January 2014

Hanoi discovery - Five attractive Western bars in the old quarter in Hanoi

Hanoi discovery – Tasting a cocktail and starting a conversation with new friends are the ways to enjoy a night life of many backpackers who decide to stop in the old quarter.

Unlike many Vietnamese who choose bars to relax, dance and taste beers and wine; foreign tourists come to bars just to listen to music, taste some cocktails or beers and have talks. Therefore, Western bars can be considered as the bars are run by foreigners or most liked by foreigners.

1. Rockstore

Rockstore is considered as a typical western bar in the old quarter which is run by Olivier Waryn from Switzerland. Has just opened in September 2013 but this place has become a destination of many tourists visiting Hanoi because of its gentle decoration and an open space with rock style.

Bar has two yellow floors building with French architecture. The first floor is designed for on-site service such as, wine, cocktail, mocktail, beer…and sofas for small groups. The second floor is set up with large sofas for big groups, billiard tables…The significance of the bar is curved lights with rule breaking style.

Other bars only open until night, Rockstore opens all day. However, we can only thoroughly understand Rockstore at night. There are DJ shows or live rock events every night. Besides beverage, the bar also serves light Vietnamese food such as, Vietnamese grilled pork with vermicelli, spring rolls…

2. Fat Cat Bar

Fat Cat Bar is also run by Olivier Waryn and his French friend. Compared with Rockstore, Fat Cat has smaller size but is focused on “art menu”.

Because of its harmony and unique decoration between dynamic and smooth lounge style, Fat Cat Bar has a comfortable space. Visitors to bar are mostly foreigners. They can sit together inside or outside to taste some beer and have chats for hours.

Fat Cat Bar also often hold music events by topics to make the difference. The favorite drinks are beers and cocktails. If you want to have a typical drink, let try a cocktail Fatcat.

3. Finnegan’s Irish

The name of Finnegan’s Irish is located on the second floor of No 32 Luong Ngoc Quyen street, Finnegan’s Irish has classical European style with leather and wooden furniture in brow and deep black.

The space is not very large, but the bar takes full advantage of the light and space to make different areas for customers’ choice. If you visit the bar on your own, you can sit right at the bar desk, you can choose your right table if you go with friends or you may take beers and take a seat on the balcony and see the streets.

Besides alcohol drinks, Finnegan’s Irish also has tea, coffee and fast food. In particular, the bar often hold the event attached with international footballs.

4. Funky. B

Funky B (old name – Funky Buddha) is situated in the No 2 Ta Hien which is famous with types of music such as, House, Trance and Techno. This bar is loved by many tourists and foreigners living in Vietnam for its unique and different music playing styles.

Compared with many other bars in the old quarter, Funky B has a large size with 2 bar desks with two different styles. The outside bar desk close to the entrance door seem to be “more simple” whereas, the other is more attractive with wine rack in stylized birdcage shape. If you don’t like the noise of DJ sound inside, you can have seats right at the outside bar and enjoy some light wine cups and have chats with your friends.

5. Spy Bar

Spy Bar is located in No 12A Nguyen Huu Huan which has a similar design to Finnegan’s Irish, but visitors can still find the unique and cozy style. The bar is relatively small and has few sofa for groups, but most are high stools situated in front of bar desk. You can have seats on the second floor if you want a private space.

Spy Bar mostly holds live shows. Besides, there are mini game shows every Friday to make a wonderful atmosphere. The beverage is quite cheap, a beer bottle costs US$1 to $2…

Hanoi discovery - Five attractive Western bars in the old quarter in Hanoi

Hoian travel - Two firework sites in the new year’ eve

Hoian travel – On January 14^th, Hoian cultural Center said “there are many impressive and large scale entertaining activities to greet new year”.

In particularly, there are shows such as, dragon dance, ringing the bell and beating drums in the new year’s eve and fireworks in two places specifically, An Hoi statue garden and Cua Dai port.

This new year is attached with the 6^th Hoian lantern festival which takes place from January 28^th to February 5^th(from December 28^th to January 6^th in lunar calendar). The festival is going to have some contests such as, art lantern, commercial lantern and lantern installation arts which makes a light and colorful space in the old quarter and An Hoi statue garden combined with parallel sentences artworks.

In a boisterous atmosphere of the spring, people and visitors will have great chance to enjoy the spring flower market on Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Hue and Hoang Dieu from January 25^th to January 30^th (from December 25^th to December 30^th in lunar calendar).

During new year days, in the Hoai River square will hold games for children such as, modern games, lottery games from January 1^stto 6^th. In here, there are shows for all ages every night such as “youth voice – youth singer teams – couple dancing – Hip hop teams – Spring fashion shows” on the first day of new year. Tai Chi exercise and fitness, dancing (in the second day), talented art children (in the third day), 40 year old charm contest (in the fourth day). The ancient capital of Hue’s water puppet theater is going to present in the An Hoi statue garden from January 3^rd to 15^th (lunar calendar). Also, we will have great opportunity to see boat racing contests in the Hoai river in the morning of January 5^th.

Besides, the cuisine zone of Bo Lua (Vong Nghi village, Cam Thanh commune) reappears “the climate of traditional Tet of Hoian villages” which takes place from December 28^th to January 7^th.

Hoian travel - Two firework sites in the new year’ eve

Saigon discovery - Ten “must see” attractions

Saigon discovery – Reunification palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Nha Rong harbor are very attractive to tourists not only for their histories but also for their impressive and old architectures.

1. Reunification palace

Reunification palace was named Norodom palace and built on February 23^rd 1868 by architect Hermite; it was completed in 1871. The work is located on the area of 12 hectares, including a large palace with the front of 80 meters. There are a guest room with 800 seats and a yard with green trees and grass cover. Almost every material was imported from France. In 1962, after the overthrow, a new palace was built on the old ground according to the design of architect Ngo Viet Thu. Now, Reunification is the attractive destination of many domestic and foreign tourists.

2. The opera house

Opera house is located on Dong Khoi street in District 1 which is considered as the central and multipurpose opera house and is used to organize the art shows and big events. Completed on January 1^st 1990, the opera house is famous with its European architecture and considered as an attraction of the city.

3. Notre Dame Cathedral

This is the large and unique Roman Catholic Cathedral of Ho Chi Minh archdiocese. The cathedral was built by architect J. Bourard in August 1876 and completed on Octobor 7^th 1877. The cathedral is an attraction to both domestic and foreign tourists.

4. Vietnam Quoc Tu (Quoc Tu national pagoda)

On April 26^th 1964, the pagoda was constructed and monitored by architect Ngo Viet Thu. Quoc Tu national pagoda was built with a 7 floors tower which have curve roofs, unique carve and are located in the large natural space with harmony scene and Vietnamese architecture. Until now, Quoc Tu National pagoda has still been a destination of Buddhism believers everywhere and tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh city.

5. Central post office

Saigon central post office is situated in the No 2, Cong Xa Paris street, District 1. This building was built by French with eclectic style from 1886 to 1891 according to the design of architect Villedieu and his assistant Foulhoux. This building has European style combined with Asian decoration. Located next to Notre Dame cathedral and Diamond Plaza shopping center, the building embellishes the vividness, spectacular and is the center of Saigon now.

6. Ben Thanh market.

Ben Thanh market is considered as the symbol of city. After some location and name changes, in 1912 the market was constructed and completed in March 1914 with the name of Ben Thanh. Ben Thanh market has 4 entry gates and 4 tower gateways attached to clocks facing 4 streets in the center of District 1 in which face Le Loi street to the North, Phan Boi Chau to the South, Phan Chu Trinh to the East and the main gate with the highest tower faces the Quach Thi Trang square.

7. Head office of Ho Chi Minh people’s committee

The head office is located in Nguyen Hue avenue, district 1 which was constructed from 1898 to 1909 by architect Gardes. The head office has a similar form with the bell-towers in the Northern France. The headquarter named Dinh Xa Tay, Do Chanh Saigon palace before being changed to Ho Chi Minh people’s committee. This is considered one of the most building in Ho Chi Minh.

8. Vietnam history museum

Vietnam history museum in Ho Chi Minh city is conserving and keeping thousands of precious items which are collected from domestic and abroad. On November 28^th 1927, the museum was officially built by architect Delaval with the style of “Indo-renovation”. After August 26^th 1979, the museum was taken over by revolution government. On August 26 1979, the authority changed the name to Ho Chi Minh history museum, and before naming Vietnam history museum.

9. Saigon river tunnel

Saigon river tunnel (Thu Thiem tunnel) is the most modern underground road tunnel in Southeast Asia. After 7 years of construction, on November 21^st 2011, the tunnel was officially opened for traffic. The construction of tunnel supports to connect two river banks and reduce load for Saigon bridge and promote the development of the city.

10. Nha Rong wharf (Dragon House)

Nha Rong wharf was constructed on March 4^th 1863 used for accommodation of General manager and ticket station. Right here on June 5^th 1911, Nguyen Tat Thanh (another name of Ho Chi Minh president) took Amiral Latouche Treville cruise for finding ways to save the country. Nha Rong wharf now is Ho Chi Minh Museum which is one of branches of the museum and keep commemorative items of Ho Chi Minh over the country.

Saigon discovery - Ten “must see” attractions

Saigon discovery - Nguyen Hue flower street in the new year

Saigon discovery – Nguyen Hue flower street is the beautiful image of the citizen in Ho Chi Minh city in every new year.

The last days of year are passing very quickly and all families will reunite after a long and hardworking year. Tet is not long but is very worth for all people. Most people will try to spend time on visiting the street even though they are very busy. Visiting the street to enjoy the beauty and peace of new year after a busy year.

Saigon discovery - Nguyen Hue flower street in the new year

Phu Quoc listed in three most ideal winter destinations in 2014

Phu Quoc island only stand behind Paris in France and Whitefish, Montana in USA according to the recommendation of National Geographic

According to National Geographic (USA), the most ideal beaches in Vietnam are located in the heart shaped island – Phu Quoc. In the gulf of Thailand, not only does Phu Quoc island have warm and turquoise water with long sand beach but also a rich national park.

From the Phu Quoc airport, tourists can travel to the western beach of the island where has the biggest town or resorts in the Dai beach (Long beach) . Discovering Phu Quoc by motorcycle or taxi is the most favorite ones.

National Geography also recommended tourists to visit the night market Dinh Cau to enjoy fresh sea food such as, abalone, scallop, echinoidea…which are very cheap specialties. This place is also very ideal for souvenir.

Phu Quoc fish sauce also was very interesting, according to National Geographic, it is originated from Vietnam but was trademarked by other countries. The event of EU protection in 20 13 with the island image on the product makes Phu Quoc more famous.

Other locations listed in the most ideal winter destinations include: Lake Baikal (Russia), Santa Margherita Ligure (Italia), Nosara beach (Costa Rica), Yellowstone National Park (USA), Masquerade Games and Pernik (Bulgaria), Gold Coast (Australia), Caucasus mountains (Georgia), Miami winter festival (USA), Mallorca (Spain), Muscat to Salalah (Oman), Sauti za Busara Music festival (Tanzania) and Quebec (Canada).

Phu Quoc listed in three most ideal winter destinations in 2014

Vietnam trek - Six secrets for a perfect trekking trip

Vietnam trek – consider the moving ability suitable with the strength, bring necessary and light tools.

1. Considering the moving ability

- Depends on the strength of each person in order to calculate a proper distance avoiding being overloaded. A normal person can move an average of 12km to 15km per day.

- See weather forecast to decide what to bring and have specific solutions

- Remember to bring your identity papers when you visit the border areas or conservation areas. A copy of your route or a map of trekking area should be taken with you.

2. Personal belongings

- Bring warm clothes, waterproof boots and hiking shoes, raincoats…Backpacks should be waterproof.

- Should not forget to have stockings, scarf, gloves and personal care.

3. Equipments for group

- Tents, rope, carpets, sleeping bags, lighters, candles, pans and pots, kettle…are essential and depend your trip.

- Map of the trekking area should be carefully kept in a specialized bag.

- Other devices are also interesting to take with you such as, Ipod mp3, GPS device, compass, cameras, a notebook and pen which will be used to note some valuable experiences on the way.

4. Medicines

Some basic types of medicine should to be taken on the trip like, antiseptic, fever, flu, stomach pain, antibiotic, dressing, alcohol, insect repellent…

5. Foods

Some preservable and handy food with high energy is advised to have such as, breads, sausages, canned food, instant noodles, bagged vegetable, biscuit, candy, chocolate…You should bring water as well.

6. Moving

- Stay close to support each other in urgent events; should not travel alone especially, crossing stream or dangerous roads.

- Should not take off the backpacks which can be used as fulcrum at rest.

- Should stay overnight at local houses or camp nearby. Also, you can ask the locals to cook or buy food for your meals.

- If camping in the forest, you are advised to camp before sunset and next to the water source. The fire should be remained all night to protect from dangerous animals.

- You should have conversation with the locals to get more important information about the trekking area.

Vietnam trek - Six secrets for a perfect trekking trip

Vietnam beauty - Hang Luoc street: famous flower market in Hanoi

Vietnam beauty – going to Hang Luoc street is not only to enjoy Tet but also to be a pleasure of Hanoian, because the market only opens once annually.

Hanoi has a lot of places selling flowers in Tet, but for many people, Hang Luoc street market always has its own position evoking traditional new year climate. Established in the first years of 20^th century, this is considered as the oldest market in Hanoi.

In the Le destiny, Hang Luoc was the land of Phu Tu hamlet and Vinh Tru hamlet, Hau Tuc district (being named as Dong Xuan district later) which were specialized in selling combs. Until 1912, Hang Luoc became the famous flower market in Thang Long citadel with various types of flowers, from Nhat Tan, Quang Ba peach flowers, Ngoc Ha chrysanthemum to new kinds of flowers in Bach Thao park.

Hang Luoc now is located in Hang Ma ward, Hoan Kiem district with a length of 264 meters connecting from Hang Cot to Cha Ca. It has been 100 years counting from the initiating market, excluding new year in 1947 due to the war.

The market is opened from December 23^rd (Lunar calendar) until December 30^th. During this period, peach trees or peach branches, kumquat and flowers will be presented here making the street busier in the Tet holiday. The market is named as Hang Luoc but actually, the market will be expanded to Hang Chai, Hang Ma and Hang Dong, we can see flowers everywhere.

Unlike Quang Ba market, flowers will be heaped up with small and big bunches; in Hang Luoc, flowers will be chosen carefully and then presented on the different trays. Traditional flowers are the most popular ones here such as, peach flowers, kumquats, gladioluses, dahlias, violets, narcissuses, amplexicaul tea…in which peach flowers are most favorite one.

For Hanoian, visiting Hang Luoc market flower in Tet holiday is considered as a pleasure before new year. Someone visit the market everyday and can only buy a punch of flowers on 30th – the new year eve. However, sellers do not fell annoying but are happy, welcomed and send a wish to buyers.

In Hang Luoc market flower, we can find the mixture of the modern and old which cannot be found anywhere else. Many generations of Hanoian have recalled the memory when visiting this street. You may travel to Quang Ba market flower or some markets near your house to buy branches of flowers or branches of peach but remember to spend a little time to visit Hang Luoc market to have more the value and beauty of culture in Hanoi.

Vietnam beauty - Hang Luoc street: famous flower market in Hanoi

Although the economy has faced with many challenge, Vietnam tourism has increased gradually recently. Below is impressive numbers of smokeless industry in Vietnam through evaluation of international experts and tourists in 2013

1. Vietnam listed in the second position about the world tourism development potential

This is the survey result of global tourism trend which announced in London tourism exhibition.

2. Hanoi listed in the Top 10 of rising tourism destinations in the world

In the top 10 rising tourism destinations in the world voted by audience of Tripadvisor, Hanoi was listed in the 8^th position.

3. Halong Bay listed in the top 10 most beautiful coast line in the world

The top newspaper of America – Huffington post voted top 10 most beautiful coast line in the world. Halong bay honors to be in the list.

4. Mai Chau, Hoa Binh listed in the top 10 most incredible place for experience

Mai Chau, Hoa Binh was named in the top 10 most incredible place for experience by Business Insider magazine.

5. Hoian – ancient city listed in the Top 10 tourism cities in Asia

Hoian – ancient city occupied the first position in the Top 10 tourism city voted by Conde’ Nast Traveler magazine (America).

6. Cu Chi Tunnels listed in the top 12 most attractive underground architecture for tourism in the world

Underground defense system in Cu Chi province was named in the top 12 most attractive underground architecture for tourism in the world voted by CNN newspaper.

Vietnam Travel - Welcoming Lunar New Year in three regions

In the first days of lunar new year, traveling and visiting famous landscapes of three regions all over the country and enjoying the happiness are very exciting.

New year in Hanoi is very beautiful and romantic. We can see somewhere the elderly enjoying hot green tea and playing chess. The North is very charming and attractive not only because of the landscape in wonderland of Truc Lam (Bamboo forest) Zen Monastery, Yen Tu cloudy mountain, but also the impression of Halong Bay or emerald Tuan Chau island.

Moving to the Center, we will enjoy a new year of the discovering journey in the famous places. Hue with ancient sites will take you back in time; visit temples, royal tombs of Nguyen dynasty to experience the peace. Moreover, you can explore the young and dynamic city – Danang. Also, have a stroll in the old quarter in Hoian and enjoy the bustle and ancientness. Having a cable car to Ba Na hill to experience four seasons in one day is also very interesting in the new year day.

Go down to the South, visit the intersection of nine rivers to enjoy the bustle and righteousness of people in Mekong Delta. Lunar new year in Mekong Delta is beautified with apricot blossom and fruit flavor. A tray with full color of 5 types of fruits, flavor cylindrical glutinous rice cakes, Lunar new year pole in the front yard or kids wearing colorful and beautiful clothes will be unforgettable images.

Vietnam Travel - Welcoming Lunar New Year in three regions

Vietnam beauty - The valuable and rare photos of “Hue, Saigon, Hanoi”

Vietnam beauty – below is the rare documentation recorded by foreign journalists – photos of Hanoi, Hue, Saigon in previous centuries.

In the late 19^th century and early 20^th century, the appearance of vendors in every street were very familiar and became the culture of Vietnam at that time. Streets in Vietnam in the 1930s and 1940s were always associated with vendors.

There were noodles with seasoned and saute beef stalls, refreshment booths…on every pavement in the streets in Saigon. While, Pho vendor stalls, street barbers…were more popular in Hanoi. The little and hardworking Vietnamese with smiling faces were always familiar and close images.

Troupe in Hanoi