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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 Bath 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 Café 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 180˚C to 250˚C, 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 15˚C - 18˚C in the daytime and even to decreases to 10˚C - 11˚C 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 18˚C - 23˚C in March and from 22˚C - 28˚C 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  26˚C - 33˚C and sometimes it may reach 39˚C 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  24˚C to 32˚C and sometimes it may reach 37˚C 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  22˚C - 28˚C. 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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Places to visit in Da Nang

Places to visit in Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal city in the central region of Vietnam which is known as the best city to live in the country. In recent years, this city has been the top choice of travelers as it offers tourists a wide range of fun activities as well as beautiful natural places.[incredible_toc] So among all of them, what are the best places to visit in Da Nang? You will find out soon in this article provided to you by Incredible Asia Journeys. 1. Linh Ung PagodaLinh Ung Pagoda sits on a hill of Son Tra Island which is about a 10-kilometer from My Khe, known as one of the most famous attractions in Da Nang. The construction of this pagoda started in 2004 taking 6 years to complete and being the biggest pagoda in Da Nang until today. Linh Ung Pagoda has one of the most admirable statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Guan Yin) in Vietnam standing at the front of the pagoda with 67-meter height, equivalent to a 30-floor building. Thus, the statue can be seen from almost all locations in Da Nang city. The best time to visit Ling Ung Pagoda is said to be from March to September as, during this period, there are not many rains. If you come here during the months from September to December, you may expect occasional rains which are not very pleasant for a road trip.If you travel from Hoi An to Da Nang, you can consider this Hoi An – Danang jeep tour itinerary which also stops at Linh Ung Pagoda.Linh Ung Pagoda2. My Khe BeachMy Khe Beach is located in the eastern part of Da Nang City which is recognized as one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet by Forbes. For that reputation, this 20-mile-long beach welcomes millions of tourists every year. The best time to visit My Khe beach is from February to May when there are no occasional rains and not as scorching as in June and July.Coming here, you can take part in a number of activities such as surfing, jet-skiing, volleyball or just take a walk along the beach. My Khe beach also has a vast number of seafood restaurants along the coastline which are not only finger-licking good but also affordable (one person may cost around 500.000 VND - 20 USD). Thus, with what it offers to tourists, there is no reason to miss this amazing destination when you travel to Da Nang.My Khe Beach3. Dragon BridgeThe Dragon Bridge is a 666-meter-long bridge – the longest of its kind in Vietnam - with the design of a dragon of the Ly dynasty. From a far distance, it can be easily recognized by its bright yellow color. Not only that but it’s also got a little surprise for you if you wonder "Where to go in Da Nang at night?" because every Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 it is the performance of this dragon spitting out fire and water. The total time of the show is just 5 minutes. The best location to watch the performance is either on the bridge (vehicles are prohibited from pasting the bridge during this time) or on the Love Bridge situated just near the foot of the Dragon Bridge.As this experience is offered free of charge, thus, it is definitely one of the most interesting experiences in Vietnam that you must put it on your bucket list.Dragon Bridge 4. Hai Van PassIf you are an adventurous person and want to find some places to visit around Da Nang, you will absolutely fall in love with this majestic pass – known as one of the most dangerous, yet spectacular passes in Vietnam. It is located 20 km away from Da Nang City (takes 1 hour to drive) and from here, you can enjoy the stunning views of this coastal city. Getting to Hai Van Pass, you will be amazed by this natural masterpiece one side of the road is the endless ocean and another side is lush green mountains. The best way to discover this pass is by motorbike, you can rent it at your hotel or anywhere around the city with the price ranging from 100.000 - 150.000 VND/day without petrol.Hai Van Pass5. Marble MountainSituated 9 kilometers away from Da Nang City, Marble Mountain lies on the road between this city and Hoi An – the famous ancient city. Thus, if you plan to go to Da Nang from Hoi An, you can take some time to drop by this mountain for a few hours. Or you can book this Mountains of Danang Day Trip from Hoi An tour which is only 61$/person. The whole area consists of 5 different mountains called Moc Son, Thuy Son, Tho Son, Kim Son, and Hoa Son. All of those mountains were named nearly 200 years ago by Minh Mang King (the 2nd Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty) which represents 5 elements to create the universe, namely wood, water, earth, metal, and fire. Of all the mountains, the biggest and most magnificent one is Thuy Son (the Moutain of Water). To visit it, you have to pay 40.000 VND/adult and then you can climb up to the top to enjoy the whole view of Da Nang City and the stunning coastline. In case you don’t want to climb to save your energy, the elevator is available for you at the price of 15.000 VND/person/way.Marble Mountain6. Ba Na HillsIf you are a travelholic, you must have heard about Ba Na Hills which has the stunning Golden Bridge held up by 2 hands of the Buddha. Then this Vietnam Golden Bridge Day Tour from Da Nang is one of the best options for you if you don’t want to travel too long by motorbike.Ba Na Hills is located 35km away from Da Nang city with a height of 1500 meters above sea level. Since the years of 1900s, this was one of the most favorite places of interest for the French and the noble Vietnamese who wanted to seek a peaceful and relaxing vacation. After the event that the French left Vietnam, this place was once forgotten for a long time until 1999, when the local government decided to refurbish this area into a theme park.Nowadays, this is one of the tourist places in Da Nang Vietnam drawing a vast number of tourists coming every day. If you plan to visit here, you may expect at least one whole day to discover everything here and have to depart as early as possible.The ticket price is 900.000VND/adult including entrance ticket, 2-way cable car, VAT, 105 free games in the Fantasy Park, etc. Note that the ticket does not include the ticket for the Wax Statue Museum, Pick Up Games, and Buffet Lunch. For lunch, you can either bring your own lunch or eat at the restaurants there with the average price of 355.000 VND/person.Golden Bridge Ba Na HillsThose are 6 of the best places to see when you travel to Danang. Depending on your time and budget, you can add more places or eliminate some places from the list above to make your trip most enjoyable and meaningful. However, it is suggested to stay here for at least 2 days, so you can travel to all of those destinations with ease. If you travel with your family, this Central Vietnam Family 6 Day tour may help you to arrange a better vacation.So, those are 6 Da Nang top attractions we want to provide to tourists, consider adding those places to your bucket list and ask us to help you book your trip with premium discounts and best rates!

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How many days to spend in Ninh Binh?

How many days to spend in Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers who visit North Vietnam. It is not famous like Halong Bay but it is worth visiting besides Halong Bay. So How many days you should spend in Ninh Binh?The answer to the question “ How many days in Ninh Binh” depends on the time budget you have and the places you wish to visit in Ninh Binh. There are several places to visit in Ninh Binh like Tam Coc, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bich Dong Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hang Mua Peak, Thung Nham Bird Garden, Phat Diem Stone Church, Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long, Kenh Ga...[incredible_toc]How many days should I spend in Ninh Binh? It depends on what type of activities you like and you may choose for you the best places and it depends on how many days you have. There are some places where you will do the same activity as in Tam Coc, Trang An, and Van Long you will take a boat trip so you should visit one of them only. There are some pagodas so in your itinerary you should visit one of them and that is ideal.1. How many days should I spend in Ninh Binh? In general, 2 days is ideal to visit the highlights of Ninh Binh. If you do not have time, one day tour will be fine and below we will give you the best things to do with 2 days and the best things to do with 1 day trip.1.1. One Day to Visit Ninh Binh - What to visit?If your time is limited when you need to spend your time on other destinations in Vietnam and you only can spend one day for Ninh Binh. We suggest you can choose one of the day tours as below.Hoa Lu  - Tam Coc Day TourOn this tour, you will visit Hoa Lu – The ancient capital of Vietnam from a thousand years ago and take a boat trip to Tam Coc along the Ngo Dong River. You will know more about the history of Vietnam and enjoy seeing the natural beauty of Tam Coc – Dry Halong Bay.Hoa Lu – The ancient capital of VietnamBai Dinh – Trang An Day TourOn this tour, you will visit one of the biggest pagodas in Vietnam and get to know more about Buddhism in Vietnam. You also take a boat trip to Trang An and enjoy seeing the beauty of limestone mountains and the rivers in this area.  Trang An Complex1.2. Two Days to visit  Ninh Binh -  What to visit?2 days are ideal for visiting Ninh Binh as it is not rushed and you can combine different activities and you will have an interesting trip in Ninh Binh. You will save some hours for transfer also because if you visit Ninh Binh you will need at least 4 to 5 hours for transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and back to Hanoi so if you visit Ninh Binh in 2 days you will only need that duration for transfer and you can spend more time for doing tours.Bai Dinh Pagoda sightseeing (brunetteatsunset)Visiting 2 days in Ninh Binh, you can visit about 6 to 7 destinations depending on your interests.Below is an itinerary suggested by experts of Incredible Asia Journeys. If you do not like any activities in this itinerary and it is easy to change with other activities.Day 1: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Cycling - Thung Nham Bird ParkOn the first day, you can visit 3 places adding more to a short cycling trip. You can start from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and it takes about 2 hours to drive to Ninh Binh. If you start from Hanoi around 7.30 to 8.00 AM then you will be in Ninh Binh around 10.00 AM.Hoa Lu Ancient CaptialHoa Lu is the ancient capital of Vietnam. It was the capital for the Dinh and Le dynasties from 1000 years ago. It was founded by Dinh Bo Linh in the 10th century and Dinh Bo Linh was the first emperor of Vietnam.The sparkling ancient town of Hoa LuTam Coc is located 14 km from Ninh Binh Town. Now, it is not the capital anymore as from 1010 it was moved from there to Hanoi and now Hanoi is still the capital of Vietnam. In Hoa Lu now, you can visit Dinh and Le Temples where we worship Dinh and Le dynasties. 1000 years ago the royal palace of the Dinh Dynasty was built there and now you still can see the remains of this palace. The ruined palace building under group 3 meters is still there and travellers still can see the old items used to build that palace by the royal family. That is an interesting place to visit and that is a live – museum. Tam Coc Boat TripTam Coc means 3 caves because you will visit 3 tunnel caves there. Tam Coc is located about 6 km from Ninh Binh. Travelers to Tam Coc can take a boat trip on Ngo Dong River to enjoy the sightseeing of this area. Along the river are many karst mountains and small rice farms. You may see the mountain goats climbing on the rocks or storks flying around in the blue sky.Boat trip in Trang An (brunetteatsunset)In the rice season, that is ideal to take photos of this area. Everyone will become a professional photographer just with a normal camera or a phone. On the way, you can talk with the boat rower and the boat rower is happy to support you and talk to you.Cycling around Tam Coc AreaCycling around Tam Coc is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. Beautiful areas of mountains and rural areas with fresh air always attract tourists to cycle around. The local people in Ninh Binh are very friendly so on the way you also can talk to them and they are happy to talk to you even they cannot speak much English. You can cycle inside the village and to the farm and back to your hotel or homestay. That is an interesting trip.Cycling around Tam Coc AreaThung Nham Bird ParkThung Nham Bird Park is located just about 6 km from Tam Coc Dock. That is easy to get to Thung Nham Bird Park by bicycle or by car. Thung Nham is the home of different kinds of birds like storks, herons, mallards.. etc. There are 2 species in the Red Delta Book, they are phoenix and flamingo. Thung Nham is really nice places for people who love nature and eco-tourism.  Thung Nham Bird ParkThe best time to visit Thung Nham is from 5 to 6 pm or from 5 to 7 am. So you can cycle from Tam Coc to Thung Nham in the afternoon for seeing thousands of birds flying back home from other areas after one day looking for food. If you miss this afternoon then you can do it the next morning. Stay overnight in a hotel or a homestay in Tam Coc.Day 2: Bich Dong Pagoda – Trang An Boat TripAfter a night in Tam Coc, you can get up early to see local life in Tam Coc. That is amazing as you can see the real life of Vietnamese in a rural area.Bich Dong PagodaBich Dong Pagoda is a pagoda in a quiet village. That is a very typical pagoda in North Vietnam as it leans to the mountains and looks to a valley with a nice lake or river. The pagoda has a very good location and the monks in the past had to spend time for looking a good location for meditation. To visit Bich Dong Pagoda, you can go cycling from your hotel in Tam Coc for about 30 minutes. There are lower pagoda, middle pagoda, and upper pagoda. To visit all of them you will need to climb to the middle of the mountains to visit the upper pagoda in a karst cave. It is a quiet and beautiful area. Please note to wear long pants when you visit Bich Dong Pagoda.Come to Bich Dong Pagoda on Summer to see the lotus bloomingTrang An Boat TripAfter visiting Bich Dong Pagoda, you can take the transfer to Trang An Dock where you take a boat trip to visit Trang An. The boat trip in Trang An will take about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the caves we can visit on that day. It depends on the level of water so you can visit more caves or fewer caves because there are some caves you cannot visit when the water level is too low or too high. The local people will row the boat and they are very friendly. They do not row the boat every day because normally they work on farm and they only work as a rower some days per month in turn. After the Trang An Boat Trip, you can go back to Hanoi and spend 2 days in Ninh Binh.We hope that the information above is useful for you when you want to know how many days is ideal for Ninh Binh. Yes, 2 days are the best but you may spend more days in Ninh Binh if you really love the countryside of Vietnam.Hang Mua PeakIf you visit Ninh Binh in from March to early June then we suggest including Hang Mua Peak to your trip and you are in good health. To get on the top of Hang Mua Peak, you need to climb about 500 steps and it takes about more than 20 minutes. That is steep so make sure that you are in good health condition and there is no problem with health. View from Mua PeakThat is hard to do hiking there but the result is excellent as there is a beautiful view of Ninh Binh and Tam Coc in front of you. The rice season of Tam Coc from May to early June is very beautiful and that is the best place to Check-In.So Hang Mua Peak can be an option for you if you are at the right time, in good health condition and you are interested.See more information in a day tour to Hang Mua, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc.2. The best time to visit Ninh BinhAfter knowing how many days to spend in Ninh Binh, you may wonder when is the best time to visit Ninh Binh. The best time to visit Ninh is from May to the beginning of June and from September to October. That is the time when the sky is blue and the rice is ripened. That is a good time to visit Ninh Binh. You can take many nice photos of green and yellow rice fields. Please note that from May to June will be hot in North Vietnam. The temperature outside is about more than 30℃.Hoa Lu Ancient Town (brunetteatsunset)September to October will be cool so this time is a good time for visiting Ninh Binh. However, there is only 1 rice crop for Tam Coc boat tour so if you visit Tam Coc from September to October then there is no nice along the river.May to early June Tam Coc is the most beautiful in photos because local people grow rice along the river.See the best time to visit Tam Coc for more information.If you cannot visit Ninh Binh in the months above, then you can visit Ninh Binh in March to April and from July to August and there is still a green rice field. This time, the weather is cooler so that is ideal for travellers who do not wish the hot weather.See more: Ninh Binh Weather & Temperature: All You Need to Know3. How to travel from Hanoi to Ninh BinhThere are different ways to visit Ninh Binh. You can travel by train, taxi, motorbike, local bus, limousine bus, tour bus or by private car.Among those ways, we suggest traveling by a tour bus or a private car as a tour bus will pick you up and drop you off at your hotels so that is very convenient.If you do not have much and you do a day tour to Ninh Binh so a tour bus is ideal for you as you can save time for transfer and waiting and you can maximize the sightseeing time when your guide will arrange everything for you.Bich Dong Pagoda ExplorationOf course, a private car with a private guide is the best if you are a big group or your budget for your trip is high because a private tour will cost more than a group tour. This is also the best when you travel with a family with kids. Your guide will arrange everything for you and you do not have to worry much about scams or waiting time to look for services you are not familiar with.Now we hope that you have an idea of how long to spend in Ninh Binh. So with 2 days suggested by our expert then where to stay overnight in Ninh Binh?See more: How to travel from Hanoi to Tam Coc?4. See the best hotels and homestay to stay in Ninh Binh4.1. Emeralda Resort Ninh BinhEmeralda Resort Ninh BinhEmeralda Resort Ninh Binh is a 5 star resort in Ninh Binh. Located in Van Long Nature Reserve with a garden around the luxury rooms. There are different buildings in Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh and it is like a village in the country of Vietnam. There are 3 swimming pools and 2 restaurants, Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh is the most luxury accommodation to stay in Ninh Binh.4.2. Ninh Binh Legend HotelNinh Binh Legend Hotel is located in a new area of Ninh Binh City. It is a 4-star hotel with a lot of rooms. That is the best hotel for big groups with deluxe services.4.3. Ninh Binh Hidden CharmLocated in the Tam Coc area, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm is one of the best options for travelers to travel to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. You can walk for some minutes to go to Tam Coc Dock and it is close to the villages around Tam Coc so you can walk around or cycle around.With a friendly atmosphere and charming decoration, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm provides excellent services for travelers with high budgets.4.4. La Belle Vie Tam Coc HomestayLa Belle Vie Tam Coc HomestayLa Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay is a 2-star homestay in Tam Coc. With a good location and friendly staff, La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay is one of the best options for tight-budget travelers. With the location in Tam Coc so travellers may get to the restaurants and go shopping easily around in the villages. There is a bicycle rental service also in the homestay.See more: Where to stay in Ninh Binh

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Is October a good month to visit Vietnam?

Is October a good month to visit Vietnam?

Vietnam is an exciting country with cultural and natural attractions that attract millions of tourists each year. The country offers all you need for a unique and memorable adventure. It is a year-round destination so the best time to visit Vietnam could be any time of the year. If you are planning to travel this October, you might wonder "Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?" Our article below will show you what to do, what to bring, the weather, and where to visit in Vietnam in October. [incredible_toc] 1. Weather in Vietnam in October In general, the weather in Vietnam in October is typically humid and warm but it varies differently in each region over the country. In one month, you may experience the cold weather (and even snow) in the far north mountain and the sunshine on the beaches in the south. Therefore, it is necessary to research the weather before your visit to make sure you don’t have to suffer any inconvenience. To answer the question "Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?" we will see the weather in each region to perfectly plan your Vietnam things to do and where to go. 1.1. Weather in Northern Vietnam in October October marks the end of the wet season in Northern Vietnam and the average temperatures tend to drop quickly. In October, there is more rainfall than in previous months and the second half of the month is cooler and dry. In mountainous areas like Sapa and Ha Giang, the weather is even cooler and dryer. However, it’s also considered the best time for trekking through the mountains when you can see the endless golden rice fields ready to harvest. Rice field in Sapa 1.2. Weather in Central Vietnam in October During October, the central region of Vietnam has more rainfall and heavy storms occur more often. Because of heavy rains, some regions may suffer the flooding in October but it can’t dilute the charm of the region. In fact, the rain may become a romantic inspiration for many poets and artists in Hue and Hoi An. Be aware that the heavy rainfalls could block some sightseeing activities such as visiting Phong Nha Cave. Overall, the temperatures of central Vietnam are quite pleasant in October which vary slightly between 24 – 27oC. Hoi An Ancient Town 1.3. Weather in Southern Vietnam in October In the south of Vietnam, October is the month of change in the weather with the decrease of rainfall. Towards the end of the month, these regions become dry and hot with an average temperature of 27°C.   If you want to visit the beaches and islands, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, and Con Dao are starting to recover from the winter months and there will be more sunshine. It is best to visit these destinations by the end of October because the weather will be warmer. Phu Quoc Beach 2. What to pack when visiting Vietnam in October Packing the right clothes is very important when traveling abroad which helps you save space in your luggage and avoid being too hot or too cold in the country. Therefore, we will help you answer the question “Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?” by letting you know what to bring to each region when traveling. 2.1. The North of Vietnam The weather of Northern is not too cold in October so you can dress as normal in your country but a little more conservative. Tourists should pack lightweight clothes or linen trousers. You don’t even to bring too many clothes because in Vietnam they are very cheap. You can also buy accessories such as hats, flip-flops, or sunglasses at the markets or shops in Hanoi Old Quarter. However, the mountainous area of the North such as Sapa or Ha Giang becomes colder at night so a light jacket is a good choice to keep you warm. If you love trekking, it is important to bring good walking shoes to avoid footsore. Besides, because it is the beginning month of the rainy season, packing a lightweight raincoat is also recommendable.Trekking in Sapa 2.2. The Central of Vietnam The weather in October in Central Vietnam is still hot so you can bring a bikini, swimsuit, or shorts to go swimming. It’s also necessary to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to protect from the UV. If you visit Hoi An Vietnam in October, you should bring sandals with good quality for walking around the town. Also, a light raincoat is a must to bring during this rainy weather.Take a stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town 2.3. The South of Vietnam In South Vietnam in October, you don’t worry too much about what to bring for traveling because people here are more open to Western culture. Tourists can dress in freestyle as in their hometown. For morning and afternoon visiting, you can bring a light jacket because the weather is cool. A pair of sandals and a raincoat are more recommended than a pair of shoes because it may rain suddenly at any time of the day. If you also visit the Mekong Delta, you should bring sleeveless tops and long pants because the weather is pretty hot. Plastic bags against water are a must to protect your camera and phone while sitting on the boat. In general, bringing quick-dry clothes is the best.Floating Market in Mekong Delta 3. Places to visit in Vietnam in October 3.1. Hanoi October is when the heat, humidity, and heavy rains disappear and replaced by cool dry days. It’s also the beginning month of autumn so it’s one of the best months to visit Hanoi and its colonial building. Also, Hanoi is the best place in vietnam in October. There are no better activities than taking a cyclo to go around Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy the cooling wind blow frequently. Or else, any walking tour or street food tour is suitable in this month because the sunlight and the heat are not too strong. At night, you can walk around the streets of Hanoi and sense the sweet fragrance of milk flowers – the symbol of autumn in Hanoi.  Coming to Hanoi in October, you will also have a chance to see the city changes and enjoy Com and the warm sunlight, and cool atmosphere. Also, there are a few important celebrations in this month. October 10th is the day to memorize the change of capital to Hanoi. Moreover, there are Vietnamese Women’s Day and the Halloween festival.  "Com" - Green Rice HanoiSee some of our intensive customized Hanoi tours by clicking HERE. 3.2. Ha Giang For those who love adventures, visiting Ha Giang is a must during your trip to Vietnam because October is the best time for traveling to this province. October marks the end of the wet season in Vietnam so the temperature falls rapidly making the weather quite relaxing and comfortable for tourists. Especially, from the beginning of October, the Ha Giang Mountains turn to the most beautiful colors. The province is covered in the triangle buckwheat flowers – the flowers that can only be found in the mountainous provinces so you shouldn’t miss the chance of taking amazing photos here. Besides, some other places you shouldn’t miss are Dong Van town, Meo Vac town, Hoang Su Phi, Khau Vai market, etc. Enjoy the unique cuisine of Ha Giang with Meo chicken, pigs (lon cap nach), five-colored rice, or horse meat.  Triangle buckwheat flowersSee some of our customized Ha Giang Tour by clicking HERE. 3.3. Halong Bay Halong Bay is the destination that needs to be on your travel bucket list for your Vietnam October holiday. Unlike previous months, Halong Bay weather in October is favorable with better chances of clear skies.  One of the best things to do in Halong Bay is to take a cruise ship. It will take you to the fishing village where you can see the life of local people here. The villagers will use the bamboo boat to take you around and show you the magical scenery of their home. You can also use a kayak to enter the amazing caves with beautiful stalactites. It is a life experience that you should have at least one time in your life. A luxury Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay CruiseSee some of our customized Halong Bay Tour by clicking HERE. 3.4. Hue Hue – recognized as a World Heritage Site used to be the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is not only impressive with unique architecture but also the attractive destinations and beautiful beaches. The city is located by the bank of Perfume River – a romantic river in Vietnam so tourists coming here can feel the romance in every corner of the city. For those who love discovering culture and history, Hue offers a visit to royal tombs, museums, and ruins which tell you a part of great history. The Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City are on the top list of must-visit destinations in Hue.  Taking a cruise along the Perfume River, you can also visit the Tombs of Emperors, contemplate the magical landscape, and enjoy art performances onboard. Furthermore, tourists should visit Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the most beautiful pagodas in Hue or relax on Thuan An Beach and Lang Co Beach. Imperial City of HueSee some of our customized Hue Tours by clicking HERE. 3.5. Mekong Delta – Can Tho The province of Can Tho is famous for the interesting floating markets, special local cuisine, beautiful pagodas as well as friendly people. There is a famous saying about this biggest city on the Mekong River Delta: “Can Tho, ivory rice and clear water”. Some of the most beautiful and recommended places for tourists are Cai Rang Floating Market, Ninh Kieu Wharf and Bang Lang Stork Garden. October is a good month to visit Can Tho because you will have the opportunity to sail through the small canals, see the verdant farms of locals on the river bank, buy exotic and qualified products on the boat.  Cai Rang Floating MarketIn conclusion, “Is Vietnam good to visit in October?” – yes, it is. This month has all the favorable conditions for a long trip throughout this beautiful country. If you have any questions about the plan, contact Incredible Asia Journeys right away!

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