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Best Tourist Attraction in Ho Chi Minh City

Best Tourist Attraction in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Sai Gon, is the most populated city in Vietnam with a population of approximately 100 million people. It is also one of the most commonly visited destinations in Vietnam which welcomes about 30 million tourists in the year 2022.[incredible_toc] So, if you wonder "Is Ho Chi Minh City good for tourists?" The answer is YES. Then Are you curious about what makes this city an interesting destination? Let’s find out the 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City in this article. 1. Ben Thanh Market One of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is shopping in Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Thanh Market is a good choice, a symbol and one of the largest markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh Market is located in the city center, all 4 lanes are bordered by big roads. Founded in the 17th century, this place was created by vendors near the Saigon River. The market is a place to trade, exchange, buy, and sell goods and a tourist destination that attracts many tourists, especially foreign ones. Ben Thanh Market In particular, the Ben Thanh market is a long-standing attraction of Ho Chi Minh City, so all services are quite regular, and there is no phenomenon of attracting visitors. Address: Le Loi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Opening hours: 6:00 to 24:00 every day. 2. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, also known as Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, is one of the few remaining Catholic strongholds in Vietnam and is also considered the one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral This cathedral is distinguished by its European architecture that combines both Gothic and Roman styles with red brick walls and vibrant stained-glass panes. Two bell towers, each 60.5m high, and 6 bronze bells were added in 1895. The appearance of these bell towers increases the unique architectural value of the church. The church is not only the living sanctuary of the Diocese of Saigon but also the pride of the city's people. In addition, around the church campus is a culinary paradise with delicious fruit cakes, fried foods, salads,... for you to enjoy. Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00 every day. 3. War Remnants Museum War Remnants Museum, one of the most famous museums in Vietnam, holds memories related to the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War in Vietnam. War Remnants Museum This museum has more than 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films, of which more than 1,500 documents, artifacts, and films have been introduced to the public. In this museum, visitors have the opportunity to see a lot of military equipment of the US and Vietnamese troops in many rooms from the legendary AK 47, UH-1 helicopter to the M48 tank, T-tank 54. In particular, visitors can see the "tiger cage", where political prisoners of the South Vietnamese army are kept. In addition, they can view many photos of the Vietnam War, including black and white ones. Visiting this museum is a must-do in Ho Chi Minh City. Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 07:30 – 18:00 every day. 4. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts The next best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam you should add to your itinerary is the Museum of Fine Arts, a famous art museum in the city. This place belonged to Hui Bon Hoa, a famous rich merchant in Saigon at that time; and was designed and built by French architect Rivera in 1929.  Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts The museum is about 3,514m2 wide with more than 20,000 works of art from many parts of Vietnam. The first floor has an art gallery displaying national and international art. The second floor features both paintings and sculptures by Vietnamese and foreign artists while the third floor displays a collection of art from the 7th to early 20th centuries. Today, this place has become one of the ideal destinations for tourists when visiting Saigon. You should visit here to see this museum's many valuable and fascinating works of art and paintings. Address: 97A - Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Monday). 5. Cu Chi Tunnel As one of the best places to visit near Ho Chi Minh City, this 75-mile tunnel is a real “witness” of the massive war in Vietnam. It tells tourists about the strong will of Vietnamese people and soldiers when competing with the giant US for nearly 20 years. Cu Chi tunnel In Cu Chi, there are two different tunnel display sites, namely Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. To experience a unique thing, visitors can crawl around in the tunnels in safe conditions. Besides, Cu Chi also has a shooting range for tourists to enjoy the strange feelings. The price for a bullet ranges from $1.1 (CARBIN) to $1.8 (AK 47 and M60).  Address: 45 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00 every day.Click on the links to see our best tour of the Cu Chi TunnelsExotic and Historical Southern VietnamThe Tropics and History of Ho Chi Minh CityBest Journey To Discover VietnamBest Vietnam Explore Itinerary 6. Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum Nha Rong Wharf is a place imprinted with the image of Ho Chi Minh - the old father of the nation who went to find a way to save the country, a witness to the two great wars of resistance against the French and the Americans, also a destination not to be missed when traveling Saigon. Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum Here are currently displaying thousands of artifacts and documents both inside and outside related to the history and career of Uncle Ho's revolutionary activities. Through learning about the museum, visitors will somewhat understand more about the history of the nation, and the process of defending the country for the people of Uncle Ho, thereby feeling more love and remembrance of his merits. Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4. Opening hours: 7:30 am - 11:30 am; 13h30 - 17h00 (Tuesday to Sunday). 7. The Independence Palace The Independence Palace or the Reunification Convention Hall is a witness to the historical transfer between the two regimes and is associated with the history of the Vietnamese nation. This used to be the working place of the government apparatus of the Republic of Vietnam and is also one of the special national monuments. The Independence Palace This is one of the popular places in Ho Chi Minh City associated with the nation's history. The building is designed in the style of Asian architecture mixed with classical and modern elements. Coming here, you will be able to see firsthand the ancient items and monuments marking the time of independence. Especially on the occasion of April 30 and September 2 every year, the Independence Palace attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world to visit. Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1. Opening hours: 7:30 am - 11:00 am and from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. 8. Saigon Opera House Certified as a national relic in 2012, the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon Municipal Opera House, stays on top of the must-visit Ho Chi Minh City attractions.  Saigon Opera House Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 by the French architect – Eugene Ferret in the Belle Epoque style. Inside the building, it has a main seating floor with two levels of seating above which can accommodate up to 1,800 people. Today, the building has so many modern devices like electric appliances, lighting, sound systems, and safety equipment. The Opera House is surrounded by new plazas which allow you to combine a trip to the Opera House with a shopping tour. Address: 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Monday). 9. Saigon Central Post Office The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office or Saigon Central Post Office is the main post office and one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. The building was built around 1886 - 1891 by the French architect Alfred Foulhoux. Inside the post office, its structure is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and French styles. Step inside, the building is big with lots of space. The ceiling is designed in an arc shape with two rows of steel columns. All the pillars in the front hall of the building are exquisitely decorated. This makes the building look more stable and larger. Saigon Central Post Office Post offices have all kinds of traditional postal services such as mailing, and selling postcards or stamps. Foreign currency exchange is also available. Inside the post office, you can buy souvenirs or write letters on wooden tables. Through many historical events, this post office still stands and plays an important role in the city's history. If you want to know more about the unique structure of the French colonies and the history of Saigon, then this place should not be missed! Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00 every day.Click on the links to see our best tour of Ho Chi Minh CityLuxury Tour Discover Beauty Of VietnamHanoi To Ho Chi Minh DiscoveryAuthentic Vietnam Itinerary 2 WeeksAuthentic Vietnam ExplorationHighlights Of Vietnam Holiday Package 10. Nguyen Hue Walking Street Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a tourist destination in Saigon at night that is especially popular with young people. This street was built in April 2005, 670 m long and 64 m wide, paved with granite stone and two large fountains. Surrounded by a system of trees, electric lights, sounds, etc., making it really sparkling. Just come to the people and tourists come here to take a walk and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, on weekends, there are also interesting music exchange programs for young people.  Nguyen Hue Walking Street Address: Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 24/24. 11. Bui Vien Street If Hanoi has Ta Hien Beer Street, Saigon has Bui Vien Street, so if you have the opportunity to wander this city, you must definitely visit here. Bui Vien Street is an extremely attractive destination with many entertainment activities and unique street food. The lively performances of live music, pubs, bars,... are easy to attract others. Perhaps this is one of the great places for you to feel the soul of a land that many people still call the city that never sleeps. However, Bui Vien Street is only open to serve residents and visitors on weekends only! Bui Vien Street Address: Bui Vien - Pham Ngu Lao - De Tham, District 1.Opening hours: 19:00 to 2:00 (All day) 12. Ho Chi Minh Starlight Bridge The Starlight Bridge is probably a famous tourist attraction in Saigon, dubbed the most beautiful bridge of the city. The bridge is located between Crescent Lake and the canal in Phu My Hung urban area, designed with a 7-color LED system, and a sprinkler system on both sides, giving anyone coming here the feeling of walking on the Galaxy. Standing on the bridge to enjoy the view or relax is also great. In addition, at the two ends of the bridge, there is a large, green square with ready-made stone chairs, which is also an ideal entertainment space. Ho Chi Minh Starlight Bridge Address: Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, District 7. Opening hours: All day. 13. Dam Sen Park If you are looking for a weekend destination, Dam Sen Park is a perfect choice for you. The park was built on an area of more than 50 hectares, divided into Dam Sen Water Park and Dam Sen Cultural Park. This place is like an entertainment paradise, where you will experience countless interesting activities that very few places in Saigon have. Dam Sen Park has both wet and dry Dam Sen areas with many interesting games.  Dam Sen Park Coming to the water park, you will immediately feel a green "oasis" with 36 modern water game devices, and a cool wave pool of 3,000 m2, promising to give you and your family the most refreshing and relaxing moments. The cultural park (also known as Dam Sen Dry) gathers many terrestrial games from thrills to light, including duck pedaling, etc., suitable for both adults and children. Address: No. 3 Hoa Binh, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh. Dam Sen Kho ticket price: 160,000 VND/adult, 100,000 VND/child, package 300,000 VND/adult, 220,000 VND/child. Dam Sen Nuoc ticket price: 220,000 VND/adult, 180,000 VND/child (1.4-0.8m), under 0.8m free. 14. Suoi Tien Theme Park This is an entertainment complex, built with a combination of national cultural elements. Since its establishment, this destination has always attracted a large number of tourists, especially on holidays and weekends. This is a famous entertainment destination that attracts many tourists. Suoi Tien Theme Park With only one entrance ticket, you will be able to visit historical works for free, watch parade shows, convergent quartet shows, general music, etc., and experience interesting games such as Star Wars boat, super speed car racing, watching 4D, 9D movies, laser shooting, ... or explore Phung Hoang Tien, snow castle, magic castle, unicorn bow and lots of other strong senses games. The park also has activities suitable for children's ages. Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9. Ticket price: 150,000/adult, 80,000/child from 1 to 1m4, under 1m free. 15. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden Located in the city center, right at the end of Le Duan street, the Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the tourist attractions in Saigon for children that you cannot visit if you are traveling with your family. With 1,000 animals around the world and more than 2,000 plants and flowers along with the game area, which gathers dozens of games such as trams, planes, birds, fishing, spinning horses, trains, … ideal for children to learn while playing. Moreover, the large green space also helps you dispel the heat of the South. That is the reason that each year the Zoo and Botanical Garden welcomes over 2 million visitors. Saigon Zoo And Botanical GardenAddress: No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 16. Can Gio Ecotourism Area Can Gio is a coastal district of Ho Chi Minh City and is the only place in this city that has a sea. It also has mangrove forests and island communes and countless other interesting things. Coming to Can Gio on weekends or holidays, you will get away from the hustle and bustle of crowded urban places, immerse yourself in the cool seawater, enjoy a wonderful resort space keeping nature in the fresh air, peaceful, and enjoy fresh seafood. This destination is about 50 km from Saigon, so you can go back in a day, but if you have time, you should spend 2 days exploring this coastal district with places such as Monkey Island, Vam Sat tourist area, Thanh An island commune, … Can Gio Ecotourism Area Address: Rung Sac, Long Hoa, Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City. 17. Buu Long Pagoda Another beautiful tourist destination in Saigon that many people, especially pilgrims can hardly ignore, can admire the Buu Long pagoda with its extremely splendid but equally sacred architecture. The pagoda is located about 25 km from the city center, was established in 1942, invested and restored in 2007 in the style of a combination of Thai, Indian culture, and Nguyen Dynasty architecture. The temple has the same structure as a Thai temple. Buu Long Pagoda The overall temple is like a palace with the main white color, the blue color scheme at the top resembles the temple architecture in the land of golden pagodas. Other details are also displayed and the design is very sophisticated and unique. That is why many people call this temple Thailand. With a location in the middle of a green hill, visitors come not only for pilgrimage and meditation but also to admire the scenery and take pictures of "virtual life". Address: 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh, District 9 18. Jade Emperor Pagoda The Jade Emperor Temple is a Taoist and Buddhist temple. This is one of the most beautiful and airy pagodas in Saigon. The structure of the temple can be divided into two distinct parts: the courtyard and the interior of the temple. In the first half of the courtyard, there is a small tower with a statue of the Dharma Protector, a Buddhist philosopher. After this first part is a small pond with many turtles and benches. The final part of the courtyard, known as the incinerator, is a chimney-shaped structure where worshipers can burn paper whose smoke is said to reach their ancestors in heaven. Jade Emperor Pagoda The inside of the pagoda displays many works of art with a set of about 300 ancient statues, including 100 statues made of wood and cardboard, representing the meeting of the gods with the Jade Emperor in the temple. The temple's worship area consists of three compartments, the main hall and two outer compartments. The main shrine worships the Jade Emperor, Buddha, and gods. The largest statue in the temple is the Jade Emperor meeting the gods. Travelers who have trouble in real life can come here to pray and see beautiful sights that can help them feel more balanced and relaxed. Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00 every day. 19. Landmark 81 Saigon Opened in 2018, Landmark 81 is still a hot-hit tourist destination in Saigon. Landmark 81 is a skyscraper in the entertainment and shopping complex Vinhomes Central Park, it was once known as the tallest building in Vietnam. At the same time, this is one of the beautiful check-in places where young people race to take pictures.  Landmark 81 Saigon As soon as it was "launched", this address quickly attracted young people. There are a lot of fancy corners here. The most prominent of which is the highest facade with glossy glass doors. Besides, the pedestrian bridge at Landmark 81 to the park and the parking garage, the giant archway near Starbucks is also a very cool virtual living corner. Address: Vinhomes Central Park, 208 Nguyen Huu Canh, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District 20. Nguyen Van Binh Book Street Another check-in point not to be missed when traveling to Saigon is Nguyen Van Binh Book Street. Not only attracts young people to buy books, but this street is also a familiar place for weekend meetings and "virtual life" photography. The book road has become a virtual living place for many young people. Nguyen Van Binh Book Street Located right next to Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street was built with an open space, giving visitors the freedom to visit and enjoy the reading culture of the Vietnamese people. Although only 100m long, the bookstores are close together with a very beautiful style, with the shade of green trees creating an extremely poetic virtual living background. So if you want to have thousands of likes, don't miss this address! Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe, District 1 Although some of the above places are still not all, they are one of the clear highlights not only about entertainment and entertainment but also the culture and history of one of the busiest cities in Vietnam. Hopefully, with the above sharing, you will have interesting places before exploring Ho Chi Minh City. Incredible Asia Journeys is here to assist you with a hassle-free tour!

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Best Sapa travel guides for First-Timers

Best Sapa travel guides for First-Timers

As the tourist cradle of Northwest Vietnam, Sapa always impresses visitors with its majestic mountain scenery. Coming to Sapa, people will be surprised by the towering peak of Fansipan - the roof of Indochina. Visitors will be able to go from one surprise to another because each season Sapa wears a new shirt, the scene is different in every season. Sapa in the rainy season is green, like a giant mirror in the Northwest, in the ripe rice season, Sapa wears a fresh yellow shirt. Sapa is like that, like a beautiful 17-year-old girl, making people want to return. Follow us in this Sapa Travel Guide to not miss any Sapa attractions![incredible_toc] 1. Conquer Fansipan Peak - Roof of Indochina Fansipan - the place known as the "roof of Indochina" is always of the top tourist activities that are hard to ignore when coming to Sapa. It is known that the most ideal time to conquer Fansipan Peak is from September to April of the following year. This is the time frame that the weather and climate in Fansipan is the most stable, with little rain and cool. Conquer Fansipan Peak - Roof of Indochina If you can't climb the mountain road, don't worry, the cable car is a convenient alternative. From the cable car cage, you can have an impressive panoramic view of Hoang Lien Son range and Muong Hoa valley. Don't miss the Bamboo Garden, Bao An Zen Monastery, Bich Van Zen Monastery, shopping area, etc. located in Fansipan Legend area. 2. Climb to Ham Rong Mountain Ham Rong Mountain is an ideal place to visit, located right next to the central town of Sapa, built on an area of about 150 hectares. The name is based on the shape of a "super giant" rock that rises high into the blue sky shaped like a dragon's head. People compare Ham Rong to a "small Sapa" because it always changes its color according to each season of the year.  Climb to Ham Rong Mountain The more steps you go up, the more you can discover beautiful scenes such as the orchid garden, heaven gate, and peach garden. Visiting Ham Rong mountain, you can also explore many kinds of plants and see countless rocks with different shapes. It has a distinct color at any time of the year. However, if you have the opportunity to travel to Sapa on your own in the spring, this is the most beautiful season when the trees are sprouting buds and spreading the scent of the forest! 3. Trek in Lao Chai - Ta Van Going away from Sapa town center about 10 km to Ta Van commune, you will reach Ta Van village. On the way, you will pass through Lao Chai - a place with the beautiful natural scenery of mountains and forests, and even the famous ancient stone beach of Sapa. When going on a trekking tour of Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, visitors have the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the people and taste the local delicacies. Trek in Ta Van When you reach Ta Van, you will feel that this place is completely separate from the bustle of the town. The fields stretch endlessly with no beginning or end, and the rustic cottages weaving in the small road create an irresistible attraction for those who have "legs" who like to move. 4. Peace In Muong Hoa Valley A wonderful stretch of land at the foot of Fansipan, Muong Hoa valley is one of the most popular destinations for motorcyclists. Driving from town to Muong Hoa will be an amazing experience of your life. Muong Hoa Valley You have the opportunity to go through the highest mountains to dozens of downhill streams, past small villages and rice fields filled with the bright yellow of ripe rice, bringing with it the typical fragrance of the countryside of ethnic minorities, and see how people do farming. Currently, Sapa has a mountain train service that crosses the Muong Hoa valley to help you fully enjoy the scenery here. 5. Walk to Cat Cat Village Sapa To learn about Sapa's oldest black H'Mong village culture, you should visit Cat Cat Village during your trip. This place is only about 3 km from the center of Sapa Stone Church, the asphalt road is easy to move, you can walk to admire the scenery, take pictures of Cat Cat waterfall or majestic terraced rice fields.Cat Cat Village Visitors will learn about the life of the Black H'Mong and the unique cultural beauty of the mountainous people. You should try once to rent a traditional costume of the Sapa people to experience the unique identity of the village. 6. Explore Sapa Stone Church Sapa Stone Church is located in a prime location leaning against Ham Rong Mountain, in front of a large area where colorful festivals are often held. The architecture of the church is in the Roman Gothic style with construction materials of hewn stone combining lime, sand and molasses. The details of the arch, roof, and steeple have their own unique features and have never had to be restored. Just wear vintage clothes to check-in. Sapa Stone Church 7. Admire the Terraced Rice Fields in Ma Tra Village & Ta Phin Village Tourists definitely cannot miss the experience of admiring the wonderful beauty of the terraced rice fields on the hillside when coming to Ma Tra Village and Ta Phin Village. Due to the steep terrain and fertile soil, local ethnic minorities cultivate rice and create beautiful terraced rice fields.Terraced Rice Fields Coming to Ma Tra village, visitors will be warmly welcomed by the H'Mong people and visit the terraced rice fields. It is recommended to walk in these rice fields, where you can both understand the local culture, admire the beautiful and breathtaking scenery and take beautiful photos. Not far away is Ta Phin village, the residence of the Red Dao ethnic group. Coming to Ta Phin, do not forget to visit Ta Phin stalactite cave with interesting shapes. 8. Check-in at Love Waterfall Another fairy tourist destination in Sapa. Love Waterfall is located 14 km southwest of Sapa town, with a height of 100m flowing day and night. From a distance, the waterfall looks like a soft silk strip, standing out among the green vegetation. To reach Love waterfall, tourists need to walk through the cool green bamboo forest. Especially in March, the road will be brilliant with the red color of azaleas. Love Waterfall 9. Check-in Sapa Heaven Gate In Sapa, there is also a tourist destination called Sapa Heaven Gate, which is famous as a "check-in" place. At an altitude of 2228m, Sapa Heaven Gate (or O Quy Ho) is the best place to see the Northwest mountains. Sapa Heaven Gate Looking at the winding curve of O Quy Ho passing around the mountainside and 2 beautiful waterfalls, Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall, you feel like you are lost in a fairyland. "Going to Heaven's Gate to fully understand the beauty of Sapa" - is a saying that many tourists pass on when talking about this place. 10. Challenge of Courage at “Dragon Cloud” Glass Bridge Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, “Dragon Cloud” Glass Bridge is a real challenge for even the bravest of travelers. In return, you can admire the charming natural scenery of the famous Hoang Lien Son range, enjoy the cool atmosphere to relieve stress and depression. Sapa Glass Bridge 11. Join Sapa Love Market You must have heard many times about Sapa love market - a special cultural feature in Lao Cai, held only on Saturday evenings. This is an opportunity for young men and women in the village to meet, exchange and learn to choose their life partner through love songs. In addition, you can also enjoy hundreds of delicious dishes here and shop for brocade items of the Mong and Dao people. Sapa Love Market 12. Enjoy Seven-Colored Sticky Rice of the Nung Ding Seven-color sticky rice is a specialty of the Nung Dinh people. Initially, this dish was invented to offer to ancestors with the desire for a bountiful harvest and a prosperous life. Each color of sticky rice has its own meaning. For example, green is the color of spring, dark red is the color of patriotic martyrs who died in the war, and yellow represents the color of dispersion and heartbreak. The dish is a wonderful combination of seven colors without the use of chemical dyes. Local women skillfully create color using a variety of forest leaves and herbs and some of their family secrets. Nung Dinh people believe that eating this dish will bring good luck. With its attractive appearance and distinctive taste, it is favored by many tourists. Seven-Colored Sticky Rice  13. Enjoy a Drink at the Cloud Cafe One of the great highlights of a trip to Sapa is having a drink at the cloud cafe where you can take in the stunning views and enjoy a local drink. Most of these cafes can be found in Fansipan and Cau May streets. To name one standout cafe, it would be Cafe in the Clouds, where you can spend time enjoying the exotic landscape and admiring the views over the green valley below. The cafe also offers a wide range of drinks as well as local and international dishes. This can be a great experience to try in Sapa. Enjoy a drink at the cloud cafe 14. Watch the Church Singing in Ta Phin Commune If you visit Ta Phin village in the first weeks of spring, you will witness one of the most beautiful traditions of the ethnic people called “church singing”. On this occasion, local people and tourists in the region will move to Ta Phin commune to see this wedding custom and listen to singing charms. For most ethnic minorities in Lao Cai province, marriage is still arranged in advance. During the worshiping time, the groom and the future bride will join the procession back to the village. Young men and women compete in singing and dancing to satisfy their spiritual needs. The most interesting thing about this occasion is that you will be able to see ethnic clothes with different designs and colors, creating an unforgettable beautiful picture. Above are the experiences to travel from Incredible Asia Journeys in which season, how to go to Sapa, the most worthy places to visit in this great mountainous place, or what to eat. Just pocketing this much, your trip to Sapa will be much less difficult and embarrassing! Let's come to Sapa on this vacation and experience it for yourself!!!

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Best activities in Sai Gon at night

Best activities in Sai Gon at night

Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Sai Gon) is the biggest, fastest-growing, as well as most densely populated city in Vietnam. This city attracts a lot of travelers from all over the world thanks to the variety of activities that it offers to tourists both in the daytime and nighttime. In this article, Incredible Asia Journey will introduce to you the best activities in Sai Gon at night that you can consider when traveling to this city.[incredible_toc]1. Have Fun at Bui Vien Walking streetBui Vien is considered the international junction in Saigon as you can see a lot of foreign tourists converge on this hectic street because it can meet all of your demands from food, drinks, tourist information, accommodations, entertainment, etc. Therefore, it is not only a famous hang-out point for the Vietnamese youngster, but also for any tourists coming to Sai Gon.Bui Vien Street in the crowdBui Vien Street is fun every day, but you will have much more fun at the weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday, this street will restrict all means of transportation to get through from 19:00 until 2:00 AM. From that moment, it changes its outfit to become an amazing nightlife street. Besides, you can also enjoy some street performances which makes the atmosphere much bustling. In addition, if you are into traditional games, then you will have a chance to play those games right here.Something you cannot miss at Bui Vien Street is food and beer. You can find a variety of restaurants from luxury to inexpensive picks. And beers are everywhere, that’s why this is also called beer street in Sai Gon. 2. Take the romantic river cruiseA cruise alongside the Sai Gon River is a perfect idea for a romantic night, especially for couples. This experience allows you to enjoy the view of the city at night and, at the same time, to relax with on-board traditional performances and quintessential cuisine. Bonsai Cruise is one of the top recommendations for tourists which provides such a good service and luxury experience. You can book the tickets directly on their website or book through several online travel agents.3. Bon Sai River CruiseBon Sai River CruisePier and Docking: Nha Rong Port (Sai Gon Port), 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City4. Get High at a NightclubIf you are a party lover, the nightclub is something you cannot resist when traveling to Sai Gon – the city never sleeps. There are hundreds of clubs in this bustling city that you can choose from and spend a great night dancing and chilling out with your friends. Among them, you can consider Blanchy’ Lounge, Republic Club, and Lush Nightclub, which are all recommended by travelers.Ho Chi Minh Bar & Club5. Enjoy the City View at the Rooftop BarIf you want to chill out in a fancy place with a spectacular view over Ho Chi Minh City to observe its rapid growth, then nowhere is better than a rooftop bar. This busy fast-growing metropolitan has a slew of rooftop bars with different interior designs that bring different ambiances. The very first rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City is Chill Sky Bar. Until now, it still receives a myriad number of rave reviews from locals and tourists thanks to its perfect view, modern style, and tasty drinks.6. Chill Sky BarSkyline BarAddress: 26th floor, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh CityOpening hours: 17:30 – 2:00 AM7. Walk along the Starlight BridgeStarlight Bridge is located in District 7 which is a pedestrian bridge passing over the Thay Tieu Channel. Known as the most beautiful bridge in Sai Gon, this bridge is an undeniable place to visit in the evening when all the lights are turned on. The reason behind its name is that the bridge is equipped with a high-tech lighting system that makes it glow in the evening like a universe. Thus, if you want to enjoy a peaceful evening with your lover, this is definitely a great place to pay a visit.However, you can only see this light show on Thursday and Sunday nights from 18:30 to 22:00 and on several special holidays such as New Year's Eve, etc. Thus, before coming to Vietnam in new year, plan your visit on those days.Starlight BridgeAddress: Rach Bang Bridge 2, Tan Phu, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City8. Stay safe in Sai Gon at Night8.1. Be careful of Petty TheftsLike many other hectic tourist attractions, Ho Chi Minh is also a convergence of many pickpockets. Not only in the evening but also in the daytime, you have to always pay attention to your belongings and keep them in a safe position. As long as you keep an eye on your stuff, everything will be fine. In addition, it’s not very safe to walk outside at night, especially alone, therefore, when you travel alone, take a taxi or a motorbike ride back to your hotel when it’s after midnight. Furthermore, always find some companions with you when you want to chill out until late.8.2. Avoid Scam TaxisScam taxis are pretty common in Southeast Asia countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, etc. Therefore, it’s every traveler’s fear to take taxis when traveling to this region. However, thanks to an excellent application called Grab, nowadays, you can take a taxi with ease at an accurate rate when traveling to those countries. However, make sure you have a local SIM card to register with the system. If you are not a high-tech person, then ask the price carefully or deal the price with the drivers before you jump into any taxi.Read more articles about Ho Chi Minh travel guide:Top 6 things to do in Ho Chi Minh CityWhat to eat in Sai Gon?

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Best places to have Banh Mi in Vietnam

Best places to have Banh Mi in Vietnam

If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, you probably have seen many articles complimenting one of the most ubiquitous Vietnamese foods – Banh Mi. However, some of you may think Banh Mi has nothing special as it’s just a French baguette filled with some meat and vegetables.[incredible_toc] Therefore, to convince you to try at least one Banh Mi when visiting Vietnam, Incredible Asia Journeys will present a guide to the Best Banh Mi in Vietnam for you which indicates the origin of Banh Mi, its ingredients, the differences between Banh Mi in different regions of Vietnam as long as places to have the best Banh Mi. 1. The History of Vietnamese Banh MiBanh Mi has become one of the most common foods in VietnamBanh Mi - originally called baguette - was first introduced to the Vietnamese in the 1860s by the French colonists. It was once a luxury staple food for the locals because of the expensive imported ingredients (wheat) during that time. Later, the local bakers started to incorporate cheap local rice flour into the recipe, this method lowered the price of Banh Mi and made Banh Mi popular for the ordinary people in Vietnam. Little by little, Banh Mi has become one of the most common foods in Vietnam that can be consumed at any time of the day and is sold in every corner of the country. Nowadays, to get a Banh Mi, you will need to pay only 15,000-40,000vnd, thus, this is one of the top choices for any local people as well as tourists when visiting Vietnam.2. Ingredients of Banh Mi2.1. BreadWhen introduced in Vietnam, the French baguette was modified into a Vietnamese Banh Mi version with an airy crumb and thinner crust thanks to its dough which is a mix between wheat flour and rice flour.2.2. FillingsThe fillings of Banh Mi in Vietnam are diverse in different regions of the country. Some ingredients that are commonly used are meat (either pork, chicken, or beef), Vietnamese sausage, Vietnamese coriander, cucumber, carrot, chilly, and some condiments such as chilly, mayonnaise, soy sauce, etc.With the local’s creativity, each region invents different variations of Banh Mi which is suitable for them. Therefore, no matter how long you have stayed in Vietnam, you will always find a new type of Banh Mi.3. Banh Mi in Different Regions of Vietnam3.1. Ho Chi Minh CityBanh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City is very famous for the traditional meat Banh Mi which is stuffed with pate, butter, jambon, Vietnamese pork sausage, vegetables, and cilantro. This Banh Mi is attractive to the locals thanks to its localized ingredients which are their appetite. The fat meat is balanced by the pickled vegetables making people want to eat more and more.Besides the traditional Banh Mi, people in Ho Chi Minh City also invented some variations, especially Banh Mi filled with pork skin. It is the perfect combination of fish sauce, and boiled pork skin mixed with roasted rice flour, garlic, etc. In addition, this dish is also different depending on the sausage paired with it, thus, each baker created their recipe to attract customers. With a diverse culture, bakers in Ho Chi Minh City created a myriad of Banh Mi variations that meet the demands of different customers.Huynh Hoa Bread - One of the most famous Banh Mi sellers in Ho Chi Minh CityBest places to have Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City:• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa- Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh, 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam- Price: 60,000 VND • Banh Mi Hong Hoa- Address: 62 Nguyen Van Trang- Price: 22,000 - 38,000 VNDSee more of our travel guide in Ho Chi Minh City:Top 6 things to do in Ho Chi Minh CityWhat to eat in Sai Gon?3.2. Da LatDa Lat is well-known for the Banh Mi Xiu Mai. This Banh Mi is served with a bowl of pork bone broth which is added to some meatballs (Xiu Mai), Vietnamese sausage, pork skin, etc. Then, you tear a piece of Banh Mi and dip it into the rich broth. The combination of richness and spice of pepper makes this Banh Mi become a great option for a cold winter day.Banh Mi Xiu Mai in Da LatBest places to have Banh Mi in Da Lat:• Miss Hong Banh Mi- Address: 10 Yersin, Da Lat- Price: 10.000 - 15.000 VND• Miss Suong Banh Mi Xiu Mai- Address:  14 Anh Sang, Ward 1, Da Lat- Price: 10.000 - 15.000 VNDRead more articles about the Da Lat travel guide:Top Natural Things to See in Da Lat3.3. Nha TrangBanh Mi in Nha Trang is also far different from that of other places. In Nha Trang, you will notice that people don’t use any butter to bake the baguette, the skin is also crustier, and the filling of Nha Trang’s Banh Mi is airier than that of Ho Chi Minh City Because it has no butter, thus, when eating it, we will get less-heavy-felling stomach stem from its richness.Among different options of Banh Mi in this coastal city, Banh Mi with fried fish patty is the most delicious and famous which is so much tastier thanks to the garlic chili sauce.Banh Mi Nguyen Huong in Nha TrangBest place to have Banh Mi in Nha Trang:• Banh Mi Nguyen Huong- Address: Tan Lap, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa- Price: 12.000 – 20.000 VND3.4. Hoi AnIn this ancient port town, the most reputable place for both the locals and foreign tourists to try Banh Mi is Banh Mi Phuong. Its special secret comes from the crust which is crustier and harder than Banh Mi in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, this shop also invented 3 distinctive sauces to eat with Banh Mi, not to mention the perfect combination of Vietnamese herbs. Putting all together, there comes the most delicious staple food that you ever try.Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An Ancient TownBest place to have Banh Mi in Hoi An:• Banh Mi Phuong- Address: 2b Phan Chu Trinh, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam- Price: 20,000 – 35,000 VNDRead more articles about Hoi An travel guide:How long to spend in Hoi An?8 Things to Eat in Hoi An – Culinary Perfection in Vietnam’s Cultural Capital3.5. HanoiThe weather in Hanoi is separated into 4 distinct seasons which have their features. Thus, Hanoi people also created different types of Banh Mi for different periods of the year. Among them, one of the most interesting dishes is Banh Mi Ap Chao which is a variation of European beef stake. This dish consists of a baguette served with pate, omelet, beef steak, etc. put in a small hot pan. A Banh Mi vendor in Hanoi streetBest places to have Banh Mi in Hanoi:• Banh Mi 25- Address: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi- Price: 35,000 - 40,000 VND• Duc Long Bread- Address: Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi- Price:  40.000 VND - 50.000 VNDRead more articles about the Hanoi travel guide:Best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake HanoiWhen Is The Best Time To Visit Hanoi?

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Sapa Travel Guide

Sapa Travel Guide

Sapa is located in a remote area in the North of Vietnam, which is close to the Vietnam – China border. This town attracts more and more tourists because of its beautiful nature as well as its cultural depth. In this article, Incredible Asia Journey will show you the Sapa Travel Guide which will be helpful for you before your trip.[incredible_toc]1. What’s the weather like in Sapa?As Sapa is at an altitude of 1,500 - 1,800 meters, this small town has pretty cold weather all over the year with the average temperature at around 15-18 Celsius degrees. When winter comes, the temperature may drop to under 0 Celsius degree, and even snowy sometimes. From May to August, it’s the rainy season with occasional rains making it not very pleasant to travel to Sapa.Sapa in the mist2. When is the best time to visit Sapa?The months from September to November or from March to May are considered the best time to visit Sapa. During these months, the weather conditions are quite stable, it’s sunny in the daytime and cold in the nighttime. From September to November: it’s the time when the paddy rice field is ready to be harvested. Thus, the whole area looks so beautiful with the yellow color. It’s highly recommended to go in September to not miss this majestic scenery. Sapa terraced fieldFrom March to May: during this period, the weather is perfect since it’s cool in the morning and very warm at noon. Coming here in April and May, you also have a chance to see Sapa with many colors as it’s the blooming time of a lot of flowers. Wheat bucket flower in Sapa3. What are the best things to do in Sapa?3.1. Conquer FanxipanFanxipan, known as the Roof of Indochina, is the highest mountain in Indochina with a height of 3,143 meters, located at the central Hoang Lien Son mountain. It’s 9 kilometers away from Sapa town, however, if you trek to the top, it may take up to a week. Nowadays, you can easily reach the top of Fanxipan by cable car. It was opened to the public in 2016 and has served millions of tourists every year. If you go by cable car, it saves up quite a lot of your time as it takes only 15 minutes/way.Fansipan peak in SapaTicket price: 800,000 VND/person/ 2 ways3.2. Admire Sapa ChurchSapa Church was erected in 1895 by the French which follows the Gothic architectural style – which is very common in Europe in the Romance Empire. The whole building has an area of more than 6000 meters square and is made of stones.Stone Church in SapaIf you come here on Saturday, there will be a cultural performance and a love market for young couples or for young people to find their partners. Don’t miss this interesting moment.3.3. Explore Sapa MarketIf you want to embed into the local life, the Sapa market is the best place to do so. In the Sapa market, you can shop for some local goods, especially handmade items made by ethnic minority people, to watch how the locals communicate, behave, and interact. You can also try some local signatures such as Thang Co here at a good price. Sapa marketIn addition, in the evening, there is a night market here that you can come and enjoy some more delicious street food.3.4. Visit Silver WaterfallSilver Waterfall is located 15 kilometers away from the town. Its name stems from its silver color which can be seen from a far distance. The waterfall has a height of 200 meters being the upper stream of Muong Hoa River which lies at 1,800 meters above sea level. This is also the coldest place in Sapa in the winter which is the snowiest area. Silver WaterfallThe way to go up to the waterfall lies on the right side from which you can see a small bridge across the waterfall and lead to the left-side way to go down. Ticket price: 20,000 VND/adult and 10,000 VND/child3.4. Discover villages of ethnic tribesCat Cat Village This is among the most touristic places in Sapa which is a small ethnic village established in the 19th century and located 3 kilometers away from Sapa.Coming here, you can see how the H’Mong local people do things in their daily lives. There are a lot of H’Mong traditional houses that may make you want to take tons of pictures as it is very unique and can only be found in Northern Vietnam. If you have a chance, don’t forget to try some corn wine which is a famous wine of Hmong people.Cat Cat VillageTicket price: 90,000 VND/adult and 50,000 VND/childTa Van VillageTa Van is located 8 kilometers away from the town which sits inside the Muong Hoa Valley. This village is home to more than 100 families which add up to about 1000 inhabitants, most of whom are from Hmong, Dao, and Red Dao ethnic tribes. The way to this village is quite narrow from which you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the terraced rice field on the sides of the road.Ta Van VillageTa Phin VillageTa Phin village is where the Dao ethnic tribes settle down which has such a splendid landscape and rich culture. When coming there, if you want to get inside a traditional house of the local, don’t wear a white outfit as it’s a sign of death according to their culture. In addition, there is a big cave that you can discover too. Inside the cave, you can see some of the unique shapes of stones that the locals named “mother uphold her children”, “fairies”, etc.Ta Phin VillageVisit Sapa Love MarketThe love market is opened every Saturday which is a place where young people from different ethnic groups can come and meet their partners. On this day, you can see young girls wearing colorful outfits that look so beautiful. Besides, this is also a place to exchange goods and sell things, so if you want to find some local specialty, don’t miss this market, and don’t forget to bargain for the price.Love Market in Sapa4. How to go to Sapa from Hanoi?Sapa is a remote town which is about 370 kilometers from Hanoi. Due to its remote location, many travelers overlook this beautiful place. So, how to get to Sapa from Hanoi? Nowadays, there are many ways to reach Sapa from Hanoi and the 2 most common ways to transport from Sapa to Hanoi are by bus and by train. In 2028, the Lao Cai Airport will be established, therefore, tourists can go to Sapa more conveniently.4.1. By busWe strongly recommend this choice as you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel if it is located in the central. In addition, the ticket price is also cheaper than the latter option. It takes about 6-7 hours from Hanoi to Sapa by bus.Bus to Sapa4.2. By trainIf you go by train, you need to go to the Tran Quy Cap train station which is the other side of Hanoi Station. From here, you will reach the Lao Cai Station and then take another local bus to reach your hotel, or you can contact your hotel for the pick-up service. The Hanoi to Sapa train duration is about 8 hours and then you will stop at Lao Cai Railway Station to take a bus to your accommodation.Train to SapaWe have explained to you the best time to visit Sapa as well as some essential information you should know before your trip. Hopefully you can find useful information in this Sapa Vietnam travel guide!Besides, we also operate some tours that take you to several highlights of Vietnam, including Sapa. Doing those tours may help you save your time from searching millions of options on the Internet.Some recommendations for you to SapaBest North Vietnam With Sapa TourHighlights of North VietnamVietnam Tour 9 Days

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When is the best time to visit Hoi An?

When is the best time to visit Hoi An?

Hoi An is one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam which welcomes millions of tourists coming every year. It was once one of the most famous port towns in Vietnam and Asia which drew the attention of a number of foreign traders coming from different countries such as China, Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands, etc., especially during the 15-17th century. During this period, a lot of sophisticated architectures were built which reflected different cultures and many of them remain today. Thanks to that, Hoi An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. So if you are planning a visit to Hoi An, you may wonder when is the best time to visit Hoi An. The answer will be found in this article as well as some major tourist attractions and local signatures will also be listed.[incredible_toc] 1. What’s the Weather like in Hoi An? Weather in Hoi An Hoi An has an average temperature of 29 Celsius degree which is quite hot. The weather here has 2 distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season starts from January to July. You can see a lot of sunshine during these months. The weather at the beginning of the period is very comfortable, not so hot, not so cold. The wet season starts from August to December. During this time, you may expect a lot of rain, even floods or typhoons, especially in the month of November and December. 2. The Best Time to Visit Hoi An For most people, the period from February to April is the best time to visit Hoi An as the weather at this time is very pleasant, it’s cool and not rainy so you can take part in a lot of outdoor activities. For this reason, a vast number of tourists flood Hoi An during February, March, and April. Hoi An Ancient Town From May to August, temperatures go up pretty high which may make you feel a bit tired when walking on the ancient streets. However, if you come here during these months, going to the beach would be the best as Hoi An has many beautiful beaches. From October to December, rains come quite often which will disturb your travel experience to this beautiful city. Thus, prepare a raincoat or umbrella with you. However, to make the most of it, the local people have created a new form of travel experience which is boating on the water during the rainy season. This experience will make your trip memorable and interesting. 4. How to go to Hoi An from Da Nang? As Hoi An is located only 18 kilometers away from Da Nang City, there are a variety of options for you to transport between these 2 destinations. Our experts have put together some of the most common choices for you here: 4.1. By Car Limousine Dcar - 7 seatsMany transportation service companies offer cars of any size from Da Nang to Hoi An. This is the most convenient option for you as it’s time-saving. However, it’s also the most expensive choice as it costs around 350,000vnd/ 4-seater car/ way. However, if you travel in a group, you can share this cost, then it turns out only around 100,000vnd/person. To book a car, you can either ask your hotel’s staff to arrange it for you or just book via Grab – a common app in Southeast Asia to book taxis or motorbike rides at a reasonable price. 4.2. By Bus If you are budget traveler, the bus might be your top choice. The bus number 1 linked Da Nang and Hoi An directly which costs only 30,000vnd/ way/ person. Its operation hours are only from 5:30 to 18:00, so don’t miss the last bus of the day. This option will take you around 30 minutes to arrive in Hoi An. Hoi An bus 4.3. By Motorbike Motorbike is also a good pick, especially for solo travelers. If going by motorbike, it’s very convenient as you can stop anywhere you want and it’s inexpensive anyway. You can rent a motorbike from Da Nang which costs from 100,000 – 150,000vnd/day excluding petrol. 5. What are the best things to do in Hoi An? 5.1. Get a Tailored-suit Made Tailor-suit in Hoi An Hoi An is well-known for suit making as you can find a vast number of tailor stores along the ancient streets. This city is also famous across Vietnam for its textiles. Coming here, you can have an extremely beautiful tailor-made suit at an incredibly inexpensive price (about over 1 million dongs). However, you may need to wait for about 3 days to a week to get your costume. Make sure to ask for the exact date that you can pick it up. 5.2. Wander around the Old Town Hoi An Old Town Hoi An ancient town is really worth a visit. Coming here, you can see a number of ancient houses built more than 100 years ago. Walking along the old streets, you will see the different architecture, especially Chinese and Japanese as many foreign businessmen had come to Hoi An to trade. Materials to build the houses are also traditional ones such as wood and brick. This area is preserved quite carefully as you see all the stores are well-organized and no buildings are higher than 2 floors. One thing that you may love about this ancient town is that the streets here are very safe to walk as the traffic is as busy as in modern cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. 5.3. Discover the Japanese Covered Bridge Japanese Bridge The Japanese Bridge, also known as Pagoda Bridge, is one of the iconic symbols of this ancient town which is situated in the city center. This bridge was built in the 17th century with Japanese architectural style which is clearly shown by statues of 2 sacred animals in Japanese culture (dog and monkey) put on the 2 sides of the bridge. The reason why it is called Pagoda Bridge is that there is a small temple on the north of the bridge which worships Tran Vo Bac De – the Deity of Weather in Taoism. This is the place that local people often come to pray for the good weather. 5.4. Visit the My Son Ruins My Son Ruins My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 40 kilometers away from Hoi An. It is a Hindu Sanctuary found by a French scholar in 1898 which was dedicated to Hindu goddesses, especially Shiva – the protector of the Champa’s kings. It has more than 70 structures since the 7th -13th century which was the most important political center of Champa people. One of the special things about My Son Ruins is that all the sophisticated pictures were carved directly into the wall by skillful artisans. With its historical depth, My Son ruins definitely worth a visit. So if you come to Hoi An, don’t forget to take a day tour to this special site. 5.5. Admire the Fujian Assembly Hall Fujian Assembly Hall This is a communal house of the Fujian community in Hoi An which was erected since the 17th century. Originally, it was a small wooden shrine dedicated to Queen of the Heaven – the Goddess of Ocean, Wealth, Happiness, and it was also a place where the Fujian people met and discussed occasionally. Over time, the shrine underwent several renovations which transformed it into a bigger brick hall than today. Thanks to its beautiful architecture as well as historical value, Fujian Assembly Hall was recognized as a national historical-cultural relic in February 1990. 6. How Many Days to Spend in Hoi An? Hoi An LanternOur experts recommend that it’s best to stay in Hoi An for at least 2 days 1 night as you can have a chance to enjoy the beauty of this ancient port town in the evening. If you have more time, you can stay up to 4 or 5 days because there are a lot of things to see in Hoi An, especially if you are a history lover. Besides all the things we have suggested above, Hoi An also has other modern attractions such as Vinpearl, Hoi An memory show, or natural places such as An Bang Beach, Coconut Forest, etc. Thus, the more you stay, the more you enjoy Hoi An. We have advised you on the best time to visit Hoi An ancient town as well as all the best things to do in this beautiful destination. To discover Hoi An, you can go by yourself or book a guided tour which can give you a detailed explanation of this place.See some Hoi An tours provided by our company:Hoi An Half Day Agricultural TourHoi An Rural Villages Half-Day Cycling TourHoi An Cooking ClassHoi An Culinary River CruiseHoi An Eco TourHoi An Half-Day Walking Tour

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How many days to spend in Mai Chau?

How many days to spend in Mai Chau?

Mai Chau is an amazing natural destination located in North Vietnam, that is, though, often ignored by travelers who always look for tourist and famous places. If you want a peaceful place that is not chock-full of tourists, then Mai Chau is definitely a worthy option. In this article, Incredible Asia Journey will advise you how many days to spend in Mai Chau as well as a travel guide to this hidden gem. Let’s get started![incredible_toc] 1. Where is Mai Chau? Mai Chau Harvest SeasonMai Chau is situated in a mountainous area which belongs to the province of Hoa Binh. It is approximately 135 kilometers Northwest of Hanoi which may take around 4-5 hours driving from the capital city. The entire region has an area of a total 520-kilometer square which consists of a plethora of magnificent landscapes. 2. How to get to Mai Chau from Hanoi? 2.1. By bus The bus is the most common way to get to Mai Chau from Hanoi. You can go to My Dinh bus station to catch it or book a bus that can pick you up from your hotel. Of course, the price would be more expensive for the latter option. There are buses departing at 06:00, 07:30, 14:00, and 14:30 every day at My Dinh bus station. You can find a ticket counter and ask for a bus ticket to Mai Chau, however, if you come there on the weekend or national holiday, it’s better to book the ticket in advance on online channels or ask your hotel’s staff for help.Some recommended buses from My Dinh bus station to Mai Chau:Ha Loan: departure time: 7:50, tel: 0912490679Hoang Thao: departure time: 14:30, tel: 0914 688533 – 0218 386829 2.2. By motorbike If you are brave enough to get on a motorbike and ride for more than 100 kilometers, then it’s also a good option. However, it’s not cheaper than you go by bus because the motorbike rental fee in Hanoi is even more expensive than a bus ticket.  3. How to Get around Mai Chau? 3.1. Motorbike If you stay in Mai Chau for more than a day and want to reach far-distance destinations such as Thung Khe Pass, then a motorbike is the best option for you. You can either drive from Hanoi or come here by bus and rent a motorbike at a local rental company. 3.2. Electric car This is a car designated to serve tourists. This car will run around the village at a w speed so that you can enjoy the scenery. If you want to go to further places, you can deal with the driver about the price.  3.3. Bicycle Biking in Mai Chau This option is often chosen by tourist companies that provide tourists with the experience of enjoying the green rice field while riding a bicycle. Bicycle is also an environmentally-friendly choice that can help the local community to sustain the environment. 4. What to visit in Mai Chau? 4.1. Go Lao Waterfall Go Lao Waterfall Go Lao Waterfall is nested in the Phuc San area which is about 15 kilometers far from Mai Chau town.  From the main road, you have to park your bike and trek to the waterfall. Although the way down to it is quite rough and challenging, once you get to the waterfall, you will be amazed by its majestic untouched beauty. It is 15 meters in height and alongside, there is a small area that you can hold a small picnic party with your friends. 4.2. Thung Khe Pass Thung Khe Pass Located between Tan Lac and Mai Chau, Thung Khe Pass is a stopover where you can see a beautiful view of green mountains and valleys. Along the pass, there are some local stands where you can park your bike and enjoy some local signatures as well as the spectacular view. However, be careful when passing it because there are a lot of big trucks passing by this winding path. 4.3. Lac Village Lac Village Lac Village is now one of the most famous community tourism destinations among Vietnamese as well as foreign tourists. It’s not a crowded, splendid, hectic town, but everything is just so local and natural making it so memorial in people’s hearts. This is a village of Thai ethnic minority group that consists of 5 families, namely Ha, Lo, Vi, Mac, and Loc. Until now, the village has been existing for more than 700 years. In the past, people here just did farming and weaving for a living, nowadays, since the village is becoming famous among tourists, the villagers start to do the tourism business to make more earnings. 4.4. Pom Coong Village Ban Pong Coong Pom Coong Village is home to 70 households with more than 300 inhabitants. When coming there, you can see a lot of traditional stilt houses of the local Thai ethnic minority group. Thai stilt houses are a little different from those of other ethnic minority groups which are built higher on a 2-meter wooden pillar and made of bamboo. Windows in the house are very big so that wind can come through. Under the house is the place where Thai girls make their traditional stuff such as purses, shirts, etc. Coming here, you will also have a chance to listen to traditional Thai songs and dance. If you are interested, you can join them too. 4.5. Van Village Van Village Van Village is located 1 kilometer away from Mai Chau town and under the foot of Pu Van mountain. Different from the other 2 villages, Van Village doesn’t have many tourists visiting, thus, its original beauty still remains intact. If you visit Van Village on New Year’s Eve, there are some traditional games that you can join together with the local villagers. 4.6. Thai Museum - Mai Chau This is a family-owned museum established by Mr. Kieu Van Kien who has a great passion for keeping Thai culture. Therefore, for years, he has been collecting a plethora of old stuff from Thai people residing in many places such as Son La, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and even Laos. In June 2012, he founded this museum as a place for visitors to come and learn more about Thai culture. Thai Museum - Mai Chau 5. How Many Days to Spend in Mai Chau? As Mai Chau has not only beautiful nature but also contains rich culture, it’s better to stay as long as you can to dive into the local life. However, if you cannot, Incredible Asia Journeys recommends you stay at least 3 days 2 nights to visit all of the sites listed above.  However, if you are really pressed for time, you can book a Mai Chau 1-day group tour departing from Hanoi run by our company which can help you to grasp an overview of this spectacular attraction. We have shown you the most essential information that you need to know before coming to Mai Chau. We hope you will have a clearer idea of this place after reading this post.

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Best Hotels in Cat Ba Island

Best Hotels in Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is a beautiful island that attracts more than 2 million tourists visiting every year. Thus, a lot of hotels are open to meet that huge demand. But, what are the best hotels on Cat Ba island? We have put together all the best options for you in this post which are recommended by our travel experts.[incredible_toc]Come close to explore TOP-rated hotels on Cat Ba Island brought to you by Incredible Asia Journeys!1. Best Luxury hotels in Cat Ba Island1.1. M’Gallery Cat BaM'Gallery Cat Ba HotelThis hotel is located on the Cat Co 3 beach – the most beautiful and cleanest beach in Cat Ba. The hotel is decorated like the old traditional Vietnamese house, but of an upper level, making it look so subtle, noble, and dedicated, thus, it is considered the best hotel in Cat Ba. The best thing about M’Gallery Cat Ba Hotel is that all the rooms have a balcony with a beach and mountain view. Price range: 2,850,000 - 5,980,000 VND/room/nightHotel’s facilities:- Total rooms: 121 rooms- Conference rooms- 02 rooms with a capacity of 190 people/room- 02 Restaurants- 03 Bars- 02 Swimming pools- 01 Rooftop bar- Fitness Center1.2. Cat Ba Island Resort and SpaCat Ba Island Resort and SpaThis hotel is located in the Cat Co 1 beach and holds the largest number of bookings amongst all hotels in Cat Ba Island. From the hotel, you can reach the Beo ferry in 10 minutes by car to visit Ha Long Bay. It is also very near to Cat Ba main ferry which takes only 15 minutes walking.Price range: 1,700,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night/roomHotel’s facilities:- Total rooms: 165 rooms with full amenities: free wifi, air-conditioner, minibar, balcony, safety box, TV, hairdryer, etc.- Swimming pool- Bar- Fitness room (100meters)- Volleyball playing area- Garden- Conference room with a capacity of 200 people- Sauna room1.3. Cat Ba Sunrise ResortCat Ba Sunrise ResortThis is a family-owned resort, located in Cat Co 3 beach. There are some places you can visit near the hotel: Cat Co Beach 1, Cat Co Beach 2, Cat Ba ferry station, Canon Fort, etc.Price range: 1,700,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night/roomHotel’s facilities: - Swimming pool- 4,5-star indoor restaurant- Spa- Bar- Free wifi- Air Conditioner1.4. Paradise Cat Ba Paradise Cat BaParadise Cat Ba hotel is located at no.234, 1/4 street, Cat Ba town which is just over 1 kilometer away from 3 beautiful beaches, namely Cat Co 1, 2, and 3. It has a total of 90 rooms with a maximum capacity of 300 guests/day. This is a new hotel that was opened in April 2019, but, up to now, it has become one of the best hotels in Cat Ba with a lot of excellent reviews on the Internet. Price range: about 1,600,000 VND/room/nightHotel’s facilities:- Restaurant with a capacity of 200 people- Bar- Swimming Pool on the top floor with a view over Lan Ha Bay- Free wifi- Spa- Sauna room- Café shop2. Best mid-range hotels in Cat Ba Island2.1. Cocoon Inn Cat BaCocoon Inn Cat BaCocoon Inn Cat Ba Hotel is situated at no.48 Lo 2, Cat Ba Island. This is a very new hotel opened at the end of 2019 with a 3-star standard. From the hotel, you can easily reach Cat Co Beach 1, 2, and 3.Price range:- Private room: 500,000 VND/room/night- Dorm: 150,000 VND/room/nightHotel’s facilities:- Total rooms: 10 private rooms with balcony, 5 dorm rooms for 6 people, and 25 dorm rooms for 4 people- Room’s amenities: Air-conditioner, locker, private bathroom, free Wifi, fridge, private wardrobe - Restaurant: serve Asian breakfast and vegan food- Fitness Center- Bar- Garden2.2. Hung Long HotelHung Long HotelHung Long Hotel is situated at n.268, 1/4 street, Cat Ba town. It was put into operation in 2010 with 89 rooms of various sizes that face Lan Ha Bay. From Hung Long Hotel, you can walk to Cat Co Beach 2 and 3 and Cat Ba ferry station within 10 minutes. If you want to explore the local market, you can reach there with only a 5-minute drive.Price range: 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 VND/room/nightHotel’s facilities:- Total rooms: 88 rooms - Massage spa- 02 Conference room with a capacity of 250 people- Restaurant serving Asian and European breakfast- Bar3. Best 2-star hotels in Cat Ba Island3.1. Cannon Fort homestayCannon Fort Hotel Cat BaIt is a 2-star hotel opened in 2016 with a great location which is 550 meters away from Cat co 2 beach, 500 meters from the local market, 400 meters from Cat Ba ferry station, etc.Price range: 210,000 - 800,000 VND/room/nightHotel’s facilities:- Total rooms: 25 rooms- Restaurant serving breakfast- Free Wifi- Air-conditioner3.2. Cat Ba Oasis BungalowsCat Ba Oasis BungalowCat Ba Bungalows is located within walking distance to some of the famous attractions in Cat Ba island such as Canon Fort, Cat Co beaches, Ben Beo harbor, Cat Ba market, etc.Price range:- Low season: 340,000 VND/room/night- High season: 1,600,000 VND/room/nightHotel’s facilities:- Garden- Restaurant- Entertainment area: billiard, darts- Outdoor Swimming Pool- Free Wifi3.3. Cat Ba Central Hotel 2Cat Ba Central 2 HotelCat Ba Central Hotel 2 is located in Cat Ba town, which is 700 meters away from Cat Ba ferry station, 2.4 kilometers away from Dau Be Island, 12 kilometers from Cat Ba National Park.Price range: 340,000 - 1,600,000 VND/room/nightRead more:Things to do on Cat Ba IslandShould you visit Cat Ba or Phu Quoc? 4. How to get to Halong from Cat Ba?After visiting Cat Ba Island, you may want to explore Halong Bay as these 2 beautiful destinations lie just next to each other. So how to get to Halong from Cat Ba Island? There are 3 options that you can choose which are by ferry, speed boat, or high-speed hydrofoil. Among them, the first option is the most convenient way you go to Gia Luan Habour on Cat Ba Island, take a ferry (which costs about 2 USD) to Tuan Chau Habour in Halong. The whole journey takes around 45 minutes. However, there are only 5-7 ferries a day and it’s always in high demand. Thus, we strongly recommend you to come here early to get the ticket. You can see the ferry’s schedule from Cat Ba to Tuan Chau down here to plan your vacation:From April 30 to September 30: 9h00, 11h30, 13h00, 15h00, 16h00From October 01 to April 29: 9h00, 13h00, 16h005. What are the best Halong Bay cruises to take from Tuan Chau?Nowadays, there are tons of cruises in Halong Bay that you can choose. However, since you will arrive Tuan Chau Habour, you need to choose the right cruise that departs from Tuan Chau Habour, otherwise, you will waste more time and money to transport to the right harbor of your cruise. So we have listed some of the best cruises for you that depart at Tuan Chau Habour.Halong Bay overnight cruise:- Luxury cruise: Dynasty Cruise - Deluxe cruise: Alisa Cruise- Standard cruise: Apricot Cruise Read more: Is it worth doing a Halong cruise?6. How to visit Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island?Halong Bay is quite tourist, especially when it comes to high season. Thus, if you want to avoid this crowded place and enjoy a similar landscape with comfort, Lan Ha Bay is the best choice of all since it is the least tourist bay of the three Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. So how to visit Lan Ba Bay from Cat Ba Island?Nowadays, cruises that go to Lan Ha Bay all depart from Got Habour in Hai Phong, so you need to go to Got Habour to take your cruise to visit Lan Ha Bay. The easiest way is that from Cat Ba town, you take a bus or taxi to Cai Vieng Habour, then, from Cai Vieng, you can take a ferry to Got Harbour.We also recommend some cruises departing from Got Habour to Lan Ha Bay:- Luxury Cruises: Perla Dawn Sails, V’Spirit Premier Cruise- Deluxe Cruise: Venezia Cruise

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