Likes and dislikes in Sapa tours

SAPA IS SEEN AS THE SECOND DALAT IN VIETNAM WITH FOUR SEASONS IN A DAY. BY DINT OF THAT, SAPA IS BESTOWED WITH WONDERFUL LANDSCAPES AND IDEAL CLIMATE. SAPA TOURS ALWAYS BRING INTERESTING AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES TO TRAVELERS.

Women in Sapa

Some people say Sapa tours are becoming commercialized, while others claim that the colorful mountainous town entices travelers by its own spectacular landscapes, unique cultural identity and ideal climate. Once coming to Sapa, one will want to come back and stay longer. Some people leave their hometown to reside in Sapa Town, from Hanoian and Saigonese, even foreigners.

Sapa has some similarities with Dalat in climate, but landscapes and local people in Sapa reflect a totally different world. During late April and early May, natural scenery in Sapa is not too spectacular; however, travelers are attracted by lovely H’ Mong little girls in colorful brocade dresses and sophisticated silver jewelry, which is so impressive. In winter, before New Year celebration, Sapa is at its best. In this season, the weather in Sapa is so cold, some places the temperature falls below zero. Interestingly, weather is one of attractions in Sapa. There are four seasons in a day in the mountainous town. In the morning, it is quite cold with the temperature of about 12-18 Celsius degrees; at noon, Sapa seems to wear a new bright fresh and colorful coat with warmer temperature. From afternoon to evening, it becomes cooler and colder at night. The feature of Sapa weather remains unchanged now.

Hmong ladies speak English

Sapa seems to be stable with crowded bustling streets, more hotels and better services. After many years of development, there are many things changed and continuously changed as the rule of life. Different from towns and villages in the northwest, life in Sapa is changed. In the center of Sapa Town, there is a large number of black H’ Mong and Red Dao ethnic group coming here to sell their handmade traditional products and buy necessary things for their family. Most of hotels, bars and restaurants in Sapa Town are owned by Kinh people (Vietnamese group), some possessed by foreigners.

In Vietnam tour packages to Sapa, travelers are often impressed by the speaking foreign language of locals. H’ Mong ladies mostly communicate with foreign travelers by English, even old people can talk and exchange easily with foreigners. Travelers will meet the image of an old lady sewing and sometime communicating with buyers by a few basic words in English. Especially, when the old lady says something in her own ethnic language with someone via her cellphone, travelers definitely feel curious and delectable. That new and modern things may be good for locals proves that their life is improved significantly. However, pay money to take photos or suffer from dual pricing make travelers think that tourism changes life in Sapa. In addition, not all items in Sapa Market are made by locals; they come from China. Sometimes, travelers can meet hybrid children. Tourism in Sapa makes the town more prosperous, but many lives changes.

Sapa 

Yet, most travelers love Sapa as good things here. In harvest season (autumn), landscapes in Sapa are so striking. One of the most interesting things to do in Sapa is sitting in a small café and contemplating the daily life in the town, along with majestic mountains right in front of the window. The interesting feeling in the town at night is walking along small streets in Sapa, popping in a pub to enjoy drinks and listen to The Beatles or dropping by a club and having great time with friends. That will be a different world in the town, which bring unforgettable moments in Vietnam holidays in Sapa Town.

In Sapa tours, travelers often visit Ta Van Village and Lao Chai Village in Muong Hoa Valley, about 8km from Sapa Town. Here, there are lovely houses of stilt and beautiful rice terraces. If travelers want to explore more about indigenous life, homestay service is an ideal option. The best time to travel Sapa is from August to October. Other tourist attractions in Sapa are Cat Cat Village, Ta Phin Village, Silver Waterfall, and trekking tours to Fansipan. Eating in Sapa is diverse from Western to Vietnamese dishes, and ethnic food. Hotels in Sapa have various services from luxury to budget.

Being one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam, Sapa allures travelers from the simplest things to modern ones achieved over the time of development. Everything has to change and develop to exist, but Sapa remains unique traditional identity which attracts and appeal travelers to explore.

Tips for traveling Halong Bay in summer

With thousands of majestic and interesting islands and islets bestowed by the Nature, Halong Bay – The Natural World Wonder is always praised by international press and voted in top best places to cruise in the world, or in top of the most romantic destinations in the world. Summer is an ideal time to travel Halong Bay. From May to September, the weather in this bay is suitable to enjoy sunbathing on white smooth sandy beach, or immersing in the turquoise and cool waters. As being one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam, Halong Bay possesses spectacular and overwhelming natural landscapes and seascapes.

limestone mountains

There are many interesting things to do in Vietnam tour packages to Halong Bay. For example, tourists can book Halong Bay cruise overnight tours. In these tours, tourists have chances to enter deeper in the bay and explore more. It is no easier to contemplate the wonderful view of the bay than sitting on the deck of your cruise or by the window of cabin. All marvelous scenes of the bay at sunrise or sunset will present in front of your eyes. And, it is the time to take as many photos as possible. In addition, visiting Cua Van Fishing Village – one of the most beautiful fishing village in the world will be a memorable experience in Halong Bay tours. The fishing village remains its ancientness, elegance, and long-lasting traditions of fishing life in Halong in particular and in Vietnam in general. Amid the majestic scenery of the bay, Cua Van emerges beautifully with small cobbled roads, rustic floating houses, and colorful boats’ roofs.

Cua Van Village

Also, kayaking to explore every corners of Halong Bay will bring exciting and unforgettable moments in Vietnam tours to the wonderful bay. Tourists can freely kayak around the bay and reach to places where big boats cannot. That will be so amazing when discovering untouched and unnamed islets here. Coming back to the cruise and admire the sunset at the bay will be an experience that you cannot forget in your life. The rooftop of cruise is the best place to contemplate. The entire scenery of the bay will appear so closed and attractive. It seems so easy to touch the “fire ball” hiding gradually under the horizon line. The atmosphere is warmer and fresher. And, enjoying Europe – Asia cuisine with international standard and admiring the night view in the bay will be a romantic memory for tourists, especially those who are in their honeymoon.

Sung Sot Cave

To enjoy interesting Halong Bay tours in Vietnam holidays this summer, do not forget to bring the essentials to make your trip smooth. It is necessary to bring eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lens and solution. Secure itineraries, tickets and any reservation confirmations in an easily accessible location such as a day pack. For beach days, pack two swimsuits, one beach cover-up or large T-shirt. Pack a light sweatshirt or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings, and a lightweight nylon jacket if there is a probability of rain in the forecast. Be aware of Jelly Fish. During summer, especially in May, June, July, before going to swim, you should ask the guide or captain for advice because it is time when the poisonous jellyfish are most active. Jelly Fish mostly does not cause too much trouble but popular symptoms such as hives, and rashes…

sundeck

It is highly recommended for alternative tours in case of bad weather. Perhaps, the cruise trip could be postponed, shortened or canceled due to unexpected bad weather without prior notice. Therefore, tourists should be ready for alternative tours to Hanoi such as Hanoi City tours, tours to Trang An (Ninh Binh), joining cooking class, or simply staying in a hotel in Halong City, and then cruise when the weather condition is suitable and boat is available.

24-hour romantic Hue day tours

With gentle Perfume River and vestiges of feudal dynasties, Hue Citadel never fails to attract tourists all over the world. Spending a whole day in Hue City will be a wonderful experience on feeling thoroughly about one of the most ancient destinations in Vietnam. The schedule of the adventure in the ancient city should be started with a breakfast bearing the local tastes, and then walking to enjoy the serenity. In Vietnam tours around Hue, tourists often begin their day with a bowl of Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle). This is one of the most famous dishes of Hue cuisine. That will be fantastic when enjoying the dish in its original place, which might be different from versions in other localities. A hot bowl of Hue beef noodle will bring more energy to tourists before exploring the city. If there is no luxury of time to explore every corner of the city for several days, tourists can fulfill their Hue day tours in 24 hours with the following top things to do.

City of Hue

Let’s start Hue city tours by visiting royal tombs in Hue Citadel. Hue Citadel is located in the north of Perfume River with an area of 500ha. Here is the administrative and political center of Nguyen Dynasty and royal living place of emperors and lords as well. Hue Citadel includes the citadel and Forbidden Purple City. In 1993, Hue Citadel was recognized as a Cultural World Heritage by UNESCO, which brought the pride to Vietnamese people. There are a number of royal tombs in the citadel. Three most famous ones are Minh Mang Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Tu Duc Tomb.

Minh Mang Tomb is the first stopover to drop by. The architectural work was built in 1840 as the rest-in-pea place of Minh Mang Emperor. The Minh Mang tomb measures 18ha; and the "penalty area" surrounding the tomb is about 475ha wide. The general structure is symmetrical balance surrounded by a Shinto line (belonging to Shintoism) exuding the dignity. Besides, along the walking road around the tomb, there are lush green trees and some pavilions to take rest and admire landscapes such as Dieu Ngu, Nghenh Phong Pavilion, Tuan Loc Terrace, Quan Lan, and Hu Hoai Pavilion... The next stopover is Khai Dinh Tomb. It is the mausoleum of the 12th Emperor of Nguyen Dynasty - Khai Dinh Emperor. The tomb was constructed in 1920 under the control of Le Van Ba, a high-rank court of Nguyen Dynasty. Compared with previous emperors' tombs, that of Khai Dinh Emperor has a modest scale, but it took more time to build. The tomb is the combination of many schools of architecture such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Roman, and Gothique... These features are reflected meticulously in the architecture.

Xung Khiem Ta

Last but not least, it is the tomb of Tu Duc Emperor. The tomb is an architectural complex. The work has a unique and complicated architectural style reflected through the Bat Trang bricked walkways running from Vu Khiem Gate, passing Khiem Cung Mon Gate or passing a three-level stone row that leads to Khiem Cung Mon Gate. At noon, it is recommended to stop at the south bank of Perfume River and enjoy Nam Pho Banh Canh (Nam Pho noddle soup). This dish is the combination of soft rice noodles added by crab pies and meat, creating a tasty sweet flavor of broth. A bowl of this dish costs about 10,000 - 15,000 VND.

After taking a rest, let’s vary the day tour by visiting Thien Mu Pagoda. Thien Mu Pagoda was constructed in 1601 on Ha Khe Hill on the left bank of Perfume River. Up until now, the pagoda remains its inherent majesty, purity and antique. The highlight of tours in Hue is dropping by Tu Nhan Tower, later changed as Phuoc Duyen Tower. The work was built as the order of Thieu Tri Emperor. It is 21 meter high with 7 floors in front of the pagoda's gate. It is one of typical symbol of the city.

Minh Mang tomb

Vietnam tour packages in Hue will not be completed if coming and missing to taste Com Hen (rice with mussel). Com Hen is a famous local dish of Hue cuisine. That is an ideal option for dinner. The ingredients of the dish consist of rice, salads, peanuts, sesame, shrimp sauce and mussels. All creates a unique and tasty flavor. Enjoying the catchy dish will help tourists have more experiences on the local cuisine. After dinner, taking a Perfume River cruise is a fantastic idea. At night, Perfume River becomes more romantic and elegant. This is the time for tourists to get on a boat, enjoy a poetic river tour, and admire the serene local life. During the time of sitting on boat, listening to beautiful Hue folk songs and enjoying cool breezes will be unforgettable memories in the day tour.

Truong Tien Bridge

In the rest time of the day, trying to eat some sweet soup and then going for a walk will be interesting experiences in Hue. The sweet soup world in Hue possesses different flavors and colors. There are many kinds of sweet soup that you could not remember all their names. This is the one of the most interesting snacks releasing your hunger at night. Walking to enjoy serene life of Hue City along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street near the bank of Perfume River at night or popping in shopping places to buy souvenirs and specialties for family and friends will definitely leave memorable moments in tourists’ mind. Before ending the tour, do not forget to drop candle flowers on Perfume River and contemplate lines of shimmering candle flowers floating on the river. That image will never fade in your memory about attractions in Hue.

Tips on Da Nang travel during fireworks festival

Annually, on the occasion of Vietnam Reunification Day, there is an international fireworks competition held in Da Nang. The international event appeals a great number of tourists all over the world coming here to admire the magnificent festival and explore the city. To enjoy the most memorable Da Nang travel during this time, let’s keep the following tips in your pocket.

Buying Da Nang Fireworks Festival ticket

Da Nang Fireworks Competition 2015

Not everyone has a chance to own a ticket to admire the outstanding and splendid fireworks performances at one of ideal stands of the festival’s venue. However, stands are perfect but not the “only” places to contemplate the magnificent fireworks competition. A series of restaurants, hotels and skyscrapers along Han River are wonderful places to admire the festival. By this way, tourists just pay a bit more money and then do not have to make all attempt to reach their seats on stand with thousands of people. Do not miss to make your wonderful Vietnam holidays in Da Nang full of unforgettable memories by unique photos.

There is another more interesting way to see the fireworks festival. It is taking a boat tour to travel along Han River and contemplate the wonderful scenery. That will be a poetic and romantic experience in any Vietnam tours to Da Nang City. It takes from 200,000 – 500,000VND (10 – 25 USD) with this tour. Tourists need to book in advance. In case, there is no seat on stands left, no seat at ideal restaurants, hotels, or boat tour, “unlucky” audiences still have a chance to contemplate the festival. It is immersing in the lines of thousands of local people coming to the bank of Han River, Han River Bridge, and Thuan Phuoc Birdge early (from 16:00 to 17:00) to reserve a seat. These places are seen as the ideal venues to see fireworks performances. Do not forget to bring something to eat, raincoat, drink… along.

Where to go in daytime?

Ba Na Hill

Da Nang International Fireworks Competition just takes place at night, so during day time, tourists should take time to explore Da Nang. Along with the fireworks festival, Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism organizes many suitable Da Nang City tours to serve tourists. There is a tour of "Discovering jungle in the heart of the young city". In this tour, tourists will have a chance to visit Son Tra Mountain with spectacular scenes. Tourists also have the opportunity to pop in the city’s broadcaster - the highest place to admire the panoramic view of Da Nang, visit US radar station built in 60s dubbed "Indochina God's eyes", or to climb to explore Son Tra Forest, contemplate beaches in Da Nang, and drop by Linh Ung Pagoda and admire the tallest Buddha Statue in Vietnam.

If tourists desire to enjoy Da Nang tours to further attractions, tours of Ngu Hanh Son (Mable Mountains) - Hoi An Ancient Town is an ideal option. This tour takes only one day to discover two famous attractions in Da Nang with diverse programs such as hiking Marble Mountains, visiting Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village and art workshop countries, popping in Hoi An Ancient Town - World Heritage and enjoying specialties of Hoi An... On the second day, a tour to Ba Na Hills should be noted in list of things to do in Da Nang. Sitting in the world's longest cable car to visit Vong Nguyet Hill, Linh Ung Pagoda, Shakyamuni Buddha Statue, or coming to stables and old wine cellar of the French... and enjoying the fresh air of "French spring" in Ba Na Hills are wonderful experiences in Vietnam tour packages.

Da Nang beach

Now, there are a lot of promotions in tickets of both international and domestic flights to Da Nang. Let’s check flights information and airfares on AloTrip.com (an official website of AloTrip International Company Limited – a reliable travel agent) to update the latest news about Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, flights to Da Nang, and airfare promotion as well in the very early summer days.

Discover Con Dao Island in early summer days

Con Dao Island – once the “Hell on earth” in the past – now becomes one of the most attractive destinationsin Vietnam. Con Dao Island is a group of 16 islets. The largest island is known as Con Son. Con Dao was once a prison island jailing a large number of political prisoners under the French colonial empire many forms of tortures and punishments. Besides having an interesting history, Con Dao is also an island of immense natural beauty with forested hills, deserted sandy beaches and extensive coral reefs for some excellent diving. Do not forget the following top 10 things to do when traveling Con Dao Island in your 2015 summer Vietnam holidays.

Visiting Con DaoPrison

Con Dao Prison

From 1862 to 1975, Con Dao was known as a brutal prison for those who fought against the French colonialism and the former Saigon regime. To learn somewhat more about the historical Con Dao Island, as well as to feel the sense of loss that revolutionaries in the past had to undergo, tourists never miss to visit Con Dao Prison system which is now become the museum of Con Dao with heroic ruins of Tiger Cages, Hang Duong Cemetery, and fierce jail system... Con Dao Prison is one of most visited attractions in Con Dao and is recognized as one of the fiercest prisons in the world.

Dropping by Lady PhiYen Temple

Nestled on the bank of Ot Stream (Pepper Stream), Lady Phi Yen Temple, also known as An Son Temple, has been an important point of worshiping in the spirit of Con Dao people. For the locals, it is a sacred temple associated with a tragic story of a talented, virtue and patriotic woman. After her death, local people mourned and built a shrine to commemorate her. In 1861, after occupying the island, the French decided to remove the entire island’s population to the mainland to build a prison in the island; therefore, the temple gradually became crumbling. In 1981, local people on the island rebuilt a spacious temple on the old ground and worship up until now. Todays, in Vietnam tours to Con Dao Island, Lady Phi Yen Temple is an indispensable stopover.

Visiting Vo Thi SauTomb at night

Vo Thi Sau Tomb

That will be a great “challenge” for almost anyone to visit a tomb at mid-night. However, this is one of the most interesting experiences in Con Dao tours. Tourists often share their experiences on popping in Vo Thi Sau Tomb at mid night. Unlike the thought of major people that there is no one coming to the cemetery of Vo Thi Sau – a famous heroine of Vietnam at night, it is the fact that, mid-night is the time when the historical site welcomes tourists most. Stalls around the cemetery are always shined with light to serve tourists.

Riding a bike along Con Dao Beach road

Con Dao

The beauty of Con Dao can be described by one word – Perfect. It is because the island is bestowed by The Nature with all best criteria of a wonderful beach. To feel the amazing beauty of beaches in Con Dao Island, and enjoy the fresh air of early morning on the island as well, you should rent a bike and ride along the beach of Con Dao. With this interesting experience, you will be surely enchanted by pristine landscapes here; on one side, it is the vast blue sea, and the other is covered by green and majestic mountains, forming myriad sexy scenery.

Con Dao diving

Beaches in Con Dao are among the best diving and snorkeling places in Vietnam. The coral is relatively untouched and very impressive, with giant coral heads. The marine life includes turtles, rays, giant barracuda, cuttlefish, cobia, and dugongs as well as a whole host of tropical reef fish. Con Dao includes many smaller islands such as Bay Canh Island, Tai Island, Tre Island, Trung Island, Trac Island, and Cau Island… There are many choices to dive and discover vivid coral reef here. The island is the convergence of coral reefs with the highest density in Vietnam. Now, there are many diving tours in Con Dao with the average price from 500,000 VND including necessary devices.

Exploring Ong Dung Beach

Ong Dung Beach is to the north of town. Ong Dung Beach is seen as a charming and ideal beach of Con Dao National Park. Coming here, tourists can admire and immerse into turquoise and warm waters, colorful untouched natural scenery of the flora and fauna system. It will take about 1 hour to walk along roads in the forest to reach Ong Dung Beach, which may make tourists exhausted, but the tiredness will disappear when approaching the beach; the excitement will appear instead. The turquoise waters of Ong Dung Beach will be a fantastic award for all tourists’ effort in Vietnam tour packages to Con Dao.

Fishing at night

The sea area of Con Dao is located in the South China Sea which possesses a large number of seafood, promising an interesting off-shore trip. The most ideal area to go fishing is Nhat Beach near Love Hill in Con Dao Island. According to “professional” fishermen, the best time to go fishing is when the night falls.

Stopping by Bay Canh Island

Bay Canh Island

Located in the east of Con Dao Island, Bay Canh Island is covered by a primitive forests and mangrove forests belonging to island tropical ecosystem with 882 flora species and nearly 150 fauna species. Coming here, tourists will have chances to dive and admire colorful coral reef, fish, and other marine creatures living on coral reefs. The coastline of Bay Canh Island is long and pristine. It has a simple and familiar beauty, which makes tourists feel peacefully in the serene atmosphere.

Tripping to turtle sanctuary

With an area of about 14,000 ha of water, Con Dao Island has a large turtle sanctuary. Annually, in breeding season from April to September, there are thousands of turtles coming here to spawn. Witnessing and recording the moment when turtle digging and spawning is an interesting experience. Do not miss the second-to-none chance in Con Dao tours.

Staying in a Con Dao resort

Six Senses Con Dao

The peace and serenity in a resort in Con Dao will make the island be the right place for those who desire to relax in a luxurious setting, experience a slow life, and escape the busy routine and habits. Traveling Con Dao Island, tourists will have many choices to take rest in one of beautiful hotels and resorts, fitting different needs of every tourist.