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Eat Vietnam

Eat Vietnam

In recent years, Vietnamese cuisine has been becoming more and more popular around the world. Some Vietnamese specialties such as Pho and Banh Mi are on the favorite list of many food lovers. Vietnamese food is highly regarded as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world thanks to the ingredients like noodles, rice, fresh vegetable, as well as herbs used in locals’ daily cooking. [incredible_toc]Here is a useful guide that introduces you some Vietnamese delicacies, along with where to eat each dish in Vietnam. In addition to that, some information about Vietnamese eating style, Vietnamese food culture, together with Vietnam Food tours will be provided. Hopefully, the below suggestions will not only help you when you plan your trip in Vietnam but also guide you during your dream vacation.  Eat Vietnam In Your Way!1. What to Eat in Vietnam 1.1. What to Eat in Northern VietnamBanh MiBanh Mi Pate VietnamWhen you think about what to eat in Vietnam, there may be a list of food you have read somewhere but Banh Mi can be one of the top lists.The iconic sandwich ranked as one of the best sandwiches in the world, Banh Mi is a crunchy French-style baguette, stuffed with an incredible combination of pork, pate, butter, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, chilies, and sauces. Originating from France in the late 1800s, this type of Vietnamese sandwich is the perfect option when you are in need of a quick meal.PhoThere is no doubt that Pho is the most famous Vietnam food which most travelers should try once when they visit Vietnam. Pho is the noodle soup which you can try with beef or chicken. Pho is a noodle soup that is different from other noodle soups you may know and eat in Vietnam or other countries. Pho consists of Banh Pho or flat noodles and which is different from Bun (round noodles). To have a good Pho you will need a good broth for Pho which makes the difference among the Pho restaurants. To have the good broth for Pho the beef bone or chicken bones are cooked in a large pot which is mostly bigger than any other broth pots. A few herbs are put inside like cinnamon, cardamom, and onion and there are some secret herbs each restaurant put them in to make sure they are different from others. Normally, the secret ingredients and recipes are kept secret inside the family to make sure they are not copied from others.Hanoi Beef PhoPho is one of the best things to eat in Vietnam. For Vietnamese, Pho is eaten mostly for breakfast or at night time when people do not have much time for cooking at home. Most Vietnamese cook their meals at home so Pho is a good option when they are busy and do not have enough time for cooking.Pho is mostly not cooked at home because to have a good Pho you need a large pot of bones and you need good ingredients and recipes so Pho should be eaten in the Pho restaurant. One more good advice for travelers for eating Pho is eating chicken Pho in the Pho Restaurant where they serve chicken only and eating beef Pho in the Pho restaurant where they serve beef only. There is no doubt, list Pho is number 1 for things to eat in Vietnam.Hanoi Chicken PhoBun ChaOriginating from the capital city, Hanoi, Bun Cha is grilled pork served with a bowl of a fish sauce-heavy broth, a basket of fresh vegetables and a plate of rice vermicelli noodles. It is the local dish that Barack Obama ate during his night out with the famous chef Anthony Bourdain on his official visit to Vietnam at the end of May 2016. Nowadays, when you visit Vietnam you may visit and eat Bun Cha in the restaurant named Obama Bun Cha Restaurant as it is easy to remember this name compared to the original name of the restaurant where Barack Obama ate. Note Bun Cha for your list of things to eat in Vietnam and try it when you have a chance!Bun Cha HanoiGoi Cuon If you have been tasting too much of the fried food in Vietnam, try Goi Cuon which is the fresh spring rolls. Goi Cuon comprises thin vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork slices, and herbs, rolled up in rice paper. Dipping the roll into peanut sauce to make it more flavorful, you try to take a bite and feel the light and fresh taste.Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)1.2. What to Eat in Central VietnamBanh XeoBanh Xeo which is quite similar to a kind of crepe is made of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, stuffed with shrimp, chicken, pork or beef slices, sliced onions, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, served with fresh lettuce or rice papers. To enjoy one like a local, wrap it in lettuce leaves, mustard leaves, or rice papers, dip in fermented peanut sauce, and taste it.Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)Cao LauA specialty from Hoi An, one of the best foods to eat in Vietnam, Cao Lau features thick noodles with slices of roast pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons in a savory broth. The noodles are unique, made from local water and lye, giving them a distinct texture and flavor. The dish is garnished with greens and herbs, bean sprouts, and fried pork skin, adding layers of texture. The rich, aromatic broth ties all the elements together, making Cao Lau a must-try when visiting Hoi An.Mi QuangA popular dish from Quang Nam Province, Mi Quang consists of turmeric-yellow rice noodles topped with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts, and fresh herbs, served with a small amount of broth. The broth is made by simmering pork or chicken bones with turmeric, giving it a distinctive golden color. The dish is typically garnished with a variety of fresh herbs, banana flowers, and toasted sesame rice crackers. The combination of textures and flavors makes Mi Quang a hearty and satisfying meal.Com HenCom Hen HueOriginating from Hue, Com Hen is a flavorful combination of rice, baby clams, herbs, peanuts, and fried pork skin, served with a side of clam broth. The clams are sautéed with onions, garlic, and chili, then mixed with rice and garnished with a variety of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy shallots. The broth, made from the clam cooking liquid, is served on the side and can be added to the dish according to taste. This dish is known for its complex flavors and textures, making it a unique culinary experience.1.3. What to Eat in Southern VietnamHu TieuHu TieuA noodle soup from the Mekong Delta, Hu Tieu is made with clear, chewy noodles in a flavorful broth, topped with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and fresh herbs. The broth, typically made from pork bones, is light and fragrant, allowing the flavors of the toppings to shine. The noodles, which can be either rice or tapioca-based, have a distinctive chewy texture. Hu Tieu is often garnished with fried shallots, garlic chives, and lime wedges.Che Che (Sweet Soup)Refers to any Vietnamese sweet soups or pudding, Che can be either hot or cold, depending on the seasons. Also, it can have a wide range of ingredients like red beans, mung beans, fruit, and tapioca beads. Banh Trang NuongBanh Trang NuongOften referred to as "Vietnamese pizza," Banh Trang Nuong is a popular street food made with grilled rice paper topped with ingredients like quail eggs, dried shrimp, pork, and scallions. The rice paper becomes crispy as it cooks, providing a crunchy base for the toppings. The dish is typically drizzled with chili sauce and mayonnaise, adding a spicy and creamy element. Banh Trang Nuong is a fun and flavorful snack, perfect for enjoying on the go.Bo La LotBo La Lot consists of grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a side of dipping sauce. The beef is marinated with garlic, lemongrass, and fish sauce, then wrapped in the aromatic betel leaves and grilled until charred and smoky. The rolls are often served with a side of vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and herbs, which can be used to make fresh spring rolls. The dipping sauce, typically made from fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, adds a tangy and savory element to the dish.2. Where to eat in VietnamVietnamese food is renowned for its diversity and each region is famous for its dishes. Definitely, you may sample the local specialities throughout the country but also, there is one place in Vietnam you should try one dish rather than the other ones. For instance, you may venture to Hoi An to savor the stunning Cao Lau or visit Hanoi to eat delicious spring rolls. Banh Xeo in Saigon is the best in the country. It is also advisable to relish a cup of egg coffee in the capital city, Hanoi, and taste the world-famous Banh Mi in the ancient town of Hoi An. Hue, the old capital city is renowned for its Bun Bo Hue and some types of Vietnamese sweet soup - Che. 3. Vietnamese Eating Style Like many other countries in Asia, Vietnamese people tend to dine in “family style”. All the dishes are normally put in the middle of the dining table at the same time, each person gets a bowl of rice, and then shares with the others the bowls or plates of food. In Vietnamese daily meals, the dishes consist of rice, a vegetable dish, a meat or seafood dish, Vietnamese–style soup, and fermented fish sauce for dipping. Vietnamese use fish sauce not only as a seasoning but also as a dipping sauce. At the dining table, a bowl of fish sauce is well placed in the center so everyone can reach it.In addition to that, local dishes are boiled or steamed, other than fried or stir-fried so they are rather fresh and light. Also, Vietnamese people consume more vegetables than meats so it can be said that vegetables are the standard diet in most local households. Family Meals in Vietnam4. Vietnamese Food Culture Vietnam is very proud of having one of the most diverse and healthy gastronomies in the world. Mentioning about Vietnamese food culture, we can say that Vietnam is a typical wet rice country. In Vietnam, many main dishes and snacks are made from rice such as boiled/ steamed rice, rice porridge, famous Banh Chung (square cake), along with uncountable made-from-rice delicacies from every region. Even the legendary pho is made from rice as well. Banh Chung (square cake)Next, it is very clear that fish sauce appears in every meal of Vietnamese. In the centre of the tray or the dining table, there goes a bowl of fish sauce which is used by all the eaters. Nowadays, Vietnam has hundreds kinds of sauce, used for different dishes and different regions and even different seasons.Boiled Pork with Fish SauceAnother great culture feature in Vietnamese food is snack paradise of sweet potato, cassava, peanuts, and so much more. If you dare, try to venture to the street vendors on the sidewalks to taste these snacks. Last but not least, Vietnamese food offers great diversity. Vietnam is a long country which is divided into 3 parts (North, Central, and South). Each region has got some specialties which should be proud of. Whilst Hanoi offers the most authentic food experience, Hue provides some royal dishes and Ho Chi Minh City boasts about its various street food.5. Vietnam Food ToursTravel to Vietnam, travelers want not only to visit the most beautiful places of Vietnam but also eat the best and the most popular food in Vietnam. Enjoying the best food is a need for all travelers besides visiting the beauty and learning about Vietnam culture.Enjoy Vietnam food tours in your style5.1. Saigon Street Food Tour Saigon is one of the top ten cities in the world that is renowned for its street food. Participating in one of Saigon Street Food Tours allows you not only to sample some of the world’s best street food but also to delve into the history, culture, and food of this bustling metropolis. During the tour, the tour guide will take you to the best, authentic small restaurants or street vendors that only locals know to taste the city’s specialties. On the tour, you may ask your guide about the dishes’ ingredients as well as the historical background of Southern food. It is interesting if you pull up a plastic stool to dine on the sidewalks as locals do. Saigon Street Food Tour comes with two options which are walking tour or motorbike tour. Join in a Saigon Street Food Tour and that can be one of the best Vietnam Food Tour. Hu Tieu Nam Vang5.2. Hoi An Cooking ClassHoi An Cooking Class allows you to learn some famous delicacies of Central Vietnam. It also gives you the chance to visit a local market, as well as explore a tropical vegetable garden which can help to know more about the ingredients used in the locals’ daily cooking. In the class, you will be instructed how to cook Central Vietnam’s typical dishes, along with a short food carving session. At the end of the class, you will be sitting down to enjoy the food you made and be handed the recipes of the dishes. So if you visit Hoi An and you are interested in Vietnam Foods & Drinks do not miss the chance for this best Vietnam food tour place. Hoi An Cooking Class5.3. Hanoi Cooking ClassHanoi Cooking Class is quite similar to the cooking session in Hoi An as you will also start the tour by visiting a local market, learn some local dishes, together with receiving the secret recipes of Vietnamese cuisine from the chef. Each region of Vietnam has got its own specialties. Joining the cooking classes in different cities gives you the opportunity to learn the popular dishes of each region. It is also what differentiates a cooking class in Hoi An and one in Hanoi.  Above are 3 best places you may choose one or even 3 of them for your Vietnam Food Tour.Join hands to cook your own Vietnamese mealsWhether you're indulging in the comforting bowl of Pho in Hanoi, savoring the unique flavors of Mi Quang in Hoi An, or enjoying the bustling street food scene in Saigon, every meal is an adventure. Ready to start your culinary journey in Vietnam? Don't wait! Book your food tour now at Incredible Asia Journeys and dive into the rich and diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Bon appétit!

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Hanoi Street Food

Hanoi Street Food

Travelling to Vietnam, apart from plenty of sights such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Old Quarter, the bustling streets, as well as the narrow alleyways, Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi is renowned for its street food. Hanoi’s delicacies such as Pho and Banh Mi have become trendy all around the world, whilst Vietnamese coffee is famous for its strong flavour.[incredible_toc] Unsurprisingly, Hanoi Street Food can make any eaters delighted by its astounding mix of tastes and smells. It is also regarded as one of the healthiest, freshest and most flavorful cuisines in the world. Interestingly, Vietnam food & drinks are diverse with some regional cuisines with different dishes and distinct flavours. Hanoi food has its own story, along with its own legendary dishes, and the city is full of places to eat.  Below is the Hanoi street food guide which shows you the best in Hanoi food, the top street food vendors, together with the popular Hanoi Street Food Tours. 1. Hanoi Specialities 1.1. Pho Chicken PhoEating Pho is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. Most travellers visiting Hanoi or North Vietnam should try Pho at least once. Pronounced like "fuh", pho is the world-renowned Vietnamese dish, and it comes in two main varieties: the traditional beef variety, called "pho bo", or beef pho and chicken noodle soup, called "Pho Ga", or Chicken Pho.Pho is an incredible combination of soft white rice noodles in a fragrant broth with beef/chicken on top, smothered with green onion. Hanoi’s pho is served with lime juice and a dash of chilly or fish sauce which all can be added to make it tastier. Hanoi is regarded as the birthplace of pho, and you can find Pho everywhere in Hanoi Alley Vietnamese street food, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. 1.2. Cha Ca Cha Ca La VongIf you are looking for a truly unique Hanoi dish, just try “Cha Ca”. Cha Ca is fish seasoned with garlic, ginger, and turmeric in a sizzling pan, served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, chopped spring onions, dill, fish sauce, and red chilly slices. The best way to enjoy the dish is by mixing all the ingredients together. One small tip to make it more flavorful is to add a spoon of fried cooking oil and a little bit of fermented shrimp paste.The dish is not only delicious but also fun to eat as it is served in a sizzling pan for the diners to cook themselves. Cha Ca is so popular in Hanoi that the speciality is the name of a street in Hanoi which is named after it. 1.3. Bun Thang  A bowl of Bun Thang Not as famous as the two specialities mentioned above but Bun Thang is still considered as the most significant noodle soup in Hanoi city. Bun thang includes rice vermicelli noodles, chicken, egg, and pork, as well as broth. Like other noodle soups, the most important thing to make bun thang stunning is the clear hot broth which is made with no less than 20 ingredients, consisting of chicken, dried shrimp, dried shitake mushrooms, squid, shrimp paste, coriander, ginger, beet, spring onion, sugar candy, fish sauce, and vinegar.In the past, this noodle soup was eaten during the Tet holiday, on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year to use up all the leftover foods; but nowadays, it can be enjoyed every day. 2. Best places to eat Hanoi Street Food 2.1. “Pho” Bat Dan  Pho Bat DanPho which is regarded as the most popular noodle soup in Vietnam originated in the 20th century with the influence of French, beef-favourite cuisine. One of the best spots for pho in Hanoi is Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan) which is understandably famous for its pho bo. Hanoi often form a long queue every morning at the restaurant which has been serving for more than 60 years. A bowl of the delicious pho normally costs you around VND 50,000 – taste it with handfuls of chilli and a good squeeze of lime. 2.2. "Bun Rieu" in Hang Bac Bun RieuBun Rieu consists of rice vermicelli noodles, and freshwater paddy crab, along with shrimp paste in tomato broth, served with a basket of vegetables and herbs. There are countless street vendors which sell this speciality in Hanoi, but one excellent spot is at 11 Hang Bac Street. Add a bit of chillies, lime juice and shrimp paste (if you dare to try it) and you will sample one of the most stunning street food in Hanoi. 2.3. Egg coffee at Giang Café Giang CaféHead to Giang Café at No. 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street for the best egg coffee in town. Walk through the narrow alleyway to the hidden café to relish a cup of coffee which is a mix of strong black coffee, sweet creamy froth made of egg, condensed milk, as well as other ingredients. Apart from the most famous drink of the café, you may try egg rum, and egg beer which is also totally worth it. 3. Some popular Hanoi Street Food Tours 3.1. Hanoi Street Food – Walking Tour If you want to gain a real insight into Vietnamese food culture including details on the ingredients of the dishes and historical backgrounds of the popular northern dishes, participate in a Hanoi Street Food – Walking Tour. The tour guide will take you on to stroll through the maze of bustling streets to the small restaurants or local street vendors that you may not be able to find by yourself to sample local food. You also have the opportunity to see how the dishes are made as the local chef demonstrates their cooking skill on the street. Pull up a plastic stool and try to eat as locals do. The main characteristic of this tour type is walking to sample local dishes under the guidance of a local or a local expert.  There are a few tour options per day, including morning, afternoon or evening tours, or even full-day tours which are designed for those in the food industry or anyone with an enthusiasm for food. The few-hour tours (morning, afternoon or evening walks) are more popular among travellers as they give visitors to Hanoi an authentic taste of a city in a couple of hours.  3.2. Hanoi Street Food – Vespa/Scooter Tour Hanoi Vespa TourHanoi Street Food – Vespa Tour is also a street food tour but you will be driven on a type of motorbike to taste local food in style. The driver is also the tour guide in the tour. You will be on a Vespa/ Scooter and be taken to sample Hanoi specialities. It promises to be a fun ride as you will have the chance not only to sightsee the city’s highlights but also learn more about Hanoi’s unique food culture, together with savouring delicious Vietnamese cuisine just like the locals do. What differentiates it from Food on foot tour is the motorbike which can take you to the further part of the city that the walking tour may not be able to do. Some Vespa/Scooter Tours may include Hanoi’s major attractions outside of Hanoi Old Quarter.Contact Incredible Asia Journeys now to add this must thing to do in Hanoi into your Vietnam tour packages!

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Things To Do in Hanoi

Things To Do in Hanoi

When you travel to Vietnam, you may choose Hanoi as the first destination before travelling to Central Vietnam and Southern Vietnam. You may choose a hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake. There will be a lot of places to visit and a lot of things to do in Hanoi which you may see below.[incredible_toc]Follow Incredible Asia Journeys to take a screening trip through Hanoi! 1. Top 5 attractions in Hanoi 1.1. Hoan Kiem Lake This small lake between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter is in central Hanoi. As known as the Restored Sword (or Hoan Kiem Lake), refers to a legend of the great Vietnamese hero who led a success against the enemies in the 15th century. You will be recharged and have full energy by the refreshingly cool air of the lake. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you may find the old men playing cheese at the corner while jogging around the lake. Early morning around 5 am every day, you will also see locals practising Tai Chi. There is no doubt, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the top attractions in Hanoi when you travel to North Vietnam. Turtle Tower - A Symbol of Hanoi capital 1.2. Hanoi Old Quarter Listed in the best places for tourists while travelling in Hanoi, visiting Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the best things to do in your free time in Hanoi. The city of Hanoi is an amazingly energetic place that forms harmony within contradicting elements: old world and new world, traditional and modern. One cannot say they have been to Hanoi if they have never visited the Hanoi attractions - Hanoi Old Quarter. Being considered as the heart of the capital– is the oldest as well as the busiest district of Hanoi for centuries. If you do not have enough time to explore Hanoi, we highly recommend you to spend your precious time in Hanoi Old Quarter. White daisy in Hanoi The streets are always alive and bustling. Start the whirlwind day at around 5 am, locals people are out for morning exercise; some people jogging around Hoan Kiem Lake, and some playing badminton or aerobics. The economic activity starts at 06:00 am with restaurants opening for breakfast such as Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi, Banh Cuon, etc. Shopkeepers get ready for the new day as well as street vendors along with local markets and sidewalks of the street. All this goes on till 09:00 pm at nighttime and by 09:30 pm the streets become quiet. The best part of the walk is that you can easily observe how local people are living and you will have a valuable chance to interact with Hanoians.  Have breakfast with Hanoi's Beef Pho 1.3. Ho Chi Minh Complex Ho Chi Minh Complex consists of Ho Chi Minh‘s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Uncle Ho’s House on stilt, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot). This is an important historical place and priceless value to the Vietnamese people. You may learn about Uncle Ho’s life, his contributions to the independence and freedom of the Vietnamese people. The quiet line that forms to view his body in Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is a vision of respect and may even feature a few tears. Ho's mausoleum is open only in the mornings, every day except Monday and Friday. The mausoleum sits in front of Ho's stilt house. Ho Chi Minh Museum Furthermore, you will see the unique architecture of One Pillar Pagoda, which was built in the shape of a white lotus flower in 1049. This is a unique complex with a gorgeous garden and mature trees around will make you feel peaceful and relax when you visit these popular attractions. List it in your notebook for the best things to do in Hanoi. One Pilar Pagoda 1.4. Temple of Literature If you see some tour itineraries you will see that Temple of Literature is always on the list of best places to visit. Temple of Literature - Hanoi‘s symbol of wisdom, talent, and study. As known as the first University of Vietnam, it was constructed in 1070 under Ly Thanh Tong’s dynasty in order to honour Confucius and nowadays to celebrate the doctorates and high-rank scholars of Vietnam. It has five courtyards, which cover 54000 square meters with Van Lake and Giam Park. Each year, there are thousands of students come here and pray for their studies; some pray for a good result on the final exam at University; some pray for a smooth year with luck and health as well. From April to June, you could see many beautiful young ladies in colourful traditional dress “Ao Dai” and boys in suits and ties to take yearbook photos in the Temple of Literature. That is the reason why the Temple of Literature has become one of the best Hanoi attractions.  Temple of Literature 1.5. Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) As known as Hanoi Hilton – nicknamed by U.S pilots during the American War and also in the top list of Hanoi attractions. Hoa Lo Prison was the place to keep the American prisoners in 1990s, including the first Ambassador to Vietnam- Pete Peterson and John McCain – the Republican Nominee of US also arrested here. Covered by the tiny, damp, and dark with the mannequin, which depicted the prisoners and their living in the past. Today, only a small section remains and it is preserved as a museum. Each day, Hoa Lo Prison attracts many tourists come to visit and learn more about the history. Just list it in the best places to visit in Hanoi. Hoa Lo PrisonBelow are some of the best Hanoi City Tours for you to discover beautiful attractions in Hanoi in only one day:Hanoi Motorbike TourHanoi Street Food TourHanoi Scooter Tour 2. Shopping in Hanoi – best things to do in Hanoi When you travel to a new place, new country or everywhere in the world, I am sure that you will think about what to buy and where to shop after exploring the city. Hanoi is not the exception. These places below might help you to find out the interesting about shopping in Hanoi and also is a good idea for things to do in Hanoi. 2.1. Shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter As mentioned above about Hanoi Old Quarter, this is one of the best Hanoi attractions as well as the shopping. You may have before about the 36 Streets- Hanoi 36 Pho Phuong which each street is named after, and often still linked to, the artisanal trade specific to it over centuries ago.  Shopping in the Old Quarter is fantastic. We will start with Hang Gai Street (or Silk Street). This is one of the most popular shopping streets in Hanoi. Located in the North of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Gai has a variety of shops for high-quality silk, fashionable silk materials, traditional Vietnamese costumes, and home decor. You may also see many quality hotels surrounding there with restaurants and crowded people preparing their feet to walk the street to go shopping conveniently. You can pass by the Tan My Design for silk goods or Thao Silk if you would like to do the best and the fastest tailor clothing within a few days.  Shopping in Hang Gai Street 2.2. Shopping in a local market One of the most interesting things to do in Hanoi is to discover the local market. Many people are wondering about what to see in the local market and are it possible to buy anything there or not. There are several local markets such as Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi Weekend Night Market, Hang Da Market, Cho Hom Market or Quang Ba Flower Market are the best 5 local markets recommended for tourists shopping in Hanoi. Some of the markets are indoor and some are outdoor. For example, Dong Xuan Market is the largest indoor market and you will see a wide range of goods from foods, material for producing, kitchen tools, clothes, and souvenirs, and a wet market with fresh fish, birds, prawns, and so on. People normally call Dong Xuan is a wholesale market because of its variety of goods. You could find almost everything from fabrics, school uniforms, handbags, handicrafts, shoes, ceramics goods, etc at wholesale prices. Of course, the quality is not high but sometimes tourists still love the local things and want to try the bargain experience while shopping in Hanoi. Overall, all the local markets are the same with the products there like handbags, clothes, and shoes; however, each market has a different feature such as the Hom Market selling many fabrics, Hang Da Market has secondhand clothing or Quang Ba Market just only has the flower. Hanoi Night Market 2.3. Shopping in the Malls Besides local shopping, tourists also want to purchase high-quality and authentic goods during their vacation in Hanoi. There are many shops in Shopping Malls which has internationally-renowned brands including Zara, H&M, Topshop, Topmen, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Adidas, etc or cosmetics such as Lancome, MAC, Clinique, Neutrogena, etc. You would find these products in Shopping Malls in Hanoi: Trang Tien Plaza, Vincom City Center Hanoi, Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, Hang Da Galleria Shopping Mall, Lotte Centre Hanoi, etc. These Malls are also a complex with Food courts, Cinema and some have Kid areas for playing and parents could go shopping.  Trang Tien Plaza 3. Food in Hanoi When you ask people how their impression of the place one of the first things they will talk about is the food in Hanoi. Billions of people around the world love Vietnamese Cuisine and definitely, Street food in Hanoi is the very interesting things you must try when travelling to Hanoi and be on the top of things to do in Hanoi as well. 3.1. Pho (Noodle soup) A bowl of Pho The very first thing we mention on this list must be Pho. Everyone knows Pho all over the world even in Europe, North America, Australia, or Asia countries; there are many Pho Restaurant with Vietnamese style to serve people who love Vietnamese Cuisine. However, the best place to have Pho originates must be in Hanoi.  Normally, people have Pho for breakfast as a common meal. The broth must be steamed with beef bones in a few hours and flavoured with ginger, star anise, cinnamon, black cardamom. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, the steaming beef broth, flavoured with ginger, star anise, cinnamon, black cardamom, fish sauce, spring onions. After that, you could have a tasty beef pho with beef or chicken Pho. In Vietnamese way, you should squeeze a slice of lime, put more hot chilli, and mix all together then use spoon and chopstick to eat it.  In Hanoi, there are many local restaurants has Pho such as Pho 10 at 10 Ly Quoc Su, Pho Thin at 13 Lo Duc Str for Pho Bo (Beef Pho ). Pho Ga (Chicken Pho) in Pho Tu Lun at 05 Hang Trong Str or Pho Ga Hang Hom.  When you visit Hanoi, do not miss a blow of Pho in your list of food to try in Hanoi and it is one of the must things to do while travelling to Hanoi and Vietnam 3.2. Bun Cha (Kebab rice noodles with fish sauce) Bun Cha Hanoi The second recommendation for you on this list should be Bun Cha. This one is one of the specialities dishes of Hanoi but nowhere else in Vietnam has. Vietnamese usually has Bun Cha for lunchtime. If you walking in the Old Quarter, it is not difficult to find many local restaurants with a small table and plastic chair serving Bun Cha. It doesn’t matter if you eat Bun Cha in Fine-dining restaurant or in a local restaurant, you will always be served by a small bowl of broth which made by fish sauce mix with a little bit of sugar, vinegar, garlic, chili; barbecued pork and a plate of vermicelli (Bun) on the side with a basket of Vietnamese fresh herb. You will also have Vietnamese spring rolls to eat with Bun Cha and add more flavour when tasting this delicious dish.You could find great Bun Cha 74 Hang Quat Str, Bun Cha Tuyet at 34 Hang Than Str or Bun Cha Obama (Bun Cha Huong Lien ) at 24 Le Van Huu St. The price range is from VND 30,000 – VND 55,000 (around USD1.5 -2.5) depends on portion and restaurant. 3.3. Banh Cuon (Stuffed Pancake with Pork) Banh Cuon Vietnamese people have a very special pancake steamed with rice flour and water – Banh Cuon. This cake will be stuffed with minced pork, wood-ear mushroom, and seasoning; put on top with fried shallots and Vietnamese pork paste then you will dip it in fish sauce dressing (a mixture of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar and lime). This dish is also served for breakfast or night meal.If you would like to eat Banh Cuon, you should find these restaurants: Banh Cuon Thanh Van 12-14 Hang Ga Str, Banh Cuon Quang An at 72 Hang Bo Str or Banh Cuon Ha Trung to try Banh Cuon night time. The price is about VND35,000 for a serving (around USD1.5). 3.4. Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette) Banh Mi Vietnam That would be a big omission if we do not mention about Banh Mi in the top 5 best food in Hanoi. Banh Mi or we call Vietnamese baguette. There are two kinds of baguette: Banh Mi Kep (Stuffed baguette) or Banh Mi (Plain baguette). Banh Mi Kep normally stuffed with pate, meat, vegetable, chilli sauce, fried-egg. Plain Banh Mi is just a small one and dipped into condensed milk to taste the butter and sweet flavour in your mouth. Nowadays, many tourists come to Hanoi and immediately find Banh Mi 25 or Banh Mi P to try the best Banh Mi in Hanoi.The price for Banh Mi is not expensive, just around VND25,000- 35,000 for a normal Banh Mi (about USD1.5 -2). You will not disappoint with this healthy and delightful dish once you try it. 3.5. Cha Ca (Turmeric fish and dill) Cha Ca Last but not least, Cha Ca deserve to be on this top 5 must-try food in Hanoi for its unique and spectacular quality. Cha Ca or grilled fish is usually made from sweet water fish fillet such as Catfish, Lentils,... This fillet will be well-seasoned with fresh turmeric, galangal, shrimp paste sauce (mam tom), fermented rice, dills and green onions with the top of peanut. This dish will be served with vermicelli and shrimp paste sauce mix with sugar and lime.You could find the best place to try this speciality in Cha Ca Thang Long at 19-21-31 Duong Thanh Str or Cha Ca La Vong at 14 Cha Ca Str. The price is around VND 145,000 – 165,000 (around USD 6-8). 4. Hanoi Nightlife If daytime we have known some Hanoi attractions, now let’s see things to do in Hanoi at night and how is the Hanoi nightlife with both local people and foreigners. We give you top 5 recommendation for things to do as the below. 3.1. Bia Hoi Ta Hien (Beer Corner) Different from Bui Vien Street in Saigon, Ta Hien Street or people call Beer Corner is the first things on list must-do in Hanoi at night. You could find many young Vietnamese people and tourists sit in low plastic chair on the street side and have fresh draft beer with very cheap price VND 5000 – VND 8000  (about 25 – 30 cent ) or beer in the bottle with good brand name such as Bia Hanoi, Bia Saigon, Tiger Beer, etc with the price is VND 30,000 (about USD 1.5). While sitting there and have a beer, you could order some Vietnamese snack for example steamed peanuts, fermented-pork, French fried with cheese on top then enjoy the music from pub and bars surrounded there and watch people are on their scooter or walking on the street. Ta Hien Street 3.2. Legend Beer Legend Beer is a third-storey bar located in the centre of Hoan Kiem Lake and offers you terrace overlooking down to the street. You could enjoy also an ice cold beer and snack then observe local people on the street with cars and motorbikes.  Legend Beer 3.3. 1900s Le Theatre Bar If you are looking for a local bar then this place will meet your expectation as it is very crowded, full of young Vietnamese people. This place for drinking and dancing, chit-chat won't be a good idea.1900s Le Theatre Bar 3.4. Binh Minh’s Jazz Club Located at the back of Hanoi Opera House, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is a place where Jazz fans can catch live performances in the city. Opening all day, you can enjoy an impressive line-up of local and international acts performing between 21:00 and 23:30 every night. Binh Minh's Jazz Club 3.5. Water Puppet Theater Water Puppet show is one of the typical forms of Vietnamese art which has existed for more than 1000 years. Each show lasts for 50 minutes inside the theatre. You will enjoy the authentic performance of the daily life of Vietnamese’s farmers as well as the folk tales of Vietnamese that are told from generation to generation. Water Puppet Theater

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The weather in Halong Bay in April

The weather in Halong Bay in April

There is no doubt to say that Halong Bay is the most highlighted destination for your Vietnam Tour. With thousands of limestone islands merging from the sea, Halong Bay attracts all travellers to Vietnam and to North Vietnam.[incredible_toc]April is the month which marks the end of Halong Bay’s peak season from a weather perspective; nevertheless, this can come with lower numbers of visitors, together with numerous advantages. Therefore, it can be said that this is Halong Bay at its very best as the weather is warm and pleasant whilst travellers have the chance to enjoy a less–crowded Halong Bay. Halong Bay Cruise HOT deals1. How is the Weather in Halong Bay in April?April is the ideal time to visit Halong Bay as there is a low possibility of storms in comparison with the period of May – September and the weather is reasonably comfortable for outdoor activities. April has a maximum temperature of 27°C and a minimum temperature of 21°C, which makes the average temperature of 23°C. With regard to the rainfall, the average monthly rainfall starts to rise to 57mm falling over an average of 13 days, together with the rise of the average temperature. If you travel to Halong Bay in April, you will experience a full day of sunshine (an average of 8 hours of sunshine each day, considered to be the highest in the year). The average sea temperature is warmer, compared to the previous months, good for swimming at 29°C.With all the favourable conditions as mentioned, it is a great time to discover the ravishing beauty of Halong Bay. Average temperature: 23°CHigh temperature: 27°CLow temperature: 21°CAverage hours of sunshine per day: 8 hoursMonthly rainfall: 57mm over an average of 13 days Average Sea Temperature: 29°C2. What to Do in Halong Bay in April? Halong Bay in April offers you a wide range of interesting activities which you can enjoy in very good conditions such as sightseeing magnificent scenery, savouring stunning fresh seafood, exploring magical caves, swimming in the emerald water, practising Tai Chi on the boat’s top deck, fishing squids at night, as well as sailing through the bay by kayaks or bamboo boat. You can easily find these activities included in almost all the tour packages in Halong Bay.     Most of the cruise companies can arrange for you cruise tours that consist of sleeping on board within the bay. The Halong Bay 2 day-1 night trip is the most popular whilst you may spend 2 nights aboard a cruise to maximize your experience in this World Heritage Site if you have more time. For those who are short on time, the day trip to Halong Bay is not a bad idea. Halong Bay kayakingWhat is great about travelling to Halong Bay in April is the clear sky which is perfect for photo hunters to capture the excellent moments of the bay’s panorama. If natural conservation is your concern, you may venture to Cat Ba National Park which is located near Halong bay to hike and spot rare “Cat Ba languor” monkeys, along with seahawks, hornbills and cuckoos. If you prefer a bird’s eye view over the marvellous bay, the amazing flight by seaplane organized by Hai Au Aviation should be in your consideration.   3. Should or should not visit Halong Bay in April (Pros and Cons)?Obviously, visiting Halong Bay in April comes with many advantages as you can expect warm average temperatures and generally good weather for discovering the bay. First, it is the end of the winter in April in Ha Long Bay, and summer is on its way so the weather is warm and summery, not to mention the lower humidity levels in comparison with the summer months, making April a pleasure time of year to explore the world-famous bay. In addition to that, the relatively warm sea temperature is ideal for enjoying activities like swimming and kayaking. Last but not least, the average monthly rainfall is around 57mm falling over an average of 13 days, which is considerably dry compared to the summer months, making it unlikely that your cruise will be influenced by bad weather. However, travelling to Halong Bay in April has a minor disadvantage. There’s Reunification Day which falls on the 30th of April which often attracts locals arriving in Halong at the end of April. You just need to consider avoiding the locals’ national holiday to have a smooth trip to Halong Bay.    4. How to Pack for the Halong Bay Trip in April? How to fill your suitcase if you join the Halong Bay trip in April? Kindly see the below useful tips when packing for your April trip in Halong Bay:• Bring a hat, a swimsuit, a beach cover-up or large T-shirt,  flip-flops or waterproof sandals, sun cream and sunglasses with you for outdoor activities. • Remember to bring along a light jacket and sweater for some cold days or for the nights when the temperature drops a bit.• If possible, pack prescription, over-the-counter medications, and a first-aid kit, together with insect repellent in a sealable plastic storage bag.• Pack a waterproof bag for your phone or camera. Packing items cleverly for your Halong Bay cruise tour5. Travel Tips for Halong Bay in AprilIn general, April is a perfect month to visit Halong Bay by taking a tour with one of Halong Bay Cruises but you still need to take note of some travel tips which is vital for your upcoming trip in April. • Avoid the last few days in April as it coincides with Vietnam’s Reunification Day; therefore, there will be a large number of local tourists coming to Halong Bay on their holiday and prices may increase slightly.• Pack a swimsuit! Enjoy your time in the emerald water.• Remember to wear suncream, the April sun can burn you quite easily when you participate in outdoor activities. 6. Highly recommended Halong Bay cruises for April There are several ways to experience the spectacular Halong Bay, but the most popular one is on a cruise, and unsurprisingly you can easily book the tours via any travel agency and hotel in Hanoi. To help you to make a wise decision amongst many choices. Below are some highly regarded Halong Bay Cruises for April which are categorized into luxury cruises, mid-range cruises & budget cruises (overnight cruises) and day cruises.6.1. Perla Dawn Cruise - Luxury cruise Recognized as the rising star among luxury cruises in Halong Bay, an overnight trip with Perla Dawn Cruise will not surely disappoint you.Perla Dawn Cruise features 18 luxurious and well-furnished cabins, all with private balcony and as always some stunning food cooked by highly skilled chefs. Guests will be provided with an elite, professional crew, as well as many exciting activities to take up their time including kayaking, tai chi, swimming, and squid fishing.What makes Perla Dawn Cruise outstanding is its unique itinerary. This cruise will take you by luxury van via the new highway to Got Ferry Terminal (Haiphong City) where you will step onto a beautiful boat and head toward Halong and Lan Ha Bay, plus Bai Tu Long Bay (if you join in the 3 day-2 night itinerary). You will have the chance to experience all of the usual Halong activities such as swimming and kayaking with the added bonus of sightseeing a little further out toward the Da Chong, Con Vit, and Gia Luan islets. In addition to be a sailing pioneer to discover Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long - Lan Ha Bay, another advantage when cruising with Perla Dawn Sails is shortening the transfer time to 1.5 hours, instead of 4 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay each way. Perla Dawn Cruise6.2. LaFairy Sails Cruise - Mid-range cruiseMost Halong Bay visitors opt for midrange or budget cruises, but there is still a huge range of price and value for money and LaFairy Sails Cruise is considered to be one of the more affordable cruises in Halong, compared to its competitors. Built-in traditional wooden style with 11 premium balconies and deluxe sea-view cabins, LaFairy Sails is the perfect choice for travellers who want to have their Halong Bay experience in a small boat and a cosy ambiance. With LaFairy Sails Cruise, you will have the opportunity to go swimming into the jade green water, kayak at Ngoc Trai area and explore Me Cung Cave which not many Halong Bay Cruises stop at. After a day full of activity, you savour a beautiful and dreamlike dinner on the top deck under the evening stars in the middle of the peaceful bay whilst enjoying the fascinating traditional music performances. A boutique 4-star cruise which is very attentive to small details, LaFairy Sails is the right option for travellers looking for a great value deal.LaFairy Sails Cruise6.3. V’Spirit Classic Cruise - Budget cruiseAmongst many different cruise lines in Halong Bay, V’Spirit Cruise offers one of the best deals around. Halong Bay offers a wide range of experiences such as visiting the cave, swimming, practising Tai Chi, fishing squids at night, and kayaking; V’Sprit Cruise has them all. Get back to the pier by noon the following day, you will be pleased with the clean accommodation, good food, great service, as well as lasting memories. V’Spirit Classic Cruise houses different kinds of cabins (Deluxe cabin, Premium balcony cabin, Family cabin) so it is suitable for a solo traveller, or whether you are travelling with family, on business or as a couple.V’Spirit Cruise6.4. Incredible Cruise - Day cruise Unlike all the cruises listed above, Incredible Cruise is the Halong Bay day cruise for travellers who are short in time but still want to visit One of the New Seven World Wonders of Nature, Halong Bay. A full-day cruise with Incredible Cruise is one of the very best ways to get a quick glimpse into the ravishing beauty and exotic charm of Vietnam.  Incredible Cruise’s one-day tour follows a traditional itinerary in which you will marvel at stalactites and stalagmites of the magical cave, passing by the Dog Stone, Burning Incense Islet and Fighting-Cock Islet. You will also get the chance to try a daring kayak adventure around Ba Hang fishing village. Along with their usual Halong Bay activities, Incredible Cruise also offers a welcome drink with a tea break including sampling some green bean cake, in addition to two bottles of water per person. The best thing is the price of the tour itself is at the lower end of the spectrum, great for any travellers looking to find good value for their one-day cruise around the bay.Incredible Cruise is the Halong BayChoosing Incredible Cruise among hundreds of Halong Bay day cruises, you will not regret it! Below are some cruise itineraries you may join in Halong Bay:Halong Bay Day TripHalong Bay 2 Day 1 Night CruiseHalong Bay 3 Day 2 Night CruiseYou may join in the different tours with Halong Bay by clicking on the list below:Vietnam ToursVietnam Holiday Packages North Vietnam TourVietnam and Cambodia Tours

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Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay

Accounting for three-quarters of the famous Halong Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bai Tu Long Bay attracts tourists from all over the world with its natural and primitive beauty. It’s still clean, not spoiled and charming without much public attention. When you cruise in here, you may feel like heaven on earth.[incredible_toc] Bai Tu Long Bay with its attractive marine Eco-tours and wonderful natural beauty of stunning beaches is actually an ideal rendezvous for beach lovers. It is considered another secret heaven next to its famous neighbour.Bai Tu Long Bay Overview1. The Legend of Bai Tu Long BayAccording to legend, to protect ancient Vietnam’s border from invaders, Mother Dragon and Child Dragon were sent to help the Vietnamese people against the enemy. These dragons sprayed a large number of pearls turning into thousands of limestone. It became a solid wall that the invaders could not overcome. Because the Mother Dragon and Child Dragon loved spectacular landscapes and appreciated the hospitality of Vietnamese people, they decided to stay there instead of coming back to heaven. Since then, the position that Mother Dragon landed is called Halong Bay, and where Child Dragon stayed is known as Bai Tu Long Bay.Islands in Bai Tu Long Bay2. Things to See & Do in Bai Tu Long BayUp to now, Bai Tu Long Bay still remains its pristine beautiful natural landscape. Taking a cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, You will be impressed by white sandy beaches, the different shapes of islands and the fresh atmosphere here. Seeing mangroves stretching out, clams and shells on the sand may make you feel completely separated from the real world to come back to your peaceful past.Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, you will have a chance to discover a number of amazing attractions including Cong Do Area, Cong Dam Area, Vong Vieng, Cong Dam Floating Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, Da Xep Park, and Tra Gioi Beach. Besides, you can pay a visit to some of the largest, most developed and most populated islands on Bai Tu Long Bay such as Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Cong Dong, and Cong Tay to enjoy and relax on their beautiful beaches.Thien Canh Son CaveThe highlight of Bai Tu Long Bay is Bai Tu Long Bay National Park - one of seven Vietnamese amphibian national parks with both a terrestrial zone and an aquatic zone. The national park was established in 2001 to protect many endangered species of birds, animals, and plants.Bai Tu Long Bay National ParkTo enjoy your interesting time in Bai Tu Long Bay, kayaking will be one of the really good ways to have a closer look at the limestone islands of the bay. You can see the charming islands as well as observe fully the local life of those who live in the floating village. Kayaking will also help you access remote or untouched areas of lovely Bai Tu Long Bay.Besides, you can try to ride bicycles to explore insightful dense forests on the islands. It will be a memorable experience on your wonderful trip to Vietnam.For those who fall in love with swimming and surfing, Bai Tu Long will be one of the perfect choices. There are a few cruise ships and other kayakers, so it will be a wide space for you to enjoy the most interesting experiences in Bai Tu Long Bay.3. Weather in Bai Tu Long BayThere are 2 different seasons in Bai Tu Long Bay, which are the hot and humid summer, and the cold and dry winter. The average temperature fluctuates between 15 °C and 25 °C. If you come to visit Bai Tu Long Bay in summer, you can join many energetic activities including swimming, kayaking, and surfing. However, if you want to avoid the tourist crowds, let's visit Bai Tu Long Bay in the winter. Of course, in both seasons, you can still enjoy the amazing and magnificent scenery of this wonderful Bay.Bai Tu Long in SummerEnjoying the peace on the azure-blue beach as well as breathing in the fresh air, your trip to Bai Tu Long Bay will surely be a long-lasting memory in your life.4. Popular Bai Tu Long Bay ItineraryBai Tu Long Bay is an attraction for a lot of travellers who visit Vietnam and want to travel to a less touristic area. Besides Halong Bay Cruises, there are many Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises you can choose for your trip. Each cruise will have its own itinerary but it follows the route accepted by  Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay Authority. Below is a popular Bai Tu Long Bay Itinerary for 2 days 1 night and Bai Tu Long Bay for 3 days 2 nights.4.1. Bai Tu Long 2-day 1-night itineraryDAY 1: Hon Gai Harbour – Bai Tu Long – Thien Canh Son (L, D)7.30 - 8.00: Our air-conditioned van will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and take you to Hon Gai International Harbour.12.00 - 13.00: At the harbour, we board our traditional red-sail junk boat and set sail towards Bai Tu Long Bay. On the way, feel free to drop off your luggage and enjoy your welcome drink while listening to the captain’s briefing.13.00 - 15.00: Have a relaxing lunch on the calm waters while looking out for the many iconic limestone rock pillars that line the ship's path.15.15 - 15.40: We arrive at Bai Tu Long Bay and begin our explorations, starting with the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.15.45 - 18:00: From here you will head to the white sand at Hon Co island and make the difficult decision to either relax on the beach or discover the surrounding wonders by swimming or kayaking.Swimming in Bai Tu Long Bay18:00 - 19.00: We head back to the junk boat to freshen up for a delectable dinner of traditional Vietnamese food and local island fare.20.00 - 00:00: Spend the evening at your leisure out on the deck watching the various islands silently glide by.DAY 2: Cap La – Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Hon Gai (B, L)07.30 - 08.00: Soak up the morning view of Bai Tu Long Bay as the early light bounces off the shimmering water. Have breakfast in the open air at your own pace.08.30 - 09.30: You will arrive at Vung Vieng Fishing Village by rowboat and discover the local way of life as fishermen cast their nets into the water.Fishing Village in Bai Tu Long Bay10.00: We will head back to the ship to check out of the cabins. Then enjoy An À la Carte Lunch as we slowly cruise back towards the harbour. 11.45 - 12.00: We leave the boat and board our bus for the drive to Yen Duc Village in Dong Trieu Province.14.00 - 17.30: Here we will watch a traditional water puppet show performed by local artists before we head back to Hanoi.Enjoy the sunshine in Bai Tu Long Bay4.2. Bai Tu Long 3-day 2-night itineraryDAY 1: Hon Gai Harbour – Bai Tu Long – Cong Do (L, D)7.30 - 8.00: Our van will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and head towards Hon Gai International Harbour.12.00 - 12.30: Climb an ancient red-sail junk boat to your home for the next 2 nights. 12.30 - 13.00: Enjoy a welcome drink upon checking in and listening to a quick safety briefing.13.30 - 15.00: Take in the astounding rock pillar formations from the deck on the cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay while indulging in a succulent local lunch.15.00 - 17.30: We wind around the plethora of stunning limestone outcrops and head to the ancient Cap La Fishing Village and stunning Tra San Bay which can be explored via swimming or kayaking.17.45 - 19.00: We head back to the junk boat and freshen up for dinner.19.00 - 21.00: Eat a delicious seafood dinner as the night rolls in. Relax on the deck or in your cabin as we drop anchor in the serene Cong Do area for the night.DAY 2: Cap La – Cong Dam – Thien Canh Son Cave (B, L, D)07.30 - 08.00: Take in the morning view of Cong Do with a cup of tea or coffee. A beautiful breakfast will be served in the newly formed shadows of the landscape.08.00- 10:00: The boat will start its cruise to Cong Dam in Bai Tu Long Bay along the rock-sided path.10:00: In the hidden lagoons and open air you can kayak around the stunning geological park of Cong Dam.12:00: We will rest on a hidden beach and enjoy a barbecue lunch.13:30: Climb back aboard as we start the cruise back to Cong Do.16:30: We arrive at Hon Co Island and walk to the well-concealed Thien Canh Son Cave for a thorough exploration of its peaceful interior.17:30: Head back to the boat for a well-earned drink as we cruise back to Cap La.19:00: Have dinner in the sanctity of Cap La as we drop anchor there for the night.Thien Canh Son CaveDAY 3: Cap La – Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Hon Gai (B, L)06:45: Wake up on your final day to breakfast on board as we begin our cruise to the Vung Ha area of Halong Bay.08:00: We arrive at the remarkable Vung Vieng Fishing Village by rustic rowboat and discover a completely different way of life.10.00: We climb back aboard our junk boat one last time to check out of the cabins and set sail towards Hon Gai International Harbour with an accompanying à la carte lunch.11:30 - 14.30: We disembark from the boat and begin our drive to Yen Duc Village, where local artists will display their craft in water puppetry.14.45 - 17.30: We arrive back in Hanoi for the end of the tour.Yen Duc Village

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Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay

Scrolling down to find out the essential information about Lan Ha Bay provided by Incredible Asia Journeys![incredible_toc]1. Lan Ha Bay Overview Lan Ha Bay is located in the east of Cat Ba Island and in the south of Halong Bay. It is easy to take a trip from Hanoi to Lan Bay by car/bus and take a Lan Ha Bay cruise around this beautiful bay to enjoy the most beautiful of the Halong and Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay belongs to Cat Ba Island area in Hai Phong. Because Lan Ha Bay also has hundreds of islands like Halong Bay, people think that it belongs to the Halong Bay area. Lan Ha Bay with around 400 large and small islands has become a paradise for tourists to go kayaking, go swimming or stay overnight in this beautiful bay. Beautiful Lan Ha Bay 2. What to See in Lan Ha Bay? Lan Ha Bay has an isolated appeal with more than 300 karst islands and several white-sand beaches. Cruising in Lan Ha Bay, you will see hundreds of mounts with different shapes depending on your imagination including Hon Guoc (Wooden Shoe Island), Hon Doi (Bat Grotto), etc. Also, you can have a chance to see about 139 beautiful and small sandy beaches of Lan Ha Bay. You will be interested in islands that has a sandy beach between two stone mountains in this beautiful bay. Islands in Lan Ha Bay 3. What to Do in Lan Ha Bay? Go swimming in Lan Ha Bay: The calm and clean water of the small beaches in Lan Ha Bay will be a good place for you to come and swim at Monkey Island or Van Boi Con Island. Swimming in Lan Ha BayDo kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: With hundreds of small sandy beaches and small islands, Lan Ha Bay is a paradise for those who want to do kayaking to explore the wild nature of this area. You can kayak in Cai Beo Floating Village, Van Boi Center, Ba Trai Dao Area or Monkey Island Area... Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay Climb in Lan Ha Bay: There is an International Rock Climbing Center here, so you can book a half or full day tour to climb. It will be an interesting journey for your wonderful trip in Vietnam. Visit Viet Hai Fishing Village and Cai Beo Floating Market: Take a Lan Ha Bay cruise you will have a chance for visiting not only the bay but also the local life of Viet Hai Fishing Village and Cai Beo Floating Market. Cycling in Viet Hai Fishing Village Stay at a private beach in Lan Ha Bay: There are some private beaches that the locals build bungalows for you to stay overnight such as Monkey Island Resort, Sandy Beach Resort, Castaway Bungalow, and Cove Beach Bungalow. You can book one to have a lot of time for your activities in the bay like kayaking, swimming, playing beach volleyball, etc. 4. Lan Ha Bay - When to Visit? Summer in Lan Ha Bay is suitable for swimming and kayaking, so it is the best time for you to visit. You can come in the autumn to have a trip in both Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. However, let be careful with the colder weather and storms in the autumn. Other time the Lan Ha Bay Cruise will be a good option for you.  Summer in Lan Ha Bay 5. How to Get to Lan Ha Bay? 5.1. From the Center of Cat Ba You can travel to Ben Beo to buy the sightseeing ticket and hire a boat to help you reach to the place you want. Also, you can hire a small boat of the locals to explore the places near the coastline of Lan Ha Bay. 5.2. From Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay By local bus or private car Nowadays, that is easy for travellers to visit Lan Ha from Hanoi. With the new highway from Hanoi to Hai Phong, it will take you about 2-hour drive by bus or private car from Hanoi to Got Ferry Port where you will get a ferry to Cai Vieng Port then drive directly to Cat Ba. When you are in Cat Ba that is easy for you to visit Lan Ha Bay by booking a local boat in Cat Ba. From Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay by cruise, By shuttle bus or private car with a luxury cruise package Another way for travellers who want to join in a luxury cruise is visiting Lan Ha Bay with a luxury cruise. With the fast development of tourism, Halong Bay now seems crowded because there are some hundred cruises in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. The trip to Halong Bay with a cruise seems less enjoyable because that is not easy for travellers to find a quiet place for relaxation.  For that reason now there is a good option for the traveller to enjoy the overnight on the best bay in the world – that is an overnight on Lan Ha Bay Cruise. The Lan Ha Bay Cruise shuttle bus will pick you up from Hanoi around 09.30 for 2-hour drive to Got Ferry Port where you will hop on a luxury cruise and enjoy the Lan Ha Bay Cruise for 1 night or 2 night. That is the easy way and convenient way to enjoy the trip in Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay in general ( Lan Ha Bay is a part of Halong Bay) because until now there are not many cruises in this area for visiting a large area so that will be not too crowded to visit this area. You can enjoy the trip in a place of nowhere. From Hanoi to Lan Bay you may take a private car if you do not wish to go by cruise bus. In that case, the private car will pick you up from your hotel to the Got Ferry Port where you will meet the cruise team for enjoying the cruise and the car and driver will wait for you to pick you up after your trip for the transfer to Hanoi. 6. Popular Lan Ha Bay Cruise Itinerary 6.1. Lan Ha Bay 2 day 1 night Cruise  DAY 1: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay Cruise (Lunch/ Dinner) 09:00 – 09:30: Our air-conditioned van will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Hai Phong. 12:00: You will arrive at the bay and be transported to your Cruise, our luxurious cruise ship where you will be welcomed with a complimentary drink. After our quick safety briefing, you are free to check into your cabin. Take the following time to relax or head out to the deck to watch the landscape roll past. 13:15: You will be served a special lunch of fresh seafood and local delicacies. Life doesn’t get much better when dining on local sea produce out in the open water in which it was caught. Following lunch, we will set sail for Lan Ha Bay, passing Da Chong islet where you will see an ancient lighthouse built by the French over a century ago. 15:00: Over 300 karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha greet you in unison on the final part of the day's cruise. Ba Trai Dao beach is one of the many white sand beaches that lie in the shadows of the limestone towers and can be explored via kayaks. Alternatively, you can slip into the crystal clear waters and watch the sea life beneath the surface. 17:00: We return to the ship and prepare for the evening festivities. 17:30 – 18:30: All fans of Happy Hour should head to the bar as we begin our special offers on an extensive list of drinks. 18:00: This free Vietnamese cooking demonstration will teach you preparation techniques for delicious local appetizers. 19:15: Spoil yourself with the unique Signature Dinner in our distinguished restaurant. 20:45 - 00:00: The evening is now yours. Choose to spend it with exotic cocktails and friends as you glide silently past the steadfast rocky giants around you, or opt instead for the indulgent spa service. Alternatively, you can retire to watch movies, try your hand at squid fishing or simply take it all in on our rooftop deck under a fresh night sky. DAY 2: Lan Ha Bay Cruise - Dark & Bright Cave – Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (Light Breakfast/Brunch) 06:30: Morning is a magical time of day on Lan Ha Bay. You can take the chance to participate in our daily Tai Chi sessions on the top deck or watch the stunning scenery stream past with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice. A light breakfast of pastries and beverages follows shortly at 7 am. 7:30 - 9:15: The final stage of your trip is a journey through dark caves and among the remote islets accessible via rowing boats that locals use in their daily lives. The staggering beauty of this World Heritage region will certainly leave long-lasting impressions.  09:30: As we return to the ship, you will check out of your cabin as we cruise back to the mainland. After an early brunch and a final farewell from our crew at 11:30 you will board our transfer boat and head back to the wharf to be met by the bus that will take you back to Hanoi. 6.2. Lan Ha 3 day 2-night Cruise DAY 1: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay Cruise (Lunch/ Dinner) 09:00 – 09:30: Our air-conditioned van will transport you from your hotel in Hanoi to Lan Ha Boat Habour. 12:00: Our luxurious craft awaits you in the beautiful bay. After being welcomed aboard with a complimentary drink our crew will introduce themselves and provide a quick safety briefing. Feel free to check into your cabin afterwards to freshen up for the day. Make sure you leave some time to have a look around the vessel and to soak up the magical landscape as we cruise past. 13:15: A lunch featuring traditional local food will introduce you to the culinary delights of this part of Vietnam. The freshest seafood will be on offer along with beautiful appetizers and drinks. Afterwards, we set sail for Lan Ha Bay, passing an ancient French lighthouse on Da Chong Islet. 15:00: Our trip through the Cua Van area will lead you to Lan Ha, the southern part of world-renowned Halong Bay. The surrounding, remarkable limestone pillar landscape is where the region claims its fame. Take the opportunity to explore Ba Trai Dao beach with a kayak or take a dip in the translucently clear waters of the bay to watch life unfold above and beneath you.  17:00: We will return to the cruise ship to find a place to drop anchor for the night. 17:30 – 18:30: It is Happy Hour at the bar where you can get two for one on a wide assortment of drinks. 18:00: We offer a cooking class on Vietnamese cuisine special to the area. Learn how to make delectable local appetizers out of fish and various exotic fruits and vegetables. 19:15: Enjoy the special Signature Dinner in the restaurant. 20:45 - 12:00: Now is your free time to relax with an exotic cocktail or whatever takes your fancy. Our bar has a wide range of wines, beers and other liquor and is always a welcome sight for guests after a day on the bay. Ordering a calming spa service or indulging in a spot of squid fishing under the cover of a starry sky is the perfect way to unwind. DAY 2: Lan Ha Bay Cruise - Viet Hai Village - Ba Ham Lake (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) 06:30: The early risers on board may want to try their hand at sunrise Tai Chi on the upper deck; an excellent way to boost energy levels in preparation for the day's adventures. Soak up the atmosphere in early morning Lan Ha as the locals go about their age-old routines. 08:00: Enjoy the buffet breakfast with a Vietnamese coffee, traditional iced tea or selection of fruit juices. 09:00: After your feast, you will board our Day cruiser to head to Viet Hai Village. We offer an easy bicycle ride (or an electric car service at an additional cost) along the village path and through majestic rainforests. Rice paddies roll in waves as you continue your journey through picture-postcard Vietnamese scenery before we arrive together in Viet Hai Village. Here you will get a feeling for the ancient ways of life as we visit the old straw and bamboo houses and observe how villagers have adapted to modern life. 12:00: Head back to the boat for your set menu lunch. 13:45: After you have enjoyed another hearty serving of wonderful Vietnamese food, take the option to kayak or swim around Ba Ham Lake, enclosed on all four sides by vertical rocky towers and a scene of pure serenity. 16:00: Back on board your Cruise, take some time to freshen up or relax at your leisure as we cruise to our overnight area, where with luck, you will witness a sunset to cherish. 17:30-18:30: The bar opens again for Happy Hour 18:00: Watch a demonstration by our experts on how to prepare the perfect Nem Ran, traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, before making one for yourself. 19:15: An outstanding choice of local food is on offer for your evening meal. 20:45 – 00:00: In your free time this evening, why not join us for our movie night with a film of your choice?. We also have a selection of board games or as always, our bar is open and is an ideal place to meet new people and share stories of your new adventures. DAY 3: Lan Ha Bay Cruise Dark And Bright Cave – Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (Light Breakfast/Brunch) 06:30: Rise early like a local with another morning of Tai Chi or a saunter around the sun-dappled deck. 07:00 - 9:15: Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries and beverages before climbing into your local rowing boat to spend the last part of your trip at the Dark and Bright Caves, two contrasting grottoes of outstanding natural beauty. 09:30: Upon returning to the boat you will collect your belongings as we cruise back to the mainland. After a final early brunch and a last goodbye from our crew at midday, we will board the bus and make the trip back to Hanoi. Seeing more the cruises in Lan Ha Bay and cruises in Halong Bay to choose the best option for your group.

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Hanoi Nightlife

Hanoi Nightlife

Hanoi nightlife offers a wide range of fascinating things to do and interesting places to go after the sun sets. From wandering around the night market to relishing the local food at street vendors, sipping draught beer, and sightseeing the city’s major landmarks at night, all are worth for your time. Read on to find out what to do in Hanoi at night, the best nightlife in Hanoi, along with some Hanoi nightlife tips not only to experience the best of Hanoi's nightlife but also to see why Hanoi is considered to have one of the best nightlife in Vietnam. [incredible_toc] 1. What to do in Hanoi at night Visiting Hanoi, many travelers will ask the same question "Things to do in Hanoi" or "What to do in Hanoi at night". You may find the answer for your question with some tips for the places to visit and things to do in Hanoi at night below.1.1. Exploring Hanoi Night Market  Hanoi Night Market is one of the worthwhile things to do in Hanoi as it is the good way to touch on the real local life. One of the best attractions in Hanoi is Hanoi Night Market which stretches through some of the busiest streets found in the Old Quarter, comprising Hang Duong, Hang Ngang, and Hang Dao. Hanoi Night Market which is open every night of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from around 7.30pm until late is full of delicious food and local souvenirs, not to mention the exciting live performances.   Another night market needs to be mentioned is Quang Ba Flower Night Market which supplies fresh flowers for Hanoi and nearby provinces. It is open from midnight to the early morning of next day so try to stay awake over this night and stroll around the lively market to enjoy Hanoi nightlife.  Hanoi Night Market 1.2. Walking around the Hanoi City’s major landmarks  Hanoi City’s highlights bring you a different feeling after dark. Considered to be the best attraction in Hanoi, the storied Hoan Kiem Lake attracts people of all ages coming to enjoy the fresh air and participate in an endless range of activities such as walking, jogging, aerobics, and daydreaming. Especially, the roads around Hoan Kiem Lake are blocked on weekend evenings, to turn them into the walking streets, creating a wonderful festival vibe all around the charming lake. After a short lakeside walk, you can head to Hanoi Opera House which offers the stunning view at night. It also hosts regular shows by Vietnam's National Symphony Orchestra, along with a twice-weekly modern dance show called Lang Toi (My Village). Hanoi Opera House 1.3. Savouring Hanoi street food Hanoi is very famous for its street food, especially local dishes in the evening. Just try to wander around the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter to sample some local specialities, you will see that is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. You may take a walk by yourself or follow a local expert to experience the real Hanoi Street Food through taste under the guide. It can be said that Hanoi nightlife is one of the best in Vietnam thanks to its street food.Hanoi Street Food is offered by different companies and you may join in different itineraries. You may discover the street food in Hanoi by walking or staying on the back of a motorbike arranged by a local company. You will see that Hanoi is the paradise of food and not many places in the world have the great street food like street food in Hanoi. You may book a Hanoi street food tour easily through. Hanoi Street Food 1.4. Trying Hanoi Local Beer Conveniently enough, Hanoi Old Quarter is the perfect spot to drink a glass (or two) of o beer. Bia Hoi is the most famous for Hanoi Local Beer and it is popular with the local people. When you walk on the street in Hanoi or around it is not difficult for you to see “ Bia Hoi” in most of Hanoi corners. The most famous place in the Hanoi Old Quarter is Bia Hoi Corner, which is the junction of Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien Streets. Pull up a tiny plastic stool, order, and then try a glass of "Bia Hoi" which costs you approximately 25 cents a draft, adding some snacks from the vendor, you will get a unique experience in Hanoi at nightfall. Hanoi Beer corner 1.5. Having drinks at a bar/ nightclub in Hanoi Another suggestion about Hanoi nightlife is enjoying a couple of drinks at a local bar or nightclub. The city’s vivid bars and lively nightclubs are conveniently located around Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy great music, an exciting atmosphere, as well as make new friends with fun-loving locals and expats. The interesting thing about experiencing the bar or nightclub in Hanoi is you can sit at the bar near the door to drink, chat with friends, along with watching the people walking on the streets.   Night Club in Hanoi Old Quarter 2. Best nightlife in Hanoi  2.1. Bia Hoi Junction  A “must-come” for any first-timer to Hanoi, Bia Hoi Junction is widely regarded as the best nightlife spot not just only in Hanoi, but also in Vietnam. This bustling beer corner is open throughout the day and until late at night, giving you the view of hundreds of people sitting on tiny plastic stools with a glass of Bia Hoi in their hands. If you do not like to sit on the pavement, you may choose a bar that sells soft drinks and imported beers such as Tiger, and Corona. In addition to that, many stalls selling a wide range of snacks such as steamed peanuts, skewered meats, fried tofu, and beef jerky are available on the street. Ta Hien Beer Corner 2.2. Water Puppet Theatre The Water Puppet Show is a “must-see” show that has gained its reputation all over the world, so it is a rare treat to watch the performance in the place where it originated at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This world-famous theatre is one of the best attractions in Hanoi with tickets usually sold out in advance so it is highly advised to purchase the tickets as soon as you reach the town. Watching the unique show which is performed on the water stage will surely be a memorable experience in Hanoi.  Water Puppet Show is one of the best Hanoi nightlife clients want to see while visiting Hanoi. Water Puppet Show in Hanoi 2.3. Binh Minh’s Jazz Club Another Hanoi nightlife spot that needs to be mentioned is Binh Minh’s Jazz Club which is the place to see live music shows performed by several of the finest jazz musicians in the city. Features minimal decoration, warm lighting, cozy seats, and excellent service, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is great for escaping from the busy cityscape as it also offers a welcoming yet intimate ambiance. Though the drinks cost more in comparison with most bars in Hanoi, it is totally worth it due to the live jazz that takes place from 21:00 to 23:30 every night. Binh Minh Jazz Club 2.4. Hanoi Press Club Hanoi nightlife offers fun things to do with different service levels, from beer corners for low-budget travelers to upscale bars/ pubs for those who do not mind paying more. Hanoi Press Club is a great example of this bar type. Offers a sophisticated ambiance and outstanding service, a well-stocked bar with stunning wines and cocktails, together with some delicious bar snacks, Hanoi Press Club is perfect for people looking for a relaxing time. Live music performances are available from Thursday to Sunday, not to mention a special buy-one-get-one-free on selected drinks choices every Thursday.  Hanoi Press Club 3. Hanoi nightlife tips After getting to know what to do and where to go in the place with one of the best nightlife in Vietnam, below are some Hanoi nightlife tips that are very useful to make your trip to Hanoi Capital City fulfilled and perfect.  If you visit Hanoi Night Market or Hanoi Walking Street on the weekend evenings, why don't you try some Hanoi Street Food to get energy for a night full of fun and exploration? Surely, Hanoi offers street food with diversity, but not about hygiene. It is better to participate in a guided walking street food tour with a local expert as your tour guide knows very well where to eat good and clean food. Some crowded places such as Hanoi Night Market or Bia Hoi Corner may sometimes have pickpockets so be mindful of your personal belongings. It is highly advised to leave your passports and your valuable jewelry in your hotel’s safe. Though it is safe to stroll around the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter at night, it is best to avoid the dark alleyways after 10 pm. Should you like to purchase some souvenirs or handicrafts at Hanoi Night Market, Incredible Asia Journeys recommended to bargain as the sellers may quote you a higher price. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask us about booking tours, accommodations, and cruises!

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Sapa Tours From Hanoi

Sapa Tours From Hanoi

Sapa Tours from Hanoi is the best way for you who want to visit Sapa. Sapa Tours are the best tours when you visit North Vietnam. If you love adventurous traveling by hiking or trekking, Sapa Tours from Hanoi would be one of the best options for you. Joining Sapa Tours is a great way to know more enjoy the landscape and learn more about local life there. Travel to Sapa and you will see that is amazing to do it. Located 350 km far north-west of Hanoi City Center, Sapa is the Capital of Lao Cai Province, where you can witness the most breathtakingly beautiful mountainous town in the north of Vietnam. Joining a tour in Sapa, you will have a valuable chance to communicate with the ethnic minorities here and gain a deeper understanding of their local life.[incredible_toc]1. How to Get to Sapa from Hanoi?There are some ways for you to get to Sapa from Hanoi and it can be by bus, car, or train. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of going by this kind of vehicle? You may find the answer to your question below depending on your request, budget, and interest.1.1. Bus to SapaTo join in any of Sapa Tours from Hanoi there are some different ways. As you may know, the bus is a common transportation that people choose to move from place to place with the best cost. From Hanoi City Center, you also could catch a bus to Sapa and it can be a day bus or a night bus depending on your schedule. It takes about 06 hours from Hanoi to Sapa (including the short break in the middle way). Normally, the price depends on the size, type or standard of the buses, Limousine or just normal bus, sleeper bus, or soft seat bus.You could travel by a night bus to Sapa with Inter Bus Lines at 10:30 pm and arrive at 03:50 am the next day, the pick-up point is at 110A Tran Nhat Duat Street. You also could go by Hung Thanh bus at 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm and the pick-up point is at Gia Lam Station (it is about 30 minutes away from The Old Quarter). Almost all the buses will depart at 07:00 in the morning with the pick-up point in the Old Quarter and arrive in Sapa at 13:00. You could also request the bus to pick you up at your hotel; however, the pick-up time will be earlier at around 06:15 – 06:30 then the buses will go to the meeting point for departing.Bus to Sapa1.2. Train to SapaThe second choice for you to get to Sapa is an overnight train to Sapa from Hanoi. Some people want to have an interesting experience with the train in Vietnam to enjoy the beautiful sceneries on both sides of the train while traveling. Furthermore, some people also believe an overnight train to Sapa is more comfortable and safer than traveling by bus or car.Schedule and price for overnight train to for your and of Sapa Tours from Hanoi: There are 4 main sleeper train schedules leaving from Hanoi Center at Tran Quy Cap Station gate (the western entrance of Hanoi Railway Station): SP1 at 21:10 arrive at 05:25, SP3 at 21:50 arrive at 06:15, SP5 at 19:40 arrive at 04:20 and SP7 at 20:35 arrive at 04:55. You will spend 8 hours and a half on a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai Station then transfer about almost an hour from Lao Cai station to Sapa Town by private car or bus.  Along the way, there are many beautiful sceneries of mountain ranges for you to take some photos as well. With those schedules, you may use some good operators with more private cabins (2 berths or 4 berths) including Livitrans, Sapaly, Fansipan, King Express, Chapa Express, Orient Express, or Victoria Express with the higher price. For standard cabin is from USD30$ - USD40$/way ticket and the luxury cabin is from USD80$- USD150$.Compared to the other trains in Vietnam the train to Sapa has different choices from the standard train to the luxury train for you to choose. Enjoy your Sapa trip by experiencing a train.Night train to Sapa1.3. Private car/van to SapaIf you travel with a group, or family or even just want to have your private area, Doing a Sapa Tour with a private car/van would be the third option for you to get to Sapa. You will have more space to put your luggage along with you or chitchat with your companions. Especially if you are a businessman, the private car for your Sapa Trip is a good choice to get to Sapa if you want to work on the way if you have to.You could book a private car with your travel consultant. The driver just cannot understand simple sentences enough to communicate with you. The price depends on how long you will stay in Sapa and how much you do the trip in Sapa but we advise you to use the package tour with a tour guide for more convenience. Normally the price includes the parking fee, petrol, and tolls fee. The duration of the private car would be around 5.5 hours and it is almost the same as the bus. You could leave at 07:30 am or 08:00 am from Hanoi for a good tour schedule but that depends on your schedule. So how to get to Sapa depends on your budget, needs, and your interests of experience.Private car/van to Sapa2. Sapa Tours from Hanoi Itinerary2.1. Sapa Tours by bus/Luxury Van/Private carFor your convenient duration, you could consider the Sapa Tour 2 days and 1 night by bus or the Sapa Tour 3 days 2 nights as well. It doesn’t matter if you travel by bus or private car, you should be ready in the morning to start Sapa trips. If you travel by bus to Sapa, you could request a pick-up at your hotel and they will come to pick you up at around 06.15 am – 06.45 am depending on each bus and their schedule as well. If you travel to Sapa by private car, the tour guide and driver will come at around  07:30 am to pick you up for the transfer from Hanoi to stunning Sapa. Otherwise, you could just go with the driver and you will meet your tour guide in Sapa upon your arrival. Duration to get to Sapa by private car/van takes approximately 5-6 hours on the highway. You will have a short break in the middle way. 2.2. Popular Sapa ToursSapa Tours 2 days 1 night Sapa Tours 2 days 1 night is an option for many clients visiting Sapa or by train. The first day will be easier, after arriving at Sapa Town, you will check in at your hotel and then visit Cat Cat Village- one of the age-old villages of the H’Mong ethnic minority with their specific customs and daily activities. It is a good time for you to take some photos here, talk to the locals and have a remarkable experience.  After finishing Cat Cat village exploration, you will come back to your hotel, take a res,t and spend your free time in the evening to discover the town of Sapa. There are several restaurants wite special dishes such as Clamped-under-the-armpit pig, Meo Cabbages, and Salmon in Sap. Nevertheless, barbecued stick meat, fish, and veggies on the street are an attraction to travelers who visit Sapa. The more time you spend on discovering about the place, the more special things you see. On the second day of Sapa Tours you may spend your time trekking to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages where Black H’Mong and Zay hill tribes live. You could have a chance to trek along local paths and enjoy the wonderful view of the terraced rice paddy fields on the way. Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages are located in Muong Hoa Valley – one of the most spectacular villages where offered you the gorgeous panorama views facing by the river and backed by the mountain. Here you will absolutely relax and commune with nature by feeling the fresh air, seeing their tribal life, and interact with ethnic minorities. In the afternoon around 15:00, you will get back to your bus private car to go back to Hanoi. You finish the Sapa Tours 2 days 1 night.Terrace rice paddy field in SapaSapa Tour 3 days 2 nightsIn case you choose Sapa Tour 3 days trip, you can stay overnight in the Sapa hotel or homestay then you will have one more day in Sapa to visit Ma Tra Village, Silver Waterfall, or Fansipan Peak with the cable car to admire the most breathtaking of “The Roof of Indochina”. Sapa Tours day trip will bring you the best experience for learning about the local life in the mountainous area.2.3. Sapa Tours by TrainAs mentioned before, if you would like to have a unique experience of transportation while enjoying a Sapa tour in Vietnam, traveling by train is a good option for your trip to Sapa. Different from a bus/private car, the night train will depart at around 21:30 so you have to move from your hotel to the Hanoi Railway Station at 20.30 for check-in. Traveling by train to Sapa will give you bumpy feeling but it is safer and you will have experience on the local train in Vietnam. You will arrive at Lao Cao Station at around 05:00, our tour guide will pick you up, and transfer you to Sapa Town by private car (estimated 35 km). Along the way, there are many beautiful sceneries of mountain ranges for you to take some photos. It is very flexible with the itinerary for Sapa, similar to a bus or private car, you could do the Sapa Tour 2 days 1 night or Sapa Tour 3 days 2 nights. You may trek to Cat Cat, Lao Chai- Ta Van Villages or Ham Rong (Dragon Jaw Mountain) or Ma Tra Villages – a rural village that less touristic like the others. There are nearly 50 homes living here and most of them are the H’ Mong tribe minority people. Your tour guide may take you to see the small primary school meet little children here and you will have time discovering the village and have an overall view of the tribal culture and custom. They earn their living by using their craft such as carving silver; weaving brocade, silk and some of them make decorated cloth to sell on the main street in the centre of Sapa.You will have an opportunity to learn about their living by growing rice and corns on terraced fields, make traditional handicrafts or cotton cultivation and unique fabrics. Sapa tours by train is a popular choice for many clients from long time ago because in the past it was the best way or doing a Sapa Tour from Hanoi.Love Market in Sapa3. Sapa Accommodation for Sapa trip3.1. Hotels in SapaOne important part of your Sapa trip must be accommodation. There are a hundred hotels in Sapa, hostels, resorts, and homestays from standard to luxury service. You could find good hotels, Sapa Dragon, U Sapa, Sapa Legend Hotel & Spa to the Luxury resort include Sapa Highland Resort, Topas Ecolodge, Jade Hill Resort & Spa, Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa, Spa Victoria Sapa, etc. Each hotel in Sapa has air-conditioning, hot water, and all the services as same as a hotel in the city with the splendid view to the mountain of Sapa would be a great choice for you to relax after your long day trip.Hotel in Sapa3.2. Sapa HomestayBesides hotels, another option for those who do not want to avoid the noise from the street and want to stay in the village with local people is the homestay in Sapa. Nowadays, many travellers when visiting Sapa stay in Sapa homestay. Homestay could be in Ta Phin Village, Ta Van Village or Lao Chai Village depends on the itinerary. With the homestay in Sapa, you will have a valuable opportunity to know more about the local’s daily life, listen their sharing about how they could earn their living in and learn more about the cultural diversity of the village local and other hills tribes living nearby while helping them to prepare and enjoy the dinner with. Staying in Sapa homestay would be an unforgettable memory because you will feel their warmest hospitality and friendliness from the host and atmosphere like your family. This definitely different from the hustle of city life or in Western countries. Enjoy your Sapa trip with the Sapa homestay.Read more: Sapa Travel GuideSapa Homestay

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