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Best international hospital in Hanoi

Best international hospital in Hanoi

When traveling to a new place, you may never care about medical care and treatment in that destination. However, it’s an extremely important aspect, especially in an emergency situation. Sadly, this topic is usually ignored in most of the travel guides. Thus, in this post, we will introduce to you some of the best international hospitals in Hanoi that you can consider when having any health problem during your trip to Hanoi.[incredible_toc]1. Best international hospitals in Hanoi1.1. Hanoi French HospitalHanoi French Hospital was established in 1997 in co-operation with Bach Mai Hospital becoming the first International hospital in Hanoi under the name Vietnam International Hospital. Later on, it changed its name to Hanoi French Hospital Company Limited.At the moment, the hospital has more than 50 internationally trained healthcare professionals and 20 medical specialties. Being equipped with the most modern technology, the hospital provides treatments for most of the common health problems. Hanoi French Hospital offers a wide range of service packages such as Maternity, Cancer screening, General health check-ups, etc. Hanoi French Hospital Contact information:Address: No. 01 Phuong Mai, Dong Da, HanoiEmergency Hotline: (84-24) 3574 1111Phone: (84-24) 3577 11001.2. Vinmec International General HospitalThis hospital was founded in 2012 by Vingroup. Placed in the Times City Urban, Vinmec has an area of more than 24,000 meters square. It has a total of 9 floors (2 of which are basements) and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Having been operating for 7 years, with professional doctors, advanced facilities, excellent services, and continuous efforts to conduct the most advanced treatments in the world, Vinmec Hospital has become a trustful place for the local Vietnamese as well as international patients for healthcare treatment in Hanoi.Besides the chain of 7 general hospitals across Vietnam, Vinmec Healthcare System also has 2 other components to support other components’ missions namely Research Institutions and Training System in co-operation with VinUniversity.Vinmec HospitalContact information:Address: 458 Minh Khai Street, Times City Urban Area, Hai Ba Trung, HanoiPhone: 024 3974 3556Website: https://www.vinmec.com/vi/Hotline: (+84) 4 3974 3558Hotline in English & French: (+84) 936 150 768Hotline in Korean: (+84) 903 259 068Hotline in Japanese: (+84) 902 144 455Emergency Consult: (+84) 4 3974 43331.3 International Department, Hanoi Medical University HospitalHanoi Medical University Hospital (HMUH) was founded in 2007 as a part of Hanoi Medical University. It is a general hospital specializing in medical care & treatment, research, training, and international cooperation. The hospital has a maximum capacity of more than 400 beds and over 500,000 annual outpatient visits. Thus, nowadays, it is one of the busiest hospitals in Hanoi.This hospital has a total of 14 clinical departments, 7 subclinical departments, 7 functional departments, and 6 centers. With these state-of-the-art facilities and professional doctors, Hanoi Medical University Hospital gains its reputation in surgery and cardiology.Hanoi Medical University HospitalContact information:Address: No. 01 Ton That Tung Street, Dong Da District, HanoiWebsite: http://benhviendaihocyhanoi.com1.4. Thu Cuc International General HospitalThu Cuc International General Hospital was opened in August 2011 as a non-public hospital belonging to Zinna Corp Group. It provides customers with a high standard of medical treatment and excellent service. Besides, the hospital also has a great team of skillful doctors including both Vietnamese and Singaporean doctors. In 2014, a Singaporean Oncology Centre was established in Thu Cuc Hospital by 14 leading Singapore oncologists such as the Vice President of National Cancer Centre Singapore, the Head of Cancer Department of Singapore National Hospital, etc. to co-operate with Thu Cuc hospital to cure patients with cancer.Thu Cuc International General HospitalContact information:Address: 286 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, HanoiEmail: [email protected]: 1900 55 88 96Website: http://benhvienthucuc.vn1.5. Japan International Eye HospitalIf you are a traveler, this hospital is perfect for your eye check as it is located near Hanoi Old Quarter, so you can reach it easily.Japan International Eye Hospital is situated in Pho Duc Chinh Street, along Truc Bach Lake which was put into operation since 2014 specializing in eye care. With the Japanese standard of technology and health care service, this hospital is a trustworthy hospital for patients with eye problems.Up to now, Japan International Eye Hospital has provided patients with examination and treatment services for eye diseases such as Phakic surgery, ReLEx SMILE surgery, Optometry & eye examination, Lasik surgery, vitreous opacity surgery, etc.Japan International Eye HospitalContact information:Address: 32 Pho Duc Chinh Street, Ba Dinh Ward, HanoiPhone: (+84) 24 3715 3666Website: http://jieh.vn/2. Best international clinics in Hanoi2.1. Viet Nam-Korean Friendship Clinic (St. Paul Hospital)Vietnam – Korean Friendship Clinic was established in 2007 as a department of St. Paul Hospital. It receives extensive funding from Korean NGOs which helps the clinic to equip itself with up-to-date international facilities and modern equipment. Besides, this clinic also has a number of skillful English-speaking Korean doctors, thus, you don’t have to worry about the language barrier.Contact information:Address: 12 Chu Van An, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh DistrictPhone: (+84) (0)24 384372312.2. Viet Sing International ClinicViet Sing International Clinic was put into operation in 1998 as a unit of Rang Dong Medical Joint-stock company. Noticeably, in 2007, it had the honor of being the first private clinic in Hanoi to receive ISO 9001:2000 certification. Up to now, the clinic has provided customers with high-quality infrastructure and equipment, along with Vietnamese and international healthcare experts.Contact information:Address: Ground floor, Pacific Place 83B Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hoan Kiem DistrictWeb: www.vietsingclinic.com.vnTel: (+84) 243 943 8888 – (+84) 243 944 8686 Fax: (+84) 243 942 8989Email: [email protected]. International SOS HanoiInternational SOS HanoiInternational SOS was put into operation in 1989 and, up to now, it has opened 1,000 branches all over the world, including International SOS Hanoi. This is a great place that offers health care treatment for international assignees, business travelers, etc. in Hanoi which is open 24/7. The clinic also received Labor Medal from Vietnam’s President in 2003 and 2009, this is evidence of its excellent quality as well as its great service.Contact information:Address: 4th Floor, 72 Xuan Dieu Street, Quang An, Tay Ho, HanoiTel: (+84) 24 3718 6390We have listed all the famous and high-standard international hospitals and clinics in Hanoi that you can choose when you have any health problems when traveling to Hanoi. Even if you may not need it, it’s essential to save it for unexpected circumstances. Incredible Asia Journeys team hopes you have a great and safe trip to Hanoi!Read more articles about the Hanoi travel guide:Best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake HanoiWhen Is The Best Time To Visit Hanoi?Best Restaurants in Hanoi Old QuarterDay trips from Hanoi that you might be interested:Lan Ha Bay Day Trip from HanoiHoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip from HanoiTam Coc Bich Dong Day TourMai Chau Day Trip From HanoiFull-Day Hanoi City Tour

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Best places to have beers in Hanoi

Best places to have beers in Hanoi

When you come to Hanoi, you may realize that people here love drinking beer so much as beer appears in every restaurant. For the Vietnamese, it’s become a culture of drinking beer as when drinking with the locals, there are some rules that you need to know.[incredible_toc] In this article, Incredible Asia Journeys will introduce to you the beer’s history, the best places to have beers in Hanoi as well as some rules that you need to notice when drinking beers with the locals. Let’s get started.1. When are beers first introduced in Hanoi?Beers were first introduced to the Vietnamese by the French during the 19th century. At that time, in order to serve the demand of the French soldiers and introduce this new alcohol to the locals, Alfred Hommel founded the very first brewery in the capital of Vietnam - Hanoi. The company grew dramatically from only 30 workers initially to 300 workers after 45 years of operation.Tourists love draft beer in HanoiAs the Vietnamese always want to adapt to new things from abroad and like to use foreign products, once beers were brought to Vietnam, many noble local Vietnamese started to adopt this new kind of alcohol. Little by little, the price of beer was lowered down and beer became one of the most reasonably priced foreign drinks for the locals.Until 1957, when the French left Vietnam, the state took Hommel’s company, and from that day, it became Hanoi’s official brewery called HABECO. Some of its products that you may see around are Hanoi beer (the most famous one), Hanoi Bold, Truc Bach beer, etc.By that time, besides HABECO, many other breweries were also founded to target the potential consumer market of Hanoi, as well as Vietnam. The competition is among both local and foreign brands, making it more and more competitive.According to the Vietnam Beer Alcohol Beverage Association (VBA), in 2017, beer consumption reached up to 4 billion liters which was expected to rise to 5.6 billion liters in the next 18 years. With this figure given, Vietnam was ranked at 3rd place in the list of the largest beer consumers within Asia, just after China and Japan. Bottles of beer are used as decor items2. What types of beers to drink in Vietnam?2.1. Bottled/canned beersAlthough bottled/canned beers are considered not as fresh as craft/draft beer, it’s the most convenient choice for beer drinkers because they can be stored for a longer time thanks to the least exposure to the sunlight.In Vietnam, you can see a lot of local beer labels everywhere, especially in restaurants. Some of the most common are Hanoi beer, Saigon beer, Truc Bach beer, Huda beer, 333 beer, etc. Most of them cost just around 10,000-20,000vnd per bottle or per can. Among those beers, Hanoi beer is the most commonly chosen in North Vietnam and is considered the best-bottled beer for Hanoi people.Hanoi Beer2.2. Draft beers (Bia Hoi)Draft beer is the most common kind of beer for the Vietnamese. As it is made every day in the local breweries, draft beer is the freshest beer that you can try in Vietnam. Thanks to its containers (kegs), when drinking draft beers, you can sense the best of it as the taste and aroma are completely protected from the sunlight. However, because it has no preservatives, it can’t be preserved for a long time as bottled/canned beers.In addition, draft beer is also the most inexpensive beer in Vietnam which costs around just 5,000vnd-10,000vnd for a cup in the draft beer bars. Thus, it’s worth trying once.In Hanoi, the best place to grab a cup of beer is on Ta Hien Beer Street, coming here at night, you can experience drinking beer on a small chair and table and enjoy the nightlife vibe of the city. However, if you don’t like crowded places, you can come to any local beer place around the Hanoi Old Quarter which also offers the same price.Drinking draft beer2.3. Craft beersCraft beer is produced by a microbrewery. This is very familiar to people in Ho Chi Minh City with some brands like Winking Seal, Pasteur Street Brewing, etc. The special thing about craft beer is that it is made with unique recipes that incorporate local ingredients (maybe fruits, coffee, etc.) into the process. The price of this beer is also the highest (around 90,000-130,000vnd).If you want to try craft beers in Hanoi, there is a beer bar that has been receiving a plethora of rave reviews from customers called Hoa Vien Brauhaus. Hoa Vien Brauhaus is the very first brewery restaurant in Vietnam that serves the renowned Czech Republic draught beer called Pilsner Urquell. A special feature of this restaurant is that the architect had created a brewery system that has beer taps connecting the kegs to the dining table making customers’ drinking experience much more interesting.Pasteur Street Brewing CompanyAddress: 1A Tang Bat Ho, Pham Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi3. What to expect when drinking beers with the local Vietnamese?3.1. Cheers in the Vietnamese wayWhen eating at any local Vietnamese restaurant, you might hear people say: “Mot, hai, ba, dzo!”. That is how Vietnamese people cheer when drinking alcohol. The louder people shout, the happier the toast is. Sometimes, it becomes a competition at the restaurants when different groups try to shout louder than others. This may sound quite weird to foreign tourists for the first time, but it’s quite fun doing this in Vietnam. One more thing to bear in mind is that when cheering, everyone has to stand up and hold their cup of beer or wine to show respect to the host, so remember to follow this norm.3.2. Drinking challengeWhen it comes to drinking in Vietnam, it’s a real challenge. The moment after cheering and before drinking is when the challenge will be set. There will be several people in the group who challenge others to drink 50% or even 100%, sometimes you can take it or not, sometimes it’s a must. For boys, normally it’s a must because if you didn’t finish your beers, it means you don’t respect the host of this toast. After finishing the challenge (100%), people will hold the cup upside down to show that they already did it and keep looking around to see whether others can finish it or not. 4. Common foods that are often ordered along with beersBesides drinking beer when having meals with friends or family, Vietnamese people (especially men) often go for a cup of beer in a local beer store after work for many reasons such as to relax after work or to build relationships with their business partners. Then, in those stores, besides beers, people will order some snacks along with it (which are called “mồi”). The snack is different between the 3 regions. In North Vietnam, they normally are peanut (boiled or roasted), Vietnamese sausage, jerky squid, etc. Some junk foods that are eaten with beerDo you find this “the beer-drinking culture in Hanoi” article useful for you? Incredible Asia Journeys hope you have a great trip to this beautiful hectic city and have fun drinking beers with your family and friends here!Read more articles about the Hanoi travel guide:Best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake HanoiWhen Is The Best Time To Visit Hanoi?Best Restaurants in Hanoi Old QuarterDay trips from Hanoi that you might be interested:Lan Ha Bay Day Trip from HanoiHoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip from HanoiTam Coc Bich Dong Day TourMai Chau Day Trip From HanoiFull-Day Hanoi City Tour

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The Best Time to visit Hue

The Best Time to visit Hue

Hue is one of the best destinations to visit in Vietnam which welcomes millions of tourists every year. If you are planning to spend your holiday in Hue, you may wonder when is the best time to visit Hue. In this article, we will answer this question for you and give you a detailed guide about what places to visit in this city.[incredible_toc]1. How's the Weather in Hue?Hue festival is often held in summerWeather in Hue is divided into 2 seasons: wet and dry. The dry season is from March to August with an average temperature of 35-40 Celsius degree, thus, it’s very hot. The wet season is from August to January with an average temperature of 18-20 Celsius Degree, even below 10 Celsius degree, therefore, it’s quite cool and comfortable. However, from October forward, there are a lot of floods and storms. Spring in Hue lasts from the end of January to the end of February. The weather at this time is warm and sunny.Besides, the period from September to November is autumn – the most beautiful season in Hue with many kinds of flowers starting to bloom which makes the scenery so romantic.The Imperial City in Hue2. Best time to Visit HueThe best time to visit Hue is from January to April. During this time, the weather is pretty comfortable and not rainy. Therefore, if you come to Hue in these months, you can have a pleasant vacation with a wide range of outdoor activities, yet not worry about the sun’s heat or rain.Furthermore, by visiting Hue in April, you will have a chance to see the biggest festival of Hue during the year. Some performances you can see are street parades, traditional singing and dancing performances, fashion shows, etc.3. How to Get to Hue from Hanoi?If you are in Hanoi and heading to Hue, there are 3 most common ways to go.3.1. By AirplaneThere is an international airport in Hue called Phu Bai, thus if you want to save your time, taking a flight should be your best option. From Noi Bai airport to Hue, it takes you about a 1-hour flight and costs from 30-150 USD/person/way depending on the airline’s class, time, and date.3.2. By Sleeping BusThis is the most economical option as it costs only around 12-20 USD/ person/way. However, the total journey takes up to 13 hours (half-day), so if you are not pressed in time, you can go by bus, if not, take a flight.3.3. By TrainTraveling by train also takes around 13-14 hours but costs more than the sleeper bus (about 16-40 USD/person/way depending on seat option, time, and date). There are also some luxury picks provided by Laman Express train, Livitrans Express train, or Lotus train which may cost from 70-130usd/person/ way. A good thing about travelling by train is that the Hue train station is located quite near to famous attractions, thus it’s quite convenient to reach your hotel later on.4. How to Get to Hue from Da Nang?Hue is 100 kilometers away from Da Nang City which takes you around 2 hours to transport between these 2 destinations. There are several ways that you can go from Hue to Da Nang.4.1. By Shuttle BusThere are some reliable shuttle buses that you can choose such as Hai Hoang Gia, Nha xe Sinh Tourist, KT Travel Hu, etc. The price ranges from 100,000-120,000vnd/ person/ way.4.2. By LimousineIf you want a fancier option, the limousine would be suitable for you. You can contact some bus operators such as Huong Giang Limousine, Tan Quang Dung, or HAV, they are all good brands and offer prices from 140,000-180,000 VND/person/way. They depart every day from 6:00 to 15:00.4.3. By TrainThe railway from Da Nang to Hue is about 110 kilometers long which may take up to 3 hours and a half to reach Hue. There are trains operated every day at the price from 70,000 to 120,000 VND/person/way depending on the type of seats, time, and date. Bear in mind that they have different types of seats (with air conditioner, no conditioner, sleeping bed, etc.), so choose the one that you feel most comfortable and fits your budget.4.4. By TaxiBesides those public options, you can also go by taxi which is the costliest yet convenient choice. Prices range from 1,300,000 to 1,600,000 VND/ car/way depending on the size of the car. If you go with a big group, it’s recommended to take a taxi instead.5. What to Do in Hue?5.1. Admire the Imperial CityImperial City is the highlight of your vacation in Hue. This was once a place for the former Emperor to work and live with the royal family. Unfortunately, many of the original buildings were destroyed because of fire in 1947, and only 2 parts still remain today which is the Tam Quan Gate and the surrounding wall. However, the local government has made a lot of effort to restore the damaged parts according to pictures and old documents. Thus, what you can see today in the imperial city is pretty much similar to how it was originally.The Imperial City5.2. Visit the Royal TombsThe Nguyen dynasty had a total of 13 Emperors, however, not all of them had tombs. In fact, there were only 7 tombs which dedicates to 7 Emperor who are Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Duc Duc, Dong Khanh, and Khai Dinh. Among them, the 3 most commonly visited are the tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh. When talking about tombs, you may expect nothing much, however, when it comes to royal tombs, you should change your mind as those royal tombs are all worth a visit thanks to its splendid architecture which was designed by the former Emperor as a place for time to rest in peace.Tomb of Khai Dinh5.3. Explore Thien Mu PagodaThien Mu Pagoda located on the bank of the Perfume River is the most famous pagoda, also one of the most beautiful ones in Hue which has a panoramic view of the Perfume River. This pagoda is well-known for Phuoc Duyen Tower which was built under Thieu Tri reign. Phuoc Duyen Tower is the highest Buddhist tower in Vietnam with 7 layers (each layer is the 2-meter height). Nowadays, this tower has become one of the iconic symbols of Hue.Thien Mu Pagoda5.4. See Tu Dam PagodaTu Dam Pagoda is situated 2 kilometers away from Hue City center. It is known as one of the oldest pagodas in Hue which was built in the 17th century by a superior Buddhist monk called Minh Hoang Tu Dung. One special thing about the pagoda is that it is a perfect mix between ancient and contemporary architectural styles. Thus, coming to Hue, don’t forget to pay a visit to this pagoda to admire its unique architecture.Tu Dam Pagoda5.5. Take a River Cruise Taking a river cruise along the Perfume River is considered as one the most interesting, yet romantic activities to do in Hue. In the past, the boat was, in fact, solely served the Emperor. However, nowadays, it is widely used as a tourist experience and attracts many tourists every day.Cruise in Perfume River5.6. Take a Food tourVietnam offers a variety of food in different regions. Thus, coming to Hue, you will also see some local delicacies that you can’t find anywhere else across Vietnam. Dong Ba Market and Night Walking Street are the 2 best places to discover the local specialty in Hue at a good price. However, remember to ask for the price before you order anything."Bun Bo Hue"6. How Many Days Should You Spend in Hue?Our experts recommend that at least 4 to 5 days are the best as, besides all the destinations in the vicinity of the city center, Hue also has a lot of beautiful places of interest which are located on the outskirts, especially its beaches. Thus, if you have more time, discover somewhere further to fully understand Hue.7. What is the Best Day Trip from Hue?Besides, discovering the inner city, you can also visit some tourist attractions located in the nearby province. Incredible Asia Journeys also has some day-tour departing from Hue that you can consider:Phong Nha Day Tour from Hue    Hue – Paradise Cave Full-Day TourHue Full Day City TourYou may also like:7 Things to Buy in Hue - A Heaven of HandicraftsWhat to Eat in HueWhere to Stay in Hue and its Surrounds

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10 Best destinations to visit in Vietnam

10 Best destinations to visit in Vietnam

Vietnam has captured global recognition, earning prestigious titles such as Asia’s Leading Destination (World Travel Awards) and featuring on countless must-visit travel lists. Are you planning your trip to Vietnam and wondering how long you should spend in Vietnam?In this guide, we’ll share insider tips and highlight the must-visit destinations to help you craft the perfect itinerary for your dream vacation. Whether you're staying for a few days or a few weeks, we’ve got you covered![incredible_toc] 1. Hanoi Temple of Literature - Best places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam located on the bank of the Red River. This is the second-largest economic center of Vietnam, and at the same time, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Southeast Asia. In addition, it holds such a depth of history with all the relics remained telling stories of the old capital of Imperial Vietnam, or the French influences through many architectures. Thus, coming here, you will have a wide range of activities and things to do, from discovering its rich history to embedding into its modernity. Hanoi is also a communication center in Vietnam. From Hanoi, you can transport to any destinations in Vietnam from North to South by bus, train, or airplane. Thus, if you plan to travel to several places in Vietnam, you need to go to Hanoi for sure.See more:Best hotels near Hoan Kiem lake HanoiWhen is the Best Time to Visit Hanoi? 2. Halong Bay Halong Bay - one of the best places to visit in Vietnam Halong Bay is one of the best destinations in Vietnam, recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Named as the “descending dragon”, Halong Bay has nearly 2000 islets in various shapes and sizes which are told to be the dragons sent by Jade Emperor to protect Vietnam. >> How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi? There are a number of ways to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay such as by shuttle bus, motorbike, seaplane, or train. The most convenient options should be by shuttle bus because of its reasonable price and its short transportation time (2 hours by highway). Nowadays, most tourists choose to take a cruise ship to discover Halong Bay which includes transportation from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. We strongly recommend this since it saves a lot of your time and, at the same time, you can enjoy most of its beauty.Halong Bay kayakHowever, due to the dramatic water pollution in this area, the government has released rules applied for all boats cruising around Halong Bay, following that, they have to follow certain routes through the bay. Therefore, the itinerary of all cruises are quite similar, so your choice of cruise would make the most difference for your trip.Here, you can see some best options for your Halong Bay cruises:1-day Halong Bay cruise: Amethyst Day Cruise2 days 1 night Halong Bay cruise: V’Spririt Cruise>> What are some alternatives to Halong Bay? As Halong Bay is one of the best-known destinations in Vietnam, millions of tourists flock to this natural site annually. Thus, you will see over-tourism here if you travel in the peak season or national holidays. Moreover, due to the huge volume of tourists, the area is becoming polluted with trash which makes it not as poetic as what you see on the Internet, especially when it’s high season. Therefore, instead of Halong Bay, you can consider some other options which have similar landscapes such as Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay.See more: Is it worth doing a Halong cruise? 3. Ninh Binh Tam Coc Ninh Binh is also known as Halong Bay on landNinh Binh is a rising star of Vietnam tourism since which welcomes more than 7 million tourists in 2019 with a 12% annual growth rate. With its incredible natural landscape, Ninh Binh is known as the Halong Bay on land. Furthermore, it was also the ancient capital of Vietnam during 3 dynasties from 968 – 1010, thus, it offers a lot of historical sites for history lovers.  There are 2 mains natural places to visit in Ninh Binh which are Trang An and Hoa Lu. Coming to both places, you will have a chance to enjoy the scenery on a sampan boat. While Trang An consists of many caves, Tam Coc surprises tourists by its paddy rice fields along the channel. See more: Tam Coc or Trang An? to compare more about their differences. >> How to go to Ninh Binh from Hanoi? There are several options for you such as by shuttle bus, train, motorbike, etc. However, the most efficient, convenient way is to go by bus. You can book a bus ticket at any travel agent or at your hotel. What makes this an easy option is that the bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and drop you off at the tourist attraction that you want to reach in Ninh Binh.See more: How many days to spend in Ninh Binh?Hoa Lu - Trang An full day tour from HanoiHoa Lu - Tam Coc day tripBai Dinh - Trang An day tour4. Sapa Sapa is the best destinations in North VietnamSapa is located in a remote area in the North of Vietnam, which is close to the Vietnam – China border. Because of its far location, not many people could travel to this beautifully natural destination. But once you come here, you will not regret it.  As it is far away, Sapa has its own unique culture and customs because most of the people there are of the ethnic minority group, namely Hmong, Dao, etc. which makes you feel like you are traveling to “another Vietnam”. Coming here, you can try some local experiences such as staying at a local homestay, watching Hmong people do farming, make handmade textiles, etc.  In addition, Sapa is also famous for its stunning green terraced rice fields. The most beautiful time to see the fields is from June to September when the whole area is filled with the lush green color of the rice fields. However, rains may happen sometimes during this period, so prepare a raincoat and check the weather forecast carefully before making your trip.Terraced Rice Fields In Sapa>>How to go to Sapa from Hanoi? There are 2 most common ways to transport from Sapa to Hanoi. 1. By bus: we 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. 2. By train: If 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. 5. Hue Hue - The Imperial CityHue is a city located in the central of Vietnam, lying on the bank of the Perfume River. From 1802 to 1945, it was the ancient capital of the Nguyen Dynasty – the last dynasty in Vietnam. Thanks to its rich historic values, Hue was recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites. >> What to do in Hue? Here are the top 3 best things to do in Hue: Visit the Imperial CityThis is the most famous place to visit in Hue situated on the northern bank of the Perfume River. It was built in 1803 by Gia Long Emperor – the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Basically, it has 2 main parts: the Citadel (functioning as the protector of the palace) and the Forbidden City (where the court worked and the royal family lived). To visit this, you need nearly a day to explore all parts of the city.  The Imperial CityExplore the royal tombs When talking about tombs, some people may think of something scary or creepy. However, those royal tombs in Hue are such masterpieces since they are all beautifully designed and harmonized with nature. Coming there, you will feel a sense of peacefulness and admirable. There are 3 most famous tombs that you can visit: Gia Long Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Tu Duc Tomb. Khai Dinh TombDiscover pagodas in Hue Known as the most reputed city for Buddhism, this city has a number of long-standing pagodas with beautiful architecture. Some of the top recommendations are Tu Dam Pagoda, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Hieu Pagoda, and Thien Lam Pagoda.Tu Dam PagodaSee more: Best things to do in HueHow to get to Hue from Hanoi?6. Hoi An Hoi An ancient town - most beautiful places to visit in VietnamConsidered as one of the best destinations to visit in Vietnam, Hoi An is on every traveler’s bucket list when they are planning to visit Vietnam. Hoi An was a famous port town in the centuries of 15th to 19th which attracts a number of foreign traders coming here to make the business such as Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Dutch, etc. However, later on, due to the competitive market, Hoi An lose its position as one of the busiest trading port in Vietnam. However, many remains of the past are still kept until today, making this port town become so gorgeous with its ancient beauty.See more:How long to spend in Hoi An?10 best things to do in Hoi An7. Nha Trang Nha Trang beach - Vietnam's most beautiful coastal city Nha Trang is a coastal city, being the capital city of Khanh Hoa province, located in the central of Vietnam. Its beaches are considered as one of the most beautiful ones in the world, therefore, if you love sunbathing on the beach, this should be your top choice. The city once belonged to the Champa people, thus you can also experience the Champa architecture right in Vietnam. >> What to do in Nha Trang? Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers The Po Nagar Cham Towers dates back to the 8th and 11th centuries which worship Hindu deities. Originally, the complex consisted of 8 towers, but half of them were completely destroyed and only 4 of them remained till today.Po Nagar Cham TowersSunbathe at the beach As stated above, Nha Trang is very famous for its white sandy beaches. Thus, you must want to come and sunbathe at these beautiful beaches. On the other hand, you can also try some other fun experiences there, such as sailing, snorkeling, diving, etc.Doc Let Beach Nha Trang Experience Mud Bath Not only well-known for the beaches, but this city is also one of the best places to have mud bath in Asia. This experience not only gives you fun but is good for your health and skin as the mud containing a lot of minerals.Thap Ba Mud BathLorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.Thap Ba Hot SpringI-Resort 8. Da LatDalat - one of the best destinations to visit in VietnamDa Lat is the capital of Lam Dong province which is a highland located 1,500meters above the sea level. Thanks to its location, the weather of this city seems great all year round with a cool temperature.  Da Lat has its reputation for its poetic scenery since it is considered as the city of flower in Vietnam. On the other hand, it also has many beautiful waterfalls, two of the most famous ones are the Pren Waterfall and Datanla Waterfall. Besides, Da Lat also has some unique architecture, one of them is the Linh Phuoc Pagoda which is also known as the pagoda of broken glass because of the dragon’s head made from 12,000 pieces of glass at the entrance gate.Linh Phuoc Pagoda 9. Phu Quoc Phu Quoc Beach - Beautiful Island in VietnamPhu Quoc is a large area consisting of 22 islands in various sizes, among which the biggest one is Phu Quoc Island – also the largest island in Vietnam. Phu Quoc has a variety of activities and places that can make an enjoyable vacation which are the beautiful sandy beaches, historical sites, majestic waterfalls, or delicious seafood. Thus, this island is now considered as one of the best destinations to visit in Vietnam, welcoming millions of tourists every year. >> What to do in Phu Quoc? Play at the beach This is absolutely the top thing to do here. Some activities you can do here are: play water sports, sunbathe at the beaches, do fishing, etc.Sol Beach Phu Quoc Visit the Phu Quoc Prison  Phu Quoc Prison was built in 1950 by the French colonists who named it the Coconut Prison. It was the biggest prison of the Vietnam Public which witnessed a lot of stories from the war.Phu Quoc Prison Discover waterfall Besides beaches, Phu Quoc also has a large area of lush green forest and admirable waterfalls. There are some beautiful waterfalls that you can consider to pay a visit: Tranh Waterfall, Da Ngon Waterfall, and Da Ban Waterfall.Suoi Tranh WaterfallSee more:When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?Where to stay in Phu Quoc Island?  10. Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh City SunsetHo Chi Minh City is the biggest economic center of Vietnam and the most densely populated city in Vietnam. As one of the most modern cities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Sai Gon) has a lot of fun activities to offer tourists. Besides, it also has a long-standing history with the Khmers people settled down here for the first time, until the Vietnamese took over the area in the 17th century, until the French colonial time. This rich history reflects in some of the architectures in the city, making it an interesting place for history lovers. See more:Top 6 things to do in Ho Chi Minh CityWhat to eat in Sai Gon?  11. How many days to spend in Vietnam? To cover all the above best destinations to visit in Vietnam, you probably need at least 2 weeks to just scratch the surface. However, there are a lot of other off-the-beaten-track, yet beautiful places more to explore, if you want to discover the most of it, it may take up to more than a month.See our 2 weeks tour in Vietnam: Authentic Vietnam Itinerary 2 Weeks  12. Why you should visit Vietnam? Vietnam is now one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia because it offers a lot of different experiences in a wide range of budgets. Here are some reasons you should visit Vietnam: 12.1. Wide variety of delicious treatsVietnam has a lot of yummy local food that you can try, most of which inexpensive and can be found everywhere. Some of the must-try local food when you visit Vietnam are Beef Pho, Crispy Pancake, Spring Roll, etc."Pho Bo" - a world's famous dish from Vietnam12.2. Rich in historyThe country of Vietnam has a long-standing history and has passed through a numerous fierce battle, thus, coming to Vietnam, you will have a chance to visit a number of historical sites that have such a meaningful value to the Vietnamese. 12.3. Beautiful natureIf you are a nature lover, this is definitely a place that you want to visit. Vietnam consists of many different landscapes from beautiful beach coasts which runs along with the country, to lush mountains, to majestic waterfalls, etc. You can find all of them in this small S-shape country and explore them with an incredibly cheap budget.Lotus Flower - The National Flower of VietnamSo it's time to start your Vietnam Tours, contact Incredible Asia Journeys as your trusted Vietnam tour operator to get best deals and free quotations!

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Best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi

Best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi

The best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi offer tourists a good chance to explore the long and rich culture of the capital of Vietnam. Taking advantage of the beautiful old buildings, the hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake are built with modern structures in order to provide five-star services to tourists. [incredible_toc]Along with the prime location in the most popular part of Hanoi, they provide high-class facilities and superb in-room amenities so that clients can enjoy the utmost comfort during their stay. Incredible Asia Journeys has researched all the best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi for all budgets to help you save time. All of them have amazing reviews on TripAdvisor and affordable prices. 1. Best luxury hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi1.1. Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi – Mgallery The Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi is one of the best luxury hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi for tourists. Its prime location offers visitors a chance to soak up all the culture of Hanoi. Located in the center of Hanoi, Hotel de l'Opera is only 5 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and a short walking distance to the Hanoi Opera House. Guests of Hotel de l'Opera can experience the 5-star accommodation with 107 rooms and suites beautifully designed. The amenities are picked carefully to harmonize with the dark wood, white linen, and lights. If you are tired of visiting around, there is a bar and Vietnamese restaurant for you. Besides, the hotel also offers 4 meeting rooms and a business center for those who stop here for business. Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi  1.2. Sofitel Legend Metropole The Sofitel Legend Metropole is an elegant French hotel located across the road from the Hanoi Opera House. This hotel is truly one of the best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi with luxurious facilities. It has 364 rooms and suites with hardwood floors, elegant fans, large beds, traditional furnishing, and beautiful French windows. There is also a bar, a restaurant, and a spa for guests to enjoy during their stay. Operated since 1901, the Sofitel Legend Metropole has been delivering exceptional service to visitors and bringing them one of the best experiences in the 5-star accommodation. It is truly one of the best places to stay in Hanoi and among the list of luxurious hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake.  Sofitel Legend Metropole 1.3. Apricot Hotel Apricot Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel took eight years to complete and it’s a combination of eastern and western design. Located only a few steps away from Hoan Kiem Lake, the hotel features an outstanding collection of Vietnamese artists and their original artworks. Apricot Hotel offers an artistic experience with old-world decoration that will enchant guests during their stay. The hotel pays attention to every small detail of the rooms and with the professional service, you will have an unforgettable memory after staying here. Apricot Hotel also has a spacious rooftop pool overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake which provides a good time of relaxation after a sightseeing day. Guests also claim that the various choices of breakfast are a highlight of the hotel to help them gain more energy for a new day.  Apricot Hotel 1.4. The Oriental Jade Hotel The Oriental Jade Hotel is a new member of the OHG Hospitality Group and it was opened in 2019. Being one of the best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake, this hotel features 120 rooms and suites with a stunning view of Hanoi’s most famous attractions. It is located on Hang Trong Street which is a very convenient start for your Hanoi City Tour, all attractions are within walking distance.  Oriental Jade Hotel also offers a beautiful spa with locally inspired relaxation methods. For those who want to stay fit during their trip, the hotel also has a gym and a rooftop pool which allows guests to exercise at any time of the day. It also has a Vietnamese restaurant with a wide range of delicious food that will impress you at the very first bite. Furthermore, guests can spend time at a Sky Bar, enjoy cocktails while admiring the sunset over Hoan Kiem Lake.  Oriental Jade Hotel 2.Best deluxe hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi2.1. Hanoi Pearl Hotel Hanoi Pearl Hotel is the premier choice among the best deluxe hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi. Located a few steps away from the lake, this hotel offers exceptional service, impressive amenities, and spacious rooms and suites. The hotel is tastefully decorated with exquisite floors, artistic design, and clear attention to details in every room. The service at Hanoi Pearl Hotel is always available from day to night and the staff are very attentive. Remember to check out the night view of Hoan Kiem Lake from the Lounge and CafĂ© terrace or relax at the spa.  Hanoi Pearl Hotel 2.2. Rex Hotel Hanoi Rex Hanoi Hotel is located in the center of Hanoi, with few steps from Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and short walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel features 68 rooms with unique architecture – a Vietnamese style harmoniously mixed with Western design. Rex Hanoi Hotel aims to provide the utmost comfort for guests during their stay with spacious rooms, restaurant, outdoor and indoor swimming pool. The hotel is also close to famous attractions of Hanoi such as Dong Xuan Market, Night Market, Ngoc Son Temple, or Water Puppet Theatre. The professional and friendly staff will ensure you have an unforgettable time in Ha noi. Besides, Rex Hanoi Hotel offers a very reasonable price – you will pay for a 3-star price and get a 5-star service. Therefore, Rex Hanoi Hotel is one of the best deluxe hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi. Rex Hanoi Hotel 2.3. Golden Silk Boutique Hotel Golden Silk Boutique Hotel is an elegant hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake and on the famous silk road. It will take you only 3 minutes to walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, 5 minutes to walk to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Besides, all the famous attractions such as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Post Office, or Trang Tien Plaza are within short walking distance. The hotel features spacious rooms with large beds, rosewood floors, and Vietnamese work arts. All the rooms are decorated with a modern style and a bathtub. Especially, if you stay in front of view rooms, you will have a beautiful view of Hanoi Old Quarter and the lake from the balcony. Furthermore, the Golden Silk Boutique Hotel also provides a Vietnamese restaurant, a rooftop bar, spa with steam, sauna, and jacuzzi room. For all those reasons, this is one of the best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi. Golden Silk Boutique Hotel 3. Best budget hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi3.1. Gondola Hotel After the renovation, Gondola Hotel has made itself on the list of best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Hanoi with 3 minutes walk to Sword Lake and other major attractions of the city. The hotel is a perfect match for leisure or business guests who plan to stay just a few days. The hotel offers 40 rooms which ensure you will have a total retreat into the peace and escape from the bustling city. Get yourself comfortable at the delicious restaurant or relax on the rooftop bar, taking in the panorama view of Hanoi.  Gondola Hotel 3.2. Hotel Garden Queen Hotel Garden Queen, located in the center of Hanoi, is one of the best budget hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel is charmingly traditional with antique designs featuring a rooftop garden. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk service and trip arrangements. It provides 9 rooms with oriental flows, a wood floor, and a basic bathroom. The rooms are fully equipped to serve the guest’s necessities. A daily breakfast is included in the room charge with a variety of options. From Hotel Garden Queen, it will take you only 5 minutes to walk to Ngoc Son temple or the Water Puppet Theatre. Other famous attractions of Hanoi are also easy to be reached on foot. Hotel Garden Queen 3.3. King Ly Hotel Staying at King Ly Hotel, you will get an easy touch to Hanoi’s famous destinations such as Ngoc Son Temple, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, or Hanoi Opera House. This best deluxe hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake features 25 air-conditioned rooms with wooden floors and antique furniture. All rooms are equipped with TV, mini bar, private bathroom with bathtub. Housekeeping and buffet breakfast is provided daily at the King Ly Hotel to make sure guests have the best experience here. From the rooftop terrace, you can take in the panorama view of Hoan Kiem Lake at night.  King Ly HotelDay trips from Hanoi that you might be interested:Lan Ha Bay Day Trip from HanoiHoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip from HanoiTam Coc Bich Dong Day TourMai Chau Day Trip From HanoiFull Day Hanoi City TourBeing famous for unique French buildings, traditional temples, pagodas, and museums, Hanoi is also known as the place of delicious street food stalls, shopping places, and boutique cafes. Therefore, this is an amazing destination for travelers around the world and it can accommodate everyone’s needs from sightseeing, history, religion, and food to a shopping trip. If you are planning to visit this city, check out our list of the best hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake above. And besides the great location for going around Hanoi, they are also a convenient start for any day trips from Hanoi. 

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When is the Best Time to Visit Hanoi?

When is the Best Time to Visit Hanoi?

Many people may think Hanoi belongs to Southeast Asia so it will be hot all the time of the year and T-Shirts are enough to travel in Vietnam all year time round. That is not correct. There are seasons in Hanoi and you need to know about then decide the best time for you to visit Hanoi. [incredible_toc] 1. The Dry Season from October to April in Hanoi October to April can be the best time to visit Hanoi as this time is not hot and that is the dry season in Hanoi. There is no typhoon so you do not have to worry about canceling the tours you have booked to some destinations like Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Halong Bay. In the typhoon season, sometimes you may have to cancel the tours you have booked. The end of September is the end of the rainy season in Hanoi so from October there is no downpour and you can enjoy your trip the best way. 1.1. Hanoi from October to November This time is the best of the best time to visit Hanoi as it is the dry season and cool season also. That is the Autumn season so Hanoi is not cold and not hot. The temperature is about 180ËšC to 250ËšC, the humidity is 74% and the length of the day is 11 hours. You will see that that is the perfect weather to travel. You can travel quite a lot in one day and you will not feel tired of the heat or the cold. You will enjoy most of the moment in Hanoi. Hanoi Street in Autumn 1.2. Hanoi from December to February  This time of the year is the coldest time in Hanoi. So if you wish to visit Hanoi, you should bring a jacket and sweater with you. The temperature can decrease to 15ËšC - 18ËšC in the daytime and even to decreases to 10ËšC - 11ËšC at night time. The humidity is about 60% to 65%. Hanoi Street in Winter That is the dry season so that is easy for you to stroll around your hotels or the places around Hanoi. Remember to bring a jacket with you especially when you travel to high mountainous areas like Sapa, Mai Chau, and Ha Giang because sometimes there is snow or ice there. If you take a trip to Halong Bay, you should bring more jackets as it is colder in the sea.Although it is cold from December to February, it is still the best time to visit Hanoi and around. Each year a lot of travelers visit Vietnam as that is the Christmas Holiday Period. Chrismas in Hanoi January to February is the time for the Lunar New Year depending on different years and the date will change. So you should check the calendar and ask your travel agents to know about that holiday because you may have a problem with services during the Lunar New Year Period.  Hanoi Lunar New Year 1.3. Hanoi from March to April From March to April, the weather will be warmer because it is Spring in North Vietnam. You still need a warm coat on the cold day but in general, the temperature is perfect for traveling ( From 18ËšC - 23ËšC in March and from 22ËšC - 28ËšC in April).  The temperature is good this time but the humidity is from 85% to 90% so it is misty in many places. You may not have nice photos as the sky is not very clear. It is rainy often and the rain is wet enough to be dirty. So this time if you do trekking, that will be hard and that is not a good time for photo hunting.  From March, many roads in Hanoi are covered with vibrant colors 2. Rainy and Hot Season from May to September 2.1. Hanoi from May to June – The hot season  May to June is the hottest season in Han. The temperature is from  26ËšC - 33ËšC and sometimes it may reach 39ËšC in the daytime. So if you do not hot weather, that is a very hard time for you to travel outside this time on a hot day.  This period, the downpour starts but not a lot and not for a long time in a day. Although that is the hot and rainy period, that is the best time for photos as the sky is clear and there are a lot of places in Vietnam that harvest the rice. If you visit Tam Coc – a day tour from Hanoi, you can take a boat trip with the rice field along the river. Get to the peak of Hang Mua, you can take the most beautiful photos of Tam Coc. See Hang Mua Tam Coc Day Tour for more information! So this is the best time for visiting Tam Coc and one of the best times to have nice photos around Hanoi.  Golden Rice Tam Coc 2.2. Hanoi from July to August – Typhoon Season That is still a very hot period in Hanoi. It is a bit less hot than May to June but that is the rainy and typhoon season in Hanoi and around. You may have to cancel some tours because of the rain and typhoon. It may rain all day or it is stormy and some boat trips cannot depart like Halong Bay or Tam Coc, Trang An Boat Trip. The temperature is from  24ËšC to 32ËšC and sometimes it may reach 37ËšC in the daytime. So you may like this weather.  Hanoi Rainy Season 2.3. Hanoi in September September is the beginning of autumn so the weather is cooler. However, the world weather has changed recently so this time of the year is not really cool as 20 years ago. It is still a bit hot in September but it is good enough for travel.  That is also the end of the typhoon season so there is still typhoon sometimes. The temperature is from  22ËšC - 28ËšC. Green Rice is one of the most unique specialties of Hanoi in September When you are in Hanoi this time, you may visit Sapa as that is the rice terrace field. You will have the most beautiful photos of the rice fields in Sapa. That is amazing. Rice field in SapaMay to September is also a good time for the best deals for the tour package in Vietnam as that is the low season for international tourists. So if you would like to travel with a low budget then this period will be good for you.  So the best time to visit Hanoi depends on what you wish but for the weather, we advise from October to November and from March to April when it is in the dry season and it is not cold and not too hot.We hope that with our information above, you can choose the best time suitable for your purpose and your group’s interest. Incredible Asia Journeys is happy to arrange for you the holiday to Vietnam. Don't hesitate to drop us a message or request to customize your own Vietnam itinerary!

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Top 6 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Top 6 Things To Do 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 12.6 million international tourists in the year 2023.[incredible_toc] So what makes this city an interesting destination? Let’s find out the top 6 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in this article. 1. What to see in Ho Chi Minh City? 1.1. Have a lot of fun at Pham Ngu Lao Street If asking young tourists where is the funniest place in Ho Chi Minh City, surely they will answer “Pham Ngu Lao Street”. Sitting in District 1 of Sai Gon, this street is a perfect place for travelers to stay, find delicious local delicacies, and join the local nightlife. Of all the activities that this street offers, having a cup of local beer on the sidewalk is the weirdest, yet interesting experience to try. Here, you can find local Sai Gon beer in every corner with only about 20,000 - 30,000 VND. Furthermore, you can also watch street performances such as dancing, singing, or even fire-spitting while enjoying your beer.  However, this hectic street is only open on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) from 18:00 to midnight. So, keep that in mind when arranging your schedule. Pham Ngu Lao Street 1.2. Take waterbus ride One of the best things to do around Ho Chi Minh City is to take a waterbus ride on the Sai Gon River. The waterbus was put into operation since 2017 to meet the transportation demand of local people. However, it has been drawing a lot of attention from tourists and is considered one of the most interesting experiences when traveling to Ho Chi Minh because it not only gives tourists chances to enjoy the scenery of the city from the water but also is a cheap, yet fun thing to do in Ho Chi Minh city. Here is some general information about this water bus: Capacity: 66 seatsBus stops: Bach Dang, Binh An, Thanh Da, Hiep Binh Chanh, and Linh DongPrice: 15.000vnd/wayOperating hours: 6:00 – 19:30Total time from Bach Dang – Linh Dong: about 50 minsWhere to buy a ticket: at the stopsThere is one thing you should keep in mind that it is advisable to avoid weekends because the demand is very high at this time which will take you long hours waiting. Water bus ride in Ho Chi Minh City 1.3. Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous places of interest in Ho Chi Minh City located in District 1. Originally, this cathedral was made of wood and was hugely damaged by termites. Not until 1877, refurbishment was made and finished in 1880 which converted the old wooden cathedral into the current version. As it was built by the French, all the red bricks used to erect the construction were bought in Marseille, France. The design of it was also an imitation of the famous Notre Dame de Paris with Romance and French Gothic architectural style. Besides its beauty, the event in October 2005 also made up its reputation among tourists. That is the moment the Virgin Mary statue in front of the cathedral shed tears which drew tons of attention from the public and was mentioned in a number of international news. Thus, this is a must-go thing to do when you visit Ho Chi Minh City. Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The Notre Dame Cathedral 1.4. Discover the Cu Chi tunnel Cu Chi tunnel is the most famous historical site in the South of Vietnam as it played an important role in the victory of Vietnam in defeating the Americans. Come to Ho Chi Minh City, tourists cannot miss this one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. The tunnel was built in 1948 and took 25 years to complete, the whole complex had the original length of 250 kilometers, until today, only 120 kilometers remained and conserved by the Vietnam government. In wartime, it functioned as the operation base of the Viet Cong for the event of Tet Offensive in 1968. It has a total of 3 levels which can accommodate everything needed in the war such as food, hospitals, supply routes, weapons, etc., and also was an accommodation for the soldiers. Nowadays, to ensure safety for tourists, it is allowed to visit and crawl the 1st floor and only some safe parts of the lower levels. Address: TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.Consider our best customized Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi tunnel tours to have a full explanation of the historical depth of the tunnels. Gun shooting in Cu Chi Tunnel 1.5. Wander along Starlight Bridge Starlight Bridge is located in District 7 which crosses Thay Tieu Canal. It is considered one of the most beautiful and modern bridges in Vietnam. What makes this bridge special is that, as it is called, the bridge has a system of light stretching along its floor which brings visitors a feeling of walking in a galaxy with many stars. In addition, it’s also designed with the water spray system combined with rainbow lights which makes the bridge so gorgeous from a far distance.  However, the scenery is not available every day. You can only see it on Thursday and Sunday nights from 18:30 to 22:00 and in some national holidays such as New Year's Eve, etc.  Address: Rach Bang Bridge 2, Tan Phu, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City Starlight Bridge 1.6. Explore Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh Market is situated in the prime location of District 1. The market dates back more than 100 years ago during the French colonial period, thus, its architecture was strongly influenced by the French. It is one of the most well-known places of interest for tourists when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City which welcomes more than 10,000 people visiting every day.  One special thing is that it transforms every day from a shopping paradise to a night market. In the morning, you can come here for shopping. It offers tourists almost everything from souvenirs, handicraft items, branded goods, etc. with approximately 1,500 booths of more than 6,000 business owners. In the evening, it converts into a night market with a wide range of delicious street food such as seafood, crispy pancakes, etc. even options for vegetarians. Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 Ben Thanh Market 2. Best tours to take when you staying in Ho Chi Minh City When you are staying in Ho Chi Minh City, you may wonder what are the best tours to take. See some tours suggested by our experts as below: 2.1. Mekong Boat Trip from Ho Chi Minh City After several days exploring the hustle and bustle city of Sai Gon, it’s time to relax a bit with a trip to a further place. The Mekong Delta day trip is one of the best choices for you. In this tour, you will be taking a river cruise along a part of the Mekong Delta River, having local tea while watching the Vietnam folk singing performance, and enjoying a local lunch at the Unicorn Islet. For more details, please click HERE. 2.2. Long Tan – Nui Dat Day TourLong Tan and Nui Dat were battlefields that watched a fierce battle between the ANZACs – an Australian and New Zealand Corps – and the Vietnamese army forces. Coming here, you will have a chance to understand more about Vietnam’s history. On this day trip, you will also be visiting Long Tan Cross Memorial, Horseshoe FSB, and Long Phuoc Tunnels For more details, please click HERE.So, those are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that we want to provide to tourists. Don't hesitate to contact Incredible Asia Journeys to start planning your Vietnam trip today, many excitements await!

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Best things to do in Hue

Best things to do in Hue

Hue is a famous tourist destination and one of the most charming cities in Vietnam. Located by the beautiful Perfume River, Hue used to be the royal capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty. This is a great destination for history lovers with ancient buildings, old landmarks, beautiful pagodas, and museums. People flock over here to check out the ancient tombs of the emperors located throughout the city providing a deeper knowledge of Hue in the good old days. And it’s also a place of wonderful food with huge options around the town.[incredible_toc]There are so many exciting things to do around this renowned and charming city that attracts millions of tourists every year. However, not many people know well about what are the Best things to do in Hue, especially first-time visitors. Incredible Asia Journeys has rounded up the list of 8 Best things to do in Hue to help you bring the best memory home!1. Best Things To Do in Hue Vietnam1.1. Visit the Imperial CityOne of the best things to do in Hue is visit the Imperial City even if you are only here for 1 day. The Imperial City was built in the 18th century under the reign of King Gia Long – the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. It served as the Imperial Seat of Vietnam for a long time but then lost its role when the new government of President Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of Vietnam. After that, the Imperial City suffered from heavy damage during the Indochina War in the 20th century.Nowadays, the Imperial City is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hue. This is a perfect place for a walk and learns about the rich history. If you are planning to visit on your own, you can have a tour guide to explain the information at the ticket booth. They will take you around for 1 hour, but be aware that their English skill is not excellent. The ticket to enter the Imperial City is 200.000 VND (USD 7.85) for adults and 40.000 VND ($1.57) for children (7-12 years of age). Also, the price to hire a tour guide is 150.000 VND for one group.Imperial City1.2. Visit the Tombs of the Former EmperorsWhat to do in Hue Vietnam? Visiting the Tombs of Former Emperors is probably one of the best things that you should do in Hue. There are 7 tombs of ancient emperors in total but the tomb of King Khai Dinh, King Tu Duc, and King Minh Mang is the nicest that you should visit thanks to its unique appeal. You can consider combining to visit both Hue Imperial City and Tombs:- Combo of 3 sites: Hue Imperial City, Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb, Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb is 420,000 VND ($16.49) for adults and 80,000 VND ($3.14) for children (7-12 years of age).- Combo of 3 sites: Hue Imperial City, Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb, Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb is 420,000 VND ($16.49) for adults and 80,000 VND ($3.14) for children (7-12 years of age).The tombs are mostly built in the 19th and 20th centuries with beautiful architecture and typical Vietnamese design.If you are wondering between various options, you can take a look at our tour a full day to visit Hue City HERE. Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh1.3. Cruise along the Perfume RiverThe Perfume River runs through the city of Hue and is one of the most beautiful waterways in this city. It is the best place to take in all the beauty of this romantic city. Therefore, cruising along the Perfume River is one of the best things to do in Hue. If you take the cruise in the daytime, you will see people going out for an early run and buffalos swimming, enjoying the cold water.If you take the cruise in the daytime, you will see people going out for an early run and buffalos swimming, enjoying the cold water. If you opt for a night cruise, you will have a chance to see the local vendors with their food stalls by the river bank. All the dragon boat that hosts Hue Folk Music will light on with lanterns creating a romantic scenery on the river. After finishing the boat tour, you can go to those food stalls and get something to eat.Besides, tourists can also tour around Hue City by this dragon boat in the morning. The boat will take you to visit the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Tomb. It is a fascinating day tour around Hue providing the amazing landscape with an interesting history of the city.Perfume River and dragon boats1.4. Visit the Thien Mu PagodaBesides the royal tombs, Hue is also famous for ancient and beautiful pagodas. The Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most interesting places to visit in Hue and people often go there to find peace. It is also considered as the symbol of Hue and visitors can take a beautiful view over the Perfume River from here.It is known for the gold and silver images of Buddha inside and also a huge bell as well as a stone turtle. The best time to visit Thien Mu Pagoda is in the early morning when the temperature is not too high and you can slowly stroll around, observing the life here.Thien Mu Pagoda1.5. Go shopping at Dong Ba MarketWhen traveling to a new destination, the best thing to do is to go shopping, buy gifts from that place, and in Hue, Dong Ba Market is the best shopping spot. Coming here, you will see a flea market and you can buy everything here from classic souvenirs to traditional Vietnamese food. The market is open from 3:00 AM to 8:30 PM so feel free to visit at any time of the day. However, be aware of the price because some people will sell higher prices for tourists so you will need to negotiate.Dong Ba Market became more famous when chef Anthony Bourdain came and filmed an episode of his show. He tried the noodle vermicelli with beef and found it delicious.Dong Ba Market1.6. Go trekking at Bach Ma National ParkGo trekking at Bach Ma National Park is recommended as one of the best things to do in Hue if you stay there for more than 1 day. Bach Ma National Park is located at 1,450 meters above the sea level therefore it is the spot for a panorama view of Hue. In the past, it acted as a French Hill Station and now it turned into a popular attraction for tourists and locals.On the way up, you will see an amazing waterfall and hiking trails as well as a few campsites for those who want to stay overnight. The fresh air, flora, and fauna here will be a memorable experience during your trip to Hue. Besides, you can also pay a visit to Cau Hai Village after go trekking.Bach Ma National Park1.7. Admire the Hue Museum Of Royal AntiquitiesAdmire the Hue Museum Of Royal Antiquities is probably one of the best attractions in Hue if you are a lover of history. It is where the variety of pieces from the Nguyen Dynasty are displayed from 1802 to 1945. In the Museum Of Royal Antiquities, you will find different galleries showing traditional furniture, textiles, jewelry, and other things that used to belong to the royal family. The museum is situated right outside of the Citadel so you can visit it after walking around the Imperial City. The entrance fee to this museum is already covered with the same ticket of the Citadel so it’s very convenient to combine the visit of these places.The museum will show you the Imperial life and the antique collection of the Nguyen Dynasty. Besides, it’s free so you shouldn’t miss this!Hue Museum Of Royal Antiquities1.8. Do cycling to Thanh Toan VillageThanh Toan Village is located about 8 km away from Hue center and it is one of the less touristy destinations nearby. Besides the beautiful countryside roads, peaceful rural scenery, Thanh Toan village is also famous for its tile-roofed bridge. The bridge which crosses the Nhu Y river is made up of wood and topped with a tiled roof. It is only 17 meters long and it has a shrine inside dedicated to the patron of the construction. This is a perfect place to get some rest, see the authentic feature of Hue and its residential neighborhood.After cycling, you can relax in a small village market nearby for food and drinks. Thanh Toan Village is definitely in the list of best things to do in Hue.Thanh Toan Bridge2. When is the best time to visit Hue The best time to visit Hue Vietnam is from January to April when the temperature is not too high and there are fewer chances of rainfall during the day. Visiting Hue during this period, you will feel comfortable wandering about or exploring the historical sites. There are also many festivals celebrated at this time, such as Lunar New Year and Hue Festival. You will have a chance to enjoy cultural shows, visit local markets, enjoy traditional music performances, or taste amazing special dishes.Hue Festival 2022On the other hand, the rainy season of Hue begins in September and ends in December. The temperature of this period tends to drop quickly and it rains more often. If you are planning for a trip to Hue in this period, it’s recommended to avoid visiting in October and November because these are the peak months of the wet season.Hue Rainy SeasonBesides, Hue can be extremely hot at mid-day so to make your trip more enjoyable, you should start the tour early to avoid the intense heat.Otherwise, take a look at some of our day tours from Hue City. It is more convenient when you have transportation and someone to explain the information to you:Phong Nha Day Tour from HueHue – Paradise Cave Full-Day TourHue Full Day City TourWe hope that this list of a few things to do in Hue gave you a great start for your plan of a short trip to Hue. In our opinion, it would take more than one day to visit all the charming attractions of this city. However, if you only have one day, that’s enough for the main attractions or a full-day Hue city tour. Tell us if you have any more difficulties, Incredible Asia Journeys is always happy to help!Articles you may also like:7 Things to Buy in Hue - A Heaven of HandicraftsWhat to Eat in HueWhere to Stay in Hue and its Surrounds

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