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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 Cruise- Deluxe Cruise: Venezia Cruise

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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 Quarter

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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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