Travel to Con Dao

Looking at a map, Con Dao Island looks like a bear rising from the sea to south east of Vietnam. Originally a prison for patriots and revolutionists during the French and American resistance, Con Dao Island sheltered brave revolutionary spirits of the Vietnamese people. More than 22,000 prisoners who dedicated their lives to national independence were incarcerated on the isolated island of Con Dao. South Vietnam travel packages

Location: Con Dao Island is situated in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province

Con Dao was recognized as a nature reserve in 1984 and a national park in 1993. The total protected area of the park is 20,000ha, including 14,000ha of sea and 6,000ha of forest on 14 islands. There is also a buffer zone that is 20,500ha wide. Con Dao National Park encompasses oceanic and coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, coral reefs and sea grasslands. Over 1,300 species of sea animals have been identified here. The park is the most important egg-laying area in Vietnam for sea turtles. The island also has many precious animals, the most important being dugong (called "sea cows" by locals). Between late 1996 and early 1997, officials at the park counted 10 dugong in the sea surrounding the island. With high oceanic biodiversity, Con Dao is classified as one of the areas given optimum priority in the world's system of oceanic reserves. MEKONG EYES CRUISE

The best time to visit Con Dao Island is from March to June, when the sea is calm. Some of those beaches include Dam Trau, Hang Duong and Phi Yen where visitors can relax and enjoy the warm temperature. The ocean around Con Dao Island is a heaven for sea life and the splendid forest cloaks the land. This is ecotourism at its best. Clean, smooth sand banks, blue sea, dolphins jumping and racing after boats, tropical almond trees swinging in a cool sea breeze, peaceful narrow roads, and forest covering most of the island, make Con Dao seem like heaven to visitors from far and wide. Indochina Sails cruise Halong bay

Con Dao is one of the few places in Vietnam that is home to rare dugong, sea turtles, and dolphins, and to varieties of orchids found nowhere else in the country. In addition, the island has large and diverse coral reefs comparable to the most famous ecotourism spots in the region. This peaceful island district has 5,000 people whom nature seems to have created with kind hearted and generous characters and adventurous enough to choose the remote island as their home. Visitors will arrive there to enjoy themselves in an intact natural environment and have a good time with dugong, sea turtles and dolphins playing freely around the island paradise.

Travel to Con Dao

CON DAO PRISON

Con Dao Prison (Vietnamese: Nhà tù Côn Đảo), also Con Son Prison, is a prison on Con Son Island (also known as Con Lon) the largest island of the Con Dao archipelago in Ba Ria – Vung Tau. The prison was built in 1861 by the French colonists to jail those considered especially dangerous to the colonist government. Many of the high ranking leaders of Vietnam were detained here. It is ranked a special historical relic of national importance by the government of Vietnam. The most famous site in this prison is “tiger’s cage”. The prison covers an area of 5,475 square metres, of which the area of cell is 1408 square metres, sunbath room covers 1873 square metres and other space covers 2194 square metres. The prison includes 120 cells. The prison was closed after the country united and just opened for visitors later.

In 1861, the French colonial government established a prison on the island to house political prisoners. In 1954, it was turned over to the South Vietnamese government, who continued to use it for the same purpose. Notable prisoners held at Con Son in the 1930s included Pham Van Dong and Le Duc Tho. Not far from the prison is Hang Duong Cemetery, where some of the prisoners were buried.

HANG DUONG CEMETERY

Hang Duong CemeteryHang Duong Cemetery is a memorial cemetery in Vietnam with the remains of independence fighters and prisoners who died at the Con Dao Prison. The cemetery is situated near the prison on Con Son Island (also known as Con Lon) the largest island of the sixteen islands of the Con Dao archipelago. Many Vietnamese, war veterans and former prisoners travel to the island to pay homage to the fallen at temple shrines and tombs. Many of the graves are unmarked but marked and numbered notable graves include those of Le Hong Phong, Nguyen An Ninh and Vo Thi Sau.

Top Things to do in Con Dao Island

Snorkeling
Con Dao is considered one of the best examples of marine conservation in the country. With over 340 species of coral teeming with a colorful array of marine life, Con Dao supports a high level of biodiversity including over 1,400 marine species. Snorkelling in the turquoise waters around the island gives you a chance to look at the colorful and exotic marine life. South Vietnam tours Packages

Con Dao Historical & Prison Tour
In 1861, the French colonial government built this prison to house political prisoners. Today, you can learn about that grim past at the Con Dao Museum, which was once the colonial governor’s residence. Exhibits also reveal details about the island’s natural and pre-colonial history.

Discover Sea Turtles
Con Dao is the only place in Vietnam where sea turtles come to nest and enjoy full National Park protection. From May to October every year, Green and Hawksbill turtles come to nest around one of thirteen beaches. During this period, female turtles come up on the beach at high tide during the night. It takes an exhausting two to three hours for the female to dig, lay and cover her nest before returning to the ocean. Paradise Cruise in Halong bay

Hiking in Tropical Rainforest
Venture into the rainforest behind the town and climb 260 metres above sea level to So Ray Plantation, where you might be lucky enough to spot rare species such as the Con Dao Long Tailed Macaque and playful Con Dao Giant Black Squirrel. Adventurous travelers can keep hiking through the less-traveled north side of Con Dao. BASSAC CRUISE

Rest at stunning Ong Dung Bay.
Trekking to the Lighthouse
A 30 minute ride by speedboat brings you to the beautiful island of Bay Canh, where this adventure begins. A two-hour trek through dense forest leads you to one of Con Dao’s most important landmarks. The Bay Canh Lighthouse was built in 1885 and is one of the highest points on the island, at 226 meters above sea level.

Top Things to do in Con Dao Island

Catamaran Sailing
Feel the soft breeze on your face and see the beauty and charm Con Dao has to offer, from the picturesque fishing boats to the point in the horizon where the sky seems to blend with the sea.

Fishing Trip
What better way to spend the early morning than on a boat feeling the sea breeze against your skin against the backdrop of Con Dao Archipelago? A simple fishing boat offers an ideal way to explore these picturesque waters - and perhaps capture some lunch!

Scuba Diving
With depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters for recreational diving, Con Dao offers a unique opportunity to explore the amazing variety of underwater life. Explore the untouched and pristine coral, and you might spot rays, turtles, giant barracuda, cobia, batfish and small bamboo sharks as well as a whole host of tropical reef fish.

Explore Local Life
A guide will take you around the island, through back roads, small dwellings and local agricultural plots that are peppered with livestock, so you can experience how local people live.

Hue Festival Travel Tips

With the coming back of Hue Festival to mark the national tourism year 2012, Hue is entering the most amazing time, when tourists from all over the world are flooding into it. How can you spend the most of your time when coming to this ancient city in this occasion? Let’s consult some of useful tips provided by experienced travelers. Indochina Sails cruise Halong
Getting in and out
From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, passengers can approach Hue by bus, air or train. The Re-union Express trains with the route Hanoi – HCMC stop at Hue’s Train Station, which is located in the heart of the city, while coach travelers may depart from the two indicated cities at anytime in a day at relatively low cost; however, travelling by coach may cost you much more time and cause inconveniences. For ones interested in getting Hue by airplane, your only option is Vietnam Airlines since it is the only carrier in Vietnam operating routes to this city. Centre Vietnam travel
When to go?
April is definitely the best time to visit Hue. This is understandable because when the local authority decided to organize Hue Festival in this month, they should have taken into account the weather factor seriously. Besides, March and August are two good alternatives.
Eating
If Hanoi gastronomy allures all gourmets to this city by numerous exotic street-foods, Hue can do nothing than what Hanoi can, and even better thanks to its elaborate decoration and degustation banquets of Hue Royal Gastronomy. In this day and age, Hue city is much commercialized with Western style restaurants that make it become more difficult to find out an authentic Hue’s restaurant serving Royal Meals and quintessence of its street-foods. Mekong delta tours Vietnam
Walking along Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, ones may recognize several restaurants serving Hue’s specialties that you should never forget to try such as banh beo, banh loc, banh it or banh nam. The street is easy to find, which is situated on the island to Northwest of the citadel.
At night, tourists are recommended to pay a visit at a noodle stall to have a piece of Hue’s night cuisine that you wouldn’t be able to see in any other places in this world.
Another quintessence of Hue’s cuisine is vegetarian foods, which may be best enjoyed at stalls in Dong Ba Market (Tran Hung Dao Street) on the 1st and 15th of a lunar month.

Hue Festival Travel Tips

Drink
AT Ca Thi 24, 64 Le Loi Street, tourists may enjoy best quality coffee and herbal tea in this city while refreshing yourselves in a relaxing green garden inside a colonial villa. Ca Thi 24 also serves caffeine, alcohol and fast food.
If you are a fan of billiard, DMZ Bar and Café at 44 Le Loi Street, with pool tables should be ideal to keep your beer order going on forever.
For ones enjoying the loud of rock and cheap cocktails and alcohol, Bar Why Not at 21 Vo Thi Sau is what you are seeking for.
Shopping
Hue is the homeland of finest Nón Lá (conial hat) in Vietnam with its special Nón Lá decorated with a short poem making its brand-name Nón Bài Tho. Hue is also a venue of high quality rice paper, silk paintings and calligraphy; however, their prices are always four to five time more expensive than real values.
From Trang Tien Bridge, go straight ahead to the North you may get to Dong Ba Market – the largest market of the city where you can find anything from food to household applications and souvenirs.
Getting around
For such tourism concentrated city like Hue, there is not lack of methods of transportation to go around that you can easily catch a taxi, xe ôm, cyclo or you may hire yourselves a motorbike or bicycle at relatively low cost.
Taxi
Although most of the taxi firms in Hue are honest, some individual taxi drivers may cheat you by fixing the meter showing up to 10 times the distance actually travelled. Tip for you is paying attention on the meter and estimate the distance. If the meter runs too fast, just refuse to pay and insist on calling police so that the drivers will back down. The average price of Hue taxi starts from VND 15,000 (70 cents) for the first 2km and then continues at VND 11,500 per one further kilometer.
Cyclo
Traveling by cyclo is something you don’t want to miss, especially when the intention of your trip is to explore the beauty of Hue City. Since there is no meter or fixed fee for this kind of transportation, you may have to make full use of your negotiation skills for a reasonable price before jumping on those cyclos by clearly stating your route to the drivers. Also, don’t forget to clearly state whether it is USD or VND if you say, for example “100”. This is necessary because some drivers tend to make you surprise with an exorbitant amount of fee charged when you stop at the final destination. However, those cheaters are only minor that most of the cyclo drivers in Hue are naive and very helpful.
Motorbike/Bicycle
Besides waving a xe ôm and enjoy your trip in a passive way, tourists may easily find yourselves a motorbike or bicycle at a local travel agent or just by asking the receptionists of the hotel for help. Those vehicles are for hire at surprisingly cheap prices, at US$5 for a motorbike per day and $1 for a bicycle per day.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town – one of the most popular tourist attraction in Vietnam not only for domestic tourists but also for foreigners.
Location

Hoi An is located on the bank of Thu Bon River- in the Central of Viet Nam, only 30 kilometers from Da Nang City. With a good location on the bank of a great river, it used to be one of the major trading port during 16th century. Centre Vietnam tours packages

History

Hoi An has been through a long time of history, but it still remains as in the very first days of its being born. It was divided into 2 main historical landmark: the occupying of the Japanese & Chinese, and the Western (Dutch and Spanish) during the 16th and 17th centuries. Mekong river tours Vietnam

CHung Tooc

During the Chinese period, Hoi An was called as “Hai Pho” (Sea Town). Hai Pho was a divided town - this side of Japanese Bridge for Chinese and another side for Japanese. Until French and Spanish period, Hoi An was well-known as Faifo - an international port city. Thanks to these days, Hoi An is a wonderful place for tourists due to itsforeign comprehensively positive and special pastimes and culture.

Weather

Hoi An has typically tropical climate. Normally, it is classified into 2 seasons: dry season and wet season - it is not too hot on dry season and not too cold on wet season so that you can travel more without nervous. Paradise Cruise Halong bay

What to explore

Coming to Hoi An, tourist are attracted by series of old - architectured lanes and houses with nearly 100% cristinely left from their initial buildings with moss grown walls, deeply plain roofs, old furniture in their cristine past arrangement, etc. Hoi An’s architecture was affected by Chinese, French, Japanese Culture.

1. Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town

Since Hoi An is an old Town, its places of interest are of full historically classical meaning and image. Hoi An symbol, the most popular remnant is the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau or Lai Vien Kieu), on the west end of Tran Phu Street. The bridge was constructed in the early 1600's by the Japanese community. Tourists should spend time on visiting Quan Cong Temple, Musium of Culture. Many ancient style - oriented architects come here to have a direct look into the ancient houses of the town, among which are Phung Hung House, just west of the Japanese Bridge, Quan Thang House, or Tan Ky House. The design of the houses show how local architecture incorporated Japanese and Chinese influences. Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quang Dong), has a calm courtyard with ornate statuary. You could take a peek at the half-hidden back yard and its kitschy pastel dragon statues. Hokien (Fujian) Meeting Hall (Phuc Kien) and Chinese All-Community Meeting Hall (Trieu Chau), are also spanning the block. If you are Buddhist, there are a lot of pagodas to visit. Ong Pagoda, Quan Am Phat Tu Minh Huong Pagoda, etc. are premium places to get in.

If you want to explore Hoi An Ancient Town with a professional tour guide who can give you all good information about Hoi An history, local life,,..have a look at Hoi An city tour half day

Special note: If you enter the old town, you have to buy entrance ticket which costs 6$/ 1pax as your contribution is to restore and maintain ancient house. You can keep it and use it for anytime you enter the town.

2. Local belief

The main religion here is Buddhism. Therefore, people often go to the pagoda and pray on 30th and 14th of every lunar month. That time, the old town seems to be so nice with all colorful hanging cloth and paper lanterns.  Furthermore, it’s easy for you to see people preparing altars with candles, cakes, incense and wine in front of their shops, restaurants and houses to pray for all the unlucky ghosts who are wandering on the streets at night with the hope that they won’t disturb their business, their happiness and their normal life. That is also the reason why you can see the local people here they burn incense and cinnamon in the morning- the time they start a new day with the hope that the good smell of incense and cinnamon will bring them good luck all day and help them chase bad spirits.

Special note: When you come to some shops in Hoi An in the morning, you can get good price - morning price. Because sellers want to sell fast - buy fast so they can get good luck for the whole day. However, you should not visit a shop early in the morning without buying anything because you may be their first customer of the day which means that it’s not good if you don’t buy anything. First customer of the day is considered to bring the owner of the shop good luck and good business during the day, so you need to buy something even it’s small. You’d better go shopping after 9 a.m

3. Local food

When you come to Hoi An, you should not miss some specialties here: Cao Lau, Quang Noodle , White Rose, coffee with condensed milk and many local food that are not available on your guide book. You will have wonderful feelings when enjoying them. It is greater when you have a local guide who take you on a motorbike and explore Hoi An food. Not just eating, with a guide by your side, you can get many useful information about local food, have chance to talk to local people and have sight - seeing included on the tour. Come and enjoy with us at Hoi An street food tour by motorbike

Special note: This tour is available in the morning at 8.00 A.M or in the afternoon at 3.00 P.M. You can choose motorbike as the way you discover local food here. If you don’t like to go on a motorbike, you can choose the walking or cycling tour.

4. Cam Thanh coconut village

About 5 kilometers from the old town, Cam Thanh Village is where you can make your trip back to nature. This village is well- known as a very peaceful and relaxed place for tourists with the water coconut forests. One of the most popular activities there is the Cooking Class and Eco Tour. Not just cooking, you can do some work as a real fisherman like fishing, riding basket boat, and chatting with local people here. More information about the tour at Hoi An cooking class and eco tour   3
Special note: You should join the tour on sunny day or light rainy day so that you can enjoy more. It is too wet and not comfortable on rainy day.

5. Duy Hai fishing village

Close to Cam Thanh Village, Duy Hai fishing village which can be reached by boat is really famous for making fish sauce in Hoi An. Going to the fish market and a local house to learn the way people make fish sauce here is really interesting. Please read more at Duy Hai fishing village by tour half day   4
Special note: This tour is just available in the early morning 5.00 A.M. That time, the fish market is very busy because fishermen bring many fresh fish from previous night back home and sell for local people. You’d better join this tour on Dry Season when the weather is good so that you can have a safe and great trip on the boat.

6. Kim Bong Carpentry Vilage

Only 15 minutes by ferry from Hoi An Old Town, you can go to visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village. Here, you are seemed to be back to countryside of Vietnamese people with many rice paddies and buffalos. Coming here, you will have deep knowledge about how people make boats, Quang noodle and sleeping mats. In addition, you can listen to more stories about local people and local life here. Have a look at our tour at Kim Bong carpentry village at Kim Bong village bicycle half day tour   5
7. Tra Que Vegetable Village

Hoi An has been famous for vegetables a long time ago and Tra Que Vegetable Village is a wonderful place where people produce vegetables that you shouldn’t miss. 15 minutes by cycling from the old town, you will arrive this veggies village. Farmers here - they prefer seaweed for fertilizing for veggies, not chemical fertilizer, so veggies is really clean (organic). More interesting, you can have experience like a farmer when you grow and water the veggies here. Visit Tra Que vegetables village bike tour  for more information.     6
8. Thanh Ha Poterry Village

Once more village you should not miss in Hoi An is Thanh Ha Poterry Village which is famous for products that make from pottery. Coming here, you can understand more about character of the local people here: they are truly patient, skillful, careful and definitely talent. Come and learn how to make pottery products like a local. Visit Thanh Ha pottery village for more information.

Top 3 Festival in Sapa

Xoe Dancing Festival in Ta Chai Sapa

Time: The 15th day of the first lunar month.
Place: Ta Chai Commune, Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province.
Objects of worship: Agriculture Deity (administer of fields and gardens).
Characteristics: Xoe dancing of the Tay. Hanoi – Sapa 5 days
Xoe Dancing Festival in Ta Chai Sapa
Xoe Festival in Ta Chai is the spring festival of the Tay to pray for good crop, full of grains and rice. The ritual is rather simple with a tray of offerrings put at the foot of a neu tree which show the sincerity of villagers to the god of farming. After the magician observes rituals, the whole of the village take part in dancing of xoe in the boisterous sounds of gong, drum with many special styles of dance such as: xoe in group, xoe in couple, xoe in four person, xoe greeting… Paradise Cruise Halong bay

Top 3 Festival in Sapa

Thuong Temple Spring Festival Sapa Vietnam

Thuong TempleTime: From the 14th to the 15th day of the first lunar month.
Place: Lao Cai City, Lao Cai Province.
Objects of worship: Tran Hung Dao.
Characteristics: A palanquin procession, tug of war contest, wrestling contest, and con throwing, sticks pushing, no (arbalest) shooting.
Thuong Temple Spring Festival Sapa Vietnam
Thuong Temple is located on the Hoa Hieu Hill, Lao Cai City, dedicated to Tran Hung Dao – the famous general of Tran Dynasty. He commanded the Dai Viet troops defensive in Lao Cai in 1257.
The spring festival is organized at the cutural center of Lao Cai Ward and Thuong and Mau Temples. The ceremonies include the opening festival, processions of the Holy Mother and Thien hau Nuong; worshipping ceremony takes place on the 14th day, thanksgiving ceremony is on the 15th day to pray for peaceful and prosperous things to everyone. Mekong Mango cruise
It involves traditional singing and dancing performances and mountainous ethnic games: con throwing, arbalest shooting, tug of war, stick pushing, wrestle, cocks fighting, swinging… The spring festival is alco displayed brocade souvernirs, local goods which are made by girls of the Mong, the Dao, the Thai…

Traditional festivals in Sapa Vietnam

Sapa is very famous for its traditional festivals.Spring festival is filled with colorful traditional religious customs. Long Tong festival is the most specific activity of the Tay people. It reflects the desire to have good crops, health, as well as many children and grandchildren.
Traditional festivals in Sapa Vietnam
Spring festivals
The days of the festival are filled with colorful traditional religious customs, such as blessing heaven for a child, fortune or a lucky and happy life. This is also the time that mountain villagers, boys and girls, all display their best clothes and new costumes.
Many entertaining contests also take place such as gun shooting, Giao Duyen singing style of singing where a boy and girl sing traditional love songs to express their love for each other), pan-pipe playing and dancing,kung fu, ball throwing and feasting.
Long Tong Festival
It is the most specific activity of the Tay people. It reflects the desire to have good crops, health, as well as many children and grandchildren. The ceremony involves solemn rituals, such as staging a procession for the Water, worshipping ceremonies to the Village Deity, the Stream Deity and the Mountain Deity, and worshipping the con tree.
There are many merry games such as “nem con” (a game in which boys and girls throwcloth balls), tug—of—wars, playing cockfights by banana flowers, and buffalo fights by aspara-gus. Boys and girls come to the festival to folk dance, sing love songs, and make friends.

Top 4 Attractions in Ninh Binh

100 kilometers away from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is emerging as one of the most exciting destinations during your Vietnam tour. For a long time, it is known as a choice of short getaway from Hanoi. But in fact, many things to do in Ninh Binh to offer for everyone. North Vietnam tours

1. Admiring the Terrestrial Halong Bay

Tam Coc - Attractions in Ninh Binh

When driving along the National Route 1A, after passing Ninh Binh City, you will encounter one of the most spectacular sights in Vietnam – Tam Coc (means Three Grottos). Hiring a boat and it will take your through an extensive network of waterways between imposing limestone cliffs erecting from the flat rice paddies. Although the scene still cannot match Halong Bay in terms of size and the number of limestone mountains, Tam Coc is more accessible and less touristy. As the name might suggest, you will undergo three low and dark caves, another reminiscence to Halong Bay. During the trip, you can also have the chance to visit Bich Dong Temple (free entrance) which provides incredible views of the surroundings. PANDAW CRUISE

TrangAn is another nearby attractions that is quite similar to Tam Coc. Although TrangAn has more caves to pass through, it is more crowded, especially in high season.

Top 4 Attractions in Ninh Binh

2.Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu - Attractions in Ninh Binh

As Vietnam’s capital city, Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh is the predecessor of Thang Long (the former name of Hanoi). The royal city is a short bike ride from Ninh Binh City. It is surrounded by high limestone mountains which is believed to protect Hoa Lu from invasion. Inside the complex, there is an iconic archway in the entrance and several temples including the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang, who liberated the country from the Southern Han in the 10th century. Calypso Cruise

3.Cuc Phuong National Park


It will take you more than one hour drive to get to Cuc Phuong National Park from Tam Coc. Cuc Phuong is generally a well-preserved rainforest. There is an Endangered Primates Rescue Center near the entrance that you should pay a visit with a guide. This is house of about 150 primates being prepared to be released back to the wild. There are many ways to explore Cuc Phuong via the densely rainforested road, but biking is the best choice to slowly stroll through the jungle, the prehistoric trees and the caves. The park is also the home to many faunas, most notably butterflies and birds. The best way to watch the animals here is at night, but be sure to have a guide accompanied with you.

4. Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve - Ninh Binh

Not far away from Cuc Phuong National park is Van Long Nature Reserve. Although the scene is somewhat similar to that in Tam Coc, taking a one hour boat trip in Van Long is a great way to relax and discover numerous species of exotic birds in their natural habitat. You could also witness the endangered monkey living here. Watching the sunset while meandering along the river at Van Long is a great way to end an exciting day in Ninh Binh.

Attractions in Phu Quoc island

Phu Quoc (Phú Qu?c ), also know under the name Pearl island, is bigest island of Vietnam and is a district of Kien Giang. Phu Quoc tourism is famous for beautiful sea, beaches, primary forests and ancient fishing villages. This island is an ideal destination of Vietnam. Following is my experiences about Phu Quoc travel. Mekong & Phu Quoc island (5 days, 4 nights)

Attractions in Phu Quoc island
There are 3 main tourism areas in Phu Quoc: Northern island, Southern and Western. Usually, tourists come to Phu Quoc will spend 3 days to visit these areas.

Western

Western island is place locating Duong Dong town, seat of island, where is the first place you see when coming to Phu Quoc. BASSAC CRUISE

The first site you should visit is Dinh Cau (Dinh C?u ), that is very sacred temple with the locals.

Next is Ham Ninh fishing village. This is an ancient village with rustic and pristine cottages. You may also buy fresh seafoods and enjoy them on beach when ships of fishermens just docked.

Ham Ninh fishing village in Phu Quoc

After visiting Ham Ninh village, if it’s not yet dark, let’s visit Cuoi Nguon museum, where has been kept the stories and legends about Phu Quoc island. Dragon Pearl Junk

Evening, let’s come to bustling Dinh Cau night market and eat famous specialties, goods of this island.

Southern

The famous attractions in Southern Island is Phu Quoc prison (Nhà tù Phú Qu?c ). The prison was restored like a museum, with wondrous statues about scenes of torturing prisoners. I don’t like this place, it scares me.

Tranh stream (Su?i Tranh ) is derived from Ham Ninh mountain, has beautiful scene and cool air like Dalat city.

Painting stream in Phu Quoc

Khem beach (Bãi Khem ) is surrounded by mountains. This is a beautiful beach of Phu Quoc with bue sea, long sand and the pristine.

Next destinations in Southern are Kingdom of pepper (Vuong Qu?c h? tiêu ) with immense green. Fish sauce barrel houses, where produce millions litters of fish sauce every year. I’m sure, you will be overwhelmed by massive barrel systems. Pearl farms, where has been made famous pearls of Phu Quoc.

Northern

Northern island own Phu Quoc National park (Vu?n qu?c gia Phú Qu?c), where has the most beautiful beaches of the island, along with pristine landscape:

Ham Rong mountain (Núi Hàm R?ng ), Ganh Dau beach (Gành D?u ), Cua Can (C?a C?n, an estuary).

Ganh Dau in Phu Quoc Vietnam

Bai Dai beach (Bãi Dài), the most beautiful beach of Phu Quoc.

Da Ngon (su?i Ðá Ng?n ), Da Ban stream (su?i Ðá Bàn), streams have clear water and many small waterfalls.

Finally, Nguyen Trung Truc temple, the end of my northern journey, is where the locals remember a great hero of country.

Bai Sao beach in Phu Quoc

My advice: You should rent a motorbike to visit attractions in Phu Quoc. When travelling to Norhthern (by motor), quite far distance so you have to fuel fully if you don’t want out of fuel halfway.

How to go to Phu Quoc island

There are 2 ways:

1. Plane.

You may go from Ha Noi or Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh city ).

- From Sai Gon to Phu Quoc. There are 6 – 10 trips every day. Fares are from $50 to $70.

- From Ha Noi, Fares are from $150 to $250, depend on times.

Planes to Phu Quoc also have cheap fares, but you have to book few months.

If you booked hotels, let’s tell them your plane trip, they will pick you up when arriving.


2. Road and waterway.

This way is very complex.

- First, from Sai Gon, you will go to Rach Gia by car. There are many cars to Rach Gia, you may buy ticket in bus stations. If going in night, you will arrive at 5am. Then, you catch a taxi or motortaxi to go to dock.

Notes: You should remember license plate of your car, beacause in the trip, car will stop few times for resting, you have to remember the license plate to climb the right car.

Best taxis in Rach Gia:

Mai Linh: +848 3929 2929

Phuong Trang: +848 3833 3468

Superdong ship to Phu Quoc

- Shavanna ship. Add: 12 Tu Do street – Rach Gia city, near the dock. Phone: +84773.692.888. Fares: Adult: $15, child: $10.

>> All hotels in Sai Gon city at Agoda.com


Hotels and motels in Phu Quoc

1. Kim Thanh Nga hotel. Add: 7 region (khu ph? 7) – block 20 – Duong Dong town. Prices from $18 to $25. Ok room, good hotelier. $7 for taxi from airport to the hotel.

2. Hong Tuyet hotel. Add: 14 – Bach Dang street – Duong Dong. Near the Duong Dong night market, and dock of night squid fishing.

3. Sea Breeze hotel is very clear, spacious, balcony face the sea. Prices from $18 to $43. The hotel is located on Tran Hung Dao street. Phone +8477 399 4920

4. Hiep Thoai hotel on Tran Hung Dao street, in center of the the town. Phone: +8477.398.1060. I don’t know specific price, but it’s affordable, you may call to ask the price.

5. Huong Giang bungalow hotel. I really like this hotel. It includes 16 bungalows, located in bustling area of Phu Quoc and only 5 walk minutes from beach. Prices from $25 to $30. Let’s try this hotel, i think you will like it.

Huong Giang bungalow hotel
I like Huong Giang bungalow hotel

Some cheap motels in Phu Quoc

6. Thien Vy motel at 6 – Ly Thuong Kiet, near Phu Quoc ariport.

7. Oc Dao motel has very cheap price, just be $10. Phone +8498.2111.232. I don’t remember address.

Specialties and restaurants in the island

Phu Quoc is famous for seafoods. With waters features, dishes of Phu Quoc cuisine are related to seafoods. Such as:

Types of raw: herring, snail, barracuda and few other fishes. Coi Bien Mai, muscle between 2 clamshells. Ham Ninh spidercrab is famous tasty in Phu Quoc. Sea urchin, abalone,…Phu Quoc fish sauce is also very famous.

You may enjoy these dishes at following restaurants:

In Duong Dong town (western island)

Breakfast restaurants:

Crab pudding - specialties of Phu Quoc
Crab pudding

1. Le Giang restaurant is near the traffic circle of night market. This is familiar breakfast place of groups tourist.

2. Quoc Anh on 30/4 street, near Thang Long hotel. I don’t try yet but some my friends said it’s good.

3. Banh canh cha ca is a popular restaurant close to Thang Long hotel. If you want to watch the streets and enjoy taste of the local, let’s come here.

4. Breakfast buffet at Huong Bien hotel. You may call the hotel to book breakfast.

Other restaurants:

5. Vuon Tao (Vu?n táo ), i like this restaurant most. They have raw herring, which is pride of Phu Quoc cuisine. Other restaurant also have this dish, but here is best. You should stay this restaurant in daytime, because it’s quite distant center of the town so deserted in night.

Herring salad of Phu Quoc
Raw Herring – A famous specialty of Phu Quoc

6. Zen is a luxurious restaurant on 30/4 street. Cool campus and Professional staffs. This restaurant also serves breakfast.

7. Song Xanh restaurant has nice view, overlook Duong Dong river.

8. Trung Duong has popular prices.

9. Huong Bien restaurant is located on terrace of Huong Bien hotel, where has view overlook the sea, very impressive. This is ideal place for dinner.

10. Ngheu So Oc Hen and Nghe So restautants serve seafoods with popular prices.

11. Dinh Cau night market has many restaurants close together and prices are also popular. Let’s enjoy Phu Quoc cuisine style very Phu Quoc.

Coi Bien Mai - Phu Quoc Vietnam
Coi Bien Mai salt and chili grilled

12. Gia Tuong is only restaurant in Phu Quoc does not have seafoods, it serves specialties from Phu Quoc forest.

In southern

12. Sao beach club is new restaurant, nice view, well serves. You may rent hammock or chair to eat on the beach.

In Northern

13. Mai Phuong restaurant on Vung Bau (Vung B?u ) beach. Mai Phuong also has over 10 bungalow.

14. Bien Hai Quan on Ganh Dau.

Top 5 Halong Bay cruises you should try

How to Get To Halong Bay?

Due to its huge popularity, Halong Bay is very well connected to any part of Vietnam and other countries. You can go there through different routes:

By water: There's a big international cruise ship that regularly ferries visitors to Halong Bay. The Cai Lan International Port where the ship docks in is just 10 minutes away from Halong Bay cruises.

By air: Hanoi and Hai Phong are the closest airports. Regular flights are available from Nha Trang, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. You can also fly to these two airports from most Southeast Asian airports. South Vietnam tours

By road: This is the most preferred option, as you can get there by car from virtually any neighboring locales.

Sunset in Halong, a thing to die for.

And now, here're the top five Halong Bay cruises you should try:
Emeraude Day Cruise (top day cruise)

The design is absolutely eye-catching. Unlike other cruises, Emeraude exudes its original French design with pride. It’s a short one-day trip to Halong Bay that'll quite easily provide an unforgettable experience as it takes its passengers to Surprise Grotto or Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave), which is considered to be the finest and most magnificent cave in the bay by many, followed by a trip to Hang Trong cave. Most people agree the food and the service are awesome. PANDAW CRUISE

Rate: $74

Glory Cruise (value for money)

For a most glorious cruising experience

If a serene trip free from crowds is what you want when visiting Halong, then this cruise is for you. On its 2D1N trip, you will be taken to a nearby fishing village where you can see its villagers' daily activities. You can even try kayaking, have on-board cooking lessons, go fishing or exploring caves.

Rate: $110

Dragon Pearl (awesome itinerary)

Targets in vacation? No way! It’s time to chill.

When the other cruises struggle to clear the traffic, this one makes sure that its on-board tourists do not have to wait in queue. In its 2D1N program, you can cover almost all famous hotspots, yet get some more time to chill.

Rate: $150

Paradise Peak Cruise (best luxury trip)

Paradise Peak Cruise: the epitome of opulence and perfection.

Just only one word is needed to define this cruise, it would be "luxury". From the aesthetic beauty of the cruise to the rooms, amenities, food, staffs and service, the entire cruise is classy in every sense. It makes a trip of 2D1N.

Rate: $200

Pelican Cruise (top newcomer)

Indulging in luxury is not a sin after all

Launched in 2012, Pelican has already built a rock-solid reputation with its top notch facilities, good service, superb amenities and friendly staff. It offers bay trip packages of 2D1N and 3D2N.

Rate: $260 and $370 respectively

Top 10 Saigon foods you should not miss

These are simple yet delicious dishes. Look yummy?
1. Broken rice

Cơm tấm, or broken rice, used to be called "poor people's rice” since it was made from grains that broke during harvest or cleaning and were sold cheap.
Over the years it has become a popular dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It is usually served with grilled pork ribs, bì (thinly shredded pork mixed with cooked and thinly shredded pork skin) or chả (a mix of steamed eggs, crab meat, ground pork meat, Jew's ear mushroom, and vermicelli) or both. SONG XANH CRUISE
It can be found almost everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces, from street stalls with plastic stools and tables to fancy air-conditioned restaurants.
2. Kuy teav

There are around 20 different versions of hủ tiếu (kuy teav) – a noodle soup consisting of rice noodles with pork stock and toppings – in HCMC.
The most famous ones are hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodle soup), hủ tiếu sa tế (Chinatown satay noodle soup) and hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho (My Tho rice noodle soup).
There is also a dry version (without soup and with sauce) of kuy teav. Alova Gold Cruise
3. Bánh mì

Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) is so famous that it has entered the Oxford English Dictionary. It defines bánh mì as "a Vietnamese snack consisting of a baguette (traditionally baked with both rice and wheat flour) filled with a variety of ingredients, typically including meat, pickled vegetables, and chili peppers."
The best bánh mì should be grilled over coals, with the crispy shell filled with meat, crunchy pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, smeared with mayonnaise and pâté, and seasoned with a few drops of soy sauce and a spicy chili condiment. travel South Vietnam
Saigonese have many choices of filling for bánh mì -- like thịt nướng (grilled pork), xíu mại (Chinese meatballs known as shu mai in Chinese), and chả cá (deep-fried fish paste).
4. Fried rice flour cakes

Top 10 Saigon foods you should not miss

Bột chiên (fried rice flour cakes) is a dish that originated in China and has become a popular street snack in Saigon.
It is made from rice flour cakes chopped into chunky squares and fried in a large flat pan with whipped eggs and green onion.
It’s served crisp with a sweet rice vinegar and soy sauce concoction and some shredded pickled young papaya and carrot to cool down the dish.
5. Mixed rice paper

Bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper) is the favorite snack of teenagers in Saigon. It is like a salad made of shredded rice paper mixed with jerky, dried shrimps, roasted peanuts, boiled quail eggs, shredded mangoes, fried onions, and herbs.
It is seasoned with chili sauce, salt, cashew oil, and onion oil until it is sour, spicy, salty, and sweet at the same time.
The dish can be found anywhere in Saigon but the most famous street for bánh tráng trộn is Nguyen Thuong Hien in District 3.
6. Papaya salad

Gỏi đu đủ (papaya salad) is made of shredded papaya, rice crackers, sliced jerky, roasted peanuts, and herbs seasoned with chili sauce.
It is usually sold on carts pulled by street vendors. The most famous spot to buy this dish is in front of Le Van Tam Park on Hai Ba Trung Street.
7. Pork and shrimp rolls

Gỏi cuốn (pork and shrimp rolls) is one of the healthiest snacks in Saigon. It is made of tightly wrapped rice paper bundles filled with sliced pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and vegetables. A Hoisin sauce topped with crushed peanuts and chili is often served on the side for dipping.
8. Phá lấu

Phá lấu is pig/cow intestines boiled down to a soft texture in a salty broth. It can be served with bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) or noodles.
9. Sweet soup

Chè (sweet soup) is the perfect dessert in always-hot Saigon. There are a myriad of sweet soups differentiated by origin, taste or ingredients.
10. Snails

If one comes to Saigon for the first time, chances are they will be invited first to a coffee shop and then to an ốc (snail) eatery.
Saigon is famous for many kinds of snails and diverse styles of cooking.

Top 10 FREE things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

With an abundance of things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City, it can be difficult to prioritise and balance the travel budget. With these ten free things to do in Vietnam’s former capital, you’ll wish you could stay longer!

Notre Dame Cathedral
The elaborate Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral which was built by the French during the 1800s and stands next to the Post Office in central HCMC is free to enter. This is an active cathedral though so be sure to respect the attending worshippers. South Vietnam tours

Central Post Office
And just across the road from the Notre Dame Cathedral is the handsome French-colonial Town Hall building which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Town Hall has a classically elegant interior complete with a vaulted glass-canopy ceiling. Inside hangs a massive portrait of the great leader, Ho Chi Minh himself. Jasmine Cruise

Top 10 FREE things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Thien Hau Pagoda
The Thien Hau Pagoda in the Chinatown district of Cholon is dedicated to sea goddess, Lady Thien Hau which features two giant turtles to guard the pagoda. There are elaborate sculptures adorning the courtyard walls and each March an elaborate festival takes place at this free to enter building.

Quan Am Pagoda
Within Vietnam’s largest Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City at Cholon is also the Quan Am Pagoda which is free to explore. This is the oldest Chinese pagoda in Saigon and is close to the Thien Hau Pagoda.

• SONG XANH CRUISE

Take a walking tour
Grab a free tourist map from your hotel, wear your most comfortable shoes and head onto the streets for a leisurely walking tour. As you wander you’ll spot the locals going about their daily lives; cooking on the street, shopping for fresh vegetables and even sleeping on their motorbikes. And one essential tip for crossing the street amidst the millions of mopeds and motorbikes; walk at one continuous speed, do not run and try to make eye contact with the driver. It’s daunting at first but you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Ben Thanh Market
Browse the Ben Thanh Market on Ho Chi Minh’s Le Loi Street where the local market stall are piled high with just about everything you could imagine from spices, housewares, souvenirs, textiles and jewellery. Browse without picking anything up and you’ll not get hassled by the traders too much.

Rex Hotel
Visit the iconic Rex Hotel which became famous thanks to the ‘Five O’clock Follies’ – the press conferences that were held each day during the Vietnam War. The name originates from the journalists who nicknamed the spin that existed during the period. Admire the hotel from the street or if your budget allows, enjoy a drink (and an awesome view of Ho Chi Minh City below) at the rooftop bar.

Dam Sen Water Park
The kids will get in for free to the Dam Sen Water Park if they’re under 0.8 meters in height. There are some great water slide experiences including the thrilling Space Bowl.

Tour the Reunification Palace
Once inside the 1960s Reunification Palace there are free tours of the various state rooms.  Entrance is 30,000 dong which is less than 1.50 USD and well worth the modest fee. The Palace is a shrine to all things 60s and is virtually untouched since the fall of Saigon to the north on 30 April 1975. The gates of the palace are famous in their own right as the images were beamed worldwide of the tank 843 clattered through the gate signalling the end of the Vietnam War.

Hanoi Ancient Citadel

This Citadel is located in a large space, Ba Dinh, Hanoi. It was ranked 'Historical National Culture' in 1999 and now in the center of Hanoi, Ba Dinh district. Hanoi Ancient Citadel and monuments located in the ancient region, has over 10 centuries. Indochina sails – Halong Bay travel

In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, the castle was built and expanded in the following reign. Thang Long is planning with three nested rounds. The Long Phuong Ly – Tran is in the palace area. Citadel in the middle covers the economic area in the east. La Thanh or Dai La Thanh is outmost citadel. In 1805, the Nguyen reign of Hanoi has retained the Forbidden City area to ​​offer the king when touring in the north. During the French reign, the French keep this area as commander of the military. JAHAN CRUISE

Hanoi Ancient Citadel

Five old structures have retained after the French attacks Hanoi citadel:

In old buildings left over after the French broke into Hanoi from south to north, including the following items: The Hanoi flag tower, Doan Mon Gate, Kinh Thien, Hau Lau and Bac Mon.

Bac Mon
Bac Mon is the only remaining gate of the Citadel of Hanoi’s Nguyen Dynasty. Previously, outside of the citadel, it has a canal with 20 meters width. Bac Mon has completed the restoration, renovation to serve travelers. However, the traces of shells from the French warship fired on April 25th 1873 that remains on the outside of the Bac Mon. Two wooden gates was renovated, the area of each wing is 12 meter, 16 tons weight. Today, on the Gate, there is place to worship two General Director of Hanoi: Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu. Hanoi & Halong Bay 4 days

Hau Lau
Hau Lau was built behind the main of building- Hanh Cung Hanoi. According to feng shui, Hau Lau means keep peace for northern Hanh Cung. It is said that when the King travels, this is the accommodation of princess.

Hanoi flag Pole

It was built in 1812, under the reign of Gia Long, Hanoi flag pole is one of the buildings in area of Hanoi ancient intact.
Flag pole has more 40 meter height, octagon, standing on the square. Having spiral staircase, 51 steps leading to the top. The Hanoi flag pole has been rebuilt twice: in December 1959 and November 1989.
Kinh Thien palace

Kinh Thien palace is central citadel of Le reign. Stone dragon of Kinh Thien palace is a masterpiece of architecture that represents sculpture Le So reign.

Top 10 delicious dishes in Hoi An

Hoi An is not only famous for unique architecture and culture, but amazing cuisine culture with a huge number of traditional foods. This article will introduce you 10 best foods and popular restaurants in Hoi An
1. Pho Hoi chicken rice
Rice used for this food is carefully selected with preference of sticky and soft type. Rice will be added ingredients, then boiled with chicken broth and pandan leaves by charcoal. The chicken must be the young, soft but not friable one. Chicken will be boiled, then ripped into small pieces and added onion, fried red onion, salt, black pepper and Vietnamese coriander. Travel centre Vietnam
The decoration of this food is very important. Ripped chicken pieces are put on top of rice dish. It is taken with onion, papaya pickle, Tra Que herbs, pepper sauce and soy sauce. Especially, Pho Hoi chicken rice is featured by a soup made by mixed internal organs of the chicken. With meticulous cooking method and special materials, people in Hoi An created a very unique chicken rice, enjoy foreigner visitor’s trust.
Addresses:
Bà Buội Chicken rice – 22 Phan Chu Trinh Street; Sân Đình Chicken rice – 16 Phan Chu Trinh Street; Bà Hương chicken rice – 18 Le Loi Street; Mermaid Restaurant – 2 Tran Phu Street; Cô Ly Restaurant – 22 Nguyen Hue Street; Canh Buom Trang Restaurant – 34 Tran Cao Van Street; Cô Thuận Restaurant – 17/4 Hai Ba Trung Street.
2.  Cao Lầu

The elders in Hoi An said that Cao Lầu appeared from 17th century, during the time Hoi An Port was opened, allowing a lot of foreign traders enter Hoi An. This is reason why Cao Lầu affected a lot by Chinese Cuisine and a little by Udon noodle of Japanese. However, Cao Lầu keeps one-of-a-kind outstanding features of Hoi An cuisine. Pearl of the Orient (SGN-PNP) 3 nights
Addresses:
Bà Bé Restaurant, Vạn Lộc Restaurant, Trung Bắc Restaurant – Tran Phu Street; Chị Liên Restaurant – Thai Phien Street.

Top 10 delicious dishes in Hoi An

3. Bánh bao – bánh vạc (White Rose cake)

Bánh bao (dumpling) and Bánh vạc are couple cakes with similar materials and processing. The main material is white, sticky rice. Banh vạc is filled in with grinded shrimp, mixed with black pepper, garlic, onion and citronella and some other secret ingredients. Bánh bao has pork, jelly ears and sliced onion and secret ingredients inside. The secret ingredients is one of the major reason for the specialty of these two cakes. Violet Cruise Halong bay
Addresses: White Rose restaurant – Nhi Trung Street
4. Bánh đập
This is the name of a pancake made form rice, including two layers: the roasted crispy layer and the wet sticky layer. When enjoying it, you have to use your hand to beat the crispy layer, making it stick with the wet layer. It is pretty simple food, but draws the interest of many people.
Another important part to make a perfect banh dap is the sauce. It is processed from mam cai (a kind of Hoi An fish sauce which is made from the best small fishes in Cua Dai sea). A reasonable mixture of fish sauce, sugar, chilly, onion and cooking oil will make a bowl of delicious sauce. Nothing can replace this sauce when enjoying banh dap.
Addresses: Bánh đập Bà Già (Old Lady Restaurant) – Hamlet 1, Cam Nam commune, Hoi An.
5. Corn sweetened porridge

This sweetened porridge is special because it is made from famous Cam Nam corns. The sweetness of this food comes from the natural and light taste of the corn. Unlike other sweetened porridges of the South, Hoi An corn sweetened porridge doesn’t have coconut milk as the sweet soup, so the only flavor is from the corn. The best time to enjoy Hoi An corn sweetened porridge is between March and September, as the harvest season of Cam Nam corn.
Addresses: Corn sweetened porridge stalls on the bank of Hoai River.
6. Bánh bèo

Bánh bèo (water fern cake) is mostly made by available local materials, such as pork, shrimp,… Although it is simple ingredient, it can be more specific as the art of making, yet to many Vietnamese it is actually the art of enjoying water fern cakes.
A different way to eat banh beo in Hoi An than other places is you have to use a special stick made by bamboo.
Addresses: banh beo is everywhere in Hoi An, but the best is small stalls outside of the ancient quarter such as Cam Chau, Cam Nam.
7. Mì Quảng (Quang noodle)

With Cao Lau, Quang noodle is one of the most two recognized foods in Hoi An.  The main ingredients of the dish are noodles, meat and vegetables. Vegetables are placed atop of a bed of rice noodles in a bowl, then topped with pork, shrimp and finally luke warm broth and meat are added.  Mì Quảng is also served with toasted Vietnamese sesame rice crackers, fried shallot and various herbs common in Vietnamese cuisine such as mint, “rau ram” or laksa leaves, perilla, lettuce … Shrimp and Pork are usually the proteins of choice because of their abundance.
Addresses: Mi Quang is everywhere in Hoi An
8. Hoành thánh (Wonton)

Wonton is a Chinese food but it exist in Hoi An for a very long time, therefore, it is adapted as a tradition dish of Hoi An. Wonton is made with rice flour and filled with ingredients such as shrimp, pork, egg, and spices. There are many kinds of wonton dishes, such as fried wonton, wonton soup or wonton and noodle soup.
Addresses: Van Loc restaurant – Tran Phu Street; some small stalls on Thai Phien street.
9. Banh Trang (steamed rice rolls)
Banh cuon is a very light crepe with ground pork, minced jelly ears and fried onion, eaten by ham, steamed beansprouts and cucumbers. Banh cuon in Hoi An is added with shrimp and eaten with mo hanh (sauce of grease and Welsh onion).
Addresses: cuisine street on the side of Hoai River
10. Banh xeo (Rice pancake)
Banh xeo is very famous dish in Vietnam, but just a few people know that the origin of it is from Hoi An. It is made out of rice flour, water, turmeric powder, stuffed with slivers of fatty pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts and then pan fried. Banh xeo is eaten with fish sauce (mix with water and pepper and lemon) and a lot of herbs. It is perfect food for rainy season.

Tác dụng của tinh bột nghệ như thế nào?

Tinh bột nghệ không chỉ có công dụng giúp liền sẹo mà còn chống viêm, chống oxy hóa mạnh, mang lại rất nhiều tác dụng hữu ích khác đối với sức khỏe con người như, phòng ngừa, hỗ trợ điều trị bệnh mạn tính, làm đẹp, mang lại vóc dáng thon gọn và làn da sáng khỏe.
Trong đó đáng chú ý là bốn công dụng nổi bật của tinh bột nghệ:
+ Giúp giảm cân, lưu thông và lọc máu;
+ Giúp cơ thể chống lại các vi khuẩn sống ký sinh trong ruột, đặc biệt tốt cho hệ tiêu hóa;
+ Giúp chống ung thư, kháng viêm, giảm nguy cơ nhiễm trùng;
+ Giúp khử trùng, mau lành vết thương.


Khi sử dụng cần lưu ý phải đúng cách để nghệ phát huy hết tác dụng.
- Đề phòng nguy cơ ung thư ruột: Uống tinh bột nghệ đen đúng cách và sử dụng thường xuyên tinh bột nghệ với mật ong sẽ giúp bạn có thể giảm được nguy cơ ung thư ruột. Hiện nay, các chuyên gia sức khỏe Hoa Kỳ đang tiến hành một cuộc thử nghiệm điều trị bệnh ung thư ruột bằng một loại thuốc được chế biến từ củ nghệ.

- Chữa bệnh viêm khớp: Tinh bột nghệ có tác dụng giảm đau khi bạn bị chứng viêm khớp quấy nhiễu. Cách làm rất đơn giản, đun nóng một cốc sữa, trước khi sôi, bắc xuống cho một thìa cà phê bột nghệ vào rồi khuấy đều. Mỗi ngày uống ba lần, bạn sẽ thấy hiệu quả bất ngờ.

- Khi gặp rắc rối với tiêu hóa: Nghiên cứu cho thấy, Tinh bột nghệ có thể kích thích tiêu hóa và giải phóng ra các emzim tiêu hóa, phá vỡ liên kết cacbonhydrat và các chất béo. Chính vì thế, trong trường hợp bị đau bụng, một cốc trà nghệ sẽ giúp ích cho bạn rất nhiều. Bạn có thể dùng bột sắn dây

Tác dụng của tinh bột nghệ như thế nào?

- Ngăn ngừa ung thư tuyến tiền liệt: Ăn nhiều rau xanh kết hợp với Tinh bột nghệ có thể ngăn ngừa được nguy cơ ung thư tuyến tiền liệt. Các nhà khoa học tại New Jersey đã chứng minh rằng, kết hợp ăn nghệ với bông cải xanh, cải xoắn, củ cải và bắp cải có thể bảo vệ bạn chống lại căn bệnh chết người này.

- Đề phòng bệnh tim: Bạn có thể giảm hàm lượng cholesterol độc hại trong máu và có khả năng chống lại chứng xơ vữa động mạch bằng tinh bột nghệ.

- Giảm nguy cơ với người hút thuốc: Bằng cách "nạp" vào cơ thể 1,5g Tinh bột nghệ mỗi ngày chỉ trong vòng một tháng, bạn sẽ thấy hiệu quả rõ rệt. Cơ thể bạn sẽ giảm đáng kể các tế bào đột biến gây ung thư.

- Bệnh ung bướu: Curcumin (thành phần hoạt chất chính trong tinh bột nghệ) có tiềm năng đáng kể như một tác nhân chống ung thư. Có rất nhiều bằng chứng trong các tài liệu cho thấy rằng tỷ lệ mắc và tỷ lệ tử vong của các loại phổ biến của bệnh ung thư như vú, tuyến tiền liệt, ruột kết và phổi thấp hơn đáng kể ở Ấn Độ hơn so với những người ở các quốc gia phương Tây như Hoa Kỳ. Tỷ lệ mắc ung thư thấp hơn ở Ấn Độ đã được quy cho mức tiêu thụ chất curcumin cao (trong các loại nghệ) của người dân Ấn Độ. Tất nhiên, các thành phần khác của chế độ ăn uống của họ như tỏi, gừng, hành tây, cà chua, các loại rau, ớt, trà xanh ... cũng có thể đóng một vai trò quan trọng trong khả năng của họ để chống lại sự tấn công của các bệnh ung thư.

Ngoài khả năng ngừa ung thư đáng chú ý của curcumin, nó cũng cho thấy khả năng ức chế sự phát triển của bệnh ung thư khắp cơ thể - di căn (tức là quá trình mà các tế bào ung thư lây lan sang các bộ phận khác của cơ thể thông qua bạch huyết hoặc máu). Curcumin cũng làm tăng cường độ nhạy cảm của tế bào ung thư với một số các loại thuốc chống ung thư hóa trị liệu giúp tạo hiệu quả hơn trong việc chống lại căn bệnh chết người này. Khả năng chống ung thư của Curcumin chống lại ung thư vú, ung thư phổi, khối u não, ung thư máu, gan, ruột, thực quản, ung thư ruột, u ác tính, ung thư phụ khoa ... đã được chứng minh dựa trên nhiều nghiên cứu khoa học cũng như các thử nghiệm lâm sàng và tiền lâm sàng được thực hiện bởi các nhà nghiên cứu ở Mỹ, Ấn Độ, Nhật Bản, Israel, Australia, Trung Quốc và Hà Lan.

- Bệnh viêm loét dạ dày, tá tràng: Tinh bột nghệ có hoạt tính chống loét dạ dày và chống rối loạn tiêu hóa. Cao chiết từ nghệ cho thỏ uống làm giảm tiết dịch vị, tăng lượng chất nhầy trong dịch vị, bảo vệ niêm mạch dạ dày tá tràng, chống thương tổn loét gây bởi thắt môn vị và bởi stress do cầm giữ, nhịn đói và do tác dụng phụ của một số thuốc. Nghệ kích thích sản sinh chất nhầy ở thành dạ dày. Curcumin ức chế sự tạo khí trong ruột.

- Tác dụng làm đẹp da, trị mụn: Tạo mặt nạ với tinh nghệ giúp chiến đấu chống lại mụn trứng cá và mang lại làn da tươi sáng trẻ trung. Mặt nạ truyền thống này thường được các cô dâu và chú rể sử dụng trước khi đám cưới. Tinh bột nghệ làm sáng da và giúp làm giảm các nhược điểm khó coi qua đêm.

Công dụng tinh bột nghệ không chỉ dừng ở đó, Tinh bột nghệ còn có thể xóa mờ vết nhăn quanh mắt và cải thiện da bị khô và dầu.

- Tinh bột nghệ cải thiện tình trạng bị nứt gót chân: Để cứu trợ gót chân bị nứt ngay lập tức, sử dụng một hỗn hợp gồm 3 muỗng tinh bột nghệ với 3 giọt dầu dừa. Sự kết hợp này cũng sẽ giúp ngăn ngừa nhiễm trùng nấm có thể hình thành giữa các ngón chân.

- Tinh nghệ cải thiện sắc tố da: Nếu bạn bị những vết sẹo do mụn trứng cá hoặc các loại tăng sắc tố làm ảnh hưởng đến làn da, hãy sử dụng hỗn hợp gồm tinh nghệ và nước chanh đối với vùng da bị ảnh hưởng trong 20 phút. Để có kết quả tốt nhất, thoa hỗn hợp một lần một ngày.

- Tinh nghệ vàng cải thiện sức khỏe da đầu: Gàu và các vấn đề về da đầu khác có thể dễ dàng điều trị bằng tinh bột nghệ và dầu ô liu. Sử dụng hỗn hợp này đối với da đầu của bạn trong khi tắm. Để trong 15 phút, sau đó rửa hỗn hợp với một loại dầu gội tự nhiên.

Ho Chi Minh Travel Guides

While Hanoi is the center of government, Ho Chi Minh City- VietNam is the nation’s economic heart, and money is on the minds of everyone here.
Ho Chi Minh City is located in the middle of the rich South, adjacent to the south eastern edge of the South and North of the Southwest. As most populous and the largest city in Vietnam. It is a major transportation hub, connected to the provinces in the region and the international gateway of the region. This place is very interesting to tourist. Mekong river cruise
1, Hochiminh Information
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City- The largest city of Vietnam from Hanoi is about 1,730 km by road, city center 50 km east from the coast as the crow flies. The location of the center of Southeast Asia, Hochiminh City is an important transportation hub for land, water and air, connecting the provinces in the region and there is an international gateway. Northern provinces of Binh Duong, Tay Ninh Province in northwestern , eastern and northeastern provinces of Dong Nai, Dong provinces of Ba Ria - Vung Tau, West and South West provinces of Long An and Tien Giang. Travel to Vietnam

Climate
Ho Chi Minh City- the largest city of VietNam has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, rainy season starts from June and ends in November. But you should travel to Ho Chi Minh City in any month and do not travel in the city on Tet days.
In the festive season activities and have fun shopping in the city is extremely lively place throughout the streets. In the Christmas season of lights flooded roads, busy traffic and entertainment activities happening near end of the night, you can go to Hochiminh City on these days to enjoy the chilly air but will warm in the city.

• Victory Cruise, Halong Travel

Do not worry the noise of Hochiminh City travel you come here any day of the year there are also eco-tourist destinations, resorts ... for you to relax .

Ho Chi Minh Travel Guides

Transport
If you want to go Ho Chi Minh City travel, you can choose any transport such as: air, train, car….
The first if you want to go Hochiminh city by air, you can come Tan Son Nhat International Airport located in the city's main international airport's main terminal Vietnam is also going in the country (From HoChiMinh city to the provinces and vice versa). From Tan Son Nhat airport in Hochiminh city center takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
The second, if you want to go Hochiminh City- the largest city of VietNam by train, you can come Saigon Railway Station.
2, Some of the major tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City- the largest city of VietNam are:
Reunification place tour is an architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, it has been the prime minister Vietnam ranked as national monuments special. The Palace was built on an area of 4,500 m² , 20,000 m² of usable area , 3 main floors , 1 terrace , 2 mezzanine , ground floor , two basements and a terrace for helicopter landing . More than 100 rooms of the Palace are decorated in different styles depending on the intended use, the stateroom , council cabinet meeting, the office of the President and the Vice President, the proxy room letter , agency oats,.... not to mention other parts such as lotus pond shelf semicircular sides go into the main hall , the balcony , the corridor ...
ReunificationReunification
Ben Thanh Market is one of the typical locations of Ho Chi Minh City- VietNam. Where is the tourist destination for people love shopping. Images bazaar area south gate is the symbol of the city. Market activity is mainly focused on two paths Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh side of the market. At night, Ben Thanh Market is usually very crowded and shopping visitors.
Ben Thanh MarketBen Thanh Market

In addition, The three main amusement parks: Dam Sen, Suoi Tien and Dai Nam are the three complexes with zoos, sceneries, water and non water games - well-fitted for a family trip.
Dam Sen ParkDam Sen- Suoi Tien park
Although there are many beautiful pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City- VietNam, one of the most interesting is the Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda on Nguyen Trai. It is certainly one of the most lavishly decorated.
Nghia An Hoi Quan PagodaNghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda
A visit to Cho Lon ( Binh Tay market), Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, can take an afternoon, if not an entire day. Like Chinese districts in San Francisco, London, New York and Bangkok, Cho Lon is one of the oldest and most mysterious parts of Saigon.

Cho Lon ( Binh Tay Market)Cho Lon ( Binh Tay market)
3, Some dishes is the most attractive inHo Chi Minh City travel:
Snails In Ho Chi Minh City, the snail dishes and great diversity such as: snails nail, snail velvet, scallop dragon, oysters, scallops,... appear i the menu. Snail dishes prepared with special taste , personal magnetism in HoChiMinh city.

Snails
Tam Rice had a combination plate of rice seeds small , white , loose, dry and basic common dishes like barbecued ribs , egg rolls , egg sunny side, packaging and many other dishes.

Tam RiceTam rice

Hu Tieu
In here, Cuisine is famous for many different types of noodles: Sa Dec noodles, My Tho noodles, beef noodles, Chinese noodles

Travel guide to South Central Vietnam

If Ho Chi Minh City’s full-on intensity becomes overwhelming, a few hours away a very different world beckons, with fresh highland air, outstanding natural beauty, two of Vietnam’s premier beach destinations and the best natural habitat for wildlife-spotting. Culture-seekers can enjoy some of the nation’s loveliest Indochina-era architecture, ancient Cham Towers and the world’s second-largest reclining Buddha, while activities range from kite-boarding, diving and canyoning, to sipping cocktails on a sun-lounger. 3 days between Saigon and Phnom Penh
Places to visit in South Central Vietnam

Phan Thiet

Around 200km (124 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet is largely overshadowed by its neighbour, Mui Ne, a beach resort area 22km (14 miles) eastwards. A thriving city that grew out from an adjacent, ancient Cham settlement, Phan Thiet is still essentially a picturesque fishing port. Attractions include world-class seaside golfing and the eighth-century Po Shanu Cham Temple, built during the Champa kingdom. Some 30km (19 miles) south, Ta Kou Nature Reserve houses the world’s second-longest recumbent Buddha (49m/161ft long) and nearby Ke Ga Cape boasts Vietnam’s tallest lighthouse (35m/115ft), built by the French in 1897.

Travel guide to South Central Vietnam

Mui Ne

In just a decade, Mui Ne went from a small fishing community to Vietnam’s fastest-growing beach destination and premier beach resort capital. Mui Ne Beach boasts a microclimate with Vietnam’s lowest rainfall and a lovely 16km (10-mile) beach, lined with diverse accommodation choices. With strong, consistent cross-shore winds, Mui Ne is fast emerging as a kite-boarding and windsurfing hub for Southeast Asia. There are around a dozen kite-boarding schools, plus several annual windsurfing and kite-boarding competitions hosted here. Surrounding attractions include the Red Sand Dunes and the spectacular, Sahara-like White Sand Dunes (30km/19 miles from Mui Ne), the latter yielding small lakes with bird-watching opportunities.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s favourite party town, but has many hidden charms for those who delve deeper and explore its museums, aquariums and rich ethnic culture. Read more…

Dalat

With a temperate climate and standing 1,500m (4,921ft) above sea level, this former French hill station remains a welcome break from HCMC’s sweltering heat, while scenic waterfalls, lakes and pine-forested hills reminded the colonials of home. Read more… Dalat & Nha Trang Relaxation 6 days
Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien is one of Vietnam’s greatest national parks: not only protecting one of the largest areas of lowland tropical rainforests remaining in Vietnam, but also the best place to view wildlife. A nationally important site for the conservation of large mammals, water birds and primates, Cat Tien is home to numerous endangered fauna, though sadly its last Javan rhino is believed to have been killed by poachers in 2010. Cat Tien offers night safaris, bird-watching (over 350 species) and hiking. Halong with Starlight Cruise

Cu Chi Tunnels

About 35km (22 miles) west of Ho Chi Minh City, the district of Cu Chi is famous for its extensive underground tunnel network. During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong dug a complex network of ­under­ground passages, two sections of which have been renovated and opened to visitors. The enterprising Vietnamese, proud of their ­military success at Cu Chi and keen to attract tourists, have enlarged several sections of tunnel to accommodate larger Westerners. The tunnels are still claustrophobic, humid and bat-filled, however, so few visitors will want to stay long underground.

Best budget eats in Hanoi

In honour of Hanoi's 1000th birthday this week, Rosie Birkett savours the flavours in the Vietnamese capital's best canteens and street kitchens

Hanoi is a city with a big heart and an even bigger appetite and its burgeoning dining scene is growing to rival that of its sophisticated southern brother, Ho Chi Minh. But great food in the capital isn't just five-star luxury or stuffy fine dining, it's about local specialities served fresh and simple and - more often than not - on the streets. Improvised living room eateries offer everything from crispy deep fried nem (pork spring rolls) wrapped in herbs and dipped in fish sauce, to the city's most famous export, pho (beef noodle soup).

Bia Hoi – a street culture of Hanoi

And right at the heart of Hanoi's food and drink scene is coffee, taken strong, sweet and buttery and poured across the city in its wealth of charming cafes. Don't miss the famous weasel coffee (made with beans digested by weasels).

1. Cafe Duy Tri
Cafe Duy Tri
This smoky, ramshackle cafe in the heart of Hanoi's old quarter has been open since 1936 and is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience a genuine, no-frills slice of Vietnam's thriving cafe culture. Set over three floors this low-ceilinged hang-out is a favourite among locals who sit supping weasel coffee on minute wicker stools amid the cafe's battered antique furniture and whirring fans. Try the house speciality of iced coffee with yoghurt. Image Cruise Halong Bay

• 43 Pho Yen Phu Street

2. 14 Hang Ga Street
14 Hang Ga Street, Hanoi
This street kitchen is famed for serving the best banh cuon in the city - a definitive Hanoi street food dish of silky-soft steamed rice pancakes stuffed with pork mince and pungent black mushrooms and topped with crunchy fried shallots, a squeeze of lime and a handful of fragrant herbs. It's a dish that exemplifies perfectly the Vietnamese concept of flavour and texture balance – savoury, sour, soft, crisp and herbal – and you'd be hard pushed to find it fresher or better made than at this humble canteen. CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – VIBRANT LIFE IN THE MEKONG DELTA

3. 43 Cau Go Street
Bun Chah, Hanoi
When lunchtime comes around in Hanoi (at about 11 am) you'll find yourself enticed by the fug of delectable, aromatic smoke from barbequing pork. This is bun cha and it's another famous delicacy of the north. At this rough-and-ready alfresco kitchen you can watch it being cooked in front of you over a tiny coal fire with the help of an electric fan. Sizzling over the smouldering embers, the pork takes on a smokiness and is served in bowls with cold vermicelli noodles, a vinegary fish sauce broth, pork and spring onion meatballs, a piquant carrot and cabbage pickle and a plate of freshly fried nem (pork spring rolls) - and all for under a pound.

4. Cafe Loc Tai
Cafe Loc Tai, Hanoi
The French occupation (from the mid-19th century to the second world war) left Hanoi with a bustling bakery scene and the tempting smell of pastries and cakes frequently pervades the streets. Cafe Loc Tai on Hang Dieu is a fun and exuberant fusion of Western patisserie and Vietnamese dessert shop – offering everything from sesame Madeleines, croissants and deep-fried sausage rolls to candied fruits and yoghurt-based soups dotted with floral fruit jellies and tapioca pearls. Try the che choui - a moreish, sticky-sweet soup of hot coconut milk with fried peanuts and chunks of banana that have been grilled in rice and banana leaf until gooey.

• 53 Hang Dieu

5. Cafe Pho Co
Cafe Pho Co, Hanoi
Hanoi's "oldest cafe" is certainly well-hidden. Situated on Hang Gai, with panoramic views across the emerald expanse of Hoan Kiem lake, it's a little gem worthy of a stop - if you can find it. To get there you must walk through a silk and trinket shop to a shrine-filled courtyard where birds sing from cages and foliage drips from the surrounding rooftops. Mount the cast-iron spiral staircase and make your way up to the various floors of the cafe, where, high above the noise and pollution of Vietnam's capital city, you can enjoy a freshly-squeezed fruit juice and unrivalled views.

• 11 Hang Gai

Best budget eats in Hanoi

6. Pho 10
Pho, Hanoi
A visit to Hanoi wouldn't be complete without sampling the city's most famous dish: pho (pronounced fuh). This fragrant and filling beef noodle soup is traditionally eaten first thing in the morning or late at night and is a much-loved, though nonetheless prosaic, dish for the Vietnamese, who eat it on a daily basis. Pho 10, in Hanoi's old quarter is a well-respected purveyor, its kitchen's windows fogged-up by the steam from the huge vats of bubbling stock. A bowl of the good stuff will set you back 20,000 Dong, about 70p - eat it with handfuls of chilli, bean sprouts and a good squeeze of lime.

• 10 Ly Quoc Su

7. Xoi Yen
Xoi Yen cafe, Hanoi
A favourite among the young people of Hanoi, xoi is a street food dish that has grown in popularity in the past few years. Basically consisting of sticky rice with buttery shaved bean curd, crunchy shallots and a selection of toppings from pâté to fried eggs, it's a rich and filling snack and a great way to line the stomach before embarking on a beer hoi crawl. Xoi Yen comes alive at night, when crowds of people gather to eat the rice with a rich, thin caramelised pork dipping sauce and enjoy the sounds of passing street karaoke.

• 35B Nguyen Huu Huan

8. Highway Four
Situated on bustling Hang Tre, bar/restaurant Highway Four is one of the best places in Hanoi to sample authentically produced Vietnamese rice wine. Enjoy a fruit basket of flavours - ranging from mulberry to rose apple - of the restaurant's Son Tinh liquor, which is made with sticky rice, traditional yeast and herbs grown in the La Chi Gia district. Head upstairs - past the kitchen where Vietnamese delicacies like roasted crickets and jellyfish salad are being busily cooked - to the roof terrace with low lighting and kneeling mats for a cosy atmosphere in which to get merry.

• 5 Hang Tre, highway4.com

9. Cafe Nha Tho
Cafe Nha Tho, Hanoi
Cafe Nha Tho sits in the shadow of Hanoi's most imposing Catholic Church. In a somewhat bizarre but quintessentially Vietnamese juxtaposition, gown-draped painted angels stare down from the building's frontage at the hoards of young, hip Hanoians who crowd the pavement on tiny stools. The close social proximity that is the norm here may take some getting used to (the diminutive plastic seats are barely big enough for one Western buttock), but it's all part of the conviviality of the city, and you'll start to feel every bit the local as you chew on pumpkin seeds and drink sua chua thach – glasses of ice, yoghurt and candied fruit.

• 2 Nha Chung

10. Restaurant Bobby Chinn
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If you find yourself in the mood for modern cuisine in a slightly more plush environment, you won't get much better than Restaurant Bobby Chinn, in the Tay Ho district. Forced to relocate from beside Hoan Kiem lake to this expat enclave because of hiked rent prices, the relaxed but refined dining room, with its red silk drapes and local art-adorned walls is still one of Hanoi's finest eating spots. Half-Chinese, half-Egyptian, New Zealand-born, British educated Chinn is one of Vietnam's most famous resident chefs and his food can be described as fusion – mixing his training in America with his cultural influences and life in Vietnam (he came to the country to learn how to cook Vietnamese cuisine and never left). Try the famous wasabi mash and green tea smoked duck. Tasting menus cost an upmarket £25

• 77 Xuan Dieu Street