Some tips at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Traveling Saigon by air is very quick and convenient. However, many passengers who first travel by air don't know how to get on the correct flight, to arrive at correct gate and to check baggage in. Vietnam Airlines would like to share some experiences when doing procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport so that passengers can be confident with their journey.

Experience on baggage checked at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport

This is the experience of procedures at the airport, passengers should take note. According to regulations of Vietnam Airways, passengers allow bringing 7kg hand baggage. Due to the security reasons, passenger doesn’t allow bringing knives, scissors, firearms, lighters... in the carry-on baggage. The maximum weight of checked baggage allowance is permitted depending on the ticket class and initial registration. Any baggage exceed the maximum weight must be separated and packed such that each piece weighs less than maximum weight. To avoid lost baggage, passengers should mark their belongings with most visible sign.

When doing procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, passengers' baggage will be divided into 2 categories including hand baggage and checked baggage. Hand baggage is items that passengers should bring on the plane with them. These baggage is often limited in size, weight depending to the regulations of airlines.

Checked baggage is usually heavy and bulky items which are checked when do check-in procedure, carried on luggage compartment, passengers just get them on arrival airport. Depending on ticket class, operating airlines, the regulations of baggage are different. If the baggage of passengers is overweight, they have to pay extra charge. The carriers are prescribed list of items not allowed to bring, you must comply with this regulation.


Experience on check-in at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport

Passengers will find check-in counters of airlines at the departure zone. If it's time for check-in, the counters will have service staff. VN Airlines advises that if passengers have not selected seats, they should come early to line up and select seat as they want. Before going to check-in counters at Tan Son Nhat Airport, passengers can have to go through security checkpoint.

Passengers have to present tickets, ID or passport/ visa at the check-in counter. If passengers have checked baggage, they should put it on a scale. Airline staff can check hand baggage of passengers at the same time. After completing the check-in procedures, passengers will receive tickets, documents and boarding pass and baggage tag. Boarding Pass includes information of lounge where passengers have to present before boarding the plane, time opening lounge and the number of seats of passengers.


Experience in boarding

Experience in boarding

After completing the check-in procedures of Air Vietnam, it is time for boarding the plane, the airline staff will appear in the lounge. Passengers with high ticket class board in advance, followed by those with disabilities, those who travel with children, the rest have to queue or staff will call under the seat number. The seats on the plane can recline, the front seats can have footrests to bring the comfort for passengers during the flight.

However, when the plane takes off or land, passengers have to sit up straight, don't use footrests and electronic devices. Above the seats have signposts indicating when they must wear a seatbelt, smoking is allowed or not. When taking off/ landing or going into shock region (notified signal light), passengers must fasten seatbelt.

Source:  http://www.vietnamairlines.travel/news/some-tips-tan-son-nhat-international-airport

Is Vietnam the Most Diverse Country For Backpackers?

From the steep rice terraces of Sapa to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay and the rolling sand dunes of Mui Ne to the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has some of the most diverse landscapes in South East Asia. You can be trekking in the mountains one day and sunbathing on a sandy beach the next, then whizzing around on a motorbike through the hectic streets of a buzzing city the following day!

Maybe it’s Vietnam’s spectacular variety that makes it one of the most popular countries in South East Asia for backpackers to travel. If you’re planning to a trip to this country, you’re in for a treat! Here are five reasons why Vietnam has something to suit every backpacker…

1.Mountain Trekking:

Fansipan Peak

Head north from Hanoi via overnight train for some incredible trekking experiences where you’ll walk amidst misty mountains and rice terraces from one hill tribe village to the next. The hill town resort of Sapa is a good starting point, as well as the more remote Mai Chau Valley and Ba Be National Park. Also worth visiting are the beautiful central highlands, known as the ‘Alps of Vietnam’ where you can base yourself in the quirky town of Dalat and explore on foot or bicycle from there. Rafting, rock climbing, canyoning and kayaking are also available!

2.Beach Bumming:

Phu Quoc Beach

Tropical white sandy beaches don’t instantly come to mind when you think of Vietnam – with beach hungry backpackers tending to head first to neighbouring Thailand. Don’t fall into the same trap! Vietnam’s long coastline is filled with incredible beaches and islands that will satisfy any beach bum. From the picturesque coves shadowed by impossible limestone cliffs at Cat Ba National Park to the long stretches of sand at Hoi An and Nha Trang – Vietnam is a great place to enjoy sun, sea, sand and cocktails! There’s also the interesting island of Phu Quoc just a few hours south of Ho Chi Minh City with fishing villages and beaches galore!

3.City Buzz:

Hanoi Old Quarter

There’s nowhere quite like Vietnam’s capital Hanoi in the north of the country for its intoxicating atmosphere. From the moment you arrive you will be energized by its pulsating vibe and over a thousand years of culture and history. Winding streets, buzzing street life, the smell of spicy street food, eclectic architecture and a million motorbikes make this city an assault on all of the senses. In the south, Ho Chi Minh city has a more cosmopolitan feel – eat crab and drink cheap beer from the street vendors in one area of the city and treat yourself in swanky restaurants, trendy bars and lively clubs in the next!

4.Culture, Museums, Art and Food:

Hoi An Ancient Town

Vietnam has an incredibly rich culture that cannot fail to entice visitors. Wander through the streets of UNESCO World Heritage City, Hoi An, appreciating influences from over five centuries of world trading with the Chinese, Dutch, French and Indians. In the nearby city of Hue, don’t miss the ancient Imperial Hue Citadel, an important part of Vietnamese history as well as the ‘Tombs of the Former Emperors’. Vietnam is also home to world famous museums such as the ‘American War Museum’ in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi. Plus, you can even visit the tomb of the worshipped leader, Ho Chi Minh himself in Hanoi. After all that culture, make sure you relax with a bia hoi (beer) and try local delicacies such as pho bo (beef noodle soup), banh mi (vietnamese style sandwich) and goi cuon (spring rolls).

5.Off the Beaten Track:

Phong Nha - Ke Bang

This incredible country offers plenty of opportunity for off the beaten track adventures. One region, which is only just being discovered by backpackers, is Phong Nha National Park – with amazing scenery, a local way of life and loads of adventure sports such as kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, hiking and caving. Raging rivers, spectacular waterfalls, swimming lagoons, rugged mountains and of course the world’s biggest cave (Hang Son Doong) make this region one of the most exciting adventure capitals in South East Asia.

What do you need to know before you go to Vietnam?

AloTrip promotion

To enter the country you will need a visa, which needs to be arranged in advance. Do you want to travel to Vietnam and get a totally FREE Visa on Arrival (VOA)? We just discovered this promotion from Vietnam Airlines, which grants you a free Visa when you book any flight. Book flights from 49 USD, this great offer is available until 30th December 2015. (Offer is worth 20 USD / per passenger and a whole lot of time and hassle saved!)

*VOA is actually an 'approval letter' - which means you can get a Vietnam Visa stamped upon arrival at an international airport (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh) which will save you time in pre-arranging a visa at a Vietnamese Embassy. This great feature is offered by AloTrip.

8 reasons why traveling Sapa as ideal choice in summer

Sapa is one of northwest destinations in Vietnam where tourism is booming. Not just being weaving by spectacular rice terraces, Sapa Town is an amazing destination when local hill-tribe people fill the town with colour.

When Northern provinces in Vietnam are suffering from the harshest time of summer, Sapa in Northwest Vietnam possesses a cool and comfortable weather with the average temperature of under 20 degrees. Besides, the diversity of tourism products and majestic natural landscapes of attractions in Sapa make the town has been always one of top destinations in Vietnam holidays.

1. Diverse landscapes

Sapa

Located in the remote area of Northwest Vietnam, near Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, Sapa is well-known for being the land of spectacular rice terraces and romantic love markets. The mixture of the customs and habits of more than 30 ethnic groups creates the attractive colorful cultural carpet of Sapa. In addition, the beauty of Sapa is portrayed by the majestic view of northwest mountainous area with towering mountains and hills. The town is also famous for Fansipan peak - the Roof of Indochina.

2. Traveling with 5-star express

Train to Sapa

To enjoy a wonderful Vietnam tour packages to Sapa - the fairy land, it will be an unforgettable moments when feeling free with Victoria Express train time from Hanoi Capital to valleys and mountains. Victoria Express has the frequency of six times per week from Hanoi Railway Station to Lao Cai Railway Station. Each train duration is about 8.5 hours. With the capacity of 52 passengers, Victoria Express has two luxury sleeping cabins handcrafted with wood panels, which brings an absolute silence and a clear vision. Each compartment includes 6 cabins equipped with modern devices such as air-conditioning, wooden floor, private reading lamp, luggage compartment, and large window for sightseeing.

3. Four seasons in a day

European Garden

Sapa is about 1,650 meters high above the sea level. The attraction is one of the coolest places in Vietnam. Weather in Sapa Town has all four seasons in a day: spring in the morning, summer at noon with mild sunny and balmy climate, autumn in the afternoon with clouds and cool air, and winter at night.

4. Various tourism products

Sapa

Passengers traveling Sapa can chose many favorite types of traveling: traveling for pleasure or traveling for adventure. Sapa is really an ideal destination that each tourist can seek his own joy by conquering the Fansipan peak, wondering along small streets, contemplating local life, visiting ethnic minority groups of Cat Cat Village or Ta Phin Village, exploring the lifestyle of indigenous people, or just simply sitting around the fire and enjoy your book.

5. Conquering Fansipan Mountain - Indochina's Roof

Fansipan

Belonging to Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, with the height of 3,143 meters - the tallest peak in Vietnam and Indochina, Fansipan Peak is being a place where many professional and amateur climbers want to conquer. Let's come here to experience, to contemplate, to explore the nature and yourself with the footage through bamboo forest, cardamom, chilling sound of gibbons, and steep slopes. Conquering Fansipan Mount will definitely one of your most unforgettable memories in Vietnam travel.

6. Exploring villages in Sapa

Ta Phin Dzao women

In Sapa tours, popping in Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most beautiful villages in the Northwest Vietnam where there are spectacular rice terraces, which are some time voted by reputable world press in Top most spectacular terraces in Vietnam. In this route, tourists also have a chance to visit villages of black H' Mong ethnic group and Giay ethnic group. Otherwise, tourists can pay a visit to Ta Phin Village to explore the daily life of Red Dao ethnic people and Black H' Mong ethnic people. Tourists may not understand what they say, but will partly see their traditional customs and record unique photos or videos.

7. Colorful weekend markets

Flower Hmong ladies

Sapa in summer or all year round is not just well-known for poetic natural landscapes, but also unique upland fairs bearing cultural features of locals. This is also one of factors making the brand of Sapa travel. Some famous upland fairs in Sapa are Bac Ha Market, Coc Ly Market, Muong Hum Market, and Can Cau Market... Markets in Sapa are portrayed by temporary stand stalls at a large ground, along with lines of locals and tourists crowding the space, and various local items, which attracts many tourists to Sapa.

8. Upland architectures

Sapa Resort and Spa

Being constructed in 1998, Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa is the only luxury 4-star hotel in Sapa. Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa is constructed in style of traditional wooden houses in mountainous area. With the highlight on the ceiling, meticulous patterns, stone mosaic motifs throughout fussy special architecture which combines classic French style and the bold native details, Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa proudly appears between the mountains and perfect harmony with space green around.

Vietnam Airlines among best airlines in South Korea

The award "2014 Incheon Airport Best Airline of the Year Award" of Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) awarded to international airlines operating at Incheon International Airport.  This award aims to honor the airlines which have many contributions in operating the flights and air services at this airport. IIAC selected 11 among more than 90 airlines to award "Best Service".

Vietnam Airlines

According to the criteria of IIAC, firstly, the airlines has to operate stably for at least 2 consecutive years at Incheon Airport and serve more than 500.000 passengers per year.  After selecting airlines based on the criterion above, IIAC assessed the growth of airlines in different fields as the on-time flight rate, aviation safety culture, quick and efficient service; timely baggage service and contributions to the models of kiosk, web, city check-in, etc.  

Asiana Airlines is the only airline in the group serving more than 5 thousand passengers each year and received the gold award. Vietnam Airways and Singapore Airlines received the silver award for the airlines which have the best service and serve more than 500,000 passengers each year at Incheon Airport.

Following airlines serving from 50,000 to 300,000 passengers per year were received the award including Eva Air, Delta Airlines, Qatar Airways, Garuda Indonesia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air Macau, Air India, Shanghai Airlines.

The award "the best airline" at Incheon Airport has proved that aviation experts high appreciated the quality service of VN Airlines at the top world-class airport. Vietnam Airlines was also ranked in the list of airlines with “best service" including two 5-star airlines of Asiana Airlines and Singapore Airlines.  

After 2 consecutive years (2013 - 2014) operating at Incheon Airport, Vietnam Airlines has expanded the scale of operation with the frequency of 35 flights/week, 560,000 passengers from 3 major cities of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to Incheon. Vietnam Airlines flight schedule is more and more stable, the delayed and canceled flight rate dramatically falls compared to the previous period; along with the improvement in the service at the airport as increasing the number of counters, sign system, staff...recognized by aviation experts and Korean costumers.

Incheon International Airport is the largest airport of South Korea and one of the 10 most crowded airports in the world.  The world's large airlines operate at this airport as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Etihad Airways, American Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific... Incheon is one of the few airports is evaluated as a 5-star airport in many consecutive years by SkyTrax and ranked in top 10 best airports in the world.  In addition, Incheon Airport voted as the best airport in the world in 10 consecutive years by Airport Council International.

Source: vietnam Airlines 

New provisions for Korean and Japanese to get Vietnam visa

Under Act of Entry and Exit No. 47/2014/QH13 with effect from January 1, 2015, new regulations on transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam are defined. The procedure of issuing Vietnam visa for foreigners as South Korean and Japanese passport holders is renewed from January 1, 2015. According to regulation of Law on Entry, Exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam (no. 47/2014/QH13) taking into effect on January 1, 2015, citizens receiving unilateral Vietnam visa exemption in general, and citizens of South Korea and Japan in particular can choose one of the following visa to Vietnam application forms as below:

In case, Japanese and Korean citizens entering Vietnam with 15-day Vietnam visa exemption according to the regulations on unilateral visa exemption to Japanese and South Korean, they do not need to apply for visa Vietnam in advance. They do need a valid passport, round-trip transportation tickets and do not belong to subjects who are prohibited to enter Vietnam. If Japanese or South Korean citizens can enter Vietnam, Immigration Agency at the border gate will seal the stay. Notably, according to new regulation, if foreigners entering Vietnam with Vietnam visa exemption, they will not be allowed to change visa type. When the period of exemption ends (no more than 15 days), foreigners have to exit Vietnam. If they want to enter Vietnam with visa exemption for the second time, it must be at least 30 days after the first time of exit Vietnam.

Japan passport

If South Korean or Japanese citizens apply Vietnam visa on arrival at international airports or border gates of Vietnam, they can get visa on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Tan Son Nhat Interantional Airport, and Phu Quoc International Airport. In case, South Korean and Japanese do not want to enter Vietnam with visa exemption (no more than 15 days) and want to apply visa for Vietnam with longer stay (1 month or 3 months), they can do procedure of applying visa at international border gates of Vietnam. To conduct the procedure of applying visa at international border gate, agencies, organizations or businesses in Vietnam must do procedure of applying Vietnam visa for foreigners at Immigration Department before the entry of foreigners. At international border gate, foreigners present passport, approval letter, fill out the application form, and pay fee as prescribed. South Korean and Japanese can apply for visa to Vietnam at Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in these countries.

In case, South Korean and Japanese do not want to enter Vietnam with visa exemption (no more than 15 days) and want to apply visa for Vietnam with longer stay (1 month or 3 months), they can do procedure of applying visa at Vietnam representative diplomatic offices in these countries. To conduct the procedure of applying visa at international border gate, agencies, organizations or businesses in Vietnam must do procedure of applying Vietnam visa for foreigners at Immigration Department before the entry of foreigners. The approval letter of Vietnam Immigration Department must be sent to Vietnam representative diplomatic offices in foreign countries. At Vietnam representative diplomatic offices, foreigners present passport, approval letter, fill out the application form, and pay fee as prescribed. Notably, according to new regulation, all visa types are not allowed to change purposes, so foreigners need to pay attention to this to easily apply for Vietnam visa when visa is invalid.

Source: Vietnam Visa

Romance in Hoi An Ancient Town

Not too dignified as Hue Citadel, vibrant as Cholon in Saigon, Hoi An Ancient Town creates imprints in visitors' mind with the shy beauty of a traditional young woman who is extremely pure but passionate and romantic.

Hoi An

Not only beautiful sightseeing spots, the passionate and romance seems to have become the soul of Hoi An Ancient Town. Tourists in Vietnam tour packages to Hoi An can catch the soul and image of romance everywhere in the town. They are moss green roofs tinted time's color, the shimmering colors of lanterns, sophisticated sculptural wood in houses existing for more than three hundred years, the elegance of street vendors. In particular, the ancient town owns a romance, profoundness and serenity in the magical light of lanterns on the14th night of every lunar month. In the past, if the Vietnamese people are familiar with peanut oil lamp, the Japanese and Chinese people came to Hoi An and brought the habit of using lanterns.

Hoi An

In Hoi An tours, travelers will be enticed by shimmering colors of lanterns. The initiative of lighting by lantern instead of electrical light from autumn 1988 brought incredible effects. On every 14th night monthly, all daily routine of the serene ancient town come back to the habit of over 300 years ago. Streets from Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Le Loi and Bach Dang, all modern light turned off, and the entire streets immerse in the shimmering and vivid lanterns' light. When cities, urban areas are losing the moonlight by skyscrapers and artificial lights, in Hoi An, the moonlight is still intact. The moonlight makes the old town more beautiful, sparkling and romantic... In Hoi An, moonlight is seen from every conner. The Moon in Hoi An is not covered by high buildings. Also, there are no colorful advertising lights of billboards. Contemplating the moonlight in Hoi An Old Town is very interesting. Each step of moving, tourists will recognize the different view of the moon as the different town's space and architectures. Once admiring the moonlight in Hoi An, the image will remain forever in tourists' mind.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Although being shone by normal ways, the light of lanterns is gently dim and subtle with time-honored imprints. Colorful lanterns in round and hexagonal shapes with Chinese styles are hung under the terrace roof, and along two sides of the main door. Lanterns in Hoi An with various shapes and colors create a magical and sparking world in Hoi An. This makes Hoi An Town more romantic, which enters the soul of each people here. In an old house, the image of a lady in Ao dai working with the lantern light is created by a simple fish trap. On the pavement, two old men are entice by the Chinese chess in the candle light. Seemingly, people in Hoi An City is still living with nostalgia when the annoyances of modern life have not appeared. That is a wonderful experience in enjoying unforgettable Vietnam holidays in Hoi An.

Children and candle flowers Hoi An

In Vietnam tours to Hoi An, visitors will recognized that Hoi An Ancient Town is more beautiful, more profound and peaceful in the flower candle festival. To preserve the beauty of the cultural heritage, people in Hoi An stop using electrical appliances such as TV, radio, street lights, neon lights on the 14th night of every lunar month. Instead, the entire town will be put on a colorful and warm light layer reflecting from the vivid ribbons through the glass window and paper lanterns along the streets. In the fairy life, let's check the appearance by tasting some typical local dishes at long-lasting restaurants which remain features of the past.

Hoi An

At FaiFo Restaurant on Tran Phu Street, lovely and classic lanterns with warm light in the harmony with larger ones in front of the entrance make the restaurant more unique. Unlike FaiFo, the Treated coffee shop has different decoration. At the cafe, the owner has the wooden ceiling gouged and decorated by simple bamboo leaves. The holes on the ceiling with bamboo leaves make interesting lights, creating a unique space of this cafe. Because not all shop holders in Hoi An are brave enough to have their stores' ceiling gouged. Tourists can see lanterns every where in Hoi An Ancient Town.

Depending on the materials of lanterns' outer, the light of lanterns will be different. It can be lucky red, happy yellow, lovely clouded, or cool green. However, it is hard to compare with century-old lanterns kept by local families for a long time. They just show these lanterns in candle flower festival. These lanterns were made of precious wood and meticulously sculptured with a real art work on glass. Famous folk stories are reflected on glass lively and perfectly as a precious picture. When the candle inside is shone, images printed on glass will appear. The scene and magical light of lantern in the old town mingled with all music sounds create an exotic attraction of Hoi An romance.

Information from: AloTrip

Vietnam Airlines flights Saigon - Phu Quoc

Vietnam Airlines offers 4 daily flights from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc with attractive rates. With such a flight itinerary, passengers can freely select and arrange a suitable time. Passengers can refer to the fares and departure time of flights to Phu Quoc at the booking agents of Vietnam Airlines.

It is no coincidence that Phu Quoc is known as the Pearl Island. This name appeared because this island district is one of the famous pearl farms in Vietnam. In addition, nature has contributed to making this island become attractive and beautiful as a sparkling pearl amid the sea. That is the reason why Phu Quoc is known as the Pearl Island.

Phu Quoc Prison

Associated with the painful past of the nation, Phu Quoc Prison was the place that detained and tortured the patriotic soldiers. Today, it has become a historical relic where tourists can come to visit and learn about the painful but glorious past of Vietnamese nation. Visiting Phu Quoc Prison, tourists will understand more about a tragic period, the atrocities that took place in the past and admire the unyielding fighting spirit of the soldiers.

Visit the pearl farm in Phu Quoc will help you understand more about the process of pearl farming and processing processes, production of finished pearl. This is one of attractive spots in Phu Quoc for those who prefer visiting and exploring. Visiting the pearl farm in Phu Quoc, tourists will learn more about the process of farming pearl, processing and production of finished pearl. If you want to buy Phu Quoc pearl as a gift for friends and family, pearl farms are prestigious addresses for you.

Phu Quoc Pepper

Located in the east of island, Phu Quoc pepper garden is also an ideal tourist spot of tourists. Pepper is one of the specialties in Phu Quoc. Coming here, tourists can watch the vast green pepper gardens. Phu Quoc pepper is not only sold in the domestic market, but also exported the international markets. Visiting the pepper gardens to explore and experience the typical plants of Phu Quoc Island.

Tranh Stream

As one of the most beautiful springs in Phu Quoc Island, Tranh Spring is attractive place for those who love natural beauty. The road leading to Tranh spring is very romantic with grassy roadside. After crossing the steep road, tourists will come to the spring. The water's sound echoes through the mountain and forest, the fresh nature here will make tourists who booked Vietnam Airlines flights from Saigon to Phu Quoc forget fatigue on the conquering path. Tourists should not miss the opportunity to immerse in the cool water in order to release stress. The crystal-clear spring with the natural beauty will make tourists feel more interested and want to stop here any longer.

Being an island district, Phu Quoc is surrounded by the immense sea, so the stunning beaches are indispensable attractions here. Today, with the flourished tourism development, many hotels and resorts have been built to meet the demands of tourists. Among the unspoiled beaches in Phu Quoc, tourists cannot miss Long Beach, Khem Beach, Tho Beach, so on. These beaches own impressive beauty with emerald water, smooth white sand and quiet space.

Currently, the rates of Vietnam Airlines tickets to Phu Quoc are not very expensive and suitable for the condition of tourists. However, if passengers want to buy the cheap tickets to Phu Quoc, it is not too difficult. Tourists should not miss the attractive promotions with cheap tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc. In addition, tourists should book tickets for round trip as soon as possible.

Source: http://www.vietnamairlines.travel/