Buddhist legend in Keo Pagoda

The legend...

Come back to the history, legend said that a humble fisherman in the 11th century achieved enlightenment as a Buddhist monk and could thereby fly through the air, walk on water and tame snakes and tigers. However, the holy man Duong Khong Lo (1016-1094) secured his name firmly in his country’s history books when he used his magic powers to cure King Le Thanh Tong (1066-1127) of a terrible disease. Over 900 years later, residents of Vu Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province still honour the Buddhist hero with a festival as mystical as the legend it recognises. Vietnam tours

The features
The flocks of visitors who come to witness the Autumn Festival, the province’s biggest cultural event of the year, have no trouble finding Keo Pagoda, located on the site where the Buddhist dignitary had pagoda built in the 17th Century. 5 reasons to have a Halong Bay overnight trip

Buddhist legend in Keo Pagoda

Keo pagoda is architecturally unique and stands at a scenic spot on the Red River Delta. The Pagoda is home to a wealth of ancient relics, from intricately engraved wooden dragons to a collection of over 100 statues. The pagoda also has valuable antiques including a pair of candlesticks from the Mac Dynasty, pottery ware and altars from the Le Dynasty, imperial boats and more, which are all as well preserved now as they were during the time of the Le Trung Hung Dynasty in 16th century. Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary

The yearly festival is celebrated from 13th to 15th of the ninth lunar month, 100 days after the death of the Buddhist dignitary Duong Khong Lo. The festival features religious and traditional rituals and customs held in celebration of the Buddhist monk who rendered great merits to the people and the country. The festival also hosts different traditional cultural activities reflecting the life style, which is imbued with traits of the Red River Delta’s agricultural culture.

The celebration

The pagoda’s own mythical appeal plays a significant role in drawing so many visitors to Vu Nhat Village each year on the 13th, 14th and 15th days of the ninth lunar month. Normally, people visit the commune to offer prayer at the Keo Pagoda in honor of the Buddhist monk. Similar to other Vietnam festivals and events, Keo Pagoda Festival commences with a procession of palanquin to remind people of the anniversary of Khong Lo’s death, followed by a boat race and a literary recital competition during the day. When night falls, it's time for music and a trumpet and drum competition, light from the main shrine illuminates preparations for the next day’s procession, prayers are offered until midnight.

On the 14th day of the ninth lunar month, in celebration of the birth anniversary of monk Khong Lo, in the morning, the procession ceremony comes after the incense-offering ritual. A carriage pulled by two pairs of white and pink wooden horses head the procession, accompanied by 8 flag bearers and 42 men carrying bat but luu bo, a classical Vietnamese weapon. Four people wearing black gauze outfits and white trousers, who carry a dragon in commemoration of Khong Lo’s journey by boat to the capital of the kingdom to treat King Ly Nhan Tong. Four people in the same outfit carrying a small gilded boat put in a stand, depicting the period of monk Khong Lo’s life when he was a fisherman. In the afternoon, at Gia Roi shrine, the mua ech vo (frog-catching dance) ritual pays respect to the gods, while incense is offered to Buddha.

The festival continues into the next day with further entertainment and traditional games such as duck catching, rice cooking competition and firecracker hurling competition. However, the most interesting performance that attracts a large number of tourist is the  boat rowing dance on land which is performed by 12 people in fine costumes, standing in two parallel lines like the way they sit in the boat. As one performer beats a small drum and another holds a wooden fish, the 12 performers "row" while flexing their legs and calling out rhythmically. This performance also puts an end to the three-day Keo Pagoda Festival.

It is believed that together with this meaningful festival, Keo Pagoda will remain an interesting tourist attraction and a pride for Vietnamese architects, Vu Nhat villagers and all of Thai Binh Province – as well as our whole country!

3 famous dish in Vietnam

Com (boiled rice)
In Vietnam, com is eaten at the main meals of the day (lunch and dinner). Rice is eaten together with a variety of different dishes and is made from different kinds of rice. Typically fragrant rice is used, such as Tam Thom and Nang Huong. An ordinary meal may consist of boiled rice and the following:
Mon an kho (meal without soup) consists of dishes of pork, fish, shrimp, and vegetable cooked in oil, as well as vegetables, pickles, etc. Vietnam Foodie 12 days
Mon canh (meal with soup) consists of a soup made with pork or spare-ribs, crab meat, and fish.
In the past several years, people in urban centers have begun to go out for lunch at the food stalls on the street. Consequently, there has been a proliferation of temporary food stalls along many sidewalks and public spaces in the cities. Some stalls are open until early in the morning to cater to regular customers. Around noon, owners can be seen arranging tables and benches along the pavement to form makeshift shop floors. After two or three hours, when there are no more customers, they begin to remove all of their wooden furniture, so that the place resumes its former appearance. A well served lunch for one is very inexpensive. Mekong & Phu Quoc island (5 days, 4 nights)
Banh Chung (Sticky Rice Cake)

3 famous dish in Vietnam

Sticky rice cakes are a Vietnamese traditional dish that must be part of Tet meals. As a matter of fact, every Vietnamese family must have sticky rice cakes among the offerings placed on the altar to their ancestors. Vietnam tours
Bang chung is made of glutinous rice, pork meat, and green beans paste wrapped in a square of bamboo leaves, giving the rice a green colour after boiling.
According to the legend, under the reign of the Hung Kings, Prince Lang Lieu created sticky rice cakes and presented them to his father. Bang chung won high acclaims from the King who awarded the prince his throne.
Making sticky rice cakes is a very meticulous job. To obtain the best cakes, rice has to soak in water for an entire day. The pork meat must include skin and fat, the green beans must be of the same size, and the bamboo leaves must be fresh. Squaring off and tying cakes with bamboo strings requires skilful hands.
Sticky rice cakes are available at any time of the year, although one is sure to enjoy them with relatives and friends during Tet. During Tet, rice cakes are served with gio lua and hanh muoi� lean meat pie and salted sour onions.

Lean pork pie is available in Vietnam only and has different names in the north and south. Foreigners as well as Vietnamese are fond of lean pork pie.
Gio lua consists of pork meat wrapped in fresh banana leaves. The little bundles are then boiled. The most delicious part of lean pork pie is the top layer since it absorbs the flavour of the banana leaves.
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Pho - Noodles
Pho is the most popular food among the Vietnamese population. Pho is commonly eaten for breakfast, although many people will have it for their lunch or dinner. Anyone feeling hungry in the small hours of the morning can also enjoy a bowl of hot and spicy pho to fill their empty stomachs.
Like hot green tea which has its particular fragrance, pho also has its special taste and smell. Preparations may vary, but when the dish is served, its smell and taste is indispensable. The grated rice noodle is made of the best variety of fragrant rice called Gao Te. The broth for Pho Bo (Pho with beef) is made by stewing the bones of cows and pigs in a large pot for a long time. Pieces of fillet mignon together with several slices of ginger are reserved for Pho Bo Tai (rare fillet). Slices of well done meat are offered to those less keen on eating rare fillets.
The soup for Pho Ga (pho with chicken meat) is made by stewing chicken and pig bones together. The white chicken meat that is usually served with Pho Ga is boneless and cut into thin slices. You could consider Pho Bo and Pho Ga Vietnam's special soups. Pho also has the added advantage of being convenient to prepare and healthy to eat.
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Cha Ca (grilled minced fish)
 Grilled minced fish has been served in Vietnam for more than 100 years. The Doan family of Cha Ca Street in Hanoi first invented this dish.
A wide variety of fish can be used in this dish including sturgeon and tuna. Tuna is low in fat, has an exquisite flavour, and few bones. The bones are separated from the meat and put into saffron water to be later used in a sauce. The fish is marinated in salt before being grilled.
What is interesting about this dish is that people can add their favourite condiments: coriander, mint, dill, shallots, and more.

Chol Chnam Thmay Festival

This holiday is the New Year festival in ancient calendar of Khmer people. Held in mid-April, the festival occurs in 3 days (4 days for leap year).People prepare new clothes, food and drinks for whole festival days. They also repair, clean and decorate their house. Everyone is excited to care for holiday. Vietnam tours

This holiday is also called Chol Chnam Thmay (or Chaul Chnam Thmay). It is the New Year festival in ancient calendar of Khmer people. Held in mid-April, the festival occurs in 3 days (4 days for leap year). Each festival day has a different name: The first day is named “Moha Songkran” (or Chol sangkran Chmay); the second day is named “Wanabat” (or Wonbof); the third day is named “Tngai Laeung Saka” (or Lom Sak); the fourth day (only in leap years) is also named Wonbof. In this holiday, people usually visit each other, wish each other fortune, health, prosperity and join many fun games together. People prepare new clothes, food and drinks for whole festival days. They also repair, clean and decorate their house.

Central Highlands and Qui Nhon Beach 7 days

Glimpse of Central Highlands 5 days

Chol Chnam Thmay Festival

Everyone is excited to care for holiday. At night of eve, every family prepares a lavish meal, burns incense and candles to welcome new god, farewell the old god. On the altar, they present 5 flower branches, 5 candles, 5 incense, 5 cereal seeds and fruit crops. They pray for health and luck in the New Year. Chol sangkran Chmay day is the first day of calendar procession ceremony. Major activities are bathing, dressing nice, bringing sacrifice gifts to the temple in good time which has been selected. People bring sacrifice gifts such as incense, flowers and fruits to the temple and put them on gilded trays. After doing palanquin procession ceremony, they chant to welcome a new year. On Wonbof day, they make rice offerings and cover the sand mountain. People cook rice and bring it to the temple in the morning and the afternoon. In the afternoon, they hold the sand mountain covering ceremony to pray for love. On Lom Sak day, they do Buddha bathing and monk-bathing ceremony. In the morning, peop

Fruit festival in Tien Giang

Tien Giang Province in the Mekong river cruise hosted the first ever national fruit festival in My Tho city from April 19 to 24

Tran Hoa Huy, a member of the organization board, said the festival would welcome over 100,000 guests and tourists. There are 350 rooms available for accommodation in My Tho City and in nearby provinces such as Long An, Ben Tre and HCMC. The recently opened Trung Luong Expressway makes My Tho City only a 40 minute drive from HCMC. Visit South Vietnam tours

With more than 700 stalls, the event displayed 2,000 tons of fruit from 24 provinces, including the well-known Hoa Loc mangoes, Lo Ren Vinh Kim star-apples, Chin Hoa durians and Hung Yen longans. Also, the festival features agricultural products and plant exhibitions, food fairs, firework displays and festivities at Cai Be floating market. Several national records are expected to be set during the festival too, including the largest map of Vietnam and the longest dragon made entirely of fruit.

Fruit festival in Tien Giang 

There would also be an awards ceremony to honor farmers, scientists and enterprises who have contributed to research and planting processes to deliver high-quality Vietnamese fruit to both local and global markets.VAM HO BIRD SANCTUARY

Nguyen Minh Chau, head of the Southern Fruit Research Institute, said the country, and especially the Mekong Delta, boasts a wide variety of good fruit owing to favorable climate and soil.

Vietnam has a total of 776,000 hectares under fruit cultivation and can increase competitiveness compared to leading exporters Thailand and China if it invests more into seedling research, modern techniques and brand building.

The Fruit Festival will host a series of seminars on developing trademarks for Vietnamese fruit on the global market and measures to create and strengthen links between scientists, farmers, processors and local authorities to increase value.

This festival is set to become a five-yearly event.

Where To Go In Vietnam: North Or South?

Many who visit Vietnam say it’s one of the most colourful countries in all of Southeast Asia. And they might argue that this is due, in part, to the distinct differences in culture and climate that exist between the north and the south of this spectacular nation.

Whether you decide to spend your time in the north or south may depend on what time of year it is. The north tends to experience cool, damp winters and hot dry summers, whereas the south has more of a consistent tropical climate that is broken by a rainy season between May and November.

The North Vietnam tours – When & Where

An ideal time to visit North Vietnam is between September and December when it isn’t too humid and not yet cold. That said, capital Hanoi tends to be temperate all year round.

Halong Bay
UNESCO listed Halong Bay tours as a World Heritage site due to its outstanding natural beauty and unique biological importance. Visitors who come to Halong Bay encounter formations of limestone islands that jut out of the water and are covered by jungle vegetation. It’s a dramatic sight and looks almost unworldly, as if the islands are floating on the water! Many of the rocks are hollow, with huge caves clustered inside them, and kayaking tours are one of the most popular ways to explore them.

Hanoi
As the cosmopolitan capital of Vietnam, many visitors fly into Hanoi and use it as the starting point to explore the country’s northern regions. Boasting thousands of years of rich history, Hanoi is the place to come to see ancient Buddhist temples, national museums and get a taste of Vietnam’s long and varied traditions. The Old Quarter is well worth a visit. Little-changed since the days of ancient Hanoi, the streets are named after the various trades and retail goods once sold on them.

Sa Pa
If small traditional towns, spectacular mountain views and rice terraces are what draw you to Vietnam, then head to Sa Pa. Buses depart from Hanoi, but you can expect an eight-hour journey. It’s worth it though, as Sa Pa feels like a step back in time to a more traditional Vietnam. The locals are friendly and visitors can trek by verdant rice paddies, dense forests and spectacular waterfalls.

The South Vietnam Tours – When & Where
Visit between December and April during dry season, when the temperature tends to be steadily in the high twenties (Celsius). Having said that, downpours during the rainy season from May to November tend to be short-lived and rarely put travellers off.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and at times chaotic place. It’s everything you would imagine from Vietnam’s largest city, only at 10 times the speed! As you fly in, you can see streets of scooters whizzing in and out traffic – so many in fact that streams of red and white lights can be seen from the plane. It’s a wild and wonderful place, with great shopping, a huge variety of dining options and fantastic nightlife. Many visitors come here for a few days of living it up, before heading to a quieter beach town to relax.

Da Lat
If you’re in Vietnam during the hotter months, Da Lat is a great option for a few days of cooler weather. It’s quite unlike anywhere else in Vietnam and is often referred to as ‘the city of eternal spring’. It’s not just the pleasant climate that draws in the crowds either; Dalat is surrounded by rolling countryside, huge waterfalls and forests and was once the playground for the elite of French colonial society.

Get away and relax in Da Lat
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is perhaps the most renowned beach resort town in the south of Vietnam. Popular with expats and international tourists alike, it’s more urban than other beach resorts in Vietnam, and for that reason is a sensible place to head for those who enjoy their creature comforts. You can also head here if you’d like to try a bit of scuba diving too!

Where To Go In Vietnam: North Or South?

Mekong Delta tours
Covering the southwestern portion of Vietnam, the expansive Mekong Delta is simply mind-blowing.  Boat trips down the Mekong River propel you straight into old-world Vietnam, and homestays in the area are becoming a popular option for those who want to really feel like they’re getting away from it all.

Ha Long Squid Ball

Ha Long Squid Ball- one of the most popular specialties of Quang Ninh has been named in the list of the top 50 recipes of Vietnam, according to the evaluation standard of Vietnamese specialties issued by the Vietnam Guinness Book of Records.

The dried squid ball has a fresh yellow, sweet- smelling and a nice taste
According to a survey’s results in 2012 of the Center for Agricultural Development and Research (under the Vietnam Agricultural Science Institute) in Ha Long city, this traditional dish was discovered in 1946 and was firstly made by Tai Le- a famous chief who served the domestic and international visitors in Hon Gai (during the French colonial period). Hoai Phuong-one of the 3 most well-known squid ball makers in Ha long city, is the one who was taught by Tai Le since 1946 and is now still keeping his old mortar.

Braying is the traditional technique to make the special quality of Ha Long squid ball
To date, Hoai Phuong has over 100 year experience in making squid ball. The owner - Mr. Dang Manh Hiep shared that to be a professional squid ball maker, you must be clever, meticulous, and hardworking. The very first step to make a nice dish of squid ball is selecting the squids. We should choose the squid with fresh and thick carapace on the back with a weight of around 0.8 to 2.0kg.

It is very scrupulous to “operate” the squid, too. We need to omit the bowel and the vesicle, remove all the skin. We should keep the fin on the two sides of the squids because this part would create the crunchy taste after cooked. Then, wash them with the water and slice them into pieces.

If we want the squids to be crunchy and fragrant, we should grind them in a stone mortar by our bare hands. Put the squids into the mortar one by one. It is recommended that we should not make them well kneaded, especially with the fins. In that way, the squid would be stickier and some parts that are not well grinded yet will turn to be very crunchy when you eat. When grinding, add some peppercorns to make them mix steadily with the squid meat because later the squid would stick very hard.

After that, adding some chopped onion, a little bit fish sauce and some spoons of liquid lard and mix them continuously in about 2 minutes.

Depending on the liking of each person, we can create different shapes for the squid ball. However, you should remember to prepare a bowl of water and put a little oil on your hands to prevent them from being sticky with the squid. Using a spoon to take a little squid and then put it in your hands, roll it into a ball and press it.

To fry the squid ball, we should use a sunken pan. Pour the oil into nearly half of the pan. Keep the oil hot, then lower the flame and fry the squid ball. Turn the balls over steadily; keep the flame in a medium level, not too strong, not too weak. When they turn into yellow, take them out and put them on the grill to keep them dry (if not the balls would be very greasy).

Tourists are buying squid ball at Thoan squid ball store.( in Ha Long I Market, Ha Long city)
Squid ball using with sticky rice has already become a famous specialty of the people of Quang Ninh. In Ha Long, there are even chains of street where people specialize in making this dish.

Hiep added that during the tourism season, an average of 70-80 kg of squid ball is sold on regular days and 100kg on peak days. The customers are mainly tourists from Hanoi, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen...They buy squid ball to give their relatives and friends as a special present from Quang Ninh. Travel to Vietnam

Pham Thi Giang- a tourist from Thai Binh province commented that Ha Long squid ball is a very delicious and unforgettable dish. It can be served with white sticky rice, Cuon cake and fish sauce with pepper. It costs around VND 350,000-370,000/kg.

Ha Long Squid Ball

There are 30 units specialized in making and selling squid ball within Ha Long city; of which 23 units based in Ha Long I market and 7 in Ha Long II market) under a wide range of well-known trademarks such as Thang Hue, Hien Nhung, Tien Chuyen, Kim Thoa, Thoan, Lan Diep, Hoai phuong... Squid ball is also made in hotels, restaurants.... Paradise Cruise. Jasmine Cruise

It is reported that the Ha Long City People’s Committee is considering and drawing geographical indication for Ha Long squid ball. The promotion Halong squid ball product helps to enhance its competitive advantage in the market, protecting its reputation and prestige. This is a good opportunity to introduce this specialty to the national and international market.

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

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.

Thu hoạch và chế biến nhung hươu đúng cách

Nên dùng cưa thật bén làm bằng thép không rỉ để cưa lộc, cưa ở chỗ cách đế nhung khoảng 3cm. Cố gắng để máu chảy càng ít càng tốt. Sau khi cưa xong, có thể dùng mực tàu trộn đều với bột than gỗ mịn bôi vào chỗ cắt để cầm máu. Dùng gạc hoặc vải thường thật sạch bọc lại để tránh ruồi đậu vào sinh giòi bọ.
Nguyên tắc chế biến nhung huou là làm khô nhung mà không bị nứt, không chảy mất máu, không cháy, không thối. Sau khi cắt xong, không khép mặt cắt lại, treo lên bếp than, vẩy nước nóng vừa phải, quay trở lên để khô dần dần, như vậy nhung sẽ không bị nứt. Sấy liên tục 3-4 ngày đêm cho khô hẳn, đến khi cầm 2 chiếc nhung gõ vào nhau kêu giòn là được. Cũng có thể sấy đến khi khô thì lấy dao thật sắc thái ra rồi tiếp tục sao nhỏ lửa cho khô hẳn.
Một cách sơ chế khác là tẩm rượu vào lộc rồi sấy khô. Làm nhiều lần cho đến khi khô kiệt là được. Nếu làm không cẩn thận, lộc có thể bị nứt, chảy máu, kém giá trị.
Thường việc sơ chế lộc đòi hỏi 2-3 ngày. Một cặp lộc nặng trung bình 800g, khi khô chỉ còn khoảng 250g. Trước khi dùng phải bỏ hết lông bằng cách nung một dùi sắt đỏ lăn xung quanh để lông cháy hết.

Thu hoạch và chế biến nhung hươu đúng cách

Bảo quản trong chai lọ hoặc hộp kín có chất bảo quản.
Tác dụng của nhung hươu
Hải Thượng Lãn Ông trong sách Dược phẩm vận yếu đã viết: ''Lộc nhung dùng bổ tinh huyết nguyên dương nhanh hơn, chủ về tiểu tiện đi luôn mà lợi, tinh tiết, đi tiểu ra huyết, đau lưng, chân và đầu gối thiếu sức lực, mộng tinh, di tinh.
Có tác dụng làm đầy tinh huyết, mạnh nguyên dương, nhuận phế kim, rất bổ cho người gầy yếu, cứng gân, chứng hư lao, phụ nữ băng huyết, rong huyết. Bởi tính con hươu giống đa dâm nên chuyên chủ về tráng dương bổ thận. Lại nói: trị chứng xích bạch đới, tan lâm lậu đá sỏi, ung độc sưng đau, nhiệt trong xương sinh âm hư, là vị thuốc cốt yếu để bổ huyết cũ sinh huyết mới".
Theo Ðông y, lộc nhung có vị ngọt, tính ôn, vào các kinh can, thận, tâm và tâm bào, được dùng trong mọi trường hợp hư tổn của cơ thể, nam giới hư lao, tinh kém, hoa mắt, hoạt tinh; nữ giới băng lậu, đới hạ.
Ở Nga, người ta đã chiết xuất một chất nội tiết gọi là "lộc nhung tinh" Pantocrin, chế ra Pantocrin dạng dung dịch nước 30-50ml trong 1 chai hoặc thuốc tiêm vào ống 1ml.

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park in located 15km north - west of Cat Ba Town in Cat Ba Island - Hai Phong Province. It was established in 1986. It spans an area of 15,200ha, of which 9,800ha are forest, and contains lots of particularly interesting caves. The original tropical forest spans an area of 570ha, with extremely varied wildlife and vegetation.

Cat Ba National Park in located 15km north - west of Cat Ba Town. It was established in 1986. It spans an area of 15,200ha, of which 9,800ha are forest, and contains lots of particularly interesting caves. The original tropical forest spans an area of 570ha, with extremely varied wildlife and vegetation. Visit Cat Ba Island with Hanoi & Halong Bay 4 days

Cat Ba National Park is situated in Cat Ba Island and on several smaller islands nearby. The park currently comprises 98km2 of total land are, 54km2 of inshore waters. The National Park was Vietnam’s first national park to included both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. It is recognized nationally and internationally for its importance in biodiversity conservation, as it contains many different types of ecosystem and habitat. The Park has a great variety of plant and animal species. With Paradise Cruise

Cat Ba National Park

The golden–headed langur or Cat Ba langur is a rare and a precious animal and exists only in Cat Ba island. A special type of tree called “Cay Kim Giao” is unique to Cat Ba. In ancient times, kings and nobles would eat only with chopsticks made from this timber, as the light coloured wood was reputed to turn to black when it touched anything poisonous. There are 745 species of plants recorded on Cat Ba, including 118 timber species and 160 plants with medicinal value.

The national park is home to 32 types of mammals and more than 70 species of birds have been sighted. There is a beautiful lake inside the national park called Frog Lake, with a water forest and amazing landscape. Read more: Halong Bay map

How to get to Cat Ba island from Halong bay?

There are 3 ways:

1. Take a overnight cruises, after visiting Sung Sot Cave you can catch a day boat to Cat Ba island. Need to arrange in advance

2. Start from Tuan Chau Island - Halong bay harbor, get on a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Ferry start every 2 hours from 8.00 am to 17.00 pm.

3. Join a 3 days 2 nights package tour (1 night on boat and 1 night in Cat Ba Island)

Where to shop in Halong

Shopping is one of the most popular activities when one travels. In Halong Bay, shopping is not about big malls with branded items. Expect a different shopping experience when you are in the area. The following places are a good  starting point: Halong bay cruise

Halong Market

Being constructed and officially operated in 2003, the new Halong Market is one of the most attractive destinations in the city that draw a huge number of local and international tourists coming for shopping. The market is located in the center of Halong City at Bach Dang Street, and considered the largest markets of this coastal city. Products which are exhibited and sold here are diverse in range from normal to luxurious goods and pretty competitive in price. Customers are easy to find anything here, from clothes, accessories, and electrical devices. Food and drinks are also sold in small restaurants in the market. Moreover, this is also one of the places that sell specialties of Halong City, such as dried squid or seafood, with most ensured quality and reasonable price. Halong Market opens all 7 days a week, from 6.00 am to 6.30 pm

• Jasmine Cruise halong

• Paradise Cruise halong

   

• Indochina Sails cruise

Halong Night Market

Where to shop in Halong

For various tourists who visit to Halong City, Halong Night Market is a place that they should not miss out. The market is a group of more than a hundred stalls which sell diverse types of products, such as handicrafts, handmade accessories, clothes, and other dispensable items such as swimwear, lotion, or hat. Tourists tend to come to this place for purchasing unique products of the beach city like necklaces made from seashells, snails, wooden small boats, or T-shirt with images of Halong Bay on. And the great things is that sellers here are friendly with advance English skill, so that tourists should not be worry about bargaining, posing, and tourists can have a nice chat with them about this charming city. Halong Night Market opens 7 days a week, from 6.00pm until midnight

Bai Chay Commercial Center

Being established on the base of a minuscule market at Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay Commercial Center is one of the largest and most modern shopping center in Halong City. Products here are diverse from regular to deluxe goods, and price range is a little bit higher than other markets in the city. However, this extra money is paid for better services, as well as ensured quality of each product.

Western food in Halong Bay

Similar to any other famous tourism cities in the world, besides its delicious local specialties Ha Long has a wide range of Western cuisine dishes to serve the increasing demand from international passengers. Although there are not so many specialized restaurants for Western cuisine like in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you might find it easy to get your favourite food at most of the high-end restaurants and hotels in Halong bay tours.

For any good meal, appetizers are very important. Luxury restaurants in Ha Long set high priority on the appetizers menu with authentic Western cuisine like Italian ham salad, salmon and squid salad, fried rice ball, or vegetable salad and fried potato. Read more: Vspirit cruise Halong bay

Pizza and pasta are the quintessence of Italian gastronomy that haven been loved by people all over the world. In Ha Long, these dishes are no doubt popular in any high-end restaurant or hotel at reasonable prices. To be fair, the quality of pizza and pasta here cannot be compared with that in your homeland or other bigger cities where they have been served for decades. However, they stil have their own charm with basic recipes like Capricciosa, Seafood Bianco, Hawaiian, etc. Read more: Vietnam tours

Although Ha Long Sea does not have salmon, salmon dishes like baked salmon with creamy sauce or baked salmon with butter and garlic, are always available to contribute on the diverse list of Western cuisine here. Additionally, main dishes would be perfect with rosemary baked chicken with olive oil, herbal leaves, and garlic, or steak with fried vegetables and potato, or chicken thigh fillets with marinara sauce.

The last element for a perfect meal is desserts. High-end restaurants in Ha Long always have on their menu your familiar dessert: ice-creams, tiramisu, fiottore, and gateaux.

Travel Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island is the only soil island of all. It is not only a place having beautiful natural surroundings: pine trees, lakes, beautiful beach…but also where President Ho Chi Minh chose to be the relax place of other State officials' and his when they came here in 1959.

Travel Tuan Chau Island

Ha Long, one of the World Heritages, comprises thousands of big and small islands. Each one has its own characteristic with various caves: Sung Sot Cave,Thien Cung Cave, Trinh Nu Cave. Tuan Chau Island is the only soil island of all. It is not only a place having beautiful natural surroundings: pine trees, lakes, beautiful beach…but also where President Ho Chi Minh chose to be the relax place of other State officials' and his when they came here in 1959. Read more: halong bay travel

On the total area of 400 ha, Tuan Chau has the population of 1500. As planned, the total area of Tuan Chau will be widen to 675 ha. It enjoys the advantage of having both road and river transportations. It is about 18 km away from National Highway No.1. This route is an important blood vessel of the robust Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh economic triangle. It takes about 3 hours from Mong Cai ( 2 hours by boat) and 1 hour from Hai Phong.  Read more: Indochina Sails Halong bay

Tuan Chau island’s name is the combination between ‘linh tuan’ (the patrolman) and ‘tri chau’ (district chief) because in the feudal time, the royal army set up a guard station here to patrol and defend the borderland. Prior to 1999, the island's residents suffered from a very modest living standard.There was no power network and no clean water. Roads were only trails and there was no mechanical means of transportation. Tuan Chau was a very poor town where fishing with very rudimentary tools is the only means of living.  Read more: Vietnam tours
The first project of great significance was to link Tuan Chau and the National Highway No18 by building a road. The work was officially started on February 28th, 1998. All company staff had to overcome numerous hardships to achieve this difficult task, which translated people’s dream into reality.

Tuan Chau has become well- known to both international and domestic tourists as an attractive destination with:

- a dolphin&seal club
- a circus
- a crocodile club
- an (artificial) beach with 4 km long.
- a Vietnamese culinary area
- a hotel and resort area of 5-star standard (200 rooms)
- a water recreation park with activities such as motor racing, canoeing, parachuting, water skiing, etc.
- Ha Long Bay sight- seeing services by canoe, boat, helicopter.
- a high tech water fountain with music playing, laser lighting and film projecting on water screens.

Bảo vệ mái tóc khi ngồi điều hòa

Mái tóc thường khô xơ và không bóng đẹp nếu bạn thường xuyên ở trong phòng máy lạnh. Hãy chọn chỗ ngồi tránh nơi dieu hoa nhiet do thổi trực tiếp vào tóc, không để nhiệt độ quá chênh lệch với ngoài trời...
Để tóc luôn khỏe đẹp khi thường xuyên phải ngồi trong phòng điều hòa LG, bạn nên chú ý những điểm sau:

- Không nên bước vào phòng điều hòa ngay khi vừa từ ngoài nắng nóng vào. Nguyên nhân là nhiệt độ thay đổi đột ngột, mồ hôi sẽ bốc hơi nhanh chóng gây khô tóc, làm cơ thể hạ nhiệt nhanh dẫn đến rối loạn điều hòa nhiệt.

- Nên để nhiệt độ trong phòng và ngoài trời chênh nhau tối đa 8 độ. Không nên ngồi ở chỗ điều hòa thổi trực tiếp vào.

- Tránh ngồi trong phòng điều hòa khi tóc ướt vì lúc này tóc thường yếu hơn, lượng nước bị mất đi đột ngột sẽ khiến tóc của chúng ta dễ bị tổn thương hơn.

- Không nên ở trong phòng điều hòa liên tục quá 4 giờ liên tục.

- Nên có bình hơi xịt nước để thỉnh thoảng xịt cho tóc. Chú ý không phun nhiều, tóc sẽ bị bết.

- Ra ngoài đường nên thoa kem chống nắng và đội mũ cẩn thận để tránh tóc bị gãy, khô, chẻ ngọn.

- Nếu tóc bạn thường xuyên tiếp xúc với dieu hoa Funiki chinh hang, không nên sử dụng máy sấy nhiều. Nếu trong trường hợp khẩn cấp, bạn có thể sấy tóc ở chế độ mát. Nếu bắt buộc phải thường xuyên thay đổi kiểu tóc thì bạn nên dùng loại kem bảo vệ đặc biệt. Hạn chế sử dụng hóa chất với tóc như ép, nhuộm, uốn xoăn.

Gội đầu và dưỡng tóc

Nên chọn những loại dầu gội đầu dầu bảo vệ tóc chống ôxy hóa chứa nhiều vitamin E để chống lại các gốc tự do gây lão hóa tóc.

Với những người thường xuyên ngồi phòng điều hòa midea, việc gội đầu và dưỡng tóc rất quan trọng. Nên dùng dầu xả mỗi khi gội đầu để tăng cường dưỡng chất và độ ẩm cho tóc. Không nên thoa kem xả khô ở phần chân tóc, sẽ làm tóc nhanh bẩn.

Đặc biệt, các bạn hãy sử dụng các loại mặt nạ từ thiên nhiên cho tóc như mặt nạ bơ, đu đủ, chanh hoặc mật ong… Nó có thể giúp tóc phục hồi hư tổn, tăng cường sức sống, độ chắc khỏe và bóng mượt.

Bảo vệ mái tóc khi ngồi điều hòa

Tăng độ ẩm trong phòng

Việc thường xuyên ngồi trong phòng điều hòa sẽ khiến mái tóc mất đi độ bóng mượt và sức sống tươi trẻ vốn có. Nguyên nhân do không khí trong phòng điều hòa thường khô hơn, khiến tóc mất đi độ ẩm cần thiết.

Để tăng cường độ ẩm trong phòng và hạn chế sự khô xơ của tóc, bạn có thể đặt một chậu nước trong phòng mỗi khi bật điều hòa. Cách làm này tuy đơn giản nhưng nó có tác dụng rất hiệu quả trong việc tăng cường độ ẩm và giúp hạn chế hư tổn mái tóc khi ở lâu trong phòng điều hòa.

Uống đủ nước

Thông thường, cơ thể một người cần được cung cấp 2-2,5 lít nước mỗi ngày. Tuy nhiên, khi ngồi trong phòng điều hòa, lượng nước trong cơ thể bị “bốc hơi” nhanh hơn. Vì thế, bạn cần tăng cường uống nước.

Ngoài việc uống nước lọc, bạn cũng có thể sử dụng các loại nước trái cây tươi, nhất là nước cam để thay thế. Đây không chỉ là nguồn cung cấp nước, cam còn bổ sung rất nhiều vitamin và khoáng chất cho cơ thể.

Vinh Long travel guide

The roughly oblong-shaped province of Vinh Long sits on a long Delta island, with the Tien Giang Mekong river cruises running along its northern border and the Hau Giang (Bassac) river running to its south. Lush and heavily cultivated with both rice and fruit orchards, the province is criss-crossed with canals and tributaries all flowing into the teeming rivers that form its borders. It’s not surprising that the name Vinh Long translates to "eternal prosperity".

Most travellers will spend their time in the eponymous provincial capital. While a medium-sized town, most points of interest in Vinh Long town sit in the northeast corner where the Co Chien river meets the Long Ho canal. This corner of town is also a popular spot for locals to sit back, slurp coffee and scoff banh mi while the chocolate brown river waters roar past (and it does roar here). This area also hosts a large wet market that borders a bustling central market, some gold shops and plenty of eating opportunities. Read more: Mango cruise

Vinh Long travel guide

Vinh Long is used as a base for those visiting the floating market at Cai Be (which is actually in Tien Giang province) and is known for its homestays on An Binh island to the north. While just a trickle of foreign travellers come through, compared to My Tho further downriver, the boat trips here are more affordable and the homestays offer a terrific opportunity to experience Mekong life firsthand – it's worth stopping here. The tours operating out of Saigon often hop, skip and jump through, combining a trip to Cai Be on the way to Can Tho so very few people overnight here -- don't be surprised when you're the only Westerner in the town's sole disco. Read more: Centre Vietnam Packages

The Vinh Long tourist office can organise homestays and boat trips but both are significantly more expensive than organising something on a more freelance basis -- walk up to the ferry to An Binh island and don't be surprised to be approached for a homestay or boat trip at lower prices. While the tourist office warns, "Using an outside operator carries no insurance should very bad things happen", we didn't find anything very bad happening.

Unlike other floating markets, Cai Be operates well into the day, so if you're in a rush, it's feasible to arrive in Vinh Long early in the morning (say from My Tho), do a boat trip out to the market and returning to Vinh Long by early afternoon with plenty of time to push onto Can Tho. Most trips to Cai Be run for at least three hours as the trip there takes about 45 minutes each way (depending on the route taken and the boat used).

Aside from the river trips and the homestays, Vinh Long isn't screaming out with grade A tourist attractions -- it's other claim to fame is Van Thanh Mieu pagoda, a sprawling complex set in a tranquil garden setting. About 20 kilometres west of Vinh Long lies Sa Dec, a pretty riverside town that was the backdrop to 1991 French movie The Lover.

Vinh Long doesn’t have the tourism infrastructure of My Tho or Can Tho so expect to rough it a bit. However, the city has a certain charm and the homestays in An Binh are refreshingly hassle-free and worth a night or two. Also, if you have your own transport, getting out into the surrounding countryside is well worthwhile.

From the Vinh Long river bank, if you look to the west you can see the twin towers of the My Thuan bridge jutting into the sky. Built with financial assistance from Australia, the bridge did away with the ferries and greatly improved access to the greater Delta from Saigon. One does wonder why it is so high -- perhaps the AusAID officials in Saigon wanted to be able to point out its spires from their offices.

Orientation
The riverside corner of town houses the post office (14 Hoang Thai Hieu) and most corners around the central market have ATMs. The hospital is a bit out of town on Tran Phu and unless it’s an emergency, we suggest making the trip to Ho Chi Minh City where medical care is better.

Halong Alova Gold Cruise review

Halong Alova Gold Cruise are featured tour services of Go Asia Travel providing overnight cruise for Halong Bay Visitor. 
Alova Cruise – a Vessel consists of 9 luxury cabins decorated in classic Asian style is the best choice for discovering Halong bay .Being launched in Nov.2011, Alova Gold Cruise was designed and built for the couple; family and small group with the most convenient itinerary, comfortable restaurant, luxuriant room as well as exciting bar. Besides, with professional, skilled staff and a Dutch manager, we commit to satisfy all the guests even the strictest ones! Package tours can be in two or three days depart from Hanoi at 8. A.m or from Halong bay tourist wharf at 12.P.m.  Read more: Calypso Cruise Halong bay, Image Cruise Halong bay

Halong Alova Gold Cruise review

On Alova Gold Cruise you can get:
- Luxury cabin with Air con, en-suite Bathroom, Hairdryer and slippers
- Kayaking and Swimming equipment
- Welcome drinks
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- English speaking guide
- Meals on board: (lunch, dinner and breakfast) – Complimentary bottled water
- Cooking demonstrations
- Visiting fishing village by tender
- Dining Room and Sundeck
- Entertainment Activities and Bar Happy Hour
- Safety Facilities and First-Aid Equipment

Harmonious Asian style! That’s is the way we create an unconventional sail in order to bring a world of most comfort and romance for all the tourists – who are indeed luckily to have the chance coming to one of the most unique & spectacular beauty of the world –  naming Vietnam’s  Halong Bay!

The cabins are designed and fitted domestic & international standards, characterizing by wooden décor with high – large windows that allow opening the further view around the bay. The bedrooms are designed with luxuriant fine caved patens taking care of your sleep.

  

Cabin Amenities
- Individually controlled Air-Conditioning Wardrobe
- Hot and Cold Shower Complimentary Bottled Water
- Toilet Slippers
- Toiletries Fire Extinguisher

 

Sundeck

The sundeck with universal space & pure atmosphere will surely impress the strictest ones!

With fine architecture of the harmonious combination dotted with green trees together with scientific arrangement as

+ The room under the roof focuses on aesthetic with fresh air & buoyant weather and is a reasonable place for relaxing & drinking

+ The outdoor space is full of sunshine & sea wind becoming inevitable part for sunbathing & reading.

To snap a series of great pictures - Just a kick! The entire Halong Bay immediately appears in your eyes. You can enjoy an exotic cocktail or take a look over the mild beauty of heaven mixed with yeast creating a new source of your inspiration.

Pelican Cruise Halong bay

Pelican Cruise Halong bay - Offering a 4-stars cruise experience Cruises in Halong Bay. Our 2 Cruises fleet will take you for an unforgettable discovery Halong Bay, offering the best program for visiting and enjoying the bay’s natural wonders. Pelican 1 will operate since early 2012, while Pelican 2 and 3 will be launched later in 2012 and 2013.With three similar boats providing 22 double cabins, ranging from 16m2 to wider suites, our fleet’s outstanding settings will be yours for the whole length of your stay on board, and our friendly and well trained crew will answer each of your requests to make your stay on board a warm experience. Our restaurant is opened to serve you from breakfast to lunch and dinner, in a mix of Western and Vietnamese fine cooking, while the wide upper sundeck allows you to contemplate sunset while sipping an aperitif. State-of-the art security conditions are our guaranty for an unforgettable journey. Read more: Dragon Pearl Junk cruise, Huong Hai Sealife cruise

Pelican Cruise Halong bay

FEET'S SAFETY POLICY
Highest security standards will be provided through state-of-the-art equipments and a continuous coaching of the crew. The fleet’s vessels will operate the latest electronic devices to operate safe cruises in all sea and weather conditions: sonars and radars, engines’ control and fire detection will prevent any sort of possible damage on the boats. Cabins will all be equipped with alarm devices linked to a central monitoring system, smoke sensors and fire extinguishers, hydrants and hoses, life jackets and clear emergency instructions. Local and international crew will be trained to implement clear safety processes, while a speed boats’ fleet will be ready 24/24 to operate emergency rescue.
M.I.C.E.
Enjoying such a Natural Wonder may be a purely relaxing and contemplative experience, but Pelican Luxury Cruises  want to satisfy the expectations of its most active guests by providing them with exciting events and activities too. May you be into individual activities to satisfy your feeling for a pure and original freedom, or rather into group fun and entertainment or into intimate surprises tailored to families or couples: just enjoy our offerings!
KAYAKING
Probably the best way to explore the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay Vietnam while emphasizing on one’s feeling of freedom amisdt a Natural Wonder. Thanks to the bay’s thousands of islands the conditions for sea kayaking are ideal – the water is calm, the current is fine and the wind is not too strong. Paddle through islets; visit hidden caves, lagoons, unspoiled beaches and floating fishing villages; and meet smiling local fishermen.
FISHING EXPERIENCE
Pelican Luxury Cruises opens for you two different kinds of fishing experience. Either go fishing with local fishermen around their floating small villages, a unique opportunity for feeling and meeting the authentic local way of living; or stay on board the vessel and try your best to catch a fish while relaxing on the sun deck.