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

• Picturesque scenery and cultural riches aside, gorgeous Hoi An draws intrepid travelers keen on gastronomic delights. Its specialties are the result of Chinese, French and Japanese influences while being distinguished by using local ingredients and typical cooking methods. Leave ample space in your belly to into 5 must-try specialties in Hoi An below.

1. Cao Lau

Hoi An is the birthplace of “cao lau” so if you’re in the city, you must have come across and tasted this local specialty at least once. This special dish is a perfect example of Hoi An cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients from rice noodles to crisp herbs in the local organic Tra Que gardens and water from well-hidden ancient Cham wells. Pork meat is marinated and roasted for 1 hour before being mixed with chewy udon-like rice noodles, beansprouts, croutons, fresh herbs in pork-based gravy. The dish is usually served with spring onions, chilli jam and lime relish. Best “cao lau” is unlikely to be found in upscale restaurants but in simple food carts off the street where you can slurp with unbridled joy while people-watching.

2. Com Ga Hoi An

Hoi An chicken rice is a close cousin to classic chicken rice in China. However, when it comes to savory flavor, Hoi An locals pick up only fragrant rice and shredded farm-raised chicken as major ingredients. For the melt-in-your-mouth texture, after seasoning, top quality rice is cooked with chicken broth, turmeric and panda leaves in a wooden stove for a distinctive pale yellow exterior and special fragrance. Meanwhile, fresh chicken is boiled then squeezed with fried onion, salt and pepper resulting in thorough spice absorption. Eat it like locals do by topping it with black pepper and chilli jam and flavored with onion, sour papaya, fresh herbs and soy sauce.

3. Mi Quang

It’s unlikely you’ll find “mi Quang” (Quang-style turmeric noodles) anywhere else outside Hoi An. Like “cao lau” and other regional specialties, “mi Quang” is made based on a common ground: use only local rice noodles and mix it with fresh grown herbs and local greens. Traditionally, “mi Quang” comprises several ingredients such as yellow rice noodles, a little bone broth flavored with fish sauce, meat toppings including chicken, pork of beef slices and local herbs. Yet, “mi Quang” now comes in a variety of versions that meat toppings can be replaced by squid, boiled quail eggs, nails or frogs. A perfect bowl of Quang-style turmeric noodles is usually added with different herbs like basil, peanuts, coriander, and sliced banana flowers.

4. Banh Xeo

Crispy fried pancake, a typical Vietnamese snack varies across the nation as each region has its own variation. And “banh xeo” Hoi An in central style boasts one of its best versions. This sophisticated dish is made of rice flour squeezed with coconut milk and turmeric and toppings range from vermicelli noodles to chicken, pork, shrimps, sliced onions, beansprouts, and mushrooms. It is a common street food that you can easily find it at roadside stalls, local markets and restaurants in Hoi An. Make your own combination of a small piece of “banh xeo” wrapped in lettuce leaves or rice papers, added with “nem lui” (lemongrass pork skewers”, basil then dipped into fermented peanut sauce.

5. Banh Mi Hoi An

Vietnamese baguette is arguably the world’s best sandwich. When in Hoi An, don’t miss a chance to grab a typical bite of “banh mi Phuong” Hoi An. This is a good mix of a plain banh mi with a variety of meat fillings including “heo quay” (roasted pork belly), “cha ca” (fried fish with turmeric and dill), “cha lua” (boiled sausages), “xiu mai” (meatballs) and fried eggs. Other additions are pickled vegetables, pate, butter, soy sauce, chilli and hot peppers, all are combined together for a wonderful flavor. Quick and tasty, if this Vietnam’s quintessential dish is not the breakfast of champions, I don’t know what it is!

Source: vietnamonline.com

The 5 Hoi An Cuisines You Cannot Afford To Miss
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

We believe you don’t need a special excuse to take a vacation with your partner. But if you’re looking for one, Vietnam has you covered. Vietnam is a surprisingly enchanting destination for couples, blessed with rich culture, mouth watering food, and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re reconnecting after a busy season, celebrating a romantic milestone, or going on a spur-of-the-moment adventure, Vietnam will give you moments to treasure for a long time to come. Here are our best trip ideas for couples in Vietnam.

Best for pure romance: Ha Long Bay Cruise 

Much has been said about this striking seascape in Northern Vietnam, and for good reason. The bays of Ha Long, and Lan Ha never get tired. The marina is just a short two-hour drive from the airport in Hanoi. Whisk your partner away on a luxury cruise, and spend the hours watching the karsts drift by, kayaking around floating villages, and taking in spectacular scenery from the deck.

2D1N Genesis Regal Cruise Ha Long + Lan Ha Bay

Best for local culture: Exploring Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is what most people think of when they think of Vietnam. This part of the country is awash in exotic visuals: bustling floating markets, children riding bicycles, tiny sampans floating down leafy canals, sun-drenched rice paddies, and ornate pagodas. The areas surrounding Chau Doc, and Can Tho are especially compelling. Here, life goes on peacefully in the shade of fruit trees, and the food is always fresh and nourishing. Wake up early and take a boat to the nearest floating market for an unforgettable bowl of Hu Tieu.

Can Tho – Chau Doc – Mekong Delta 4 Days 3 Nights

Best for cosy weather: Romance Traveling  in Da Lat

04D / 03N ~ Da Lat Flower City (New Program)

Vietnam’s best getaways for couple
Nguyen Thanh Van

Hanoi will simultaneously surprise, charm and chew you up. Founded along the Red River, Hanoi was named Thang Long (soaring dragon) by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1010. Over a thousand years of war, natural disasters and new administrations, the city grew from swamplands into the charismatic capital it is today. Take in details of the ancient architecture, battle the barrage of millennials on motorbikes and drink fresh bia hơi  in the Old Quarter. Here are 11 must-see stops in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This commanding construction was built from 1973 to 1975 to house the embalmed body of Vietnam’s greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. Visitors and Vietnamese queue for hours every morning to pay their respects to the cadaver, dressed in a khaki wardrobe and encased in a glass sarcophagus.

Admission: 35,000 VND
Hours: 8am – 11am, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun (December to September) last entry at 10:15am
Address: So 1, Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh

One Pillar Pagoda

This Buddhist wooden pagoda was built in the middle of a lotus pond on a single stone pillar by the Emperor Ly Thai To in 1049. Archives suggest it was built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, who answered the Emperor’s prayers for a male heir. The structure is designed to resemble a lotus flower blossoming from muddy waters, a symbol of purity in Buddhist philosophy.

Admission: 25,000 VND
Hours: 8am – 11:30am everyday, and 2pm – 4pm, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun
Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh

The Old Quarter

Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter is a single square kilometre comprised of 36 streets. Since the 15th century, each street has been home to artisans and craftsmen who traded in the specific merchandise for which their street was named. Today, the charm of these streets still remains. Prepare to marvel as you wander from silver street to bamboo street, silk street to decoration street, all within a stone’s throw of each other.

Admission: Free
Hours: 7am to midnight
Address: North of Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Opera House

Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this beautiful colonial building is the largest theater in Vietnam. After nearly 100 years of operation, the Opera House was carefully refurbished in 1997 and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Today the venue attracts renowned performers, productions and musicians.

Admission: 300,000 VND
Hours: Check the website for performances
Address: No. 01, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is one of the most modern museums in Vietnam. Housing a series of excellent exhibitions presenting artefacts, costumes, crafts, memoirs,and photographs from the past 100 years, the museum reveals the pivotal role of Vietnamese women in their country’s history and society.

Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am – 5pm, Tue-Sun
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem

The Water Puppet Theatre

Dating back to the 11th century, water puppet performances are ideal for light entertainment and insight into Vietnamese folklore. Wading around in waist-deep water holding bamboo poles, puppeteers operate the lacquered wooden characters from behind a screen, reenacting scenes from rural village life.

Admission: 100,000 VND
Hours: 3:30pm, 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm, 9:15pm every day, and an additional performance on Sundays at 9:30pm
Address: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem

Hoan Kiem Lake

Legend says Emperor Ly Thai To was gifted a magical sword by a giant golden turtle who lived in the lake in order to defeat the Ming dynasty. Once victorious, Ly Thai To gave the sword back to the turtle who dove down to return the sword to the gods. Hoan Kiem Lake is admired for its beauty as well as insight into the daily life of Hanoians. Watch locals practicing their daily exercise and Tai Chi routines in the gardens by the water’s edge.

Admission: Free to the general public

Ngoc Son Temple

The Ngoc Son Temple, or The Temple of the Jade Mountain, is situated on a small tree-sheltered island on the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Connected by a stunning scarlet bridge, this classic Vietnamese structure was built in honour of the intellectual scholar Saint Van Xuong, and national hero General Tran Hung Dao. In 1884, the Confucian scholar made a series of renovations to the site, including adding parallel sentences (câu đối) or word puzzles to the walls.

Admission: 20,000 VND
Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm, every day
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake

Temple of Literature

Built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong during the Ly dynasty, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu in Vietnamese) was erected in honour of the philosopher Confucius and his disciples in 1070. In 1076, it became home to Hanoi’s first university, Quốc Tử Giám. The site is one of the oldest in Hanoi and a national symbol of Vietnamese education and architecture. Today, the temple houses five court yards, records of Vietnamese scholars, and statues of turtles which are said to bring students good luck in their exams.

Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am – 5pm, from November until March; 7:30am – 6pm for the rest of the year, Tue-Sun
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da

Museum of Ethnology 

This amazing museum examines the everyday life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. Designed by ethnic Tay architect Ha Duc Linh and French architect Veronique Dolfus, the museum hosts three main exhibition areas. Exhibitions display cultural costumes, handicrafts, videos and artefacts; while the outdoor space showcases impressive life-size replicas of ethnic architecture.

Admission: 40,000 VND
Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm, Tue-Sun
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghia Do, Cau Giay

Saint Joseph’s Cathedral 

Saint Joseph’s Cathedral (also known as Hanoi Cathedral), was built on the site of the  Bao Thien Tower, which was the most famous landmark in the capital during the Ly Dynasty. The architect was inspired by the Neo-Gothic style of the Notre Dame de Paris. When visiting, expect to see a multicultural crowd of worshippers and plenty of Vietnamese newlyweds having romantic photo shoots.

Admission: Free
Hours: 8am – noon, 2pm – 6pm, every day
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem

Copyright by Vietnamtourism

11 must-see attractions in Hanoi
Nguyen Thanh Van