Should not miss cities in Vietnam travel

Vietnam – an amazingly exotic and utterly captivating possesses a breathtaking natural beauty with incredible natural and cultural heritages that quicky becomes addictive. In Vietnam tours from north to south, each time dropping by cities in Vietnam is a new, unique and surprising experience. Such cities as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Nha Trang, or Dalat... are really worth visiting at any time during a year.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City has been also known as Pearl of Far East for a long time. It is the most bustling and developed city in Vietnam where there are many mysterious things to discovered. Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is the biggest economic, political, and cultural center in Southern Vietnam. This is a large tourism center with famous historical relics and museums recording imprints of the resistance wars against French and American. Among 11 most famous museums in Ho Chi Minh City, War Remnants Museum is the best one. Besides, there are architectural works built in the colonial period satisfying the traveling desire of tourists in Saigon tours such as the City Hall, Saigon Opera House, Saigon Central Post Office, Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Thanh Market, and Independence Palace... Recently, such modern architectures as Diamond Plaza, Bitexco Financial Tower, and Saigon Trade Center beautify the city. In the outskirts of the city, there are famous Ho Chi Minh City attractions such as Cu Chi Tunnels, Can Gio Mangrove Forest, and Thu Duc Stork Garden.

Hanoi

Hanoi Capital

Hanoi seems to be the first destination in any Vietnam tour packages. Hanoi - the Capital of Vietnam is the biggest political center of the country. Despite of some claims about services, Hanoi has been one of destinations where tourists want to come once in a life time. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a long-lasting traditional, historical and cultural city. Hanoi Old Quarter and Imperial Citadel appeal tourists with their ancient beauty, traditinal craft streets, and outstanding historical sites such as Temple of Literature. Meanwhile, modern architectures as Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel are seen as a symbol of the French occupation in Vietnam. The French street is portrayed by Hanoi Opera House and One Pillar Pagoda which are must-visit attractions in Hanoi. Other relics and attractions in Hanoi are Ho Chi Min Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, West Lake, Perfume Pagoda, and famous museums such as Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Da Nang

Da Nang City

Da Nang is one of the most favorite tourism city to both domestic and international tourists in Vietnam travel. Apart from the beauty of majestic mountains, rivers, and sea, Da Nang satisfies tourists by amazing dishes, delicious seafood, and developed infrastructural system. Da Nang is one of 20 cleanest cities in the world. Located in the South Central Vietnam, Da Nang terrain is characterized by mountains, plains, and sea. Famous tourist attractions in Da Nang are Ba Na Hills, My Khe Beach, and Fantasy Park - the biggest one one in Asia. In addition, Da Nang has many wonderful landscapes such as Hai Van Pass, Son Tra Peninsula, and Marble Mountains. Furthermore, Da Nang is also surrounded by three World Cultural Heritages as Hue Citadel, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary. Annually, Da Nang often holds International Fireworks Competition which attracts a large number of tourists all over the world.

Dalat

Truc Lam

Dalat is dubbed a miniature Paris, a foggy city, love city, city of flowers, or pine city. The city is bestowed by the nature with moderate climate. The city has been always a favorite choice of local and international tourists. Dalat is the capital of Lam Dong Province, in Central Highlands Vietnam. With the height of 1,500 meters over the sea level, Dalat is an ideal place to take rest and enjoy holidays in Vietnam. Dalat City is well-known for attractions as Love Valley, Than Tho Lake, and Elephant Waterfall... The present-day Dalat is no longer untouched. Top points of interest in Dalat todays are Lang Biang Mountain, Bao Dai Palace, Tran Le Xuan Castle, Truc Lam Monastery, Tuyen Lam Lake, and Dalat Station...

Nha Trang

NhaTrang Beach

Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province is the heaven on earth as well as one of the most interesting destinations in Vietnam. The city not just entices tourists by charming beaches, pristine islands, and spectacular bays, but also sophisticated French architectures and famous delicacies. Nha Trang City is the most famous beach city in Vietnam. Beaches in Nha Trang belong to coastal areas of Nha Trang Bay, Hon Tre Island, Hon Tam Island, Hon Mun Island, and Hon Chong Promontory which are stunning attractions in Nha Trang City. Nha Trang also puts tourist insight of Champa relics as Po Nagar Cham Towers, and inner city's famous tourist sites such as Dam Market, Long Hoa Pagoda, Mountain Church, and Cau Da Palace (Bao Dai Palace). In Nha Trang, tourists also have a chance to join outstanding Nha Trang Sea Festival with diverse entertainment activities.

Vung Tau

Ho Coc beach

Vung Tau City is a peninsula belonging to Ba Ria Vung Tau province, about 125km from Ho Chi Minh City. Tourists can coming here by bus, submarine or motorbike. Vung Tau has many beautiful beaches such as Bai Truoc Beach, Bai Sau Beach, Bai Giua Beach, Bai Ho Coc Beach, O Quan Beach, Long Hai Beach, and Bai Dau Beach. Here, tourists can take as many photos as they possible to make a marvelous photo collection, and enjoy seafood. Vung Tau is one of most visited beach cities in Vietnam. Bai Sau Beach in the city is often chosen to enjoy by most travelers. In addition, Vung Tau has famous attractions such as Jesus Christ's Statue and Sakyamuni Statue... along with some famous festive events of Nghinh Ong Festival and Dinh Co Festival.

Phan Thiet

Mui Ne Beach

Phan Thiet has many beautiful attractions, especially Mui Ne beaches. Mui Ne is also the place where there are more tourists coming to than other places in Phan Thiet. Tourists coming to Mui Ne are from all over the world, especially Russia. It is easy to recognize via instruction signs in Vietnamese - Russian. Phan Thiet is a beach city as well as the economic and cultural center of Binh Thuan Province. With such famous attractions as Mui Ne, Mui Ke Ga, Phan Thiet is an ideal destination for all tourists, especially those who adore beaches. In addition, inner Phan Thiet City, there is a Western street with featured European cultural space. Some other well-known attractions in Phan Thiet are Ong Hoang Pavilion, Mong Cam's House, Mui Ne Sand Dunes, Mui Ne Fishing Village, Cham towers, and Ta Cu Mountain…

These should-not-miss cities in Vietnam are top choices of tourists when traveling Vietnam. These cities are not just famous for stunning natural lanscapes and seascapes, but also a long-lasting traditional features reflecting via architectural works and daily life of locals. Gradually becoming one of top popular destinations in the world, Vietnam will be a worthy choice at any time.

Source: AloTrip

9 caves in Quang Binh appealing tourists

As for the geographical and climatic features, along with the formation of resident community in the process of social development over the time, Quang Binh has possessed a system of attractive and diverse natural tourist values. The province is captivating a large number of tourists in Vietnam travel, especially who adore adventuring caves in Quang Binh. At present, the most famous cave in the province is Son Doong Cave which is praised widely around the world for its outstanding beauty and values. Yet, the expenses to explore the cave is not suitable to ordinary travelers. Therefore, there are some alternative caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang tours to satisfy the adventuring desire of these travelers that suggested by AloTrip as follows.

Phong Nha Cave

Phong Nha Cave

Phong Nha Cave is located in the limestone area of Ke Bang in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District of Quang Binh Province. It is about 50km to the Northwest of Dong Hoi City. Phong Nha Cave is dubbed as the second best cave in Vietnam. It is protected by tropical jungles. From Son River, it takes about 30 minutes to approach Phong Nha Cave. With the length of 7,729 meters, the depth of 83 meters, and the height of 50 meters, along with many smaller caves such as Bi Ki Cave, Tien Cave, and Cung Dinh Cave. This is the wet cave with waters running underground and featured stalactites. It is said that these stalactites make the featured characteristics of Phong Nha Cave.

Tien Son Cave

Stalagmites-Tien Son Cave

Tien Son Cave (also known as Dry Cave) is one of the most magnificent caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang tourist complex. Road to Tien Son winds over halfway up the mountain. Tien Son Cave entrance is about 1,000m from Phong Nha Cave on the height of 200m. The entrance of Tien Son Cave is about 1,000 meters from Phong Nha Cave's entrance. Tien Son Cave was discovered in 1935. Initially, the cave was called Tien Cave (Fairy Cave) as its mysterious and fairy beauty. And, Phong Nha is the wet cave, while Tien Son is dry cave. The length of Tien Son Cave is 980 meters. Despite of not connecting each other, Tien Son Cave and Phong Nha Cave are parts of the entire cave system. Tien Son Cave is regarded as the castle of stalactites with thousands of colorful stalactites.

Paradise Cave

Wooden staircases

Dubbed the "underground palace", Paradise Cave is one of the most magnificent and fanciful wonders over the world. Thien Duong Cave lies in the heart of the World Natural Wonder - Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The cave belongs to ancient karst terrain dated back 350 - 400 million years ago. Paradise Cave is situated in Km 16, far about 4km from the edge of the west branch of Ho Chi Minh trail in Son Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province. It is far about 70 km from tyhe Dong Hoi city center to the northwest. Thien Duong Cave is about 25km from Phong Nha Cave. It is convenient to travel between two caves.

Dark Cave

Son River 

Dark Cave was discovered for a long time ago. During American resistance war, the cave used to be the shelter of soldiers and locals. In 1992, the British Caving Association surveyed, mapped, and measured Dark Cave with the length of 5,558m, the depth of 80m, and the height of 50m. The Dark Cave has an outstanding beauty. The appearance of Dark Cave does not match its name. The light from outside enters the cave through stone cliffs, reflects on water surface. All creates a wonderful picture of this cave. Travlers in Vietnam tours to Quang Binh will have

Thuy Cung Cave

Thuy Cung Cave is one of most visited attractions in Phong Nha Ke Bang. To reach Thuy Cung Cave, travelers have to pass immense grass field to approach Dau Rai primitive jungle with hundreds of big old trees. Then, walking to Tien Stream on backwards to Nuoc Lan Cave, travelers reach the back entrance of Dark Cave. With specialized devices provided by Phong Nha Ke Bang tourist center, travelers can easy to explore over 500m of unspoiled Nuoc Lan Cave. After coming back the entrance, travelers have a chance to enjoy the lunch with local dishes of wild vegetables, grilled fish and meat... From Nuoc Lan Cave, travel walk to Thuy Cung Cave where there is a stunning color of water. After one night camping at Thuy Cung Cave, in the early morning, travelers have an opportunity to admire the dawn in Sinh Ton Valley (Survival Valley) of more than 2000ha, surrounded by majestic limestones, and vast primitive forest.

Tam Co Cave

Tam Co Cave is situated in Tan Trach Commune of Bo Trach District in Quang Binh. It is about 55km from Dong Hoi City to the northwest. The cave is the evidence of great contribution of youth volunteers in American resistance war. The story of Tam Co Cave (Eight Ladies Cave) is dolorous. Many tourists coming here and hearing about the story of eight young female volunteers burst into tear when listening from the tour guide.

Tu Lan Cave

Magnificent scenery

Tu Lan Cave is located in Tan Hoa village, Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh. Tu Lan Cave is about 70km from Phong Nha Cave to the northwest. Tu Lan has 08 smaller caves. It was found in 2009. In 2012, more four vallyes were discovered. The system of Tu Lan Cave includes the main cave - Tu Lan Cave and auxiliary caves, namely Song Cave, Uoi Cave, Chuot (Mouse) Cave, Hung Ton Cave, Kim Cave, Tu Lan Cave, Ken cave and To Mo Cave. The cave system of Tu Lan is still untouched and hides in itself many secretes of the nature in the heart of limestones, underground river, and endless waterfalls. To contemplate what the Mother of Nature created, tourists have to pass rough routes and catch many difficulties. With the magical beauty of stalactites and mysterious underground river, along with the pristine beauty of forest, the scenery will be saved in mind once coming here.

Hang En Cave

Hang En Cave

Coming to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, tourists will have a chance to admire the majesty of the third biggest cave in the world. More interestingly, the time to explore Hang En Cave is 2 days 1 night. Here is an ideal stopover for those who love adventures but do not have much time. En Cave has a total length of 1,645m with three entrances. Hang En Cave was voted as one of the most spectacular caves in the world by National Geographic. The most special feature of Hang En Cave is the separate ecosystem and climate, along with a beautiful river, which will bring a unique experience to tourists.

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave, located deeply in Phong Nha Ka Bang National Park for millions of years, is the biggest cave in the world. After being discovered in 2009, Son Doong Cave triggered the curiosity of global tourists coming here to explore and admire. Son Doong Cave has the length of about 5km, the height of 200m, and the wide of 150m. According to Conde Nast Traveler, the cave can occupy a big house in Manhattan, US equivalent to a 40-floor building. Inside the cave, there is a separate ecosystem formed by the sunlight from ceiling holes and clouds. The stalagmites in Son Doong Cave reach the height of nearly 80m. The lime stones sized baseballs scatter throughout the cave floor. The spectacular underground scenery shows that there are many beautiful landscapes in the world to discovery.

There are several ways to travel to Quang Binh: by road, train, and plane. At present, tourists can easily to take direct flights to Quang Binh from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and then travel by road to Phong Nha Ke Bang. To seek flights to Quang Binh, it is recommended to visit AloTrip official site (AloTrip.com) for further information, not just about flights to Quang Binh, but also other useful and up-to-date information about Vietnam tourism such as visa and tours...

Source: AloTrip,com

Vietnam Airlines tips for passengers traveling with children

Bring enough diapers, clothes, drinks, toys for your children, you might avoid for yourself and others feeling uncomfortable because your children cry during the long flights.

Vietnam Airlines flight

1.  Necessary things

If you travel with children and infant by air, Vietnam Airways advised you should bring more snacks, milk, toys and especially diapers. Though you baggage can be heavier than normal baggage, they will need when the flight is delayed, prolonged or has crash. You certainly do not want to imagine the scene of impatiently waiting and hug a child who is screaming and need changing diapers while you have exhausted diapers. In addition, you should bring clothes to replace for children and yourselves in case children belch or vomit.

2. Washcloth

Not only do you bring tissue and paper, but you also should bring a washcloth. It will be useful when your children vomit on the flight and you have to clean it.  

3. Additional fee for leg-room

Leg-room is almost the most necessary thing if you have to hold the child in your lap during the flight. The free space underneath is convenient for placing bags of diapers, formula and items necessary for your children. However, VN Airlines recommends you should buy a separate seat for children over 2 years old on the long flights.

4. Batteries for electronic devices

You can watch TV or read newspaper if your mobile is out of battery when traveling alone. But when traveling with children, you should fully charge for all technology products such as mobile, tablets, iPads ... These things not only are necessary for you but also help your children forget the uncomfortable feeling on the plane.

5. Early show at checkpoint

Every airport has different check-in procedures with baggage. Some airports check carefully each bottle or package of child food; even they do not allow you to carry on the plane. Therefore, you should arrive at the airport early and have standby plans.

6. Tagging bassinet

After checking baggage in, you should immediately go to the gate tagging the bassinet. The large bassinets which cannot fold are considered as the checked baggage. So to avoid the troubles, you should bring small and foldable bassinets. At that time, you let your children play so that they can sleep more easily when the plan takes off.

7. Toys, candy and picture books

Children are often naughty or feel uncomfortable when sitting in a narrow seat with seat belt. In such cases, suddenly give children their favorite toys or a candy bar, children will forget the discomfort and feel funny again. Picture books for children to pain during the flights also help you a lot.

8. Water or milk for children

When the flight takes off or land, children can get tinnitus and feel nervous. Before taking off or landing, Airlines VN suggests you should give milk or water for children to adjust the pressure in the plan. Even while flying flying, you you feel yourself tinnitus, you should also pay attention to you child.

Source: Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam visa exemption for 5 Western European countries

The Government has just issued the Resolution No.46/NQ-CP on Vietnam visa exemption for citizens of 5 Western European countries

The Government has just issued the Resolution No.46/NQ-CP on Vietnam visa exemption for citizens of 5 countries including the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy when entering Vietnam. Citizens of 5 countries above entering Vietnam with the duration not exceed 15 days since the date of entry, regardless of type of passport, immigration purposes, meeting the following regulations of Vietnam law will be exempted visa. Mr. Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director General of Travel Department said, on June 18th, the Prime Minister issued the formally Resolution on unilateral visa exemption for citizens of Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Spain. Accordingly, citizens of these countries entering Vietnam do not need to apply a visa Vietnam with the duration of 15 days, with effect from July 1st, 2015 to June 30th, 2016. Providing that, these citizens to Vietnam must acquire passports with the validity of at least 06 months since the date of entry. In addition, the next entry to Vietnam without visa must be at least 30 days before the date of the last exit.  To specify, the date of entry is on 4 August, and the date of exit is on 18 August. Then, the second entry is on 22 August. For the second entry, it is a must to have normal Vietnam visa, as the duration between the last exit and the second entry is not 30 days. Therefore, the visa exemption is optimal for tourists with a single entry with the last exit is 30 days before, and they will have a stay of less than 15 days. Other cases of single entry with stay of more than 15 days, and multiple entry must apply for visa to Vietnam. Particularly, for multple entry, the first entry can use the exemption, from the second time, it is a must to get new visa.

At the regular meeting in May 2015, the Government agreed with the solutions to overcome difficulties and develop Vietnam tourism of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, including visa exemption, electronic visa, facilitation of processes and procedures for granting visas. German, Britain and France are traditional markets with large volume of tourists and high spending. In the first 5 months of the year, the numbers of tourists in these markets to Vietnam are respectively 68,000, 90,000 and 99,000 arrivals. Mr.Tran Chi Cuong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that Italy and Spain are the two new markets. The visa to Vietnam exemption will certainly attract more tourists from these markets. In Resolution No. 92 / NQ-CP on some measures to promote Vietnam tourism development in the new period issued late 2014, the government also asked the Ministry of Public Security in the coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to review, study, propose for expanding the visa-free countries associated with ensuring national security and order, public safety. Currently, Vietnam visa exemption is applied to countries of Japan, South Korean, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Russia and Belarus. Vietnam also exempts visa for 9 ASEAN countries on the basis of reciprocity. Additionally, tourists coming to Phu Quoc Island will be exempted visa to Vietnam for 30 days. By dint of the regulation on free visa for Vietnam since 2014, the number of Japanese tourists coming to Vietnam increases by 2.43 times, that of South Korean is by 3.6 times, and that of Russia is by 7.45 times (from 2009). Many international travel companies said this is a positive policy for tourism. Though we cannot currently assess the specific impacts of the exemption from visa, tourists and foreign travel companies will be happy with this policy. "This is a good policy. In the immediate future, even in this summer, visa Vietnam exemption will have good impact on the Italian and Spanish tourists who travel a lot in the summer, while the other markets have to wait until the end of the year" Ms. Bui Viet Thuy Tien, Executive Director of Asian Trails Co. specializing in the European market, said. According to Mr. Tuan, the visa exemption is a favorable step but only a part in attracting international tourists to Vietnam. When having the advantage of visa, tourism must connect to aviation of those countries to take tourists to Vietnam and to promote Vietnam tourism in those countries. In addition, the current shortcomings as the quality of service, human resources, and the tourism environment need to be solved. 

Traveling Da Nang with just 100USD - Is it possible?

Da Nang is dubbed one of the 20 cleanest cities in the world, of course the cleanest city in Vietnam. Da Nang has changed significantly to become one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam and in the region. Therefore, in traveling seasons and festivals,Vietnam tour packages to Da Nang are always crowded with both domestic and international tourists. Some people claim that traveling Da Nang costs a lot of money, while others share that with just 100USD in hand they can explore almost the worthiest city to live in Vietnam. Let’s discover why with only 100USD, one can make wonderful holidays in Da Nang. 

Traveling expenses 

Da Nang International Airport

For those who depart from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there are three main ways to approach Da Nang City: by road, by rail, and by air. If traveling by road, it is suggested to pick some reliable brands of bus such as Hong Long, Mai Linh, and Thuan Thao with the ticket about 19USD - 23USD. The time traveling from Hanoi/Saigon to Da Nang is about 18-20 hours. Traveling by train is one of popular means of transportation in almost Vietnam tours as its cheap price and safety. Depending on types of train, and classes, fares from Hanoi to Da Nang can fluctuate from 14USD to 30USD. It takes about 14- 20 hours to get to Da Nang from Hanoi. The fares will be higher from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, as the distance between two cities is bigger than that between Hanoi and Da Nang. The fastest way to reach the city of bridges is by plane. The airfares to Da Nang are different by airlines, ranging from 28USD to over 100USD. The fight duration is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. In addition, there are several direct internatinal flights to Da Nang International Airport from Guangzhou, Seoul-Incheon, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai-Pudong, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo-Narita. However, the international airfare is higher than that of domestic one. To save traveling expenses, it is highly recommended to travel by train. If book normal seat on train from Hanoi/Saigon to Da Nang, it costs only 14USD, and the travel time is about 18 hours. To get around Da Nang City, it is suggested to travel by motorcycle, bus, or taxi. Getting arond by motorcycle is convenient and easy to pop in famous attractions in Da Nang. There are services of motorcycle renting at the hotels or renting stores with rates from 3USD to 7USD/vehicle/day. If by bus, from Da Nang City, there are buses running to Hue (it takes 3 hours), and Hoi An (1 hour). And, by taxi, let’s catch reliable taxi brands such as Song Han, Tien Sa, Mai Linh, and Vinasun Gree. To save more traveling expense, it is suggested by travel by motorbike. To approach Hue and Hoi An, it is possible to travel by motorbike. For short distances around the city, it is suggested to travel by bus. Therefore, to travel inner the city, it costs about 14USD/pax. To sum up, the total traveling expense (get to and get around Da Nang) is about 41USD.

Accommodating expense 

Da Nang hotel

Da Nang is also famous for a wide range of hotels from budget to luxury ones. Whether inner the city or near the beach, tourists can easily to find a cheap but in-good-condition hotel to accommodate during their Vientam holidays in Da Nang. The hotel rate in Da Nang fluctuates from 10USD to even nearly 1000USD. However, with an affordable rate, it is highly recommended to stay at 1-2 star hotels, rating from 10USD to 16USD/night. A 2-day stay may cost about 23USD - 32USD. If traveling in a group of two, the cost may reduce a half. 

Eating expense 

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo

Da Nang travel is not a spendy choice. Thus, travelers will not have to spend too much money on eating. Coming to Da Nang, travelers can choose hotels fitting their budget. If traveling by train, it will take 1 day and a half, which means you have 3 meals during this time. You can have some snack instead of a big meal. It will save your money. Each snack may cost 1.5USD. It will cost about 45-50USD for eating when traveling by train. Da Nang is well-known for delicious dishes but not expensive. The price of Da Nang delicacies is affordable. 10USD/day is acceptable amount to let a stomach full. The eating cost for 2 days is about 15-20USD. In total, the eating cost is about 20-25USD. 

Visiting expense 

Hoi An town

It is said that Da Nang can be discovered in only 01 day. In fact, it is not. If having more time (3-5 days), almost interesting places in Da Nang City can be explored, and many delicacies can be tasted. There are many attractions in Da Nang, or destinations nearby to drop by such as Hoi An and Hue. The fee for visiting Hoi An Ancient Town is about 4USD/person, fare for entering Da Nang Asian Park is about 2.3USD. It costs about 14USD to visit Son Tra Peninsula, and 2.3USD to Mable Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son Mountain)... If having more time and budget, you can pop in Ba Na Hills. The entrance ticket is about 25USD. If travelers want to visit Cu Lao Cham Island, it is recommended to travel in group. The fee is about 18-22USD/ person. Thus, the minimum expense is about 15USD. With about 50USD, you can visit all famous Da Nang attractions and nearby destinations in Vietnam tour packages. In short, the total expense is about 100USD. With only 100USD, you totally can coming to Da Nang - one of the most beautiful tourist cities in Vietnam.

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.