Vietnamese wedding ceremony

Depending on habits of specific ethnic groups, marriage includes various steps and related procedures, but in general, there are two main ceremonies:

Le an hoi (betrothal ceremony):

Normally, both bride and groom or their parents go to the fortuneteller to see what date and time is best for them. They strongly believe in this date and time so the groom's family and relatives must come on time. Some days before the wedding, they will visit the bride and her family with round lacquered boxes known as betrothal presents. It composes of areca nuts and betel leaves, tea, cake, fruits, wines and other delicacies which covered with red cloth and carried by unmarried girls or boys. Don ca tai tu – The soulful voice floating along rivers

Le cuoi (wedding ceremony):
On the wedding day, the groom's family and relatives go to the bride's house bringing a lot of gifts wrapped in red papers. These gifts are similar to those of the engagement: betel leaves and areca nuts, wines, fruits, cakes, tea ... The persons hold these trays are also carefully chosen, usually they are happily married couples. Ladies and women are all dressed in Ago Dai. Men could be in their suits or men traditional Ao Dai. The troop is usually led by a couple that is most wealthy and successful among the relatives, this means to wish the to-be-wed couples a blessing life together in the future. Full-Day Mekong Delta Tour, Vietnam


The groom's family would stop in front of the bride's house. The leading couple should enter the house first with a tray with wine. They would invite the bride's parents to take a sip. By accepting the toast, the bride's family agrees for the groom’s family to enter their house. The firework is immediately fired to greet the groom's family.

Sapa tours and premier destinations

Vietnamese wedding ceremony

The groom's family would introduce themselves and ask permission for their son to marry his bride. The master of the ceremony (usually a respected person among the bride's relatives) instructs the bride's parents to present their daughter. The bride then follows her parents out. She will wear red traditional wedding ao dai, followed by her bride maids. The couple should pray before the altar ask their ancestors for permission for their marriage, then express their gratitude to both groom’s and bride’s parents for raising and protecting them.

Then, they bow their head to each other to show their gratitude and respect toward their soon-to-be husband or wife. The master of the ceremony would gave the wedding couple advices on starting a new family. Their parents would take turn to share their experience and give blessing. After that, the groom and the bride exchange their wedding rings and receive the gifts from their parents such as golden bracelets, ear rings, necklace... The ceremony is ended with a round applause.

After the wedding ceremony is over, there will be a party at the groom's house. Some traditional Vietnamese wedding party is celebrated at their houses (usually in country-side); other is celebrated in the restaurant. This day is the culmination of desires, day dreams, hopes and anxieties. There is a band to play music during their meal. Some guests are free to sing related wedding songs on the stage to luck the bride and the groom. In the middle of the party, the couple goes to each table to get wishes, congratulations as well as money.

Today, a lot of Vietnamese couples have their wedding ceremony done in Temples or Churches which is very much similar to American and Western style, including exchanging vows and wedding rings. However, they still maintain Vietnamese traditional ceremony in the bride's home before heading to temples or churches.

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

Get around Phu Quoc Island

Cycling

Most hotels offer bicycle rentals which start from US$1 per day, which can be a great way to adventure around the local area.

We recommend purchasing a face mask before you head off on these longer journeys and take plenty of water. The coastal strip surrounding Phu Quoc makes cycling relatively easy however the island heats up when you get move from the coast . Visit Phu Quoc with South Vietnam tours

Get around Phu Quoc Island

Motorbike Rental

Renting a motorbike is one of the cheapest ways to discover Phu Quoc Island and motorbikes also provide the best access if you are adventuring out to the more remote beaches and dirt roads beyond the main towns. Mekong & Phu Quoc island

Motorbikes can be rented at many of top end and mid range hotels, or you’ll find local owners outside the hotels and airport very keen to either rent their bikes or even adopt you and guide you around the island. Bikes rental rates will vary depending on the condition of the bike and your bargaining skills, here is guide to prices:

Mekong Off the beaten Path with extension to Cambodia 12 days

Per hour, from around 30,000d

Per day, from US$6-10 dollars a day

Per week, around US$45-50 or less depending if you negotiate any discounts.


Note: since the end of 2007, it is now illegal to ride on a motorbike without wearing a helmet, however local police are generally lenient towards tourists. If you are concerned about your safety, insist on a helmet when renting a motorbike.


Walking / Hiking

The centre of Duong Dong is only a couple hundred meters from the airport, just turn right outside the airport gates and you’ll hit the central market in around 10 minutes. So if you don’t have much luggage, this is definitely the cheapest option. There are also some local hotels across the road from the airport terminal.

The coast surrounding Phu Quoc is relatively flat and allows visitors some very scenic walking.

The mountains on the island range from around 300-600 meters and provide far more strenuous trekking.The National Park in the northern part of Phu Quoc is as yet relatively undeveloped in terms of walking trails and forests can be quiet dense. There are plans to build a walking trail in future to Mount Chua (603m) the highest mountain on Phu Quoc Island.

Scuba-Diving in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a spectacular location for sightseeing in Vietnam. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, it forms an amazing seascape of limestone pillars along with more than 1,600 islands and islets. Travelers coming to Halong Bay will enjoy not only the boat trip, sea kayaking but also the very scuba diving experience. Scuba diving has been recently opened in Halong Bay making this place a must-sea for underwater lovers. The time from April to December is the most wonderful period for Travellers to join “Halong Bay Scuba Diving”. The temperature of water at this time is from 26-29 celsius degrees. Travel Halong bay

Scuba diving with Halong Voyage – a the special product which no one has done before in Halong bay. Travelers can explore hidden beauty underwater with thousands of splendid coral and fish like sergeant major fish, Clark’s anemone fish. Tourists will see colorful their method survive. Underwater world will make you to feel novel, small and peaceful as come back inside your mother. Tourist will perfect relax and excited to discovery underwater world.  With internationally-licensed, well-trained scuba divers and assistants, we guarantee the safety, papering amenities with friendly and attentive management which make you unforgettable experience. Vietnam tours

Scuba-Diving in Halong Bay

When tourists snorkel underwater in Halong bay, you will provide useful equipment such as: mask, fins, snorkel, cylinder, exposure suite, compass, regulator…  All facilities are regularly checked and match safety standard. Therefore, it’s unnecessary to worry about your safety.

• Pelican Cruise Halong bay
• Dragon Pearl Junk Halong bay

Some Tips for diving longer and deeper safely

There are a number of techniques to increase the diver's ability to dive deeper and longer:

- Technical diving – diving deeper than 40 meters (130 ft), using mixed gases, and/or entering overhead environments (caves or wrecks)

- Surface supplied diving – use of umbilical gas supply and diving helmets

- Saturation diving – long-term use of underwater habitats under pressure and a gradual release of pressure over several days in a decompression chamber at the end of a dive.

Tips for safe dining of seafood in Halong

Halong, known as the world heritage city with thousands of caves and grottos, is also famous for its abundance of nutritious and delicious varieties of seafood like crab, prawn, fish, or sea-snail. Gourmets who come to Halong can hardy resist the taste of fresh seafood without the worry of gaining weight. However, there is always risk of food poisoning hidden in seafood. Below are some safety tips to avoid trouble with dining in Halong bay tours.

1. Avoid eating raw seafood in general

Raw seafood or unprocessed seafood may contain the Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria which is harmful for the digestive system. Moreover, the bacteria can live under high temperature (more than 80oC). Although sushi and sashimi is very tempting, try not to eat too much, esepecially from the dubious dining places. Fresh seafood in Halong Bay

2. Never eat raw crab

Tips for safe dining of seafood in Halong

Inside unprocessed Ha Long’s crab is a very dangerous parasitic bacteria named lung fluke that may mess up your respiratory system with symptoms like lead to severe cough, coughing up blood, or even cerebral paralysis. It is highly recommended that crabs have to be fully cooked for at least 20-30 minutes. Travel to Halong with Vietnam tours

3. Seafood shopping tips

Buying your own seafood in a market to bring back to your hotel and ask the chefs to cook for you is a very enjoyable experience. However, remember to choose ones which are still alive and fresh, because dead sea-animals, especially one that has shells, contain much higher level of bacteria or poisons.

4. Avoid drinking excessive beer while eating seafood

Scientists say drinking beer while eating seafood increases the probability of having gout or arthritis disease. Therefore, it is recommended that you limit your alcohol consumption when being served seafood.

5. Avoid having fruits/tea after having seafood

The reason is that the acid inside sour fruits may negatively affect the process of absorbing protein from seafood into your body. Besides, tannin from fruits may react with calcium and protein from seafood to stimulate your digestive system that leads to stomach-ache and vomiting. Same thing happens if you drink tea after a seafood meal.

Kỹ thuật cho hươu sao ăn

- Cho ăn đúng cách: Hươu giống chủ yếu hoạt động vào ban đêm, ban đêm hươu ăn tới 60% tổng số thức ăn của khẩu phần, vì vậy mỗi lần cho ăn trong ngày không nhiều, ban ngày hươu ăn ít mà dành thời gian nhai lại thức ăn qua đêm. Đây là một đặc điểm hết sức quan trọng mà người chăn nuôi cần nắm biết. Vì vậy lịch phân bố cho hươu ăn như sau:

Bữa thứ nhất: 6-7 giờ sáng cho ăn 15% thức ăn xanh.
Bữa thứ hai: 9-10giờ sáng cho ăn 15% thức ăn xanh.
Bữa thứ ba: 13-14 giờ chiều cho ăn 10% thức ăn xanh cộng với thức ăn tinh trong ngày.
Bữa thứ tư: 17 - 18giờ tối cho ăn 30% thức ăn xanh.
Bữa thứ năm: 22 giờ tối cho ăn 30% thức ăn xanh.

- Thức ăn tinh không được cho hươu ăn vào buổi sang vì ăn như vậy sẽ làm cho hươu ăn ít thức ăn xanh và thức ăn củ quả. Nên cho hươu ăn thức ăn tinh vào bữa ăn thứ ba vào lúc 13 – 14 giờ trong ngày. Hàng ngày người chăn nuôi phải thường xuyên theo dõi phân của hươu để điều chỉnh thức ăn cho hợp lý. Thường phân của hươu có dạng viên bóng, cứng hình bầu dục nếu khác với bình thường thì cần xem xét lại thức ăn cho hươu.
  Vận động – Tắm nắng – tắm chải.
Cho hươu ăn nhiều loại thức ăn xanh, đặc tính của chúng là thích ăn nhiều loại cỏ non, lá non và các loại cây có mủ. Không nên cho hươu ăn độc nhất một loại thức ăn thì sinh trưởng và phát triển, khả năng sản xuất cho nhung huou tuoi sẽ bị hạn chế.

 

Kỹ thuật cho hươu sao ăn

a). Vận động: Tuỳ thuộc vào hình thức nuôi khác nhau nên cho hươu vận động khác nhau. Hươu là động vật con mang tính hoang dã nên rất thích vận động, chạy, nhảy rất hiếu động nên khi bị bó hẹp trong nuôi nhốt thì rất khó chịu. Chúng ta nên tạo diện tích sân chơi cho hươu bằng cách khoanh vùng rộng bằng rào chắn cao 2 – 2.5m thì khả năng vận động và tắm nắng cuả hươu thịt được tốt hơn và thích nghi với điều kiện sinh lý của nó hơn, ít gây ra các hiện tượng ức chế(stree) con vật thoải mái hơn, góp phần tiêu hoá, trao đổi chất được tốt hơn.

Nếu không có điều kiện thì cần phải thiết kế mái che có lắp tấm kính có độ rộng 40X50cm cho nắng rọi vào 1giờ/ngày. Có thể thiết kế chồng cho nắng xuyên vào chuồng 7-8 giờ/ngày.

b). Tắm chải. Thứ tự tắm chải từ đầu đến mông, từ trên xuống dưới, mỗi lần chỉ cần 5- 10 phút. Trước khi tám chải phải tập làm quen với con vật để tạo cho nó có phản xạ có điều kiện. Trong quá trình tắm chải chú ý phát hiện một số ký sinh trùng nư ve, ghẽ, lỡ, loét…Nếu có hãy dùng các biện pháp sau đối với ve, ghẽ…

Bắt diệt liên tục bằng cơ học.

Dùng Ivermactin điều trị nội ngoại ký sinh trùng để tiêm 1ml/7kg trọng lượng.

Dùng các thuốc sát trùng ngoài da và khử trùng chuồng trại. Định kỳ dọn vệ sinh chuồng trại.

Sau đây chúng ta hãy tìm hiểu cụ thể cách nuôi dưỡng mỗi loại hươu.

Halong Bay swimming activities

Halong Bay is a ideal travel destination - a World Heritage Site, with thousands of limestone islands and caves. There are countless places to stop for swimming, fishing, snorkeling and kayaking when cursing around islands. There are many charming and attractive beaches; it is suitable for swimming activities such as Tra Gioi Beach, Ba Cua Beach, Tuan Chau Beach, Titov Beach, Minh Chau Beach. Visit halong bay cruise

Halong Bay swimming activities

The stunning scenery of sheer mountain cliffs rising out of the bay makes an ideal backdrop to water-based activities.The water of beach is emerald green and turquoise color so you cannot see the bottom. Halong Bay is the safe place for swimming. Because beach is calm waters and tourists will be provided useful equipment such as: life jackets. Moreover the sailors and staff of the ship watched while you were swimming to alert you for dangers in case. Swimming in Halong bay is really nice and refreshing. visit halong long: 3 best places kayaking in Halong bay
 Swimming Safe guides:

- Check with the lifeguard on surf conditions before swimming. If lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the stand, obey them. Never swim alone - use the buddy system. 

- Don't overestimate your swimming ability, especially early in the summer when the water is cold. Swimming ability is severely decreased in cold water.

- Judge your ability to participate in beach activities based on your swimming skills without the assistance of rafts and other flotation devices.

- Never dive into shallow water, or water of unknown depth.

- If you are confronted by a large wave and there is not enough time to get away from it, try to dive underneath the wave. Keep your body as low as possible until the wave passes over you. Timing is important, dive into the base of the wave just before it breaks. Do not dive if the water is too shallow - instead crouch and keep a low body profile. travel to Vietnam

- If caught in rip currents, relax and swim toward the shore at a 45-degree angle until you are free of the current. If the rip currents are strong, swim parallel with the shoreline in the same direction as the littoral current and then swim diagonally toward the shore. If you are not able to swim out of the currents, call or wave for help.

- When body surfing, do not ride waves in a straight line toward shore. Instead, surf at an angle to the waves. Stay away from the white water in the wave center to avoid going "over the falls."

- Never swim while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgment, unnecessary risks are taken and a swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident.

Bai Tu Long National Park

Bai Tu Long National Park

Bai Tu Long National Park is a protected area zone in northeastern Vietnam. It was established in 2001, succeeding from the former Ba Mun National Conservation Zone. It is one of seven Vietnamese amphibian national parks which has both terrestrial zone and aquatic zone.

It is located within Bai Tu Long bay, which with Halong Bay forms an impressive scenery of sea and islands. Including thousands of islands and rocks, they create one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Visit Bai Tu Long Bay with Halong bay tours

According to legend, an immense dragon descended to Ha Long Bay (meaning ‘’Descending Dragon’’) millions years ago, dropping numerous eggs. These eggs hatched forming thousands of rocks and islands. The tail of the dragon extended far to the sea, forming Bach Long Vi (meaning ‘’The Tail of the White Dragon’’). As she returned to heaven, she said good bye to her offspring at the Bai Tu Long Bay (means ‘’The dragon parts the offsprings’’).


Now the Park is part of Van Don district, 20km distant from Cai Rong town.

Geography
The exactly geographical position is in a rectangle between 20o55’05″ and 21o15’10″ North latitude, 107o30’10″ and 107o46’20″ East longitude. It administratively consists of 3 communes : Minh Chau, Van Yen and Halong city of Van Don district. Travel Halong with Dragon Pearl Junk

It is composed from a terrestrial area of 61.25 km2 and an aquatic area of 96.58 km2. The zone includes over 40 islands and rocks which form three groups : Ba Mun group, Tra Ngo group and Sau group. The aquatic area includes the sea zone between the islands and the narrows between the park area and the land area which has boundary of 1 km offshore. The National Park also includes a buffer zone of approximately 165.34 km2 , which is located in a larger area including 5 communes : Minh Chau, Van Yen, Ban Sen, Quan Lan and Halong. The total population of the core zone and the buffer zone is around 24.000. Read more: Vietnam travel

Ecosystem
The National Park includes five kinds of ecosystems : Rain Broad Leaves Forest, Limestone Forest, Littoral Forest, Coral Area and Shallow Water Area.

The Rain Broad Leaves Forest area is mostly secondary forest. The average canopy covers 50 – 90%. 494 species belonging to 337 genera of 117 families have been found in this type of ecosystem. Some endangered species include Cycas balansae, Radix marindae officinalis, Ardisia sylvestris Pitard, Smilax glabra, Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), Small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), Large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha).

The Limestone Forest area is forest growing in poor soil with particles of limestone on rocky islands. Some rare animals found there include Serow, Rhesus macaque.

The Littoral Ecosystem in the park is small areas surrounding the islands. It has a rather large tidal variation and is biologically highly diverse with 251 species including 19 species of mangrove, 17 species of seaweed , 29 species of marine worms , 149 species of molluscs, 22 species of crustaceans and 15 species of echinoderms.

The Coral area is located from the water depths of low tide to 10m deep. 409 species have been found including groupers, sea bass, crabs, snails, abalone and seaweeds.

The Shallow Water area covers a large area around the islands, beyond the tidal area and extending from 1km to around 4km. These areas have not been profoundly researched but 539 species have been found.

Bai Tu Long Bay overview

Bai Tu Long is a beautiful Bay lying within the area of the gulf of Tonkin, on the northeast of Vietnam. The bay comprises a part of Halong’s sea, Cam Pha town and Van Don Island District. It shares the border with Halong Bay on the southwest, with the sea on the east, with Cam Pha town on the west and with Co To island district on the northeast. Bai Tu Long Bay includes hundred of islands and islets, several among which are residence for local people.

Along with Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is one among the wonderful natural wonders, with beautiful islands and long-white-sandy beaches. Bai Tu Long is well-known for foreign tourists not only for its natural beauty, but also for a special tourist attraction – Bai Tu Long eco-tourist site. Bai Tu Long eco-tourist site lies within the area of Van Don Island district. It covers a total area of 100 ha with over 10km coastline. The construction style is the combination of the Asian and Western architecture style with coastal self-contained stilt houses harmoniously lying among the natural scenery.

Bai Tu Long National Park is another must-see destination, which represents Vietnam’s sea preservation site, which has attracted a larger number of both domestic and foreign tourists.

Bai Tu Long Bay’s eco-system is a highly diverse one with typical ecosystems such as mangrove forest, coral reef, tropical forest ecosystems. It is estimated that there are 391 species of marine creatures, most of which bring about high economic and scientific value.

Bai Tu Long Bay has great potential for developing tourism. Recently, the Bay has received much concern from visitors. With fascinating beauty and originated landscape, Bai Tu Long Bay promises to be a popular tourist attraction in coming time.

Shopping in Halong Bay

Shopping is an essential part for any tourists. From shopping, tourists can learn more about culture and society of place that they visit, as well as bring home some nice souvenirs for their friends or family. There are several locations for tourists to purchase excellent souvenirs, but tourists should be aware of some issues that might negatively influence their shopping time here. Halong bay tours

One of the most serious problems in not only Halong City but also in various tourism spots in Vietnam is related to the price of products, or the way that sellers set prices for their goods. If tourists spend time on shopping places in this city, particularly at markets where prices have no apparent range and standard, they are usually ask for higher price for actual price of the products. Often, these prices can be 1.5 times higher than actual cost, but in some places where sellers are extremely avaricious, they can be 2 or 3 times higher. Therefore, suggestion to tourists is to carefully research about average price range of products that they desire to purchase before to not to be charged by sky high price. Tourists should bargain for a better price if they think the product is overpriced. However, tourists should not bargain in supermarkets or shopping centers, where prices are already set. 

Paradise Cruise Halong bay

Jasmine Cruise Halong bay

Indochina Sails cruise halong

Shopping in Halong Bay

Another issue that tourists should be aware of is fake products. Halong City is located in Quang Ning Province, where has border with China. Therefore, fake products from China are bought frequently by local sellers to earn more profit. Therefore, tourists are recommended to check the quality and origin of products thoroughly before purchasing, as well as shop at ensured places such as shopping mall or authorized shops.

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 Tay Ninh

Travel Tay Ninh The capital of the same-named province, Tay Ninh is situated 95 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and is the original home of the Cao Dai religion. 

The town itself is a bit of a nondescript affair -- accommodation and eateries are available, but very few travellers choose to overnight here -- primarily because the tours from Saigon are so affordable -- some going for as little as US$2 per person! Read more: Vietnam travel

The people flock her to see the Cao Dai Holy See -- the great temple of the Cao Dai faith -- which sits a few km outside of town. A garish meld of styles and influences, the temple is dominated by the divine eye which is the religion's representation of God -- for those who are curious, it's a left eye. The temple is done out in hues of pink and baby blues, with a brilliant interior bedecked with eight grandiose pillars wrapped with writhing dragons, and a clouded pastel blue sky that wouldn't be out of place in a Vegas casino -- you really have to see the place to believe it. The faith has built temples all over the region -- especially in the Mekong Delta -- but this is the biggest, brightest and the best. Read more: Mekong delta cruise

Travel Tay Ninh

The Cao Dai beliefs are a curious mix of Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism with a decent dash of home-grown remedies thrown into the mix. The religion came out of activities of the Vietnamese public officer and mystic, Ngo Minh Chieu, who was on the receiving end of revelations from 1919 onwards, culminating in the founding of the religion in 1926. These revelations are believed to have come directly from God. For a belief which once had a standing army of over 20,000 the practices laid out in these revelations are decidedly non-violent -- frequent prayer, veneration of ancestors, non-violence and vegetarianism are all centrepieces. Treasure junk 

It's the Cao Dao prayers that forms the key attraction at the Holy See from a tourist's perspective. Ritual prayers are held four times daily with the midday session the most likely one you'll see if you visit as a part of a tour from Saigon. Be aware that while you're permitted to photograph the prayers from the upstairs terrace (where all the tourists are herded) you're not permitted to take pictures of individuals without first asking permission. As with most temples, respectful attire is required -- no singlet tops, shorts, nor, need it be said, bikini tops.

If you decide to visit the temple independently, aim for a prayer session other than the midday one as you'll have far fewer tourists to share the spectacle with.

To reach Tay Ninh from Saigon catch a bus from either Tay Ninh or Mien Tay bus stations in Saigon. The trip will take two to three hours. Once you're in Tay Ninh, walk, or get a xe-om to the temple itself.

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.

Cooking class on a cruise in Vietnam

CULTURE
The Au Co cruise is designed to allow our passengers to get a true sense of Vietnam and experience a taste of the Orient. While aboard, there is a range of activities for you to discover and experience Vietnamese culture for yourself, everything from Tai Chi to cultural talks, cooking lessons to fine dining. Off-deck, there are plenty more opportunities to learn more about the local culture and history and also to engage with some of the local communities who inhabit this world-renowned landscape.

Cooking class on a cruise in Vietnam

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Cooking demonstration class a Halong Bay cruise

If you are interested in learning more about Vietnamese cuisine, our Vietnamese cooking class and tour may well interest you. Our cooking teachers, always a team of two – a chef experienced in Vietnamese cuisine and a team leader, many of whom have practiced abroad and who speak excellent English, will bring their vast experience to bear, sharing their excellent skills in this fun but informative class. Not only will you have many opportunities to taste Vietnamese dishes but you can also widen your knowledge of Vietnamese culture. Read more:

Paloma Cruise, Bai Tho cruise

Cooking class on a cruise in Vietnam

Tai Chi on our boats

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Tai Chi lesson in sunrise while on a Halong Bay cruise

Practising Tai Chi first thing in the morning with our professional trainer is a great way to start your day on a boat in Vietnam; clearing your mind and giving you energy for the rest of the day to discover both the beautiful Gulf of Tonkin as well as all the activities available on board The Au Co. This ancient Chinese martial art is celebrated both for its defence training and also for its health benefits.

Tea Ceremony on a tour of Halong

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High tea ceremony on one of our Halong Bay cruises

At the end of a busy day cruising and exploring the many sights of Halong Bay and the Gulf of Tonkin, you may well be curious to learn more about this fascinating area, the country and its people.

At sundown on the first day, a tea ceremony will be held, inviting you to taste and experience the range of Vietnamese teas on offer and giving you a broader understanding of their significance in Vietnamese culture.

Local touch

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Experiencing bamboo boat in Halong Bay to discover local floating village

As The Au Co has a more leisurely schedule, you will have more time to connect with some of the Gulf of Tonkin locals, adding to your lifetime experience. As part of our unique itinerary, we will pass local villages where you will be able to observe, and even take part in, some of the locals’ daily activities. We believe this is one of the greatest Halong tours Vietnam has to offer.

On Cat Ba Island, you can visit Viet Hai village and see people working on the rice paddies and picking fruit.

We will also travel to the more remote Bai Tu Long Bay to visit Vung Vieng Floating Village. Touring this fascinating village on bamboo boats, you can see how local families survive on the water, fishing.

Alova Gold Cruises 3D - 2N

Alova Gold Cruise Halong bay 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

Alova Gold Cruises 3D - 2N

DAY 1

Morning

Blue Dragon tour guide pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi then start driving for 3.5 hours to Ha Long. The long trip is much more interesting than you expected with rustic landscapes of Vietnam’s village on the roadsides. Airrve at Bai Chay port by noon and transfer to Alova Gold Cruise for welcome drinks

Afternoon

Vietnamese traditional lunch is served right after checking-in while the ship is cruising around Ha Long Bay. On the way, we’d anchor at Ti Top Island for kayaking and swimming activities on the sunny smooth white sand beach. Return to the vessel for your own leisure at room or sundeck by 18:00 and the boat anchors at Sung Sot area for overnight. The most interesting activity of the evening is cooking demonstration on the sundeck before another delicious Vietnamese meal in the dining room. For the rest of the night, feel free to take part in team building activities such as board games, drinking at bar, and squid fishing.

DAY 2

Morning

Prepare your daily back pack for another inspiring day and enjoy light breakfast with tea/coffee and biscuits. Sung Sot Cave – one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay is not too far from current destination. Arrive there by 8:15, climb to the entrance and spend around 1 hour exploring the cave. Get on the day cruise for a trip to untouched parts of Ha Long in Lan Ha Bay. Stop at a beautiful beach for swimming, kayaking and sunbathing, and especially the barbecue seafood lunch on board.

Afternoon

Visit pearl farm in the afternoon where you’d see the whole process of growing pearl mussels. Return to the main boat in the late afternoon for another exciting cooking class on the sundeck. The dinner should go for a treat with a different menu of Halong sea-foods.

DAY 3

Morning

Get up early to take some great picture of the sunrise over the Bay. After the breakfast, take time to relax on your own and pack up your luggage while the ship is approaching Ha Long Harbor. Arrive at the harbour by noon and get on the car back to Hanoi.

Pelican Cruise reviews

Starting to operate in early 2012, with the newest of the line sailing in the beginning of 2013, 3 junks on Halong bay Pelican Cruise fleet create a new sense of luxury for cruise trip at the charming Halong Bay. The cruises were constructed and designed with a style that was a combination of classic and modern wooden architecture. Entering the cruise makes passengers feel comfortable and cozy, and also a little superior sense. Read more: Halong Dragon Pearl Junk cruise, Huong Hai Sealife cruise Halong

Pelican Cruise reviews

Cabins
Each cruise of Pelican fleet is able to provide accommodations for maximum 44 passengers with 22 cabins classifying into 20 Deluxe cabins and 2 Royal Suites. These cabins offer travelers experience of a 5-stars standard with modern amenities, including air-conditioners, private bathrooms and large window, as well as elegant design to create an atmosphere of relaxing and coziness, and also elegance. In each cabin, there are also safety box for valuable assets and a minibar for some romantic drinks at night for couples.      
Activities on board
Not only in the cabins are great, but also the other public area are either. Restaurant on Pelican Cruises might not have unique features in décor, but the food is delicious with diverse menu, particularly Vietnamese and local seafood. And if passengers desire to have a private place, grab some drinks and witness the breathtaking sceneries of Halong or chat with friends, the terrace bar is an ideal place. Other services onboard, delivered by well-trained staff, are also outstanding features of the cruises, such as dinner at Tien Cave (Fairy Cave) or the Tai Chi sessions every morning at 6.30AM.