#Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tour 5 Nights And 6 Days

[dazonntravels1]

Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tour 5 Nights And 6 Days

Discover the vibrant heart of Vietnam with Dazonn Travels' Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tour, spanning 5 Nights and 6 Days. Explore historic sites, bustling markets, and delectable cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit iconic landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy expert-guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and authentic local experiences. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and dynamic energy of this captivating city. Trust Dazonn Travels for an unforgettable adventure in Ho Chi Minh City. For more details visit our website or Contact us now:+91-896-872-7340.

[katelyn-scstudyabroad]

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

If you’ve been following along, my mom came to Asia to visit and travel with me after classes finished. After she went home I returned to Ha Noi and my dad came to visit, as he also wanted to see Vietnam but my parents are on different schedules.

We spent a few days in Hanoi; I showed my dad to some of my favorite places and we even went to some new places that I had not yet been to. Like my mom, my dad also experienced quite a bit of culture shock, but he still really liked the city.

My dad wanted to see more of Vietnam, so I planned a trip to central Vietnam, my favorite region of the country. I had already been to Da Nang and Hoi An, but I wanted to return to the area to see more.

I have taken many forms of transportation over the past few months, but I had not yet taken a train in Vietnam so I booked tickets to take an overnight train from Hanoi to Hue. Vietnam is pretty well-connected by railway, there are train lines spanning the entire length of the country from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. Trains have a mix of regular seats and sleeper cabins. Sleeper cabins can have either 4 or 6 beds. Since I booked last minute and there was a holiday I could only get us tickets together in a 6, which was not a good choice. Below I have a picture from the internet with the dimensions, which kind of gives a feel for how small the space was. I am a smaller person so I fit okay, but my 6 ft tall dad was very uncomfortable. Even the 4-person cabins were very small so I don’t think they would have been much better. As a general note, the average Vietnamese person is very small so any taller/larger person planning a visit should take that into account, as many things are designed for smaller people.

After a very rough night on the train, we were very relieved to reach our destination: the city of Hue.

Hue is located slightly north of Da Nang. It was the capital of Vietnam of during the Nguyen Dynasty. During the war Hue suffered greatly, with much of the city destroyed and thousands of people killed. In the past few decades, however, they have been able to rebuild and are becoming a growing tourism center. I did not have time to visit Hue previously, but I knew I had to go there before I left Vietnam.

Our first day my dad and I walked around the city center and took a trip down the Perfume River that snakes through the city on a dragon boat, one of the things Hue is famous for.

Hue is also famous for its cuisine, so we went on a food tour. This was the first food tour I had ever been on, and it was very worth it. Our guide, Linh, was a very enthusiastic and cool guy, and he had great food choices. We got to try many Hue specialties and they were all so delicious. My favorite was Hue’s most famous dish: Bun Bo Hue. This is a beef noodle dish that I had had before in Hanoi, but it was so much better in Hue. To finish the tour we also had some of Hue’s local beer: Huda. Linh also took us around the city and told us some about its history. Because of the holiday we also walked through a street festival and walked along the river to see all the dragon boats lit up in the water.

Besides food, Hue is also known for its historic Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to palaces, gardens, temples, and other structures from the Nguyen Dynasty. Due to heavy destruction of the site during the war it is still undergoing reconstruction, like many other historic sites around Vietnam. My dad and I spent a good portion of a day there exploring all of the different structures.

From Hue our next destination was Da Nang. We took the train again but had a much more pleasant experience, as this ride was less than three hours and we sat in regular seats that were more spacious than the sleeper cabin. We also had some very scenic views. While I would not recommend an overnight train, I would recommend a train for shorter distances for scenic views and affordability (our tickets for this ride were only about $5 each!).

Since I had already visited Da Nang, I was able to show my dad some highlights, like the best beach and the nearby pagoda. One new thing we did that I did not have time for before was visit Ba Na Hills.

Ba Na Hills originated over a hundred years ago when French imperialists built a mountain resort. In more modern times it has been turned into Sun World, which is basically an amusement park on top of the mountain. To get to the park there are several cable car lines up the mountain. The park is most famous for its Golden Bridge, which has become a landmark and symbol of Vietnam. The main part of the park is a village modeled after Europe with restaurants, gardens, games, rides, and live performances. There were so many performers at the park, we got to see several dance troupes, singers, acrobats, jugglers, accordionists, saxophone players, and characters. While most of the park was Europe-themed, there were also Vietnamese traditional buildings and a Buddhist temple there, making for a very interesting mix of culture. I originally planned a park visit specifically for the famous Golden Bridge, but I really enjoyed the rest of it.

We next spent a night in Hoi An (see my previous post for more details on this city) so that my dad could see the famous lanterns before taking a flight back to Hanoi. We were originally going to take another overnight train back, but after our experience we decided that airplane travel suited us much better.

Anyway, shout-out to my dad for going on this adventure with me.

[mahimagoexplore]

Explore the Best of Vietnam: 7-Day Tour Package

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day tour through the enchanting landscapes of Vietnam with Go4Explore. From bustling cities to serene countryside, this tour offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi Arrive in the vibrant capital, Hanoi. Enjoy a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the lively Old Quarter, famous for its street food and shopping.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Experience Hanoi’s rich history with visits to landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature. End the day with a traditional water puppet show.

Day 3–4: Ha Long Bay Cruise Sail through the stunning limestone formations of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and exploring caves as you cruise through emerald waters. Stay overnight on a luxury boat for a magical experience.

Day 5: Travel to Da Nang Fly to Da Nang, a coastal city known for its pristine beaches. Visit the Marble Mountains and relax at My Khe Beach. Spend the night in this charming city.

Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town Head to the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its lantern-lit streets, visit ancient temples, and shop for local handicrafts. The peaceful riverside setting adds to the town’s charm.

Day 7: Departure Fly back home with unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality.

Join us on this carefully curated Vietnam tour and experience the best this beautiful country has to offer!

[akan175]

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the contrasting landscapes and rich culture of Vietnam with our North and South Vietnam Package from India. Over 5 nights and 6 days, immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Hanoi, explore the mystical beauty of Halong Bay, and discover the historical significance of Ho Chi Minh City. From exploring ancient temples to cruising along emerald waters, this meticulously crafted itinerary ensures an authentic and enriching experience. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and seamless transportation, let us take care of every detail as you create memories to last a lifetime in Vietnam.

[meditationretreatsvietnam]

Viet Nam At A Glance

Embark on a journey of tranquility and cultural exploration with our meditation tour in Vietnam. Combining breathtaking scenic wonders and rich cultural experiences, our tour offers deep meditation sessions to seek inner peace and happiness.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI

Upon arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Enjoy your overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 2 : HANOI – DUONG LAM VILLAGE – MEDITATION COURSE – NORTHERN QUINTESSENCE SHOW (B, L)

Depart for Duong Lam ancient village (60km from Hanoi center) to trace back the origin of Vietnam’s culture and Vietnamese traditions and a great chance to explore the special architecture through its surviving laterite brick ancient houses. Laterite and mud, the two materials that is abundant in the area, on house walls, gates, wells, temple walls, and so forth. Walking around village to chat with locals to learn more about their lifestyle as well as gain an insight into Vietnamese countryside. See centuries-old homes and the well-preserved Mia Pagoda.

In the afternoon, join our meditation retreats and discover the path to inner peace and true happiness. Learn the right meditation techniques to enhance both your physical and mental well-being while achieving your spiritual goals. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to practice invigorating Qigong movements that will complement and support your meditation journey

In the evening, experience the captivating wonder of The Quintessence of Tonkin, a mesmerizing cultural extravaganza staged in a massive purpose-built theater. This spectacular show seamlessly blends live music, dance, a dramatic light display, and enchanting water puppetry, presenting a dazzling portrayal of Northern Vietnamese history, heritage, and culture. Witness the grandest water stage performance in Vietnam, featuring the most farmers ever cast as actors. Delight in the exhilarating music show that promise to leave you enthralled.

Day 3 : HANOI - HA LONG (B) 

After having breakfast at the hotel, embark on a captivating morning city tour to explore some of the city’s major attractions. Among these, you will find the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilt House, as well as the Presidential Palace and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.

Afterward, you will visit Van Mieu, also known as the Temple of Literature, a historical site that dates back to 1070 and are dedicated to the cult of Confucius.

Following lunch, our journey will take us to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary natural wonders, designated as a UNESCO World’s Natural Heritage site. During the evening, you’ll have leisure time to explore the city and enjoy shopping at the night market. The night’s accommodation will be at Ha Long Bay.

Day 4 : HA LONG - HANOI (B, L)

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will take a 4-hour cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by 3,000 spectacular limestone islands. During the cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to visit grottoes and a floating village. The cruise will conclude with a fresh seafood lunch served on board. After lunch, you’ll return to Hanoi.

Day 5 : HANOI - HOCHIMINH CITY (B)

Leaving Hanoi for Noi Bai Airport to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, we will embark on a city tour of Saigon, which includes visiting The Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Post Office. We will also explore Giac Lam Pagoda, China town with its ancient pagodas and temples, and the bustling Binh Tay Market. We will spend the night in HCMC.

Day 6 : CU CHI TUNNELS (B)

This morning, we will drive to Cu Chi Tunnels. At its height, the tunnel system stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and had three levels. The network consisted of innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens.

Today, the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique experience and a glimpse of what underground life during the U.S.-Vietnam War must have been like. In the afternoon, you will have free time for shopping. Overnight stay in HCMC.

Day 7 : HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA (B)

Upon arrival, we will board a boat and cruise along narrow waterways adorned with lush vegetation. Our journey will take us to various places, including the fish wharf and the four famous islands named Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix. At one point, we will visit a candy workshop, and later, we will continue our adventure on a traditional sampan, gliding through the serene canals and picturesque mangrove forests. Here, we can witness the skilled fishermen laying their fish traps.

We’ll have a delightful time on Unicorn Island, where we can savor the local fruits, indulge in tea mixed with bee’s honey, and relish a folk show featuring traditional Mekong Delta music. This captivating experience will give us a glimpse of the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta.

Day 8 : HOCHIMINH CITY – DEPARTURE (B)

You have some free time before we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of our services.

[alipop0305]

saving the money, it ain’t cheap

one of the main reasons that people choose to backpack in south east asia is because the cost of accommodation, food and even transport (once you’re there) is so much cheaper than in places like europe and northern america.

but the fact of it is, if you’re backpacking south east for anything more than two months, you’re going to need to save up. not to mention the cost of the flights to get all the way to the other side of the world (it’s not like you’re just hopping on the eurostar to france.

i went backpacking in my gap year between the end of sixth form and first year of university, but didn’t actually leave the uk until may. the girl i was travelling with and i both planned on doing working through summer and the 3 months at the official start of our year out (september - november), doing a ski season for 5/6 months (december - april) and then backpacking the remainder, with a bit of time at home before starting university.

but as with all big plans like this you have to be prepared for the fact not everything will go to accordingly. i didn’t end up managing to get a job doing a ski season, but my friend did (which i will talk about in another post). i had been working full-time all summer (basically since the first week after finishing school in may) so by the time we went travelling i had been working full time for almost exactly a year.

in comparison, my friend worked a bit before going on the ski season and did a few shifts in the month between getting home from her ski season and flying out to india. yes, she earned money on season, but much of her wages had to go into her accommodation out in the alps (which of course, isn’t cheap, even with the staff prices she’d get).

i’d like to start by saying that we both were able to easily afford the expenses a trip like this comes with, it just meant that i was less worried about how much i was spending each week, and had more left over at the end (which was nice, since i wouldn’t be able to work as much when i went to uni).

but i’ll finally dive into the nitty gritty of the costs! we booked an outline of our travels (to ease our parents worrying) through trailfinders. in retrospect, we didn’t need to do this, but since i was trying to organise all this alone while my friend was on the ski season, it did make it a lot easier and they were super helpful.

the payment we each made to trailfinders was £2,725 each and it included:

flights london, england → delhi, india (via dubai) dehli, india → bangkok, thailand bangkok, thailand → chiang mai, thailand chiang rai, thailand → phuket, thailand (via bangkok) (we had to organise our flights into and out of cambodia separately) hanoi, vietnam → london, england (via dubai)

hotels (for 1 night because of late/early flights, or just so we had somewhere to go when we first arrived) delhi - last night in india, 5am flight the next morning bangkok - first night chiang mai - first night phuket - first night ho chi minh city - first night hanoi - last night of the whole trip, had a 1:30am flight the next night (so was good because we could leave our bags there

transfers to and from the airport bangkok airport → hotel chiang mai airport → hotel phuket airport → hotel ho chi minh airport → hotel hanoi hotel → airport

g adventures tour through the golden triangle (delhi, agra, jaipur) - 6 days (the whole time we were in india pretty much, which is why we did the tour, since we didn’t think we’d have time to see everything we wanted to) - 5 nights accommodation included - 5 meals provided (breakfast) - entry tickets for the tourist attraction - all transport - a local tour guide to show you around and tell you all about the amazing landmarks - costs £459 per person when booking for two travellers more info here: https://www.gadventures.com/trips/golden-triangle-independent-adventure-delhi-agra-jaipur/TAHGTC/?ref=asearch

bamba travel pass through vietnam - all transport through Vietnam (minibuses, overnight buses) - 2 nights of accommodation - 10 meals (2 breakfast, 7 lunch, 1 dinner) - 8 amazing experiences (ranging from street food tours to a 2 day, 1 night cruise through ha long bay!!) - a local tour guide to show you around and tell you all about the amazing landmarks - at the time it was $862/£662 but it seems to have gone up significantly to $1219/£999 so i guess i’m glad we did it when we did haha - the way it worked was you would message them to book the activities or transport 24-48 hours sin advance so you were a bit more free to do what you wanted when you wanted (i.e. stay an extra day somewhere) - this was honestly an amazing thing to do but i wish we had more time to do spread them out more info here: https://bambatravel.com/adventure/Vietnam-Travel-Passes-Backpacking/Vietnam-Circuit-&from-Ho-Chi-Minh-City&-Travel-Pass/35978/162

travel insurance (through trailfinders included in the above total and cost £207 each for the whole trip and had amazing cover as seen below

and it does cover covid related emergencies which many countries still require for entry

of course this is not the way to do it, there is no correct way of planning a trip like this, but it worked for us. maybe it’ll work for you, maybe it won’t.

this doesn’t include expenses whilst out there (such as hostels, food, entrance fees to attraction, other activities we organised while there etc.)

i hope this is able to help someone out there!

thanks for reading,

alice :)

[vietnambirds]

Best Bird Watching Trail in Vietnam

Birding tours to Vietnam – Day 1 : Ho Chi Minh City – Cat tien National Park

Guide will meet you at the hotel  at 6:00 am (you will confirm exactly hotel name) then go directly to Cat Tien National Park, arrive to Cat Tien after 3.5 hour on car, after check-in time, we will go to find some birds along the main road in side Cat tien NP.

With the main roads 3km, you can see some kind of bird Cat Tien: Drongos, leafbird, tailorbird, warbler, Grey-faced Tit-babbler, Pin-striped Tit-babbler, Sunbirds, Banded kingfisher, Square-taied Drongo-cuckoo, Thick-billed Green-pigeon,  Orange-breasted trogon, Woodpeckers,…

Accommodation: The Guess house inside of National park  with the best room (Double room with air-condition, hot shower, free WIFI), as pictures attach below.

Meals: Breakfast on the way to Cat Tien, you will surprise about “Pho” (Vietnamese noodle with beef or chicken ), Lunch and dinner at the Tre vang restaurant inside of National park. That restaurant have menu open with Europian style or Asia style.

Day 2: Cat Tien National park – First Ideal Location for Birding Tours to Vietnam

We start at 6:00 to the restaurant for breakfast and then go to birding for highlight targets in Cat Tien : Bar-bellied Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta, Germain’s peacock pheasant, Siamese fireback, Green-legged Partridge… in the bird-hide tent. More ever you can see some kinds of bulbul group, babbler group, warbler group, woodpeckers group …

After Dinner , we go to find some Owls : Asian barred Owlet, Brown hawk owl, Collared Scops Owl, Large-tailed nighjar.

Accommodation: At the same room

Meals: B/L/D : at the restaurant same with the first day.

Day 3: Cat Tien to Da lat City

We will leave at 6:00 am to be the first to arrive in the grasslands. This short tour will give you the experience of seeing and photographing Green peafowl, Red junglefowl, Imperial pigeon and many beautiful birds that appear early in the morning in the grasslands.

Moreover, there are many species of herbivores that also appear: sambar deer, red muntjak, wild boar, … if lucky, you can meet Gaurs.

After lunch , check out at 1:00 and moving to Da lat City, we arrive after 3 hours transport (after 17:00pm).

Accommodation in Dream Hotel – Phan Dinh Phung Street, Dalat City.

Dream Hotel is a mid-range hotel (2 stars) in Dalat. However, this is a hotel with more than 20 years serving birds, very experienced senior understand and serve the discerning birder. They have a breakfast from 5:00 am serving a variety of European and Asian styles.

There are many other accommodation options, in the more luxurious and central hotels, but serving breakfast at 5:00 am is not possible, which is very inconvenient for birders.

Day 4: Da Lat City – Bidoup Nuiba National Park

Breakfast at 5:30 and then we go directly to Bidoup Nuiba National park. Full-day for bird watching in Giang Ly and Hon Giao area. In this place, we have 3 bird-hide for us with some high-light target :  Collared laughingthrush (endemic), Black-hooded laughingthrush, White-cheeked Laughingthrush, Grey-bellied Tesia, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-throated Partridge, Black-crowned Fulvetta (endemic), Pygmy Cupwing, Large Niltava, White-tailed Robin, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Orange-headed Thrush…

In addition, We will follow the streams along the stream, there will be many moments when there will be many birds living along the stream to take pictures: Spotted Forktail, Slaty-backed Forktail,Plumbeus Water Redstar, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher.

We will move back to the hotel in Dalat city at 17:30pm.

Accommodation: at the Dream Hotel.

Meals: B at the Dream hotel restaurant

L at the restaurant near birding hide

D: Restaurant in Da lat City.

Day 5: Bidoup Nui ba National Park – Second Ideal Location for Birding Tours to Vietnam

We continute birding in Bidoup Nui Ba national park in another place with some special birds : Rusty-naped Pitta, Orange-breasted laughingthrush,

Vietnamese Greenfinch, Red-crossbill, Vietnamese Cutia, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Green-backed Tit, Chestnut vented Nuthatch…

Nigh time for: Going to Da Lat night market.

Day 6: Dalat City – Di Linh Plateau

Early morning to go to Hoa Son Dien Trang for endemic : Grey-crowned Crocias, and more rare birds : Rufous-backed Sibia, Black-headed Sibia, Bay Woodpecker, Speckled Piculet…

Then enjoy lunch time in Datanla Water Fall for: Vietnamese Cutia, Annam Barbets, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Langbian Sunbirds…

We will leave Da Lat at 17:00 and go to Di Linh, to Di Linh at 18:30 and stay at Thuy Duong hotel.

Day 7 : Di Linh Plateau: Deo Nui San – Third Ideal Location for Birding Tours to Vietnam

Full-day birding in Deo Nui San hot-spot, with 2 bird-hide, we can enjoy with more than 25 birds species in nice picture :

Target birds: Indochinese Green-magpie, Black-headed Parrotbill, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Bar-backed Partridge, Large Scimitar Babbler, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler.

Other birds: White-throated Rock-thrush, Siberian Thrush, Blue-throated Blue-flycatcher,  Orange-headed Thrush, Buff-breasted Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Puff-throated Bulbul, Ashy Bulbul, White-bellied Erpornis,…

Day 8: Di Linh – Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Pleiku City

The morning bird photography at Nui San Pass. Another bird-hide for : Blue Pitta, bar-backed patridge, Streak-wren Babbler…

We will leave Di Linh to return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch. We will fly straight from Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku City in the evening flight, to Pleiku City and travel by car at night in Kontum City, 40km from the airport.

Day 9: Kontum province – Mang Den town – Forth Ideal Location for Birding Tours to Vietnam

Departing at 6:00 from Kontum to Mang Den town, With 60km road we will take an hour by car. The whole day will be looking for birds in Mang Mang, the goal is : Chestnut-eared Laugingthrush.

More : Sultant Tits, Racket-tailed Treepie, Long-tailed Shrike, Crested Serpent Eagle, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Grey-cheeked Warbler…

Day 10: Mang Den town to Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve

Continue a full morning for bird watching in Mang Den. We will leave Mang Den after to move to Tumorong town, Arrive at hotel at 19:00. Tumorong is a very remote town in the northern highlands of Vietnam, bordering Laos and Cambodia.

Day 11:  Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve – Fifth Ideal Location for Birding Tours to Vietnam

We will birding and bird photography at Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve, After more than 1 hour moving from the hotel to the core of the Nature Reserve, where there are bird-hide we have set. You will find it interesting because the birds are so beautiful, many species come to bird-hide so you can take photos of the day. Some goals such as: Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Golden-winged Laughingthrush (endemic), Coral-billed Scimitar-babbler, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Grey-bellied Tesia, …

Day 12: Ngoc Linh NR to Da Nang City

Continue a full morning watching and taking photos of birds at Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve, with the goals not to be missed such as: Black-crowned Barwing, Black-headed Sibia, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Indochinese Fulvetta, Green-tailed Sunbirds …

We will leave Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve after lunch time, and travel by car to Da Nang city, the 230km square will take 5 hours to move. Overnight at Brilliant Majectic Hotel Danang.

Day 13: Da Nang city – Bach Ma National Park – Sixth Ideal Location for Birding Tours to Vietnam

We start early at 5:30am and arrive to Bach Ma NP at 7:30am for birding allday in Bach Ma, that place have no bird hide so we only walk along the main road and some trails in the park. We rest in Phong Lan villa on the top of Bach Ma NP.  After dinner, we will herping and spotlighting mammals to 23:00pm., Special we will discover some “Vietcong tunnel” on the top of Bach Ma in nighttime, have Bats insite !

Accommodation : B at Da Nang city; L, D at Phong Lan restaurant.

Day 14: Bach Ma National Park to Khe Sanh town

Birding all day and herping in nocturnal ,

Accommodation : B, L, D at Phong Lan restaurant.

Room : Phong Lan Villa on the top of Bach Ma

Day 15: Birding in Sa Mu Pass and go to PhongNha KeBang National Park

After birding and breakfast on the top of Bach Ma, we check-out  at 11:00 am and go to Phong Nha Ke Bang National park , On the way, we have 1 day in Sa Mu Pass, the new destination in the Middle of Viet Nam, for some rare birds : Collared Babbler, Rufous cheeked Laughingthrush , and on the trails we can fine some diurnal snakes…

We arrive Khe Sanh town at 16:00 pm and check in

Day 16: PhongNha KeBang National Park

In the afternoon we will go to Phong Nha Ke Bang National park ,

We will checkin the Park’s hotel at 18:00pm and prepare for Herping to 23:00pm

Birding tours to Vietnam – Last day – Day 17: PhongNha KeBang National Park to Dong Hoi Airport, Back to Hochiminh City

In this park we can see   Ha tinh Langur (one of the rarest primates in Vietnam and on the world ) , Anyway we can see some interesting birds : Red-collared Woodpecker , Sooty babbler, Red-headed Trogonand on the trails we can fine some diurnal snakes   in the morning and check out, we will go to Dong Hoi airport (60km from the park) and fly to Ho chi minh City  (Fly Depart at 20:00 pm)Arrive to your hotel in HCM City at the midnight.

More Bird Watching Trails in Vietnam: https://vietnambirds.net/top-bird-watching-trails-in-vietnam-you-should-spend-your-holiday/

[loggedtravel]

Here's Why You Must Travel to Vietnam at Least Once!

When we were planning our trip to Vietnam last December, we did our fair share of research and chalked out an itinerary, aiming to cover a couple of places but the main reason behind planning this trip was to kick-start the new year in a foreign land, greeting strangers and joining their madness! Little did we know that this country would make us fall in love and keep tickling our nerves to head back again!

With its 3,000 kilometres of a tropical coastline, superb food, mind-blowing history, and a fascinating culture, Vietnam is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in the world. No matter whether you are a beach lover or an art buff, a die-hard foodie, or an adventure seeker- Vietnam definitely has it all in store for you!

1. Vietnam Is One of the Most Affordable Destinations in Southeast Asia

Of course, when you think of travelling abroad, one of the first and foremost things to consider is the budget. As it is widely known, Southeast Asia is a backpacker's hub because of its affordability, and Vietnam, surely, is one of the most budget-friendly destinations you can ever come across. With increasing dependence on the tourism industry for their economy, the Vietnamese have set up their country to be as travel-friendly as possible.

You will get several hostels in the big cities and the local transport will save you from getting doomed! Hostels can cost you under $5 a night and beer will only run you a couple of cents! (Yeah you heard us right!) You can afford a meal under $2 while you can enjoy a nice meal for two in just $10.

Go for homestays while exploring the countryside and you will get a sneak peek into the authentic Vietnamese lifestyle.

2. Learn about Vietnam’s Rich and Spellbinding Past

Visit Us At:

https://luxury-tours.in/tour/6-nights-and-7-days-in-vietnam/

Vietnam's history dates back to nearly 2000 years. The culture shows Chinese, Khmer, and Indian influences, as well as effects from the French colonialism. The Vietnam War of the 1970s immensely affected the nationals. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to get an inside look at what the war was like for many soldiers.

We took a day trip from Saigon and it was indeed an inspiring journey as we listened to all those stories told by our guide. There are many war museums as well, where you can get to know more about the dark days that the nation has seen. Whether you are a history buff or not, the stories of their past will surely touch your soul.

Many NGOs and international organizations provide support to the underprivileged families affected and are still suffering because of the war. We visited a couple of artisan’s villages on our way to Cu Chi Tunnels and saw how people with special needs are engaging in various kinds of handicrafts, with the help of volunteers. If you have some time, then you can also choose to be a volunteer and contribute towards making their lives better.

3. Vietnam’s Natural Beauty Is Breathtaking

Be it the towering mountain ranges in north (Sapa), lined with lush forests, footed with lakes, rivers, and terraced rice fields, or the turquoise waters surrounding the island of Phu Quoc, Vietnam is nothing less than a paradise! The country is home to a few of the biggest natural caves in the world (in Dong Hoi), and stunning national parks such as Cuc Phuong (around the town of Ninh Binh). Then there are limestone towers and cliffs in the immense Ha Long Bay that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The beauty of nature will keep you mesmerized throughout, and you probably will not be able to get enough of it. In addition, if you thought that is it, then let me tell you about the sand dunes in red and white hues covering Central Vietnam and attracting curious travellers to the town of Mui Ne. There is a lot more than that, which you can discover during your gap year adventures in Vietnam.

4. The Vietnamese Cuisine Is Too Good to Resist

Visit Us At:

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From Pho, (transparent) spring rolls, banh mi, sticky rice, to the epic seafood – the Vietnamese cuisine is always tasty, fresh, and healthy! No matter whether you are eating at a street-side stall or a fancy restaurant - you will always get to treat yourself with a delicious meal! Our personal favorites were giant seafood filled pancakes, grilled corn on the cob, and warm banana cake in a coconut milk sauce.

If you are keen on learning how to make a perfect bowl of Pho, then you can attend one of the many cooking classes in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. You cannot skip those street food stalls & eateries at the night market - because they serve the best food in the world!

When you are writing out your things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to stop for lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa - they have the best banh mi in store for you!

5. Vietnam Offers Endless Opportunities for Adventure Seekers

There is no end to adventures in this country! You can choose to go for treks or hikes in Northern Vietnam, and explore the gorgeous countryside in Sapa or Ha Giang. Otherwise, rent a motorbike to explore like a local!

Thrill-seekers can trek deep into the cave system at Dong Hoi. Head off to Ha Long Bay, kayak through the emerald waters, passing the limestone karsts, and soak in the freshness of nature. Visit the beach towns of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc if you want to surf or snorkel, or go for scuba diving!

6. The Location of Vietnam Is Just Too Perfect

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https://luxury-tours.in/tour-destination/asia/

Yeah - you heard it right! The location of Vietnam is too good to be true - and the connectivity with the neighboring countries absolutely makes it better. You can actually hop on a bus from Hanoi to travel to Luang Prabang in Laos or Siem Reap in Cambodia. The 'Reunification Express' connects to China's own rail system, which will help you to take the train from Hanoi to the Chinese city of Nanning. You can also get buses that connect Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok!

All said there, you could also opt to take a short flight to countries like Malaysia or Singapore, which will not cost much.

I am sure all these factors brought some wanderlust in you!

Well, as we told you before, there is no reason to say 'No' to Vietnam! Contemplating travelling abroad post the pandemic scare and wondering where to go? You can surely consider visiting this beautiful Southeast Asian nation with enough of cultural richness, impeccable natural beauty, bustling cities with friendly people and lots more. In addition, Vietnam has dealt with the COVID crisis in the most outstanding manner - so you need not worry much while planning the trip!

Visit Us At: https://luxury-tours.in/

[abismg]

The Cambodia Exposé ft Vietnam Tour 🇰🇭🇻🇳

My story happened on the year 2017, last 2 years ago

The flight was initially from Manila to Hanoi (Vietnam)

Going back to Manila, I booked from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Manila

This history occured for 5 days only

Landed Hanoi

My experience in Hanoi was totally good

Hanoi is the so-called province of Vietnam

Having in mind “province” - it has the same notion with Philippine provinces where there are people not that plenteous and houses are a little bit distinct from the City houses

Food are inexpensive where there is buffet type or eat all you can style carinderia

Looking for a hotel were very friendly

Hotel owners are sleeping outside the hotel carrying a foldable bed with them

Hotel owners will ask every guest to hand them a copy of passport (Just let them take a picture of your passport, do not leave it to them)

Most Vietnamese have a hard time speaking in english

What I did is open the google translator and talked to the hotel owner via the translator and vis-a-vis

Malls are very far from the condominiums/hotels

You will need to take a ride of a car in order for you to reach the shopping center or its malls

We stayed there for two nights and a half day

Going to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is also known as Saigon, the latter being its former name

Ho Chi Minh is the City of Vietnam

Travelling by land from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh will took 38-54 hours ride

Due to time constraint, I decided to took a ride of a plane ✈️ instead which will only took 2 hours flight via VietJet Air

The cost of this local flight was expensive

I did not show my passport at the immigration because I took domestic flight only

Landed Ho Chi Minh

My Ho Chi Minh experience was truly remarkable

Through their historical places, historical attractions, museums, et al, you can learn a lot of things that can answer your hows and whys with regards to Vietnam culture ~ Just discover it on your own

My flight going back to Manila was nearly approaching me, so even if I still want to stay in Ho Chi Minh, I cannot. ~ Dahil hindi lahat ng gusto mo makukuha mo ika nga ni Bea sa The Mistress the movie 🎥 huhu

Going to Siem Reap

Going to Siem Reap I rode a sleeping bus

Travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap by land took me 6-7 hours

The sleeping bus is literally a bus to sleep, the only thing I can do is to lay down only, I cannot sit nor stand for that 6-7 hours ride

Such experience was tough for me, as a tourist I want to see the view of every place I am into

Landed Cambodia

I pass through the Border Crossing gate of Vietnam and Cambodia

While we passengers are asleep, the driver and conductor shouted saying “WAKE UP WAKE UP”, “PREPARE YOUR PASSPORT”, “GO DOWN”

At the immigration, I showed my passport to the officer with a sleepy face

An officer did not stamped my passport

Yet, he only gave me a ticket evidencing an ingress to Kingdom of Cambodia

After the sleeping bus experience, there is another 3 hours drive riding a van going to Angkor Wat and near the Siem Reap airport

Finally, entered the famous Angkor Wat

I entered to Angkor Wat without changing clothes and without shower because I am really in a hurry

After the Angkor Wat walk, I went to the airport in rush

At the Siem Reap Airport

Luckily, Im not late

BUT, in the immigration, the officer hold me

He told me that I violated their law regarding the 24 hours stay in Cambodia, because I stayed for less than 24hours only

They asked me to stay until tomorrow but I refused, I dont want to buy another flight ticket

Ive talked to the officer privately and at first I dont know what he is pointing out

Until he said “I help you, you help me”, which meant I will give them money in order for me to pass through the immigration

He said, “put the money here” (referring to the middle of the notebook), then go

And I left USD20

Travel Tips to Cambodia and Vietnam

Know their laws

Prepare excess money

Have google translator

Stay for more than 5 days

And ENJOY!

P.S This is just my story. We have a different story.

[dimensionsunited]

JUNE 2018 DIMENSIONS ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULES & REVIEW

Note: As always, individual schedules are up to roleplayers within reason. Any major individual schedules, especially those related to points claims, should be cleared with the main first. These schedules may be updated throughout the month if new information needs to be added.

Overall company

Other than 2018’s first quarter sales coming in lower than expected, business is running as usual around Dimensions now.

June Company Schedules:

June 22: Mnet’s Idolized premiere party.

Gal.actic

“Joker” has been a surprising success, gaining attention due to its controversially sexy concept and suggestive lyrics (resulting in required lyric changes by some broadcast companies), making it the group’s best-charting song since Marionette. Dimensions hopes this will result in the group earning back their production costs unlike their last comeback, although attention doesn’t necessarily equal sales.

June Group Schedules:

June 4: Episodes 1 & 2 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.

June 5: Episodes 3 & 4 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.

June 11: Episodes 5 & 6 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.

June 12: Episodes 7 & 8 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.  

June 16: End of Joker music show promotions.

June 18: Episodes 9 & 10 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.

June 18: Member Dohee releases non-promoted pre-release single “In Love With Someone Else”

June 19: Episodes 11 & 12 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.

June 25: Episodes 13 & 14 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.

June 25: Member Dohee releases debut solo album “Mirage” + music video for title tracks “Holiday ft. Jaewon” & “Why” + has album showcase and begins solo promotions, solo promotions continue until July 25.

June 26: Episodes 15 & 16 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.

(July 2: Episodes 17 & 18 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.)

(July 3: Episodes 19 & 20 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.)

(July 9: Episodes 21 & 22 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.)

(July 10: Episodes 23 & 24 of KBS2 drama Are You Human Too? starring member Silver air.)

Alien

Their tour kicks into full gear this month, with the group spending a week on their European tour stops before returning for some Asian tour stops. During their downtime in Seoul, they’ll begin recording for their next album which is planned for a September release once their world tour ends.

June Group Schedules:

June 17: Alienate Tour concert at Eventim Apollo in London, UK.

June 20: Alienate Tour concert at AFAS Live in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

June 23: Alienate Tour concert at Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid, Spain.

June 30: Alienate Tour concert at Thunderdome in Bangkok, Thailand.

(July 8: Alienate Tour concert at Taipei International Convention Center in Taipei, Taiwan.)

(July 17: Alienate Tour concert at Kowloon Bay International Trade Exhibition Center in Hong Kong.)

MARS

Schedules for MARS are sparse this month. Other than two concerts at the very beginning of the month, the group will get free time with minimal schedules for the rest of the month and will have time to spend the break as they choose.

June Group Schedules:

June 2: MARS Live Lost Fantasia concert at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul.

June 3: MARS Live Lost Fantasia concert at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul.

June 9: Member Taisei releases Dimensions Portal song “Don’t Worry” with Unity’s Jaewon.

(July 7: Performance at SBS Super Concert in Taipei, Taiwan.)

7ROPHY

7ROPHY’s schedule is busy with private preparations for another comeback throughout the month. The company hopes to secure a late July or August date for 7ROPHY’s return.

June Group Schedules:

Preparations for next comeback throughout month.

(July 7: Performance at SBS Super Concert in Taipei, Taiwan.)

Unity

Dimensions’ first quarter profits weren’t satisfactory for their investors, so the burden of increasing the second quarter profits are on Unity’s shoulders. They have an increased number of fansigns and more variety show appearances have been booked for the full group (including both a solo Weekly Idol episode and a shared one with Vice, which involved quite a bit of negotiating to book for Dimensions).

June Group Schedules:

Studio recordings for Japanese album.

June 7: End of Boss music show promotions.

June 9: Member Jaewon releases Dimensions Portal song “Don’t Worry” with MARS’s Taisei.

June 13: Release of “Touch” & Unity Empathy album showcase, promotions continue until July 13 with variety show and music show appearances.

June 13: Filming of solo Weekly Idol episode.

June 15: Fansign in Yongsan.

June 17: Fansign in Anyang.

June 20: Fansign in Yeongdeungpo.

June 20: Airing of solo Weekly Idol episode.

June 21: Filming of Weekly Idol episode with Vice.

June 22: Fansign in Yeouido.

June 24: Performance at KCON NY in Newark, New Jersey, USA.

June 27: Airing of Weekly Idol episode with Vice.

(July 2: Fansign in Daegu.)

(July 8: Fansign in Busan.)

(July 13: End of Touch music show promotions.)

Vice

Though the bulk of the profit pressure this month has been put on Unity, Vice isn’t exempt from pressure to have a successful comeback. Dimensions never planned for Vice to be a quick mainstream success, but they do want their fanbase to grow significantly by the end of promotions for their next single album releasing this month.

June Group Schedules:

June 20: Release of “Good Night” & Fall Asleep In The Mirror single album showcase, promotions continue until July 20 with variety show and music show appearances.

June 21: Filming of Weekly Idol episode with Unity.

June 23: Fansign in Gimpo.

June 27: Airing of Weekly Idol episode with Unity.

June 30: Fansign in Suwon.

(July 7: Performance at Bingo Music World Fest in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.)

Soloist 1

Now that his American tour activities are wrapped, he returns to his usual lax off-time schedule.

June Schedules:

June 6: End of collab single promotions.

Soloist 2

The company has decided on her next comeback being another album instead of another in the series of singles she has been releasing recently. They’re currently aiming for a fall release.

June Schedules:

June 8: Performance at Feel Korea concert in Moscow, Russia.

June 22: Performance at Lotte Family K-Wave Concert Day 1.

(July 5: Performance at M!Countdown in Taipei, Taiwan.)

Soloist 3

Slow comeback preparations are underway as usual, but no track list, finalized concept, or release date are decided yet. She’s recently signed a contract with an American talent agency under her company’s guidance as well.

June Schedules:

No public schedules.

Soloist 4

The bulk of the music and studio work for his next EP will be conducted this month.

June Schedules:

Comeback preparations throughout month.

[travelaussie]

What are the Best Places to Travel?

Wondering where to go in 2020?

We’ve collected this list of the top destinations, you should consider traveling to for your next trip. Whether you’re looking to use those holiday days, rest during the holidays, traveling to the most interesting and relaxing places is something everyone should go occasionally to revive your life. But that all-important question surely arises - Where to go in 2020?

TravelAussie

put together this list of some of the greatest travel destinations of 2020 that will give you some ideas about where to

make your next trip

. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 best places to visit in 2020.

Top Travel Destinations 2020

Below are the top 10 spots to visit in the world for 2020. Each destination was evaluated based on scenic excellence, charges, security, meals and cuisine, as well as many other factors that go into choosing the ideal vacation getaway. Hopefully, these vacation trips will inspire you to take your next holiday trip!

1) Penang, Malaysia:

Grab your travel backpack; it’s time to go to Malaysia. Penang is one of the only thirteen states that make up Malaysia in Southeast Asia. It’s located on the northwest side of the Malay Peninsula and in close vicinity to the Thailand Border. Penang Island sits just off the mainland and is residence to the state capital of George Town. The food culture is like nothing you have ever felt. It all seems in Penang’s many markets and restaurants. If you’re a food lover, then this is the best place for you. The central location of Penang makes it a hub for spices and food from many different regions including India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Most of the best food dishes are either steamed in or served on pandan leaves. Nasi lemak is tasty spicy coconut rice and a national staple. Other activities in Penang include visiting the cultural museums and architecture in George Town, beach resorts on the island, and exploring the Penang national forest.

Best Time to Visit:

November to January

2) Bali, Indonesia:

Bali has always been a top travel destination due to its grace, but even so, there are still hidden gems away from the main tourists’ spots that offer seclusion with a feeling of peace and an amazing atmosphere. One such place is the island of Nusa Lembongan, which is situated off the southeast coast of Bali in the Nusa Penida district. Available by boat only, the island has a feel to it like few in South East Asia. Here, you won’t have to bother about crossing busy roads since there isn’t any traffic, and you won’t be teased while at the beach by people constantly trying to sell you things. Chill with your sunglasses and swimsuit on the beach and rest. Nusa Lembongan is the classic small island to rest and enjoy the beach or the many mangrove areas that encompass the eastern end of the island, but it’s also a great dive destination. One tourist attraction is the underwater Big Buddha which has been set by locals as a source of business. It also makes for a great snorkelling and underwater photography and one of the best vacation places for couples. Check out Nyuh Gading Homestay for a great place to visit on Nusa Lembongan. It’s right on the beach and has very good Wi-Fi.

Best Time to Visit:

May to September

3) Auckland, New Zealand:

Auckland is a coastal city in New Zealand known for its spectacular landscapes and wonderful beaches and islands. It’s also a famous northern hub for exploring other regions of New Zealand. The nearby Mount Eden (or Maungawhau) is a volcanic mountain you can climb and travel. It offers an incredible view of the coastline. Auckland has many beautiful beaches for day trips and surfing just minutes away. They range from white sand beaches to black sand beaches vary due to past volcanic action in the area. With the many hiking trails, viewpoints, beaches, and cultural places, Auckland has many activities to keep you occupied.

Best Time to Visit:

March to May

4) The Island of Skye, Scotland:

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is a hiker’s heaven and ranks high out of all the 2020 Top Travel Destinations. The picturesque and rugged landscape has a charm that is all it is own. From medieval castles to quiet fishing villages, the Isle of Skye is an ideal laid back vacation spot. The town of Portree is the hub of the island, which is a network of coastlines, lands, hills, and grassy swales. The island has a deep history that can be seen at the many museums and two medieval castles that you can tour. If you’re into hiking or walking, camping, bird-watching, or just remote areas, the Isle of Skye is the place to get on and get off the beaten track.

Best Time to Visit:

May to June

5) Banff, Alberta, Canada:

2020 travel doesn’t have to mean travelling on a 13-hour flight. For U.S. travelers, Banff is a quick getaway with some of the most beautiful views in the world. Nestled in the northern portion of the Rocky hills in Alberta, Canada is the small town of Banff. Most people outside of Canada have seemingly never even heard of it, but that’s what makes it so special. With the mountain range dominating the horizon, the views in Banff are second to none. Château-style hotels, eateries, and some boutiques line the downtown area making things very easy and one of the best family vacation places due to the abundant activities available. Visitors can ski on the hills of Mount Norquay or ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain to swim in the Banff Upper Hot Springs which gives a great view of the countryside.  With 6,500 square kilometers of parkland encompassing Banff, the amount of hiking, climbing, a bike journey, and walking trails are limitless. Several Finger Lakes, such as Moraine Lake, offer a large view of the surrounding mountain range and postcard views.

Best Time to Visit:

June to August

6) Sa Pa, Vietnam:

At number 6 on the top spots to go in 2020 list is Sa Pa, Vietnam. The town of Sa Pa is located in the northwest portion of northern Vietnam in the Hoàng Liên Son hills. Famous for its terraced rice fields that are built into the sides of the hills, it makes for an awe-inspiring view and wonderful holiday destination. Locals, consisting of a mix of several diverse hill tribes, let you feel Vietnam in a way that visiting Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City just can’t achieve. If you love hiking, there are many trails leaving Sa Pa which take you to outlooks with magnificent views. The scenic waters, Buddhist temples, and the highest mountain in Indochina, Fansipan, are waiting to be explored. For a really cool area to stay in Sapa check out Miku Chill House located in Hau Thao village. The Mountain View can’t be compared and it’s such a peaceful place to chill for a few days.

Best Time to Visit:

March to May | September to November

7) Chiang Mai, Thailand:

There’s something about Chiang Mia that always leaves me more excited. Yes, the food is marvelous, but the city has a feel unlike any other in Thailand or Southeast Asia for that matter. The old quarter of Chiang Mai is enclosed by a moat and outer retaining wall that helped bolster the cities defenses in the early days. The wall has since been restored to its former beauty and adds a certain cultural appeal that most city centers lack. Chiang Mai nightlife is comparatively quiet compared to Bangkok and other party cities, but that’s not certainly a bad thing. The night markets are a great place to eat and buy, while the nearby mountains offer hiking and day trips away from the town. Chiang Mia is the digital nomad epicenter, with good internet and infrastructure for working out of a foreign hub. Just be aware of the farmers do burn their fields at certain times of the year and it can create foggy conditions. Regardless, Chiang Mai should be at the top of your 2020 holiday idealist.

Best Time to Visit: November to February

[bigyack-com]

Coronavirus: Costa Smeralda Disembarkation Delayed, Emergency Declaration Considered

A suspected case of the coronavirus onboard Costa Cruises’ Costa Smeralda has prevented passengers from disembarking the ship in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, as originally scheduled. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) is meeting again to consider an emergency declaration as the virus continues to spread.  The cruise line said that a 54-year-old woman from Macau and her traveling companion were placed in isolation in the ship’s hospital overnight, in accordance with health protocols.  “As soon as the suspected case was detected, the medical team onboard immediately activated all the relevant health procedures to promptly isolate and manage clinical conditions,” the cruise line said in a written statement. Health authorities are now onboard. 

Free Luxury Travel Newsletter

Like this story? Subscribe to The Dossier Luxury Travel Advisor’s only newsletter, covering unique destinations and product news for affluent travelers. Delivered every Tuesday & Thursday. The ship had arrived in Civitavecchia January 30 on the last day of a seven-day cruise that had departed from the port on January 23. The itinerary had included La Spezia and Savona, Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The ship had 5,023 guests onboard, of which 1,143 were scheduled to end their cruise. 1,628 crew members have embarked. The ship is scheduled to depart at 7 p.m. (local time) on a seven-day cruise, with 1,112 guests scheduled for embarkation. Guests who have travel plans affected by the delayed disembarkation in Civitavecchia will be assisted by Costa staff to book the best alternative solution, the cruise line said. 

More Cruise Cancellations

The outbreak has prompted a number of other cruise lines to cancel calls.  MSC Cruises reports that it is redeploying the first embarkation port for the MSC Splendida’s Grand Voyage due to the situation. The ship, which is deployed in Asia for the winter 2019 – 2020 season, has cancelled its next three four- and five-night scheduled sailings from Shanghai, and it will reposition to Singapore to start its 27 Grand Voyage itinerary to the Middle East and Europe, departing February 14.  MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato noted that the sailing had been entirely booked with guests flying in from abroad, and that many major airlines have either canceled or reduced their flight frequency to China. The new embarkation port means that MSC will also cancel planned calls on the itinerary to Naha, Japan and Hong Kong, adding calls at Langkawi, Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, plus Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, instead.  Customers who booked an outbound flight ticket to Asia may be eligible for a refund or possible re-protection to Singapore. Any pre-paid excursions to the cancelled ports of Naha, Japan, and Hong Kong, will be refunded to the customer’s shipboard account.  The MSC Splendida will dock in Singapore on Thursday, February 13, and guests can board the ship starting at 6:00 p.m. Singapore time and onwards. The ship will depart from Singapore on Friday, February 14 at 11:00 p.m. Singapore time. The ship’s February 1, 5 and 9 from Shanghai to Japan have been cancelled.  Crystal is opting to replace a number of planned calls by the Crystal Symphony in Hong Kong with a call at the  Port of Keelung in Taipei, Taiwan, on the following sailings: February 2,  28-night (Guam to Taipei) February 7, 8-night (Manilla to Taipei) February 15, 30-night (Round-trip Taipei) February 15, 15-night (Taipei to Singapore) February 15, 8-night (Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) March 1, 15-night (Singapore to Taipei) March 15 (pending port confirmations) March 31, 13-night (Taipei to Singapore) March 31, 5-night (Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) The luxury cruise line has also updated its pre-boarding public health questionnaire to include questions concerning the virus, plus it will also screen guests at the pier.  “If guests are determined unwell to travel, they will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, if they do not have insurance,” the cruise line said in a written statement. “The line will also deny boarding of any person who has traveled to Hubei Province or Wuhan, China in the 14 days prior to embarkation. The company has also canceled non-essential day visits to its ships when they are in port.” Seabourn has cancelled a call by the Seabourn Ovation to Xiamen, China, that had been scheduled for Monday, February 3. Instead, the line will adjust the itinerary to include a visit to Sandakan, Malaysia, on Monday, February 10. No other calls have been cancelled at this time. 

World Health Organization Meeting

The New York Times reports that the World Health Organization is set to meet Thursday to consider again whether or not to declare the epidemic a public health emergency. As of Thursday morning, more than 7,711 cases have been confirmed, and more than 170 people had died.  The World Health Organization had met previously to consider the question of an emergency declaration, but officials decided that it was “too early.” Officials at the time said that they would continue to monitor the situation. 

Air Travel

A number of airlines are also cancelling flights and issuing travel waivers due to the situation.  British Airways reports that it has suspended all of its flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai through February 29. Flights to and from Hong Kong remain unaffected. Travelers on cancelled flights who are already in transit may opt for rebooking, although the airline cautions that this will take time; those who have not yet departed can opt for a refund. Customers flying through Hong Kong through February 23 can rebook onto another British Airways flight or request a refund.  Air China will issue refunds for all flights booked before midnight on January 28.  China Airlines is offering passengers who file an application by March 31 the option to rebook without a change fee or difference in tax and far, or a full refund.  American Airlines is offering travelers scheduled to fly to Wuhan through March 31 a refund for all unflown segments of their trip. Customers scheduled to fly through Hong Kong through February 29 can rebook through March 31 between the same city pair in the same cabin (or pay the difference). Those scheduled to fly through Beijing or Shanghai through March 27 can rebook through April 17. The airline will also waive change or cancellation fees for rebookings beyond those dates and up to 331 days after the original ticket date, or rebookings between a different city pair, so long as rebooking is made by February 29. A difference in fare may apply.  United Airlines is offering refunds to travelers scheduled to fly through Wuhan who booked by January 22 and who are scheduled to fly through March 29. Travelers scheduled to fly through Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai or Hong Kong through February 29 can rebook through March 31 with no change fee or fare difference so long as they fly between the original city pair in the original cabin. For wholly rescheduled travel departing after March 31, or for a change in departure or destination city, the change fee will be waived, but a difference in fare may apply, the airline said.  Delta is offering travelers scheduled to fly through Beijing and Shanghai through April 30 the chance to rebook through March 31 with no change fee or difference in fare, so long as travel is between the original city pair. When changing the originally ticketed cities or rebooking for travel beyond March 31, a difference in fare may apply. Customers can also opt to cancel their flights and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for one year from the original issue date. A change fee and any difference in fare will apply. 

Tourist Attractions

Hong Kong is suspending passenger services at a number of links with mainland China Thursday, January 30, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. These include West Kowloon Station of Express Rail Link, Hung Hom station, China Ferry Terminal and Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal, and the land crossings at Man Kam To and Sha Tau Kok.  A number of tourist attractions in Hong Kong and mainland China are also closed: The Great Wall at Jinshanling in Beijing, Great Wall (Mutianyu Section) in Beijing The Ming Tombs in Beijing Gubei Water Town in Beijing Prince Gong's Mansion in Beijing Forest of Stone Steles Museum in Xian The Ancient City Walls in Xian Wuzheng and most sites in Hangzhou Huangpu River Cruise in Shanghai Mogao Caves in Dunhuang Shanghai Disneyland  Hong Kong Disneyland Park Ocean Park Hong Kong Noah’s Ark Hong Kong Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Hong Kong Wetland Park Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong The Ngong Ping 360 cable car service Museums under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department Facilities of the Antiquities and Monuments Office This article originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.

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Moody’s: Risk to Cruise Lines, Hotels Growing Due to Coronavirus RCL Cancels Sailings, BA Cancels Flights Due to Coronavirus Tourism Analyst: Coronavirus Could Have Big Impact on Travel Coronavirus: China Asks Tour Companies to Suspend Operations Read the full article

[iambalaggan-blog]

BOOK 04 Days / 03 Nights TOUR TO #VIETNAM IN $350 #DANANG #hoian #BANA #HUE #phong_nha_cave DAY 1: BUDDHIST CULTURAL MUSEUM – STONE SCULPTURE VILLAGE - HOI AN​         ​                   Have breakfast. Visit to The Bridge of Love, the stone statue, Buddhist Cultural Museum and Non Nuoc Stone Sculpture Village with shopping & souvenirs about Da Nang city. After Lunch, move to the Ancient town of Hoi an. Take a walking tour around the ancient places. Transfer back to Da Nang and Have Dinner. DAY 2: BA NA HILLS – KHAI DINH MAUSOLEUM After breakfast, check-out & leave for Ba Na Hills. Visit the Le Jardin, old wineries, remains of French Villas and Linh Ung pagoda with 27m high Buddha statue. Visit Golden Bridge.  Enjoying games at Fantasy Park. Return to cable car station at the foot of Ba Na Mountain. After lunch, Leave Da Nang for the imperial capital of Hue, through Hai Van tunnel, take a picture in Lang Co fishing village. Visit to Khai Dinh Tomb. Check in the hotels. Have dinner. Night boat trip on Perfume River with Hue Folk songs performance. Overnight in Hue DAY 3 HUE - LA VANG CHURCH – PHONG NHA CAVE Have early breakfast & move to the National park of Phong Nha – Ke Bang. Through the “Horror Highway”, stop over at La Vang church. After Lunch, take a boat trip on Son River to visit Phong Nha cave. Transfer back to Hue on the Ho Chi Minh trail.  Have dinner. Free at leisure, stay overnight in Hue.  DAY 4: IMPERIAL CITADEL – DEPARTURE  After breakfast, check-out & visit to the Imperial Citadel & then the tranquil pagoda named Goddess-heavenly pagoda. After Lunch, move to airport for final departure. #INCLUDED: 1. Transport in air-conditioned vehicles. 2. Accommodation (twin sharing basis) 3. Meals as specified in program 4. All sightseeing as specified, entrance fees included 5. Hue Folk songs performance ticket 6. Boat trip for Phong Nha cave. 7. Vietnamese/English Tour guide. 8. Water on bus (02 bottles/day/pax). 9. Tourism assurance: 865 USD/person #EXCLUDED: 1.Airfares, Train fares, Carfares, 2.Personal expense, drinks, and the others not mentioned above. 3.Cable car ticket 4.Sun wheel tick https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Deq2cpwef/?igshid=33t9uffcja73

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Reasons Why You Should Travel to Vietnam This Year

Reasons Why You Should Travel to Vietnam This Year. Where should one even start? The nature, history and culture don’t even scratch the surface of the draw that this country has for travellers. Vietnam is slowly emerging as a hot travel destination, though as a whole it does not always top the “must see” travel lists – and this is surprising. So, to help you travellers who are truly missing out on the splendour of this country, here are just a few reasons why you should travel to Vietnam as soon as you can. 1. The nature Vietnam is simply beautiful. It almost has every kind of natural landscape all within one country. The towering mountain ranges in the north around Sapa are lined with lush forests and footed by lakes, rivers, and terraced fields of rice. The limestone towers and cliffs amongst the immense Ha Long Bay are the number one sights for travellers and nature lovers alike. Vietnam is home to some of the biggest natural caves in the world in Dong Hoi and some stunning national parks such as Cuc Phuong around the town of Ninh Binh. The highlands around Da Lat are full of forests, natural rock slides, waterfalls and lakes and beaches along the coast are some of the finest in the world. Vietnam’s island of Phu Quoc is home to monkeys, a national park and is surrounded by barely touched beaches and clear ocean waters. 2. The culture The Vietnamese culture is very much still alive and well despite the bustling tourist industry. The street side food stalls and home-brewed beer in the bia hoi drinking spots can be found all around the cities and amongst the countryside. The countryside is still afloat with hardworking farmers, bison led equipment and modest homes which remind visitors of the backbone behind the flashy cities. The French occupation has also left its mark as well on the people and the towns. You can see the European architecture, the abundant café culture and see the locals meeting outside of them for traditional Vietnamese coffee and tea. 3. The food Vietnamese cuisine is popular all over the world so why not come taste it at its source. Women somehow whip up delicious meals out of the contents of a single bag on the side of the road and tiny street stalls fill the alleyways offering up papaya salads and the popular meat and noodle soup, Pho. Fried and fresh spring rolls are served up at the markets and the amount of delicious dipping sauces can make your head spin. Try the giant seafood filled pancakes, the grilled corn on the cob or the warm banana cake in a coconut milk sauce. 4. The affordability Even for a Southeast Asian country, Vietnam is cheap. Travelling here will stretch your money farther and wider and will allow you to have a more enjoyable trip. Hostel and hotel rooms can cost you under $5 a night and beer will only run you a couple of cents. Each meal can be eaten for under $2 and a nice meal for two people can cost you just about $10. Food, accommodations, transportation, activities and souvenirs, they all end up costing less in one week than you would spend in a day in some other countries. You will be able to afford to do more, eat more and see more when you travel to Vietnam. 5. The people The people in Vietnam are some of the friendliest and accommodating people you will find around Asia. You are always greeted with smiles and the occasional hello. Everyone seems willing to offer help, especially to travellers and tourists. Questions will get answered quickly and people will seem to bend over backwards for you in order to help you out. Drop your groceries, its guaranteed that someone will help you pick them up. You will meet new friends and feel like you have found a family away from home. 6. The travel friendly setup Sometimes Vietnam feels like it was made for travellers. With increasing dependence on the tourism industry for their economy, the Vietnamese have set up the country to be as travel friendly as possible. English is widely spoken in the cities and around the famous sites and restaurants in touristy places almost always have English menus. Most places are one stop shops for everything you need. Stay in a hotel and you will be given the options and resources to rent transportation, book sightseeing tours and get directions and recommendations for a great place to eat. No matter what you need to know or acquire, you can have access to it within minutes. 7. The activities Besides the beautiful sites and cuisine, there is enough to do within Vietnam so you will never grow bored. Go trekking and shopping in traditional villages when you visit Sapa. Kayak, swim and tube in between beach lounging while in Ha Long Bay or trek deep into the cave system at Dong Hoi. Scuba diving, snorkelling and wind surfing are all viable options when you visit the beach towns of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc and canyoning and motorbike tours are popular with travellers in the highlands. Stick to the cities and listen to live music, see traditional dance and water puppet shows or take a cooking class and learn the language. There are endless activities for everyone’s different tastes. 8. The history Vietnam’s history is one of its main draws for tourists. The country is filled with educational sites for visitors that documents the Vietnam war and other historic events. Start in Saigon and visit the emotion inducing war museum and imperial palace. You can see old war planes scattered around the city and visit the Cu Chi war tunnels to get an insider look at what the war was like for many soldiers. Scattered around the city are war monuments and in Hanoi, you can even visit the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh himself. Whether you like history or not, there is no doubt that you will learn a thing or two just by being in the country. See related : 7 Day Taste Of VietnamTop Self Drive Holiday Deals in Kenya If you think you have to travel far to enjoy a nice weekend, you may never get away. Besides, you can enjoy a beautiful weekend right here in Kenya. There are countless wallet-friendly Kenyan self drive getaways that won’t even break your budget. Don’t spend your weekend, doing absolutely nothing at home. Whether you are looking for romantic destinations, pristine beaches, and adventurous outdoor activities, there are plenty wallet-friendly getaways that will satisfy your weekend desires. Malindi & Watamu Self Drive Deals Mombasa South Coast Self Drive Deals Mombasa North Coast Self Drive Deals Masai Mara Self Drive Holiday Packages Lukenya & Machakos Self Drive Meru Holiday Self Drive Deals Mt. Kenya & Aberdare Self Drive Holiday Deals Nyeri Holiday Self Drive Deals Samburu Holiday Self Drive Deals Top Outdoor Activities in Kenya Outdoor activities in Kenya are a great way to experience Kenya, Choosing where to start in Kenya can be overwhelming. The country has many different outdoor activities, ranging from adrenaline-pumping adventures to more meditative outings. Kenya is always a fantastic destination for family bonding. Spending time with the family on weekend is a great opportunity to re-connect and communicate while having fun. Outdoor activities are perfect for those who want to experience a relaxing and refreshing weekend in an amazing place. Do something fun this weekend and spend worthy time with your family. For great weekend bonding, we present to you 6 fun outdoor activities for the family. These outdoor activities are great adventures for you and your family. Hike To Ol Donyo Sabuk & 14 Falls, Thika Chaka Ranch Day Trip – QuadBikes, PaintBalling Ngare Ndare Day Trip Hike (Nanyuki) Kereita Zip Lining & Hiking Day Trip Top Madaraka Express SGR Holiday Deals 2 Nights Malindi & Watamu holiday with SGR 2 Nights Amboseli Holiday With SGR 2 Nights Tsavo Holiday With SGR Sa 2 Nights Voi Holiday With SGR 2 Nights Mombasa North Coast With SGR 2 Nights Mombasa South Coast With SGR Read the full article

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The Best Places to See and Things to Do in Vietnam

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The Best Places to See and Things to Do in Vietnam

Planning to visit Vietnam?

Who wouldn’t want to go? It’s quickly rising as a popular tourist destination, rivaling other nearby hotspots like Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. 

That said, where should you go and what can you do in Vietnam?

Look no further ��� we’ve got a list of the best things to do in Vietnam. Read on and discover where you should and what to see:

1. Phong Nha Caves

One of the best things to do in Vietnam is to visit the Phong Nha Cave, which ranks as one of the biggest caves in the world. It is also home to one of the longest underground rivers too. This cave is also quite popular due to the fanciful names for the rock formations, such as “The Lion.”

2. Old Quarter in Hanoi

Your first stop in Vietnam is likely Hanoi, the capital city. However, don’t settle with the traditional hotel pitstops and cafes. Make it a point to visit the Old Quarter, an ancient section of the city that showcases centuries-worth of culture and architecture.

The Old Quarter weaves with tight, narrow pathways and alleys. It’s the best place in the country to hunt for street food. It’s a popular shopping district too, so be on the lookout for clothes, trinkets, and affordable souvenirs you can bring back home.

3. Sand Dunes and Kitesurfing in Mui Ne

Mui Ne is home to both a beautiful beach and gorgeous dunes. You can rent out a quad bike and ride across the white dunes or rent a kite and board to go kitesurfing at the beach. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy fun rides and still have spots to visit, like the beach bars.

You can also try visiting the Fairy Stream or hunt for a strip of an isolated beach, giving yourself a chance to take gorgeous photos without the bustle of tourists in the background. If you have extra time, why not visit the local fishing village too?

4. Phu Quoc Island

Do you want to get away from the loud noises of the city and spend time away from merchants selling souvenirs? Take a moment to visit the small island of Phu Quoc. It’s closer to Cambodia than it is to the main island of Vietnam and it promises visitors a moment of reprieve from the noise and busy lifestyle of other tourist attractions.

That said, you have to research ahead before booking your stay. Not all of Phu Quoc is daint and quiet. It’s advisable to look for the higher-end resorts to get the promised serenity of the island. 

5. Lanterns in Hoi An

Out of all these tourist attractions, the one you shouldn’t miss is the lantern lighting at Hoi An. This takes place for a whole week during the Vietnamese New Year (Tet), which is the first day of spring. More than 50 of the local workshops take place, making lanterns that fill the city from the Hoi Ann Bridge to the Hoai River Square. 

Simply seeing the city come to life at night with all these lanterns is a sight to behold. However, if you can afford it, you can rent a small boat and light a lantern yourself.

Don’t fret if you can’t make it every Tet. The city still holds a smaller lantern-lighting event every month, during the full moon. 

6. Tour Ho Chi Minh City

Don’t leave Vietnam without touring Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon. It’s one of the oldest cities in the country and also home to many sites and museums showcasing the damage and history that Vietnam endured during the Vietnam War.

You can also tour some of the old buildings. While many originated during the era of ancient Vietnam, you’ll also spot a few places designed by Gustav Eiffel, the man who also designed the Eiffel Tower.

7. Coffee at Buon Ma Thuot

If you’re hoping to take a break, visit Buon Ma Thuot and its coffee farms. You’ll find a myriad of outdoor cafes and the chance to taste farm-to-table coffee. Make it a point to try their coffee blended with coconut milk or eggs. 

You can also give Kopi Luwak a try. Also referred to as Civet Coffee, this is one of the most expensive coffee blends in the world. Civets are a type of mammal and they have to digest the coffee and defecate it before the manufacturers can refine and roast it.

However, many of the shops and coffee manufacturers here face controversy due to the harsh treatment of the civets. 

8. Cruise the Mekong Delta

Do you want to feel like Rambo or like an adventurer going through the wilderness? You can scratch that itch by taking a cruise along the Mekong Delta, a maze of rivers and swamps.

This is one of the best ways to check out the farmlands and rice paddies of Vietnam. It’s also a glimpse at traditional Vietnamese farm life, a way of living that hasn’t changed much in centuries.

9. Bike Tour Around Da Nang

Unfortunately, not a lot of people emphasize how beautiful Da Nang is. It’s a city currently going through expansion so you’ll see newer skyscrapers and revolutionary infrastructures still going up. It’s also home to the famous Dragon Bridge as well as the Lady Buddha.

If you’re tired of all the city-touring, you can visit Da Nang’s beaches. The beaches were once the highlight of Da Nang but nowadays there are many more things to do and see in the city.

10. Scuba Diving at Nha Trang

Don’t forget to visit Nha Trang for a quick scuba diving adventure! You won’t find anything too spectacular, like sunken ships, but the beautiful marine wildlife should be enough to make you consider the trip. You can visit popular diving spots like Madonna Rock, Mama Hanh Beach, or Mushroom Bay.

Try Out These Things to Do in Vietnam!

There is no shortage of things to do in Vietnam. Whether you want to explore the beaches or visit the ancient cities, there’s always a little bit of something for everyone. Why not go there soon and make it in time for a lantern lighting event?

Of course, there are other great places to visit. If you’re on an East Asian tour, you shouldn’t forget places like the Philippines, Macau, Hong Kong, or Indonesia. Check out our other guides today and read up all you need to know before you book your next adventure.

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Hanoi 5D4N Couple Trip           (Oct 18-Oct 22, 2017)

Weather: Autumn Season  Timezone: 1 hour behind Singapore Travel Time: 3.5 hours from Singapore Airline: Vietjet

Exchange Rate: 1 SGD = 16,000 VND (approx.)

Conservative Budget for 2 persons (incl. airfare, accommodation, Halong Bay Tour food and a “little” shopping) = SGD 2K

Our Itinerary:

Day 1 (Oct 18) - “Just Landed”

We arrived in Hanoi City around 6 PM. Our Airbnb host booked a huge van to fetch us from Noibai Airport. It has wifi connection inside and it only costed us about 300K VND (SGD 18) not bad at all! It took about 45 mins drive to reach our Airbnb (Sazi Homestay) located in Hang Bong street which is about 12 mins walk from Old Quarter.  It’s quite late already when we checked in and both of us (especially me) were already HANGRY at that time. Good thing our host had the initiative to provide her guests with a brochure/ list of some nearby recommended places. We finally ate our dinner at PHO (32 Bat Dan Street), a small  sidewalk eatery which on my opinion served the best pho among all that we’ve tried on this entire trip. Afterwards, we just continued to roam around the area and from there we found the beautiful St. Joseph Cathedral. After digesting all that food, we had an hour massage at Van Xuan Foot Massage (cheap and good service BUT don't expect a nice ambiance) then we finally went home knocked out.

Day 2 (Oct 19) - “The Magnificent Halong Bay”

The most anticipated day of this trip, our Halong Bay tour. We purchased two Fave vouchers under Halong Tours Booking. It costed us around SGD 450 including meals & surcharges for an overnight stay at their cruise. 

Anyway, we woke up early to eat breakfast at Joma Bakery, a homey cafe nearby our Airbnb place. Their menu is a bit pricey but the food was good! So good that we almost missed our van cos we were 5 mins late from the pick up time! We’re just fortunate that our travel agent made an extra effort to send us to the last pick up place. You might know this already but Hanoi’s main mode of transport are motorcycles and scooters. Imagine three of us carrying all the luggage while riding the mini scooter! LOL! Such a fun but dangerous experience indeed. 

It took about 3.5 hours travel time by land to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi. We arrived the cruise at around 1 PM. After settling in our room and a short debriefing by our witty tour guide, we finally got to eat our sumptuous lunch.

Here’s the complete list of itinerary and activities given by Halong Tours Booking in case you’re interested.

Day 3 (Oct 20) - “Bye Halong Bay! It’s time to explore Hanoi! ” 

Waking up inside a cruise with the most scenic view of sunny skies, sparkling limestone and crystal green waters was probably one of the best mornings we’ve ever experienced. Halong Bay is such a magnificent place that you shouldn’t miss when you visit Vietnam. Not only did we witness the beauty of this natural wonder but we also met some fellow tourists from different parts of the world.

But as much as we want to stay, we need to go back to Hanoi after our lunch which by the way were the fresh spring rolls we made ourselves.

It was almost evening when we arrived at Charm Boutique Hotel & Spa. We booked the Suite Balcony Lake View for 2 nights and I kid you not it’s worth every penny. You’ll have the entire floor for yourselves and the most amazing view of the city at your own balcony. Not to mention, they also provide a free bottle of red wine. This place is also walking distance from the old quarter which made it so much easier for us to explore Hanoi.

It’s quite amusing how locals enjoy doing everything on the sidewalk. We spent the whole night eating a variety of street foods and drinking the night away with our new friends from the cruise. Definitely one for the books!

Day 4 (Oct 21) - “ Last Full Day in Hanoi” 

Our itinerary was jam packed since it was our last full day in this beautiful city. We woke up early to eat our free hotel breakfast and prepared all the stuff that we need for the long day ahead.

First on our list, Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This complex is listed as one of UNESCO’s world heritage site. If you have enough time, pay this place a visit especially if you’re into historical stuff. Opens at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM with entrance fee of 30K VND (SGD 1.80). Up next is Ho Chi Minh Maosoleum. We didn’t go inside the museum rather we just went there to see the “changing of guards ceremony”. After which, we went straight to two of my least favorite tourist spots, Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. It’s only walking distance to one another which is a good thing but for me you can skip these places if you don’t have enough time.

At this point, we’re already exhausted after all the long walks. We went to Cafe Giang to rest for a bit and of course to try the “best egg coffee” in Hanoi. Well, I can’t agree more! It was almost dawn as we head to Lotte Observation Deck. Entrance fee is around 230K VND (14 SGD). The glass walkway was the main highlight located on the 65th floor. Though petrifying at first, you’ll surely get the hang of it quickly given you’re not Acrophobic. Plus, the view was spectacular making this skyscraper a must visit when you go to Hanoi.

And finally last on our list was Hoan Kiem Lake located near Old Quarter. We loved it more during night time when everything is lighted up especially the beautiful red bridge. We ended the night eating all the street foods our tummies could handle.