Hon Thom (or Pineapple island) is a wonderful island to visit. It’s the largest and most beautiful island of Hon Thom district of An Thoi archipelago. This island is located in the south of Phu Quoc. In 2018, a new cable system is now opened. Visiting Hon Thom, Hon Dua, Hon Roi by cable car is much easier and faster. Hon Thom is not overly invaded by resorts and hotels. You can find the life of the locals is still peaceful and rustic. We’re sure you can have a great time here if you love going off the beaten track a little bit.

4D3N Phu Quoc – Sun World Hon Thom – Vinpearl Safari

Source: asianwaytravel

A wonderful island – Hon Thom Phu Quoc
Nguyen Thanh Van

If you’re tired of the glamour of luxury hotels and resorts on Phu Quoc island, Ham Ninh Fishing Village is the place you can get away to. Not only the village attracts with peaceful scenery and delicious local seafood, but Ham Ninh also offers great treks for adventures.

Ham Ninh Village

Ham Ninh fishing village is nestled on the island’s east side, having mountains on its back and ocean on the front. The first impression when you visit Ham Ninh is the Ham Ninh mountain which peaks at 300 meters. The rocky mountain stands erected with dark green color, contrasting with the light blues of the sky and the sea.

The scenery can make you feel so overwhelmed with its vast scale and sharpness. If you have a chance to stop at Ham Ninh village, do not forget to buy some kilos of the famous crabs which can taste so good even if you just boil and eat them with plain sea salt and pepper.

Ham Ninh is an old fishing village that reserves the peaceful, slow-paced flow of the local daily life. The houses of the fishermen are mostly on stilts, humbly made of wood. On the sea, the skillfully made fishing boats painted with bright blue and green lying there await new ventures.

The main income of the villagers comes from pearl harvesting, sea cucumber catching, and crab fishing. In the past, Ham Ninh village was built by the immigrants coming to the island and seeking for a more prosperous life.

Ham Ninh Beach

Ham Ninh beach is a place to dock boats, also the place for the fishermen to try selling their catch of the day. At the end of each day, if you have a chance, witnessing the very bustling, at times quite noisy crowds on Ham Ninh beach would be a wonderful experience. Buy some seafood from the fishermen themselves; the price would be surprisingly cheap compares to restaurants or night market.

Ham Ninh Jetty

Visiting the famous long jetty that stretches out to the blue ocean is one of the things to do you can’t miss when visiting Ham Ninh Beach. This very site is the best place to enjoy the scenery of Ham Ninh Mount when the sun begins to set.

What to do at Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Swimming, snorkeling at the Ham Ninh Beach: it’s not like you can see coral reefs but if you’re lucky you still can see a variety of sea life under the water such as starfish, seahorses, crabs, and shellfish or even green turtle or hawksbill turtle.

Sunrise and Sunset: As mentioned before, Ham Ninh Fishing village is one of the best places to enjoy both sunrise and sunset. For sunrise, wake up early, you can also see the bustling scene of the fishers preparing to go out to the sea.

Eating seafood at Ham Ninh seafood restaurants: Next, to the pier, there are many floating restaurants offering savory seafood dishes. If you’re going with a group of friends, this is the chance to enjoy a full course gourmet party!

Trekking: From Ham Ninh Village, you can easily start a trip to Ham Ninh Mount due to the close proximity. The trek is not an easy one so prepare carefully before you go.

Source: asianwaytravel

Ham Ninh Fishing Village – Guide & Tips
Nguyen Thanh Van

Most people know Pho as the most famous dish in Vietnamese culinary art. There are lots of people who fall in love with Pho right at the first time they taste it. However, there is a secret not everyone knows. Pho, depending upon its geographical origin, is cooked and eaten in a way different from the other. Specifically, Pho in the North of Vietnam (Pho Bac) is not similar to Pho in the Southern Vietnam (Pho Nam).

First, the soup is one of the main factors of a successful bowl of Pho. The soup, however, is cooked in different ways. Hanoians often boil only the beef’s bones to make the soup. Saigonese people, besides using beef’s bones, sometimes use chicken’s bones and dry squids to make the soup more flavorful. That is the reason why when looking at a bowl of Pho, we can recognize its origin. The broth of Hanoi’s Pho is clearer than Saigon’s Pho. Due to more ingredients added, the broth of Saigon’s Pho does not look as pure as Hanoi’s Pho. In addition, Northern people tend to add more seasonings in the soup than Southern people. Northern people tasting Saigon’s Pho find it too sweet for them to finish the soup. In contrast, Southern people tasting Hanoi’s Pho find it too salty.

The second difference is the noodles used in Pho. When eating a bowl of Pho in Hanoi, customers do not have options of noodles. They just have only one kind of noodles which is big in width and thin in depth. In Ho Chi Minh City, when having a Pho, they would ask what kind of noodle you would like to have: the primary one (like Hanoi’s Pho) or the thinner one both in width and in depth.

It might be big mistake if we don’t mention different vegetables used in Hanoi’s Pho and Saigon’s Pho. People in the North Vietnam do not have bean sprouts with Pho while the Southern people do. Moreover, one of the most favorite vegetables of Southern people that you cannot find at any Hanoi’s Pho shop is basil. In Saigon, a plate of various kinds of vegetables is often served together with Pho. Customers choose which vegetables they want and dip them into the soup, mix up all and enjoy. There are not many kinds of vegetables served with Pho in the North Vietnam.

Another difference is meat served in Pho. In Saigon, when having a Pho, the seller will ask you how you would like meat to be cooked: rare, medium, well-done, what kind of meat you would like: fillet, meat with bones or bone only. In the North Vietnam, it is not popular to have beef bone in a bowl of Pho, though.

The last difference in eating Pho between the North and the South Vietnam is the sauce. People in Saigon are used to adding the Hoisin sauce in their bowls or in a smaller separate dish to dip the meat in before eating it. The Hanoians, however, don’t put the Hoisin sauce in. If they prefer more spicy, they can add chili sauce. It might be hard for visitors to realize these differences at the first time. The more you experience, the better you are at defining Hanoi’s Pho or Saigon’s Pho later.

Source: vietnamonline.com

Pho In Varieties
Nguyen Thanh Van

Sitting at a street corner in Hanoi old quarter with a beer glass, chatting with your freshly made friends while watching people pass by might be one the most memorable pages in your travel journal.

It is said that the word “Bia-hoi” is third in importance only after “Xin chao” (Hello) and “Cam on” (Thank you) when one learns Vietnamese. In the severe heat, not many things can beat a glass of cooled draught beer.

The good news is that draught beer is a popular refreshment drink in all over Vietnam. The bad news is that it is way too affordable that you may have to restrain yourself from going for a fourth glass (each glass costs you 20-30 cents!).  Ta Hien street is one of the hot spots for beer hoi. And because it is such an enticing gathering place, you will be likely to run into many tourists and local alike, ready to converse over the weather or some latest gossips in town.

While taking your sip, mind the life evolving around you- of shops selling books and pirate dvds; ; of elderly strolling by in peace and of course different vehicles flowing freely. This seemingly chaotic picture can be both intriguing and entertaining, if you are sitting and watching over a beer glass.

Travel Tips:  
* It is customary for Vietnamese to have beer with boiled or roasted peanuts. Try it and love it!
* There is likelihood that street vendors will corner you off to sell postcards, chewing gums and who-knows-what. A determined “no” will do the job if you don’t want to buy anything and get yourself into further trouble.
* Be aware of pickpockets whenever and wherever you are.

Hanoi Street Eats Food 3 Hours Walking Private Tour

Source: vietnamonline.com

Cheering over Bia-hoi on a Hanoi street corner
Nguyen Thanh Van

Typical for modern Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a temple attracting the most crowded tourists in Ho Chi Minh City.

Located at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is the most famous temple in Ho Chi Minh City.

The founders of the temple were Thich Tam Giac and Thich Thanh Kiem from the Northern. The name of Vinh Nghiem pagoda in Saigon is same named with a wooden pagoda as Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Duc La Commune, Tri Yen District, Tang Giang District, Bac Giang Province. This is a temple established from the reign of King Ly Thai To, which was the center of Buddhism propagation of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism.

In 1971, Vinh Nghiem pagoda was basically completed, including the central building, Quan The Am Stupa, the buildings for social activities.

The pagoda is a quite monumental, traditional architecture with red tiled roofs with curved heads. In 2005, due to the implementation of the project to expand Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, the Tam Quan gate of the pagoda was relocated to the present location.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is one of the typical works for Vietnamese Buddhist architecture in the 20th century.

This is also a temple attracts the number of tourists visiting and admiring the leading of Ho Chi Minh City today.

Source: kienthuc.com.vn

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda – the most famous temple in Saigon
Nguyen Thanh Van

For those who are seeking adventures to indulge in heart-touching mountainous Vietnam’s nature, Ma Li Peng Pass is the most impressive one. Conquering Ma Li Peng Pass will offer you the most ultimate experience, thereby making your adventure more exciting than ever.

Brief Information of Ma Li Peng Pass

With a length of over 20 kilometers and a height of 2, 000 meters located in Happiness Road, Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang Province is currently one of the most imposing passes connecting Dong Van District and Meo Vac District. Built from the 60s of the 20th century by H’mong workers, Ma Pi Leng Pass in H’mong language means “Horse Nose Bridge” as it is a dangerous road that horses are afraid of passing it. Ma Pi Leng is special in every angle, especially its ancient sediments existing for hundreds of years.

Also known as Vietnam’s Great Wall or the Pyramid of the Meo, Ma Pi Leng, with no doubt, is regarded as the most dangerous road of the northern mountainous area. However, the well-known pass owns its breathtaking and splendid beauty, representing the sights, sounds, and tastes of the whole region.

Attractions of Ma Li Peng Pass

There is nothing quite like looking down from Ma Pi Leng to take in the spectacular view of the zigzagging Nho Que River and Tu San Deep located at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass. Ma Pi Leng, for sure, offers travelers a chance to experience the greatness of nature. Gaze out at surrounding soaring mountains and deep in fantastic canyon to marvel at stunning vertical cliffs as well as rock deserts around. Besides being captivated by magnificent scenery, you can obtain amazing experience to deep in exploring karstification, karst, and non-karst landforms.

Do not hesitate to take adventurous experience by climbing to the top of Ma Pi Leng and immersing yourself in a huge space surrounded by endlessly stretching ranges of soaring mountains accompanied by refreshingly cool weather to sense the strong vitality of the region development.

Actually, thanks to the great natural landscape, Ma Pi Leng has become a source of inspiration for many artists generating artful works and thus depicting the cultural and traditional values of Vietnamese people in general and local people in mountainous areas in particular.

With Rubicon Tours Vietnam explore Ha Giang:

3 Days 2 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tours

Source: vietvisiontravel.com

Ma Li Peng Pass – The Iconic Destination for Adventure in Vietnam
Nguyen Thanh Van

Mu Cang Chai is home to some of Asia’s most magnificent cultivated topography. Rice terraces coil in ribbons around the hills to spectacular effect, luring photographers, hikers, and avid motorbikers. Ready for an adventure? Whatever you’re looking for, here are four things you’ll simply love about Mu Cang Chai.

Spectacular rice terraces

Mu Cang Chai’s sheer rice terraces were sculpted over centuries of small-scale cultivation. Each season brings its own charm.

During the summer, the terraces bulge with ripening rice stems that blanket the hills in a vibrant green. By early autumn, the rice plants have turned a bewitching golden yellow, ready for the harvest. In wintertime, the lonely terraces fill with water, creating cascading rows of reflective infinity pools. Once spring comes, the terraces transform into anthills of activity, as the farmers plant a new crop.

Vibrant Hmong culture

Mu Cang Chai is mainly populated by the Black Hmong, a subgroup of one of Vietnam’s largest ethnicities. Pretty Hmong villages are dotted around the district. Each one offers a glimpse into a rich culture.

Unlike many other minority groups in Vietnam, the Hmong don’t live in raised houses on wooden stilts. Instead, they build their homes on flattened earth. Hmong textile culture is highly developed, and you’ll find that many villagers – both men and women – still wear the traditional dress. Black Hmong  men typically wear dark tunics and hats, while women wear longer tunics with arms and waistbands in bright colours.

Excellent motorbiking

Mu Cang Chai is one of the best places in Vietnam to take on the roads. You’ll find quality strips of tarmac that weave around oval hills and sky-high dirt tracks that cling to near-vertical cliff faces. Whether you want a gentle ride following trickling rivers or an adrenaline-filled dirt bike experience, Mu Cang Chai provides the stage.

BEST MOUNTAINS TO GO PARAGLIDING IN VIETNAM

Notable main roads include the magnificent stretch between Mu Cang Chai town and Tu Le via the Khau Pha mountain pass. For a gentle ride through ethnic Thai villages, continue to Nghia Lo before circling back. Off the main road, a ride up to Mo De village offers more great views on a mostly paved road.

Undiscovered hiking trails

Hiking is a great way to absorb Mu Cang Chai’s scenery at a slower pace. You’ll pass layers of rice terraces, tea and corn plantations, and higher up, primary tropical rainforest.

BEYOND SAPA: 5 ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Hiking may be a new tourist activity in Mu Cang Chai, but the Hmong have been roaming these hills for centuries.  Until recently, villagers travelled almost everywhere by foot, creating a network of trails that zigzag up the valleys and into the mountains. These trails connect every hamlet and provide excellent hiking routes for long and short forays.

Cre: vietnam.travel

4 Things you will love about Mu Cang Chai District
Nguyen Thanh Van

Vietnam is a nation always on the move. Look away for a moment, and a business pops up, a new experience breaks ground, a route appears where there was none before. In 2019, travellers to Vietnam have more options than ever before, and it only gets better from here. Below are seven inspired ways to get to know Vietnam now.

PLAN AN URBAN GETAWAY

Countrysides are nice, but Vietnam’s cities are flourishing at a pace that simply can’t be ignored. For a hit of the energy that has the country in its sway, plan a long weekend in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. What you find might surprise you: modern Vietnamese kitchens, trendy rooftop bars, hole-in-the-wall boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and craft beer houses wait around each corner. Grab a ca phe and enjoy the non-stop action.

Da Nang 1 Day Tour

EXPERIENCE ETHNIC CULTURE IN A HOME STAY

Vietnam’s ethnic homestays  consistently win travellers over with their warm hospitality and excellent value. Here’s the chance to interact with ethnic minorities on a personal level, taste authentic countryside cooking, and bed down in breathtaking locations on a budget. Start your search with homestays in Vietnam’s national parks and reserves such as Pu Luong and Phong Nha, and in Tai and Hmong villages surrounding of Sapa and Mai Chau.

Mai Chau – Ban Lac Village 02 Days 01 Night –> Book now!!!

CHECK YOURSELF IN FOR A WELLNESS RETREAT

Not many people know it yet, but Vietnam’s central coast is poised to become Asia’s next big wellness destination. Already the spas in the area are snapping up industry awards for thoughtful programs and striking design. HARNN Heritage Spa and Fusion Maia are two pioneers leading the pack, however the zen-like mineral hot springs at Alba Wellness Valley and lagoon-facing villas in Lang Co are worth at least a few nights. Yoga practitioners can make their way to Hoi An, where 200-hour teacher training courses and wellness retreats now take place on an almost monthly basis. Beyond Central Vietnam, the islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc also present amazing world-class wellness breaks.

LEAD UP FOR A VIETNAM MARATHON

Who says holidays have to be indulgent? A new crop of marathons and triathlons have sprung up around Vietnam, opening fresh trails to runners from all over. The Vietnam Mountain Marathon is the perfect excuse to spend a few days in the stunning highland town of Sapa, but you’ll find plenty of other options throughout the year, including beachfront races in Da Nang, heritage runs in Hanoi, and more marathons in destinations such as Moc Chau, Ha Long and Ho Chi Minh City.

SAMPLE NEW FLAVOURS ON A FOODIE TOUR

Vietnam’s delicate, delicious cuisine is reason enough to visit. In 2019, you’ll find contemporary restaurants challenging old ways, and dedicated foodies opening their kitchens and neighborhoods to visitors via personalised tours. Vietnam’s tour operators are embracing the trend, with north-to-south foodie tours that delve deep into Vietnamese culinary philosophy.

Copyright by Vietnamtourism

How exploring Vietnam Culture?
quản trị viên

Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the oldest continuously developed areas in Vietnam that has gone through a history of 2000 years. Situated near the Hoan Kiem Lake and Long Bien Bridge. Used to be a former citadel wall, the Old Quarter became more well-known as a crafts area when King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in the 11th century. Later, the area turned into a village for Hanoi local people with a round structure with thousands of houses on stilts. In the 13th century, some tiny workshop villages gathered into craft cooperatives. Skilled craftsmen moved to the Quarter and performed similar services. They lived and worked together to transform private merchandise to the designated streets.

Most Iconic Streets of Hanoi Old Quarters

Hang Bac Street

In the Old Quarter, most of the streets started with the word “Hang”, which means shop or merchandise. Hang Bac is one of the oldest streets in Vietnam which dated back from 13th century. “Bac” means silver because the street was a silver manufacture under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. Since the 18th century, the street has performed more functions. Besides making silver ingots, the street also sells jewelry and exchanges money. If a merchant wanted a large amount of money for business transactions, they would exchange the metal bars on Hang Bac. Although the money paper was used later, the name Bac remained as the unique point of the street. Nowadays, the street mostly sells gold, silver as jewelry and exchanges money.

Hang Be Street

In the mid-19 century, Hang Be street was the place where the craftsmen made bamboo rafts. Each raft consisted of 12 to 15 bamboo poles lashed by the bamboo bark. The bamboo poles were sold in Hang Tre street. Bamboo raft played an important role in the traveling and fishing of the residents because they could easily move through Hanoi’s shallow river, swamps and lakes.

Cau Go Street

Cau Go Street means “Wooden Bridge Street”, which is located by the lake shore. Many years ago, there was a bridge connecting Thai Cuc Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake. Under the French colonialization, the lake and stream were filled with land and the bridge was not used anymore, but it was still a regular street for local people. Nowadays, Cau Go street is a business street where specializes in women’s accessories.

Hang Dao Street

Hang Dao street is one of the main streets in the Old Quarter running from the north to the south, dividing the quarter into two halves. “Dao” refers to the pink peach blossoms, the symbol of Tet in Vietnam. At that time, there was a huge demanding for this color, so the street was named after that story. In the past, the street was a center for silk products. On the first and sixth days of lunar months, there were fairs that people tried to try silk products for French and Hanoi local people. When there was a turn from 19th to 20th century, the street sold not only silk but also western clothing products. Nowadays, this street is specializing in ready-made clothes.

Dong Xuan Street/ Market Street

Located at the meeting point of To Lich River and Red River, Dong Xuan Market was the oldest, busiest and the biggest market in Hanoi. When the French occupied Hanoi, they required the merchants to sell goods inside the market in order to collect tax. When there was an increase in the number of merchants, the market was enlarged. There were five gates leading to the building, each gate was used for special goods. Nowadays, the market is mostly for wholesales and the goods sold here are more diverse than they were before.

Hang Mam Street

The name of Mam rooted from “fish sauces”, which is a kind of ingredients commonly used in Vietnam dishes. The street was originally located on the riverside near the day’s catch. After the sauce was made, it was stored in barrels that were made on Hang Thung Street. From 1940, a ceramics industry including memorial stone etching, tombstone and coffin appeared and replaced the fish sauce business.

Ma May Street

The street is a combination of two streets. Hang May sold products from rattan while Hang Ma sold sacred joss. At the end of the 20th century, the streets turned into one called Ma May. Nowadays, the street does not sell any special products. It is a common spot for tourists to enjoy their vacations in Hanoi.

Hang Thiec Street

In the past, the tinsmiths were produced on this block. Originally, the craftsmen manufactured small tin cone-shape to make conical hats. Then the tins were transported to the nearby Hang Non Street where made the hats. The street also made candlesticks, oil lamps, and opium boxes.

The Old Quarter is a legacy of Hanoi through a long history, but the area is facing huge challenges due to fast development. During your Vietnam vacation in Hanoi Old Quarter, you will be busy in the morning with thousands of merchandise shops and lively in the evening with a number of restaurants and bars. Spending a few days there on a Hanoi tour will not make you disappointed.

Source: vietvisiontravel.com

Hanoi Old Quarter of 36 Iconic Streets
Nguyen Thanh Van

Vietnam Wins The First Fight Versus COVID-19, Remains Safe to Travel
Nguyen Thanh Van