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Sapa in northwest Vietnam

Posted by Editor in Pics of Sapa

Pics of Halong Bay

Posted by Editor in Pics of Halong Bay

Vietnam Adventure Tours

Posted by Editor in Vietnam Tours

Cuc Phuong National Park	Mekong Delta 2, 2 days	Halong Bay full day island exploration	Hoa Binh Cultural Tour
Romantic Dalat	Hanoi full day City Tour	Hanoi half day City Tour	Tam Dao Hill Station
Mekong Delta Biking Myson	Dry Halong Bay and Floating Village Tour Thay and Tay Phuong Pagoda	Dana Mekong Delta 1, 3 days	Hue

Vietnam in Brief

Posted by Editor in About Vietnam

Vietnam in Brief
By Thinh Nguyen Phuc

Vietnam is known to many people as a country of wars but she is a peace lover. Many American people wonder when visiting Vietnam if they are unfairly treated? This issue should be seen fairly, almost Vietnam people would rather look forward the future than look back damages by the war, thus there is no prejudice against American people.

Vietnam is seen as a safe destination, this means you should not worry much about your security when visiting our country. What you should take into consideration is to make well preparation for your trip with full information. It is best if you can share with someone who ever visited Vietnam, they are reliable information resources for your trip. It is hard to imagine that Australia Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard ever walked comfortably around Hoan Kiem Lake with Hanoians in an early morning without serious security measures, and Post USA president Bill Clinton did the same when visiting Vietnam.

Vietnam is on rapid move, this results in improvement of Vietnam people life but causes some problems to Environment. Vietnam government has been taking some tough measures to minimize bad influences on environment, avoiding the same problems of some developing countries in the world for they only focus on developing without measures to protect environment. Fortunately, many areas and sites have been well preserved with the help from governments, organizations and individuals all over the world. In addition, almost tourists are well aware of environment protection. However, unsustainable development results in some big challenges which Vietnam must take effective and quick responses.

Vietnam people are considered to be clever, hard-working and tolerant especially women. Despite rapid change and development, beauty of traditional features is being preserved and strengthened.

Family plays a very important role in Vietnam society, family education especially education of traditional values has been taken into consideration. It is not difficult to find a family in which 3 to 4 generations live with each other even in some big cities. This derives from the way people lived thousand years ago and it exists until today. In the countryside, community activities have often been held to strengthen the unity as well as relation among members in the villages, this is really important because if your family has a big event like wedding or funeral, the community will help you with almost your work and preparation. Although Vietnam is on the move, traditional family values have been preserved. Hopefully, people especially young ones will do better in the coming time during globalization and modernization.

Vietnam is seen as a poor country with low standard life, this becomes more serious after storms, floods and draught etc…Therefore, Vietnamese people have a positive look forward their future. For them, opportunities mean future, future means opportunities and becoming a member of WTO brings them more opportunities than challenges, they will do best to grasp this one.

You should compile as much information as possible before your trip, this will help you understand more about Vietnam and people. In addition, you will have more options when visiting Vietnam for you can take a short tour to Cambodia or Laos or China or Thailand or some other countries in South East Asia. It can not be said that Vietnam is the ideal destination but you will have unforgettable experiences when visiting our country.

By Mr. Phuc Thinh
Website: http://www.vietnamtravelbudget.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thinh_Nguyen_Phuc
http://EzineArticles.com/?Vietnam-in-Brief&id=730388

Vacation in Hanoi, Vietnam

Posted by Editor in Vacation in Hanoi

Vacation in Hanoi, Vietnam
By Kevin Hellon

Like many cities, Hanoi was built on the banks of river and in Hanoi’s case this is the extremely wide Red River, The old town is built on the west bank but the city has now spread eastwards across the river. Tourists naturally gravitate to the old town which features many small well run hotels offering accommodation in the thick of the hustle and bustle of regular Hanoi daily life.The streets are lined with old Chinese style shop houses punctuated here and there by ancient temples. Many of the streets appear to be dedicated to selling and even manufacture of certain items. There are streets selling haberdashery, paper products, biscuits, clothing, silks, fake DVDs and streets manufacturing sheet metal items, blacksmiths pounding away at iron products and motorbike shops repairing and repainting all manner of scooters and motorbikes.

The Vietnamese work, sit, eat and play on the streets to such an extent that there is rarely space to walk on the pavements especially as any space large enough is invariably taken by a parked motorbike or scooter. There is nothing for it bit to take one’s chance on the road amongst the thousands of bikes and scooters hurtling around the place. They travel around Hanoi like a shoal of fish absorbing and disgorging some of their number at each side street and main intersection. Crossing the road appears hazardous but the bikes are adept at missing the pedestrians who walk slowly and determinedly across the road watching for the slight changes of direction that indicate that a bike is going to go either in front or behind you.

The old town is really fascinating and is encircled by a ring road, beyond which on one side is the Red River and on the other the wide boulevards and mansions now populated by the embassies but which is undoubtedly the legacy of the French.Hanoi is also famous for it’s lakes of which there are many. They are obviously enjoyed by the Vietnamese who sit, pedalo, relax and parade around the lake gardens depending on the day. The many markets provide a fascinating insight into Vietnamese life. Vegetables, meat, fish, clothes, household items and even souvenirs battle for selling space. The live fish stalls, incredibly varied vegetable stalls are particularly intriguing as are the meat stalls some selling a local delicacy - dog.Beyond the old town, Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and the Presidential Palace offer a more conservative form of site seeing. In the same area, the streets are filled with French colonial architecture, Catholic churches and many reminders of Vietnam’s colonial past.For us, the heart of Hanoi is the Old Quarter as it is known. A vibrant, fascinating area where life goes on much as it always did except that the motor bikes have now replaced the bicycles.Visit my web site for photographs of vibrant Hanoi.

Kevin Hellon has a website offering accounts of other interesting places to visit at http://kevinhellon.googlepages.com/home

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Vacation-in-Hanoi,-Vietnam&id=372835

The Beaches of Vietnam

Posted by Editor in Vietnam Beaches

The Beaches of Vietnam
By Dwight Zimpel

Vietnam’s 2100 mile coastline and thousands of islands provide many attractive beaches that invite travelers to relax and enjoy the sound of the surf and the warmth of the sun. Some of the beach locales are developed with hotels and restaurants to attract discriminating travelers, while others offer secluded primitive beaches for daytime picnics or small group camping.

Here is the lowdown on some of the more popular Vietnam beach destinations – but not all.

Starting in the north is Halong Bay with its many sandstone islands – a photographer’s paradise. Cat Ba is the largest island in Halong Bay, attracting many visitors. Halong Bay has several other islands where the hotel junks anchor and allow passengers to enjoy a beach swim.

Do Son Beach, on a small peninsula near Haiphong, is shaded by sandalwood trees with pine tree covered hills nearby and mountains in the distance. Close to Halong Bay, though not as busy.

50 miles south of the Imperial City of Hue is Lang Co Beach. The water is warm year around and very shallow. It offers great scenery such as distant mountains, nearby forests and a beautiful blue sea. Diving, hiking, boating and fishing are offered here. China Beach, between Danang and Hoian, is the beach best known to Americans. This community is attracting many upscale resort hotels. China Beach is adjacent to the Marble Mountain Monastery. Bring your hiking boots. Small marble statues made by local artists make great souvenirs. China Beach is also about 10 miles from Hoian, a popular tourist attraction.

The Hoian with its beach area is the Vietnam destination for the budget traveler. Hoian has much to offer – restaurants, shopping and tours to China Beach & Marble Mountain as well as the Cham ruins of My Son. Huong Beach on Cham Island provides a bit of relaxation from the stresses of traveling.

Nha Trang, the Riviera of the South China Sea, is the next beach destination. Nha Trang is surrounded by mountains together with a 5 mile white sand beach front and over 70 off shore islands. Scuba diving and snorkeling tours are available. You can relax on the beach and enjoy great sea food restaurants. Walk Tran Phu Street, which runs parallel to the beach, or hire a cyclo for a tour of the Cham ruins, market and Buddhist shrines.

On to Mui Ne Beach, about 120 miles east of Saigon. Awesome sand dunes have been created by continual winds. Wind surfing and kite surfing are popular here. Mui Ne offers the strangest weather in Vietnam – It is actually hot and dry there.

Vung Tau - The beaches at Vung Tau aren’t that great, being near Saigon (80 miles) it attracts many Vietnamese weekenders as well as tourists. Vung Tau is about 80 miles from Saigon and can be reached by hydrofoil for about US$10 round trip.

Ha Tien is on the border with Cambodia (5 miles away) and is home to several superb beaches. Hon Chong Beach has soft white sand and calm tropical water, while nearby Tien Cave attracts visitors with two beach entrances. Nearby islands attract scuba divers, snorklers and those just wanting to enjoy a boat ride.

Phu Quoc Island, in the Gulf of Thailand, is Vietnam’s largest island, offering mountains, jungles and pleasant sandy beaches; it attracts nature lovers and sun worshipers. The furthest west of the Vietnam’s beaches is Bai Truong Beach, here you can sit, relax, and watch the sun go down on the Gulf of Thailand.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys catching a few rays, Vietnam’s beaches should be on your itinerary. Beach accommodations are still a bargain. Plan a Vietnam Beach Tour - Enjoy tremendous amounts of sun and sand, together with the many cultural and scenic attractions of Vietnam. Visit the Beaches of Vietnam.

Dwight Zimpel, Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and has made 5 recent trips to Vietnam. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. Your Vietnam Tour Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dwight_Zimpel
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Beaches-of-Vietnam&id=458738

Pedestrian Safety In Vietnam

Posted by Editor in Vietnam Traffic Chaos

Pedestrian Safety Concerns In Vietnam
By Dwight Zimpel

Many people considering traveling to Vietnam are concerned about crossing the street in larger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It seems as if there are no (observed) crosswalks; and pedestrians appear to be in great danger.

It is of little consolation, but pedestrians only account for about 10 per cent of those killed in transportation accidents in Vietnam. By contrast, drivers and riders of motorbikes account for about 60 per cent of fatalities. These figures come from a study dated 2001.

DO NOT STEP BACK!!

This is a Basic Rule of the Road for pedestrians in Vietnam. Once you make the commitment to cross ANY street, road or highway DO NOT STEP BACK if you see a motorbike or bicycle approaching you. This is one of the unwritten rules of the road in Vietnam. Motorbike and bicycle riders negotiate pedestrian “obstacles” by passing behind them.

If you change your mind about crossing the street follow this advice: When you change your mind after starting to cross you will most likely stop. DO NOT STEP BACK! Turn around and wait a second or two. Then proceed back to the curb or side of the road.

Note: This advice does not apply to approaching cars, buses, or trucks! No place in the world do people step in front of large vehicles except California.

Actually, there are controlled intersections in larger cities – either with traffic lights or traffic control officers. Traffic normally stops for red lights. Right turns on red are legal – I think. As green lights approach there is some cheating and jockeying for position. Sidewalks are often used for a curb lane.

The following traffic story was told to me by a Vietnamese man in Nha Trang:

A Vietnamese policeman stops a driver for running a red light.

Officer: “Did you see the traffic signal at the intersection?”

Driver: “Yes.”

Officer: “Did you see the red light?”

Driver: “Yes.”

Officer: “Why didn’t you stop?”

Driver: “I didn’t see you.”

If you’re ever in doubt you can always use the tactic employed by men in an unnamed part of the world where women and children are considered property. Wait until a woman and a couple of kids start across the street and use them as a screening device to get approaching traffic to stop.

Plan on walking a lot while traveling in Vietnam. Many of the streets in areas attractive to tourists were built before cars and trucks were common. Hoi An actually has an area popular with tourists where only pedestrians are allowed during certain parts of the day.

Vietnam is a bargain travel destination and walking is the cheapest transportation there is.

Enjoy your walk in Vietnam!

Dwight Zimpel, http://yourvietnamtourguide.com Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and has made 5 recent trips to Vietnam. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. http://yourvietnamtourguide.com Your Vietnam Tour Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dwight_Zimpel
http://EzineArticles.com/?Pedestrian-Safety-Concerns-In-Vietnam&id=481380

Protecting Vietnam

Posted by Editor in Protecting Vietnam

Protecting Vietnam
By Adam Hurley

There are many reasons for traveling to this South East Asian jewel. Some come for the food, others for history. Some visit Vietnam simply because they can!

However there is another reason to visit, five in fact. Thanks to the efforts of local governments and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a few National Parks and Historical sites are now being protected for future generations.

Be sure to visit them when you make the journey to Vietnam.

Hoi An

Located some 30km south of Danang in Quang Nam Province, Hoi An Old Town is a stunning little town full of history, culture and beautiful old architecture.

Perfect for just strolling around, Hoi An was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.

Between the 15th – 19th century, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers for South East Asia, before the Thu Bon River silted up and operations were moved north to Danang where they continue today.

Today many visitors flock to Hoi An for not only the history and culture, but also for the beach, tailors and the many restaurants and bars that operate through out the town.

Halong Bay

Covering some 3000 sq. km, Halong Bay is famous for it’s spectacular scenery, which is made up of 1,969 limestone and schist islands.

Sitting in the northeast corner of Vietnam and bordering the Chinese border, the Vietnamese Government made Halong Bay a National Protection Area in 1962. It wasn’t until 1994 that it was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

For the Vietnamese Halong Bay holds strong myths and legends, while for the traveler, Halong is simply magically!

Hue – The Complex Of Hue Monuments

In 1993, the former Capital of Vietnam, Hue, had some of its monuments placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Listing.

During the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945), 13 Kings ruled the country from Hues Citadel, which is located on the banks of the Perfume River.

Hue, whilst not the Capital city anymore, is now considered the religious center of Vietnam and Buddhism.

My Son

Situated 68km southwest of Danang, My Son was once the Imperial City of the Charm Dynasty, which ruled through between the 4th – 13th centuries.

Today many of the statues and monuments have been moved to the Charm Museum in Danang, however My Son, comprising of more than 70 temples, is a major draw card for travelers visiting Quang Nam Province and Hoi An. My Son was listed by UNESCO in 1999.

Phong Nha Cave – Ke Bang National Park

Comprising of some 65km of caves and underground rivers, Phong Nha is home to over 100 families and some of Vietnams most endangered plants, fauna and animals.

Extending back to the Laos border, Ke Bang National Park is primarily tropical forest and a landscape made up of hundreds of limestone karts.

Listed with UNESCO in 2005, the park provides a great environment for trekking, photography and boating. Phong Nha is growing quickly in popularity with both local and foreign travelers.

Adam Hurley is an experienced tour guide, living and working in Vietnam for nearly 5 years. He also works in photography.

http://snapperphotography.com

http://vietnaminfocus.info

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Protecting-Vietnam&id=239975

Vietnam- Budget Travel Paradise

Posted by Editor in Budget Travel Paradise

Welcome To Vietnam - Budget Travel Paradise
By Dwight Zimpel

Vietnam is becoming a very popular travel destination. People have put Vietnam on their itinerary for 2 main reasons: Vietnam travel is a great bargain for the budget minded tourist and when they arrive in Vietnam they are greeted by great hosts.

Airfares to Vietnam are bargains if you shop. You can be in Ho Chi Minh City (known as Saigon to the Vietnamese in the south) from the west coast of the United States in less than 19 hours and this includes a 1 ½ hour layover.

Domestic transportation is cheap! An open tour bus ticket from Saigon to Hanoi costs less than $30.00 and your get to see some of the greatest scenery imaginable. Don’t want to take the bus? Comfortable trains and fast planes are available. A two hour flight from Saigon to Hanoi is about $100.00.

Tourist hotels are cheap and inviting. The staffs are helpful and courteous. You can travel from town to town with out a reservation and always find suitable lodging.

As mentioned earlier the scenery is fabulous – misty mountains to lush green rice paddies to sunny beaches. Vietnam is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Halong Bay. Bring 2 cameras – you’ll probably wear one out.

I have saved the best for last. The Vietnamese cuisine is awesome. Most restaurants still get their daily fares fresh from the local market. Fresh herbs, spices, vegetables and local meat make for great meals. Seafood and chicken dishes are specialties, together with those made from pork and beef. Vietnamese food is light and flavorful at the same time. Oriental and a bit of French influence create the right mixture for the Western palate.

Don’t hesitate to put Vietnam in your travel plans. You won’t be sorry. And you won’t forget.

Dwight Zimpel, Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and has made 5 recent trips to Vietnam. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. Your Vietnam Tour Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dwight_Zimpel
http://EzineArticles.com/?Welcome-To-Vietnam—Budget-Travel-Paradise&id=450684

The Culture and Beauty of Vietnam

Posted by Editor in Beautiful Vietnam

The Culture and Beauty of Vietnam are Inviting You to Visit
By Dwight Zimpel

Vietnam, viewed by many as a far-off land, has joined Thailand as an exotic destination in SouthEast Asia. Vietnam travel has caught the imagination of bargain seeking travelers from all over the world. Hanoi competes with its better known counterpart, Ho Chi Minh City (still referred to as Saigon by the locals), for the attention of travelers drawn by the blend of old and new.

More forward-looking than other Vietnamese cities, Saigon has also kept its French colonial charms. Its energy is kept alive by the local people who have adopted the recent government economic reforms (doi moi). Young and old have been swept up by the reborn free market after years of austerity. Saigon streets are packed with motor scooters, often carrying whole families. The open-air markets, such as the Binh Tay in the Cholon District, attract local shoppers; as well as curious, bargain seeking tourists.

Everywhere, the views are fantastic. Enjoy the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, where fresh picked fruit and vegetables are sold at the break of day. Luscious green rice paddies in the lowlands tended by farmers give a look at a centuries old way of life.

Misty mountains stretch from the south’s central highlands to the China border northwest of Hanoi. Coffee plantations, terraced vegetable farms and water falls provide awesome photographic opportunities. Small villages of minority people (montanyards or hill people) in traditional costumes give travelers a look at mountain life.

On the central coast, Nha Trang, Hoian and Hue are popular destinations for people who enjoy beaches, delicious seafood dinners, and relaxing tropical evenings. The Cham ruins inland from the coast and the imperial capital, Hue, take visitors to historical times in Vietnam. Everywhere tourists are welcomed by friendly hotel staffs and local shop owners eager to please their guests.

On the China Sea, east of Hanoi, is one of the wonders of the natural world. Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must see destination for any traveler to Vietnam. Bargain travelers are urged to take a two day / one night cruise of this geologic attraction. Halong Bay is a photographer’s dream with over 2000 limestone islands, some with mysterious caves and darting wildlife.

Cheap off season airfares make a Vietnam tour a viable alternative for your next overseas vacation. The bargains once you get on the ground will make it well worth the trip. Give Vietnam a look!

Dwight Zimpel, http://yourvietnamtourguide.com Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and has made 5 recent trips to Vietnam. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. http://yourvietnamtourguide.com Your Vietnam Tour Guide

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http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Culture-and-Beauty-of-Vietnam-are-Inviting-You-to-Visit&id=596106