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What to Eat in Hanoi

What to Eat in Hanoi

In a city as well-famed for its food as Hanoi, you can easily be overwhelmed by the wealth of options available. The question of what to eat in Hanoi becomes an obsession when walking past the smoking griddles of meat, the boiling vat of broth or the glass case full of colourful meats and vegetables that grace almost every street in Vietnam’s capital.[incredible_toc] The smells, tastes and sounds of Hanoi go far behind the national bowl of Pho, a delicious dish but one that takes the limelight from other contenders. Here are our top 12 of the best foods to eat in Hanoi. 1. Bún A feature in a lot of the most popular street food in Hanoi, Bun is a thin, round rice noodle usually served in a broth. 1.1. Bún Chả (“Bun Cha”) One bowl of this heavy broth at lunchtime and you’ll likely do as the Vietnamese do; opt for a nap in the shade somewhere to recuperate. Bun cha is a mounded heap of bun noodles, beef patties in broth and assorted green vegetables; mild assembly is required to turn it into an actual meal, but the minuscule amount of effort becomes worth it after the first bite. As with every example of Hanoi street food, it is best eaten on a cheap plastic table with your legs in close contact with the legs of about 12 other people.  This is certainly the experience at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known affectionately as Bun Cha Obama after the former US President’s visit catapulted the tiny restaurant into fame. Anyone looking for a less touristy experience should try Bun Cha 34 Hang Than. Bun Cha Hanoi 1.2. Bún Riêu (“Bun Zee-oh”) With hints of a Western tomato soup, Bun Rieu continues to find favour among tourists trying street food in Hanoi. The Asian influence prevails of course; bun noodles, pork, tofu, crab, tomato and assorted greens are served in a flavourful broth, usually for breakfast or lunch. Bun Rieu takes a lot of time to make so don’t be surprised to see Vietnamese ladies aggressively grinding paddy crabs in the early hours of the morning. Try Bun Rieu - 16 Hang Luoc for the best Bun Rieu in the Hanoi old quarter. Bun Rieu Cua 1.3. Bún Bò Nam Bộ (“Bun Bar Nam Bow”)  An Instagram foodie’s dream, Bun Bo Nam Bo is a painting in a bowl. The whole dish is a cacophony of colour: white Bun noodles, brown beef, green lettuce, orange carrots, and red chilis, all topped with crushed yellow peanuts. This is one of the few bun dishes where the broth lies at the bottom of the bowl, meaning you have to mix the dish when it arrives to avoid an unpleasant dry-to-soggy ratio. This is one of the best examples of what Hanoi food does so well, mixing several different ingredients to make one bowl with some serious flavour. You can have a cheap bowl of Bun Bo Nam Bo at Noodle and Roll - 39C Ly Quoc Su at any time, but at a more local venue, it will be hard to get it served past lunchtime. Bun Bo Nam Bo 2. Phở Easily the most recognisable Vietnamese food around the world, Pho is the name of the noodle as well as the popular dish. Its thicker quality differentiates it from Bun noodles. 2.1. Phở (“Fur”) The natural place to start with the top Pho dishes would be, correct – a bowl of Pho. There’s not much left to say about the popularity of this dish and how it has put Vietnamese food on the international stage. It is served country-wide as well as in most other countries around the world, varying greatly from place to place. The consensus is that Hanoi Pho is the saltiest, Danang Pho is the spiciest and Ho Chi Minh City Pho is the sweetest, but the diversity in its preparation means that pho can taste like anything. The standard recipe is Pho noodles, beef or chicken, onion, shallots, broth and a generous helping of spices. Usually, people who aren’t sure about what to eat in Hanoi head straight to the pho. You can get your fix of Hanoi Pho at Quan Pho Gia Truyen – 49 Bat Dan, but be prepared to queue and eat quickly because this restaurant is insanely popular. If the rush is too much for you, opt for the quieter Quan Bun & Pho 24 – 34 Cau Go. Pho Hanoi 2.2. Phở Xào (“Fur Sao”) The less popular but no less tasty cousin of the ubiquitous bowl of Pho, Pho Xao is a stir-fried dish of beef, fried pho, onions, tomatoes and bok choy. Always inexplicably served as a small hill on an inconveniently tiny plate, Pho Xao is a quick fix for anyone looking for a tasty and filling dinner, even up until around 10.30pm. It may be one of the greasiest types of food in Hanoi, but it’s also one of the most flavourful. Pho Xao Phu My – 45 Bat Dan is a constantly popular place to get your Pho Xao fix, and not only because it gets the run-off of customers who don’t want to wait in line at Quan Pho Gia Truyen next door; the food is very good in its own right. Pho Xao 2.3. Phở Cuốn (“Fur Koo-ern”) Yet another way to serve Pho, Pho Cuon comes in roll form and is packed inside with all sorts of Vietnamese classics. Pho Cuon looks rather like a rubbery cigar when it’s served, but the delicious combination of Pho, beef, lettuce and coriander comes with about 10 or 12 rolls per serving, along with a bowl of fish sauce with papaya or other dipping varieties. A short walk out of the Old Quarter and to Hanoi’s Truc Bach district will open up the world of Pho Cuon to you. Pho Cuon 31 – 31 Nga Xu has fantastic rolls and is perfectly located for an evening stroll around beautiful Truc Bach Lake afterwards. Hanoi Street Food Tour is one of the best choices for you to enjoy these dishes in Hanoi. Pho Cuon 3. Cơm (Rice) Is there any other culture in the world more adept at making different varieties of rice than the Vietnamese? 3.1. Cơm Bình Dân (“Kerm Bin Zuhn”) Translating to ‘rice of the people’, Com Binh Dan is a very straightforward affair. Walk in and point to the visible items of food that you want mounded on your plate of rice, sit down to eat, pay and leave. Its simplicity is often its greatest asset, as Com Binh Dan restaurants usually get crowded with people at lunch or dinnertime, all of whom are looking to get served and get out with their takeaway box in under a minute. The pricing system differs depending on what you choose and the grouchiness of the person serving you on any given day, but it’s usually one of the cheapest Hanoi street foods available at around $1.20. For any backpackers overwhelmed by the choice of what to eat in Hanoi, the easy look-and-point technique of Com Binh Dan makes ordering this food a simple task. It is everywhere in Hanoi and you’ll likely walk past several eateries in your time in the capital, but a reliably solid collection of restaurants can be found around 206 Doi Can, near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Com Binh Dan 3.2. Xôi (“Soy”) Available usually for breakfast, Xoi is sticky rice with a coating of minced pork, chicken, egg, corn and peanut on top. These are usually individual flavours served from a cart on the street, but you can ask for “thập cẩm” (tuhp cuhm) for a little bit of everything. Like other Asian countries, Xoi also comes as a dessert - as mango sticky rice or coconut sticky rice, making it a very versatile component of Hanoi cuisine. In some places in Vietnam, the sweet version of the rice comes in a rainbow of colours, just in case eating plain white rice wasn’t stimulating enough for you. Xoi Yen - 35B Nguyen Huu Huan is a great place to try out the different varieties around Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Xoi Yen 4. Bánh (Bread) Although the direct translation is ‘bread’, Banh actually refers to dishes made with dough. 4.1. Bánh Mì (“Ban Me”) Along with an adopted love of bakeries, the Banh Mi was brought over by the French in the late 19th century and often referred to as Bánh Tây (Western bread) until the Vietnamese made it their own. The Banh Mi is a simple crusty baguette stuffed with either egg, sausage, pork, and a bunch of fillers like vegetables, pate and herbs. The Banh Mi is another example of Hanoi street food that has become famous worldwide; it’s cheap, it’s easy and it’s often a very simple answer to the question of what to eat in Hanoi. You can find Banh Mi everywhere in Hanoi, from old ladies selling it on the street to higher-budget chain holes-in-the-wall. You’ll have to search around for street vendors as they like to move regularly to avoid Hanoi’s stringent street food laws. As far as chains are concerned Banh Mi Pho are probably the best in the Old Quarter, while Bami King are kings throughout the rest of the city. Bami Bread 4.2. Bánh Bao (“Ban B-ow”) More outside influence for this tasty snack, this time of Chinese origin. The Banh Bao is the Vietnamese dim sum; not coming in the overwhelming variety that the Cantonese classic usually sports, but instead settling on just a handful of reliable flavours. The most popular steamed bun contains ground pork and egg, but variations with chicken, mushrooms or glass noodles are available, and even dessert buns containing custard or coconut. It might be hard to find this breakfast snack on the street in the afternoon, usually, the ladies who sell it have moved onto other ventures by midday. However, you can normally find them at bakeries such as Anh Hoa Bakery in the Old Quarter. Banh Bao 5. Chè (“Cheh”) Those with a sweet tooth, and a fairly sweet, sweet tooth at that, might want to try Che, a fruit, jelly and coconut milk concoction served hot or cold. There is an astounding amount of variety to what is, essentially, three ingredients in a plastic cup. From relatively conventional flavours like taro and milk to complete rainbows of fruit and jelly that you can order by using that special phrase “thập cấm”.  Che Chuoi (banana with Che) belongs to the category of the best food to eat in Hanoi. This and a few other varieties can, unsurprisingly, be found on the street, but you should head to Che Thai Doi Can – 75 Doi Can for the full gamut of amazing flavours. Che Thai 6. Cà Phê Trứng (“Café Churng”) Not strictly a dessert, but it tastes like a tiramisu and is a great representative of Hanoi street food, Ca Phe Trung (rather unappealingly translated to ‘egg coffee’) is whisked egg yolk in coffee, served hot or cold and consumed with a spoon. It’s sweet but not sickly and comes with a caffeine boost to continue your explorations of finding what to eat in Hanoi. It’s very unlikely that you will find Ca Phe Trung in any other district than the Old Quarter. Though delicious, it is not very popular among locals and places like Giang Café - 39 Nguyen Huu Huan will likely be full of foreign and Vietnamese tourists, but that really takes nothing away from the exceptional flavour you can find here. Cafe Trung

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Hanoi Weather in October

Hanoi Weather in October

If you want to organize your holiday in Hanoi in October , take a look at the weather to ensure that your trip is at a convenient time. Hanoi weather is getting more favoured in October. At this time, autumn in Hanoi is in its most beautiful period. The city is predominantly covered by yellow and a little red from the colour of the fallen leaves, which makes Hanoi become more romantic and poetic. [incredible_toc]In this post, Incredible Asia Journeys will give you a lot of information about Hanoi Weather in October, so it will be easier for you to know all things of its temperatures, rainfall, what to do and what to eat when you travel to Hanoi in October. The yellow fallen leaves street in Hanoi 1. The temperature in Hanoi in October What is the weather in Hanoi in October? Fall in October is usually considered as the most romantic and pleasant season of the year in Hanoi. The temperature decreases in Hanoi with the average temperature of 23˚C at night and 28 ˚C in daylight. The temperature of the beginning of October is usually higher than the Hanoi weather end of October. So, high temperatures are likely to occur only in the first several days of the month, from 01.00 PM to 05.00 PM. After that, Hanoi becomes cooler and more comfortable. For Japanese and Argentinean travellers, Hanoi weather in October may be similar to their hometown. Whereas, European tourists may find it warmer than that in their country. The amount of rainfall in October is significantly less than the previous month. The number of wet days doesn’t change much, from 15 days in September to 14 days in October, but the rains are not as heavy as in previous months. 2. Sunshine Hours in Hanoi in October In October, Hanoi receives 4-5 sunny hours per day on average. On these days, the sun rises at 05.47 AM, and sunset takes place at 05.44 PM. So Hanoi is covered with an average of 11.57 hours of daylight. And it decreases gradually from the beginning to the end of the month. So, is October a good time to visit Vietnam? The answer is YES! 3. Things to do in Hanoi in October The weather of Hanoi in October is not too cold or too hot, so taking around 36 ancient streets of Hanoi Old Quarter is an interesting idea. It is because that the autumn still remains its beauty and the sunlight is not so strong. You can take a cyclo or walk around the streets, both of them are suitable as well. Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake are also two attractive destinations in October in Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake seems to be more romantic in autumn with yellow fallen leaves and warm weather of October, especially at night when all the nights are turned on. Besides, if you get up early and go to West Lake you can enjoy the slight wind, sunrise, and beautiful lotuses in Lotus Pond. Watching a sunrise and taking a Duck Boat ride here are the best romantic things to do in Hanoi city.  Duck Boat in West Lake Addition to lotus flower, milky flower is also a special characteristic of Hanoi’s autumn. You will breathe in the beautifully sweet fragrance of milky flowers when you walk along the streets of Hanoi. Some people do not like this, but let try it to know how it is. October is also the season of changing new leaves. A lot of yellow leaves fall off the road telling winter is turning. This is a chance for tourists to take nice photos with yellow fallen leaves on the two-tree-line street like Phan Dinh Phung St. or in the areas of West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake.Here are some best tours to Hanoi in October in only one day:Hanoi Street Food TourHanoi Scooter TourHanoi Motorbike Tour 4. Things to eat in October in Hanoi October is the season of Com Lang Vong (Green Rice Flakes in Vong Village), one of the most famous specialities of Hanoi. Vong village is about 5-6km far from the centre of Hanoi which now is Dich Vong Village, Cau Giay District, Hanoi. Tourists can come to Vong Village this time to see how to make Com from young rice. To enjoy Com, you need to just chew it slowly to feel the stickiness of the young rice, and its sweet. Also, you can enjoy Green Rice Cave made from young rice. Green Rice Flakes in Vong Village La Vong Grilled Fish is also a special dish of Hanoi. This may not be the oldest dish in Hanoi for more than a hundred years. To make La Vong Grilled Fish, we have to add mixed thin slices of fish to ginger, saffron, fermented cold rice, pepper and fish sauce, and then grill it on the stove before serving it on the dining tables. There are also many best things to eat in Hanoi in October such as Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha,... Don't miss the chance to try all Hanoi specilities! La Vong Grilled Fish 5. Clothing advice when visiting Hanoi in October In October, long-sleeved shirts and jeans or sweatpants for the daylight are very suitable. Because it becomes cooler at night, so a wind coat is good for those who are not familiar with the tropical climate in the early morning and late evening.So, it's some basic information for tourists to consider before visiting Hanoi in October, contact Incredible Asia Journeys to plan your Vietnam trips perfectly!

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Where to Visit in Vietnam

Where to Visit in Vietnam

Vietnam is well-known for its long history, special structures, stunning natural landscapes, charming heritage sites, and beautiful islands, which attract millions of visitors all year long. “Where to visit in Vietnam” is a question of many first-time visitors traveling to Vietnam. Therefore, Incredible Asia Journeys is pleased to introduce to you a list of the best places to visit in Vietnam with the purpose of helping you plan the best itinerary for your trip. [incredible_toc] Lotus flowers in West Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam 1. Northern Vietnam 1.1. Sapa Sapa is always an attractive destination where you should visit in Vietnam for foreign travelers coming to Vietnam in both four seasons. In spring, Sapa is covered with pear, peach, apricot, and plum flowers. Next, pancies flowers, dahlias, sunflowers, and numerous temperate fruits bloom simultaneously in summer. Autumn comes with yellow fields perfume mushrooms, and plenty of specious medicinal plants. Especially in winter, Sapa becomes more mysterious and attractive by fog and snow when the temperature can reach under zero degrees. It is amazing to climb Mt. Fansipan – The roof of Indochina, and take place in the Sapa Winter Festival with a lot of things to do including traditional music, dance performances, folk games, etc. A terraced field in Sapa How to get to Sapa? - By train: Most visitors choose to get from Hanoi to Sapa by overnight train. It is because of that going by train is more comfortable and safer than a bus or motorbike, and a lot cheaper than hiring a car. It may take you 8 hours and 20 minutes to reach Lao Cai Station from Hanoi Station. Then take a minibus or private transfer to Sapa. The ticket price is from 650, 000 VND per person/way. - By bus: You can take a bus from Hanoi’s Gia Lam Station to Lao Cai Station, and then change to a minibus to Sapa. The ticket price is about 300,000 VND. This is a cheaper option but it is less comfortable and less safe. - By motorbike: Going by motorbike may be a perfect way for those who want to discover natural mountain landscapes during the journey. Passing Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, and Yen Bai, you will reach to Lao Cai, and then heat to Sapa. You should go you’re your partners or book an organized motorbike, or hide a guide for a private tour.Click on the link to see the best tours to Sapa:Sapa Trekking & Bac Ha MarketSapa Trekking & ExploreBest Of Sapa ExploreSapa Cycling Tour With HomestayBest of Sapa Excursions 1.2. Hanoi Hanoi is one of the not-to-be-missed places to visit in Vietnam. It always something interesting to discover at every street corner, especially in the Hanoi Old Quarter with 36 streets. Hanoi also has scenic lakes such as West Lake, Sword Lake, Truc Bach Lake that you can see the best views from restaurants or bars nearby with traditional Vietnamese food or coffee. You can discover some famous historical destinations and famous museums in Hanoi to understand more about ancient Hanoi. A corner of Hanoi Old Quarter How to get to Hanoi? Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is two of the major international gateways in Vietnam, so you can get to Hanoi by plane easily. Major airlines include Jetstar Pacific Airlines, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines.Click on the link to see the best Hanoi tours:Hanoi To Ho Chi Minh DiscoveryHanoi to Halong Bay & ExcursionsBest Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong ItineraryAuthentic Vietnam Tour - Hanoi, Tam CocEssence of Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh 1.3. Halong Bay There is no doubt that Halong Bay is listed on the list of top 5 best places to visit when travelling in Vietnam and Indochina. With more than 1,600 beautiful islands and islets, Halong Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. For many tourists, the bay is an endless movie with many things to do and see. It is home to a wide range of biodiversity and a lot of caves with masterpieces in stones like Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave… You can spend a full day to discover Halong Bay and take place in some cruise activities such as kayaking, swimming, and driving… How to get to Halong Bay? The best way to Halong Bay is by car, minibus or bus from Hanoi. It is about 170 km or 3.5 to 4 hours far from Hanoi. If there is no problem in the budget, an hour-long helicopter transfer is also available.Check out the top-rated & best Halong Bay cruises:Hermes CruiseCatherine CruiseEssence Grand CruisesMilaLux CruiseIndochine Premium Cruise Overview of Halong Bay 1.4. Ninh Binh Province Located 100km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the land of developed infrastructure, numerous historical-cultural relic sites and a very wide range of species, both flowers and animals. Famous places in Ninh Binh like Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Phat Diem Stone Church, Trang An Grotto, Tam Coc – Bich Dong (Three Grottos – Green Pearl Grotto) and Cuc Phuong National Park always attract both domestic and international tourists. It is also one of the best places for hiking in Northern Vietnam and enjoying fresh air and natural scenery. How to get to Ninh Binh? - By train: Traveling by train is quite an interesting experience. It may take you about 2.5 hours to transfer from Hanoi Railway Station (No. 120 Le Duan) to Ninh Binh Railway Station (No. 1 Hoang Hoa Tham). The ticket price is about 70,000 to 150,000 VND - By bus: You can catch the bus from Giap Bat Station and spend about 2.5 hours to get to Nin Binh. The ticket price is about 80,000 to 100,000 VND - By taxi: you can rent a taxi in Hanoi to get to Ninh Binh with a price of more than one million for a one-way trip. - By motorbike: Hide a motorbike in Hanoi for your trip to Ninh Binh (from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND per day) Do not forget Ninh Binh when you think about where to visit in Vietnam!Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day TripNinh Binh Day Trip from HanoiNorthern Vietnam Treasures Overview of Ninh Binh 2. Central Vietnam 2.1. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is located in Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. The national park is known for magnificent caves and a wide variety of ecosystem. Visiting Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, tourists will not only be surprised by its natural beauty but also have a chance to learn about the diverse ecosystem and the unique cultures with their own interesting and meaningful stories. Beside popular tourist sites such as Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son Cave, Son Doong Cave… where you can discover the large forest and long rivers including Son River, Chay River and Trooc River. How to get to Phong Nha? - By bus: There are buses from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. The ticket prices may be different per location of purchase. - By train: You can take a train from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang to Dong Hoi City, then get on a bus to transfer to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. - By plane: Another more expensive way to travel to Phong Nha is to take the plane to Dong Hoi City and then get on a bus to Phong Nha.Click on the link to see our best tours to Phong Nha-Ke Bang:Paradise Cave from HuePhong Nha From Hue Phong Nha Cave 2.2. Hue Hue is also one of the best places where you should visit in Vietnam. Hue was set as the national capital from 1802 to 1945 under Nguyen Dynasty. Hue had been recognized as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Sitting on the bank of the poetic Perfume River, Hue Ancient Capital is home to a massive royal citadel called the Forbidden Purple City. Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Residence and Halls of Mandarins are worth destinations for you to visit in Hue to discover exotic cultures here. Besides, you can pay a visit to Thuan An Beach and Lang Co Beach, two of the most beautiful one in Hue, twinkling in the sunshine with the blue ocean and white sand. How to get to Hue? The best way to get there is by train. By this way, you can look at scenic coastal views along the Hai Van Pass. Another way is to fly directly from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and Nha Trang to Hue - Phu Bai Airport. It may take you around 1 hour from Hanoi and 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Click on the link to see our best tour to Hue and Central Vietnam:Central Vietnam HolidayEssence Central Of Vietnam From Danang Citadel Hue 2.3. Nha Trang Nha Trang (belongs to Khanh Hoa Province) is the most famous seaside town where is home to beautiful mountains and a long white sandy beach. It is also the best place of scuba diving, water sports, trekking and golf. Moreover, visiting Nha Trang you will have a chance to enjoy its famous food such as fresh seafood and barbecued pork rolled in rice paper, and the swallow’s nest soup.  How to get to Nha Trang? - By bus: If you start from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, or Da Lat, get on a bus for a 3-4 hour transfer to Nha Trang. The ticket prices depend on the location of purchase. - By train: From Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, you can get on an overnight train to Nha Trang. It will take you about 12 to 20 hours to arrive in Nha Trang in the early morning. - By plane: From Hanoi Airport and Ho Chi Minh City Airport, you can take a flight to Cam Ranh Airport, and then transfer to Nha Trang. Click on the link to see our best tour of Nha Trang:Nha Trang Beach Break 4 days Nha Trang Beach 2.4. Hoi An Ancient Town Hoi An is one of heritage city that you should not miss as visiting Vietnam. It is a small town with the old-world charm with ancient architecture and the beauty of the lantern-making village. The lantern festival is taken place in Hoi An every year in Spring. It will be amazing for you if you can attend this festival. You may feel as getting lost on the world of lanterns.  How to get to Hoi An? The best way to get to Hoi An is from Da Nang. There is a lot of convenient transport options between these two cities. You can take a bus for the 45 minutes transfer. If you are from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, take a flight to Da Nang Airport and then move to Hoi An by bus or private transfer. Click on the link to see our best tours to Hoi An:Hoi An To Siem ReapMountains Of Da Nang From Hoi AnHoi An Farming and Fishing ExperienceHoi An Eco TourHoi An Culinary River Cruise Hoi An Ancient Town 3. Southern Vietnam 3.1. Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and crazy commercial city of Vietnam. Here you will find Ho Chi Minh City Museum with a big collection of artifacts tying with the stories of the city, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Reunification Palace, which are very famous historical places to visit in Vietnam. Besides, you can walk around Nguyen Hue Walking Streets on the weekends to enjoy the fresh atmosphere to escape from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.  How to get to Ho Chi Minh City? Ho Chi Minh International Airport (Tan Son Nhat Airport) is the busiest airport in Vietnam. So it is very convenient for you to travel from other areas to Ho Chi Minh City by plane.Click on Southern Vietnam Tours to see our best tours to visit Southern Vietnam.  Overview of Ho Chi Minh City 3.2. Mekong Delta Mekong Delta is known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. It is the best place to visit boats, houses and markets floating on the rivers. If you want to experience the local life, the Mekong Delta is an ideal place for you. From May to November is considered the best time to visit here. You can get to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market and experience to pick fresh fruits directly from local gardens. This time is the season of many kinds of fruits in Southern Vietnam.  How to get to Mekong Delta? From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus or hide a motorbike to get to the Mekong Delta. Let try to visit floating markets by day boats and experience an early morning in the Mekong Delta.Click on the link to see our best tours to Mekong Delta: Mekong Delta Full Day by SpeedboatBen Tre Mekong Delta Full DayMekong Delta Day TripMekong Delta To Phu Quoc The above places are the destinations where you should visit in Vietnam and do not miss them on your travel list. Floating Market in Mekong DeltaWith the details provided information above, don't forget to contact Incredible Asia Journeys to book your Vietnam trip, we offer many tours to any corner of Vietnam with the best prices and deals!

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Famous Places in Hanoi

Famous Places in Hanoi

With more than 1000 years of history, Hanoi is home to a number of cultural and historic sites that attract tourists from all over the world. It is easy for you to map out an itinerary to enjoy your trip and deep into the beauty of the old and the new in Hanoi. Incredible Asia Journeys is pleased to recommend foreign tourists with some famous places in Hanoi that should not be missed out on your memorable trip.[incredible_toc]Sunset in West Lake, Hanoi1. Hanoi Old QuarterLocated in the middle of Hanoi, Hanoi Old Quarter with 36 old streets is a special historical site remaining its ancient beauty in this rapidly developing city. Here you can find narrow streets with many street vendors who sell food or souvenirs. Also, you will see several antique brick houses standing along the small streets in the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city. Hanoi Old Quarter is always bustling with scooters, bicycles, and cars. It is easy to get lost when discovering these 36 busy streets on your own. Most of the foreigners travel around the Old Quarter on electric bikes of cyclos. It is truly an interesting experience that will give you an idea of how life in Hanoi is. Besides, you can try some tasty street food from street vendors nearby. Especially, if you visit Hanoi Old Quarter on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday you will have a chance to walk around the night market here and get some special souvenirs.Street vendors in Hanoi Old Quarter2. Hoan Kiem LakeJust a few minutes walking from Hanoi Old Quarter, you will see Hoan Kiem Lake (which means “Lake of the Returning Sword” in English translation), one of the best places in Hanoi. Sword Lake and Turtle Lake are two other names. Hoan Kiem Lake is considered the symbol of Hanoi's capital and is visited by hundreds of people every day. The lake is a sparkling colourful natural picture with Ngoc Son Temple (reached by a graceful red bridge, The Huc Bridge), Pen Tower, and scenic surroundings. Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, tourists can have a chance to enjoy a different world from the bustling city, with no high-rise buildings or too much traffic. Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street takes place on three days of weekends, so you can walk on the street without bothering any traffic. However, it can be crowded on these days.Hoan Kiem Lake3. Temple of LiteratureThe thousand-year Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first national university called Quoc Tu Giam. It was constructed to honour Confucius and now to celebrate the nation's scholars. From the entrance, you can see Dai Trung Gate, and Khue Van Cac (Pavilion of Constellation), then head to where doctor names were listed on a tombstone above tortoise backs. Keeping moving, you can see the place worshipping Confucius and his 72 honoured students. The last courtyard is the Thai Hoc house, which is for teaching and learning in the past. A lot of students in universities in Hanoi come here to take photographs of yearbooks before graduating.To get to the Temple of Literature, you can take a bus, a taxi, or ride a motorbike to travel.Khue Van Cac in Temple of LiteratureAddress: 58 Quoc Tu Giam St., Dong Da District, Hanoi.Opening days: Every day except holidays     - In summer ( From April to October): 07.30-17.30     - In winter (From October to April): 08.00-17.00Entrance ticket price:     - Adult: 30,000 VND for Vietnamese and foreigners     - Students: 15,000 VND (ID, student card required)     - Children under 15: FreeNote: As the Temple of Literature is a formal historical site, visitors should pay attention to the dress code. In detail, no hat, shorts, mini skirt or tank-top…when being in the worshipping area.4. Ho Chi Minh MausoleumLocated in Ba Dinh District, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (standing on Ho Chi Minh Complex) is a must-see place in Hanoi. Due to the dedication of the Ho Chi Minh President, the Vietnamese government decided to build the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to keep his body remain so later on people from any part of the country and foreign friends could visit him. The words “President Ho Chi Minh” are written in red plum marble in the front of the mausoleum, which is considered to be the symbol of the lofty and morality of President Ho Chi Minh. Go inside, you can see the golden sentence “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” – one of the most famous sayings of the President in the past. Also, you can see the traditional trees in Vietnam – bamboo trees on both sides as defences for this museum.Besides, you can take time to visit other places in Ho Chi Minh Complex including Ba Dinh Square, Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum.Ho Chi Minh MausoleumOne thing you need to note is that you are not allowed to bring a camera, cell phone, bare-shoulder T-shirts, or mini-skirts inside.Opening time: 5 days per week, except Monday and Friday     - Cold seasons (from November to March): 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM     - Hot seasons (from April to October): 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM      - Closed once per year in October/ November/ or December for the body maintenance5. Vietnam Museum of EthnologyIf you want to know more about the characteristics of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology will be an ideal place to visit in Hanoi. There are both inside and outside sections. The inside one is for the exhibition, while the outdoors is for you to take a rest with some activities and interesting displays.You can enjoy the Water Puppetry Show here. It will be one of the most fascinating experiences in Hanoi when you enjoy it in such a tranquil garden.Vietnam Museum of EthnologyAddress: Nguyen Van Huyen Road, Cau Giay District/ Nghia Do, Cau Giay, HanoiOpening hours: Every day except for Monday, 8:30-17:30Entrance fee:      - Adult: 40.000 VND     - University students with ID: 20.000 VND     - Children (6 years old to 16 years old): 10.000 VND     - Children under 6 years old: FreeCheck our best tours to discover famous places in Hanoi:Hanoi Street Food TourHanoi Scooter TourNorth Vietnam 5 Day TourHighlights of the Vietnam 12-Day Tour6. Long Bien BridgeLong Bien Bridge was constructed from 1989 to 1902. Passing through more than 100 years with decades of war, the bridge is not only a traffic construction, a nice French architecture but also a living historical relic. Long Bien Bridge is one of the best places in Hanoi to look at sunrise and sunset and take nice photos. It is also chosen to be a nice background for wedding albums of a lot of brides and grooms. Many foreign tourists want to visit this historical construction and nice scenery. While many teenagers come here to take nice photos to keep their memorable moments. Long Bien Bridge is not only a historical witness but also a memorable saver.Sunset in Long Bien Bridge7. Bat Trang Ceramic VillageBat Trang is a seven-century-old ceramic village, which attracts tourists with their own handmade products. There are a lot of making the ceramic place and you can try to make and paint by yourselves as ceramic makers. It will be an unforgettable memory on your trip to Hanoi. Besides, you will also be really impressed by the incredible styles and beautiful and colourful ceramics of Bat Trang Ceramic Market. Please click on Bat Trang Ceramic Day Tour from Hanoi to see more details about this day tour.Address: Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District.Distance: 10km or 30 minutes by car/motorbike. You can take the bus No. 47A from Long Bien to Bat Trang. It may take you 45 minutes to 1 hour to wait for the bus and transfer to Bat Trang Ceramic Village.Opening hours: 8:00 – 20:00Make your ceramic products8. Thang Long Water Puppet TheatreIf you like traditional art, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is an ideal place for you. Water Puppet is a unique Vietnamese traditional art that has existed for more than a thousand years. Water Puppet Show performs the daily life of Vietnamese farmers like catching fish, tending buffalo, cultivating and so on. It is very interesting to enjoy.Address: No.57b Dinh Tien Hoang St. (near Hoan Kiem Lake).Opening hours: 15.00, 16.10, 17.10, 18.30, 20.00 every day from October to April.                                   16.10, 17.10, 18.30, 20.00 every day from May to September.Ticket Price: Around 60.000-100.000 VND per ticketWater Puppet Show9. Tran Quoc PagodaTran Quoc Pagoda is a famous place in Hanoi that attracts people who love religious places. The pagoda is extremely magnificent as a small island on West Lake. It is considered the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with more than 1,500 years of history. Besides, you can walk around to enjoy the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of West Lake.Address: Thanh Nien St. Ba Dinh District, HanoiOpening hours: 7.30 – 18.00 every dayNote: Tran Quoc Pagoda is a formal place, so you have to pay attention to your dress code. Hat, shorts, mini skirt or tank-top are not allowed.Tran Quoc PagodaOne day is not enough to discover the beauty of Hanoi. Hanoi has many cultural and historic sites attracting your curiosity. If you plan your trip to Hanoi, spend 2 days or more to discover this lovely city. Reach out to Incredible Asia Journeys now to plan your trip and more!

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Where to Stay in Sapa

Where to Stay in Sapa

When you’re gazing at the jagged dragon’s teeth of Sapa’s forested mountains, watching its misted breath glide slowly across the valleys, it’s hard to imagine all the turmoil that the beautiful hill region has been through. Since French colonisation in the late 19th century, Sapa has risen from the ashes of various wars with China, France, America and even its own government to become one of the essential excursions on any Vietnam holiday.[incredible_toc] Terraced rice fields in SapaTrekking the wonderfully quaint paths between rows of rice paddies, shadowed by gigantic limestone karsts and accompanied by colourful members of friendly hill tribes is an unmissable experience. The answer to the question of where to stay in Sapa is a long one, considering the amount of Vietnamese-run and native-run hotels, hostels and homestays in Sapa Town and along the region’s trekking routes. Here is a quick guide to some of the best Sapa accommodation options around Vietnam’s northern crown. 1. Where to Stay in Sapa Town The natural place for people to search for Sapa accommodation is also its most tourist. Sapa Town is the centre of activity in the region, offering a huge variety of accommodation options, meaning that you’ll be covered even during the most frantic holidays. If you don’t have a set plan then Sapa Town is the place to figure it all out, but we recommend maybe just one night here before moving on to the much more authentic attractions of the region. 1.1. Heart of Sapa Hotel  Located exactly where the name suggests, the Heart of Sapa Hotel is close enough to the main restaurants and attractions of Sapa while finding peace down a small alley with not much traffic. The rooms are very reasonably priced and warmly welcoming, offering a cosy interior and incredible views of the wisps of mist flying past the mountains. Heart of Sapa Hotel - https://heartofsapahotel.com/ - +84 203 772 456 Heart of Sapa Hotel 1.2. Sapa Odyssey Hotel  Backpackers looking for places to stay in Sapa will not be short of options, but the best of these is the Sapa Odyssey Hostel, a cheap accommodation option built around the incredible views of Sapa’s green karsts that guests can enjoy from the balcony. There are several private room options with the same stunning views, as well as a nice communal area in which guests can unwind after hiking. Sapa Odyssey Hotel – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 945 183 001 Views from Sapa Odyssey Hostel 2. Where to Stay in Ta Phin Village A mild-mannered trek separates Ta Phin Village from Sapa. This is a popular destination for short treks, with many people opting to stay in Ta Phin to avoid the buzz of Sapa Town 12km south. Ta Phin is the home of both the Black Hmong and the Red Dao, two proud hill tribes easily distinguishable by the black or red bandanas atop their heads. Let's find out what those accommodations brought to you by Incredible Asia Journeys! 2.1. Sapa Heavenly Homestay The much smaller number of accommodation options compared with Sapa Town evidences the genuine nature of Ta Phin, and there are few options more genuine than Sapa Heavenly Homestay, a wide, wooden stilt house operated by a Black H’mong local called Mr Dat. The beds are very comfortable, the food is of a deliciously local flavour and the hospitality of Mr. Dat and his family knows no bounds. Sapa Heavenly Homestay – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 975 565 308 Sapa Heavenly Homestay 2.2. Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological If Sapa Town is chosen for its views, then Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological is chosen for the beautiful garden on the property. The bamboo walkways, small ponds, a variety of native flowers and wood-hewn chairs create a wonderfully blissful atmosphere in this quiet section of Sapa. Rooms open up onto the garden and all needs are tended to by the caring Mr. Thanh and his wife. Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 912 927 769 Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological 3. Where to Stay in Lao Chai Village The harmony of people and nature is the reason that visitors decide to look for places to stay in Sapa, and there aren’t many better options to feel this than Lao Chai. The 100 Black H’mong families that live here are always welcoming guests into their traditional homes, many of which run without electricity and require a completely different change of mindset for most travellers who wish to experience life without modern comforts. 3.1. Mica House  The lopsided brick gateway and thatched cottage roof of Amica House are as charming as the homestay’s interior. Each room has a cosy, rustic feel and views of the stunning valley of rice can be enjoyed through the large windows throughout the property, especially when specks of fog fly in front of the limestone mountains. Amica House – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 983 048 166 A corner of Amica House 3.2. Sapa Clay House  As the name suggests, Sapa Clay House is made from durable clay, a feature of traditional homes of the Ha Nhi hill tribe. Rooms in the seasonal house are modelled on the four distinct seasons of Sapa, while the private bamboo hut is fitted with contemporary amenities and stunning views from the outdoor shower and garden. Sapa Clay House - https://sapaclayhouse.com/ - +84 965 288 160 Views from Sapa Clay House  4. Where to Stay in Giang Ta Chai The village of Giang Ta Chai lies on the other side of a stream, connected by a suspension bridge over the Muong Hoa Valley. It also lies close to a waterfall as well as thick groves of bamboo, which have been the surroundings for the generations of the Red Dao hill tribe that live here. Giang Ta Chai is the beautiful terminal destination for some of the extended treks from Sapa. 4.1. Mrs. Soi’s Homestay  Due to its eponymous host, Mrs. Soi’s Homestay is one of the friendliest places to stay in Sapa. Mrs. Soi looks after guests like her children, cooking delicious food and providing warm, comfortable, humble beds in the communal sleeping area. As with most homestays in Sapa, the views of the undulating scenery outside are outstanding. Mrs. Soi’s Homestay – https://mrs-sois-homestay.sa-pa-hotels.com/en/ Mrs. Soi’s Homestay 4.2. Po Mu House  The feeling of community throughout the Po Mu House is very evident. Comfortable mattresses are placed together and dinner is a very social affair on one long table. The very welcoming Mr Minh and his family will give you lots of tips for hiking to nearby waterfalls and along paths that other tourists don’t hear about. Po Mu House – (Search on Booking.com) - +84 968 456 984 Po Mu HouseWith the above-mentioned suggested Sapa accommodations, we hope that you can find out the suitable places to stay in Sapa. Thank you for reading this Sapa Travel Guide! Also, if you want to book any Sapa tour, contact us to make your dream trip come true!Check our best tours to visit Sapa: Best Of Sapa Explore, Sapa Trekking & Bac Ha Market, North Vietnam & Sapa Excursions, and Highlights of North Vietnam.

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Best Things to Do in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Best Things to Do in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is one of the first capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, attracting a number of tourists from all over the world. Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, you will have a chance to admire charming natural landscapes with cultural-historical values of precious monuments in this ancient land.[incredible_toc] Hoa Lu Ancient Capital 1. Historical Values of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Far about 100km from Hanoi to the south, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a national-level important cultural-historical relics. This is also the first capital of Vietnam with numerous historical landmarks. In 968, the King of Dai Co Viet (an old name of Vietnam) established his capital at Hoa Lu in 42 years (968-980) as a ruler. After that, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital also existed for 29 next years of the Early Le dynasty (980-1009) and the last year of the Ly dynasty (1009-1010). In 1010, Ly Dynasty transferred the capital to Thang Long (Hanoi now). Since then, Hoa Lu is known as the ancient capital. 2. Things to visit in Hoa Lu Hoa Lu has many palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions that were built by different dynasties. Despite going through many centuries, Hoa Lu has been home to many beautiful sites to visit. Visiting here, you will have a chance to understand more about the history of Vietnam and can join many traditional cultural festivals. The ancient capital is a magnificent and majestic palace which is surrounded by rocky mountain, spectacular scenery and numerous calm lakes, which makes Hoa Lu’s picturesque landscape. Accompany Incredible Asia Journeys to find out the best things to do in Hoa Lu! 2.1. Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor Temple (King Dinh Temple) King Dinh Temple On the way to King Dinh Temple, you will see Ma Yen Mountain which looks like a saddle. You have to climb up 265 steps getting to the top of the mountain to see King Dinh Temple.  King Dinh Temple is one best places to visit Ninh Binh with unique architectures in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, worshipping King Dinh Tien Hoang (King of Dai Co Viet Dynasty). Over the centuries, the temple has remained its stunning architectural works. It was built of grey stone and situated on the mountaintop. From here, you can also admire panoramic views of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. The temple is divided into three shrines: the outer one is Ngo Mon Gate), the middle is called Thien Huong and the inner worship of King Dinh Tien Hoang. After Ngo Mon Gate, there is a stone bed of King with a pair of Nghe (a kind of mythical animal in the ancient time) standing on both sides. 2.2. Le Dai Hanh Emperor Temple (King Le Temple) King le Temple is located at the foot of Ma Yen Mountain to the south. The temple has the similar architectural design with King Ding Temple, but smaller. It is also divided into 3 parts: front shrine, Thien Huong house and the sanctum worshipping Le King. Festival in King Le Temple 2.3. One Pillar Pagoda in Ninh Binh (Nhat Tru Pagoda) Nhat Tru (also known as One Pillar Pagoda) is an ancient pagoda from the 10th century, which is located in the Hoa Lu Complex. The pagoda also preserves many antiquities attached with the history of the ancient capital, especially the stone scripture pillar in front of the pagoda. The pillar was made of stone, has an octagonal body functioning as a prayer book and a stone lotus on the top. Today, Nhat Tru Pagoda is still a spiritual place of the locals and tourists. On January 15 annually, a worship ceremony takes place to pray for the peace of the nation. Nhat Tru Pagoda 2.4. Tam Coc – Bich Dong (Three Grottos - Green Pearl Grotto) From Hoa Lu, you can take a short distance to Tam Coc – Bich Dong, a harmonious architectural ensemble attracting tourists all over the world. Tourists to Tam Coc - Bich Dong will actually feel the stretching mountain views, stunning caves, and charming waterways of the rice paddies along the beautiful Ngo Dong River. Tam Coc - Bich Dong is beautiful around 4 seasons, each season has a unique beauty. Summer is considered the most beautiful season of the year with clouds and the green rice fields starting to turn into a sparkling yellow. Tam Coc – Bich Dong has become “a terrestrial Ha Long Bay” and a fascinating and attractive destination in Ninh Binh.Click here to see our Tam Coc Bich Dong Day Tour From Hanoi. Along the Ngo Dong River 2.5. Annual Festival in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Hoa Lu Festival, the national cultural heritage in the northern Ninh Binh, is taken place on April 5, or the 9th day of the third lunar month of the year and lasts 3 days. During the festival, there will be many other cultural and sports activities, including a requiem, a temple gate-opening ceremony, and displays of colored lanterns and flower garlands, and performances of folk games. It will be an interesting experience for you if you travel to Hoa Lu this time. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival Click on the link to see the best trips to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu - Hang Mua – Tam Coc Day TourHoa Lu - Trang An Full Day from HanoiNorth Vietnam 5 Days Group TourDiscover Hoa Lu Tam Coc & Halong Bay, Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip 3. What to eat in Ninh Binh Hoa Lu attracts tourists not only by the beauty of the ancient citadel but also by its delicious dishes. Goat Meat is one of the dishes you should not miss by all means. The meat is fresh and delicious to be served with ginger, lemon, chili, citronella, and some other kinds of herbs and spices. This is a great dish and also very healthy. Another special food is Rice Crust which is made from cooked rice and a fried mixture of different spices including fried beef, pork, onion, dried mushrooms and tomatoes. It’s easy for you to find the places selling the rice crust throughout destinations of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda or Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Rice Crust in Ninh Binh 4. How to get to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital 4.1. By busYou can take a bus to Ninh Binh from stations in Hanoi (it can be Giap Bat Station or My Dinh Station). There will be a bus to go to Ninh Binh every 30 minutes from 05.00 AM to 11.00 PM every day. It will take you about 2 hours to get to Hoa Lu. You must pay for your ticket from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND per person.  4.2. By car or motorbike From Hanoi, you will go to Giai Phong St., turn to Phap Van – Cau Gie Highway, the moving to Ninh Binh Province. It will take you 90 minutes to get to Hoa Lu. 4.3.By trainYou will go to Giap Bat Railway Station to take a train to Ninh Binh Railway Station. After that, you have to take a taxi to go to Hoa Lu.

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Mai Chau Weather – A Comprehensive Guide

Mai Chau Weather – A Comprehensive Guide

The first thing to hit visitors to Mai Chau is often the vivid meld of colours that highlight the particular picture-perfect scene for which the region is known. An often-blue sky crowns the tops of dark green mountains, which skim the edges of light green and gold rice paddies, where villagers wearing multicoloured brocades harvest and plant their precious crops. Having been a largely unknown farming community until relatively recently, villagers in this rural district of Hoa Binh Province have benefited from a modern tourist interest in a beautiful section of Northern Vietnam.[incredible_toc]Overview of Mai ChauDay trips to Mai Chau from Hanoi and overnight stays in the traditional stilt houses of the Thai hill tribe have grown in popularity due to the region’s improved road connections with the capital, offering a worthwhile alternative to the sometimes-crowded and quite distant Sapa. Mai Chau is four to five hours from Hanoi, along with incredible lowland and mountain paths, offering stunning views of Vietnam at its best. Being relatively close to the capital, Mai Chau’s weather is similar to that of Hanoi, hot and wet summers, cold and grey winters and beautifully cool and dry spells in between. However, differences in altitude between Mai Chau and Hanoi bring about differences in weather and visitors should be prepared for these small fluctuations, as Mai Chau deserves to be experienced at its best. This is our comprehensive guide to the weather in Mai Chau.1. Mai Chau in Spring>> Late February to Mid-MayBeing of such natural green beauty, the four months of spring in Mai Chau showcases the region at its most rewarding, with clear days, low humidity, a cooling breeze and the blooming of Mai Chau’s iconic flowers.Mai Chau in Spring1.1. Temperature in Mai Chau in SpringThe end of the Vietnamese New Year (Tet) in February brings Mai Chau out in full splendour. As the colourful decorations that adorn the stilt houses are put away for the year, the sun gradually comes out and turns Mai Chau’s valleys into buzzing hubs of activity. Average temperatures climb from about 18°C to 27°C (67°F to 80°F) through late February to the middle of May as the sun emerges from the winter clouds. The warmth of spring in May Chau can be felt both in the temperature and in the smiles and hospitality of locals as they happily prepare for another productive rice harvest.1.2. Rainfall in Mai Chau in SpringRain during the start of spring is almost non-existent. Averages of 24mm of precipitation mean the coolness of a trek during this season is also blessed with a crisp dryness. This is at least the case for February and March, but rainfall triples in April to 78mm, which then triples again over the course of a month to become 250mm in May. Days in May are littered with sporadic rain, where clear skies can become crowded with clouds and heavy lightning storms are not uncommon over the mountainous areas during this dress rehearsal for the wet season.1.3. Sunshine Hours in Mai Chau in SpringSunrise in Mai ChauThe sporadic nature of Mai Chau weather means that May, while the fourth wettest month, is also one of the sunniest. Deluges of rain from the fast-moving clouds are often short, making way for the sun after just a couple of hours in a lot of cases. During the 6 hours of sun that Mai Chau enjoys daily, visitors are often treated to the best of the valley’s sun-dappled views, while rainstorms bring an exciting thrill and great opportunities for dramatic photographs.In comparison, the start of Mau Chau’s spring can be a bit dull, with the 3 hours of sunshine per day in February and March casting many shadows over the region. April is probably the best time to visit Mai Chau for the 5 hours of sunshine and relatively low rainfall.1.4. Mai Chau - What to See and Do in SpringAs with all of Vietnam’s rice-producing districts, Mai Chau’s true wonder reveals itself in May when the rice harvest offers expansive views of vast golden fields swaying gently in the breeze, tended to by the local Thai farmers and their buffalo. Even before the harvest, rice fields are blessed with light green as farmers plant the baby rice after the New Year at the end of February.Another fantastic bonus of the Mai Chau spring weather is the introduction of varieties of blooming flowers. The region is known countrywide by photos of the white plum blossom, a very romantic sight that steals the hearts of visitors to the region during the early months of spring. Lac Village is one of the best places to see the intense bloom; the trees here often look snow-covered due to the vivacity with which the flowers bloom.Lac Village in spring2. Mai Chau in Summer>> Late May to Mid-SeptemberThe clouds congregating towards the middle of May have Mai Chau in their grasp by the time summer is in full swing. The rainy season is at its peak and the heat is more intense, but there are still experiences to be sought out.2.1. Temperature in Mai Chau in SummerThe intensity of the weather in Mai Chau during summer is notably different from that of its twinned rice terrace destination, Sapa. Averages here are quite a bit higher, reaching a fairly uniform at 28°C (82°F) from the end of May to the middle of September. Still, the high altitude and windy valleys of the region mean that this is a good deal lower than a lot of other places in Northern Vietnam, in particular, Hanoi, which can average well into the mid-30s. Treks can become a little more draining during these months and nights can be a sweaty experience, but the right clothes can make all the difference.2.2. Rainfall in Mai Chau in SummerAfter a 40mm dip in rainfall between May and June, as the last of the rice is being plucked from the ground, the wet season reaches its full intensity and rainfall equates to between 320 and 340mm from July through September. Trekking and cycling become dangerous activities on the slippery mountain roads and the clouds create theatrical scenes above the mountains. Days that include rain reach their annual peak in August, with 21 out of 31 days featuring abundant downpours.2.3. Sunshine Hours in Mai Chau in SummerSunrise in summerGenerally, the behaviour of clouds during the summer in Mai Chau is just as erratic as in the spring. Rain comes in very strong droves, but overall torrents are short and sharp, leaving the sky clear for much of the day. Daily sunshine hours of 5 and 6 are a feature of the Mai Chau weather during summer, as they usually are throughout the year, except for a persistently cloudy patch in February and March. Rainstorms roll in rapidly over the mountains and steeped rice terraces, so make sure you have somewhere to seek refuge if you head to Mai Chau during this time.2.4. Mai Chau - What to See and Do in SummerWhile the more active attractions such as trekking and cycling become arduous slogs due to the heat and constant threat of rain, paying a visit to any of Mai Chau’s magnificent waterfalls could be a great idea to see the impressive rush of water that turns falls like Go Lao and Dai Yem into scenes of incredible natural power.There are no better refuges to seek from the rain and heat than the caves that dot the hillsides of Mai Chau. Chieu Cave, Mo Luong Cave and Pieng Kem Grotto are just some of the places around the ancient region that feature complete rain coverage and a natural cooling system throughout. They take a few steps to climb, but the relief you will feel upon entering these indoor forests of stalagmites is palpable.Do trekking in Mai ChauCheck our best tours to discover the beauty of Mai Chau:North Vietnam 6 Day TourVietnam Grand Discovery 17 Days3. Mai Chau in Autumn>> Late September to Late NovemberThe rains that have swept through Mai Chau by the end of September have left a new sprouting life in their wake. Rice is replanted, different flowers reach their bloom and the more relaxed heat and rain make for ideal trekking.3.1. Temperature in Mai Chau in AutumnThe heat climbs down from its lofty heights from September to November, reeling back the 28°C of summer to a more tolerable 24°C (75°F) in October and 21°C (70°F) in November. These are both ideal activity temperatures and so a lot of time during autumn is spent outside making the most of the perfect Mai Chau weather. Nights during November average around 17°C (62°F), meaning peaceful and comfortable nights in Thai stilt houses are an attractive possibility.3.2. Rainfall in Mai Chau in AutumnThe obligatory runs for shelter during the summer in Mai Chau are a thing of the past in autumn, as monthly rainfall plummets like the waterfalls from 323mm during September to just 30mm in November. The tenfold decrease in precipitation makes for some very dry days and the number of days in which rain makes an appearance falls from 16 to 7 over Mai Chau’s autumn.3.3. Sunshine Hours in Mai Chau in AutumnThe trend of consistent 5 or 6 hours of sunshine per day continues throughout autumn in Mai Chau, where flash floods of rain are much less common and clouds have a more docile nature when congregating above the tall limestone ridgeline. Blue skies are a common sight and that brings out another season of flowers blooming throughout the district. 3.4.Mai Chau - What to See and Do in AutumnRice Harvest in Pu Luong Nature Reserve As the best time to visit Mai Chau, there are many activities to do and things to see during autumn as the elements are all in your favour. The more energetic activities of trekking and cycling become very popular between September and November, with various day tours to Mai Chau from Hanoi descending on the area to check out the flower blossoms. Farmers commence the second yearly rice harvest around areas such as Pu Luong Nature Reserve and the various walkways surrounding Poom Coong Village.4. Mai Chau in Winter>> December to Late FebruarySapa in winter is famous for the snow that occasionally blankets the barren rice fields, drawing huge crowds of Vietnamese people longing for a winter wonderland. Nothing of that kind hits Mai Chau; winters are generally a little chilly and bleak, though very dry.The Road to Mai Chau in Winter4.1. Temperature in Mai Chau in WinterWhile shorts and a t-shirt may be a viable option in the South of Vietnam, the north, and hill regions like Mai Chau in particular, get relatively much lower temperatures. Still, an average of 17°C (67°F) between December and February is the acceptable weather for lots of activities in Mai Chau, but the windiness of the valley will mean that it feels quite a bit colder. Nighttime lows in January can reach 12°C (53°F), which is frankly Antarctic to Vietnamese people, meaning you should have plenty of space and will enjoy off-season prices for travel and accommodation.4.2. Rainfall in Mai Chau in WinterThough not an ideal time to go for the temperature, the minimal rainfall during a Mai Chau winter is a big advantage. The 6mm of rain that falls in January is staggeringly low compared to the 340mm of August, and the days in which rain is present in December falls to a very meagre 5. You won’t need much in the way of rainproof gear for the Mai Chau weather in winter, and if you can withstand the mild chill, then you could realistically spend a lot of time outdoors.4.3. Sunshine Hours in Mai Chau in WinterYet another reason to be outside, at least for the start of winter, is the blue sky that remains present for 5 hours of the day in December. This falls to 4 in January and then 3 in February, so visits to Mai Chau earlier on in the winter would be preferable.4.4. Mai Chau - What to See and Do in WinterThe main beauty of Mai Chau is obviously its stunning outdoor scenery, but there are many things to do around the region that allow for more relaxing downtime. Unwinding at the homestay is far from the last resort; the Thai stilt houses that most people sleep in during an overnight trip to Mai Chau are very rustic, but comfortable, with all the modern amenities you should need. Hosts will have a stockpile of blankets for the winter, as well as hot tea and coffee, providing very cosy conditions for a peaceful time in the mountains.Pac Co Market in Mai ChauA look around Pac Co Market would suit the winter weather in Mai Chau. This is a weekly Sunday market run by the H’mong hill tribe, which acts as a meeting place for distant friends and family, as well as a place for locals to sell their clothes, food, animals, toys and drinks. Take the opportunity to stock up on warm, traditional and colourful garments sold by the H’mong people, and make sure to haggle for the best price as there most likely won’t be a lot of other customers.Mai Chau may seem unfamiliar to some tourists but with its tranquillity and peaceful nature, Incredible Asia Journeys ensure to provide you with an authentic rural Vietnam tour!

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Thach Xa Dragonfly Village

Thach Xa Dragonfly Village

There are few craft villages in Vietnam that create a more adorable product than Thach Xa. While other villages throughout the country are focusing their efforts on rice paper, silk, pottery, paintings, and a bounty of other artisan merchandise, Thach Xa Dragonfly Village, in the western stretches of Hanoi’s outer area, dedicates itself to the creation of one popular Vietnamese toy: a weighted bamboo dragonfly.[incredible_toc]Dragonfly in Thach Xa VillageThe dragonflies are beloved by adults and children alike for their magical appearance and acts of gravity defiance. The weighted noses of each dragonfly mean that they can balance on a finger or a table with the vast majority of the body hanging over the edge. The sense of wonder is added to by the decoration of each dragonfly, which comes in a rainbow of garish colors along with spotted or striped patterns down the body and along the wings.1. Where is Thach Xa Dragonfly Village?The one-hour drive time to Thach Xa from central Hanoi means that a visit can form part of a short day trip to the temples of the area or part of a long trip to Duong Lam Ancient Village and Son Tay. Heading straight down the Thang Long Highway from Hanoi, Thach Xa is only one right turn away, making it pretty hard to get lost.Information on buses to Thach Xa Dragonfly Village is pretty scarce, but it is certainly possible to get the number 73 bus from Hanoi’s My Dinh Station to Thay Pagoda, from where you can get a quick car or motorbike taxi to Thach Xa.2. How are the Bamboo Dragonflies Made?The Dragonfly Village is in full production mode for most of the year, with demand only really quiet after the Vietnamese New Year. Many people visit the village at this time to place bulk orders for the dragonflies, either for use as simple gifts to loved ones or for big extravaganzas.There are only 10 families in Thach Xa Dragonfly Village that engage in the craft, but their hard work of producing 20,000 dragonflies per month is rewarded with 10,000,000 VND ($440) of pure profit, which is a lot for the region.2.1. Step 1: The bambooAlthough Thach Xa is surrounding my bamboo forest, villagers still have to invest serious money in getting bamboo from far-off regions like Ha Giang and Hoa Binh for quality reasons. Once the bamboo has arrived, the craftsman chops it into small pieces, using the supple, top end of the log for the wings.Step 1: Choose the bamboo2.2. Step 2: The stickingThe wings of the dragonfly are measured to perfection and are stuck into the drilled holes of the body. The craftsman has to make sure that the balance of the dragonfly is perfect by ensuring that its nose is in perfect equilibrium with its body, checking over and over again by attempting to balance it on a chopstick.Step 2: Sticking2.3. Step 3: The paintingOnce the dragonfly can balance, Thach Xa artisans paint the dragonflies one color before adding their chosen patterns. Flowers are a popular theme in Thach Xa Dragonfly Village, as are dots, spirals, zigzags, and geometric shapes; the wealth of artistic liberty is endless and no two dragonflies are the same.Step 3: PaintingThen we have a completed colorful bamboo dragonflies!  Finished Bamboo Dragonflies

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