rotating meat grilled attention constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3: You can give the meat skewers on grill grates and then clamped again, so meat is not contaminated before baking you spread a little oil on both sides of the grill. Bring on charcoal grill with moderate temperatures, constant flip meats are 2 sides to not burn. When it done, you move out and eat cooked meat with noodles and vegetables.
Step 5: You mix sweet and sour sauce with the ratio: 1 sauce, 1 sugar, lemon water and some Chili and garlic crushed and put in the same. For just mouth tasting.
Step 6: Vegetables eaten raw: little basil, cucumber, lettuce ... (other vegetables if you like), add a little crushed roasted peanuts, shallots

Tam Ky chicken rice

This chicken rice plate
In some place we mention about, we can’t not mention about Quang Nam, because chicken rice in Quang Nam is the best. Today, there are a lot of stalls, restaurants, shops serve this delicious dish, but we will talk about the most famous restaurant for chicken rice in here. That is Ms Luan special chicken rice. This restaurant has many branches in Ho Chi Minh and some place in Da Nang. It is very crown.

Sa Dec Noodles

“Sa Dec” Noodles – thing to eat with flavor of Mekong delta in Vietnam
Noodle dish is popular with many southerners. However, many diners interesting dishes, flavor countryside must mention this special dish.
Besides rice-noodle brand Tho, nine dragon lands exist other rice-noodle brand infatuation hearts - rice noodles. Sweet fragrant rice noodles in this town.

An attractive dish
Noodles fiber is made ​​from rice flour, milk white. It were big, soft fiber, moderate toughness and not friable. When swallowed, if you look closely you will see stem sweet flavored noodles.

About 800m central beach area Dao Garden, it focused midrange hotel restaurant that many travel groups choose when to Bai Chay. If you stay here, just walking down the street is able to enjoy seafood in the restaurants next door. However, due close to downtown so the price here is still quite high.

For those travelers who travel Halong at obvious time, they often look to the seafood restaurant across town. That's sidewalk cafes on coastal embankments in the area of ​​Ben Doan, Bai Chay by about one kilometer. From far away you can smell the fragrance nose tingle of oysters, clams, snails baked. Call sip a beer and oyster plate with baked milk, will not have anything more wonderful when you enjoy the salty sea in windy bouts. Rustic style at affordable prices is a plus that many whisper travelers to this place.

travel to Mekong delta

RV Jahan cruise
Launched in 2010, the RV Jahan cruise is the newest member of the Mekong River Boat Collection, and a baby brother to the famous Jayavarman containing 26 cabins at 4-star standard. The new flagship Jahan Cruise brings river cruising on the Mekong River into a new territory. The singular feelings of a luxury boutique hotel, the relaxing pace of a river cruise and the great opportunity to gain many new useful experiences, are some of many characteristics of Jayavarman. Sapa hiking trails
Jahan cruise
With the capacity of maximum 48 guests at the same time, Jahan is a luxury riverboat providing by far the best accommodation on the Mekong River. Nothing can be compared with her beautifully decorated staterooms with many convenient services and food available. Launched in 2011, Jahan is one of the top vessels on the Mekong Delta that features a personal balcony in every cabin as well as the ship’s public areas offering an elegant beauty. The unique cuisine in Hoian
La Marguerite
With the elegant setting for the unlimited river cruise through two exotic countries, Vietnam and Cambodia, this vessel is a boutique five-star floating hotel suitable to travel along the beautiful Mekong River. With the help of all the staffs who have comprehensive knowledge of the region you will have a chance to know about cultural traditions and customs while being able to take part in as many activities as you wish.

Relax in the tranquil and comfortable air-conditioned lounges and on the Sun Deck of the vessel while enjoying the magnificent views they offer, be amused with a variety of games, free wireless internet access in certain areas, DVDs and music or cherish yourself in the stunning spa or work out in the fitness centre are many activities to keep you comfortable all the time.

Le Cochinchine cruises
Especially taking its guests into close contact with local people from every corner of the delta, Le Cochinchine will offer you abundant opportunity of admiring the Mekong Delta in its authenticity by letting you insight of this exotic land. Biking tour around the peculiar villages and tasting the special local food will bring you an unforgettable vacation.
 
In all cabins and public areas, safety instruction signs and life jackets kept in your wardrobe and also in main public areas are available to ensure the safe of all travelers. In case of urgency, each traveler is required to move at once to the gather stations indicated with signs and bide instructions.
With all of our friendly, passionate and professional staffs, our Indochina Voyages is proud to bring you a memorable journey on Le Cochinchine cruises at comparative price. Choose us as your perfect parter.

Mango Cruises in Mekong Delta
Their management team has many years experience in Vietnam’s tourism industry and has been offering tours to discerning international travelers for many years. They have now applied their inside knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to Mango Cruises.

High quality and convenient sampans built with clear purpose and decorated with comfort, privacy and safety in mind offered by all the passionate office staffs and boat crew who try their best to fulfill their duties are what make tourists satisfy with the services of this vessel. Original journeys and routes not offered by other cruise/tour providers. All of the luxurious, private experiences here are offered at a fair price.

Religion in Cambodia

Thearavada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia which is practiced by 95 percent of the population-- just like that of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka. However, Christianity and Cham Muslim are being active and popular among a large number of population as well in the capital and provinces, showing a sign of growth. Daoism and Confuism are also commonly practiced among the Chinese people. Indochina tours Cambodia
Buddhist monks are highly disciplined and must follow 227 rules in addition to the ten basic precepts of being a good Buddhist. Monks cannot take part in entertainment. They lead simple lives dedicated to Buddhism and the temple.
Buddha
Buddhists see the universe and all life as part of a cycle of eternal change. They follow the teaching of Buddha, an Indian prince born in the sixth century B.C. Buddhists believe that a person is continually reborn, in human or nonhuman form, depending on his or her actions in a previous life. They are released from this cycle only when thy reach nirvana, which may be attained by achieving good karma through earning merit and following the Buddhist path of correct living. Cambodia travel tours
Earning merit is an important of Buddhist life. Buddhists in Cambodia earn merit by giving money, goods, and labor to the temples, or by providing one of the two daily meals of the monks.
Children often look after the fruits trees and vegetable gardens inside their local wat, or temple. Boys can earn merit by becoming temple servants or novice monks for a short time. Most young men remain monks for less than a year.

Theravada Buddhism is Cambodia’s state religion and has been since the 13th century, except during the Khmer Rouge period. During that time, all monks were disrobed or killed and most religious scholars were murdered or fled into exile. Today the country is about 95 percent Buddhist. There are also two Muslim communities, the Cham and the Malay, making up 3 percent of the population. Just under 3 percent are Christians, plus there is a substantial population of Western missionaries trying to raise that figure. In the northeast of the country, many of the ethnic minority groups practice tribal religions.

cambodia monk religion
Religion is important in Cambodia, and monks are revered. The country also has a sizable Cham Muslim population, too.
Before Cambodia embraced Buddhism, there was Hinduism. Back in the day, Hinduism was one of the Khmer Empire’s official religions. In fact, Angkor Wat is the largest Hindu temple in the world, and one of the only dedicated to Brahma. And while Hinduism is no longer directly practiced in Cambodia, it influences Khmer Buddhist practices, such as weddings, funerals, and the use of astrology to find auspicious dates for important events.
The Cambodian approach to Buddhism is the same as their approach to most things: relaxed. Most Cambodians visit the pagodas for the major Buddhist holidays, such as Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day), and this is often the extent of their religious observances. Few Cambodians abstain from all of the Five Precepts of Buddhist belief, which prohibit killing, stealing, fornication, lying, and drinking. While they may not follow all of the rules, Cambodians still believe in reincarnation and the idea that one’s position in life is derived from past actions. (This may explain why, as a rule, they treat their dogs so poorly.)
Most Cambodians identify as Buddhist, but their version of Buddhism includes forms of ancestor worship, shamanism, and animism that predate Buddhism. In almost all Cambodian homes (and even at the temples), you’ll find spirit houses, small shrines to appease bad spirits and keep them away from the homes’ residents. Most Cambodians, particularly in the provinces, believe in ghosts and spirits. There are myriad folk tales about sorcery and ghosts that many Khmers accept as fact. One such is the story of a half-ghost, half-girl who slips through the windows of houses after pulling out her internal organs and leaving her corpse outside. Khmers call this spirit arb, or arb thmob. Shamans are often consulted for illnesses which are believed to have been caused by evil spirits.
Religion in Cambodia
Older women, particularly widows, often choose to live at Cambodian pagodas as helpers.
Unlike in most Christian religions, Buddhists who take vows to become a monk do not commit to this calling for life. It is common for Cambodian men to become monks for a short period of their life — usually a few weeks or a few months — to bring merit to their parents and to become closer to their Buddhist faith. This is usually done earlier in life, starting at age 13. The most common reason, though, that low-income Cambodians choose to become monks is to gain access to education that they might not be able to get otherwise. And for poor families in the provinces, having one less mouth to feed is a tempting proposition (long-term monkhood is much more common among Khmer youth from the countryside). Today less than 5 percent of men become monks, compared to 50 percent in the pre-Khmer Rouge days and close to 100 percent a century ago.

A Buddhist's Life in Myanmar

A Buddhist's Life
Buddhism plays an influential part in the life of most Myanmar people from the cradle to the grave. A Buddhist child may wake up each day to the sound of his parents or grandparents at prayer at the break of day, offering a meal to the Buddha through His image, reciting scriptures in His honour and sharing merits. The mother may cook rice and other dishes first thing in the morning to offer to the monks on their alms rounds. Long lines of monks in yellowish brown robes, holding their alms bowls and keeping their heads bowed, humbly receive whatever food is offered for their sustenance in order that they may help lay people on their way to Nibbana (Nirvana). Tours Indochina Myanmar
In the evening, children must pay respects to the Triple Gems, or the Buddhist Trinity, as well as to their parents according to the teachings of the Buddha.
A Myanmar boy will become a novice during the school holidays for periods ranging from a week or longer when he reaches his teens, or sometimes earlier. He will have his hair shaved, wear a robe, and stay in a monastery learning as much scripture as he can. Parents and grandparents take pride in sponsoring the novitiation ceremony for their children, normally associated with a feast. Many girls, too, will join meditation centres or have their hair shaved and become young nuns in a nunnery during their school holidays. Myanmar holidays

When the boy comes of age and gets married, a feast may again be held for the monks as a meritorious deed. Another feast for the monks may be held each time a new-born child is named or on any special occasion, be it social or religious. As the person gets older, he may spend most of his time reading religious books, listening to sermons, keeping fast on Sabbath days, joining meditation centres or doing the practice at home, to make the most of his life. And when he finally dies, there will be many offerings, including meals, made to the monks who in turn recite scriptures in a solemn ceremony meant to help the deceased on his way to another existence
Monk Cremation Ceremony (Phone Gyi Pyan)
A monk's funeral rite is one of the most important religious occasions among Myanmar Buddhists because the highly revered monks have taken an influential role in society since the time of royal monarchs. They set disciplines and examples for the lay people and help them in the areas such as education, organization, welfare and counseling in addition to religious services. Consequently, when the chief monk of a monastery passes away, the whole community mourns, takes part in his funeral rites, and celebrates on a grand scale in his honour.
The origin of the Buddhist cremation ceremonies can be traced back to Indian customs. In fact, all the Buddhist monks and laities follow the example of the Buddha, who had His remains cremated after his demise and whose relics were subsequently distributed and enshrined in many parts of the world.
In a typical Myanmar funeral, when the incumbent of a monastery dies, the body is usually embalmed so as to extend the time for final tribute while preparations are made for the funeral. The coffin, covered with a decorative and richly embroidered piece of velvet, is placed on a stately bier with royal ensigns at the four corners. On the day of the funeral, the coffin is placed on a hearse that is either a motor vehicle or a trailer drawn by the cortege. People from far and near throng to attend the funeral procession. In rural areas, some form of entertainment usually accompanies the occasion in order to attract or please the visitors. When the bier has reached the cemetery, the coffin is placed on top of the catafalque which has been filled with combustibles and sandalwood. Finally, the pyre is ignited from a distance by means of rockets, creating a spectacular fiery experience for the mournful onlookers.

Ha Giang - Nung Ethnic

Nung Ethnic in Ha Giang Vietnam
Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country with over fifty distinct groups (54 are recognized by the Vietnamese government), each with its own language, lifestyle, and cultural heritage. Many of the local ethnic groups are known collectively in the West as Montagnard or Degar. The largest ethnic groups are: Kinh (Viet) 86.2%, Tay 1.9%, Tai Ethnic 1.7%, Mường 1.5%, Khmer Krom (Khơ Me Crộm) 1.4%, Hoa 1.1%, Nùng 1.1%, Hmong 1%, others 4.1% (1999 census). The Vietnamese term for ethnic group is literally "minority people". Travel Indochina Vietnam

The Nùng (pronounced as noong [nuːŋ]) are an ethnic minority in Vietnam whose language belongs to the Central Tai branch of the Tai-Kadai language family. The Nùng sometimes call themselves as Tho (Vietnamese: Thổ, a shared name between the Tày and the Cuối, literally means Natives). In traditional times, they were sometimes referred by the Vietnamese as Thai. The term Thai Nung is also used to distinguish them with the Chinese Nùng who were the majority ethnic group in the Nung Autonomous Territory of Hai Ninh (1947-1954). The Nùng's ethnic name is often mingled with the Tày as Tày-Nùng.

Nung people mainly distribute in Quan Ba district, they live in valleys nearly rivers, streams or hills and live on farming rice, with high cultivation technique. Their animal husbandry highly developed while other handicraft makings are very diverse such as forging, casting, carpenters, knitting, paper making and especially cloth weaving. North Vietnam tours



Clothing mainly in an indigo color, the Nung women wear five-panel robes with buttons under the right armpit. Men wear shirts upright collar leaving open at breast and belly but having a row of cloth bottons and four pockets without cover.

According to the Vietnam census, the population of the Nùng numbered about 856,412 by 1999 and 968,800 by 2009. It's estimated to be more than 1,000,000 in 2014 (based on the 2009 census and 5 years of population growth). In Vietnam, the Nùng are the third largest Tai-speaking group, preceded by the Tày and the Thái (Black Tai, White Tai and Red Tai groups), and sixth overall among national minority groups.

They are closely related to the Tày and the Zhuang. In China, the Nùng, together with the Tày, are classified as Zhuang people. The Nùng are divided into several sub-groups such as: Nùng Xuồng, Nùng Giang, Nùng An, Nùng Phàn Sình, Nùng Lòi, Nùng Cháo, Nùng Quý Rỉn, Nùng Dín, Nùng Inh, Nùng Tùng Slìn, Nùng Hàn Xích, Nùng Sẻng, Nùng Gửi, Nùng Vảng, Nùng Giang Viện, Nùng Si Kết, Nùng Vên (Én) etc. Many of the Nùng's sub-group names correspond to the geographic regions of the Nùng homeland. Hoàng Nam (2008:11) lists the following Nùng subgroups.

Clothing mainly in an indigo color, the Nung women wear five-panel robes with buttons under the right armpit. Men wear shirts upright collar leaving open at breast and belly but having a row of cloth bottons and four pockets without cover.

Culture

The Nung language resembles the Tay, and belongs to the Tay-Thai Group. The Nung have a written language called Nom Nung (Nung scripts) which has prevailed since the 17th century. The Nung have an abundant wealth of folk arts and cultural activities including folksongs and alternative songs ("sli"). The smooth melodies of the "sli" are harmonious with the natural sounds of the forests and mountains. This type of folksong is a combination of verse and music.

The "Lung Tung" (Going to the Fields) Ceremony is very well known and attracts many people of all ages. This ceremony is always organized on the first month of the lunar year.

They live in wide stilt house with the outer compartment reserved for men and ancestor worship and the inner one reserved for women. Nung people do not celebrate death anniversaries, which makes birthday (celebration of life) for those beyond 50 years old and worship for the dead on July 15th, of lunar calender.

Wedding ceremonies still preserve many ancient customs and the brother of the groom’s mother plays a very important role in representing the groom’s family in mariage proposal and organising all ceremonies related to the wedding. The Nung flokloric culture is very famous with the “Sli”, a love dialogue song of the youth.

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue
Hue-The Imperial Capital of Vietnam
Renowned as the most royal city in Vietnam, Hue has enough charm to keep you staying as long as you can afford the time to visit.
Location and history
Located on the bank of Song Huong- Perfume River; Hue, the capital of Thua Thien Hue province in Central Vietnam, is 700 km southern Hanoi, 1100km northern Ho Chi Minh City, and only a few miles from the sea. Not until 1945 was Hue the national capital, the political, cultural and religious center of Vietnam under the control of Nguyen Dynasty. Most well-known for its historic values; Hue had been recognized as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Indochina travel Vietnam
Hue Travel Guide-Hue Cruise
What to see in Hue
If you are a history buff, or simply love discovering exotic cultures, Hue- Vietnam’s former Royal Capital is definitely on the top list of your travel plan. The city represents the outstanding demonstration of the power of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire, including a complex of monuments, tombs and pagodas that attract tourists coming from all over the world. Jasmine Cruise Halong bay
  Hue Travel Guide-Hue Entrace of Citadel

• Hue Citadel:
Occupying a large, bounded area on the north side of Perfume River; four citadels were comprised to create the Capital City: Hoang Thanh (Imperial City) for royal palaces and shrines, Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Purple City) for royal residences, Dai Noi (Inner city) and Tran Binh Dai, which exclusively ancient architecture. Tourists are expected to spend at least one day to visit the whole complex. They can also catch a taxi, hire a bicycle, rent a “xich lo”- Vietnamese cycle if do not feel like walking around the site.
• Emperors Tombs:
There are several tombs of ancient emperors scattering along the Perfume River: such as Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, etc. On Cam Khe Hill, Minh Mang Tomb was built in 1843, with the area of 18 hectare, 3-meter-high defended wall, and nearly 20 architectural constructions. Lying in the middle of a pine forest, Tu Duc Tomb belongs to Duong Xuan Moutain, 8km far from Hue.
• Pagodas:
Featured in various songs and poems, Thien Mu Pagoda has become an essential part of Hue City. With the symbol of the octagonal 21-meter-high tower, the pagoda is the perfect combination of artificial architectural work and picturesque nature. Tourists can also visit other pagodas such as Tu Dam, Tu Hieu, Huyen Khong.

Thien Mu Pagoda
If Hanoi has One-pillar pagoda, Hue is renowned for its Thien Mu pagoda. The architecture, location and history makes Thien Mu pagoda among the top attractions to see in Hue.
Location and history
The pagoda is located at the end of Kim Long Road, in Huong Long Ward, on the northern bank of the Perfume River.
There are many legends about Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Linh Mu Pagoda). Once upon a time, local residents saw an old lady in red appear every night on top of the hill. She foretold that: one day, the Lord would pass by and build something of great importance. From then on, the hill was named Thien Mu Son (Mountain of Lady from Heaven). When Lord Nguyen Hoang actually went pass the hill, he heard the legend and decided to build a pagoda and named it Thien Mu. Having gone through a lot of eventful phase, damages as well as renovations, today the pagoda still exists and remains the unofficial symbol of the ancient city Hue.
What to see
As tourists approach the pagoda, what seizes their attention first is the seven-storey octagonal tower named Phuoc Duyen Tower (formerly Tu Nhan Tower). Built in mid-19th century by King Thieu Tri, the tower was to commemorate the 80th birthday anniversary of his grandmother.
Passing the 3-door gate are 12 huge wooden sculptures of fearsome temple guardians and then in the middle of the area is where Dai Hung Palace – the main sanctuary of Thien Mu Pagoda, is located. Here, Buddha is worshipped with impressive sculptures and a giant bell, measuring 2.5m in height and 2 tons in weight, created since early 18th century. Fragrant incense smoke fills the air there all day long, making the praying for blessings calm and peaceful.
A building near the rear of the complex houses a national relic: the car which carried the monk Thich Quang Duc to the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Le Van Duyet streets in Saigon on June 11th 1963, where he burned himself to death in opposition to the anti-religion policy of Saigon’s regime at that time.
Coming to this prestigious sightseeing, visitors can enjoy both the scenery landscape and the typical traditional architecture of Hue pagodas. Thanks to its high position upward a charming curve of Perfume River, the pagoda offers a mind-boggling view of both the flow and the surrounding areas. Covered with pine trees, bonsai and delicate manmade pond, this religious site brings about a peaceful feeling which is hard to find anywhere else.
Hue Travel Guide-Thien Mu Pagoda1
How to get there
Thien Mu Pagoda is about 4km from Hue City Center, thus you can get here by: motorbike, bike, as well as boat. A boat trip can also include visiting Hon Chen Temple and Minh Mang Tomb. A bike-trip is recommended, since the road is very scenic and rather short. Travellers can also combine a trip to Thien Mu Pagoda with Hue Temple of Literature and Huyen Khong Pagoda, which are just a few km away. One remind for those who are fond of bike: a perfect ride should be in early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of Hue.
When to get there
The site opens daily from early in the morning till 5PM. It’s suggested that tourists should come here early in the morning to see the fresh beginning of daily activities in the pagoda, or at sunset when the sky and the river combines to create a picturesque scene.
On special occasions such as 15th of April and July of Lunar Calendar or at Tet Holiday, the pagoda is more crowded and has several unique ceremonies that visitors may be interested in. These are also the time when visitors can have the most traditional and delicious vegetarian food in the city. Tourists can freely join these meals.
Tips
Avoid wearing tight and short clothes like short skirts when visiting the pagoda, since entrance to the main hall Dai Hung is not allowed for those wearing these costumes. Also, don’t make noise when visiting the pagoda.

Ha Giang Forest Festival

Although the Pu Peo is ethnic people in Ha Giang, they still preserved many liturgies and a folklore treasure. Along with other liturgies are held in the New Year, people prays dryad for the green of forest, security for people in the forest fest. Also, from this ceremony, the forest has the Pu Peo protected very well, especially, the sacred forest. They protect the forest in order to have water for farming and have wood for making house. Each year, on June 6th lunar calendar, people held this fest with the most solemn rites. North Vietnam tours

The fest takes place in the forbidden forest, the sorcerer faces in a big tree and bow in the ground in order to pray dryad for protecting their village. The Pu Peo always understands that preserving forest is keeping water.

All thing were displayed on the banana leaf forest, the altar was constructed of green bamboo with nearly 2 meters height, facing the mountain. The square glutinous rice pounded to a pulp to make cakes, sliced carefully. On each piece of rice is a small boiled egg. It the bottom of the altar, there has 2 chickens which are still alive. Around the altar is bottle wine and bowl. Besides, they have forced a female goat near the altar. The fest lasts several hours; sorcerer holds a fresh bamboo waving in all time of liturgy. Sometimes, he holds a dried gourd. The rite shows the respect of human divided into three stages. The first stage, chickens and goats still live, the second stage, the youngsters cut their neck and finally, people have meal in this place right. The families do not attend, they also were divided food. Halong Jasmine Cruise

During the day, with the jubilant atmosphere and the unity of ethnic groups in the village, the liturgy was implemented by the Pu Peo ethnic. The festival part is involved by whole people in the village. Having traditional sports such as: push sticks, tug, playing “ao”…attract a large number of ethnic groups. Besides, folk song programs will be presented by the Pu Peo ethnic. Jasmine Cruise

Harmony with nature, respect and protect natural forest as friend become a common sense of Pu Peo community, shown in each family, village. Each sacred forest is protected by people. It not only brings physical value and spiritual value but also contributes to protect and develop environment.

Ha Giang Praying for Rain Festival 

Praying for rain festival of the Lo Lo is common religious in agriculture. On the festival occasions, almost all activities of the Lo Lo are aimed at praying for rain. They wish the rain down to the Meo Vac field and they pray for a prosperous forever.

Every March, when the climate is dry and trees lack water, Lo Lo ethnic people in Meo Vac, Ha Giang Province often held a praying for rain festival. With typical rituals, the festival, handed down from generation to generation, is also an opportunity to meet one another.

Ha Giang Praying for Rain Festival 

The praying for rain festival is often held on the 15th, 17th, 19th of the 3rd lunar month. It is only organized when the weather is harsh or drought appears. Previously, rich people in villages used to pay for the cost of the festival but nowadays each villager contributes an item to the festival. Objects include a chicken, a dog or a kilogram of rice is taken to the house of a sorcerer or village chief. To have a successful praying for rain festival, the first procedure that cannot be avoided is to organize a ceremony to ask ancestral sorcerers for aid.

The procedure is quite easy, including a cup of water, incense and bamboo paper (a kind of papers that is used for sacrifices of the Lo Lo people). First of all, the sorcerer burns incense at the family ancestor’s altar and then, the cup of water and the paper are placed at a house corner. After that, the sorcerer starts worshipping. He covers the water cup with the bamboo paper; if the water in the cup is not absorbed or poured out of the cup, “permission is granted” and then, the praying for rain festival will be successful. Finally, the sorcerer burns the bamboo paper and the procedure is completed.

The Lo Lo ethnic people believe that after organizing the festival within three to nine days, it will rain. The festival is divided into two parts: the ritual and the festival. The ritual is made with the participation of villagers. Live objects such as dogs and chicken will be taken to the praying place and worshipped twice. After being used for worshipping for the first time, village’s boys will slaughter them and use the meat for worshipping again.

When the worship finishes, villagers drink the alcohol, eat the meat and dance. Beautiful Lo Lo girls dance in their traditional costumes weaved with colorful patterns.

The rain praying festival is a typical cultural activity bearing unique characteristics. The festival is an opportunity for villagers to pray for luck and show their faith in God

Saigon shopping guide

Vietnam is a country with extremely attractive tourist, thousands of years of history and incredible landscapes, however you can't let pass the opportunity to do some shopping in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Here we review the best shops, the best markets and above all, places where to find the best prices and deals. South Vietnam tours
What to buy in Ho Chi Minh City?

In the former Saigon can buy clothes, bags, accessories, accessories, shoes, lingerie, jewelry, cosmetics, makeup, perfumery, sports footwear, sportswear, books, computing, photography, mobile covers, fabrics, silks, coffee and Vietnamese tea, handicrafts, seeds and Oriental ingredients, clothes tailored... in Ho Chi Minh City you can buy everything cheaper than in Spain, with the exception of Apple mobile phone: the iPhone. Indochina Sails cruise
A list of our favorite shops that we recommend to do some shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.

Clothing Stores

Council: in Vietnam should not rely on sizes, because sizes are Vietnamese, if something you like try you.

Before buying clothes in Saigon: in Ho Chi Minh City can buy designer clothes, imitation brands quality, medium quality clothing and Vietnamese brands. MEKONG SECRET CRUISE

Saigon shopping guide

Us you we recommend to buy good clothing replica of big brands (Armani Exchange, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, etc), it is better to pay a little more and bring us good genre, which not allow ourselves to be carried away by the cheap prices and as well other worse quality forgeries that look at first sight.

For shirts, polos and t-shirts is important to look at the quality of the cotton. A cheap cotton to a good cotton price may be double, but certainly outweighs by far.

Counterfeit medium quality / low

In the Ben Thanh market, night market or the market day is the tourist shopping centre par excellence.

There you can buy t-shirts, shirts, Polo shirts and trousers of replicas of all brands of the market (Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Armani, Calvin Klein, etc), jackets and The North Face Kit, etc... Also in Ben Thanh Market, it is easier to find European sizing.

The clothes we buy clothes there may be considered as tourist or as souvenirs for family and friends. It's very cheap, but the quality is medium - low.

High quality fakes

Asia is the factory of the world. Most of the clothes that circulates around the world is manufactured in China, Vietnam and surrounding areas. The same factories being mass produced clothes for big brands (authentic clothing) used those production processes and manufacturing to generate surpluses of very similar quality. We are talking about exact replicas, of quality that you can wear on a daily basis for years.

Maximark mall is Midway Airport, it is necessary to travel by taxi, but the ride is worth. On the second floor of the Mall you can find replicas of the best brands of the market top quality: Armani Exchange, Diesel, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, DKNY, Tommy, Polo, etc...

If you decide to buy local brands clothing Vietnamese, you'll find clothes of high quality at very good prices.

Our two favorite of Vietnamese clothing brands are Unicolor (mens) and Blue Exchange (fashion casual men and women). You have a Unicolor store at the Mall Maximark. Blue Exchange shops are scattered throughout the shopping streets of Saigon, but you have a very large tent with few people on the top floor of the Citi Plaza Mall.

Throughout the city of Ho Chi Minh City will find brands most fashionable of Vietnam, and for example Nhat Minh Anh Dieu. In stores Pierre Cardin sells An Phuoc Vietnamese brand, but for shirts's man one of Vietnamese brands by his relation quality / price is Viet Tien.

Clothing brand

If you intend buying in Saigon is your favorite designer clothes you're in luck, all the brands in the market will cost you less money than in Spain with the exception of Zara.

We advise you to go to a mall to make this kind of purchase, since in any small shop, you can be paying a high price for a fake, good, but fake.

Saigon Centre

Because of its great location, right in the middle of the main avenue Le Loi, one of the best areas in purchases of clothing brand is the commercial centre Saigon Centre, where you will find a little of everything. The appearance and distribution of Saigon Centre a little reminiscent of El Corte Inglés, with several floors dedicated to man and woman, escalators, etc...

Sai Gon Square

To little meters of Saigon Centre, in a perpendicular Street, we have the Sai Gon Square Mall. Sai Gon Square is a chain of shopping centers scattered throughout the city of Ho Chi Minh City, although the prices are the same. Sai Gon Square mixes great with small positions of market stores inside. There we can find, in addition to clothing, jackets, coats and much equipment The North Face, which are not capable of ensuring is its authenticity.

Zen Plaza

A couple of streets from the Ben Thanh market we have the Zen Plaza shopping center, situated in the shopping street Nguyen Trai. In addition to restaurants and leisure area, this Mall has a lot of offer of casual clothing, for example Diesel brand clothing.
A point in favor of this mall is that once we get out of the mall, we are on a street full of shops.

NowZone

A little further away, but also in District 1 have the Mall NowZone. This shopping center of the city of Saigon is relatively small and with fewer offer the previous, however have shop talk and very good prices for the Levi's brand.

Stores Sportswear

There are relatively few sportswear shops in Ho Chi Minh City. Our favorite is the official Adidas store. They have the same catalog, the same clothes and qualities than any other store in the group, but generally the prices are 20% cheaper than in Spain already that practically all items are manufactured in Vietnam.

The vast majority of the models of Nike shoes to run, the so-called line Nike Running, are made in Vietnam, and therefore quite cheap.

Luxury Shopping

A whim not hurt anyone and if you can afford it, these are your stores. In the city of Ho Chi Minh City luxury and super luxury stores are all in District 1, in the vicinity of main street Le Loi and strategically situated front of 5 star hotels.

Le Loi to go to A Street crossing City of Ho Chi Minh City, at the foot of the hotel Rex, have stores of Vertu, Bulgary, Burberry, Cartier, Channel.

A couple of streets of this place, just in front of the Theatre of the Saigon Opera House, in the basement of the Caravelle hotel we have Louis Vuitton shop and stores of luxury watches.

Malls Parkson and Diamond Plaza

To finish the list of luxury shops, we must refer to upscale Parkson and Diamond Plaza shopping malls. In these stores you do not pretend to find good prices nor 70% discount, you can however give you the pleasure of buy to the Pretty Woman in a mall in fancy paying Spanish prices.

As curiosity will say that marks which in Spain are very normal as Zara, H & M and Mango, in Vietnam are considered luxury brands. Having said that, that don't be surprised seeing the jet set Vietnamese buying on the handle or the Vietnamese teenage girls pining for a shirt from H & M.


Tailors and Clothing as

It tailoring Dung is without a doubt one of the best options when it comes to making and buy clothes tailor-made, either for men or for women.

Are you interested / to make custom clothes on? Want more information on Dung tailoring shops and more tailored suits for men and ladies? here you go: Tailored suits in Ho Chi Minh City.

Fabric, silk and textile

The reference for the purchases of fabrics, silks and textiles in general is An Dong market. Located in district 5, also it is necessary to take a taxi from the 1st District. This Vietnamese market in any rule, is located just behind the modern, luxurious and expensive shopping center An Dong Plaza, where there are obviously not many customers (see Markets in Vietnam).

An Dong Market is the place where many Vietnamese traders make their purchases of textiles, clothing, tourism, etc... before selling in other parts of the city of Ho Chi Minh City (eg Ben Thanh market).

Although the An Dong market can find practically the same items as Ben Thanh market, at a price much like Ben Thanh Market unless you buy multiple items.

The strong point of the An Dong market are fabrics. If we have in mind let us a tailored suit, either of man or Knight, and buy An Dong to later visit the Dung tailoring fabrics on the market interested that compile you the costume.

shopping streets

As best enjoy shopping in Saigon is going to store the various shopping streets of the city. The most prominent shopping streets are:
Commercial Le Loi Street: the most tourist street in the city of Ho Chi Minh, the precious Saigon Street so to speak. Located in the heart of the city, begins at the Saigon Opera and ends at the Ben Thanh market.
We have lots of small shops and luxury shopping malls. It is a constant temptation for travelers by the number of items sold and prices. Le Loi Street is a good place to start shopping, but usually prices will be the most expensive.
The great advantage of Le Loi Street is that we can find almost anything and sizes also suitable for foreigners.
Commercial Nguyen Trai Street: following street Le Loi, after passing the Ben Thanh market, Nguyen Trai starts the shopping street. Here all the shops you find are small shops at street and multitude of posts Street by way of improvised street markets. It is one of the best places to buy accessories and backpacks
Calle commercial Luu Van Lang: is one of the corners of the Ben Thanh market have small shopping street Luu Van Lang, where are your specialty shoes for women.
Commercial Hai Ba Trung Street: shopping street, close to the Cathedral of Saigon, full of stores covering the 1 distitros and 3 of Ho Chi Minh City. The best of this street are shops (man and woman), clothes shoes and restaurants.
Calle commercial Cach Mang Thang: also called CMT 8 Street is a lengthy commercial Street perpendicular to Nguyen Trai covering several districts of Saigon. The more away from District 1, higher probabilities of finding good sales and offers. We recommend to rent a bike to explore the street from beginning to end and quietly stop at any store that you like.

Shoe Stores

If you like the shoes in Vietnam you will require several suitcases to get all the pairs of shoes that you are able to buy for 50€.

With regard to man shoes there are variety and quantity, but Madam shoes is the strong point of Vietnam: sandals, shoes heel, ballerinas, shoes, boots, slippers, etc... the amount of designs, colors and models that are offered in Saigon is overwhelming.
Most of the shoes are made of plastic and / or leatherette, if you want a good leather shoes have to look a little more.

One of the best places to start looking for shoes is the Street Luu Van Lang (attached to the Ben Thanh market), we recommend you pass through there at sunset, about 7 in the evening.

The Ben Thanh and An Dong markets also have plenty of shoes and footwear. If you have little time we recommend the Ben Thanh market, if you have a couple of free hours to go shopping, please read the An Dong market, you won't regret it.

The Street Hai Ba Trung is very good choice for buying shoes dress or to find some shoes that convinen that something in your wardrobe.

Stores Handbags, belts, watches and accessories

After the clothes and shoes, their turn to handbags, belts and accessories.
We venture to say that 90% of the bags that are sold in Vietnam are forgeries, in some cases, handbags replicas are so good that it is impossible to distinguish authentic bag. The only site where you can buy an authentic bag (eg: Louis Vuitton bags) is in the official shop authorized, not you fies from any other store.

Bags

Important note about bags: the Vietnamese authorities do not allow that fakes of brands that have shop in Vietnam sold, that is not allowed, does not mean that it does not. If you are interested in a bag of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Carolina Herrera or similar you speak with the owner of the store and will teach you a catalogue with all models that can not put in conspicuous places, but it does have on sale. Negotiating price or directly ask to see the bag and any dependents will bring your bag from a nearby place wrapped in bags or inside any box so that it is not very visible.

The best place to buy handbags is Ben Thanh night market, all bags that are sold there are replicas whose prices ranging from 4€ (120.000VND) to 35€ (1,000.000VND).
Here's the detail of a few bags that we bought in Saigon, Louis Vuitton bag seems 100% authentic, inside actually says made in france.

The price of the bag depends on materials and the quality of the copy. A good price for a bulk bag are 15€ (380.000VND), for an exact a Louis Vuitton handbag copy have to pay 30€ (900.000VND) after much bargaining.

As an alternative to buy handbags at the Ben Thanh night market we have the shopping street Nguyen Trai, or better said, the Street stalls located on both sides of the street Nguyen Trai. The best time to walk the street in search of bags is in the afternoon (around 16: 00), you will not find as much variety as in Ben Thanh night market, but the price is cheaper.

Bags are also sold in the market An Dong. As there are many small shops scattered inside, it costs more find what we want. The prices are almost the same as in the Ben Thanh night market, with what we recommend to go to the An Dong market only if we have not found the bag that we want in the other stores or if we want to take advantage of the visit to buy clothing or textiles.

belts

When buying belts in the city of Ho Chi Minh we have to keep in mind that not only models available have exhibited belt, but we also assemble and customize the belt in the act in the event that we do not like the buckle closure, etc..
Basically you choose the type of material (we recommend leather), the color and the type of buckle. The owner or any dependents will take you measures and they will cut and adjust the belt in the Act.

Belts prices ranging from 5€ to 12€, depending on the material and the type of closure. The vast majority are black leather belt / brown where they change the buckle with the emblem of the various brands: Hugo Boss, Polo, Armani, Gucci, Energie, Channel, DKNY, etc...

As for handbags, one of our favorite places to buy belts is Ben Thanh night market.

Purchases of belts and accessories in Saigon
Belts and Accessories
Glasses and complete purchases Ho Chi Minh
Sunglasses

Watches

Do you want a rolex? or maybe more like it perhaps a Seiko?, James Bond Omega watch or you are more than one Channel Watch... no matter, in Saigon you can buy copies of all models on the market for less than $10, but if the clock is late you don't;-) protestes

Watch stores in Vietnam
Stores Watches

Inside the Ben Thanh market you have replicas of all conceivable models. If you want to buy a watch a little more curious but you don't want to spend a fortune, for 50€ you have good authentic watches at Citi Plaza shopping center.

Sunglasses and Accessories

In Vietnam, we can buy many models of sunglasses so genuine as replica sunglasses. Gives equal to be a street post or an optics, they all have copies and forgeries of sunglasses Ray-Ban, Channel, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Oakley and the like.
The best authentic sunglasses in optics and after asking the clerk, in Vietnam there is any kind of problem admitting that a goggle is false, but on the contrary, it justifies the high price of a genuine product that precisely because there import.

The prices for authentic glasses are slightly lower than Spain (for the tax issue), copies made-in -china are much cheaper. To buy sunglasses we recommend any of the malls in Saigon.

In Ho Chi Minh City, there are two very good stores to buy backpacks, bags, briefcases, suitcases, etc... the first store is called Thuong is nothing but pass the Ben Thanh market, just opposite the Park (Le Lai 10 Street). This store has lots of backpacks replicas of The North Face, covers for cameras, etc. The second store is called popularly Lo Ba 70 Nguyen Trai Street (1 kilometer shop Thuong, following that same street in a straight line).

Both stores are 2 small neighborhood shops at street level, are recognizable because they have so many genre that leaves the store.


Jewelry

The price of gold, gemstones, diamonds, jade, etc... is set by the market, however the low taxes paid in Vietnam joined the labor is cheaper, made ​​in Vietnam and in particular the city of Ho Chi Minh raised a good place to buy some jewelry.

Throughout the 1 district there are many jewelry stores, mostly in the vicinity of Ben Thanh market, however, I recommend Cartino jewelry, located in a small shopping centre the 182 Ly Chinh Thang Street. Various designs and prices of jewelry, pendants and rings that sold in the store can be viewed on their website www.cartino.vn

Jade Bracelets

One of the most typical jewels of Vietnamese women are Jade bracelets, easily recognizable by its green colour. Depending on the quality and purity of the jade your price will be greater or lesser, a good Jade bracelet costs about 35€ (1,000,000 VND). Sell this kind of bracelets and bracelets of Jade Ben Thanh market, the Citi Plaza Mall and also in An Dong market.

Lingerie stores and swimwear

Most malls have a section of lingerie and swimwear. For swimwear we can find deals at the supermarket Coopmart, although best prices throughout the city you will find in the lingerie in the 298 Street Hai Ba Trung Trang Phuc Lot store.

Camera Stores

For the picture and above all, photography enthusiasts SLR are in luck. Cameras photos are slightly cheaper in Vietnam than in Spain, but everything else is 3 times cheaper: objectives, lenses, filters, tripods, memory cards, covers, triggers, etc...

Strategically located to have a couple of photo shops on Le Loi Street, but if looking for good deals you should first stop by May Anh KTS Camera shop in the 22 Street Huynh Thuc Khang (parallel to Le Loi Street).
You can buy filters neutral reflex camera imported from Japan for 3€, leather cases for 6€, etc.


Computer stores and electronics

The precious iPad is priced almost the same as in Spain, the same goes for the iPhone and in general with other Apple products. In Vietnam we fake Apple Store, iCenter calls with an aesthetic very similar to genuine Apple stores.

We can find a good deal for laptops, although we recommend buying consumables and peripherals in Vietnam, as they are much cheaper.
Huynh Thuc Khang Street is one of the best places to do some purchases of computers, technology and electronics in Vietnam.


Shops to buy coffee, tea, herbal teas and ingredients eastern

Vietnam is a country famous for its coffee and teas. Try an authentic Vietnamese coffee and you'll know why.
If you like and finally decide to buy coffee, tea, herbal teas or any other Vietnamese ingredient / oriental, markets are best to buy coffee. Whether any street market of Saigon, large markets such as Ben Thanh and An Dong or even the floating markets of the Mekong delta.

Bookstores, stationery, toys, souvenirs, etc.

To buy this kind of articles it is best the Street Le Loi. The vast majority of shops and street stalls of District 1 of Saigon are very tourist-oriented and we find curious souvenirs to bring back home, apart from the famous Vietnamese Hat called Non the.

If you like reading or want to learn Vietnamese, do not hesitate, stop by any bookstore and buy any book, whose prices are around 3€. We recommend the Sai Gon Bookstore Bookstore, Le Loi 60 Street, whose top floor is dedicated to books on languages. Our second recommendation is the Fahasa Bookstore bookshop located on 52nd Street Nguyen Hue.

The most charming street in Da Nang city – Bach Dang Street

The glamorous city of Da Nang has variety of stunning attractions, from beautiful beaches and natural destinations to amazing Ba Na Hill and outstanding architectures. Especially, on the left side of poetic Han River, there is a very alluring and fantastic street called Bach Dang Street. It is considered as the most charming street in Da Nang city with perfect position and perfect view. Travel Centre Vietnam tours
 Da Nang city – Bach Dang Street
Bach Dang is not only an ideal place to see the whole wonderful view of Da Nang city, but also has a lot of historical relics, cultural beauty and notable architectures such as bridges, buildings, etc.
Splendid embankment
Bach Dang Street runs along Han River. Some people compared Bach Dang Street as a bulwark embracing the city or as the image of a sweet mother hugging her child. The street brings distinctive creation of architecture as a highlight of the city. It is also featured by a lot of stunning natural sceneries. Jasmine Cruise Halong bay
The most charming street in Da Nang city – Bach Dang Street
Walking along the street, you can see and feel the vibrant city of Da Nang with high-rise buildings, extremely impressive bridges including Han Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Thuan An Bridge as well as the poetic beauty of Han River. You can stand on the street or on bridges to see other destinations of Da Nang such as Son Tra peninsula or Ngu Hanh Son. Mekong eyes cruise

The witness of history

Bach Dang Street has existed for a very long time, since the city has name of Tourance. In the past, it is an important street in Da Nang’s transportation with many key buildings, cultural centers put on it. A part of the street was a crucial trade port, where was very crowded with foreign ships. Han Market, a very big market of Da Nang was held on the street. There was also a train station built in French Colonial time. Other remarkable buildings were French Cutural Center (today is Da Nang Library), Cham Museum,…

The most charming street in Da Nang city – Bach Dang Street

Best place in holiday
In New Year Holiday, Bach Dang Street is covered with colorful flowers, making an outstanding version of flower street of Nguyen Hue (Ho Chi Minh City). The street along Han River is more beautiful and charming because of many different species of blooming flowers.

In other holidays or festivals, Bach Dang Street with a lot of advantages in aesthetics, position and space is always used to celebrate.
Visiting Da Nang city, one of the first thing you have to do is hiring a bike or just walking by your foot to make a tour on Bach Dang Street.

Ban Gioc Waterfall: An Illustrated Guide

Chinese travellers, Ban Gioc FallsBan Gioc Waterfall is one of Vietnam’s most impressive natural sights. Located in the northeastern province of Cao Bang, the falls are 30 metres high and 300 metres across, making Ban Gioc the widest – but not the highest – waterfall in the country. The falls occur on the Quay Son River, a beautiful jade-blue body of water, flowing through a pastoral landscape of rice fields and bamboo groves, surrounded by limestone pinnacles. At Ban Gioc, the Quay Son River forms the border between Vietnam and China; consequently the falls are half in Vietnam and half in China. Both countries have bamboo rafts that punt visitors around the base of the falls for better views of the cascade; you can literally shake hands with Chinese tourists on the other rafts. Ban Gioc Waterfall is 350km from Hanoi. It’s reached via a good national highway to Cao Bang City, and then several recently upgraded provincial roads, leading through fantastic countryside to the falls. It’s now easier than ever to visit Ban Gioc, but still very few people – especially foreign travellers – make it here. A perfect destination if you’re on a motorbike road trip around northern Vietnam, or an independent traveller looking to get off the beaten track, this waterfall is a favourite destination of mine. Below is my illustrated guide to Ban Gioc Waterfall and my map of the area. Travel North Vietnam

Before reaching Ban Gioc Falls, the Quay Son River ambles through a sumptuous valley, studded with limestone karsts. I warm to this gentle landscape, and it’s been one of my favourite corners of the country ever since I first visited the area in 2009.

Quay Son River Valley, Cao Bang Province

The best time to visit the falls is from September to October, when the summer rains that feed the waterfall are less frequent and harvest is in full swing. Farming techniques can’t have changed much here in centuries; save for some mechanized rice threshers, most of the work is done by hand. One piece of ‘technology’ you’ll see along the banks of the river is the bamboo water wheel. This attractive, medieval-looking device scoops up water from the river, carries it up to the level of the fields, and drops it into earth gutters, which channel the water into the fields to irrigate the crops. It’s a hypnotic, peaceful and timeless sight. Vietnam Mekong river cruise

Bamboo water wheel on the Quay Son River

The serenity of this valley is dramatically broken when the Quay Son River reaches a 300 metre-wide limestone ledge, and drops sharply down several terraces, creating Ban Gioc Waterfall. Some brave (or foolhardy) fishermen stand in precarious positions, casting their lines into the cascade.

The cascade, Ban Gioc Waterfall

Because the falls are located right on the Chinese border, foreign travellers used to require a special permit to visit the area. But today (2014) you can just turn up and buy a ticket (20,000vnđ [$1]) at the kiosk without any documents at all, before walking down a gravel path to the waterfall. The path threads through rice fields, over wooden bridges above gurgling creeks, and onto an exposed grassy bank at the bottom of the falls. The wide, white cascade is fringed with foliage and framed by sharp tooth-like limestone mountains, which are partly obscured by drifting clouds of vapour from all the spray generated by the waterfall. Halong Paradise Cruise

Ban Gioc Waterfall: An Illustrated Guide

Ban Gioc Falls from the ticket kiosk

On the Chinese side of the river there’s a hotel on the hill, but the Vietnamese side has yet to see any significant development. A resort, run by Saigon Tourist, is under construction by the ticket entrance, but won’t be completed for some time. For now, the only tourist infrastructure here are a few unattractive wooden shacks covered by blue tarpaulins, selling snacks and trinkets. Almost all visitors to Ban Gioc stay in one of the dozens of good-value hotels in Cao Bang City, 90km west of the falls. However, there are two local guest houses (nhà nghỉ in Vietnamese) on either side of the road, about two kilometres before reaching the falls. Dinh Van II Hotel (Tel: 0263 602 789) and Nha Nghi Tung Duong (Tel: 0915 660 688) both offer basic but clean and inexpensive accommodation for a night at around 200-300.000vnđ ($10-15). There are also a couple of nhà nghỉ in Trung Khanh, the nearest town to Ban Gioc Falls, 25km to the west. This is a good option for intrepid travellers as Trung Khanh is a dusty, rustic border town with a wild west edge. There are several crumbling pastel-coloured shophouses and an interesting daily market with various imported goods from China. You’re guaranteed to be the only foreign traveller in town. Quang Uyen, a town halfway between Cao Bang and Ban Gioc Falls, also has a good guest house, called Duy Huong Hotel on Hoa Trung Street (Tel: 0266 266 888) for around 250,000vnđ ($12) a night. (For more about nhà nghỉ click HERE).

Shophouse in Trung Khanh town

There are lots of beautiful spots around the base of the falls on which to sit and take in the spectacle. Find a place on a pebbly beach or grassy bank, perch on a boulder in a stream or lay in the curving trunk of a tropical tree, and gaze in awe at one of Vietnam’s most romantic sights.

Taking in it

Bamboo rafts (50,000vnđ [$2.50] per person) punt visitors closer to the cascade for better views. The ‘ride’ lasts about 10 minutes and you’ll definitely get wet. In some areas signs in Vietnamese read ‘No Swimming!’ But it’s difficult to resist taking a plunge in one of the blue pools of water, especially around the smaller falls to the left of the central waterfall. There’s no one there to stop you bathing, and I’ve never encountered any resistance. But, of course, you should be very careful; stick to the placid rock pools and stay well away from the main cascade.

Punting on bamboo rafts

There’s a treacherous path leading up through jungle to the first and second tiers of the falls. Not for the faint-hearted – or for those without proper footwear – this track climbs steeply among vines and roots to several gorgeous pools of blue running water. Tread carefully because the rocks are slippery and soon you’ll reach the edge of a ledge, from where the water drops straight down into a giant limestone bowl below.

View from the 'treacherous path'

It’s possible to wander further and higher up the side of the falls for even more spectacular views of the deluge from above. It’s an ‘awesome’ sight – in the true sense of the word – but be extremely careful, and don’t even think about attempting it if it’s been raining. There are no handrails so if you slip there’s nothing to hold onto except exposed roots. You can find the start of the path behind the milestone marking the Vietnamese border, which is located over a rickety wooden bridge.

View from the top of the path

Considering the waterfall’s proximity to China – and the frosty ancient and recent history between the two countries – the atmosphere at Ban Gioc is very relaxed. Official presence on either side of the falls is minimal and, as seen in the photo below, Vietnamese floating vendors often approach Chinese rafts to sell their wares to Chinese tourists.

A Vietnamese floating vendor approaches a raft of Chinese tourists

It’s easy to forget that this province was one of several points along the Vietnamese border where, in February 1979, Chinese forces entered Vietnam under the orders of Deng Xiaoping. There were many reasons for the invasion, but ultimately it was an extension of tensions between the Soviet Union and China (Vietnam having signed a treaty with the USSR in 1978). Thousands of Vietnamese and Chinese were killed and, when the Chinese army departed (or retreated, depending on whose version of events you believe), they laid waste to the land they had briefly occupied. Along the road that follows the border just beyond the falls, there are memorial shrines dedicated to local Vietnamese who died during the 1979 war. Border disputes continued into the 1980s, and included the historic Nam Quan Gate, an ancient gateway between the two countries, which ultimately ended up on the Chinese side. The photo below shows a border marker on the Vietnamese side of the Quay Son River; just 20 metres away, across the river, is China. At some points along this road, the distance between the two countries is as little as 5 metres.