Thursday, September 25, 2014

Sofitel Dalat Palace a standout amongst the most appealing Dalat hotel

Stowing away in the high country Dalat- a city of Spring with cool atmosphere and different greenery framework, Sofitel Dalat Palace brings an excellence of citys heart. It is the spot where atmosphere, history and extravagance join with one another in agreement to make a wonderful lodging. 
Sofitel Dalat Palace
Sofitel Dalat Palace frontview


The first name of this lodging is Langbian Palace. it was constructed by French in 1916 and completed in 1922. It used to be a standout amongst the most excellent inns in Southeast Asia around then. After a long time of operation, the inn was restored in 1955. Presently, it is the goal giving the best individual administrations among Vietnam hotels. Sofitel Dalat Palace is a fantastic building design manufactured at the most punctual time in Dalat in examination to different ones.
When visiting here, you will contemplate the beauty of the French-style architecture. It is one of Dalat hotels built in both modern and classic architectural styles. The hotel has three stories with luxurious rooms. It has a campus of over 40 thousand meters. The campus is surrounded by beautiful flower gardens, plants, grass and pine forest. Located in its own position, the hotel has a wonderful architectural scenery with view of Xuan Huong Lake, Thuy Ta House, Cu Hill, and Lang Biang mountain. All of these features express unification, impressiveness and attraction. The most interesting characteristics of this hotel is the length of this hotel similar to the longest side of Xuan Huong Lake following the shape of Cu Hill. This makes Sofitel Dalat more impressive.

Sofitel Dalat Palace
Sofitel Dalat Palace

This hotel has four kinds of room: Superior, Luxury, Luxury Club Sofitel, and Sofitel Suite. All kinds of room are well-equipped with modern facilities, creating convenience and comfort for customers when coming here. Moreover, the atmosphere of the hotel is quiet with beautiful scene of gardens. It is also near Dalat market, city center, post office, entertainment center and banks. Interestingly, the hotel has a golf course with unique design. You might not forget if come here once.
Taking time in restaurants and bars of the Da Lat hotel might be one of your most interesting moment. Le Rabelais Restaurant specializes in offering French cuisine; while Le Rabelais Bar impresses you by live music with piano in romantic and cozy atmosphere. Besides, Caf De La Poste serves you Vietnamese and international cuisines. And, Larrys Bar is an ideal place for you to relax and entertain.
In a word, Sofitel Dalat Palace is really a wonderful destination for you in Dalat tours. It is not only one of Dalat hotels having ancient French architecture in Vietnam, but also attract tourists by its professional service and hospitality of staff. Hopefully, you trip will be more perfect with this hotel.


Vietnam economy outline

Vietnam economy is a business economy which depends much on fares, and undertakings on FDI. The economy positions sixth in Southeast Asia, and fifty-seventh in the worldwide business sector. Vietnam is one of creating nations with quick development rate, around 7% for every year. 
Vietnam economy structure
Vietnam economy structure


As being a business economy, very subject to rough fares and remote immediate speculation (FDI), Vietnam is the sixth biggest economy in Southeast Asia and the 57th one on the planet, regarding ostensible terrible household item in 2011. As far as ostensible horrible residential item for every capita, Vietnam economy positions 128th. The Communist Party of Vietnam has aim to manufacture a business sector economy framework in the nation. Since 1976, in light of the fact that there is one gathering authority, the good and bad times of Vietnam economy depends much on the pioneers and arrangements which are given by the Communist Party and the legislature. As per Pwc's gauge in right on time 2008, economy of Vietnam could turn into the 28th biggest economy on the planet with the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) arriving at over Us$850 billion in 2025. By 2050, Vietnam economy will remained in the main 20 biggest economies on the planet, having the most noteworthy development rates among the recently rising economies, and arriving at 70% of the UK economy. Then again, Vietnam financial development rate regulated in the second stage after 1997 (in 1998 rose just 5.76 % and 4.77 % in 1999), and from 2008, particularly since 2011 expanded by 6, 24 %, 5.25 in 2012. These figures are short of what that in five other Southeast Asian district nations, and lower than the normal figure of South East Asia - Pacific (as indicated by World Bank in 2013, Vietnam expanded by 5.3 %, while the locale climbs 7.2 %).

Viet Nam Export
Viet Nam Export

Economy in Vietnam underwent five periods: before 1954, 1954 – 1975, 1976 – 1986, 1986 – 2006, and 2006 – 2012. Vietnam economic in French colonial period was the most prosperous in 1938, 60% higher than that in 1960. In 1938, the GDP of Indochina was of 1,014 billion of Indochina currency, in which industry accounted for 22%. In the second period, Vietnam economic development of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam increased 6% ​​per year (average GDP per capita rose by about 3%), while the Republic of Vietnam economy had an average growth rate of 3.9% (GDP per capita in the increase of 0.8%). Specifically, in 1965-75 period, the economy of the Republic of Vietnam developed in negative trend, mainly due to the widespread warfare in the region. In the third period, the economic mainstream of Vietnam during this period was the socialist industrialization, constructing the socialist collective mode of working people. This period is referred to the term “subsidy”. The economy operated under the centralized planning. The State planned all economic activities, enterprises operating under the state’s plans. Private sector was gradually removed. In 1986, an Economic Reform was launched by the government. This reform contributed to the changes in economic management. In the next period, Vietnam entered its transitional economy, from a central planned economy to market mechanism, but still limited with the phrase “market economy under the State’s management”. The 1990s and early 2000s were periods when Vietnamese economy positively integrated in the global economy, especially participating in the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2006, and singing the US – Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement in 2001.
Vietnam owns a mixed economy, but the state intervention in the economy is still at a high level. Currently, the State of Vietnam has been applying measures of administrative price control by requiring economic groups and corporations to adjust levels of investment, gasoline price, and prices of steel, cement, and coal. Vietnam economic system consists of state economy, collective economy, private economy (individual, smallholder, and private capital), state capitalist economy, and foreign investment economy. According to preliminary data of the General Statistics Office in 2007, the state economy was the largest part accounting for 36.43% of Vietnam GDP, followed by the individual economy with 29, 61%, foreign investment economy with 17.66%, and private economy with 10.11%. Vietnam economic sectors include Agriculture, forestry and fisheries; Industry (mining and exploiting mineral, processing, constructing and producing building materials, manufacturing and distributing gas, electricity, and water); Commerce, services, finance, tourism, culture, education, and health. The main products of Agriculture are rice, coffee, rubber, tea, pepper, soybeans, sugar, bananas, peanuts, and seafood. Those of Industry are food processing, textiles, footwear, machinery, mining, construction industry, and electricity production. In industry of Services, the major products are tourism, restaurants, hotels, education, health care, and entertainment, etc.
Vietnam Stock
Vietnam Stock

In the GDP of Vietnam estimated in 2012, agriculture accounted for 21.5%, while industry made up 40.7%, and services acquired 37.7%. There are seven economic regions in Vietnam, including Northwest, Northeast, Red River Delta, North Central Coast, South Central Coast and Highlands, Southeast, and Mekong Delta. Besides, in three parts of the country, there are four key economic regions seen as motivations for the economic development of the country and region. In coastal area, there are 20 economic zones with incentives to attract domestic and foreign investments. Along the borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, there are more than 30 border economic zones, including nine key border-gate economic zones (Mong Cai, Lang Son – Dong Dang, Lao Cai, Cau Treo, Lao Bao, Bo Y, Moc Bai, An Giang, and Dong Thap). Economic development of Vietnam is uneven between regions, and between urban and rural areas.
In terms of macro economy and finance, Vietnam now has two stock exchanges, one in Hanoi and another in Ho Chi Minh City. At HOSE, there are 173 listed stocks with VN-Index used. There are also 68 bonds and 4 fund certificates. Foreigners are allowed to buy or sell securities in Vietnam. So far, 2006 is the most exciting year of Vietnam stock market. Vietnam has 43 domestic commercial banks and 4 branches of foreign banks. The State Bank of Vietnam is the central bank of Vietnam having offices in all provinces and cities. In term of economic integration, Vietnam became member of world trade organizations: WTO, ASEAN, APEC, AFTA, and FAO. Vietnam has announced the establishment of strategic partnerships with Russia (2001), Japan (2006), India (2007), China (2008), South Korea, Spain (2009), United Kingdom (2010), Germany (2011), France and Italy (2013). Of these, some relationships with Germany, China and Russia have been raised to “comprehensive strategic partnership”. Since 2009, Vietnam has established “comprehensive partnership” relation with Australia.

 Source: AloTrip

Monday, September 15, 2014

Launch online Vietnam visa system

The first-ever online Vietnam visa management was first put into use on March, 2014, allowing users to declare and register online visa at a certain level.
online vietnam visa system
online vietnam visa system

This framework gives regulations on visa to Vietnam printing in a legitimate method. This framework reinforces the administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue visas, hard control the circumstances of movement and encourage the powers at the fringe review to control on migration in Vietnam. This is the first run through Vietnam has claimed an authority site supporting numerous outside dialects for outsider or the Vietnamese settling in over the world to get to, look for data; at the same time, this framework likewise permits the announcement to enroll online visa entrance into Vietnam at administration level 3.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh said that these initiatives reflected the Ministry's determination to modernize work processes and integrate information technology into management. He also emphasized the closely coordination between Information Center, Bureau of Consular Affairs, and related agencies to ensure this system to be well-operated, promote the efficiency and be actually effective tool to promote operation quality and efficiency of the Foreign Affairs, contributing to the goal of building e-government in Vietnam. Simultaneously, the utility of online Vietnam visa on arrival issue is expected to attract more foreign individuals and businesses to visit and work in the country, contributing to promoting people-to-people exchanges and national socio-economic development.
Online Visa apply
Online Visa apply

Database Center is the foundation of extremely information technology infrastructure of the Foreign Affairs, including infrastructure facilities, network systems, and modern servers getting international standards. This system ensures 24/7 stable operation on security and environment, catering to the information system and databases of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Center will offer the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accelerate the application of information technology in the visa Vietnam management process. These are two packages of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Information Vietnam Technology and Communications Development Project with Ministry of Information and Communications investor.
The Online Vietnam Visa Management System received praise from Victoria Kwakwa, Director of the World Bank in Viet Nam, for reducing the visa processing time to two business days. Yet she also urged Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure the financial budget and maintain the information technology system.
Source: http://www.vietnamvisa.alotrip.com/


Agriculture in Vietnam

With points of interest of incredible regular assets, Vietnam is one of the speediest creating nation beginning from agribusiness. Farming in Vietnam is one of the lance monetary areas in Vietnam, chiefly helping the financial improvement of Vietnam. 
Chicken farm
Chicken farm

Farming is one of imperative Vietnam monetary parts. As of now, financial improvement depends much on horticulture. In 2009, the estimation of horticultural yield arrived at 71.473 trillion (contrasted and 1994's cost), expanded by 1.32% in examination to that in 2008, and represented 13.85% of the aggregate local item. The gravity of agribusiness in the economy decreases as of late, while other monetary divisions expand. The commitment of horticulture in making occupations is more noteworthy than its commitment in Vietnam GDP. In 2005, give or take 60% of the workforce was utilized in Vietnam horticulture, ranger service, and fisheries. Farming creation represents around 30% of fares in 2005. The liberalization of creation in horticulture, particularly rice generation in Vietnam helps Vietnam be the world heading nation of rice exporter (in 2013). The other critical farming items are espresso, cotton, peanuts, high elastic, sugar, and tea.
 Fishing village
Mui Ne

Vietnam has great advantages to develop comprehensively. Natural conditions and resources allow Vietnam to develop a tropical agriculture. With a tropical climate, differentiation in North – South direction and terrain’s height affect the fundamental and seasonal structure of agricultural products in Vietnam. Differentiation in conditions of topography and soil both allows and requires the application of different cultivation in regions. In the midland and mountainous areas, strengths are perennials and large livestock. In plains, short crops, intensive cultivation, and aquaculture are main fields. With the nature of tropical natural monsoon, Vietnam always has to struggle for disasters, plant pests, and diseases. Vietnam is increasingly exploited effectively characteristics of tropical agriculture. Groups of plants and animals are distributed in accordance with the agro-ecological zones. The structure of the seasonal changes is important in structure of Vietnamese agriculture. Seasonality is better exploited by promoting transportation, widely applying advances of processing and storage Vietnam agricultural products. Exports of agricultural products (rice, coffee, rubber, fruits) are promoted significantly.
Rice exporting
Rice exporting in Mekong Delta

To develop agriculture of Vietnam, modern agriculture of producing commodity contributes greatly to increase the efficiency of tropical agriculture. Nowadays, in Vietnam agriculture, agriculture autarky exists in parallel with traditional production, agriculture commodities, and modern technology. The agriculture autarky is changing to agriculture commodities. During the period, characteristics of this economic form are small-scale production, simple working tools, main labor force, and low productivity. Besides, smallholder agriculture is autarkical (each locality produces many kinds of agricultural products, and most products are consumed on spot). In addition, the kind of production is popular in many regions in Vietnam economy. Production is oriented towards agriculture commodities with intensive cultivation and specialization to boost productivity, using more machinery, agricultural materials, new technologies (pre-harvest and post-harvest), and agriculture associated with industrial processing and agricultural services. Currently, Vietnam economic development in rural areas is changing significantly. Agricultural operation is major part of rural economy. Agricultural economic sector in rural area includes agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Non-agricultural operations consist of industry, construction and services which account for greater part in rural economy. Vietnam economy in rural area consists of many economic elements: agriculture – forestry – fishery enterprises, collectives, households, and plantations.
It is known that agriculture remains the great advantage of Vietnam, given internally in the agreement of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Accordingly, only Vietnam and Malaysia are two tropical agricultural country, but Malaysia only produces a few products such as rubber and palm oil. Therefore, Vietnam is the only agricultural country in the TPP. With approximately 70% of population are farmers, Vietnam always appreciates the importance of issues related to farmers, agriculture and rural development. Vietnam economy over the past 20 years after Doi Moi Reforms (1986-2008) has achieved many positive achievements.
Rubber Plantation
Rubber Plantation

In 1989, the first yields surpassed 20 million tons, exported 1.4 million tons of rice with the turnover of US$ 310 million. By 2007, the food production reached 39 million tons and exported 4.5 million tons of rice with the turnover of US$ 1.7 billion. Over the past decade, Vietnam has become one of the largest rice exporter in the world. Average GDP in agriculture sector annually increases of 3.3%; income and people's living standards are improved, the poverty rate in rural areas decreases by 1.5% per year; rural areas change towards civilization; levels of culture, science, engineering, many farmers are raised higher than before.
Currently, agriculture of Vietnam is developed in both quantity and quality to meet the demand of global market. Vietnamese government also encourage agricultural to participate in international fairs more to promulgate the quality of Vietnam agricultural products to the whole world. This is considered a main target of Vietnam agriculture. At the same time, roles of associations of coffee and rice are highly appreciated. In the context of integration, Vietnam increasingly defines its strategic role in world agriculture. Although, there are many difficulties ahead, with the non-stop efforts, Vietnam agriculture will catch its chance, have flexible, creative methods in the near future to develop endlessly.
Source: Alotrip Travel

Taking Luang Prabang tours

Luang Prabang is an unquestionable requirement be terminus for guests amid their Laos visits. Luang Prabang pulls in guests with tranquil magnificence of a Buddhist focus and numerous intriguing exercises.
Monks
Luang Prabang Monks

Luang Prabang has many temples, ancient temples which was built over many dynasties. Visitors in Luang Prabang will be familiar with the images of monks in orange robes walking in a long line through the ancient streets in early morning. Visiting this old citadel, visitors should try to get up early to watch these images to have peaceful feelings.
Besides exploring old temples and pagodas, visitors can take a tour to many unique monuments and beautiful sightseeing. Visitors can start their tour Laos in Luang Prabang with the Pak Ou cave including the Join Theung and Tham Ting limestone cave. In these caves, visitors can see 4000 ancient Baddha statues carved over 3000 years ago with different sizes and shapes. For those who are fond of taking photos, this place would be a paradise with many wonderful views.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Tours

For those who want to learn about Laos culture, they should not miss the National Museum of Luang Prabang which was known as the Royal Palace. This place built in 1904 is the home of many precious wooden sculptures and exquisite art works.
Night market is a place that visitors can not miss when they are in Luang Prabang. The food market is located in an alley on Sisavangvong, near an ancient temple. The aromatic taste from grilled chicken, grilled fishes will please visitors. Moreover, visitors should try Laos papaya salad which is made from papaya, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers with garlic sauce. This is the favorite dish of many visitors. Besides, visitors can stop at souvenir market to buy many lovely things such as colorful brocade scarfs, colorful umbrellas, and paper lanterns.
Once taking Laos holidays in Luang Prabang, visitors will remember a peaceful capital which offers them unforgettable feelings and interesting experiences.

Experiencing Vietnam cultural tourism with AloTrip

Acknowledging a new trend of globetrotters – Cultural Tourism, along with the desire of bringing unforgettable memories in Vietnam travel to tourists, we – AloTrip, one of leading travel websites in Vietnam (alotrip.com) hope to be a reliable companion in Vietnam trips. The following useful information about this new tendency may support you in travel plan to this beautiful country.
Festival
Festival in Sapa

Tourists coming to and back Vietnam are not just enticed by charming Vietnam beaches and newly 5- star hotels or resorts, but also cultural attractions. One of the motivations triggering the desire of people’s traveling is to seek new horizons, have new experiences, and broaden knowledge. Apparently, tourism, since its birth, is tightly associated with culture. Yet, in each regions of Vietnam, culture is depicted differently, which arouses curiosity and stimulates discovery of travelers. Thus, Vietnam cultural tourism was formed. In Vietnam travel, the tourism is appealing a great number of both international and domestic tourists, especially those who adore adventuring and exploring outstanding civilizations in Vietnam and in other Asian countries.
Bac Ha
Chirlden in Bac Ha

The trendy cultural tourism is categorized into nine main types. Type 1 is Sense of Place. Tourism products of this type are non-material characteristics reflected through senses about colors, sounds, light, tastes, or elements forming the national culture. These senses will create a strong emotion in tourists with unforgettable memories about Vietnam trips. Type 2 is called Festival and Event Tours. It is a tourism product taking advantage of cultural festivals and events to set up suitable Vietnam tours for travelers. Type 3 is entitled Cultural Heritage Tours. This product uses cultural and historical values in the heritages to serve tourists. Type 4 is Cultural Trails Tours. In each tour’s stop, there is an evidence for a wealthy or weak period of a culture. Type 5 is Modern Cultural Tours. Exploited products have both cultural and historical values of intangible and tangible works as modern world heritages, themed festivals, music events, and political, religious and sport events, etc. All of them are built up to appeal more tourists. Meanwhile, type 6 is characterized by Farm Experiences-Homestay Cultural Tours, which creates favorable conditions for tourists to experience a countryside life in Vietnam. Type 7 is Gastronomy Cultural Tours, which is based on the exploitation of traditional cuisine’s quintessence in each region. By dint of this, tourists have a chance to study and taste traditional dishes of Vietnam cuisine. Type 8 is Languages Cultural Tours. This kind of tourism is suitable for travelers who want to broaden their knowledge about Vietnamese language. Finally, type 9 is Handicraft Village Cultural Tours. All values of craft villages will be explored and introduced to tourists, which creates an opportunity to learn about traditional products.
Hue
Hue Citadel
 In Asian countries, especially in Vietnam, cultural tourism becomes prominent. With a mysterious and vivid culture, the country becomes one of world top destinations fascinating Western tourists. Historical sites, religious architectures, practiced customs and festivals, etc. come into being as tourism products. Such famous cultural tourist centers in Vietnam as Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An… are always named in tourism promulgations. When exposing to another culture, tourists are not just immersed in, but also can discover colorful and unique traditional customs. That is why foreign tourists are interested in “bird’s cages” along Nha Trang beaches, avidly come to mountainous areas like Sapa and Mai Chau to experience on overnight homestay, enjoy mountainous specialties, admire gentle dances of local people, or excitingly get dressed sophisticated brocade skirts and shirts in their Vietnam holidays.
Hoi An
Hoi An Overview

Each country has its own original culture which portrait unique features. Vietnam is characterized by Eastern agricultural culture. As Vietnam is at a crossroad of many cultures and thoughts, the unique identity of Vietnam culture is continuously developed, exchanged and reconciled exotic elements and indigenous ones. According to historical process, cultural elements are crystallized in tangible values of artworks, architectures (palace, royal tombs, pagodas, temples, shrines), and archaeological monuments... These elements also found in intangible values such as languages, art, festivals, cuisine, traditional costumes, manners of communication... The values are existing throughout Vietnam and in every Vietnamese people. It explains why Vietnam possesses 1/34 of the world's culture.
My Son sanctuary
Inside My Son sanctuary

In many Vietnam tour packages, cultural tourism activities are organized based on regional characteristics. They are the Southern Folk Festival, the Dien Bien Travel (Northwest cultural festival associated with political events), and the Central Heritage Path (folk festival in combination with tours to cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO). These festivals and events fascinate many tourists domestically and internationally. Among them, the Hue Festival is considered the most outstanding cultural tourism activity in Vietnam. The festival is regularly held every 2 years, with the support of many countries. It is an occasion for Vietnam to introduce tourists about folk culture, especially Hue royal court music - an intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO, and Nam Giao Offering Rite. In addition, the images of Vietnam tourism will be better in the eyes of international friends through cultural impressions. Tourists will have unforgettable moments when enjoying and soaking up the Gong cultural activities in Central Highlands, tour homestay in Mekong River Delta, or getting around Hanoi City… This will make an important contribution to the development of tourism in Vietnam not just by wonderful and impressive landscapes and seascapes, but also time-honored cultural values. About The Author: Nguyen Manh Dung runs AloTrip.com . Indochina now becomes a highlight tourism destination than ever. Travelers may come across many sites online that provide tours in Indochina and find differences in the price. AloTrip Travel however displays affordable prices with so many options to choose. Tourist can check this out on AloTrip.com.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Dalat autumn melody invites tourists

Each season in Dalat city retains a unique and particular beauty; apparently, only when touching the autumn, the wonderful land just becomes engaging and much more romantic than ever. All of the hillsides or steep mountains has been fully covered with colorful flowers and evergreen pine forests. This is the best time to visit Dalat.
Flower Garden in Bao Dai Palace
Flower Garden in Bao Dai Palace

Located about 320km from Saigon to to the west, with an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level, Dalat used to be regarded as "A Little Paris" of Europe in the French colonial period. Different from the severe sun and wind in Central or the tropical climate in South, the city of "thousands of flowers" retains the temperate climate year-round. What could be much more wonderful than being able to escape the heat in Saigon to immerse a peaceful Dalat. In particular, the weather in Dalat is only cold a little bit with the soothing sunshine, which is extremely suitable for leisure and relaxation. Aditionally, it would be appropriate if tourists go cycling or walking around the city of love. The pace of life here seems zephyr-like and gentle by vague slight winds in the autumn. Just slowly moving, tourists feel all "flavors" of the autumn surrounding. Dalat has long been inherently an appealing destination in Vietnam travel attracting the great number of domestic and international tourists. From the unique architecture to the dreaming natural and delicious specialties, Dalat always leave a strong impression to tourists who participate in Vietnam tours.

Nam Phan Restaurant in Da Lat
Nam Phan restaurant

Taking part in any Vietnam tour packages to Dalat, tourists could not ignore Xuan Huong Lake. It is unofficially considered as a symbol of the "city of Eternal Spring", a beautiful artificial lake located right in the heart of Dalat City. The lake is covered by a cool evergreen of pine forests, charming lawn, and colorful gardens. In the fall, the surface is extremely clear and calm like a mirror reflecting wonderful scenery around. With a circumference of about 5km, 25 hectares wide, the crescent moon-shaped lake stretches over 7 kilometers passing through numerous famous attractions in Dalat, such as Dalat Flower Garden, Yersin Park, Cu Hill... Early morning and sunset is actually the best time to admire Xuan Huong Lake thanks to the gentle wind and airy space spreading all over the lake. It has also become an ideal rendezvous for numerous couples, friends, or families.
Truc Lam Temple in Dalat
Truc Lam Temple

Along with Xuan Huong Lake, Tuyen Lam Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Dalat city is also the "must-see" sight in Dalat umtumn. Covering an area of about 320ha, far about 7km from the city centre, the lake is located adjacent Phung Hoang (Phoenix) Mountain and Truc Lam Zen Monastery. It is considered as a complex concentrating beautiful scenery and diverse tourism services in Dalat. Tuyen Lam Lake is one of 21 tourist areas reaching national stature in Vietnam. It still retains numerous small oases and has been sheltered by the vast pine forests. In particular, when it gradually becomes cold, the smog gently diffusing all over the surface of the lake, and condensing on the evergreen pine forests makes any tourists feel incredibly fluttery as having escaped from daily concerns. Thanks to the picturesque scenery with lush greenery, the immense pine forests, it becomes an enchanting tourist destination worth setting foot on.
Xuan Huong lake in Dalat
Xuan Huong Lake

The nature favourably bestows on Dalat the moderate climate, making it a heaven for numerous species of flowers. Dalat always ties with the diverse colours year-round. All of paths to the city are full of colourful flowers. Autumn is the season of mimosa and wild sunflowers. Though not owning such gorgeous beauty like other flowers, these flowers are equally bewitching thanks to the glamorous golden. Yet none in Dalat known exactly when the wild sunflowers and mimosa has been considered as a symbol of ulterior love and beauty of the humility. Mimosa flowering season is also the peak tourist season of Dalat. Tourists to the beautiful city even just to admire the bright yellow flower clusters standing out on the white spindly foliages. As a wild species, only growing in the forest or along the roadsides, mimosa is one of the indispensable symbols of Dalat.

There are numerous beautiful names to refer the poetic city, such as “City of Flowers”, “City of Love”, or dreaming city... Nature and Dalat people has long gone into the fully poetic artworks. Only when setting foot in here, tourists have a chance to profoundly admire the highland bringing much its love and legend. Dalat autumn thus strongly lure both domestic and foreign tourists.

Ho Chi Minh City rendezvous for passionate tourists

Even at first glance, Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon has left a deep impression on foreign tourists as the most dynamic and hurly-burly urban in Vietnam with gleaming streets, activities and entertainment lasting till late together with the lines of cars rushing around the streets like never-ending. Ranges of shops with the great deal of colorful and varied products contribute to fame "Saigon - shopping paradise". Numerous bars, stores and restaurants with fascinating menus make the Saigon's culinary become an indispensable cultural characteristic for tourists. However, deeply hidden in the excitement is a liberal life but harmonizes, with the longstanding customs and habits of traditional culture which have adapted to the life for reclaiming the land and early interfered with the culture of the region and the Western.
Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh city
Ben Thanh Market

Ho Chi Minh City is the gateway to tourism, a major and largest tourist center in Vietnam thanks to the varied system of facilities and services. The climate in the city is fairly pleasant creating the tourist season year-round and facilitating to much stronger develop Saigon tourism. Saigon nowadays retains hundreds of pagodas, temples worshiping thousands of national heroes, the remnants of the liberation of the city and country, which are respectfully preserved. They are also the alluring tourist attractions in any Vietnam tour packages to Ho Chi Minh City. Over 1,000 temples, temples and shrines built over time has been the wealth property on culture, art and architecture. Tourists will find here the largest and most beautiful pagodas in the country which skillfully combined between modern style and traditional pagoda architecture. Owning the diverse and abundant architecture, numerous pagodas have been recognized as historical - cultural relics of the city and the country.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City

The architecture of Saigon - ancient Pearl of the Far East has been preserved and embellished, becoming the exciting sights in Ho Chi Minh City. The French have left a large number of various and wonderful architectural works. It can be said that there are not numerous metropolises in Southeast Asia possessing as many architectural forms and Western art style as in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City. Typically, the headquarters of Municipal People's Council built under Third Republic France architecture, State Bank under the influence of Art Nouveau, Children's House with Neoclassic style, Nha Rong Wharf under Indochinese style, Central Post Office under Chiet Trung architecture, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica with Roman style, Huyen Sy Church under New Gothic architectural style... Besides, there are numerous contemporary works inspired from the Vietnam traditional architecture. In the crowed city, tourists will be surprised with boulevards shaded hundred years old trees, the greenery parks, and tranquil villas. Beside the new skyscrapers in the city center, tourists will have the chance to visit Cholon (Chinatown) with the bustling ancient towns, commercial activity and production bustling over day and night.
Reunification Palace Ho Chi Minh City
reunification palace

As a tourist center and the largest tourism gateway in the country, Ho Chi Minh City has retained the relatively developed system of infrastructure and tourist services, from the entertainment centers, transit systems to museums, hotels and restaurants. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, one of the primary international airports in Vietnam located in Ho Chi Minh City is always ready to meet tourists' demands of movement. Vietnam Visa service here is also extremely convenient facilitating tourists' trips much easier and faster. Thanks to the diverse museum system, Ho Chi Minh City maintains more museums than other provinces in the country. The exhibit contents of the museum are fairly bountiful not only on the local history and culture, but the whole South, the country and Southeast Asia as well, offering huge interesting knowledge. However, the most attractive tourist spot in the city remains Cu Chi Tunnels, a unique works in world military history, a symbol of the iron will and the intelligence of citizens in American resistance. Equally illustrious is the Can Gio mangrove forest with ship breaking battles on the Saigon estuary, which today is a great eco-tourism with the endless green mangroves.
Gate to Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
Gate to post office

Taking part in HoChi Minh City tour, tourists could hardly escape to be overwhelmed by the system of the markets, supermarkets and commercial centers of the city. The abundant, diverse and colorful goods full species from the common to the famous deli's all over the country, from domestic products to the international brands globally reputing. Most of stores here often beautifully decorated, especially the stores of handicraft and fashion, each looks like a tiny work of art. Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of Saigon, is considered the largest retail market in the city. Tourists can find all sorts of items here, from budget to luxury, especially food products which are most selective. The friendly and open-minded citizens are always looking forward to welcoming tourists from all parts of the earth to the city.
fronsite of Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral


As the center of the fertile lands of the South, the convergence of people from all over the country and the gateway to external world, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam travel. Ho Chi Minh City tourism has played an important role to promote the image of a beautiful Vietnam country to international friends.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Investigating Laos culinary

Lao cooking is rich and different. When taking Lao visits, guests will always remember wonderful dishes which produced using basic and regular parts, for example, harsh fish soup, bugs, larb, etc...lao dishes characteristic the mixture between unique conventional taste and present day taste.
Rice in bamboo tube
Rice in bamboo
Rice in bamboo tube

Rice in bamboo tube is the typical rice of Lao ethnic minorities. Rice in bamboo tube is made from sticky rice, the staple food of Lao people. Rice is put in to a bamboo tube sealed with banana leaves. Then, the tube is burned. The bamboo sticks for cooking must be fresh, not too young nor too old. Rice in bamboo tube are sweetness and have the flavor of bamboo. This kind of rice is served with grilled forest pork and chicken, but many people love eating it with peanut salt.
Larb
Larb
Larb

In Laotian, larb means luck. This is the traditional dishes and also the national dish in Laoss festival. Larb is made from animal meat, usually from beef, deer or buffalo. Meat is minced with chopped mint and mixed with lemon juice. Larb is often served with fresh herbs such as basil, coriander, etc.
Insects
Insects
Insects

Similar to Cambodia and Thailand, Lao people also enjoy dishes made from insects such as crickets, ant eggs, spiders, belostomatids. With the skillful hand and creations, many tasty dishes have been made with different methods from deeply fried, steam to grill. Dishes from insects are rich in protein, attractive and fancy.
Savannakhet grilled chicken
grilled chicken
Savannakhet grilled chicken

Savannakhet grilled chicken is famous for its appealing aroma. However, visitors do not need to go to Savannakhet to enjoy this dish, because grilled chickens are sold in many places in Vientiane, or Luang Prabang. Chickens are cleaned and clamped in skewers then placed on hot coals until they are cooked.
Papaya salad
Papaya salad
Papaya salad

In Laotian, papaya salad is called Hung Tam Maak. The green papaya will be scraped into fiber then mixed with lemon juice, shrimp paste, eggplant, pepper, and chili. Once enjoying this dish, visitors will never forget its special taste with the spicy aroma of sauces.
If visitors take Laos holidays, they should not miss the chance to explore the unique culinary of Lao people.


Vietnam Airport Transfers in Hanoi

Method for move at air terminals in Vietnam or Vietnam auto rental may be among first things to worry about wheneveryou go on a trek in Vietnam. Here are a few advices for visitors about exchange vehicles at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi.
Airport Transfers in Hanoi
Vietnam Airport Transfers in Hanoi

Noi Bai International Airport is 35 km away from the centre of Hanoi. Depending on the traffic condition, it takes from 50 minutes to 1 hour to reach the airport. There are some options for means of transfer from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi as below:
- Public bus: Bus number 7
Its easy to find the bus stop, just 200 meters from exit door. Get on bus number 7. The final stop of this route is at Cau Giay hub for bus (at the gate of University of Transportation and Communications). From there, tourists can move to other places in Hanoi more easily because of shorter distance. The bus runs regularly. There is a bus picking passengers up every 15-20 minutes. Price for a ticket is quite cheap, 7,000 VND for a turn. However, the bus is quite crowded so its difficult to carry much baggage. Large tourist groups may have to divide into 2 or 3 smaller groups to get on bus. One more disadvantage of using public bus is that after getting off at the last stop, you still have to catch a taxi or motor taxi to your final destination.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers

- Airlines bus
VietnamAirlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines and Vietjet Air all have their own transfer buses to meet and see of tourists at a fare price of 40,000 VND. The route of Vietnam Airlines bus is from Noi Bai Airport to address 1 Quang Trung Street, Hanoi. On the way from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi, the bus goes after 30 minutes since the flight landing. On the reverse way, the bus departures before the flight take off about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The time depends on tourists schedule.
Besides, tourists can catch private buses of other provider outside of Terminal 1 such as Dai Nam, Noi Bai service, Viet Thanh.
- Taxi
Six taxi labels which have license to operate at Noi Bai Airport are Mai Linh, Noi Bai, Venus Thang Long, Viet Thanh, Dai Nam, Taxi Group, Noi Bai Airport Taxi. The taxi price can be calculated based on kilometers which can be seen for more details on board of each taxi carrier at Terminal 1, or range from 350,000 VND to 380,000 VND for private car of 5 8 seats.
Hope tourists be satisfied with the services of Vietnam Airport Transfers.


Vietnam sustenance society outline

Vietnam sustenance society is framed in the characteristic lifestyle. It is a peculiarity of material society, as well as a profound gimmick. Through the peculiarities of cooking, individuals' capability and respects, behaviors and traditions in sustenance will be reflected. 
Dipping Sauce
Vietnamese Dipping Sauce


Vietnam is a farming based nation, in this way, Vietnam nourishment society is impacted by the Wet Rice Civilization for a great many years. Rice assumes an imperative part in life of Vietnamese individuals. In addition, as being spotted in South East Asia with ideal states of nature, atmosphere and geology, Vietnamese individuals has been produce a plenitude of eatables, which gives great conditions to the innovativeness of food in Vietnam. Over the span of building and creating the nation, Vietnam experienced an arrangement of durable wars and masteries, particularly a 1000-year Chinese mastery, and the French imperialism, the sustenance society of Vietnam was impacted and more broadened. Sustenance of Vietnamese got to be more advanced and different, incompletely focused around the Chinese food, however remained it remarkable gimmicks of Vietnam. It was the provinciality of the French helped the differences of Vietnam nourishment society. Vietnamese off and on again ask why the Western individuals can make due by consuming bread step by step. Most vacationers coming to Vietnam are so astonished at the vicinity of rice and numerous dishes identified with rice, which makes the extraordinary of gimmicks in Vietnam nourishment. Numerous pagodas and sanctuaries in Vietnam use rice for adoring, as it is accepted that rice originates from the Mother Goddess Worship. Numerous major Vietnamese dishes and snacks are produced using rice, for example, rice porridge, steamed rice, glutinous rice cake, Banh Chung, particularly plain rice which is the fundamental dish in Vietnamese day by day supper. What's more, Pho is produced using rice. It implies that rice is the inside of dishes in Vietnamese cooking.
Vietnamese food also expresses the mental life of Vietnamese people. Vietnamese people have their own way to enjoy daily meals. All dishes of a meal will be laid on the tray at the same time with a small bowl of fish sauce or soy sauce in the center of the tray. By this way, a typical Vietnamese daily meal will have the presence of all family members. While eating together, they can share their opinions about some of dishes; even other daily topics are also discussed in the eating time. If having chances to explore the Vietnam food culture, you might really excited when learning about sauces in meals of Vietnamese people. You might be astonished when witnessing all family members using a bowl of fish sauce together, which creates the unique characteristic of Vietnamese food culture. Some people think that the bowl of fish sauce reflects the solidarity. Some others believe that fish sauce makes great contribution in forming the cultural feature of Vietnamese food.
Bun Thang
Bun Thang

 Vietnamese food culture varies by regions from the north to the south. In Northern Vietnam, Vietnamese food is characterized by light and balanced flavors as the harmonic combination of many ingredients. Northerners has been using many kinds of meats like pork, beef, and chicken to cook; besides, some kinds of freshwater fish, crustaceans, and other mollusks like shrimps, crabs, and oysters, etc. Many famous dishes of Vietnam are cooked with these ingredients such as Bun Rieu. Northern Vietnam is seen to be the cradle of Vietnamese civilization in general and Vietnamese cuisine in particular with many notable dishes like Pho, Bun Rieu, Bun Thang, Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, etc. Then, food culture in Northern Vietnam became popular in Central and Southern Vietnam with suitable flavors in each regions. In Central Vietnam, the topography is characterized by mountains, thus, the regional cuisine of Central Vietnam is famous for its spicy food, which differs from two other parts with mostly non-spicy food. Hue cuisine is typical Central Vietnam’s food culture. Dishes of Hue cuisine are decorative and colorful, which expresses the influence of Vietnamese royal cuisine in the feudal period. Food in the region is often decorated sophisticatedly and used with chili peppers and shrimp sauces, namely, Bun Bo Hue, Banh xeo, or Banh beo, etc. In Southern Vietnam, the region is characterized by warm weather and fertile soil, which creates favorable conditions for planting a variety of fruit, vegetables and livestock. Thus, food in the region is often added with garlic, shallots and fresh herbs. Particularly, Southerners are favored of sugar; they add sugar in almost dishes. Here, there is also an influence of western and Asian cuisines on southern food, such as influences from Chinese, Indian, French, and Thailand.
Xeo cake
Xeo cake

Vietnamese food culture put the spirit on top priority with daily meals being seen as family reunion meal in which people gather happily after a hard working day.
Source: AloTrip