Vietnam Heritage Tour 12 Days

From charming Hanoi with its fading colonial architecture and national monuments, to the spellbinding scenery of Halong Bay and Phong Nha cave in Quang Binh province. From amazing scenery of Hue & charming of Hoi An ancient town to the steamy city of Saigon on the edge of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is as colorful as it is diverse. Experience the very best of vibrant Vietnam, in 12 captivating days with Asianway Travel! 

>>> Outlined itinerary: 

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D) 

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour, drive to Halong bay (B/L) 

Day 3: Half day Halong Bay Cruise , Hanoi water puppet show ( B/L) 

Day 4: Flight to Hue, drive to Quang Binh – home of Phong Nha Caves (B/L) 

Day 5: Full day explore the complex of Phong Nha caves (B/L) 

Day 6: Full day visit Hue ancient capital (B/L) 

Day 7: Transfer to visit Danang beach city & Hoian ancient town (B/L) 

Day 8: Half day My Son Heritage, Half Day Saigon City Tour (B/L) 

Day 9: Full day visit Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh & explore Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L) 

Day 10: Transfer to Vinh Long & Can Tho, discover the Mekong Delta (B/L) 

Day 11: Cai Rang floating market, drive back Saigon (B/L) 

Day 12: Depart Saigon (B) 

Detail Itinerary: 

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D) 

Hanoi, the country's capital has just celebrated its 1000 year anniversary. The city owns a long history, cultural richness and hospitality, which can be seen plenty charming facade, temples, pagodas and street insights. Hanoi is without doubt, one of Asia's most beautiful cities. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, we will meet you with the Welcoming Board and then escort you to your hotel. We leave the rest of the day to you to relax from a long flight.

Evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with traditional Vietnamese music will give you a first taste of Vietnamese cuisine and their culture. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour, drive to Halong bay (B/L) 

In the morning, we start our day tour by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. The mausoleum is the last resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s great revolutionist. It is a symbol of gratitude and respect of Vietnamese people for president Ho Chi Minh. The Ho Chi Minh Museum is the preserver of everything memorable related to Ho Chi Minh. The Museum consists of five extensive floors and was inaugurated on 2nd September, 1990, celebrating the 100th birthday occasion of the beloved President. Closed by, the famous One Pillar Pagoda which is built of wood on a single stone pillar 1.25 m in diameter. It is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond. After that, continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Vietnamese name is Quoc Tu Giam) – The Vietnam’s first University, which was built in 1070 in honor of Confucius, his followers and Chu Van An, a moral figure in Vietnamese education. In the afternoon, take a coach trip to Halong. Halong translates as ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’, and legend claims the islands of Halong Bay were created by a great dragon from the mountains. As it charged towards the coast, its flailing tail gouged out valleys and crevasses. When it finally plunged into the sea, the area filled with water, leaving only the pinnacles visible. Check in hotel. Stay overnight in Halong.

Day 3: Half day Halong Bay Cruise , Hanoi water puppet show ( B/L)  

We will board our private junk and begin the cruise in the Halong bay. On this tour, witness the tranquil beauty and breathtaking scenery from the decks of a traditional junk, complete with bat-winged sails. Gliding through the gin-clear waters of the bay, absorb one of the most magnificent natural splendors of the Far East. See tiny islands dotted with rock arches, sheer cliffs, innumerable white sand beaches and peaceful coves. Like sculpted cartoon characters, these limestone islands have fanciful names: Incense Burner, Stone Dog and Fighting Chickens (the symbol of Halong Bay). Stopping for the most beautiful cave named Sung Sot (Amazing cave). Climbing steep stairs to explore huge chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites of all kinds. Continue to enjoy this relaxing cruise through the fairyland-like landscape. Then we head back to Ha Long harbor and our waiting vehicle will transfer us back to Hanoi. On arrival, visit Ngoc Son Temple which is located at the northern end of Sword Lake. Enjoy a water puppet show. Water puppetry - " puppets that dance on water"- is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today's Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. Check in hotel. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Flight to Hue, drive to Quang Binh – home of Phong Nha Caves (B/L) 

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hue, an Unesco World Heritage site. Upon arrival, we take a coach trip to Dong Hoi, the capital city of Quang Binh province in the north central coast of Vietnam. It is the closest city to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage Site, which located 50 km north of the city. On the way, stop by to visit the historic Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River, which served as a border (the 17th parallel) between North and South Viet Nam between 1954 and 1975. Hien Luong Bridge (also known as the "Peace Bridge"), is a beam bridge built from steel by the French in 1950. After the partition, the northern portion of the bridge was painted red and the southern portion yellow. The bridge was damaged by American bombardment during the Vietnam War in 1967. After the Paris Peace Accords, a modern bridge was built next to the old bridge. Check in hotel. Stay overnight in Dong Hoi city.

Day 5: Full day explore the complex of Phong Nha caves (B/L) 

In the morning, transfer straight to Son River where we take a boat trip to the park and famed caves at Phong Nha – Ke Bang, one of the newest UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. Upon arrival, explore the two famous caves Phong Nha cave includes 14 chambers, connected by an underwater river that runs for 1.5 kilometer. The Outer Cave and some of the Inner Caves have roofs that tower between 25 and 40 meters above the water level. Continue to Tien Son cave which was discovered by a local inhabitant by accident in 1935. The entry mouth of Tien Son is 1 km from Phong Nha cave, at an altitude of 200 meter. This cave is 980 meter in length and like Phong Nha cave, this cave features spectacular stalactites and stalagmites shaped like several fairy-tales. Afternoon we drive back to Hue. Check in hotel. Stay overnight in Hue. 

Day 6: Full day visit Hue ancient capital (B/L) 

This morning, transfer to visit the Imperial Citadel which has three perimeters of rampart, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). Continue to Thien Mu pagoda, an ancient pagoda in Hue city, can’t be missed. Its pagoda has seven stores and is the tallest one in Vietnam. The temple is often the subject of folk rhymes about Hue, such is its iconic status and association with the city. Afternoon, we visit to the two tombs of the Kings of Nguyen Dynasty. King Tu Duc's tomb and King Khai Dinh’s tomb, each tomb has a specific style and architecture, continue to visit Dong Ba market before come back hotel for relax. Stay overnight in Hue.

Day 7: Transfer to visit Danang beach city & Hoian ancient town (B/L) 

 In the morning, start our trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. On the way, stop by Danang beach city for a city tour visiting Cham Museum and Marble Mountain. Arrive in Hoi An, spending the afternoon for a walking tour around this enchanting port town of Hoi an, follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the Tan Ky old house, the local market … Around the town you can see numerous art galleries and tailor shops. You are also free to get some made-to-order clothes if you like. Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Half day My Son Heritage, Half Day Saigon City Tour (B/L) 

 Take a coach trip to My Son holly land, a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu Temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century AD by the kings of Champa .The temples are dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva, known under various local names, the most important of which is "Bhadresvara". From the 4th to the 14th century AD, the valley at My Son was a site of religious ceremony for kings of the ruling dynasties of Champa, as well as a burial place for Cham royalty and national heroes. Afternoon, transfer to the airport for a flight to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh (other name: Saigon) is Vietnam's largest and most populated city. On arrival, visit Reunification Palace formerly known as Independence Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, is a landmark in Hochiminh City. Next stop is the City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Monument and Central Post Office which was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century. Right nearby, you can see Notre Dame Cathedral, a magnificent building located in the heart of the city and was established by French colonists. Stay overnight in Saigon.

Day 9: Full day visit Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh & explore Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)

 Drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province in the west of Vietnam. At Tay Ninh visit the Cao Dai Great Temple which was begun in 1933 in a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions. The three principal colors of Cao Dai are yellow (for Buddhism), blue (for Taoism), and red (for Christianity), and these appear in worshippers' robes as well as the temple. In the afternoon, continue our trip to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years.... getting married, giving birth. Drive back Saigon for stay overnight.

Day 10: Transfer to Vinh Long & Can Tho, discover the Mekong Delta (B/L) 

Travel to Vinh Long, a province located in the Mekong River Delta of southern Vietnam. Upon arrival, take a boat trip to explore the colorful Cai Be floating market, where you can observe all of busy trading activities of local traders with several kinds of agricultural product from one boat to another. You then continue the cruise to a local factory to visit and learn how pop rice, pop corn, rice paper and coconut candies are made. You also have an opportunity to taste these products served with hot green tea. Returning to the boat for an excursion to Dong Hoa Hiep Island and discover the beautiful and peaceful scenery together with the typical life of the region along the Mekong River. After lunch in local restaurant, enjoy a stroll along the narrow canals before driving to Can Tho. Can Tho is the fifth largest city in Vietnam, and the largest city in the Mekong Delta. It is noted for its floating market, rice paper-making village and picturesque rural canals. In the evening, you can wander around the night market in down town Can Tho. Stay overnight in Can Tho. 

Day 11: Cai Rang floating market, drive back Saigon (B/L) 

Early morning, take a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market which is one of the three biggest in the Mekong Delta. The shops and stalls at the market are boat of different sizes. Cai Rang Floating Market is open all day but it is busiest from sunrise to about 9am. Along the boat trip, you will also enjoy watching bustling activities along the Can Tho riverbank before back to the shore to visit to Binh Thuy Ancient House, it is a rare and perfect example of the character of the Mekong Delta. It is special thanks not only to an ancient house whose design is a combination of Vietnam and France with interesting involved stories but also a garden with various flowers and fruits, including a wide range of orchids and a record cactus. One more special thing of the house that has so far attracted a lot of local and foreign visitors, it is an exciting address for film directors. The famous French movie L’amant directed by J.J Annaud is an example. Drive back Saigon in the afternoon and check in hotel for the rest. Stay overnight in Saigon.  

Day 12: Depart Saigon (B) 

Free time for shopping or optional visit before transfer to the airport for flight back home. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for travelling with us and warmly welcome you to come again. Services end. 

Contact to Company: Asianway Travel Address: 8th Floor, 52 Nguyen Chi Thanh St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: Tel: (84-4) 3 7755888. Fax: (84 -4) 37755889 Email: marketing@asianwaytravel.com Website: www.asianwaytravel.com/

Asianway Travel opens FAM 2013

A mega FAM tour to Vietnam and Cambodia conducted by Asianway Travel is being launched from July to August 2013. As a special initiative, Asianway 

Travel intends to offer its best selling packages to travel professionals. The trips aim to establish a connection with travel agents and better inform them about Vietnam and Cambodia as a potential market. They are delighted to bring professionals this great opportunity to explore and experience the treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia before offering them to their discerning clients.

Launched between July and August 2013 at the renowned destinations of Hanoi – Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh City, with an extension to Angkor Wat, Siemreap, Cambodia, this promotion is open to experts who would like to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia without paying fees.

 FAMs, or Familiarization Trips, are being made available only to Travel Agents. Spouses or companions may travel at the same rate, or for a nominal supplement.

Asianway Travel, a Hanoi based company, was founded in early 2006 and possesses an experienced management board, dynamic team and has partners across Asia. It offers luxury tours, and a hotel booking and travel service to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Bringing you award winning services at most competitive price. With a fundamental understanding of the local market, as well as international cooperation experience, they have been a long time partner of many travel agencies and tour operators throughout Asia, Europe, America and Middle East.

For further information about Asianway Travel & their FAM trip program, you might visit www.asianwaytravel.com or contact sales@asianwaytravel.com ( Mr. Nhat – Director of Sale)

Wonderful Halong bay

 Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. Explore more Halong tour through the lens of a foreign tourist.


By: Peter Veng-Pedersen

Top 7 places for Vietnam trekking tour

Trekking and Hiking in Vietnam is one of the prime attractions for those looking for active adventure holidays in Vietnam. Apart from the sheer thrill factor of exploring the many untouched territories and marveling at the wonderful beauty herein, these Vietnam treks will also familiarize you with the indigenous flora and fauna of the country. Here is our guide to the top 10 destinations for trekking and hiking in Vietnam:

Sapa: Sapa is one of the most enchanting of the Vietnam popular destinations. It is situated among the greenery of the high Tonkinese Alps. The mountain terrain with magnificent scenery and rich nature, cool climate and colorful cultures of the ethnic minority peoples make Sapa and surrounding area a superb place for trekking.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Pu Luong in Thai language is the word for mountain and Pù Luông is not only the highest mountain of this Nature Reserve, but of the entire province Thanh Hoa. A place of outstanding beauty, blessed with rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces and romantic villages nestled in the landscape.

Mai Chau valley: Located just about 130 km far from Ha Noi, Mai Chau tour is one of good choice for many tourists.

Ha Giang: Ha Giang has many of village where is quite wild and keeping almost intact cultures has not been through away by trade storm such as Tay people Tha, Tien Thang mountain village about 5 km far from Ha Giang city, LoLo people Sang Pang A mountain village in Meo Vac town…Foreign tourists especially like nature beautiful sceneries in Xin Man district and interesting natural forests which has many kinds of valuable woods.

Cat Ba National Park: is converged by forest and sea. Forest and sea are combined together to make the unique beauty.

>>> This is why North of Vietnam attracts visitors all year round

Cuc Phuong National Park: Typically tropical with an area of 7 hectare. This is a forest of limestone mountainous region with a lot of caves. There are also relics of approving that people had used from 12.500 years ago.

Nam Cat Tien: is a national forest which located in three provinces Dong Nai, Lam Dong and Binh Thuan, has many rich and attractive botanic and animals, is protected by the most strict methods.NCT has many kinds of millions years trees with more than 30m diameter. Stream, waterfall and mountain system is very gigantic and attracting…

5 most common family activities during Vietnamese Tet

In Vietnam, there could be no other occasions more special than Tet for all members in a family to unite and enjoy a wide range of hilarious activities during the holiday. Below are the top five most preferable Tet’s activities Vietnamese people often do with family.

1. Watching firework on the New Year’s Eve moment

Firework shooting to announce the arriving of a New Year is a yearly event expected by any Vietnamese on the night. The show of light is organized in big cities of Vietnam like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue or Hoian, on the sky of the the best tourist attractions of the cities in order to provide best view and serve the largest number of viewers.

Fairework on the New Year's

The sparkling art show on the sky in combination with the booming echoes of every shots seem to make people’s hearts pumping faster and becoming more exciting to welcome the New Year. What would be cozier than members in a family hand in hand enjoying the night under the hilarious atmosphere?

 2. Family parties

Parties with full of delicious traditional dishes is the main theme for the whole holiday of  Tet. From the last day of the year, family’s members all unite to enjoy “Tất Niên” Meal (the last meal of a Lunar New Year) to share all the sadness and happiness and experiences gained through the year. Not only that, the parties are also time to review family’s tradition, show respect to elders and strengthen relationships between members.

Family parties

During Tet, family parties can start from nowhere and there is not any exact time table for them besides the three main meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. A party may begin when some relatives or friends come to visit the host’s home at any time since foods and drink are stored at their fullest level during Tet.

3. New Year’s greetings

From the first day of the year, people start going around and greet their relatives and friends with the best wishes. This custom seems to be more common in villages than in big city because villagers live much more close than people in cities; also, they are often relatives of each other living in the same village. The order of people to be greeted is usually relatives first and then friends and colleague.

 Elders’ house would be the first destinations in which parents’ house is the very first one. This custom is not simple exchanging wishes between guests and hosts, it is the chance for brothers and sisters and friends to meet each other after a long separated year.

4. Lucky money for children and elders

This tradition is undoubtedly the most awaited Tet’s activity of all Vietnamese children. The custom is not a meaningless one since it does not only make children feel happier on Tet, it also educates them the value of money and how to save money for good purpose. Like its very definition, lucky money bring luck to children such as healthiness, intelligence and obedient and luck to the givers as well.

Lucky money for children

 5. Visiting pagoda

The lofty tradition reflexes religious belief of Vietnamese people has been preserved and developed for thousands years. People coming to pagodas and temple to pray for a happy new year with full of wishes may come true and showing respect and appreciation to Buddha and Gods who have been protecting and granting their wishes. Visiting pagodas could also a good way to enjoy Tet’s atmosphere and forget about all the stress and worry of the previous year in the sacred space there. Vietnamese families usually visit pagodas and temples with all of their members as well as going in grand family as a way to show sincerity.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Source: VNO

5 things you should know to travel Vietnam on tet

1. Transportation:

This is one big concern that seems to occur to most holiday travellers. Without doubt, it is quite difficult to plan your trip when air, trains and coach are mostly fully booked. Tet holiday is when domestic travel volume rockets, especially South-North route before Tet and North-South after Tet.

  2. Accommodation:

Vietnamese people have recently trended to travel during Tet because they have a long holiday. Some destinations they usually choose such as: Dalat, Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Danang...So it should be better to book hotel in advance in case your rooms will be fulled.

 3. Sightseeing:

The bad news: many museums, mausoleums, indoors exhibition place and art houses will be closed for at least 4 days, from January 22nd to January 26th.

The good news: beach will be empty, cities will be vacant (on the actual date of Tet) - overall a great time for those who enjoy the tranquility.

 4. Food:

 To many's dismay, most restaurants will be closed during Tet, be it local or foreign-owned. Most will be open until late January 22nd (the last day of old Lunar year) and reopened in the 4th or 5th date of lunar January (or January 26th, 27th of solar calendar). Wet markets will still run though vendors are scanty. Thus Tet may not be the best time for culinary tour fans. But Tet is like no other events in the year - there is a great variety of Vietnamese food that is not available elsewhere or else-when such as Banh Chung, Boiled Chicken, Pickled Onions. If you are invited to a Vietnamese family, that would be the ideal case. Otherwise, a visit to Cho Tet - special wet markets selling New Year stuffs, will surely be an amazing experience, whether you are in a big city or rural mountain province. Get your camera ready!

 5. Shopping:

Like restaurants, many shops will be closed for the first few days of the lunar new year. Some market will still be open, with much fewer vendors than you normally see, even in major trading points like Dong Xuan market or Ben Thanh. To your surprise, many products will be sold at a very reasonable price because most sellers want to start a smooth sales year. Try not to haggle or if you do, do so politely or else it will be considered to bring about bad luck for the whole new year.

Source: VNO

Top 7 destinations in Tet holiday 2013

Hanoi

Hanoi, one of the most beautiful of the colonial Indochinese cities, is often the start or end point of a trip to Vietnam, and what a great welcome or farewell it is. Oozing with charm, Hanoi has gone through wholesale changes since Vietnam swung open its doors to tourism, but it remains true to its essential personality and is an amazing city to experience.



Though considerably quieter than big sister Saigon, Hanoi still retains a vibrant atmosphere. From the early hours until late at night, the fig-tree shaded streets swarm with careening motorbikes, often with four, five or even six people aboard. A cyclo is available on most street corners, but unless you are making a particularly long trip, the best way to explore Hanoi is by foot.

Hanoi has a number of lovely parks and museums where you can while away the hours of a warm summer's afternoon - Lenin Park, south of Hoan Kiem district and just north of Bay Mau Lake are among the most popular, especially on holidays, when it's packed with picnickers.

Halong Bay

A cruise on Ha Long Bay - or the Bay of the Descending Dragon - for many represents the pinnacle of their experience in Vietnam. Easily one of the most popular destinations in the country, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is both mystical and magnificent, an incredible feat of nature that almost never fails to impress.

Last time we counted, UNESCO had picked out 830 World Heritage sites around the world, chosen for their cultural and historical importance, and also for their geological uniqueness. Ha Long Bay offers a little of all three.
Over the ages, Vietnamese fishermen with too much time on their hands began to see shapes in the stone massifs atop many of the islands, and named the islands accordingly - Turtle Island, Human Head Island, Chicken Island and so on.
In what constitutes one of the most fascinating cultural features of the area, some of these fisherman still live on the bay today - on floating fishing villages, where houses are set atop barges year round, the inhabitants catching and cultivating fish throughout.

Hue

The historic capital of Vietnam, Hue, sits astride a truly majestic and beautiful river, the Song Huong (Perfume River). The north-bank is host to its share of hotels and restaurants, but the area is dominated by the old fortified city known as the Citadel, spread across more than 5 square kilometers of ground, crowding out development on that side of the river. As a result, guesthouses, hotels and restaurants have sprung up on the south bank, starting with the river road, Le Loi Street, and stretching further south. The south bank of the river has been developed as park cum promenade, with an eclectic variety of public sculptures on display.

Hoian
 Pale yellow houses draped in bougainvillea, shop fronts lit with the glow of silk lanterns, women in conical hats lifting baskets of slippery fish from their boats -- life in old town Hoi An looks like a picture postcard of a Vietnamese country town. Of course, that didn't happen by accident. In 1999, the riverside town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in an effort to preserve its core of historic architecture, a unique mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European styles. The listing gave Hoi An resources and impetus to better protect and maintain its wonderful architecture, and to market itself as a tourist destination. It worked, and the town now attracts visitors by the droves.

Nhatrang

The city is indisputably beautiful, bordered by mountains, with the beach tracing an impressive long swoop along a bay dotted with islands. Topiary and modern sculpture dot the immaculately manicured foreshore.
Nha Trang offers plenty to keep tourists occupied from island-hopping boat trips and scuba diving, to mudbaths and historic sites. But the main attraction for most visitors is lounging around on deckchairs at a beachfront bar and drinking cocktails in comfort.


Dalat

Dalat is quite different from anywhere else you’ll visit in Vietnam. You would almost be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into the French Alps in springtime. This was certainly how the former colonists treated it – escaping to their chalets to enjoy the cooler climate.
The French feel is compounded by a radio mast shaped like the Eiffel Tower and the local bohemian artists’ predilection for swanning around in berets. Dalat is small enough to remain charming, and the surrounding countryside is blessed with lakes, waterfalls, evergreen forests and gardens.



Hochiminh City
As Ho Chi Minh City's cyclo drivers rest easy below vast neon billboards, the emerging Vietnamese middle class - mobile phones in hand - cruise past draped in haute couture on their imported motorcycles. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's largest and most exciting city.
Towering developments now pierce what was once a very low-key skyline. Five-star hotels and international shopping chains have replaced dowdy government guesthouses and empty shelves. Saigon has some of the best cuisine in the country, from cheap street eating to salubrious haute cuisine. A renewed interest in the arts has stimulated the art scene and many galleries and museums are slowly being spruced up. For a tourist there is a lot to do in Saigon.
And once you're done with the city, use it as a base to explore the surrounds - head out to the tunnels at Chu Chi, the Cao Dai temple at Tay Ninh or jet off to the sublime Con Dao. Then there's the entire Mekong Delta to explore. How much time have you got?

10 things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

1. Hoan Kiem Lake (The Lake of the Restored Sword)

Hoan Kiem Lake meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword” or “Lake of the Restored Sword”, is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life.

2. Old Quarter



 The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem lake, has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the old quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewellery, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce. The area is famous for its small artisans and merchants, including many silk shops. Local cuisine specialties as well as several clubs and bars can be found here also. A night market (near Dong Xuân market) in the heart of the district opens for business every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening with a variety of clothing, souvenirs and food.

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a large memorial to the Vietnamese leader in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is located in the center of Ba Ðình Square, which is the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

4. The Water Puppet Theater

Water puppetry “puppets that dance on water”) is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century CE when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today’s Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play. Traditional legends and historical tales are among the enchanting puppet plays performed at this popular theatre

5. Temple of Literature & Ancient National University

It is a temple of Confucius in Hanoi, Vietnam. Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, which also functioned as Vietnam’s first university. It is featured on the back of the one hundred thousand Vietnamese banknote.

6. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Vietnamese: Bao tang dan toc hoc Viet Nam) is a museum in Hanoi, Vietnam, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. It is located on a 3.27-acre (13,200 m2) property in the Cau giay District, about 8 km from the city center. It is widely considered to be the finest modern museum in Vietnam and a tourist attraction in Hanoi. The proposal for the museum was officially approved on December 14, 1987. Construction lasted from 1987 to 1995, and it was opened to the public on November 12, 1997. The exhibition building was designed by the architect Hà Duc Linh, a member of the Tày ethnic group, in the shape of a Dong Son drum, and the interior architecture was designed by the French architect Véronique Dollfus.



7. West Lake

Ho Tay is the largest of all the lakes in Ha Noi. The lake is on the northwest part of the city. Long ago, the lake was a branch of the Red river but later, as the river changed course, the lake remained a body of water just west of the river. There are many legends associated with West Lake. The most popular is the legend of the golden buffalo.As the story goes, there once was a medicine man who was a giant. He is well known in Vietnam for his medicine practice and the king often used him to treat the royal family. His fame reached China and he was invited to China to treat the king. He was successful where others have failed so the king was going to reward him with great wealth. He refused offerings of gold and only requested that the king give him all the black copper in the king’s vault. The king agreed and the giant left for Vietnam with vast amounts of black copper.

In Vietnam the giant molded a giant bell of black copper. The giant rang the bell and the sound resonated all the way to China. In the king’s vault there was a golden buffalo. Upon hearing the sound of the bell, the buffalo came to life (because he thought that his mother was calling him) and charged southward. Upon reaching Ha Noi, the buffalo trampled the land in the area near Red river. Over the years, this area filled with water and became Ho Tay or West Lake.

8. Hoa Lo Prison

The Hoa Lo Prison (Vietnamese: Hoa Lò), later sarcastically known to American prisoners of war as the “Hanoi Hilton”, was a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

9.  Hanoi Night Market

This market spreading from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market creates a busy and crowded walking street. on weekend evenings, a lot of people come here to stroll or go shopping, which becomes a habit. As a commercial street, you can find everything concerning clothes and recreation. Clothes, sweets, “o mai” (salted dry fruit), decorations, toys, stationeries, sundry goods are respectively sold o­n Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Buom, Hang Duong, Luong Van Can, Hang Ma, Ngo Gach and Hang Ca Streets. All goods and facilities can be found from Dong Xuan Market to Hang Giay Street.

People come here for shopping or just strolling in the crowd to feel the atmosphere of the night market and the habit of Hanoians. Children are excited about going shopping with their family, sitting o­n their father’s shoulders, holding their mother’s hand, walking in a stream of people, playing with sand pictures and painting statues. It is so romantic to see lovers hand in hand walking o­n the street, smiling, taking pictures, buying some pieces of clothes at weekends. There are lots of foreign tourists who go sight-seeing or shopping. It is easy for them to find Hanoi or Vietnamese style souvenirs at low prices.

Food stalls often sell “banh beo” (bloating fern-shaped cake), bacon, grilled “nem chua”, sausages, Hai Phong bread, Donner Kebap, cakes, sweet porridge of northern provinces or Hue city. At the end of the night market street, next to Dong Xuan market, there is a night eatery with a wide range of food, such as “lau”, grilled food, “banh khuc” and steamed sticky rice.



10. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Bat Trang, a small village in the north of Vietnam, is about 13 kilometers south east of Hanoi center, on the other side of Chuong Duong bridge. Why is its name popular to most tourists to northern Vietnam? The answer is its ever famous ceramic and pottery products of high quality. If you have known about Vietnam, you may not be surprised that Bat Trang’s vases, bowls, dishes, and many other kinds of ceramic products have been exported worldwide. Should you would like to contemplate workers making ceramic products by hand, just come here! What’s more, you can also try it yourself!

7 Top Tourist Attractions in Vietnam in 2013

1. Nha Trang

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s most popular seaside resort town located along the second most beautiful bays in the country. It features beautiful beaches with fine and clean sand and clear ocean water with mild temperatures. The city has about 300,000 inhabitants and is more lively and urban in character than other beach destinations like Mui Ne and Phu Quoc. It’s also the scuba diving center of Vietnam.


2. Mekong River (Mekong Delta)

The Mekong Delta is the region in southern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea. It is a very rich and lush area, covered with rice fields, that produces about half of the total of Vietnam’s agricultural output. Subsequently, life in the Mekong Delta revolves much around the river, and all the villages are often accessible by river rather than by road.

3. Mui Ne

 The formerly little-inhabited beach south of the fishing village of Mui Ne has seen some serious development in the last 15 years. Due to strong sea breezes it is a popular destination in Vietnam for kite- and windsurfing. No trip to Mui Ne is complete without a trip to the famous sand dunes located a short distance north of the town. The vast sandy expanse provide some great panoramic views especially during sunset.

  4. Sa Pa Terraces

  Sa Pa is a town in northwest Vietnam not far from the Chinese border. Rice terraces can be found in the Muong Hoa valley between Sa Pa town and the Fansipan Mountain, on a backdrop of thick bamboo woodlands. Local mountain people, the Hmong, Giay, Dao, Tay, and Giay, grow rice and corn on these paddy terraces, along with vegetables.

5. Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay is situated in north Vietnam round a 120 kilometer long coast line and is literally translated as “Bay of Descending Dragons”. The top tourist attraction in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay features thousands of islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves, others islands include lakes and some support floating villages of fishermen.
6. Thien Mu Pagoda (Hue)

With seven stories, the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. The pagoda overlooks the  Perfume River and is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. The temple was built in 1601 during the rule of the Nguyễn Lords. The initial temple was very simply constructed, but over time it was redeveloped and expanded with more intricate features.

7.Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi)

Located in the historical center of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as the locals’ favorite leisure spot. Hoan Kiem means “returned sword”, and the name comes from a legend in which King Le Loi was given a magical sword by the gods, which he used to drive out the invading Chinese. Later he returned the sword to the Golden Turtle God in the lake.
Source: touropia

7 Reasons to head out to Vietnam

Known with many famous tourist sites with natural beauties, tranquil villages, ancient pagodas, beautiful lakes, Vietnam has been a popular tourist destination in the world. Not convinced as yet? Here are the top reasons why Vietnam should be your next destination. 

Reason # 1: A stunningly beautiful country

Vietnam is just beautiful, its geography, topography, landscapes, and especially 3265 km of coastline. Magnificent mountains, Red River and the Mekong deltas, rivers and primary forests make the country an amazing land to visit. The top destinations for ideal Vietnam travel is the 2000 fascinating naturally sculptures rising up from emerald water in Halong Bay. Or head to the Northwest and enjoy the spectacular scenery of terrace rice fields in Sapa, occupied by different tribes. In the central region, Vietnam boasts its best beaches on earth and ready for your golden holidays in Cua Dai beach, Nha Trang beach or Mui Ne beach. In the Mekong delta, tourists get amazed by amazing ways of life from floating villages and floating markets.



Reason # 2: World Heritages

It is not difficult to find out key highlights of Vietnam. The small country is proud to have rich heritages, from natural ones to man-made spiritual. So far Vietnam has 7 UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites which contribute to its appealing beauty, including Hue Complex Monuments, Hoi An ancient town, My Son Holy Land, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Halong Bay, The Cultural Space of Gong in the Central Highlands, the Royal Court Music of Hue. Other intangible heritages that attract tourists are Xoan singing, Folk songs and Ca Tru.

Reason # 3: Friendly and Hospitable People

Vietnamese people are the most hospitable and friendly in the World. This feature is popular in all regions of the country. You can find happy faces everywhere from cities to the countryside. You will have a chance to talk and chat with them happily. Foreign kids with blond hair and blue eyes will be most adored by Vietnamese women. Visiting their home, guests will often be offered all kind of fruits and food prepared with great attention for free.

Reason # 4: Multi-ethnic Cultures

The country is populated by 54 groups of people living happily and sharing unique cultures. Each of the group has their own cultures, languages, customs and clothes which make Vietnam a multi-cultural destination. For example, the black H’Mong ladies’ clothes are in black color while the Red Dzao ladies’ clothes are colorful with red scraps on their heads. Visitors will learn different ways of life and it is just making their Vietnam holidays more interesting.



Reason # 5: Best Cuisine on Earth

Vietnamese cuisine is just awesome, and hardly could any visitors have negative comments on Vietnamese food. There is admirably a great balance between vegetable and meats, as well as a selective use of spices to reach a fine taste. Vietnamese food can be considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide. Traditional Vietnamese cooking is appreciated for the freshness of the ingredients and for the minimum use of oil which makes this cuisine very healthy. Hardly do families use processed food for daily meals. Most visitors to Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City will try to plan for a half day cooking tour to learn hands on cooking skills.

Reason # 6: Amazing Development
One reason that draws more visitors to Vietnam is its steady and rapid economic growth. It is not a war anymore. After some 3 decades of open door policies, the country is now in the middle income country. In cities, sky scrapers, high office buildings, residential towns and services are booming. Most visitors will be surprised to see luxurious cars and items are on the markets in this once war torn country. More and more foreigners work in Vietnam, which is seen as a tiger in Southeast Asia.

Reason # 7: Top Security in the World

Last but not least is the country’s top security in the World for your dream holiday. Vietnam is now one of the safest countries in the world. There are no fears for long term strikes, protests, terrorism, guerilla attacks, bombings, kidnaps or killings that affect your holiday. With one party, Vietnam is highly controlled with its own system. In particular, foreigners in Vietnam are highly protected by the legal systems and authorities. Vietnamese government will give a very strict penalty to Vietnamese people who cause damages to foreigners. 


Source: Info.vn

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Vietnam tour

Monsoon rains in Hue

At this time of the year visitors to Hue in central Vietnam are very impressed by light rains falling almost without let-up for days. They view the prolonged drizzles as a unique feature of the old imperial city. In their eyes such famous cites as the Royal Palace, Phuc Duyen Tower, Linh Mu Pagoda and Truong Tien Bridge always look stunningly beautiful, rain or shine.

 

 

Source: dtinews

Hue tour

View Vietnam from the train

Hanoi to Saigon by train, in 9 minutes Mark Smith, better known as The Man in Seat 61, travels the length of Vietnam by train. Source: Telegraph

How to Tour Cambodia & Vietnam

By Fiona Wilkinson

The easiest way to tour Cambodia and Vietnam is to take one of the many all-inclusive packages available, which can include everything from your flight, to hotel, meals and accommodation along your chosen route. If you have more time, going-it-alone is a more relaxed way to travel, and will give you the flexibility to chose your route and length of time you want to stay in each place. Traveling around Cambodia and Vietnam as an independent traveler is relatively safe and easy.

        1. Book a package tour if you are pressed for time or do not want to travel on your own. These range from eight, 14 or 16 to 18 days or longer. Organized tours can include: Angor Thom and Angkor Wat, Banteay Srey, a boat trip on Tonle Sap Great Lake, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Hochiminh or Saigon, Chinabeach and Halongbay. You can choose between luxury or standard accommodation, and all meals and entry fees are usually included.

        2. Look for an adventure tour. These can include beach, kayaking or golf tours. You can take a cycling tour, a historical tour or a cruise down one of the region's many rivers. There are also spa tours of the area's most exotic spas, or take a trekking tour if you are feeling more adventurous and energetic.

        3. Buy a good travel guide if you decide to travel on your own. Traveling between Cambodia and Vietnam is relatively easy. There are direct flights daily between Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary, either to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. You can also travel overland between the two, crossing at one of the three border posts. These are open daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visas are available at the border for a small fee.

        4. One of the most popular crossings is by ferry or boat via the Chau Doc/Kaam Samnor river-border on the Mekong River. It is a nice trip and you can see floating houses and local daily village life on the way. It takes around six hours to reach Phnon Penh from here, and visas can be obtained at the border here too.

        5. There is a good train and bus system in Vietnam and Cambodia. The railway links many of the region's main towns. It is an affordable way to cover a lot of the countryside. Tickets can be bought at the main stations or at a travel agency. You have a choice of air-conditioning or non air-conditioned carriages, sleeper and soft or hard seats, depending on the length of your trip.

Travel tips: Getting by train to Sapa

From Hanoi it is a 9-hour train journey to Sapa.

Vietnam Rail operates some of the cars, but other cars in the train are operated by private companies (Tulico, Ratraco, Victoria Hotels, and others). Some of these cars are significantly nicer than the standard cars. You may need to arrange with a travel agency to get tickets on these tourist cars, but any traveler can purchase tickets for the VNR cars at the Hanoi train station.

Cheaper tickets, especially in hard sleeper class, can be hard to come by at times, as tour companies and travel agents will snap up these to foist on their own customers (too frequently a promised soft sleeper berth will turn into a hard sleeper when it comes time to board). To avoid rip offs better go to the train station by yourself and get the ticket from the ticket office. This is the only way to make sure that you will get what you have paid for. Travel Agencies in Vietnam are known for their bad business practice. Another possibility is to ask for help at your hostel (if it's a good one).



Insider travel tip:
Although one cannot be assured of finding a place, it is often possible to arrive at the station a short while before boarding time, as there are usually young men hanging around trying to hawk unfilled berths at the last minute. The price of these tickets will fall dramatically as departure time draws near.

Prices vary according to both the type of seat purchased and the season during which you are traveling. The times around Vietnamese holidays are particularly expensive and tickets cannot be assumed available for same day travel, so book ahead if possible. Travelers are recommended to purchase a berth in a soft or hard sleeper car, though the trip in soft seat class is not intolerable (that's what we did and it was ok). For a bed, expect to pay in the area of 150,000-250,000 dong (one-way). There is usually a dining car serving good, surprisingly affordable noodles (8000 dong) and rice porridge (6000 dong), but it's always wise to bring your own snacks and drinks as well.

The train ends at Lao Cai. From there, dozens of shuttle buses will be waiting outside the station to take you the remaining distance to Sapa, usually at a 'fixed' rate of 25,000 dong. It's often possible to bargain down to 20,000 dong or lower, depending on demand. The ride is about an hour of beautiful views (if the weather is good, it may be an hour of fog at other times) more than 1000 meters up into the mountains.

You may want to book a return ticket when you buy your outward journey, as picking up tickets in Lao Cai is harder than in Hanoi. The staff do not speak as much English, and they possibly only sell tickets for travel on the same day so sleepers may already be sold out unless you go first thing in the morning. Pay attention to the time of your return train. Trains leaving Lao Cai around 7PM will arrive in Hanoi at 4AM. If you don't make prior arrangements to return at an early hour, you may find yourself sitting outside of your hostel, waiting for the desk to open.

Another possibility is to get a bus ride to Dien Bien Phu at the northern border to Laos. That's a complete day in the bus, riding through terrific landscapes!

Source: traveldudes


 

Vietnam’s best tourist attractions

 VIETNAM - Many visitors to Vietnam have been impressed by the unique beauty of the scenery.

The first place to see the crack of dawn

Mui Dien in Phuoc Than village, Hoa Tam Commune, Dong Hoa district, in the south-central province of Phu Yen is the first place in Vietnam to greet the dawn.

Visitors will have the chance to see the first rays of the rising sun and its reflection in the sea. The best view is from the 26-metre light house, which was built by the French in the late 19th century.

It is very convenient for tourists to get to Mui Dien by car as there is a road leading up to the peak from the bay, not far from the sand dunes at the foot of the hill. In the evening, visitors can enjoy eating grilled fish while listening to the tales of the lighthouse watchmen.

The hottest region

Cua Rao is located in the Lam River Junction, 60 kilometres from Phu Mat forest, but its temperature always goes up to 37OC after 9am. During winter days, it is still very hot with a blazing sun. 

The changing Sand Dunes

The White Sand Dunes is a top attraction at Mui Ne in Phan Thiet town, in southern Binh Thuan province. Affected by Northeastern and Southwestern winds, they change rapidly, both in shape and colour.

In addition, visitors can enjoy the full contact of sand boarding. 5am-6am is considered the best time for this sport.

The longest oversea bridge

The 7-km Thi Nai Bridge, which connects Qui Nhon City and Phuong Mai Peninsula has become the longest oversea bridge since it was completed in December 2006.

From Qui Nhon City or the Phuong Mai Peninsula, visitors can enjoy seeing the charming bridge over the blue river and the reflection of the Thay Boi (Fortune-teller) tower in the calm water, as well as the Swallow Ground (Bai Nhan) and the Bird Hillock (Con Chim) in the distance.

The longest house

Built in 2002, the 85-metre long thatch-roofed house in Gia Lanh ethnic village, Krong Na Commune, Buon Don District in the Central Highland province of Dak Lak is considered the longest in Vietnam.

The interior of the house is decorated in the unique traditional style of the Central Highland people, with rafter, papoose and cooking fire. Visitors pay VND15,000 (US$0.7) for entry and another VND150,000 (US$7) if they want to spend overnight there in one large, common bedroom.

  Cathedral with the biggest bells

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, located in Paris Commune, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, is a magnificent cathedral which was built with material imported from France.

 The cathedral has a set of six large bronze bells weighing 28.85 tons, in the musical syllables of sol, la, ti, do, re and mi. All these bells, which were cast in France, are considered the biggest in Vietnam.


The biggest Jesus Statue

Built on Tao Phung Mountain in Vung Tau City, the 32-metre-tall Jesus Statue is the biggest with his arms stretching 18.4 metres long, on a 4-metre-high concrete base with a beautiful carving of the last supper of Jesus and his 12 apostles.

Inside the statue, visitors will be able to climb a 133-step spiral staircase to his arms and stand on his shoulders to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and mountain.

Source: travelweeklyasia

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Discovery Indochina tour

Phnompenh - pearl of Asia

Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, what was once considered the 'Gem' of Indochina. The capital city still maintains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. A mixture of Asian exotica, the famous Cambodian hospitality awaits the visitors to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.  





See more: Phnompenh tour

Video: Vietnam Central in foreign's eyes

The majority of travellers who visit Vietnam usually come through Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. While these 2 heavyweights of Vietnamese tourism still hold their ground, travellers are starting to spend more of their time and dollars in the central cities of Hoi An and Da Nang. The are close together and any trip to one should require a trip to the others. Today we’re going to feature these 2 beautiful cities, each with their own vibe and attractions.

Danang - Hoian Travel

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Vietnam central tour

Doan Ngo Festival (Tết Đoan Ngọ)

Doan Ngo Festival”, also called “Tết giết sâu bọ” (translated as Festival for “Killing the persons’ inner insects”), is the second most significant festival (to the Lunar New Year Tet Holiday) of Vietnam. What does these names mean?   Literally, Tet refers to festival, Doan means the start, Ngo is the seventh animal of the Chinese zodiac- the horse. Doan Ngo festival is also known as Tết sâu bọ (sâu bọ = worms, pests) or Tết tháng 5, to be celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month.

 The name “Tet sau bo” derives from the fact that farmers, on this day, get rid of all pests to start growing their crops for the new season. Therefore, creatures and people must become stronger in both their health and their souls to overcome this. On this occasion, the whole family have to get up early and eat fermented sticky and fruits. The worshipping is held at noon, hour of Ngo. The tradition of eating dumplings, especially lye water dumplings, extends from the belief that the dumplings will cleanse one’s body of any unwanted “parasites”.

Two irreplaceable dishes  

The two traditional types of food to be eaten on this holiday are banh u and com ruou. Banh u is pyramidal sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. They are often stuffed with beans and banana leaves’ essence, creating its dominant flavor.

Com ruou, which literally translates as “rice wine,” are little balls of fermented rice bathed in wine. Com ruou is associated with the myth telling that a long time ago, there were two orphan brothers living together in a small village. They were popular among the locals for their intelligence and kindness. Also, in that village, there were two snakes Thanh Xa and Bach Xa, which after long lives, turned into spirits.  Falling in love with the brothers, they transformed themselves into beautiful ladies to lure the men. Their desire soon became true, Thanh Xa got married the older

 They lived happily together until the men grew unhealthy each passing day, scared of daylight and lived in festering darkness. The locals suspected the presence of a bad spirit, and one day, luckily, a Taoist hermit passed by the village. After being told the affliction, he conducted some spirit type tests and found out that the men’s house had a case of the evils. Brewing a wine potion, he told the locals to feed it to the men. The brothers must eat the potion’s solids and liquids in the early morning of the next fifth day of the fifth lunar calendar.  As soon as the men tucked into their special breakfast, their wives were turned into their real appearance of snakes, before disappearing in a puff of smoke, freeing the brothers.  Since that day, people have eaten “ruou nep” on Killing the Insect Day, in the hope of driving away bad spirits.

    The process of making Com ruou is not quite complicated but time-consuming.  In order to have good com ruou in Doan Ngo Festival, the famers must harvest the reaped rice from a paddy, dried and pounded carefully to keep the most nutritious part of the rice. At first, the rice is steamed twice for about 30 minutes and left for a while to get cool. After that, It is mixed with yeast, before being left for two or three days to ferment, depending on the weather.  Com ruou is eaten early on this day to fight the “worms” in one’s stomach.

Just try it, you will see that Com ruou brings you a strong and quite delicious taste. In the Vietnamese traditional concept, com ruou can kill any parasites in the body. Vietnamese people, from adults to kids, mostly like eating com ruou, yet, adults are more inclined to gain its curing effects with a grain of salt.

Up to now, besides the Lunar New Year Holiday, Doan Ngo Festival plays a significant role in every Vietnamese life for practical and holy meanings. Enjoying the atmosphere of Doan Ngo Festival, you will get to know more about its value and spirits.

Source: Vietnambeauty

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