Once Visit Irresistible Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is a rural district of Yen Bai Province consisted of La Pan Tan, Cu Che Nha and De Xu Phin communes in the Northeastern Vietnam. Over 300kms from Ha Noi and 1000 meters above sea level, Mu Cang Chai seems to be gifted with a harmonious combination of clear sky and green extension of terraced fields stretching down the mountain sides, which generates unique and stunning landscape. Terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai were recognized as a national heritage of Vietnam in 2007.

The average temperature all-year round in Mu Cang Chai is 18.5 Celsius degrees. The mountain ranges are home to many different ethnic minority groups such as the Mong ( 90% ),  Thai ( 8%) , Kinh ( 2% ).  Every year, the H’Mong will flood the fields and prepare for the planting seeds in April or May. Then they will wait four months until harvest-time. The early or late harvest season depends on the weather. September and October are suggested as the ideal time to visit Mu Cang Chai because this is advantageous time for harvesting. In recent years, the authorities of Mu Cang Chai have held some celebrations for marking the harvesting time in the middle of September. This event attracts many photographers and travelers to Mu Cang Chai.

During the harvest-time, a motorbike journey to Mu Cang Chai offers adventurers not only off-road challenges but also a fabulous view deep inside the lives of the H’Mong people. The roads to the mountainous are quite damaged. Muddy and rocky roads are everywhere, which requires the motorbike riders to be very firm and strong. Along the roads, you will indulge yourself in the amazing beauty of terraced rice fields, then many little houses that are made from wood, bamboo, cane, or rattan prolonging to the top of terraces. A stop at Khau Pha Pass on the way is the must for a chance to admire its scenic surrounding of green corn fields, rice paddies in Thai villages.

Upon arrival Mu Cang Chai, you may have chance to observe ethnic minority people working in paddies: women with their infants on their back while harvesting; children assisting their parents to gather the crops with smiles on their faces. Most people here wear traditional costumes which are made of hemp cloth decorating with batik and indigo dyed. Moreover, the opportunities to chat with ethnic people then join locals’ daily lives are always available to fulfill your journey experience.

The yellow terraced paddies in Mu Cang Chai are now an enchanting symbol of the Yen Bai Province. Perfect fusion of the mountains, forests and spectacular sights made memorable impressions on those who wish to distinguish the grace and mysterious attraction, keeps tourists coming back to this place again and again. Why not pick this special destination for your travel?  E-mail Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909602370.

Craft Villages in Tourism Development – Hue Festival 2013

Hue Festival is a highlight of former royal Hue city, which attracts both domestic and foreign tourists annually. It is celebrated in odd years and once every two years. A special event will be held at the center of Hue City in 2013 from 27 April to 1 May 2013. The 5th Hue Traditional Craft Festival with its theme “Craft villages in tourism development” will promise to be an impressive festival.

The Festival is organized by Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sport and Tourism, Tourism Association and People’s Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province.  The main activity of this event is to introduce the Hue’s traditional villages by fairs and exhibition of art and calligraphy, demonstration and art performances, games and traditional concerts.

 During festival, visitors will be exhilarated and impressed by the exhibition of specific handicraft items (conical hats, lanterns, kites, silver and gold jewelry…) combined with introducing cuisine of Hue in particular and Vietnam in general such as spring rolls, grilled chopped meat, sour shrimp. As expected, all traditional products are more qualified and unique.

The aim of event is to connect people from neighboring areas and Hue for strengthening their union and exchanging cultures. Through this festival, it’s believed that Hue has become a special and must-see destination in Vietnam. Besides, Hue Festival also brings great benefits to Hue city in development of not only tourism but also economy. Hue Festival 2013 is worth a visit, so do not miss Hue Festival in the first week of June.

More details about Hue festival 2013, please visit http://www.huefestival.com/ or contact Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909602370.

Special Cultural Heritage Day in Vietnam

November 23 was officially chosen as National Cultural Heritage Day thanks to a declaration signed by the then Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on February 24. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Government will hold the 4th Cultural Heritage Day at Vietnam Exhibition Center of Arts and Cultures in Hanoi on 23rd and 24th. This event is expected attracting a lot of visitors.

The event aims to introduce the cultural heritages of Vietnam in general and Cham ethic minority in particular to Vietnamese and foreigners. In addition, it also broadens the images of Vietnam to the world and contributes integration, solidarity among minority groups.

During the event, there are a lot of activities such as inauguration of Cham Towers, the rite of opening the Cham tower at Culture – Tourism village of ethic minorities, traditional weddings of Cham ethnic minority in the southern of An Giang province, Kate festival. Visitors will see many exhibitions of Vietnam cultural heritage including regional specialties, traditional art performances. Besides, they can enjoy folk dance which has been recognized as spiritual cultural heritage of Vietnam.

More details about Cultural Heritage Day 2012, contact Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909602370.

AMAZING DA BAC ISLAND OF CA MAU (MEKONG DELTA)

Belonging to Kinh Hon hamlet, Khanh Binh Tay commune of Ca Mau province in Mekong Delta, Da Bac Island (Silver Stone Island) is situated about 50km far from Ca Mau city – at the end of S-shaped Vietnam
Da Bac Island is divided into four peaks including two high peaks and two low peaks extending to the sea. The highest peak in this Island is only 50m from sea-level. Da Bac Island has the humble area of 6.43ha with a rich ecosystem of flora and belongs to a beautiful group of three islands close to the seashore. Although not impressive by its size as other very large islands in Vietnam, Da Bac Island is one of the most ancient island with its age of 180 million years.

Seen from the main land, Da Bac Island looks like a natural rock-garden amidst the immense sea. Surrounding the island and under shaggy branches of primitive trees in Hon Da Bac Island, there are numerous shiny granite boulders linking together and pilling up through many centuries to form many weird shapes that local people have named such as San Tien (fairy yard), Gieng Tien (fairy well), Ban Chan Tien (fairy foot) and Ban Tay Da (stone hand).

Those above names were set by local legends in the old times: there were a lot of fairies coming here to have a bath or the myth about the place reserved for taoist hermits who lead a Lao (Lão) religious life and got future bliss reward for a devout life in the world. Their life was very simple and harmonious with fruits and vegetables.

We can reach Da Bac Island by waterways and by land transportation then climb up the cliffs and slip away into the groves, many secrets of nature are worth discovering. From September on, when the sea is most beautiful with blue water and quiet waves, we can stroll around to enjoy the dreamlike landscape of the island or join the locals in catching squid or diving to find oysters in their underwater caves.
Sea oyster in Da Bac Island is unsmooth and thorny, living by staying close to rocks at the foot of the islet in the depth of from 1 to 3m, so people want to catch them, they must swim underwater in the sea, use hand-hammers to catch each oyster very meticulous. According to a lot of gourmets, only oysters in Da Bac island are most delicious and nourishing, which can be processed into a lot of attractive courses.

Endowed with not only fascinating and harmonious landscape but also its impressively rich marine system, Da Bac Island is an ideal destination for nature lovers or travelers who wants to leave busy lives for nature.
Should you are interested in like-no-other guided expeditions to discover ancient Da Bac Island – an amazing attraction of Ca Mau then other hidden corners of charming Mekong Delta , email Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909620370.
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Related programs to Mekong Delta:

• Full Day – Explore Mekong Delta by Motorbikes
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• Full Day Discover the rural of Mekong Delta by Jeep
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• 2 Days – 1 Night Pedal into The Heart of Mekong Delta
• 3 Days 2 Nights Bird-Watching at Tram Chim National Park of Mekong Delta
• 3 Days Motorbiking into Mekong Delta
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• 6 Days Discover Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island

Terraced fields of Hoang Su Phi recognized as national heritage

The terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi District in the northern border province of Ha Giang have been recognized as a national heritage site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The certificate of recognition was presented to the People’s Committee of Ha Giang Province at a ceremony on September 16 that was attended by leaders of the central provinces, local agencies and a large number of local people.


Established hundreds of years ago, Hoang Su Phi District is now home to more than 60,000 people representing 17 ethnic minority groups.

They live mainly on rice cultivation and other subsidiary crops.

In the rocky mountainous areas of Hoang Su Phi District in the northern border province of Ha Giang, the Dao, Mong and Nung ethnic people cultivate paddy after rains cover the drought affected terraced fields in late June.

Terrace farming helps to ensure food security for the whole district, producing 25,000-27,000 tons of rice per year.

Source: saigon-gpdaily.com.vn

Related programs to Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang province):

9 Days Bike North Vietnam

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Co Loa Citadel to become a historical-ecological park in near future

Located near Phong Khe, about 20km to the North of today’s Hanoi, Co Loa Citadel was built during 257 BCE after Thuc Phan defeated the last ruler - Hung King XVIII of Hong Bang Dynasty and ascended to the throne as King An Duong and chose the site Co Loa as his new capital of Au Lac kingdom – the ancient Vietnamese state. 

 

Co Loa citadel is the most ancient building, with large scale and the most unique structure in construction of ramparts of the Vietnamese. The site consists of two outer sets of ramparts and a citadel on the inside, of rectangular shape. It also contains the colorful legends during early periods of Vietnam’s establishment.

Hence, with the aim to develop the site into a historical, ecological and humane park, on 15 August 2012, it’s said Vietnam Prime Minister has recently approved a master plan on preservation and restoration of Co Loa Citadel.

Under the plan, Co Loa Citadel will become a national historical-cultural relic site and one of the main parks in Hanoi, which will cover about 860ha in Co Loa, Duc Tu, Viet Hung and Uy No communes of suburban Dong Anh district. The follow-up steps will include the conducting of a survey of the projected area and identification of major values of Co Loa Citadel in the national relic system.

Solutions to preserve the architectural feature of tangible heritages, including three wall-layers of the citadel, gates, communal houses, temples and other inner venues, will be included. In addition to that are solutions to use the relic space for tourism and improve the living condition of residents in the area.

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Vietnam Jeep Tours offers a biking excursion to escape from bustling Hanoi to outskirt area, through agricultural villages, rice fields for meeting up with local friendly people and interesting visits at relics of ancient Co Loa citadel, King An Duong’s temple.

For more details & information, please email Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call Vietnam Jeep Tours’ hotline +84 909 60 23 70. 

Situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River, with an area of 500 ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel).


Culture

Hue is one of the main cultural, religious and educational centers of Vietnam. So far, Hue remains to be the only originally historical vestiged city in Vietnam. Many of Hue’s attractions are found along the banks of the romantically named Perfume River with 11 km length. This valuable construction includes more than 100 architectural works, which are the reflection of the life of Emperors and mandarins under Nguyen’s reign.

Architecture in Hue is the combination of royal architect, folk, religious ones, traditional and modern sides. On the north bank of the river is the Imperial Citadel, built along the line of Peking’s Forbidden City, enclosed by 10-meter thick walls and surrounded by a moat. A few kilometers further up the river are perhaps Hue’s best-known religious site. Inside the citadel, there are still royal remnants such as the seat of the Nguyen emperors occupying a large, walled area on the north side of the river. Inside the citadel, it was a forbidden city where only the concubines, emperors, and those close enough to them were granted access, the punishment for trespassing was death penalty.

Situated in the middle of the hills on the Southern bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Nguyen Kings. Among these tombs are the four famous ones with the name and the arrangements of the tomb reflecting each Emperor’s points of view, personality, and tastes. This is majestic Gia Long tomb, imposing Minh Mang tomb, poetic Tu Duc tomb and magnificent Khai Dinh tomb. No architects who would like to discover ancient architecture of Vietnam could ignore Hue’s old citadel vestiges.

Citadel Complex of Hue

The Hue capital citadel started to be constructed in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and was completed in 1832 under the sovereignty of Emperor Ming Mang. Over the past 200 years, it has still maintained original with nearly 140 small and large constructions.

With a square shape, it is almost 10 km in circumference, 6m high, 21m thick, with 10 entrances. On the top of the walls, 24 bastions are established for defensive purposes. Besides, the Citadel has an ancillary gate connecting the Tran Binh Bastion called the Tran Binh Mon (Peaceful protector Gate).

The Hoang Thanh (Royal citadel), also the most important part of the Citadel, which was built in 1804 but totally completed in 1833, under King Ming Mang’s reign. The Citadel, which is more than 600m long for each side, was built with bricks of 4m high, and 1m thick. Around the citadel is a protecting trench system. Tourists can get access to the Imperial Citadel through four entrance gates. In the past, Ngo Mon Gate was only reserved for the King. Royal Citadel consists of more than 100 fascinating architectural works.

Passing through Hoang Thanh is the Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel), which situated inside the Imperial Citadel complex, behind the Throne Palace, the Purple Forbidden Citadel was reserved for Emperor and his family. Built in the early 1803 under reign of Emperor Gia Long, it was initially named Cung Thanh. In 1821, it was renamed into the today’s Tu Cam Thanh.

Religion

Hue is also an important center of Buddhism. In Hue and the surroundings still exists tens of pagodas constructed more than 300 years ago, and a hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early century. Thien Mu Pagoda with its distinctive seven-storey octagonal tower.

Thien Mu Pagoda (namely Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda), also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is one of the most fascinating and ancient pagoda in Hue city. It is situated on Ha Khe hill, on the north bank of the Perfume River, in Huong Long village, 5 kilometers from Hue city, which is easy to reach from the city center.

The beautiful pagoda was built in 1601. Later on, several kings of the Nguyen Dynasty such as Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri and Thanh Thai, all had the pagoda restored.

The most striking feature of the pagoda, Phuoc Duyen tower (initially called Tu Nhan tower), was erected in 1884 by King Thieu Tri, and has become the unofficial symbol of Hue. This octagonal tower has seven storeys (2m high), which is dedicated to a Buddha who appeared in human form. It is the highest stupa in Vietnam, and is often the subject of folk rhymes about Hue, such is its iconic status and association with the city. More importantly, it is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital.

To the left of the tower is a pavilion sheltering an enormous bell, called Dai Hong Chung, and was cast in 1710 by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. It is famous for the great size, which is 2.5m high and 3,285 kg weigh. It is considered to be an outstanding achievement of 18th century bronze casting.

To the right of the tower is a pavilion containing a stela dated from 1715. It is set on the back of a massive marble turtle, a symbol of longevity, and is 2.58 m high.

Royal Music

A lot of foreign tourists are curious about Hue’s ritual royal music. Originated from eight kinds of ritual music under Le dynasty, under Nguyen dynasty, it has improved into 2 kinds of music: “Dai nhac” and “Nha nhac”, which are really magnificent, and skillful. Those are only played on formal occasions. This city is proud to be the cadral of traditional music. The Royal Refined Music was proclaimed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on December 1993.

 (Source: VGP)

 Should you are interested in witnessing Hue’s Citadel and explore other hidden corners of charming Hue , email Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909620370. 

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 Related programs to Hue & around:
25 Days Vietnam Expedition
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Hue- Paddling the perfume River 
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BINH TA ARCHAEOLOGICAL VESTIGES IN LONG AN PROVINCE (MEKONG DELTA)

If travelling to Long An Province, you shouldn’t miss a visit to Binh Ta Archaeological Vestiges for a chance to admire the remnants of the Oc Eo-Phu Nam culture dating back from the first to seventh centuries.

The vestiges are situated in Binh Ta Hamlet, Duc Hoa Ha Commune, Duc Hoa District, Long An Province. Binh Ta’s architectural and archaeological vestiges including Go Xoai, Go Don and Go Nam Tuoc can be found 40km north-east of the town of Tan An in Long An Province.

Architectural works discovered in Binh Ta’s vestiges are considered to be dedicated to the Siva Deity of Brahmanism which appeared in India around the first century BC and was introduced to southern Indochina at the beginning of the Christian era. Go Xoai Temple at a depth of 1.7 to 1.9m is considered a one-time celebration place of the Phu Nam people. On a collection of 26 gold objects discovered in Go Xoai, there are thin gold leaves with sentences of Buddhist sutra written in the ancient Sanskrit language. Other valuable objects were also excavated here. There are pieces of Oc Eo pottery, metal, precious stones, sandstone and a series of other relics from primitive man discovered around the temple.

Go Nam Tuoc monument is built of bricks, 17.2m in length, 11.1m in width; its the upper part was lost but its foundation is still characterized by the features of Oc-Eo cultural architecture such as: the angle structure, very straight brick foundation lines, and the semicircular three-door temple gate towards the East, which the base of affirmation that this is a temple architecture of Hinduism.

Go Don Sanctuary is a temple-tower architecture built of bricks, 78.5m in East-West length, 60m in width (North-South direction); before being excavated, the whole architecture had been in the earth’s womb; 0.4m is the nearest position to the earth’s surface. Many stone objects on display such as the statue of Dvarapala genie (Temple Guard Genie), the statue of Ganesa Genie’s head (Blessing Genie), many objects of worship including Linga, Yoni, Mi, the door carved the designs of flowers and leaves, the holy water condiut (Somasutra) and old pottery objects were collected from the excavation. In the worship hole, the vestige center is 3m in depth, there is a sacred object “Broken Yoni” and are a lot pebbles reckoned as worship stone.

 Most of the works were constructed for religious purposes, but at the same time played a role as a cultural and political centre of the ancient state. Hence, it can be said that Binh Ta Vestiges are the large-scale site of archaeological remnants in the Oc Eo culture.

 Should you are interested in like-no-other guided expeditions to discover mystic Binh Ta Archaeological Vestiges and other hidden corners of charming Mekong Delta , email Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909 602 370
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 Related programs to Long An Province & further in Mekong Delta:
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- Full Day - Explore Mekong Delta by Motorbikes
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-6 Days Discover Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island

PRISTINE WHITE WATERFALL IN QUANG NGAI PROVINCE

Located in Thanh An Commune of Minh Long District, about 23kms South-West from the center of Quang Ngai City, White Waterfall is a must-see attraction for travellers when exploring Central Vietnam.

 The best way to reach White Waterfall is by motorbikes. We climb over the Wind Waist Pass and admire the peaceful beauty of gentle Ve river and cottages on riversides then the amazing view of Ethnic Minority Hre’s Village with stilt-houses nestled slopes, tea farms, and terraced paddies come to our sight as a signal that we are close to the Waterfall.

Tucked in the magnificent Truong Son Mountain Range, White Waterfall is surrounded by an area of huge mountains and hills painted with the green color of trees, fresh and quiet. From a height of over 40 meters, the fall is like a fairy tossing her long hair in the wind. At two sides of the fall, there are lots of Doat trees that Hre people make its juice as the yeast for their special Doat wine.


Climbing to the fall upstream, we have to follow a rocky jungle trail with a deep abyss at one edge. Higher we hike more risks we may get. Then all the hard work will be paid off as we reach the top and witness the amazing panorama that will unfold in front of our view. Reaching the top is already a victory in itself, but setting sight of the wonderful scene stretched out is another experience worth taking pride in. However, this hard trekking is only recommended for advance trekkers with necessary gear.

 For light hikers, walk down to the foot of the White Waterfall to meet up with two natural lakes. Each lake is hundreds of square meters in size with clear water in which you can enjoy swimming or fishing. After swimming or fishing, having a noon snap in a hammock in the middle of jungle and near the fall is really ideal.

The White Waterfall is well-known to local people but not so tourists and that’s why this attraction still remains completely intact. As a result, there is no service for tourists here, hence, if you plan a day trip to discover White Waterfall of Quang Ngai by yourself, do not forget to bring food, beverage and first-aid kit with you on the trip.
 Should you are looking for an guided journey to unspoiled White Waterfall , email Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909 602 370
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 Related programs to Quang Ngai Pronvince:
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19 Days on Bike from Saigon to Hanoi

Saigon, with no doubt, to both travellers and local residents is certainly a busy city with dense traffic flows in rush hours filled by motor bikes and cars, fast moving life pace, full of activities both night and day. The city, however, like all other places, contains several hidden surprising corners that visitors often miss because of their ‘ordinary’ nature: early morning flower market, the typical street foods, corner café stands, and the city’s rare slow pace moments of the day. All together, create a different angle of the city life and the ordinary but precious daily life experience that surprise visitors and even locals.

5:30AM – Visit the Hidden Flower Market 

Start our tour early in the morning, ride our motorbikes from your hotel to the Ho Thi Ky Flower market which is around 15 minutes from the city centre. The first amazing view comes into our view are huge bunches of roses, lotuses, lilies, daisies and orchids being unloaded from trucks and motorbikes mostly from the highland and Mekong Delta. In the air, we could feel the eternal springtime magically created by the pleasant fragrances of hundreds of varieties of fresh flowers. A short chat with a flower seller here, we can learn the flower trading is not an easy job because the vendors have to work from very early morning until mid-nights but with their strong passion of work. Given the fast developing speed of the city, the flower market remains as the bridge to nature and countryside.


7:00AM – Enjoy Street-Food Style Breakfast 
The period from 7.00am to 9.00am is really rush hours when everybody tries to escape from daily crazy heavy traffic to reach their workplace in time. After 20 minute riding in the crowded motorbike lines, we stopped at a local street food stall in Ho Ba Kien Street to order a very delicious dish named “Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì Chả” (Steamed broken rice with grilled pork ribs, thinly shredded pork skin, and egg custard). A small bowl of sweet fish sauce mixed with ground garlic & chilly is the must-have to make this combination tasteful & more special. “Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì Chả” is considered as a very traditional specialty of Southern Vietnamese breakfast.

9:00AM – Get Into the Oldest Part of China Town

Get back on our motorbikes after the breakfast and head to Tran Hung Dao Boulevard – a main vein to enter China Town. Our first stop on Tran Hung Dao Boulevard is at an antique Minh Huong Temple (also called Ming Dynasty Assembly Hall) built in 1789 to the dedication and worship of the Ming Dynasty. Especially, Minh Huong Temple is the remnant of Minh Huong Village – the foundation of present China Town. Here still we find architecture and hundred year old relics in the temple. We continue on this big boulevard then off to colorful Luong Nhu Hoc Street, where many traditional shops concentrate on selling unicorn heads & royal costumes. Turn to the oldest street of Chinese Herbs & Medicine: Hai Thuong Lan Ong. The strong odors of different types of medicinal herbs impressed us as soon as we reach this street. Smells come from many medicine stores built in a mix of western and Chinese architectural elements in the mid-1800s. Continue riding slowly on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, we encounter most of ancient houses & stores where patterns still remain for more-than-100years. Walk into a traditional medicine shop for a chance to see how Chinese medicine is made & used. Next, we leave the medicine street to ride a round of Binh Tay Market to view the special structure, colorful surrounding Chinese house-shops, and vibrant atmosphere.

11:00AM - Taste Special Lunch in China Town
It’s time to have “Sui Cao” (shrimp wonton soup) - one of traditional Chinese food on Ha Ton Quyen Street for our lunch before riding back to Saigon center (District 1) to end our half-day trip.

 If you are looking for the similar experience, email Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909 602 370

Air Mekong to launch direct flight from Hanoi to Con Dao

Air Mekong is set to launch a new direct route between Hanoi and Con Dao starting May 19, to meet the increasing demand of tourists from the northern regions to the southern historical island during the summer months, the airline announced.

The two-hour flight will depart from Hanoi at 1pm every Wednesday and Saturday so far. However the airline is prepared to add and   increase the number of flights to four a week, if the demand increases during the summer.

In addition, the carrier will also increase the number of flights on the Ha Noi-Phu Quoc route to nine per week. Promotional tickets for the Hanoi-Phu Quoc and Hanoi-Con Dao routes will be around VND2.4 million on a one way ticket from May 1-20.

In related news, Jet Star Pacific will launch a daily service between Hanoi-Da Nang and Hanoi-Nha Trang, to meet the excessive tourist demand in the summer.

Flights from Hanoi to Da Nang and Nha Trang will re-open from June 1 to August 31.
Source: www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn
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Con Dao located as an archipelago of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, in southeastern Vietnam, is also an island of immense natural beauty with forested hills, deserted sandy beaches and extensive coral reefs making for some excellent diving.
Beside its interesting great history, Con Dao is part of a maritime and national park and is made up of 20 or so islands. The islands are mostly rugged and still have a lot of original forest cover and associated flora and fauna. The most famous indigenous animal is the dugong or sea cow although it is rarely seen. Several species of rare squirrel and apes are found here and there is an important breeding program for turtles on Banh Canh island near to Con Dao island.
Related programmes to Con Dao Island: (Please contact adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or sales@vietnamtraveldepot.com for more services in Con Dao Island):
http://www.vietnamjeeptours.com/adventure-tours/diving-and-snorkeling-tours/con-dao-island-snorkeling-and-trekking-package-105.html

More boat trips for tourists to visit Wild Ly Son Island

With many historical, cultural relics and fascinating tourist areas, Ly Son Island in the central province of Quang Ngai is becoming an amazing travel attraction of Vietnam.

Thank to The district’s Passenger Transport Co-Operative, there are now four boat trips to the island each day to cope with the increasing number of visitors. Since the beginning of this year The Island has welcomed more than 6,000 visitors, receiving 200 to 350 tourists a day. Tourists can catch boats from Quang Ngai province’s Sa Ky port to reach Ly Son Island after nearly one hour.

Visit isolated Ly Son Island referred as the “fairy island” & “Garlic Kingdom”, travelers have chances not only to learn about its very diverse ecosystem with five mountains including many mysterious caves, imposing waterfalls, and splendid rivers and lakes (Thoi Loi, Gieng Tien, Hon Vung, Hon Soi and Hoi Tai) and the  lines of stunning beaches laid with colourful rocks, pebbles and corals but also to see many artifacts of Sa Huynh and Cham Cultures. Especially, the Thien Yana and old ruong houses are evidence for Sa Huynh and Cham’s ancient civilizations.

Vietnam Travel Depot is operating 03 days 2 nights package tour to visit beautiful Ly Son Island, for more information, please contact sales@vietnamtraveldepot.com or hotline: +84 909 602 370.

Vietnam mountain elevator to open by end of April

The Ngu Hanh Son Mountain Elevator, in central Vietnam, will be operational in time for the country’s Reunifi cation Day holidays on 30 April, local media has reported.

According to the Saigon Times, the 50-metre tall elevator, which lies approximately 8km from the central city of Danang, was completed seven months ago but has not yet been put into service. The lift has two cabins which can transport approximately 20 guests at a time to the pagoda that sits on top of the mountain. A journey on the elevator will cost VND30,000 (US$1.40) per person – twice the price of a ticket to the pagoda itself.

Source: Travel daily asia

Majestic Hotel To Expand New Hotel Complex

Saigon Tourist Company plans to invest VND1, 900 billion (US$92 million) in expanding the old Majestic Hotel in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

Two 24 and 27 storey buildings with a total of 353 rooms and four basements will form the expansion plan.

The old Majestic Hotel built in 1925 in French architectural style and recognized by the Viet Nam National Administration for Tourism (VNAT) as a 5-star hotel in 2007, will remain unchanged and will preserve its heritage status.

The old hotel has 185 rooms and along with 353 rooms in the new hotel complex, the majestic hotel will offer a total 538 guest rooms. The new complex will be fully operational by 2014.

For more information about the hotel, you can visit http://www.majesticsaigon.com.vn/ or contact Email: sales@majesticsaigon.com.vn.

Vietnam to host the first international balloon festival in Binh Thuan Province

Vietnam to host the first international balloon festival in Binh Thuan Province The event will take place from April 26 to May 1 in the skies over Phan Thiet City and Hoa Thang commune of Binh Thuan Province at the altitude of 150m to 500m. During the festival, there will be 20 to 30 balloons (ranging in height from 20-25m and diameters of 16-18m) which will be performed by pilots from many countries including France, German, Belgium, Japan and Indonesia.

The festival will not be limited to daytime activities, as lantern performances are scheduled for the evenings. During the daytime, balloons will be flown within the observation range of viewers. At night, the flying team will perform lantern effects. Once successful, the festival will be held annually in Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan province.
Related programs to Phan Thiet of Binh Thuan Province: (Please contact adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com for more tours to Phan Thiet – Mui Ne & around):
  5 Days Southern Coastal Lines on Motorbikes 
- Full Day Mui Ne Kite Surfing
19 Days on Bike from Saigon to Hanoi

U MINH THUONG NATIONAL PARK – WETLAND ANGLERS’ PARADISE

Every weekend, hundreds of people flock to U Minh Thuong National Park in the southern province of Kien Giang to go fishing for different kinds of fish far beyond their wildest dreams.

Most of anglers from Saigon travel by car down to the Mekong Delta area. The approximately 300 km trip from Saigon to the forest takes them around seven to eight hours drive crossing most of the delta provinces such as Vinh Long, Can Tho, Dong Thap.

The route is quite lengthy, across two river ferries (Vam Cong & Tac Cau Ferry) but it is worth for tourists to see the landscapes on the way as well as people daily lives on the way. Especially for many people, fishing in this remote area is a unique way to escape from the bustle of city life and enjoy the primitive cajuput forest, where they are greeted by birdsong and chirping insects.

Declared as a National Park in September 2000, U Minh Thuong covers 21,100 hectares. The core 8,000 hectares are strictly protected, while locals live in the remaining 13,000ha growing rice and fruit and vegetables and exploiting government owned cajuput forests.

U Minh Thuong is home to more than 250 species of plants and 500 species animals, with nine species of birds that are listed in the Red Book as endangered. At least eight species of economically valuable fish have been found at the park.
One of the last significant peat forests remaining in Viet Nam, the park has also been recognized as one of the three highest priority sites for wetland conservation in the Mekong Delta.

In order to preserve and maintain the natural environment, tourists are only allowed to travel within a 500 hectare area of the park's central zone.

Most of the tourists like to fish under humble cajuput-wooden tents by Hoa Mai Lake which is the only place that offers food and other basic services.

While the boats glide through the water, visitors may see thousands of bats hanging on tree branches. If they are lucky, they may even spot some monkeys quickly fleeing deep into the jungle after catching sight of humans.

Many tourists look forward having a meal prepared with fresh fish and other indigenous vegetables right on the spot, and then lying in a hammock to enjoy the forest's tranquility.

Those who are not interested in fishing can climb to one of the several watchtowers and enjoy a panoramic view of the reserve. An immense green zone stretches as far as the eye can see, and the harmonious melody of the wind blowing and birds singing will purify and refresh anyone’s spirit.
For more information about U Minh Thuong National Park, please visit

Tram Chim National Park to be recognized as a World Ramsar site

Tram Chim National Park located in Tam Nong district, the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, will turn into Vietnam’s fourth Ramsar site, after Xuan Thuy Natural Wetland Reserve in the northern province of Nam Dinh, which was recognized in 1988; the Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) Wetlands and Seasonal Floodplains in Cat Tien National Park, selected in 2005; and Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan northern province, recognized in 2011.

According to park authorities, this designation of Tram Chim National Park acknowledges the fundamental ecological functions of a wetland and its economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value.

Nguyen Van Hung, the park's director, said that the Ramsar Convention Bureau is finalising procedures to pronounce the park a Ramsar site.

Tram Chim National Park with its 7,588-hectares is home to 130 class of plant, some-more than 120 class of freshwater fish, 40 opposite amphibian and invertebrate species, and over 200 forms of birds - of that 16 are listed as endangered. The most distinguished resident bird is the Sarus crane (Grus antigone), which has been recognized as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Book.

For more information about Tram Chim National Park, please visit http://www.vietnamjeeptours.com/national-park-collection/tram-chim-national-park-45.html

Related programme to Tram Chim National Park:
3 Days 2 Nights Bird-Watching at Tram Chim National Park of Mekong Delta

Cebu Pacific to start flights from Manila to Hanoi in March, 2012

Cebu Pacific is launching its flights to Hanoi on March 17, 2012, making it the only airline flying from Manila to the Vietnam capital.

For the route from Manila to Hanoi, Cebu Pacific will set two flights a week that one departs Manila at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays and arrives in Hanoi at 12:30 a.m. the next day. Return flights (Hanoi – Manila) will leave Hanoi at 1 a.m. every Wednesday and Sunday, and arrive in Manila at 5 a.m.

To celebrate the launch of the Manila-Hanoi flights, Cebu Pacific is offering an introductory P888 seat sale from November 3 to 7, for travel from March 17 to May 31, 2012. This is lower than regular year-round fares starting at P2,499.

Cebu Pacific also operates daily flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh.

For more details about Pacific Air, here is their official website: www.cebupacificair.com

Hanoi (Vietnamese: Hà Nội), the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. It is largely unspoiled by modern architecture of the 1970s and 80s, and is now going through a modernization that is making it a rising star in Southeast Asia.

Related programmes to Hanoi: (Please contact adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com for more tours to Hanoi):

Hanoi Highlights 4 Days
Hanoi Traditional Villages of Arts and Crafts
North And South Vietnam Discovery 8 Days
Vietnam Impressions 8 Days
3 Days Taste of Ho Chi Minh Trail
Full Day Trekking in Ba Vi National Park
Full Day Bike Rural Duong Lam Village

Emirates Airlines Opens New Routes From Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

Emirates will launch the first flights to Vietnam later this year. From 4 June 2012, the Dubai-based airline will launch direct daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), using a two-class Airbus A330-200. This will be changed to a two-class Boeing 777-300ER from 28 October 2012.

Flights will depart at Dubai International Airport at 09.25 am each day and arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) at 19.20 pm. The return flight will leave HCMC at 20.50 pm, then arriving back into Dubai at 00.45 am the following day.

Source: traveldailyasia.com

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest City in Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can visit several tourist attractions as the major attraction sites of Saigon include Re-Unification Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the War Remains Museum. Then from there travelers can easy visit some famous destination as Cu Chi Tunnels, Tay Ninh Holy See Temple, Mekong Delta and Cat Tien National Park about 200 km.

Related programs to Ho Chi Minh City:
Saigon City Tour by Jeep
Holiday in Saigon - Experience Old Saigon On Vespa

Related programs to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta:
Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels by Jeep
Full Day Cu Chi Tunnels & Tay Ninh Holy See Temple
Biking to explore My Tho (Mekong Delta)
2 Days 1 Night Explore Rural Mekong Delta on Motorcycles
3 Days Deep into Mekong Delta

Russian TV Channel Introduces Vietnam

On January 2nd 2012, the Russian TV channel “Russia – 2” broadcast a one hour programme (from 1pm-2pm) to introduce Vietnam’s customs and daily life of the Vietnamese people and the most popular sites in the country.

The “Top Gear” programme described a trans-Vietnam motorbike tour by three foreigners who departed from Ho Chi Minh City and went through the Central Highlands city of Da Lat and then the central cities of Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue and Vinh. They arrived in the capital city of Hanoi before making their final leg to the northeastern city of Ha Long.

Through their trip, the foreigners had a chance to enjoy the most special dishes of the Vietnamese cuisine, study the customs and daily life of Vietnamese people and see the most popular sites in the country which have been loved by the domestic and foreign tourists.

The tour’s members saw with their own eyes the hospitality, hardworking, cleverness and creativeness of the local people.

The “Top Gear” programme about Vietnam was a practical activity to advertise Vietnam’s images and Vietnamese people to the world.

Source: en.baomoi.com

Vietnam Jeep Tours offers motorcycling and biking programs from North to South of Vietnam. If you are excited in those tours please visit www.vietnamjeeptours.com or contact directly at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com / hotline: +84 909 602 370 for more information and advice.

Travel Attraction: Phu Quoc Island – Pearl Island

Surrounded by more than 40 km of white beaches decorated with coconut palms, Phu Quoc Island – Vietnam’s largest island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border. It is closer to Cambodia than the closest mainland town of Ha Tien in Vietnam in the Kien Giang Province, which is 46 km away. Its western coastline is sparsely populated while the interior is largely covered with jungle and mainly deserted.

Phu Quoc Island is an almost unknown destination in Vietnam Tourism. International tourists and Vietnamese alike just recently discovered Phu Quoc Island.

It is really a peaceful tropical paradise with turquoise waters, untouched natural environment, relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals... It is not hard to see why many travelers in Vietnam travel are boasting of the splendid natural beauty and untouched remote beaches of this spectacular tropical island.

Although Phu Quoc Island is a new holiday destination, in the first quarter of 2007, about 50,000 visitors came to the island of which 50 per cent were foreign tourists. According to new targets released by the Government, Phu Quoc Island is aiming to attract 2 – 3 million visitors annually by 2020, with a larger portion of foreign tourists.

Phu Quoc Island is blessed with favorable natural environment like the virgin forest of over 37,000 hectares, white sandy beaches, coral gardens offshore, varieties of wildlife species, so it is not hard to see why the island has great tourist potential.

Tourists will start to explore the island in Duong Dong, the biggest town on the island (west of Phu Quoc), where most of hotels and resorts are located. Going south, travelers can drive along Bai Truong (Long Beach) – a spectacular beach with 20 km long. Visitors will see two pearl farms on the right; the second is worth a visit. At the end of the road, travelers should not miss to turn left and follow the signs; you will reach the fisherman village An Thoi and the An Thoi pier, the island’s southern tip. From here the An Thoi Islands, a very nice snorkeling and diving area consisting of 15 small islands and islets surrounded by coral reefs in crystal clear water, can be visited by boat.

Continue travel to north – east, tourists will see a sign to Bai Sao Beach (the sign is somewhat hidden, around 1 km away from the main road). Bai Sao Beach, with its marvelous white sand and green-turquoise water, is one of the most beautiful, quite untouched beaches on Phu Quoc Island. There are a number of simple, on-the-sand restaurants with tasty, fresh seafood in this area.

Before going back to Duong Dong, there are some recommendable springs and falls such as Tranh Stream and Da Ban Stream. Tranh Stream (about 10 km north of Bai Sao Beach) is a stream connecting tiny ponds at different levels through small waterfalls. Da Ban Stream (a stony surface stream, north-east of Duong Dong) is an easily accessible white – water creek, gracefully flowing down huge granite boulders and some natural pools are waiting for a refreshing swim.

A stay on Phu Quoc Island would not be complete without visiting one of the factories producing fish sauce, one of the most popular ingredients of the Vietnamese cooking as well as one of the pearl farms with panels describing the formation of pearls and shops selling pearl jewelry.

This island has a unique species of dogs, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, which has a ridge of hair that runs along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. Much of this island’s nature is still protected. Around 70% of the island, an area of 31,422 hectares became a national park in 2001. The rainy season on Phu Quoc is from July to November and the peak season for tourism is midwinter, when the sky is blue and the sea is calm.

If you are excited to travel to Phu Quoc Island please visit www.vietnamjeeptours.com or contact direct adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com / hotline: +84 909 602 370.

For more information about accommodation in Phu Quoc, click here.

Related programs to Phu Quoc:
Exploring Phu Quoc Island
Fishing Trip at Thailand Gulf (Phu Quoc Island)
Full day - Snorkeling Boat Trip at An Thoi Archipelago
Full Day Trekking Phu Quoc National Park