Top things to do in Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, its second largest city and is often called “Paris of the East”. Hanoi is an impressive and fascinating mix of old traditions and active modern lifestyle, where East and West are bound; where people have big hearts and warm smiles; where food is delicious and the streets are old… This is a pulse of modern Vietnam and we are about to tell you how not to lose yourself in the variety of things that Hanoi is offering! North Vietnam tours

How to Get There?

By plane: Noi Bai International Airport is about 35 km north of the city and is the largest airport in the North of the country. It serves domestic flights operated by VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines, international flights from major Asian airports and international flights from Helsinki (seasonal), Frankfurt, London, Moscow and Paris. The airport is relatively small comparing to its importance and size of the city. The new terminal is being under construction now and is expected to be put into operation in 2015.

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From the airport you can reach the centre of Hanoi by taxi. Before November, 2014 there was a fixed price for a ride. However, now most of the drivers use meters, so your total cost depends on the distance and is usually between $15 – 25 (350,000 – 450,000 VND).

• Bhaya Legend cruise, Halong Travel

Top things to do in Hanoi

Another option to get to the city is to use a public bus that departures from the airport. Bus #07 crosses the Thang Long bridge and goes to the Daewoo Hotel on the western part of Hanoi. Bus #17 crosses the Chuong Duong bridge and goes close to the old quarter, to Long Bien. It is actually not allowed to take your luggage with you to the bus, but you may take it as a challenge and try to negotiate with a driver!

By train:
Hanoi, is very well connected with the major big cities of Vietnam, so you can use the train to reach the it from other parts of the country. The price for the ticket will be different, depending on the type of the seat you choose. Pay attention that it is strongly recommend to avoid private travel agents. After all, you may end up in a hard-sleeper instead of the soft one, for which you have actually paid.
You can book a ticket on the website of Vietnam Railways System. Children under the age of 2 can travel for free. For children from 2 to 9 years old the price will be 50% of the adult price.

By car: Another option how you can reach the Vietnamese capital is to hire a car. When doing it, remember to hire a private driver also: in Vietnam visitors can’t rent a car and drive. It will cost nearly $50 – 60 per day.

What’s Next?
When you come to a big city, it is always hard to take the bearings and choose the right places to see and right things to do that are really worth your time and attention. That’s why we chose for you TOP activities in Hanoi for any taste and preferences in spending your free time. Everything you have to do is… to trust us!

Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) is an impressive example of Vietnamese architecture that was built almost 1000 years ago. In the beginning of the XI century it became the first country’s university. In its courtyard you can see the tables, each mounted on the back of a tortoise, with the names of all its graduates. The admission is $1 (20,000 VND).

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake for Hanoi is the same like the Central Park for New York. Located in the very centre of the city, this is a favourite leisure spot of local people. In the morning you can even watch here people practicing the old martial art of ta chi on its shore. The legend of the lake says that gods gave to King Le Loi a magical sword, that he used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. Later, a giant turtle grabbed the sword and returned it back to the gods. Since then the lake has a name Hoan Kiem, which means “returned sword”.

Vietnamese Women's Museum

The museum had been recently renovated and is indeed a very exciting place to visit, if you are interested in understanding culture and history of Vietnam even deeper. The museum presents the stories of the most prominent women in the history of the country. Also it has great collections that represent local traditions, customs, everyday life and problems of a Vietnamese woman from centuries ago till nowadays. Moreover, it has a brilliant collection of hand-made ethnic costumes. Admission is $1,5 (30,000 VND).

Hao Lo Prison 

The prison was built in the beginning of XX century by the French. Here the Vietnamese revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed. Nowadays, this is a museum that exhibits the brutal French colonial regime and focusing on Vietnamese struggle for independence. The place represents the black page in the history of the country and makes take another look on history itself. Admission is $1.

Hanoi Street Food 

Vietnam is famous for its unique and absolutely delicious cuisine all over the world and this is a fact. In Hanoi there is a plenty of fine restaurants, where you can have a dinner and taste any kind of local food. However, its streets are also full of small kiosks in the sidewalk, and we believe that it may be even a better way to explore the local cuisine! Take a walk through the Old Quarter and discover the diversity of the unique Hanoi’s street food!

Top things to do in Mekong delta

If you want to escape from your busy life, enjoy exotic fruits and learn about the life of the Vietnamese people, the Mekong Delta will give you the real taste of Vietnam. Coming to the Mekong, tourists have the chance to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty, immense fields and rustic rivers.  Mekong river cruise

My Tho

Located about 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Here are some attractions that make this town very special. When you visit My Tho, the Cai Be floating markets a place you should not miss.

Everyday, there are about 400-500 boats with many varieties of fruit, vegetables and other products which are hung on a bamboo stick in front of the boat. The bustling activity here is mesmerising as you watch the merchants trade their goods in what could be compared to a ancient stock market. This floating market is unique to the Mekong, and you will not find anywhere like this in the world.

Dong Tam Snake-Breeding Farm
Located 12km from My Tho city is the Dong Tam Snake Breeding Farm, this place attracts tourists with snakes, birds and turtles. The farm also features a small island with a moat that has a huge number of green tree snakes constantly moving and intertwining. South Vietnam tours
When you Travel to My Tho, you must not miss this well-known dish :

Hu Tieu (Rice Noodles Soup)

Dried noodles in the wake of being splashed into bubbled water are put into bowls, then the juices made by pork bones, meat, dried squid and a variety of sauces added to warm the ingredients. After that, meat slices are added and the soup is then garnished with bean sprouts, lemon, chili and soya sauce. The noodles can be served dry with the soup on the side, depending on diners' different tastes.

Ben Tre
Ben Tre is perfumed with the scent of coconut              
In comparison to My Tho, Ben Tre is a smaller and less known town. However, this place is known for its abundance of coconut trees and fruit gardens. Ben Tre itself it a conservative little market town and we recommend you visit the following locations: Halong bay cruise

Coconut Candy

Coconut candy is a sweet dessert you can find in Ben Tre. Ben Tre Coconut Candy is sold both in local stores and exported to numerous nations around the globe. Guests can discover these items for the most part in Chau Thanh (Con Phung, Con Quy, A Hoa) and Giong Trom Districts. For coconut candy, guests can go straight to purchase from the local makers on Dong Khoi Boulevard in the Township downtown.

Top things to do in Mekong delta

Coconut Handicraft Villages

The making of fine hand crafted items are one of the many charms of Ben Tre. Being the land of coconuts, it is only natual that carved coconut is the main material used for this sort of handywork. In the hands of the a capable craftsmen, any single bit of coconut material can be transformed into incredible things such as animal statuettes, human face statuettes, cutlery and so on .

An amazing place for bike riding and sightseeing

Ben Tre is the perfect place for those adventureres who like to get off the beaten path. Rent a bike and explore the nature and rice fields in this unique pocket of the Mekong Delta. Most hotels in Ben Tre will help you find a rental bike or a guided bicylce tour.

The price for the bus ticket from Sai Gon to Ben Tre is 90.000 vnd ($4.5)

Can Tho
Can Tho is the center and “the green lung of the Mekong Delta”. You cannot say you haved traveled to Can Tho without visiting the Cai Rang floating markets.

The best way to go there is by boat from the water front on Nhin Kieu Wharf. The market starts at 6am and ends around 9am. On the boat you will not only see the hustle and bustle of the floating market merchants, but you will experience the life of the Vietnamese people who’s homes are dotted along the Mekong estuaries. It is superb to take a boat trek along the riverbanks on fine days.

The small boat for 1-4 people is about 200,000 vnd. ($10)

The bus ticket from Sai Gon is 130.000vnd (6$)

Ninh Kieu Wharf

Ben Ninh Kieu lies on the bank of the Hau River, at the intersection of Hau and Can Tho River. This is close to the core of Can Tho city. The river is constantly packed with boats, ships which are stacked with the produce of the Mekong River Delta.


Besides that, you can visit the lucious fruit gardens in Phong Dien distrcict which is only 10 km away from the city. The fruit types are seasonal so what you see will depend on what time of the year travel.

The Rice Noodle Factory

It is not exactly a factory, more like a family business. Most of the noodles are handmade . Whilst watching their daily job, most tourists are suprised at the labour and effort that goes into making rice noodles.. The owners allow tourist to join in on the rice noodle making process before enjoying the fruits of your labour. A special dish which is only unique to this place: rice noodles pizza.

Vinh Long
Located 136km from Ho Chi Minh city, Vinh Long is a primary destination in the Mekong Delta It is found at the heart of the Mekong Delta, and can be visited as a 1 or 2 day trip.

It is easy to travel to Vinh Long by bus with the price around 100,000 VND ($5) from HCMC

Things to do in Vinh Long?
Renting a boat to discover the vibrant life of local Vietnamese people, visit the orchards and try some seasonal fruits.
Visit the historic pagodas such as: Tinh Xa Ngoc Vien, Van Thanh temple, Long Thanh Communal House
Experience the daily activities of the Vietnamese by living with homestay family. Other = popular places that tourists like to go are Ngoc Sang, My Hoa Mekong, Ba Linh…
                 
Things to watch out when you travel to Mekong Delta
Avoid package day tours: sometimes your trip just cost will only cost $5 but they will stop at uneccessary places like souvenir shops, restaurants, and even bathrooms for you to spend money.
Pay careful attention to the currency you use.
Try to bargain if you think the price is too high.
Because most of the Delta region is rural, you should be careful with mosquitos and other insects.

7 Incredible Things to do in Vietnam’s Central Highlands Region

The Central Highlands region of Vietnam is a lush forested area home to indigenous tribes, traditional villages, the captivating city of Dalat, sparkling waterfalls and the odd elephant here and there!

Soak up the culture of Dalat

The Central Highlands is elevated at 1,500 meters and offer a welcome respite from the tropical humidity of the south of Vietnam and the landscape is dominated by lush rolling hills, punctuated with ancient villages. Few travellers make in this far inland, which is to your advantage. The main highlights are the former battlefield sites, the indigenous tribes and the charming city of Dalat, dubbed Vietnam’s original resort city. Central Highlands and Qui Nhon Beach 7 days

Dalat goes by several different names: ‘the Jewel of the Central Highlands’ and ‘City of Eternal Spring’ are just two. Whatever you choose to call it, Dalat is the very antithesis of Ho Chi Minh City 300km further south: it’s cooler and more laidback. The city was established as a hill station in the late 19th century, designed to offer respite for the resident Europeans from the oppressive heat and humidity of Saigon. Today Dalat retains its unique culture, from the exquisite French colonial architecture of the French Quarter, to the European villas and traditional farmhouses. In fact some of the larger Colonial properties have been fully restored and are in use today as hotels. BASSAC CRUISE

Don’t miss the gingerbread-style Dalat Cathedral (pictured above) which was built in 1931 for exclusive use of the French visitors and residents. Stop by the magnificent Crémaillère Railway Station, which is resplendent in bright yellow Art Deco style, although sadly its not used a great deal anymore. And gawp at the truly bizarre Hang Nga ‘Crazy House’ which was designed by a local war hero’s daughter and which has mystified travellers for years. Its architecture is likened to that of Antoni Gaudi and the grounds are said to be inspired by Dr. Seuss. Image Cruise

Dalat is also known as the ‘City of Thousands of Pines’ thanks to the abundance of fragrant pine trees that line the banks of the many lakes. Chill out with a trip on one of the lakes, both natural and artificial including Da Thien, Ho Xuan Huong and Tuyen Lam. The city is also famed for its beautifully fragrant flower gardens filled with roses, orchids, lilies and camellias. Don’t miss the delightful Dalat Flower Park, located towards the end of Xuan Huong Lake which covers an impressive 7,000 sq. meters. Also in the area are individual flower gardens set around an authentic reconstructed Vietnamese teakwood house. Give your legs a rest and opt for a brief cable car ride u over Dalat’s pine forests, which also takes in an impressive hill-top pagoda. Alternatively a 4×4 trip up the Langbiang Mountain offers spectacular views over Dalat’s mountains, valleys and cityscape. Get here for either sunrise or sunset for an awesome view.

Finally Dalat firmly cements its position as the honeymoon capital of Vietnam with its dreamy palaces and summer houses. The thirteenth and final emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty Bao Dai (1913-1997) resided at the city’s three heritage sites, which are known as Palace I, II and III. Together with the Dalat Palace Hotel and the Dalat Du Park Hotel many of the structures was established around 1922. The Emperor also perfected his swing at the Dalat Palace Golf Club, with its sprawling greens, built in European style.

7 Incredible Things to do in Vietnam’s Central Highlands Region

Try the world-famous coffee of Buon Ma Thuot

The capital of Dak Lak Province is Buon Ma Thuot, which is best known for its production of famous Vietnamese coffee. Catch the annual festival each March which is dedicated to the ‘black nectar’. The town also offers a gateway to the Yok Don National Park…

Hike in the Yok Don National Park

Head about 40km west of Buon Ma Thuot to explore the vast National Park of Yok Don. This biodiverse forest is an important conservation site and is home to nearly forty different animal species which are globally endangered, including the Asian elephant, leopard, red wolf and tiger. Established in 1986, the park is an excellent place to hike the forested hills and traverse the pretty waterfalls and Srepok River. Birdwatchers will also be in their element with over 250 different types of bird species to be found here.

Explore the heritage of Lak Lake

Ho Lak, aka Lak Lake, is the largest natural lake within Vietnam’s Central Highlands and visitors are treated to a glimpse of everyday traditional life that take place on the banks of the lake. Jun village at the southern end is home to the traditional M’nong settlement who still live in authentic stilt houses crafted locally from wood and rattan. As well as the M’nong, there are also other colourful minority hill tribes that call this are home, such as the Edeh and Jarai. Travellers can ride an elephant alongside the lake or take a dugout canoe (or a boat if you’re not feeling adventurous) across the lake to explore Emperor Bao Dai’s former hunting lodge.

Discover the minority hill tribes of Kontum

The quiet village of Kontum offers a fascinating insight into rural life. Centuries old Sedang, Rengao, Bahnar, Gieh Trieng  and Jarai minority hill tribes live in settlement which are centered around the ‘rong’ – a massive communal building where communities gather. Don’t miss the Tan Huong Church, the wooden Montagnard Church which was constructed in 1913 and the colonial-style Catholic seminary.

Chill out in Ngoc Hoi

The small town of Ngoc Hoi is close to the border with Laos on the popular Ho Chi Minh walking trail. Visitors can stay here and soak up the calm atmosphere prior to crossing over into Laos.

Experience Pleiku for yourself

The town of Pleiku is located in the Gia Lai Province and is home to communities of the Kinh ethnic group. The town has a pretty little pagoda, the Minh Thanh Pagoda, which travellers can wander around. Close by is the Bien Ho Lake where visitors can try their hand at fishing or hire a local boatman to ferry them across the lake.