Mekong River Delta floating markets - Precarious life

Floatingmarket is a form of market appearing on main rivers. In this market, both buyers and sellers use boats and canoes for transporting. In Vietnam, floating markets are situated mostly in Southwestern region. The unique markets have existed for a long time in Mekong River Delta. In Vietnam tour packages to travel Mekong River Delta, travelers will have a chance to discover the unique river life, which is one of the most outstanding attractions in Vietnam, as well as one of the most stunning images in the country. From Tien Giang, Can Tho to Ca Mau everywhere is full of bustling life with life on river. Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang, Phong Dien Floating Market, Phung Hiep Floating Market in Can Tho, and Thoi Binh Floating Market in Ca Mau are among famous floating markets in Mekong River Delta. Compared with floating markets in Mekong River Delta such as Phong Dien Floating Market and Cai Be Floating Market, Thoi Binh Floating Market in Ca Mau is smaller and less bustling. Yet, each floating market has its own unique characteristics and local specialties.

Cai Rang Floating Market

The cultural, economic and social factors are fundamental backgrounds creating second-to-none features in floating markets and remaining their existence over the time. In Vietnam tours to these special markets, travelers will witness the hustle and bustle of merchants' boats exchanging and trading. Almost these boats measure weights of 2-3 tones. These boats carry agricultural products and items from rice, salt, fish sauce to household tools to other provinces throughout the country. Besides, there are smaller boats carrying home-made agricultural products trading here. From orchards in Tien Giang and Can Tho, boats of fruits move to Ca Mau to trade. To recognize which kind of goods sold on boats, customers just look at a long pole attached to the deck. The pole looks like a "billboard" in front of stores showing things to sell. This "special marketing" style makes the floating markets so exclusive and attract a great number of travelers going on Vietnam holidays to southwestern area. By looking at things hung on these poles, buyers know what kind of goods that the boat carrying and selling. Meanwhile, on boats from Ca Mau to Cai Be and Can Tho, there are products as local specialties carried.

Market in Cantho

In Vietnam travel tours to the floating areas, travelers will have chances to explore life and culture of local people. The all-year-round life on boats is not easy at all. Exchanging on boats on rivers is the only way of making their living. The sellers have to undergone many difficulties to maintain their life. Due to the lack of land for living, life of merchants is always attached to boats and rivers, which is unstable. They can dock in Phong Dien today, but tomorrow they will sail to Sa Dec or Ca Mau... To them, life is a series of arduous days and struggles for difficulties on rivers. Their life on river is always affected by rivers and natural changes. Children living on boats with their parents do not have any chance to go to school; they have to participate in earning their living. The scenery is numerous in these floating markets. Yet, spiritual life of local people on boats is so diverse and special. By dint of trading in different places and communicating with different people, merchants know how to live and treat each other right. Therefore, in spite of lacking literacy, these local merchants treat their customers in an extroverted and hospitable way. Merchants on rivers have strong belief in fortune. They believe that if the beginning is good, their trading day will go smoothly. Thus, when customers come to these Mekong River Delta attractions to buy, they are always welcomed in the warmest manners. In each morning, the sellers wish to meet a customer who will bring luck to their trading day. To seek the luck, at the beginning of the trading, sellers often give a quite high rate that buyers will bargain, which makes the trading more exciting. When sellers and buyers agree the rate which is bargained, goods will be purchased with the satisfaction of both sides.

Chau Doc Floating Market

When the sun goes down, merchants anchor their boats overnight next to each other and continue their trading journey in the next morning. Clearly, no one knows each other, but these merchants just make some greetings, and then they become friends. They dine together and talk about daily life of each other. Some from far orchards in Sa Dec and others from Ca Mau, all of them become friends in a couple of minutes, even become close friends of each other, even intimates or in-law relations. In Tet holiday, many trading boats cannot come back their hometown. On the 30th day of lunar 12th month, they cook an offering meal to invite their forefather to join the New Year and pray for the best things in the New Year. Many families on boats docking next to each other hold a Tet holiday together, which is so cozy and happy. They contribute what they have to celebrate the New Year. In spite of being far away from home, they think that everywhere is their hometown and their family. The affection of merchants with each other makes them feel more consoled.

floating market in Can Tho

Trading on rivers is so wanderous and full of ups and downs. The lives of merchants are more difficult today, as supermarkets spring up everywhere, the purchasing power and selling pressure of the floating markets have dropped. However, the floating markets in Mekong River Delta still exist in spite of the increasing modernization. Only when the rivers dry up, then the floating markets no longer exist. That is the local people's philosophy of life.

Hue Vietnam to most wonderful beaches

Hue city - the ancient capital of Vietnam is a city filled with the greenery and serene atmosphere, but equally exciting and crowded. The city still preserved unique architectural tombs, temples, famous world heritages along with wonderful natural landscape. The stretching of beaches, the cool gentle streams and the white foam waterfall are ready to give tourists the fresh flavor when visiting poetic Hue.

Lang Co Beach

Lang Co Beach

Located 70 kilometers to the south of Hue, Lang Co Beach has long been famous as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam with more than 10kilometers of white sandy beaches and the blue seawater. In the period from April to July, the air is actually pleasant and cool. It really is the best time to visit Hue in general and Lang Co beach in particular.

Visitors to Lang Co, tourists will completely participate in the recreational activities with fishing, scuba diving or enjoy the local cuisine with crab soup, crab vermicelli or Lang Co oysters.

Thuan An Beach

Thuan An Beach

About 30 minutes by motorbike from the city center, Thuan An Beach lengthens 12 kilometers with the gentle cool waves. Tourists often choose this destination as an ideal choice in the period of time from April to September when the weather is hottest.

Tourists can rent tents or stay in the wild right on the beach and immerse in cool water. In particular when the night goes down, tourists can stroll along the beach, or enjoy the taste of fresh seafood grille on scented charcoal.

Canh Duong Beach

Canh Duong Beach

Stretching more than 8,000 meters, Canh Duong Beach has for a long time been famous for fine white sands, rows of shady casuarinas and the emerald seawater. All create romantic natural scenery captivating tourists. Experiencing Canh Duong Beach, tourists seem to lose in the world of pristine beauty, enjoy the fresh air, and dispel fatigue and the hustle of urban life.

In addition, tourists will also be attracted by the abundance of fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices, such as steamed crab, grilled squid, many kinds of shrimps and fishes for the tourists choice.

Ham Rong Beach

Ham Rong Beach

Although there is no brand as the Lang Co, Canh Duong or Thuan An, Ham Rong Beach possesses a pretty prime location and poetic landscape. Linh Thai mountain with the height of 800 meters along with the deep green forests winding in multiple arc to embrace the nearly 6 kilometer long beach. 3 beaches are always available for tourists relaxing, namely Ham Rong, Dong Duong and Dam lagoon. In particular, Ham Rong seawater is always clear and blue along with rocks stacked together create beautiful natural scenery.

Truoi Lake

Truoi lake

Participating in Hue travel, tourists should set their foot in Truoi Lake to explore the beauty of this destination. There are four streams flowing into Truoi Lake, namely Hop Hai, Vung Thong, Ong Vien and Ba Trai. Each possesses its unique beauty. There are always hundreds of tourists taking a trip or picnic here on hot season. Taking part in the lake, tourists can comfortably immerse in the cool water, join in the fascinate entertainments such as fishing or casting the net; simultaneously, enjoy the grilled fish dishes, or delicious fish porridge from their own efforts.

Source: hue-vietnam.info

Deep discount on flight booking at AloTrip.com

On upcoming Christmas, New Year 2015 and Vietnam Lunar New Year – the “Tet” holiday, AloTrip launches 2 programs together, that means customers will get “double benefit “when booking with us.

AloTrip is an innovative travel company. Its official website – AloTrip.com introduces best destinations in Vietnam. It also provides travelers tools to search for and book a wide range of travel products and services including visa, airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and tour packages.

AloTrip Flight offers best deals on flights by providing online comparisons for hundred thousands of flights in/ex/to Vietnam and around the world. We give costumers flexible search tools you need to browse ticket prices to get the best ones. Our smart options help travelers to explore at a glance all the cheapest destinations and possibilities for tourism at any chosen time.

On upcoming Christmas, New Year 2015 and Vietnam Lunar New Year – the “Tet” holiday, we have launched 2 programs together, that means you will get “double benefit “when booking with us.

flight booking at AloTrip.com

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Halong Bay Tours with Victory Star Cruise

Ha Long Bay is seen as a titan picture with greatly energetic scenes. That is the wonderful ability fine art of the maker. The Nature makes a great many silly tranquil islands to wind up peaceful figures with perfect shapes. Additionally, these shapes are both natural and bizarre to people. Ha Long Tourism is becoming quick with the new structures, the overnight administrations on extravagant and agreeable yachts. A standout amongst the most renowned yacht in Ha Long is Victoria Star Cruise.

Victory Star Cruise Halong was released on April, 1st in 2009, with 32 luxury 5-star international standard bedrooms. Also, it has a dining room accommodating 65 guests, private balcony system. This design is the perfect combination of tradition, modern luxury, comfort, and exquisite carvings.

Overview Victory star cruise

In your Halong Cruise with Victory Star, you will be impressed with its restaurant and bar on this cruise. Area of restaurant for visitors has comfortable space, you will discover Vietnam traditional cuisine and international cuisine in a cozy characterized Orient atmosphere. Also, you will be served by professional and enthusiastic staff. Moreover, when experiencing overnight cruise in Halong Bay, you can sing karaoke in the restaurant area or enjoy cocktails, beer and other soft drinks served 24/24 hours.

Otherwise, you can contemplate the beauty of this wonder in Halong Bay Cruise by moving up to terrace area of the yacht. Here, you will enjoy the open space, and blue sky. You will find a pleasant feeling in poetic scenery that nature has bestowed on this place. Lets relax on the couch arranged on the terrace to see sunrise and welcome a new day. Also, enjoy fresh juice and soothing scent of the sea. When the sun goes down, the sky is full of sparkling stars. You are gradually immersed in romance with magical lights and even more amazing when you choose a unique cocktail to taste. It is really an unforgettable memory in your voyage.

Victory Star Cruise room

In addition, you can freely choose some other interesting services like massage and spa, or shopping in souvenir booth, clothes shop. Specifically, you can take part in class of and physical training every morning, cooking class. Furthermore, you can have great experience in Halong Bay Cruise tours with kayak and night fishing. These services are freely served in Victory Star Cruise when you travel in Ha Long Bay over three days. Apart from interesting experiences that you obtain in this yacht, you will be taken to many famous places in Halong Bay such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Soi Sim beach, etc. Your voyage will be memorable with many famous cruises. Beside Victory Star Cruise, you can try on some other yachts such as Bai Tho Cruise, Bien Ngoc Cruise, Sea Wind Cruise.

To sum up, if traveling in Ha Long Bay, Victory Star Cruise might be your best choice to enjoy your unforgettable holiday time in here.

Source: cruisehalongbay.biz

Kayaking in Halong Bay discovers interesting landscapes

Halong Bay has for a long time been well-known as one of the wonderful bays in the world. Kayaking in Halong Bay is actually a perfect way to explore this stunning homeland of the sea and islands.

Taking part in Halong tour, along with international delegations coming from America, Australia, France, Spain, Sweden, we departed the journey discovering charming Halong Bay.  Kayaking along the bay was actually an exciting experience. Scenery of mountains in combination with the blue water surface, along with the sea breeze blowing into Halong luxury yachts dispel all the sweltering of the summer. Enjoying breathtaking Halong Bay scenery made us a feeling of fully immersing in a unique natural landscape. Sitting on the deck, sipping a cool fruit juice, we seemed to be small when standing before the spectacular natural scenery.

Halong Bay cruise brought us pass over limestone mountains which are named after their natural shape, such as Ga Choi Islet, Mai Nha Islet, Dinh Huong Islet. There are also thousands of large and small limestone islands with abundance of sizes and shapes for tourists’ exploration.

limestone mountains

Maybe most attractive and exciting experiences when the yacht parked next to the fishing village. We were comfortable to kayak or wave along the blue sea water. Wondrous beauty of the nature through a unique imagery of thousands of limestone islands, caves with stalactites in Halong Bay had completely enchanted us. However, to experience all the grandeur of the nature and explore cliffs, contemplate birds passing over protruding ledges or touch thousand year old stones, the best way was by kayaking. Under the specific guidance of our instructors, the sailing became extremely simple and attractive. Each kayak had 2 passengers with 2 kayak paddles. When mastering the paddle, we were really excited when boating ourselves to visit the fishing village, contemplate activities of fishermen in their own village and admire the limestone islands. In addition, kayaking the paddle along the foot of the rocky mountains to explore new experiences was one of the most favorite pastimes of the large number of tourists going to Halong . When the kayak crept through the unnamed islands, we completely admired the beauty of coral reefs, the tiny fishes and the plenty of other interesting scenery. Islands, namely Hang Luon Cave, Ba Ham, Ba Trai Dao, Ba Ham, Dau Be, Hang Co...were appropriate spots for kayaking. Yet going to low caves, we had eventually to lie on the boat, using our hands pushing into the cave’ ceiling to enter. This feeling is actually memorable.

Halong Bay

Especially, when joining the Halong Bay overnight tour, we had a chance to enjoy the quiet atmosphere between the immense sea. Having finished the trip and gone back on our yacht in our boat, most of us were excited and happy with fun filled experiences. In addition, the afternoon’s dinner on the yacht was also exciting. Preparing for dinner, the chef prepared ingredients for spring roll – a popular dish in Vietnam cuisine including meat, vermicelli, black mushrooms, carrots, spices, eggs chicken, and rice paper. They were also ready and happy to guide us to make this traditional dish. Interestingly, companioning us in the cruise, foreign friends were actually excited to hand spring roll by themselves. We all were happy to prepare together and enjoy the meal. When the sun went down, the sea was embellished with shimmering lights from the yachts in Halong Bay bringing mysterious beauty. And then when the first rays appeared on the horizon, it was a signal for us the end of the exciting journey. Yet, we read each other's eyes a certain promise that we would return Halong Bay more times - a pride of Vietnam nature in the eyes of international friends.

Source: AloTrip

Imposing architecture of St. Joseph's Cathedral

Situated at 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, St. Joseph's Cathedral, also known as Hanoi Cathedral is now considered to be one of the symbols of the city and is a must-see tourist spot for those who love to explore impressive architecture in Vietnam travel. Looking at the history of any structures, it can be easy to recognize the culture and civilization at that period. In Ly Dynasty, with the strong development of Buddhism, temples were built all over Vietnam country. To Nguyen Dynasty, Catholicism is widely developed. Especially, when the French came to Vietnam, they left the mark of their civilization by building numerous churches. The typical architectural works was St. Joseph's Cathedral, which has retained its intact values so far. It also becomes one of the appealing attractions in Hanoi.

St. Joseph Cathedral

Viewed from outside, St. Joseph's Cathedral is ancient with unique architectural features and moss on the walls. Yet stepping through the big entrance gate inside the church, tourists will witness a modern architectural works which seems not to change with the time. Built in the late nineteenth century, St. Joseph's Cathedral is simulated architecture of Notre-Dame de Paris in France. It can be considered as one of the outstanding architectural works of Catholicism. This is also the product of the intercultural between Buddhist and Catholicism, between the East and the West. The Cathedral now becomes an indispensable tourist spot in Vietnam tour packages for tourists who are interested in exploring unique architectural features. 

Back alley of St. Joseph Cathedral

Most tourists taking part in Hanoi travel do not ignore the impressive attraction. Like numerous other churches in Vietnam, St. Joseph's Cathedral was localized thanks to the carvings and gilded lacquer deeply inspired by Vietnam folklore. Building materials of the Cathedral was terracotta tiles, the walls were plastered with pasteboard. Yet the structural elements were still built in the medieval Gothic architectural style. The Cathedral was designed and under construction by the Bishop Puginier. This was a typical church strongly affected by Gothic architecture with wide curved arches pointing at the sky. This style was most strongly developed in Europe in the 13th century. Gothic architectural style was seen as a gigantic step and the pinnacle of construction science and technology at that time. 

Stained glass in St. Joseph 

St. Joseph's Cathedral was clearly characterized of this architecture with high walls and arches retaining the large number of windows. There are a large entrance door in the middle of the church and two smaller doorways on either sides of the bell tower. The doors and windows were domed arches in combination with the pictures of saints in eye-catching and harmonious stained glasses create the natural light right inside the Cathedral. The chancel was decorated in a traditional folk art and carved with sophisticated and unique wooden motifs. Right at the center of the sanctuary area is a terracotta statue of St. Joseph with the height of more than 2m. The chancel is one of special highlights in the overall architecture of St. Joseph Cathedral which strongly attracts tourists when participating in Hanoi travel. The Cathedral also owns a set of Western bells including four small bells and a big one. Especially, the most prominent feature is the big clock mounted at the front of the Cathedral. The alarm system of the clock is linked with 5 bells hung on two towers. 

Inside St. Joseph

The center of Square in front of the Cathedral is the statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help made of metal. Surroundings of the Cathedral is procession route, parterre and a small stone cave behind. Overall architecture built in harmony with the landscapes makes the Cathedral have strong appeal for tourists participating in Vietnam tours to Hanoi. Over time, Hanoi citizens have been familiar and considered St. Joseph Cathedral as a new cultural symbol of the city. It will be a deficiency if not mentioning the influence of French culture reflected in Hanoi culture today, nor ignore the ancient French villas when referring the architecture of the capital. Immersing in the flow, St. Joseph has become an inseparable part of Hanoi. It has become a familiar address not only with Hanoi citizens but all tourists wishing to explore the typical architectural features in Vietnam culture. St.Joseph Cathedral thus contributes to promote Vietnam tourism in general and Hanoi tourism in particular to international friends.

Winter is the best time to travel Sapa

AloTrip, a new emerging professional travel website in Vietnam (alotrip.com) is a great vacationers’ companion in all Vietnam tours. Winter is regarded as one of the most favorite time to travel the country. During the season, many destinations in Vietnam, especially in Sapa , attract a large number of travels from everywhere to come and have amazing experiences on weather of the tropical – climate country. On providing travelers coming to Sapa in winter as well as other seasons with smooth and memorable trips, AloTrip recommends some information to support tourists in Sapa travel plan. 

Sapa

Sapa is a stopover quite near Hanoi, about 370km to the northwest. It has long been well-known as the convergence of beautiful nature, unspoiled villages and moderate climate. The town entices travelers by its all-year-round beauty along with profound and unique cultural features. The foggy town has been chosen by almost of families, couples and groups of friends to have fantastic and unforgettable vacations. In winter, many points of interests in Vietnam are quite less visited, but Sapa always appeals tourists, even all year round. Are you wondering when the best time to travel Sapa is? Actually, it is not easily to define when the best time to travel Sapa. Simply, in each season, Sapa is beautiful in its own ways. It also depends on the hobby, travel purpose and emotion of each traveler. If having a chance to visit Sapa in spring, you will be lured into the romantic and stunning scenery everywhere in Sapa. In spring, Sapa is covered by beautiful sunlight, wind, and fresh atmosphere featuring characteristics of mountainous region. 

Sapa overview

Visiting Sapa in this season, you will be overwhelmed by fantastic and poetic landscapes captivating thousands of travelers and photographers. In spring days, everywhere in Sapa from streets in town to hillsides and mountainsides is portrayed by exotic gardens of peach blossom and apricot blossom. In addition, travelers will be enticed in a wonderful natural masterpiece of roses on Ham Rong Mountain. Therefore, spring will be the best time to travel Sapa and admire the beauty of colorful flowers. In summer, Sapa looks like a small European city with mild climate and fresh green vegetables. Summer will bring travelers a distinctive experience on the weather of a tropical – climate country. During summer months, travelers come to Sapa to escape the sweating heat in delta areas. Summer in Sapa is so comfortable with elegant sunlight and cool breezes, along with fresh and charming natural landscapes. Compared to spring or summer time, Sapa in autumn is less colorful, but still possesses its own features. In autumn days, Sapa looks magically in foggy atmosphere. Travelers can capture many unique photos of Sapa with stilt houses hiding behind trees and terraced fields. From September to October, Sapa is covered by gold-like terraced paddy fields, which captivates many adventurous travelers and those who want to take weird and toxic photos of the striking scenery. 

Topas Ecolodge

Absolutely, autumn is the best time to visit Sapa and admire breath-taking landscapes. Meanwhile, many travelers believe that winter is the best time to travel Sapa, with all graceful and romantic scenes. In recent years, travelers come to Sapa more in winter to witness and observe the incredible view of Sapa when snow falls. Roads, houses and plants all are covered by snow, which creates magnificent and wondrous atmosphere here. If coming to Sapa in late November when the winter comes, the weather in Sapa is colder, but not frostbitten. In the early morning, all small Sapa Town seems to be "floating" or "hiding" amid clouds and fog. You have to stand closely to see people's face and surrounding area clearly. Yet, the air here is always extremely fresh, which brings a sense of comfort and tranquility to travelers who want to escape from the hustle and bustle life in big cities full of noise and dust. In winter, Sapa Town hides inside fog and snow. Coming to Sapa in cold weather will make you feel as if you were wandering in a north European country. In addition, winter months are ideal time for couples to celebrate the most important day in their lifetime. In the middle of winter, travelers from tropical-climate places come to Sapa to contemplate snowfall, grass and trees covered by white snow ice. This makes Sapa more spectacular, extraordinary and fascinated. 

Ta Van Village

Sapa is also an ideal vacation spot in Vietnam tour packages for couples to enjoy their memorable honeymoons. Many honeymoon tours to Sapa are operated by almost travel agents with multiple choices and affordable prices. Travelers will have meaningful holidays in Sapa, which marks a great milestone in their family life. Otherwise, those who like economical holidays can book one of hotels in Sapa to organize their creative and meaningful honeymoon by themselves. Your married life will be beautiful and interesting with a beautiful beginning. Sapa is beautiful all year round with unique and interesting features. To answer the question when is the best time to travel Sapa it may depend on aesthetic “Guu” and favor of each people. Where to go to enjoy senses of coziness of happiness in your big day? Are you wondering where you are going to travel this winter to make it unforgettable? The ideal destination looking forward to your presence is Sapa, in winter months. Let's come to Sapa to feel happy, comfortable, and do not forget to travel with your family, friends or lover. It will be the perfect time to travel Sapa!