THE TRUE VIET NAM:
Some has described Viet Nam as a bamboo shoudler pole slung with two baskets of rice: the fertile MeKong Delta in the south is one basket, the other the verdant Red river Delta of the North. Stretching up through country’s centre is vegetation and landscape of all kinds. Vast rubber plantations, thick jungles, mountains rising above 3000 m and more than 3200 km of pristine coastline.
The symbols of Viet Nam are the conical hat, betel nuts, buffaloes, bamboo, water puppets, the colourful languages, bicycles powered cyclos, pavement tea stores and an abundant variety of street floods, traditional forks songs, or national costumes “ao dai”…? All are images taken away by visitors when they leave the country, but in truth there is much more to learn and discover in a country where traditions date back more than 4000 years.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Viet Nam is bordered by Cambodias, Laos and China and stretchs for more than 1600 km along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. The varied terrain offered everything from tropical forest in the northen mountain ranges to sunny coastl stretches in the country’s central provinces to wide river flats in the south.
The country’s climate offered the traveller both wet and dry seasons all year round. When one region is in its wet region, the other is likely to be in its cold, dry seasons and vice versa. In the south, the wet seasons last from May through to November. Showers at this time of the year are usually brief and limited to the afternoon. Along the centre coast, the dry seasons last from June through to October while in the north, visitors are offen surprised by the four quite distinct seasons, with typhoons from July to August and cool dry weather through December.
4000 YEARS OF HISTORY
Archeological excavations has proven VietNam’ age old history with typical cultures such as Hoa Binh and Bac Son in the North. Viet Nam has influenced by so many people, from the ruler of the Hong Bang dynasty (2876 – 258 BC) to the 1945, but to do so has faced a many bloody battle and resisted countless invations – many of them now the basic of countless legends. Since then Viet Nam grown in economic and international stature, using the lessons of the past to build a better future.
GOVERNMENT
Sole-party Socialist Republic under the leadership of the Communist Party. Important persons to name are the Party's General Secretary (Mr. Nong Duc Manh), the country's president (Mr. Tran Duc Luong), the Prime Minister (Mr. Phan Van Khai). The leading offices are Politburo and National Assembly
TRADITIONAL CULTURE
Viet Nam’s past reads like a romantic legend full of heroic struggles and astounding victories. Such rich cultural folder is closely bound VietNamese people’s national characters and can be seen in everything from the preparation of meal, to traditional fork songs, the art, poetry, dance, dress, language and more. The Vietnamese are known for their beautiful and traditional art forms. Religious sculpture, lacquerware, woodblock printings and puppetry are just some of the more popular amongst traverllers.
CUISINE
Vietnamese cuisine is especially varied and there are said to be about 500 diffirent traditional dishes ranging from exotic meats as bat and cobra to fantastic vegeterian creations offen prepared to replicate meat and fish dishes. Despite the local delicacies, the staple diet of most Vietnamese is actually rice complemented by vegetables, meat, fish, spicies, and dipping sauce. Spring rolls and steam rice pancakes are popular snacks and a wealth of tropical fruits.
Food in Ha Noi:
Hanoians are gourmet. The Pho ( noodle soup served with chicken, pork or beef) heads along list of noodle, spring rolls, grilled meat specials and other delicacies usually consumed with the freshing salads of herb. A number of streets specialisting in local cuisine remain open until 2am. Food stalls on the street are opened even before dawn. There is no shortage of good restaurants as well.
Food in HoChiMinh city:
HoChiMinh benefits from the influence of other Asian cuisines including Chinese, Indian, Thai. Vegetales and fruits are cheap and easily found. Durians, mangoes, rambutan, avocado and the milk fruit are southern specialities. The sourtherners like the sweet and spicies dishes, cold or iced drinks. Hu Tieu or beef noodle can be found at Cach Mang Thang Tam street. A Phu rice can be found at Thanh Da district. Spaghetti can be found at Bui Vien districts 1, crocodile meat is specially at Le Van Tam Park
POPULAR DRINK
Thai Nguyen tea grown in Thai Nguyen province considered VietNam’s best tea. Dilmah tea-the internationally recognised branch originated from Sri Lanka, can be found in tea houses of the same name all over Ha Noi. Liptons - this English tea was popular a couple of years ago and still availlable in restaurants and bars. Trung Nguyen coffee grown in the Vietnamese highlands around Buon Me Thuot has become popular and its own specialised cafes are just starting to spring up all over Ha Noi. Beer ( Bia Hoi ): The local made and great quality beer is served nearly everywhere. The most popular (and crowed) placed in town. Vietnamese people like the drinks which have a level of alcohol such as rice wine, beer…
HEALTH RISKS
Dengue fever, heptitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid and tuberculosis offer minor threats. Check with your doctor, or an authorised travel clinic before travelling. Be careful what you eat. Always look for freshly cooked and prepared meals, avoid ice in provinces. Where possible drink bottle water, that includes when brushing your teeth. Water born diseases are quite common.
TIPS AND BARGAINING
State – run hotel and tourist restaurants usually add a 10 per cent government tax and 5 per cent service charge to bills so there is no need to tips. Leaving a small tips in other restaurants is generally appreciated by staff but not expected. Hired drivers and guides usually expect a tip and it’s considered poilte to leave a donation when visiting the pagodas or religious sites. Most will have a visible donation box. Bargaining is common place and more a means of happy social discourse than an opportunity to rip off. Offer a price about two thirds of what’s quoted.
TRANSPORT
Travel in cheap in most cases. Moving about in either Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh city can cost a few dollars a day, but travel between provinces will cost more.
By air: Vietnam Airlines and the newcomer Pacific Airline are the only domestics carriers. Air travel is reasonable priced and tickets can be purchased easily from any number of travel agents or direct from the airline offices. Remember to have the departure tax of handy for domestic or international flights.
By bus: Buses criss – cross the country using an impressive network of routes but to be hard before taking one. A part from being, slow and overcrowed, the notion of safety on Vietnam’s roads is haphazard. Hire a mini bus or book yourself into tour, your experience will more comfortable and direct.
By train: Train travel can be slow but quite a leisurely way to see the country. Safe, very reasonably priced and with a large number of classes of travel. The new first class sleeper compartment are very comfortable by any standard. Petty theft can, howerver be problem in any country and Viet Nam is no difference in that regard. Please keep an eyes on your possessions.
By car or private vehicle: Cars and mini buses with driver, can be hired at quite reasonable prices. Hire motorbikes at backpacker cafes but it’s understood that you must possess an International Driver’s Permit (and quite possibly, nerves of steel). If you are foolish enough to ride without a license be warned the penalties can be serious. If you are involved in an accident and you have no licence to show the police don’t expect them to be happy.
By bicycle: This is a leisurely way to travel the country. Trains and buses can carry bike when you want a break and there is always someone willing to help for quick repair. Around town in the bigger centre, hire a motorbike taxi (xe om in the north and honda om in the south) for no more than a few thousand dongs. Mettes taxis or pedal powered cyclos are your other choice. Remember, if using motorbikes or cyclos to negotiate before getting on
SOME CHARACTERS OF HA NOI
Ha Noi - the capital of Viet Nam, will be a thousand years old in 2010. With its myriad lakes, tree – lined avenue, old narrow street, historic sites, the majestic Red river flowing on its outskirst, and most of all, an ambience of old word hospitality and friendliness, has a bewitching quality that casts along lasting spell on the visitors. Not suprisingly, HaNoi was chosen a World Peace City in 2000.
To visit Ha Noi is to steep yourself in history, tradition, and legend in a capital that has been inhabited continuously for almost a millenium. Hanoi has a number of old pagodas, lovely parks and big Lakes which inspire the ancient architects to build graceful temples nearby, and Museums with precious exhibits of Vietnam's Fine Arts, Ethnology, History and Recent Wars that attract not only historians but foreign visitors and local people. Thus a deliberate Cyclo tour for one or two hours is so far the best way to visit the 36 guilds commercial district, 90% of which are narrow and short streets. The common character of the Old Quarter is that the name of these streets begin by the first word “Hang” and the second word show the goods which is bought there or show the professional job such as: Hang Dao, Hang Chieu, Hang Ma, Hang Thiec…Visitors come to Ha Noi in the first time, please walk around it to find the diffirence between Ha Noi with the other city on the world.
THE CRAFT VILLAGES
To the west, Ha Tay province, Van Phuc Silk village in Ha Dong town, 12 kms from HaNoi is famous for the production and sale of Vietnamese silk. Vac Fan (Quat Vac) village Thanh Oai district, 22 kms from Ha Noi, well – known for the production of traditional paper fans and big cages that are sold everywhere in Ha Noi. Chuong conical hat (non Chuong) village Quoc Oai district, 35 kms from Ha Noi. Specialising in making conical and flat hat (non Quai Thao) with palm leaves. Sculptures and Lacquerwares Phu Xuyen district, 44 kms from Ha Noi. Large selection of paintings, cupboards and other wooden souvenir.
To the north, Bat Trang ceramic village Gia Lam district, 14 kms from Ha Noi. The art of pottery has been handed down through generation of villagers who now create beautiful vases, cutlery and other artefacts.
To the southeast, Dong Ho traditional Paintings village, Bac Ninh province, 8 kms from Ha Noi. The “poonah” paper on which these colourful paintings are done is much prized in Viet Nam as are the art work which reflect daily life and ancient fables.
To the southwest, Quat Dong Embroidery Thuong Tin district, 23 kms from Ha Noi. Incredibly intricate embroidery of landscape, flowers and other every day scenes in rural Viet Nam that are incredibly beautiful.
THE OLD PAGODAS
Follow High way 6, Turn left at Ba La Bong Do T- junction in Ha Dong Town, Perfume Pagoda is an amazing complex of pagoda and Buddhist shrines. Visitors spend time here boating, hiking, exploring caves. The region is packed up with pilgrim and tourist during February – April as it is the festival time.
Follow the Lang Hoa Lac Highway, Thay pagoda built at the slope of Phat Tich moutain dedicated to Thich Ca Buddha and Monk Tu Dao Hanh (11 century). Set admits a spectacular landscape that unfolds as one climps up the mountains.
Tay Phuong Pagoda built in 8th century, this pagoda is famed for its architecture and wood carving. It has large wooden statues lacquered red and trimmed with gold, particularly of 18 Arhats.
Follow Highway 1A, But Thap in Thuan Thanh district, was built in the 17 century. This post Le dynasty has a four storey stone stupa delicated to the monk Chuyet Cong . It also boasts the Bao Thien tower and other antiques…
NINH BINH province located in the South of Red River Delta, 100kms from Ha Noi. It’s a home of many ethnic minorities people: Muong, Thai, Hoa, H’mong, Dao with typically seperated weather of two seasons: Wet and Dry. Morever, Ninh Binh has also hosts of beautiful landscapes such as: Hoa Lu -Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Phat Diem, Cuc Phuong…
HOA LU the last relics of the ancient capital Hoa Lu – the Temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city. The temples are not maintained entirely some precious antiques are still preserved well like the whole-stone dragon thrones, wooden bas-relieves and lacquered statues of King Dinh, Kinh Le, Queen Duong Van Nga who in turn got married both of the kings, and the princes of the two dynasties
TAM COC “three caves” - is called Ha Long bay on the land. Seating in a boat rowed by one or two local persons in Hoang Long river, visitors can see the first limestone mountains, which will run along their riverway for several kilometers, through three caves on the river, all created by wind and water while the sea had occupied this area.
BICH DONG from the wharf of Tam Coc, visitors can go further till reaching Bich Dong Pagoda, a combination of three pagodas on the Lower, Middle and Upper levels of a pretty mountain. Climbing up the top of the Upper pagoda and your eyes catch the over all panorama of the paddy fields between Truong Yen mountain.
CUC PHUONG the first National Park of Vietnam which was established in 1962, is 140 km South of Hanoi, 55km from Ninh Binh, roughly 25000 hectares. The botanical richness of the forest is impressive as it supports a wide variety of flora species and patches of primeval forest, including ancient trees with thick clusters of roots, and parasitic plants and ligneous creepers. Some tree species have been introduced from Burma, India, and Borneo. Clusters of orchards grow near cave entrances, where the moisture conditions and light are ideal.
PHAT DIEM CATHERAL a group of different churches of stone and wood, is the centre of Catholicism in Northern Vietnam and designed in Vietnamese style mixed harmoniously with the European Catholic traditions
. The traditional architecture of Vietnam is recognized obviously in each ornament: the Belfry has curly tiled roof-tops with decoration of Vietnamese temples, the shrine of Jesus' Heart is made of jackwood, the Big Cathedral is designed as a grandiose Communal House with sophisticated multi-level rafters, and all the churches are decorated with lotus, lemon flowers, birds, tropical trees like apricot and bamboo, and matched inscriptions in Chinese which are popular in Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
HA LONG BAY is one of the natural wonders of the world. Located in Quang Ninh Province, Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage due to the great value of its remarkable limestone “Karst” landscape and geomorphology. It has nearly 2000 islands and islets, all are limestone and dolomite, with numerous grottoes, stretches on that 1500 square km. Her loads of beautiful caves and thousands of island with marverlous shapes and the calm waters are not only wonderfully suited for kayaking but also for romantic nights boat
CAT BA ISLAND with an area of 356 square km wide in Quang Ninh province, Cat Ba encompasses forested zones, coastal mangrove and freshwater swamps, beaches, caves, and waterfalls. In 1986, the Northeast side of the island was designated a National Park, one of the six biggest one throughout the country. It’s home to 20 species of animals, 69 species of birds and more than 700 plant species. It is prudent to take mosquito repellent along while visiting the park. Viet Hai village lies in the Cat Ba National Park, this is the main attraction among foreign visitors. Trekking and cycling through coastal limestone mountain range and fishing village or kayaking in Lan Ha bay is the best way to discover Viet Nam nature and our people.
HAI PHONG lies in the tourism centre of the North, it has a famous resort and beaches around Do Son island. Do Son has three beaches which was known by alot of foreigner and local people from nearby provinces during summer time. Besides, the city maintains many charming architectures with evident influence of early 20th century colonial style the French invested to build up the old town as an important seaport. It is famous for the August buffalo fighting festival and the Do Son casino, too
CUA LO - KIM LIEN VILLAGE in Vinh city, Nghe An province, Cua Lo beach has white sands stretching for 10 kms make this beach a great place for a summer holiday. At the end of the beaches a flea market selling quite cheap, used electronic goods. Kim Lien village is the birthplace of late president Ho Chi Minh. The bamboo house where he was born and a stilt house where he stayed are sacred shrines now. A small museum illustrated his revolutionary life and the tomb of Hoang Thi Loan, his mother draw attention visitors everyday.
MISTY MOUNTAINS SAPA known as misty town in Lao Cai province, SaPa is a hill station that was built for French tourist in 1922 and is offen covered in mist. The ethereal beauty of the area is further enhanced by the surrounding villages and ethnic minorities people whose market and festivals add incredible colour and character to the town. SaPa offered four seasons in the day, view of the valey can be obscured by mist for day. Markets in SaPa are not just places to buy and sell goods but also venues for minority people, especially the young to meat each other and to enjoy cultural.
Bac Ha market is the most important cultural and business centre for the ethnic minorities in Sa Pa. This highland town , 63 kms from Sa Pa, is most famous with foreign tourist for it’s “Sunday” market. The main attraction is Ban Pho village where the H’mong people carry on their day’s trade selling everything from handicrafts to buffalos and pigs. Do remember to carry a torch when walking around Bac Ha in the evening, as power supply in the area is irregular
MAI CHAU this small village is set about two and a half hours North of Hoa Binh province and is approached as you go down the side of a very steep valley. The village nestled between two steep cliffs and surrounded by emerald green paddies, is enchanting to look at as you wind down the mountainside. Mai Chau is known for the White Thai and Muong People who inhabit this mountainous region and farm its verdant valleys. The main tourist attraction is a cluster of about a dozen traditional handicrafts being made and purchase colourfull woven fabric. Overnight stay in stilt houses are possible in either the Lac village.
SON LA in Lai Chau province is also home to minorities including the Black Thai and H’mong. Son La town is a transit point en route Dien Bien Phu. The town hosts a French built prison where Vietnamese revolutionaries were jailed. Dien Bien Phu has achieved erternal fame as the place where the decisive battle in the Indochinese war was found in 1945. On May 7th each year, the celebration commermorate the victories over the French. Historical sites and an army museum are added attraction
TAM DAO in Vinh Phuc province, the French founded Tam Dao, meaning “three hills”, 100 years ago. Some of the colonial villas still remain. SaPa is known as Da Lat of the south with the changeable weather at 1000m above sea level. It’s an ideal to get away from the heat of Ha Noi’s summer to Tam Dao trekking through the jungle.
BA BE the only real sight in Bac Kan is Ba Be Lakes, 230km from Hanoi and 80km to the Northwest of Bac Kan town. "Ba Be" means "three seas", an ornate expression which just means the three big lakes. The national Park comprise thick jungle and limestones mountains, waterfalls, rivers, deep valleys and caves. Puong Cave is a major attraction at the end of the interesting boat trip.
LANG SON is the chief town of the province under the same name, yet it mainly serves the travelers as a point to stop off on their way to somewhere else. This is a popular place to cross to and from China. After the two countries reopened the border. The town still contains the remains of a citadel built in 18th century, and there are numerous hill tribe villages around this area, particularly those of the Tay, Nung and Dao. The Vietnamese tourists also stop here to visit Buddhist pagodas built inside Nhi Thanh and Tam Thanh Caves, which are believed to have echo twice (Nhi Thanh) or three times (Tam Thanh). Lang Son is also famous for winter fruits like peaches, pears, plums and persimmons and for grilled ducks and porks, which evidently bear the influence of Chinese Guangdong cuisine.
CAO BANG town is in the proximity of the Chinese border which recently made it a veritable boom town with quite new flash development. The only reason to stop at Cao Bang is to recharge your batteries for a bit before reaching other sightworthy points in the neighbourhood, of which Ban Gioc Waterfall is the best. Located right on Quy Son river which divides the two countries, from where you can either see and reach China. Another attraction is Pac Bo Cave, 54 km to the Northwest of Cao Bang, also next to the Chinese border. It was the base of Ho Chi Minh and his comrades after he returned to Vietnam in 1941 after 30 years living and acting in revolutionary movements overseas to encourage all supports for the Vietnamese patriots.
Some has described Viet Nam as a bamboo shoudler pole slung with two baskets of rice: the fertile MeKong Delta in the south is one basket, the other the verdant Red river Delta of the North. Stretching up through country’s centre is vegetation and landscape of all kinds. Vast rubber plantations, thick jungles, mountains rising above 3000 m and more than 3200 km of pristine coastline.
The symbols of Viet Nam are the conical hat, betel nuts, buffaloes, bamboo, water puppets, the colourful languages, bicycles powered cyclos, pavement tea stores and an abundant variety of street floods, traditional forks songs, or national costumes “ao dai”…? All are images taken away by visitors when they leave the country, but in truth there is much more to learn and discover in a country where traditions date back more than 4000 years.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Viet Nam is bordered by Cambodias, Laos and China and stretchs for more than 1600 km along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. The varied terrain offered everything from tropical forest in the northen mountain ranges to sunny coastl stretches in the country’s central provinces to wide river flats in the south.
The country’s climate offered the traveller both wet and dry seasons all year round. When one region is in its wet region, the other is likely to be in its cold, dry seasons and vice versa. In the south, the wet seasons last from May through to November. Showers at this time of the year are usually brief and limited to the afternoon. Along the centre coast, the dry seasons last from June through to October while in the north, visitors are offen surprised by the four quite distinct seasons, with typhoons from July to August and cool dry weather through December.
4000 YEARS OF HISTORY
Archeological excavations has proven VietNam’ age old history with typical cultures such as Hoa Binh and Bac Son in the North. Viet Nam has influenced by so many people, from the ruler of the Hong Bang dynasty (2876 – 258 BC) to the 1945, but to do so has faced a many bloody battle and resisted countless invations – many of them now the basic of countless legends. Since then Viet Nam grown in economic and international stature, using the lessons of the past to build a better future.
GOVERNMENT
Sole-party Socialist Republic under the leadership of the Communist Party. Important persons to name are the Party's General Secretary (Mr. Nong Duc Manh), the country's president (Mr. Tran Duc Luong), the Prime Minister (Mr. Phan Van Khai). The leading offices are Politburo and National Assembly
TRADITIONAL CULTURE
Viet Nam’s past reads like a romantic legend full of heroic struggles and astounding victories. Such rich cultural folder is closely bound VietNamese people’s national characters and can be seen in everything from the preparation of meal, to traditional fork songs, the art, poetry, dance, dress, language and more. The Vietnamese are known for their beautiful and traditional art forms. Religious sculpture, lacquerware, woodblock printings and puppetry are just some of the more popular amongst traverllers.
CUISINE
Vietnamese cuisine is especially varied and there are said to be about 500 diffirent traditional dishes ranging from exotic meats as bat and cobra to fantastic vegeterian creations offen prepared to replicate meat and fish dishes. Despite the local delicacies, the staple diet of most Vietnamese is actually rice complemented by vegetables, meat, fish, spicies, and dipping sauce. Spring rolls and steam rice pancakes are popular snacks and a wealth of tropical fruits.
Food in Ha Noi:
Hanoians are gourmet. The Pho ( noodle soup served with chicken, pork or beef) heads along list of noodle, spring rolls, grilled meat specials and other delicacies usually consumed with the freshing salads of herb. A number of streets specialisting in local cuisine remain open until 2am. Food stalls on the street are opened even before dawn. There is no shortage of good restaurants as well.
Food in HoChiMinh city:
HoChiMinh benefits from the influence of other Asian cuisines including Chinese, Indian, Thai. Vegetales and fruits are cheap and easily found. Durians, mangoes, rambutan, avocado and the milk fruit are southern specialities. The sourtherners like the sweet and spicies dishes, cold or iced drinks. Hu Tieu or beef noodle can be found at Cach Mang Thang Tam street. A Phu rice can be found at Thanh Da district. Spaghetti can be found at Bui Vien districts 1, crocodile meat is specially at Le Van Tam Park
POPULAR DRINK
Thai Nguyen tea grown in Thai Nguyen province considered VietNam’s best tea. Dilmah tea-the internationally recognised branch originated from Sri Lanka, can be found in tea houses of the same name all over Ha Noi. Liptons - this English tea was popular a couple of years ago and still availlable in restaurants and bars. Trung Nguyen coffee grown in the Vietnamese highlands around Buon Me Thuot has become popular and its own specialised cafes are just starting to spring up all over Ha Noi. Beer ( Bia Hoi ): The local made and great quality beer is served nearly everywhere. The most popular (and crowed) placed in town. Vietnamese people like the drinks which have a level of alcohol such as rice wine, beer…
HEALTH RISKS
Dengue fever, heptitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid and tuberculosis offer minor threats. Check with your doctor, or an authorised travel clinic before travelling. Be careful what you eat. Always look for freshly cooked and prepared meals, avoid ice in provinces. Where possible drink bottle water, that includes when brushing your teeth. Water born diseases are quite common.
TIPS AND BARGAINING
State – run hotel and tourist restaurants usually add a 10 per cent government tax and 5 per cent service charge to bills so there is no need to tips. Leaving a small tips in other restaurants is generally appreciated by staff but not expected. Hired drivers and guides usually expect a tip and it’s considered poilte to leave a donation when visiting the pagodas or religious sites. Most will have a visible donation box. Bargaining is common place and more a means of happy social discourse than an opportunity to rip off. Offer a price about two thirds of what’s quoted.
TRANSPORT
Travel in cheap in most cases. Moving about in either Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh city can cost a few dollars a day, but travel between provinces will cost more.
By air: Vietnam Airlines and the newcomer Pacific Airline are the only domestics carriers. Air travel is reasonable priced and tickets can be purchased easily from any number of travel agents or direct from the airline offices. Remember to have the departure tax of handy for domestic or international flights.
By bus: Buses criss – cross the country using an impressive network of routes but to be hard before taking one. A part from being, slow and overcrowed, the notion of safety on Vietnam’s roads is haphazard. Hire a mini bus or book yourself into tour, your experience will more comfortable and direct.
By train: Train travel can be slow but quite a leisurely way to see the country. Safe, very reasonably priced and with a large number of classes of travel. The new first class sleeper compartment are very comfortable by any standard. Petty theft can, howerver be problem in any country and Viet Nam is no difference in that regard. Please keep an eyes on your possessions.
By car or private vehicle: Cars and mini buses with driver, can be hired at quite reasonable prices. Hire motorbikes at backpacker cafes but it’s understood that you must possess an International Driver’s Permit (and quite possibly, nerves of steel). If you are foolish enough to ride without a license be warned the penalties can be serious. If you are involved in an accident and you have no licence to show the police don’t expect them to be happy.
By bicycle: This is a leisurely way to travel the country. Trains and buses can carry bike when you want a break and there is always someone willing to help for quick repair. Around town in the bigger centre, hire a motorbike taxi (xe om in the north and honda om in the south) for no more than a few thousand dongs. Mettes taxis or pedal powered cyclos are your other choice. Remember, if using motorbikes or cyclos to negotiate before getting on
SOME CHARACTERS OF HA NOI
Ha Noi - the capital of Viet Nam, will be a thousand years old in 2010. With its myriad lakes, tree – lined avenue, old narrow street, historic sites, the majestic Red river flowing on its outskirst, and most of all, an ambience of old word hospitality and friendliness, has a bewitching quality that casts along lasting spell on the visitors. Not suprisingly, HaNoi was chosen a World Peace City in 2000.
To visit Ha Noi is to steep yourself in history, tradition, and legend in a capital that has been inhabited continuously for almost a millenium. Hanoi has a number of old pagodas, lovely parks and big Lakes which inspire the ancient architects to build graceful temples nearby, and Museums with precious exhibits of Vietnam's Fine Arts, Ethnology, History and Recent Wars that attract not only historians but foreign visitors and local people. Thus a deliberate Cyclo tour for one or two hours is so far the best way to visit the 36 guilds commercial district, 90% of which are narrow and short streets. The common character of the Old Quarter is that the name of these streets begin by the first word “Hang” and the second word show the goods which is bought there or show the professional job such as: Hang Dao, Hang Chieu, Hang Ma, Hang Thiec…Visitors come to Ha Noi in the first time, please walk around it to find the diffirence between Ha Noi with the other city on the world.
THE CRAFT VILLAGES
To the west, Ha Tay province, Van Phuc Silk village in Ha Dong town, 12 kms from HaNoi is famous for the production and sale of Vietnamese silk. Vac Fan (Quat Vac) village Thanh Oai district, 22 kms from Ha Noi, well – known for the production of traditional paper fans and big cages that are sold everywhere in Ha Noi. Chuong conical hat (non Chuong) village Quoc Oai district, 35 kms from Ha Noi. Specialising in making conical and flat hat (non Quai Thao) with palm leaves. Sculptures and Lacquerwares Phu Xuyen district, 44 kms from Ha Noi. Large selection of paintings, cupboards and other wooden souvenir.
To the north, Bat Trang ceramic village Gia Lam district, 14 kms from Ha Noi. The art of pottery has been handed down through generation of villagers who now create beautiful vases, cutlery and other artefacts.
To the southeast, Dong Ho traditional Paintings village, Bac Ninh province, 8 kms from Ha Noi. The “poonah” paper on which these colourful paintings are done is much prized in Viet Nam as are the art work which reflect daily life and ancient fables.
To the southwest, Quat Dong Embroidery Thuong Tin district, 23 kms from Ha Noi. Incredibly intricate embroidery of landscape, flowers and other every day scenes in rural Viet Nam that are incredibly beautiful.
THE OLD PAGODAS
Follow High way 6, Turn left at Ba La Bong Do T- junction in Ha Dong Town, Perfume Pagoda is an amazing complex of pagoda and Buddhist shrines. Visitors spend time here boating, hiking, exploring caves. The region is packed up with pilgrim and tourist during February – April as it is the festival time.
Follow the Lang Hoa Lac Highway, Thay pagoda built at the slope of Phat Tich moutain dedicated to Thich Ca Buddha and Monk Tu Dao Hanh (11 century). Set admits a spectacular landscape that unfolds as one climps up the mountains.
Tay Phuong Pagoda built in 8th century, this pagoda is famed for its architecture and wood carving. It has large wooden statues lacquered red and trimmed with gold, particularly of 18 Arhats.
Follow Highway 1A, But Thap in Thuan Thanh district, was built in the 17 century. This post Le dynasty has a four storey stone stupa delicated to the monk Chuyet Cong . It also boasts the Bao Thien tower and other antiques…
NINH BINH province located in the South of Red River Delta, 100kms from Ha Noi. It’s a home of many ethnic minorities people: Muong, Thai, Hoa, H’mong, Dao with typically seperated weather of two seasons: Wet and Dry. Morever, Ninh Binh has also hosts of beautiful landscapes such as: Hoa Lu -Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Phat Diem, Cuc Phuong…
HOA LU the last relics of the ancient capital Hoa Lu – the Temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city. The temples are not maintained entirely some precious antiques are still preserved well like the whole-stone dragon thrones, wooden bas-relieves and lacquered statues of King Dinh, Kinh Le, Queen Duong Van Nga who in turn got married both of the kings, and the princes of the two dynasties
TAM COC “three caves” - is called Ha Long bay on the land. Seating in a boat rowed by one or two local persons in Hoang Long river, visitors can see the first limestone mountains, which will run along their riverway for several kilometers, through three caves on the river, all created by wind and water while the sea had occupied this area.
BICH DONG from the wharf of Tam Coc, visitors can go further till reaching Bich Dong Pagoda, a combination of three pagodas on the Lower, Middle and Upper levels of a pretty mountain. Climbing up the top of the Upper pagoda and your eyes catch the over all panorama of the paddy fields between Truong Yen mountain.
CUC PHUONG the first National Park of Vietnam which was established in 1962, is 140 km South of Hanoi, 55km from Ninh Binh, roughly 25000 hectares. The botanical richness of the forest is impressive as it supports a wide variety of flora species and patches of primeval forest, including ancient trees with thick clusters of roots, and parasitic plants and ligneous creepers. Some tree species have been introduced from Burma, India, and Borneo. Clusters of orchards grow near cave entrances, where the moisture conditions and light are ideal.
PHAT DIEM CATHERAL a group of different churches of stone and wood, is the centre of Catholicism in Northern Vietnam and designed in Vietnamese style mixed harmoniously with the European Catholic traditions
. The traditional architecture of Vietnam is recognized obviously in each ornament: the Belfry has curly tiled roof-tops with decoration of Vietnamese temples, the shrine of Jesus' Heart is made of jackwood, the Big Cathedral is designed as a grandiose Communal House with sophisticated multi-level rafters, and all the churches are decorated with lotus, lemon flowers, birds, tropical trees like apricot and bamboo, and matched inscriptions in Chinese which are popular in Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
HA LONG BAY is one of the natural wonders of the world. Located in Quang Ninh Province, Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage due to the great value of its remarkable limestone “Karst” landscape and geomorphology. It has nearly 2000 islands and islets, all are limestone and dolomite, with numerous grottoes, stretches on that 1500 square km. Her loads of beautiful caves and thousands of island with marverlous shapes and the calm waters are not only wonderfully suited for kayaking but also for romantic nights boat
CAT BA ISLAND with an area of 356 square km wide in Quang Ninh province, Cat Ba encompasses forested zones, coastal mangrove and freshwater swamps, beaches, caves, and waterfalls. In 1986, the Northeast side of the island was designated a National Park, one of the six biggest one throughout the country. It’s home to 20 species of animals, 69 species of birds and more than 700 plant species. It is prudent to take mosquito repellent along while visiting the park. Viet Hai village lies in the Cat Ba National Park, this is the main attraction among foreign visitors. Trekking and cycling through coastal limestone mountain range and fishing village or kayaking in Lan Ha bay is the best way to discover Viet Nam nature and our people.
HAI PHONG lies in the tourism centre of the North, it has a famous resort and beaches around Do Son island. Do Son has three beaches which was known by alot of foreigner and local people from nearby provinces during summer time. Besides, the city maintains many charming architectures with evident influence of early 20th century colonial style the French invested to build up the old town as an important seaport. It is famous for the August buffalo fighting festival and the Do Son casino, too
CUA LO - KIM LIEN VILLAGE in Vinh city, Nghe An province, Cua Lo beach has white sands stretching for 10 kms make this beach a great place for a summer holiday. At the end of the beaches a flea market selling quite cheap, used electronic goods. Kim Lien village is the birthplace of late president Ho Chi Minh. The bamboo house where he was born and a stilt house where he stayed are sacred shrines now. A small museum illustrated his revolutionary life and the tomb of Hoang Thi Loan, his mother draw attention visitors everyday.
MISTY MOUNTAINS SAPA known as misty town in Lao Cai province, SaPa is a hill station that was built for French tourist in 1922 and is offen covered in mist. The ethereal beauty of the area is further enhanced by the surrounding villages and ethnic minorities people whose market and festivals add incredible colour and character to the town. SaPa offered four seasons in the day, view of the valey can be obscured by mist for day. Markets in SaPa are not just places to buy and sell goods but also venues for minority people, especially the young to meat each other and to enjoy cultural.
Bac Ha market is the most important cultural and business centre for the ethnic minorities in Sa Pa. This highland town , 63 kms from Sa Pa, is most famous with foreign tourist for it’s “Sunday” market. The main attraction is Ban Pho village where the H’mong people carry on their day’s trade selling everything from handicrafts to buffalos and pigs. Do remember to carry a torch when walking around Bac Ha in the evening, as power supply in the area is irregular
MAI CHAU this small village is set about two and a half hours North of Hoa Binh province and is approached as you go down the side of a very steep valley. The village nestled between two steep cliffs and surrounded by emerald green paddies, is enchanting to look at as you wind down the mountainside. Mai Chau is known for the White Thai and Muong People who inhabit this mountainous region and farm its verdant valleys. The main tourist attraction is a cluster of about a dozen traditional handicrafts being made and purchase colourfull woven fabric. Overnight stay in stilt houses are possible in either the Lac village.
SON LA in Lai Chau province is also home to minorities including the Black Thai and H’mong. Son La town is a transit point en route Dien Bien Phu. The town hosts a French built prison where Vietnamese revolutionaries were jailed. Dien Bien Phu has achieved erternal fame as the place where the decisive battle in the Indochinese war was found in 1945. On May 7th each year, the celebration commermorate the victories over the French. Historical sites and an army museum are added attraction
TAM DAO in Vinh Phuc province, the French founded Tam Dao, meaning “three hills”, 100 years ago. Some of the colonial villas still remain. SaPa is known as Da Lat of the south with the changeable weather at 1000m above sea level. It’s an ideal to get away from the heat of Ha Noi’s summer to Tam Dao trekking through the jungle.
BA BE the only real sight in Bac Kan is Ba Be Lakes, 230km from Hanoi and 80km to the Northwest of Bac Kan town. "Ba Be" means "three seas", an ornate expression which just means the three big lakes. The national Park comprise thick jungle and limestones mountains, waterfalls, rivers, deep valleys and caves. Puong Cave is a major attraction at the end of the interesting boat trip.
LANG SON is the chief town of the province under the same name, yet it mainly serves the travelers as a point to stop off on their way to somewhere else. This is a popular place to cross to and from China. After the two countries reopened the border. The town still contains the remains of a citadel built in 18th century, and there are numerous hill tribe villages around this area, particularly those of the Tay, Nung and Dao. The Vietnamese tourists also stop here to visit Buddhist pagodas built inside Nhi Thanh and Tam Thanh Caves, which are believed to have echo twice (Nhi Thanh) or three times (Tam Thanh). Lang Son is also famous for winter fruits like peaches, pears, plums and persimmons and for grilled ducks and porks, which evidently bear the influence of Chinese Guangdong cuisine.
CAO BANG town is in the proximity of the Chinese border which recently made it a veritable boom town with quite new flash development. The only reason to stop at Cao Bang is to recharge your batteries for a bit before reaching other sightworthy points in the neighbourhood, of which Ban Gioc Waterfall is the best. Located right on Quy Son river which divides the two countries, from where you can either see and reach China. Another attraction is Pac Bo Cave, 54 km to the Northwest of Cao Bang, also next to the Chinese border. It was the base of Ho Chi Minh and his comrades after he returned to Vietnam in 1941 after 30 years living and acting in revolutionary movements overseas to encourage all supports for the Vietnamese patriots.
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