Bargaining in Vietnam – How to be the best bargainer

Bargaining in Vietnam – How to be the best bargainer https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/bargaining-in-vietnam

Culture differs from region to region, this is the reason why we need to learn and follow the rules whenever we travel to a novel place. In Asia, especially in the Southeast region, bargaining exists in daily life but it might be strange and impolite for foreigners when they first visit any country here. No more worry, because after reading this, you will be able to grab the ideas of bargaining in Vietnam – one of the most charming and well-known countries in Southeast Asia. Eventually, you can apply those tips for neighboring countries too.

Why bargain in Vietnam?

Everyone in the world wants to get a good deal when purchasing one item. But in Vietnam, bargaining happens more often as people have the habit to negotiate the price even over little things; such as when they go to the outdoor markets every day to buy food and supplies. When tourism starts to bloom rapidly and a huge number of travelers flock into the country, sellers at big markets tend to mark up the prices 0f the products offered to the foreigners. Tourism brings opportunities for the locals to earn their living better than before and they think that selling products to tourists can be super profitable.

 

Bargaining is applied to fruit vendors as well

However, it would be unfair to get it wrong with the Vietnamese people in general when it comes to bargaining because their mindset is due to the culture partly. Most of the Vietnamese people are friendly and hospitable, thus, it would not be so tough for you to practice bartering and success.

Tips for bargaining in Vietnam

Understand well the currency and exchange rate

Before shopping, it is a must that you remember the exchange rate well. If you are not good at math, you can always get support from a calculator on your phone. All you need is to know the Vietnam currency and its current exchange rate. Besides Vietnam Dong, the US Dollar is widely used in market places. Other currencies such as British Pound, Euro can be exchanged into local money but are hardly used by the sellers when making transactions. 

It is crucial to know the exchange rate between the US Dollar and Vietnam Dong, as in various cases, the sellers round up the amount which might make you pay more in USD than in VND. For example, a T-shirt costs VND100,000 equals to around US$4.3 but if you pay in USD, you would be required you to pay US$5.

In some situations, you can even make mistakes between the local notes. The VND10,000 and the VND200,000 note or the VND20,000 and VND500,000 note can be mixed up. Especially when you are not familiar with them or when you are in the places that lack light. Hence, be careful with this.

 

Watch out the colors of local notes

Skim through the prices before making purchases

The same item is sold not only at one shop but at many shops; therefore, you are advised to scope out the approximate or average price of the whole market first. If you rush to make the purchase, it is likely that you obtain an item at an expensive price but it might not be of the best quality. 

In addition, when you are doing the market survey, it is a good tip to observe the surrounding environment which includes other buyers. Look at the process other buyers negotiate the price and see if they can get the item at what price. After that, I believe that you will be more confident to start battering with the seller.

 

Many shops in the same market offer similar products to choose from

Learn some Vietnamese sentences

It is always a good idea to learn a few words or sentences before you travel to another country. Who knows when the local language will become handy for you? English is not commonly spoken in Vietnam, the more remote areas you travel to, the fewer people can speak it. As a result, make sure that you learn a few and of course very simple sentences to bargain such as:

• Hello – “Xin chao”
• Thank you – “Cam on”
• How much – “Bao nhieu”
• Too expensive – “Dat qua”

In big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, almost all sellers in central markets can speak conversational English. Nevertheless, if they find out that a tourist can speak some local words, they might be more easy-going and easy to persuade.

 

Elder sellers cannot speak English to the foreigners

Be nice and patient

Though the ultimate goal is to get a fair price at the outdoor market for the items you like and save some money for your travel, you should always remain your attitude. As a matter of fact, nearly 100% of bargaining cases would be successful, if you know how it works and be nice, be patient to the sellers. If one seller is too rigid after a long time of negotiating, there are 2 options: You should walk away to find another shop or you should pay a little more to get the item at that shop. Remember not to be too serious or to lose your control of such a rigid seller.

 

Be smiley when you do the bargaining

How to bargain in the markets?

This is the rule of thumb: Start to bid at 40 or 50% of the original prices. Then, you can gradually raise the price for 2 or 3 times and the fair price you can get is normally around 70 to 80% of the offered price. When doing the bargaining, despite that you are really into the products, you should not show your interest. If after 2 or 3 times of bidding, you can pretend to walk away or pretend to check and find out a fault in the product (although it is not true). In this way, the seller might agree with you.

Suggested Vietnam tours

• Grand Sensational Vietnam 20 Days
• Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 Days
• Tonkin Elegance 8 Days

Bargaining is not that hard if you are aware of the above hints. After trying a few times, I am sure you will become a master in bargaining in Vietnam as well as in Southeast Asia!

 

Minh Vu – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

Myanmar souvenirs – What are the best items to buy when travelling?

Myanmar souvenirs – What are the best items to buy when travelling? https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/where-to-buy-souvenirs-in-myanmar

Every time we travel to a novel destination, which makes each trip so special is not only the beauty witnessed, the lessons learned, or the experience encountered but also the meaningful items we bring home. They are the souvenirs that are characterized and unique, not similar from regions to regions. If you intend to travel to Myanmar, this blog will give you a hint of the best Myanmar souvenirs to purchase.

Being a small country in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is such a quiet and calm destination, unlike its neighbor, Thailand. The country is also well – known for the golden spirituals sites and rich cultural identity. In addition, there are plenty of supermarkets, outdoor local markets, department stores that are always open to welcome visitors to come at any time.

Here are the top 6 best souvenirs in Myanmar for you:

Jewelry

It might be a surprise to many people that Myanmar has a huge and rich source of gemstone mines which include rubies, jade, sapphire stones. As a matter of fact, Hong Kong, Thailand, or India, the key gem trading centers of Asia, import colored gemstones from Myanmar.

 

A wide selection of jewelry in a local shop in Myanmar

Averagely, the price you can get for jewelry in Myanmar is lower comparing to those countries. The jewelry made from these valuable materials and sold in Myanmar are not of good quality equally, so as the price. It means that there is a high chance that you buy a very beautiful and looks sophisticated piece of jewelry at a reasonable or even cheap price but it will contain gold inside. But the contrary is not always true neither, not all more expensive products are of ensured quality though.

If you long buy jewelry in Myanmar, it is advised that you have a basic knowledge of them, such as how to check the quality by their appearances or the quick techniques to examine the real quality. If you do not have the knowledge, you should search for some government-guaranteed centers or stores to buy jewelry from.

Longyi

Longyi is the name of Myanmar’s traditional skirt. It is a long and wrap-around skirt, worn comfortably by both women and men. When it is worn by men, Longyi is referred to as “Pasu”; while by women, Longyi is called “Htamein”. This costume is not only a traditional item but it is also helpful. Local people wear it in order to protect their bodies from the intolerant heat of the weather. Thus, during your trip, you can buy Longyi and use it just like the local people do.

 

A typical shop selling Longyi with numerous styles

Longyi skirts are sold at different colors, patterns, and sizes so it will be easy for you to choose. The most common material used to tailor the Longyi is silk, hence you should find them in silk shops in Myanmar.

Sand paintings

Sand painting is said to be an art in Myanmar. It has been around since 1975 and gradually develops as time goes by. This art has its root in Bagan, following a serious earthquake which caused a number of pagodas to be destroyed. Then, many artists in Bagan were inspired by this aftermath to start depicting and painting the religious scenes, monks, and Buddhist symbols by sand.

Nowadays, sand paintings are not only about religious contents but also about daily life and objects. The paintings are intriguing to travelers by both the special material and the great virtuosity of the artists when creating them. You can find them from the vendors on the street at a cheap price to the galleries at a higher price.

 

An artist is concentrating on painting a sand painting to sell

Puppets

Just like many countries in Asia, puppets in Myanmar play an integral part in their culture. Here, puppets are known under other names: Marionettes or Yoke Thé. Marionettes, the string puppetry, has been the traditional form of puppet performance in Myanmar since the 15^th century. Through these puppets, morals, victories, tales of wonder are told and passed from generation to generation.

Marionettes are too pretty to miss buying as a souvenir and it is certainly a lovely item to display at your house. Besides that, if you are keen on watching a puppet show in Myanmar, you should come to some famous tourist attractions. For instance, in Yangon, this kind of art is performed in the National Museum and Htwe Oo Myanmar Puppetry Home.

 

Puppets are displayed at a local market in Myanmar

Tea

Why is tea a popular item to buy in Myanmar? To your concern, a major part of Myanmar’s agriculture is attached to cultivating tea leaves. Furthermore, tea became a close friend to all of the Burmese people a long time ago; and it presents in their daily life. If you travel to this country, you can easily catch the sight of local people sitting on the sidewalk, in a vendor to drink tea at any time in a day. Because of this reason, the Burmese want to share this tasty drink with foreign friends and produce tea as presents.

You can purchase the dried tea leaves to make tea at home; however, it might be of a little strange taste to foreigners, especially those who come from Europe, American, or Australia. Hence, you should buy the tea powder mix sold in small sachet instead.

 

The tasty tea mix brand to buy in Myanmar

Suggested Myanmar tours

• Essence Of Myanmar 12 Days
• Highlights Of Myanmar 8 Days
• Classic Myanmar 6 Days

 

In summary, buying Myanmar souvenirs will not be challenging if you follow this blog. I am sure these presents will be meaningful and also great gifts for your friends and family back home.

 

Minh Vu – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

Hoi An tours & The perfect travel guide to Hoi An for 2021

Hoi An tours & The perfect travel guide to Hoi An for 2021 https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/hoi-an-tours

If you are truly planning Vietnam tours 2021, it is recommended to put Hoi An tours on your list. Hoi An is a well-preserved heritage site which was used to be the trading port town dating from the 15th to the 19th Century, mostly for Chinese, Japanese, and European businessmen. It explained why the architecture here is the blend of indigenous and foreign style. Many people put it into their bucket list due to the charm of the ancient walking town, the lovely beach paradise, the good nature of locals, and the amazing culinary! 

 

The charm of Hoi An ancient town

How to get to Hoi An

Hoi An does not have an airport, so most visitors come here via Da Nang airport which is 30km away. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Jetstar and Bamboo Airways operate loads of domestic flights coming to Da Nang from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and a few others from Da Lat & Nha Trang. As Da Nang is located in the Central region, those are short-haul flights – about 1,5 hours each.

Some people choose the railway for the experience to get to Hoi An, but not from the major cities like Hanoi or Saigon because it will take more than a day to reach here – pretty tiring. Ideally, board on the train from Hue city (about 3 hours) is a great idea while you can travel through Hai Van pass – an unforgettable sea view from your cabin! 

 

Take a train from Hue to Hoi An

The best time to visit Hoi An

Hoi An (like 2 other nearby tourist destinations – Hue & Da Nang) has 2 main seasons: a dry and a rainy one. The dry season starts from March to September which is sunny and humid. The rainy season from October to February is with a high chance of typhoons and floods in the old town. Consequently, February to May is the best time to visit Hoi An to avoid rain and the summer heat.

Hoi An accommodation

There are also several options for accommodation from the local guesthouses to luxury resorts. Most of them are assembled the authentic Hoi An houses or with boutique style. What you should question is where to stay – near to the old town or on the beach? The distance between the town to Cua Dai or An Bang beach is about 4 – 6 km but it would be a little issue for those who do not fancy walking or riding a bike. Let’s take a look at the following recommendations:

• Near to the old town: Atlas Hotel, Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa, Little Boutique Hoi An Hotel, La Siesta Resort & Spa, Almanity Wellness Resort, Anantara Resort, etc.
• Near to the beaches: Palm Garden Resort, Boutique Hoi An Resort, Victoria Resort & Spa, Sunrise Premium Resort, etc. In these places, the shuttle bus is normally free offered so that you can easily travel to the town but there is a fixed schedule.

 

Palm Garden Resort

Things to do in Hoi An

Now, you want to know things to do in Hoi An. Below is what you needed

Walk/bike around the walking streets

Cars are never allowed inside the old town area which is just so convenient for the walkers. It is also easy for those who love cycling slowly around. I myself, have been traveling to Hoi An 3 times and each time, I never walked around the ancient streets less than twice.

The streets here filled with tailors, vendors, galleries, boutique restaurants, authentic coffee houses, etc. All are painted in the bright shade of yellow and decorated with multi-colors lanterns. The paperflowers in the summer make Hoi An harmonious in any painting! The words are spread, many more people coming to this small and it gets more crowded every time I come back. So ideally, take a stroll in the early morning where it is still tranquil.

 

Hoi An walking streets

My Son Sanctuary

It is a holy land to recall the Champa people’s glory days dating from the 4th to the 13th century. My Son was an important political center that consists of more than 70 structures devoted to Hindu gods and goddesses. Sadly, the great damage of this complex was made by wars and time. However, as the local authorities have been trying to preserve it, it is able to welcome guests every day and to remind them of the great Angkor Wat of Cambodia.

 

My Son Sanctuary

Visit the countryside

Hoi An has more to offer than just the small area of the walking streets. Some people find it more peaceful to have a day explore the countryside, the fishing villages or the handicraft villages like Tra Que (vegetables & herbs), Kim Bong (carpentry), Thanh Ha (pottery), etc.

 

Tra Que village

Join a cooking class

It is no doubt that gastronomy plays a crucial part in Vietnamese culture and it is praised on many famous travel magazines, by the chef or food experts. You can learn to cook some traditional dishes in many other cities but it is always different in Hoi An. Imagine you board on the sampan boat to the vegetable gardens and the local markets to pick up the fresh ingredients; then come to a local house inside a garden, cook, and enjoy what you just make with a local chef. Red Bridge or Hoi An Waterwheel are two outstanding classes with great staff and great reviews.

 

Hoi An cooking class

Have a tailormade shirt

As a port, Hoi An was welcoming Japanese, Dutch, Chinese and Indian to trade silk. So that somehow relates to the fact that tailor-made clothes in Hoi An have become well-known nowadays with good quality and style made by the skillful tailors. There are plenty of shops in the old streets. You may want to drop by Yaly, Thu Thuy, or A Dong Silk showrooms. You will get a measure and choose the material, colors, type of clothes, come back a couple of times to do the fitting until it is perfect for you. The whole process would take around 1-2 days and cost very reasonable.

Suggested Hoi An tours

• Hidden Beauty Central Vietnam 6 Days
• Classic Central Vietnam 5 Days
• Cooking Tour In Hoi An

 

Daniel Nguyen – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

Top 5 must-try Luang Prabang street foods

Top 5 must-try Luang Prabang street foods https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/luang-prabang-street-foods

Founded approximately 1200 years ago, Luang Prabang was the very first capital of Laos. It is no longer the capital of Laos but still remains the best tourist attraction in the country. If you ever have the chance to visit Luang Prabang Laos together with other neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, you must realize that it is among the most charming riverside towns. In this blog, I am going to share my experience with the rustic but so tasty Luang Prabang street foods. 

This town locates in the North of Laos, on a peninsula formed by the Mekong River and Nam Khan River. Visiting this place made me have the feeling of coming back to a time – to what is really ancient. It is because the local people of Luang Prabang have done a really good job of preserving the architectural and artistic heritage. Thus, it is exceptionally authentic. Luang Prabang city center is not huge, which will make your food journey easy as a piece of cake and even if your traveling schedule is running short.

 

The authentic Luang Prabang town

BBQ with Laos style

I had traveled the whole country and could confidently assert that you will not be able to find the well-known restaurant chains here, such as Italia/American pizza, beefsteak, fried chicken, or Korean/Japanese food that often. It is different from Thailand or Vietnam, where there is an abundance of choice as for when you travel but want to find something for your meal that is not the ordinary food for the locals. Hence, having tried the BBQ with Laos style was such a life-time experience for me. 

To be honest, I did not have the intention to give this a try; eventually, I was invited by my friend to this BBQ restaurant. I hardly saw any foreigners in this place, so I guessed this was totally authentic. I was so impressed by the quality of the food prepared as well as how they grilled the meats. There is a buffet tempting in front of my eyes with pork, beef, vegetable, and even seafood. You must wonder about the sources of seafood as Laos has no beach border; then all of the seafood is imported every day from Thailand, and apart from Vietnam. As a result, there is no need to question the freshness and sanity of those foods.

 

The unique grill and hotpot “machine”

The grillers were the combination with hot-pot function operated by charcoal underneath. It means that you can eat 2 styles at the same time. You can enjoy the BBQ at a reasonable price, starting from 60,000 kips (around US$8) per person. Also, you can find some BBQ restaurant alongside the river banks, next to the old town.

Barbecued sticks

This type of food is sold by vendors or sidewalk stalls and the place where you can find it easily is at the center night market. They make the barbecues from pork, fish, egg, or chicken wings and the meats are usually on a skewer or between 2 bamboo sticks. Laos people also eat animal organs and other animal parts as well, which are not so familiar to Western culture. Even to me, I had no idea which part of the animal I ate because they made it into sausages with appealing red skin and smoke smell. The local seller did not speak any of English; apparently, I could not communicate and ask her what that was. Nevertheless, the stick was still tasty in any way. 

Although this type of food will not make you full, it is certainly a fun experience even if you do not know what you are eating.

 

A typical barbecue stall on the street

Khao Soi

Many Southeast Asia countries cook their own traditional noodle soups. Laos also have their own type called “Khao Soi”, which is more popular in the Northern part of Laos, like in Luang Prabang. It can be described as the flat rice noodle served with pork broth, bolognese of minced pork, tomatoes, garlic, and fermented bean paste. When the seller presents a bowl of Khao Soi to the customers, they always bring along a plate of herbs which will be added based on personal taste. You can also add more sour taste from lime or spicy taste from chili paste according to your preference after the bowl is brought out. 

Laos Khao Soi is not the same as Thai Khao Soi, as the latter is a coconut curry noodle soup. What makes Laos Khao Soi stand out is the meat Bolognese that is cooked by adding a special kind of fermented soybean paste. A bowl of Khao Soi can be a perfect choice for your breakfast or lunch since it is so easy to find in the local restaurants in Luang Prabang.

 

The simple but tasty bowl of Khao Soi

Pork Larb (Lab)

Larb is basically a kind of salad made from meat, and Pork Larb (aka Larb Moo) is one of the most common appetizers in Laos. Many people think that Larb originates from Thailand as you can find this dish is so common and popular in every Thai menu. In contrast, Larb has its root in Laos and has made its way to Thailand and some other countries. 

Larb can be made from not only pork but also from beef, buffalo, chicken, or duck. Still, pork is the most used ingredient. When I did a research about Larb, it is interesting to know that the meat in the dish can be cooked or raw; nonetheless, I went for the safer choice, which is to try the cooked one. A typical dish of Larb Moo combines ground pork with many types of herbs such as cilantro, scallions, mint, fresh lime juice; and 1 more important ingredient is rice powder. Finally, a plate of Larb Moo would not be complete without the wrap of fresh cabbage. You should find this dish in a proper restaurant rather in a sidewalk stall in Luang Prabang. This is one of my most favorite dishes that can be made at home since it requires no special ingredients!

 

The Pork Larb can be eaten with rice also

Fresh fruit shake and fruit juice

The weather in Luang Prabang is hot all year round. Therefore, it gives rise to the demand for fresh and cold products. Luckily, I found stalls of fresh fruit, fruit shake and juice in almost all corners in Luang Prabang; and of course, they are not too expensive to purchase. After every meal, I often bought a box of mixed fresh fruit, mainly with watermelon, yellow melon, dragon fruit, and mango. For the fruit juice, there is always a menu in English for foreigners to order together with a fixed price. This is such a good way to ease your thirst, to finish your meals, or to supplement vitamin while traveling.

 

Just pick and you will have a chilled cup of fruit juice!

Suggested Laos tours to Luang Prabang

• Jewels Of Laos 13 Days
• The Elephant Journey 10 Days
• Laos Overland 7 Days

 

Despite its calmness and quietness, Luang Prabang is still a small, ancient, and lovely town to visit. You do not need to spend too much on food but still can find numerous good Luang Prabang street foods. Make sure to try my list when you are in Luang Prabang tours!

 

Minh Vu – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

Why should you travel to Vietnam after the COVID-19 crisis?

Why should you travel to Vietnam after the COVID-19 crisis? https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/travel-to-vietnam-after-covid-19

It is already a couple of months since we first heard about COVID-19, now it is spreading all over the world and by the time I write this, some countries already figured out how to slow down the pace. It is certainly a difficult and stressful time for people around the world, probably the most disruptive and challenging that we have ever faced in our lives. Apparently, tourism and travel are mostly affected by this pandemic when countries are closing their borders; people have been canceling their trips and do not know when they should plan again. But we always keep looking to the brighter side when it is soon over and travelers start to pack up. Don’t think too much about where to go, because here below I will show you why you should travel to Vietnam after the COVID-19 crisis.

 

The endless natural beauty of Vietnam

Vietnam is a safe country

According to the latest update on 11th May, Vietnam has 288 confirmed cases in which 249 people have recovered and discharged from hospitals, other patients are getting better and no death at all. It results from the quick and proactive reaction also the preparation for necessary actions from our Government. Many travelers who already infected without knowing about it, entered Vietnam, be treated, and came back home healthy. 

Road-related deaths kill more people than the disease in Vietnam. Additionally, 14,000 annual traffic fatalities occur on the motorbike. Most of our guests who book the Vietnam package tour have been using our private van/minivan with our experienced drivers – some have been serving guests for more than 10 years. 

The little crime that exists generally in the form of pick-pocketing, prostitution, or illegal drug use, but the levels of these crimes remain relatively low compared to other regions of the world.

 

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city were allowed to end social distancing on 23rd April

Vietnam visa is like a piece of cake

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam continually proposed a 15-day Vietnam visa exemption for citizens of 5 European countries which are the UK, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. Their next visit must be 30 days after their last enter to Vietnam. 

For people from other countries, no worry at all, it is really easy to obtain your Vietnam visa in either of 2 ways: visa on arrival and E-Visa. 

With the visa on arrival, the application covers 3 simple steps as follows:

• Applicants need to access to the website of a Vietnam visa center, and register in advance by completing an online form, and making payment of service fee to such center;
• After a certain period of time, normally 2 working days, they will receive a visa approval letter via email;
• Then they will use the letter to pick up the stamped visa at the landing airport. They also have to pay the stamping fee at this time. 

For the electronic visa, it takes 3 working days for processing, costs US$25 and is granted for single entry visits for a maximum of 30 days to nationals of the 80 eligible countries. You can see the detailed guidelines on this Government official website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt. When you arrive in Vietnam, you do not need to pay any other visa costs and it also saves your time at the airport as well thus it recently is the preference of several tourists. 

 

Vietnam visa

Vietnam is beautiful!

No one comes back home without tons of amazing photos of Vietnam’s beautiful nature. We have almost every kind of natural landscapes, from the towering mountain ranges, the lush forests & national parks, the terraced rice fields, the biggest natural caves, thousands of stunning waterfalls, lakes, rivers, sand dunes and the long coastlines with multiple lovely beaches, etc.

It also comes with the architecture which you can find in the Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An ancient town, My Son Sanctuary, etc. or a lot of Buddist temples from north to south. 

 

Halong Bay is one of the most famous Vietnam holiday destinations

The culture

Vietnamese culture is unique and very much alive daily. If you travel to Vietnam during the Tet holiday (Lunar new year), you can easily encounter a Vietnamese woman wearing Ao dai – our traditional customs. Coming to every monument or temple, you will hear about the rituals, the folk tales which express our belief. More interesting, you can have lunch at a local home and witness how we prepare food for a simple family meal, how to start the meal, how to share food or how we worship our family ancestors, etc.

With 54 ethnic groups who live in specific places, you have a lot of things to see while traveling, like the hill tribes in Sapa mountainous area, their colorful clothes, their traditional houses, their food, etc.

 

Sapa is home to five ethnic minorities of Vietnam

The cuisine

Vietnamese gastronomy is famous all over the world, sometimes it is the goal for some travelers. You might hear of Pho noodle, banh mi, fried spring rolls, sticky rice… – all signatures of Vietnam food.

What more cool is Vietnamese street food! From the main dishes to the snacks, you can easily find it on the streets of Hanoi, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh city. It feels just so right when you sit in a low chair waiting for your green papaya salad while surrounded by the local eaters. 

Vietnamese coffee just tastes so good. Black coffee, with condensed milk, with coconut milk or egg coffee – those are must-try!  

 

The delicious Bun Cha

It is affordable

It is hard to find a place with all the above things yet the cheap price. Vietnam is one of a kind. 

Hotels are from US$20 for a night if you are a backpacker, and from US$45 if you are looking for an upper 3-star hotel with the centrally located place. Street food is US$1-2 for a dish, and a full meal at the restaurant costs you US$10 per person. Transportation/taxis are everywhere at a reasonable rate. 

Suggested Vietnam tours 2021

• Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 Days
• Tonkin Elegance 8 Days
• Classic Central Vietnam 5 Days
  
  

 

Daniel Nguyen – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

Light up your trip with Thailand lantern festival

Light up your trip with Thailand lantern festival https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/thailand-lantern-festival

Thailand is no doubt a really attractive destination for having plenty of festivals celebrated all year round. After the most famous Songkran Festival (Thai New Year Festival), many visitors are eager to join the Thailand lantern festival in fall with the breath-taking photos of thousands of burning lanterns flying into the sky.

 

Thailand lantern festival is celebrated in the fall

The lantern festival in Thailand

Here are the top 5 most frequently asked questions for the lantern festival in Thailand:

1. When is the lantern festival held in 2020? The light festival is held on the full moon day of the 12th lunar month every year. This year, the lantern festival may fall for 31st October 2020
2. Where is the lantern festival in Thailand? The lantern festival is celebrated nationwide. Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Bangkok are the best places to see the festivals in the country.
3. How do people celebrate the lantern festival? Loy Krathong is the Thai name of the lantern festival. Here people release lotus-shaped baskets that are decorated with candles and flowers onto the rivers.
4. What is special about the light festival in Chiang Mai? Yi Peng is another light festival held on the same day as the Loy Krathong in Northern Thailand, mostly in Chiang Mai. Lights are set into the sky lanterns that are decorated with good wishes and prayers. People then release the lanterns into the air.
5. How to join the Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai? You can go online to purchase your entrance tickets. There are two places for Yi Peng Festival: Behind Mae Jo University, costs from US$300/person – this is mainly for locals and Chiang Mai Culture Art & Design from US$200/person – this is considered to be more delightful in the open air.

 

The lantern festival in Thailand is to represent optimism and new beginnings

Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong literally means “floating basket”. These lanterns are hand made with the banana trees, banana leaves, flowers, and incense sticks. You can make you own or buy one for around 50-150 THB depending on the size and shape. On the day the festival occurs, you may find anywhere to sell this beautiful lantern.  

Loy Krathong has been celebrated throughout the country for centuries with the purpose to mark the end of the rainy season. People will gather around lakes, rivers, and canals to pay respects to the god of water then release the beautiful lotus-shaped rafts.

In Bangkok, the main Loy Krathong celebration has been held at Asiatique since 2013. Long ago, it was held along the banks of Wat Saket in the Old City which is still a popular place for travelers. For anyone around Khao San Road, head to the nearby Phra Athit Pier. If your hotels host a Loy Krathong event at their swimming pool area (contact your hotel for more information), you can try your hand at Loy Krathong, without fighting your way through crowds of people outside the public area.

 

The handmade lanterns are releasing

Hotels located along the Chao Phraya River are especially popular. They often have Loy Krathong events combined with a special dinner and fireworks; such as Anantara Riverside Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, or Shangri La Hotel Bangkok. 

Yi Peng Festival

Thousands of burning lanterns lighting up and filling the night sky is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai, as well as an impressive moment that many visitors desire to have in their Thailand tours.

Historically, the Yi Peng Festival was the special holiday celebrated by the Lanna Kingdom of northern Thailand. Many believe that the time of the 12th full moon is when the moon will appear at its fullest and brightest that make the perfect time to wish for good fortune for the new calendar year.

As the release of the lantern at the water festival, the releasing of the lantern is considered as an act of releasing your bad luck into oblivion. 

Normally, a huge lantern release event takes place at Maejo University about a few days before Yi Peng. During the actual Yi Peng festival, Three Kings Monument, Thapae Gate, the Old Town moat area and the Ping River are the main locations where celebrations take place. You can choose to spend time at a rooftop bar to escape the crowds and see tranquil lanes with candles. 

 

Yi Peng Festival

Tips for a successful releasing your lanterns in Chiang Mai

1. Purchase your favorite one as early as possible to avoid the sold-out when thousands of people seek for the lanterns on the day of celebration.
2. You can consider buying the bigger lantern as it is easier to release than the small ones. 
3. Write your wish on the lantern before lighting it up and sending it to the sky.
4. As the paper is very thin, be careful not to tear the lantern.
5. Launch the lantern on your own is quite hard, do not hesitate to ask for help surroundings.
6. Do not forget to make a wish, light incense, and wait until the lantern is suitable to fly to the sky.

Suggested Thailand tours 2021

• Classic Thailand 7 Days
• Bangkok To Chiang Mai 4 Days
• Golden Triangle Tour 3 Days

 

Linh Chu – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

3 suggestions for Vietnam itinerary one week

3 suggestions for Vietnam itinerary one week https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/vietnam-itinerary-one-week

Vietnam is a long country with many beautiful destinations and it could take about one month to deeply discover its landscape and culture. It would be a very difficult job to choose which places to go as one week is probably not enough. Still, you can have a good insight into the country with different itineraries. I have listed here below 3 plans that you can consider for your Vietnam itinerary one week.

 

Discover the regions of Vietnam

Classic one-week itinerary – A glance at Vietnam

This itinerary will be suitable for guests who want to get a bit of everything and to basically understand and experience the country. Your trip will start from Hanoi, the capital with rich history and culture to breathtaking landscape Halong, from the lovely peaceful town of Hoi An to modern and Ho Chi Minh city, enjoying specialties of all the areas.

 

A glance at Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Your first stop in Vietnam is to fly into Hanoi, the capital, and also the main airport for flights coming into Vietnam. You can also start your trip from the South by flying into Ho Chi Minh.

After arriving Hanoi, a free day to rest and relax is highly recommended. However, if your flight lands early in the morning, you can easily take a Hanoi walking tour in the Old Quarter or sit on a relaxing cyclo tour to discover the vibrant streets of Hanoi. After that, enjoy a water puppet show (about one hour), a traditional folklore art of the country which will surely entertain you for the night.

Day 2: Spend a full day discover the historical sites of Hanoi

It is very necessary and important to arrange a Vietnam guided tour with a private transfer and English speaking guide (or another language you’d like) to understand more about these places and be able to visit more.

Here below are the most popular destinations that you should visit during your city tour in Hanoi.

1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh – the national hero who devoted his life to the Independence of Vietnam. The visit can be combined with a visit to President Palace, House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda.
2. Temple of Literature, a temple dedicated to Confucius, was also recognized as the first national university in Vietnam.
3. The Museum of Ethnology displays many artifacts of different ethnic minorities in Vietnam.
4. Hoa Lo Prison was a prison used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

 

Hoa Lo Prison

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay

You will drive about 3 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay and then get on a Halong overnight cruise. There are 3 bays that cruises operate tours: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and many types of cruises from budget to luxury cruises that suit your need and interest. Whichever bay/cruises you choose, you can basically experience activities such as visiting Halong Bay caves, kayaking, and enjoy the breathtaking of the bay.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Da Nang

You will disembark the cruise about 11:30 am – 12:00 pm. Then you can join in the shuttle bus to be back to Hanoi and then get a taxi/private car to Hanoi airport and flight to Da Nang. Actually, there is a closer airport to Halong Bay which is Hai Phong airport with only one flight departing around 15:30 pm from Hai Phong to Da Nang. From Da Nang, you take a private taxi/car to Hoi An. Since arriving early around 18:00 pm, you can spend the night discover this peaceful small town.

Day 5: Spend a day in Hoi An

You can spend a day relaxing and discovering the town or join a biking tour of the countryside area of Hoi An.

 

Peaceful Hoi An town

Day 6: Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh half day tour

There are many flights from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh per day and I think the one at 10:00 am is the most suitable one. Upon arrival Ho Chi Minh, discover the highlights of the city such as the War Museum, Independence Palace, Post Office, Cathedral Church, and Ben Thanh market.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh

Mekong Delta is definitely worth visiting even if you have one day. You can discover the lush delta with many activities such as visiting fruit gardens, local cottage industry, enjoying a local rowing boat through a small canal. A Mekong Delta day trip often arranges activities at My Tho/Vinh Long/Ben Tre which is about 2,5 or 3 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh city.

You will be back in Ho Chi Minh city around 18:00 and you will be able to fly home if your flight is around midnight.

Vietnam one week itinerary for family

The family may not want to travel too much by plane, so focusing on typical areas such as North Vietnam tours is the best option.

 

North Vietnam tours

Day 1: Hanoi arrival + Cyclo tour

Upon arrive Hanoi, take a good rest before discovering the busy streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Your kids may tired to walk, let’s book a cyclo ride (about 1 hour), meandering through vibrant streets and watching the world go by.

Day 2: Half day city tour or Bat Trang ceramic village – Street food tour

You can choose one or two below suggestions:

1. Half-day Hanoi city tour: Visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature & Hoa Loa Prison.
2. Bat Trang Ceramic village: Having fun with clay and mold under the instruction of craftsmen. Visiting a workshop to understand how traditional ceramic made in Vietnam.
3. Hanoi street food tour: Embarking on a culinary adventure, biting into the flavors of northern Vietnam, discovering local markets, and wandering through the alleys of Hanoi Old Quarter, trying different specialties of Hanoi from Pho, Bun, Hanoi egg coffee and other snacks.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the greatest Vietnam holiday destinations for everyone. If you have kids, it is great to choose cruise offering Halong Bay kayaking activities. Overnight on cruise.

 

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Night train to Lao Cai

After disembarking cruise, you will drive back to Hanoi and then get on an overnight train to Sapa. Train leaves at 21:00 pm or 21:40 pm.

Day 5: Sapa

After 8 hours on the train, your family will arrive at Lao Cai station which is 30 km Sapa. Booking a private car/taxi beforehand is highly recommended as you will reach Lao Cai quite early in the morning (5:00 am – 6:00 am). Sapa is a great place to enjoy the most beautiful landscape in northwest Vietnam. Also, it is so interesting to learn about different ethnic groups who live on the mountain, trek to the village of Lao Chai and Ta Van. Then back to your hotel in Sapa for rest. There are many local Sapa homestays if your family wants to have a more authentic experience.

Day 6: Sapa – Hanoi

You will spend half-day to discover the other attractions in Sapa such as Fanxipang Mountain, Silver Waterfall. There are more routes for people who like to do more trekking.

There are several options to go back Hanoi: by private car, by night train, or Limousine shuttle bus. I would highly recommend taking the shuttle bus as it is very comfortable and cost-saving. Bus leaves around 15:00 pm and costs around US$ 15-20/per person.

Notes: The best time to travel to Sapa is from May to September when rice is planted on the field. If you travel in March/April, Mai Chau/Pu Luong is an alternative.

 

Rice terraces in Sapa

Day 7: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Flight home

If you still have one more day in Hanoi, Ninh Binh (100 km south of Hanoi) is really worth visiting. Taking a Trang An boat trip and biking around the village are the main activities that the area offers.

>> Suggested Vietnam tours: Tonkin Elegance 8 Days

Vietnam one week itinerary for adventurers

For adventurers, Vietnam is the ideal destination with diverse kinds of landscapes, mountains, hills, ocean, island, karst caves, and deltas. North Vietnam is often praised for its unique natural and cultural features. For nature, the most famous one is the world heritage Halong Bay. However, many other places such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be, Cao Bang are all worth to visit with magnificent landscape and culture.

 

For adventurers, Vietnam is also the ideal destination

1. Ha Giang is home to many ethnic minorities including Hmong, Dao, Tay, and famous for the most rugged territory of Vietnam. This area is located closer to the China border. Dong Van Plateau, Meo Vac, Ma Pi Leng pass are highlighted.
2. Cao Bang is the most famous attractions with Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave
3. Ba Be Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in Vietnam. Enjoying a relaxing boat trip and hiking to the local village are the main activities here.

 

Relaxing boat trip on Ba Be Lake

Note: Be expected to spend a long time on the car/bus when you decide to travel to this region. Even though, the view on the mountain will never disappoint you.

>> Suggested Vietnam tours: Spirit Of Northeast Vietnam Adventure 7 Days

 

All above are the 3 suggestions for Vietnam itinerary one week for different groups with different interests and recommended tours. When planning your Vietnam tours 2021, it is always better to look at the weather and other factors to customize your trip. If you find the itinerary above doesn’t match your trip, please share with us your expectation, and then we will design the trip just for you.

 

Van Do – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

How to travel from Chiang Mai to Phuket?

How to travel from Chiang Mai to Phuket? https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/chiang-mai-to-phuket

Chiang Mai and Phuket are two popular destinations in Thailand that many travelers choose to visit. If you are planning Thailand tours 2021, let us introduce to you the best way to get from Chiang Mai to Phuket in this article below.

 

Phuket – A paradise island in Thailand

An introduction of Chiang Mai and Phuket

If you are finding a quiet and friendly atmosphere to get away from busy Bangkok, Chiang Mai is absolutely a good choice. Some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai are visiting beautiful temples such as Doi Suthep, discovering the backstreet of Chiang Mai at night, spending a day at an elephant sanctuary, or attending a monk chat. After exploring all the highlights of Chiang Mai, you should travel south to Phuket to enjoy the most popular beach in the country. Not only famous for beautiful beaches, but Phuket is also well known for nightlife, bars, and entertainment.

 

Elephant Caring Day – an interesting experience in Chiang Mai

How to get from Chiang Mai to Phuket

There are two main ways to travel from Chiang Mai to Phuket which are by plane and by bus. Based on your travel planned budget and your travel interest, you can choose the most suitable way for you.

By plane

Traveling by plane is definitely the fastest way. The flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket would take nearly two hours. Direct flights are run daily with many departure times. You can find your flights with these following carriers: Air Asia, Thai Smile, Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airlines. The price would vary very much based on the time you booked and your travel dates. The cost is ranging from US$ 90 to US$ 160/ ticket.

The drive from Chiang Mai center to Chiang Mai airport would take less than 30 minutes. You can be at the airport 1 hour before departure time. Even though the airport is quite small with only one terminal, I would suggest showing off a least one and a half hours for check-in. Therefore, you don’t need to rush around as there are often long lines at both Chiang Mai and Phuket airport.

 

There are direct flights running daily from Chiang Mai to Phuket

By bus

Phuket is an island, it is however connected with the mainland by the bridge. Therefore, you could reach the island by bus.

In the past, there was no direct bus running between Chiang Mai and Phuket. It has just changed a couple of years ago when Green Bus began offering a direct bus from Chiang Mai to Phuket. However, please note that the journey could take a very long time, up to 24 hours. Even though the bus will stop several times for you to stretch your legs and having meals, it would not be comfortable to spend such a long time on the bus.

The Green Bus at Chiang Mai Bus station is only one available bus trip every day; leaving at 12:30 pm from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and arriving at Phuket Bus Terminal 2 around midday the following day. Please note that from your hotel, you would need to take a local taxi to get to the bus station, and upon arrival, depending on your hotel location, a short transfer is needed to bring you to your accommodation.

The Green Bus is quite a modern bus with modern facilities including air conditioners, toilets; and even bus seats are fitted with small TVs. I am not sure if there is an English language program available but it would be interesting to find out!

The advantage of taking a bus is that it would cost less than a flight ticket (around US$ 62) and you will get to see more beautiful Thai countryside on your road trip. Similar to flight tickets, you should book the bus ticket beforehand to avoid it get fully booked. You can easily book online or go to the bus station one or two days before your departure date and by on spot.

 

Green Bus – from Chiang Mai to Phuket

Travel ideas for your Thailand tours

Depending on your planned time frame, you may add to other destinations such as Bangkok or Kanachaburi on your trip. One of the most popular trips is Classic Thailand 7 days. You could add on at least 3 days in Phuket after this trip for relaxation.

To conclude, you can opt for traveling by plane or by bus, depending on your budget and travel preferences. If you are willing to pay extra, flights would be the quickest and easiest way to travel. If you are elderly people or family traveling with kids, there is no need to think much as flight should be the best option. On the other hand, if you are young, energetic, and keen on adventure, going by bus is not a bad idea at all.

 

Van Do – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

Ma Pi Leng Pass – A place for adventure lovers in Vietnam

Ma Pi Leng Pass – A place for adventure lovers in Vietnam https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/conquering-ma-pi-leng-pass-hagiang

Vietnam is well-known among travelers around the world for its spectacular sceneries, from white sand beaches to mysterious jungles and caves; and of course, for high and magnificent mountain ranges also. For those who love a little discovery for their Vietnam tours, they should put Ma Pi Leng Pass into their schedule. A visit to Ma Pi Leng Pass in the northern part will definitely become one of the best road trips in one’s travel life.

 

Ma Pi Leng, one of the top 4 passes in Vietnam

Ma Pi Leng Pass map

The North of Vietnam offers travelers with various astonishing attractions such as Hanoi – the capital; Halong Bay – one of the world’s 7 Wonders; or Ninh Binh – a romantic countryside site. Besides these, the North can welcome you to visit plenty of mountainous areas and experience the authentic nature and village life of the minorities. The Ma Pi Leng Pass belongs to Ha Giang Vietnam, connecting Dong Van plateau and Meo Vac towns. It is close to the border between Vietnam and China. It sits on the altitude of approximately 1500m above the sea level.

Ma Pi Leng is considered one of the top 4 passes in Vietnam which are beautiful but also dangerous to travel. Its name, in Vietnamese meaning (to be more accurate, the name is coined according to H’mong language), means “the bridge of a horse’s nose” that describes the shape of it.  Some people compare it to The Great Wall of Vietnam. Though the pass’s length is only about 20 kilometers, it can challenge any first-time driver here.

 

The winding road of Ma Pi Leng Pass

What to see in Ma Pi Leng Pass

There is not really a certain attraction to pay the entrance fee to visit while you are riding through the pass. All you can see are endless limestone mountain ranges and a stunning view of the sky. Moreover, you can look down the Tu San Canyon and the stream of Nho Que River from high above. While you are driving through the pass, you might have to stop several times just because you will feel the urge to capture the views in front of your eyes which are like a fairytale.

 

The road is winding but quite smooth to go

Endless limestone mountain ranges

From the moment you enter on the winding road, mountain ranges will get higher and higher with different shapes. Some of the mountain ranges are undulating and some of them are pointed like they can breach the sky. Some of the mountain peaks are covered with dark grey color and some with the bright green color of the trees. You will be led to this surprise to another one and be amazed by the tremendousness of nature. You feel yourself so small standing there.

Tu San Canyon and Nho Que River

From above, you can also have the chance to see the Tu San Canyon lying beyond the creek and the “sleeping beauty” Nho Que River. The river actually originates from Van Nam province, China and it goes a long way to Dong Van and Meo Vac towns in Ha Giang Vietnam. The river calmly flows and bends through the foot of mountain ranges. It seems to add more roman to the picture of the scenery of Ma Pi Leng Pass. If you are lucky, you can catch the sight of the locals slowly riding a boat through the stream of Nho Que River. Continue to drive until the end of the pass, near Meo Vac town, you will reach Trang Huong Bridge, from which you can find the way to approach Nho Que boat station. Here, you can enjoy the boat riding or do kayaking on the river.

 

A part of Nho Que River from high above

How to get to Ma Pi Leng pass

The most obvious way to admire the fullest beauty on Ma Pi Leng pass is to ride a motorbike on your own; as you can stop and jump down of the motorbike whenever and at whatever spot you like. If you are an expert in riding in Vietnam or in Southeast Asia, needless to say, you can hire a motorbike from Hanoi, or in Ha Giang town for your journey. If you are not well acquainted with riding a motorbike, you have a few options below.

A private transfer from Hanoi

It is highly recommended that you contact a local travel agency in advance to set up for a private car to Ha Giang. A travel expert will make sure that an experienced driver will be arranged for your trip. This way can be the most expensive, but you can also have the flexibility as well as safety.

Taking a bus from Hanoi

This is a more economical way to travel to Ha Giang. It is not difficult to purchase a bus ticket departing in the early morning or in the evening from Hanoi to Ha Giang. You are advised to contact a local travel agency or your hotel in Hanoi for a reliable bus company. Once you get to Ha Giang town, you can hire your own motorbike, use local bus or hire the motorbike service (or also called “Xe Om”) to explore the Ma Pi Leng pass.

The best time to visit Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ha Giang is beautiful all year round but each season in the year, it is not the same.

From January to March, in spring, usually during or after the Lunar New Year, the weather is not so cold. There is drizzle during the day but not considerably affect. This is the best season for apricot flowers, plum flowers, and yellow rapeseed flowers.

 

Spring arrives in Ha Giang with plum flowers blooming

If you travel to Ha Giang in April, the weather is getting warmer as it is in the early summer. It hardly rains. Therefore, you will have the change to take part in the Khau Vai Love market and to know more about the culture of local people.

During June and August, the weather is hotter with constant sunshine. The sky can be blue and clear, but you might encounter showers in the day.

September comes, the rice paddle fields are getting ripped. The mountains are covered with stunning yellow color. In September, the weather is cooler as autumn is coming.

From October to December, the weather is cold but no rain; and you can also see the buckwheat flowers blooming.

In general, the best time to visit Ha Giang and make the drive through Ma Pi Leng Pass is September. Also meaning that it is the most crowded time. Otherwise, you can visit Ma Pi Leng Pass in other months, except for summertime (from June to August). It is because you might catch the rain and it is not safe for driving.

 

The yellow paddle fields of Ha Giang in September

Suggested Ha Giang tours from Hanoi

• Explore Unfold Ha Giang 5 Days
• Spirit Of Northeast Vietnam Adventure 7 Days

 

Ma Pi Leng Pass is a symbol of Ha Giang province. It is also a great highlight in the north of Vietnam. You will not regret if you decide to take a trip here. Surely it will be one of the best sceneries you have traveled to in the world.

 

Minh Vu – Travel Specialist

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Things you should know before traveling to Mandalay Myanmar

Things you should know before traveling to Mandalay Myanmar https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/mandalay-ancient-capital-burma

Being the second biggest city of Myanmar with many beautiful temples, Mandalay should not be missed in your list of must-see destinations. Here below are some tips to plan the most interesting schedule for your trip to Mandalay Myanmar.

When is the best time to visit Mandalay Myanmar?

Mandalay is located in the center of Myanmar featuring a tropical dry, hot and wet climate. The weather is divided into 3 seasons: dry season, hot season and rainy season.

The dry season is from November to February, enjoys cool temperatures with little rain. Thus, it is a peak tourist season as the weather is wonderful to visit. When planning traveling during this time, you should book hotel and other services in advance as all the hotels are busy during this period and can be fully booked very easily.

 

Mandalay is the second biggest city of Myanmar with many beautiful temples

The hottest months are March and April. The weather is extremely hot and there is less rainfall. It is advised that you should not go out from midday till 4 pm. My recommendation is that you should book a nice hotel with good facilities to enjoy your time at the hotel.  When going out, remember to protect yourself with sunglasses, a sun hat, long-sleeved shirts, and sun cream.

The rainy season is from May to October and your travel plan could be affected by heavy rain. If you plan to travel in the rainy season, be expected to change your itinerary anytime because of flight cancellation or delays. Also, you should be more careful with the mosquitoes and try not to expose your skin.

How long you should spend in Mandalay?

In general, three nights with two full days is fairly enough to discover highlights of Mandalay. Still, depending on your time limit, you could either spend either one day to explore the main spot or four or five days to deeply learn the culture of the area.

Top things to do in Mandalay

U Bein Bridge

U Bein Bridge connecting two banks of Taungthaman River is one of the must-visit spots in Mandalay. The bridge is 1.2 km long and has been built for nearly 200 years. Being constructed by 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace, U Bein Bridge is considered as the world’s longest teak span.

Walking across the bridge and watching the most beautiful sunset is one of the activities you shouldn’t miss. Be expected to have many people coming there on the sunset time so you will need to share the spot with other people. If you want to have more space, renting a local boat to capture a fabulous view of U Bein Bridge is an amazing experience.

 

U Bein Bridge is one of the must-visit spots in Mandalay

Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery

Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery is an amazing unique structure with large oval windows standing on stilts. In contrary to most of the other temples which are decorated ornately, this temple was built with teak wood, carved in intricate patterns. Travelers should not miss the chance to visit this small but elegant Monastery.

The opening time for tourists is from 8 am to 6 pm. Remember to take off your shoes when coming inside, dress appropriately, lower your voice especially when the novices are reading Budha’s litanies.

It’s worth taking the time to wander around this beautiful structure as there are so many types of intricate woodwork to look at both inside and out. The ceiling on the inside is gilded and the lighting is perfect for photography. The teakwood carvings are very impressive and beautiful. Just enjoy the art.

 

Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery

Mandalay Hills

Located in the north of the city, Mandalay is a 235 meter-high mountain which offers a great view over the entire city and surrounding area. It is a long way up but you can take many nice pictures of the landscape, Budha Statue, and shops on the way there.

If you are too tired to walk up, you can get a taxi or ride a scooter to the summit.

(View at Mandalay Hill – Source: Internet)

Kuthodaw Pagoda – one of the most popular Mandalay pagodas

Nestled at the foot of Mandalay Hill, the Kuthodaw Pagoda is figuratively called the world’s largest book. The pagoda got its name “the world largest book” because there are 729 smaller white marble slabs that 2 sides were inscribed with Burmese scripts. These texts reflect Buddhist doctrine and if they were printed on paper, the texts would fill more than 15,000 pages.

 

Kuthodaw Pagoda – the world’s largest book

Sagaing Hill

Being located on the Ayeyarwady River and covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. The complex is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. As there are many small pagodas to see, my recommendation is Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. After visiting the pagoda, take a stroll along Sagaing’s local market, a typical Burmese market to witness people’s daily life.

Inwa (aka Ava)

Inwa used to be the capital of Burmese kingdoms lasting for more than 400 years. There are not much remains, only a few ruins surrounded by fields and meadows. There are many ways to reach the area, in which taking a local boat or renting a horse draw is an interesting way to try and explore the countryside areas. In Inwa, you can visit Bagayakyang – a wonderful teak monastery; Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery built of stucco-covered brick, royal monastery temple; and Nanmyin – a leaning watchtower of Ava.

Migun is a beautiful ancient village on the side of the Irrawaddy River. The best way to get there is getting a private local boat for the one-hour cruise. Upon visiting the main sites of Migun with the famous Mingun Pahtodawqyi, the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda whose distinctive style is meant to resemble the mythical Mount Meru. Then, see the Mingun Bell which weighs 90 tons and is considered the world’s largest uncracked ringing bell.

 

Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery

Where to stay in Mandalay?

The best location to stay in Mandalay is in Central Mandalay where you will have easier access to restaurants, convenience stores, clinics, ATMs, and other facilities. Still, hotels in Mandalay will not be walkable distance to most of the highlights of the town, booking a private trip to reach different spots is highly recommended.

It is obvious that, based on your travel budget, you can pick the most suitable hotel. You can expect to pay around US$ 20 – US$ 30 for a comfortable guesthouse. However, with a hotel from 3 star standards, the rate is normally quite expensive. A nice superior hotel (for example Bagan King) can reach around US$ 100/night. The rate can fluctuate depending on your travel period – low and high season.  Recommendation for 4-star hotel is Triumph Hotel and luxury 5-star hotel is Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel.

Suggested Myanmar tours including Mandalay

• Best Of The Golden Land 14 Days
• Myanmar Adventure 10 Days
• Myanmar Adventure 10 Days

 

I hope the above information about Mandalay Myanmar will be useful for you to plan your Myanmar travel!

Have a lovely holiday!

 

Van Do –  Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours