Trang An Vietnam – Top travel destination for your North Vietnam tours

Trang An Vietnam – Top travel destination for your North Vietnam tours https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/trang-an-vietnam-top-travel-destination-for-your-north-vietnam-tours

Together with Halong Bay, North Vietnam tours also offer a boat tour in Trang An Vietnam – the place of special geological characteristics and historical sites from the early time of Vietnam. Going through hundreds of years under the effects of nature, limestone mountains and caves having various shapes of stalactite inside have become the main scene of this area. Covering these limestone mountains are tropical forests with the diversity of flora and fauna, which brings fresh air and breathtaking landscape for Trang An.

 

The breathtaking landscape for Trang An

However, things that make this location become mysterious is wallets under mountains and the fact that all the caves are connected by lakes, streams, and rivers. Therefore, your excursion to Trang An using boat will give you a chance to fully make the most of this destination. To help you with your trip, here we put together some useful information.

The most suitable time to travel Trang An Vietnam

You can visit Trang An at any time of the year but there are still some periods for better North Vietnam itinerary:

• From January to March, like many areas of North Vietnam, the weather of this zone is very mild at this time. Besides, the festival in Bai Dinh Pagoda- the tourist site belonging to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, will take place at this period. As a result, you can pay a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda when taking a Trang An tour. However, notice that during this course of time, Trang An is in high season; the destination will be thronged with crowds of tourists.
• Another alternative for you is late May or early June. The weather at this stage may be quite hot but the redeeming factor is that the area will be less crowded.  Moreover, coming to the site these days, you will be impressed by the golden rice paddies of local residents surrounding Trang An while floating in a boat exploring the beauty of Mother Nature.

 

Trang An in spring

Transportation

The distance from Hanoi to Trang An is about 100 km. Therefore, coming to Ninh Binh Vietnam from Hanoi to enjoy your North Vietnam tours, you should start your journey from early morning. The following means of transportation might be considered:

Coach

Giap Bat station and My Dinh station are the two ones where you can buy a ticket to go to Trang An by coach with around VND100,000 (approx. US$4.4). It’s recommended that you should leave at 4 or 5 am to get to your destination at 7 o’clock.

Train

If you have lots of luggage and care about safety, the train is the most suitable for you. Traveling by train is also a good chance for you to sense the beautiful landscape of the two sides of the road. The price for a slot varies depending on its quality.

Private Car

From the central Hanoi, you can follow the routine of Phap Van highway – Gie Bridge – Ninh Binh. It will cost you about an hour to reach the center of the province.

Motorbike

For ones who fancy backpacking, this means of transportation is so familiar. Following the old National Highway 1A, turning into the direction of Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa are the things you have to do.

In case of using coach and train, you can get to Trang An from central Ninh Binh by taxi or motorbike taxi.

Trang An boat tour – unique experience in your North Vietnam tours

 

A magnificent cave of Trang An

Since all the Trang An caves are connected with each other by rivers, lakes, streams, boats are the main means of transportation for you to explore the inside of Trang An. The fee for entering Trang An including the cost for a Trang An boat tour is VND200,000 (approx. US$8.8) for an adult and VND100,000 (approx. US$4.4) for a child under 1.4m.

3 routines you can choose to explore Trang An

1. Trinh temple – Toi Cave – Sang Cave – Nau Ruou Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Temple – Seo Cave – Son Duong Cave – Bao Hieu Pagoda – Khong Cave Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave.
2. Lam Cave – Vang Cave – Thanh Truot Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Palace – Kong’s film studio.
3. Trinh Temple – May Cave – Tien Stream – Dia Linh Cave – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Palace – Kong’s film studio.

For the first routine, it will take you 3.5 hours. The next two ones are 2.5 hours and 3 hours respectively.

 

Many unique scenes on Kong Skull Island are in Van Long Swamp

During the cruise around Trang An by boat, you will experience the feeling of floating on a boat gazing with veneration magnificent limestone mountains, caves and rivers around. Each cave has its own characteristics. While Toi Cave is dark all the time because of its length (315m), Sang Cave is always bright as its length is only 100m. Inside every cave, the stalactite with different shapes and colors is the thing that attracts visitors. Their names originate from their features or from mysterious legends, which you can hear from the locals. Along the journey, travelers can visit historical sites of the Dinh Dynasty and the Tran Dynasty since Trang An used to be the capital of Vietnam under these two reigns.

Useful tips when taking a boat tour to Trang An 

 

Mountain – the main land-form of Trang An

1. Bring a pair of sports shoes: As the most common land-form of Trang An is the mountain, a pair of sports shoes will be the best option when climbing.
2. Choose suitable clothes: Your Trang An boat tour includes visiting some historical sites, therefore, wearing politely is recommended for foreigners coming to an Eastern country, especially Vietnam.
3. Hire a life jacket: A boat cruise in North Vietnam tours will be much safer with a life jacket in case you don’t know how to swim.
4. Bring a small umbrella: If you choose to travel during the period from January to March, drizzles are common to see. Bringing a small umbrella with help much with your trip.
5. Book hotel in advance: like in every tourist attraction, the number of tourists coming to Trang An during high season is a lot, so booking in advance is the thing that you shouldn’t forget.

Besides, this Ninh Binh – Trang An Private Day tour will cover all expenses needed such as tour guide, private transfer, rowing boat ride, lunch, etc. Good luck with your trip to Trang An Vietnam!

 

Toan Do – Travel lover

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Vietnamitinerary2weeks

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Siem Reap Tours 2019 – 5 extra activities beside visiting Angkor Wat

Siem Reap Tours 2019 – 5 extra activities beside visiting Angkor Wat https://ift.tt/2U1wBXb

If you are having Siem Reap tours, Cambodia, Angkor temples is definitely a must. Still, spending everyday to discover temples may be a bit boring. Personally, my top temples are Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm where Angelia Jolie filmed the movie Tomb Raider and Banteay Srei – the Citadel of Women. These attractions can be covered within two full days. For those who have more than three days in Siem Reap tours, you may consider 5 extra activities below:

A boat trip on Tonle Sap lake

There are two main Tonle Sap floating villages, one named Chong Khneas and the other one called Kampong Phluk. For a trip on Tonle Sap Lake, you should have a half of Siem Reap day tours there. The floating village of Chong Khneas is located approximately 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. You will have a chance to enjoy an exciting boat trip on a traditional wooden boat. Along the way, opportunities for photos are endless. Also, you will encounter fishermen, children going back from floating “schools”, women picking wood on the lake, etc.

For nature lovers and those who prefer a less crowded place, Kompong Phluk is an ideal place. To see this floating village, you will be taken into the heart of the mangrove forests on margins of the lake. Kampong Phluk is a group of three villages where stilt houses are built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap, situated around 16 kilometers southeast of Siem Reap. These villages are mostly Khmer people and there are around 3000 villagers.

 

Kampong Phluk – the floating market on Tonle Sap Lake

Phnom Kulen National Park – Cool off at Kulen Mountain

Siem Reap is hot all year round and Siem Reap temple tour with thousands of tourists may be tiring. Why don’t you take a morning to drive to the countryside to Phnom Kulen Mountain? It takes around two hours drive from the central town of Siem Reap to this place. This activity fits active people as it contains climbing up to the waterfalls on the top. Therefore, swimwear and sunglasses will be needed for swimming and relaxing by the falls.

Furthermore, a bonus point of this attraction is the fact that you will not find many tourists here, mostly local people going there for a picnic with friends or family. For local people, the place is opened for free, yet entrance fee for foreign travelers costs US$20 per adult and can be paid on the spot.

 

Kulen Mountain – a favorite place of locals

Enjoy a dinner with traditional Apsara Dance

Apsara dancers are sculpted on the walls of Angkor temples. There is no better way to see them in persons than having dinner with Apsara Dance Show. In order to have a nice view, a pre-reserved table is highly recommended. Crystal Angkor Restaurant is one place that arranges this kind of dinner. Hence, you can take a cab to address Roud 30, Krong Siem Reap. They serve both Khmer and Western dishes at around US$15 per adult, price updated in December 2018. A small note, please make sure that your cameras are fully charged as taking a photo with Apsara dancers is a lovely way to keep your memory long.

 

Dinner with Apsara Dance Siem Reap is a lovely way to spend your night

Buy a ticket and join the Phare circus in the evening

For family vacations, this a is very fun activity to add on your schedule. The kids certainly love the show. This activity is voted as the top shows and outdoor attraction by thousands of users on Tripadvisor. There are different types of tickets and the main difference is the view. A or B tickets work very well for me, personally. You can book tickets online via Phare circus website or get this arranged by your travel agent. This show is not only entertaining but also inspiring.

By the way, a part of the profit goes to help poor teenage Cambodia to study to have a better future. Consequently, the show is performed outdoors and quite crowded. Hand fans will be provided upon your arrival but you should prepare for an hour living with high temperature.

 

Phare Circus – the best show to enjoy in Siem Reap

Pub street in Siem Reap – best place for a night out

Pub street in Siem Reap is the only place in Siem Reap that opens until early morning. For major hotels in the central, a tuk-tuk at about US$1 – 2 will bring you to the most crowded place around Siem Reap. Also, there are nice music from local/western-style pubs, night market with Siem Reap street food such as fried insects or nice and cheap Khmer T-shirts, local beer, etc.

 

Finding a place for a night out in Siem Reap – go to pub street

In short, with 5 suggestions above, I trust that your Siem Reap tours will be full of experiences and joys. Let’s have a look at this Classic Glimpse Of Siem Reap 4 Days, temples are still the key but other activities will complete your time in Siem Reap Cambodia.

 

Huyen Nguyen – Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Vietnamitinerary2weeks

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How to plan the best Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks

How to plan the best Vietnam itinerary 2 weekshttps://http://bit.ly/2ImO3E8

Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks, 3 weeks or just 10 days, which one is sufficient? This is always a question when you are thinking of visiting Vietnam. Should it be a trip just Vietnam or a combined one with a few days extension to the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia? How much does 2 weeks in Vietnam cost? When is the best time to go? etc. These concerns are quite understandable when you are a Vietnam first-timer and wishing to make the most out of it.

Things you should know before visiting Vietnam

With more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline, the country of Vietnam is stretched along the North to the South with two large deltas – Red River delta and Mekong delta by its ends. This geographic feature creates different climate zones and climate seasons. The North of Vietnam, which shares its North and Northwest border with China and Laos, have 4 distinctive seasons. While the South, which shares border with Cambodia and gulf of Thailand, inherits two separately wet and dry weather seasons.

 

Vietnam map

Apparently, the long and narrow country enables Vietnam to have a diversified ethnics and minority groups, mostly stretching along its border and in the mountain areas. In the flat land, there are metropolises in the 3 main regions of the country from North, Central, South which are Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh city consecutively; where life exposing with its traditions, living habits and dynamically bustle daily activities.

 

Vietnam from North to South

So if you want to capture every sights and corners of the country, it’s impossible to do in a Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks but at least Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks or more should be required. Anyhow, if your time frame is just about this given time, you should work on some destination search readings and feel what you want from that wish list, then prioritize them from the time frame. Planning an affordable one, matching your time and not to miss any nice sightseeing Vietnam has to offer, is in fact, not a big deal. Don’t forget to focus on the below key points, you will better plan a trip exactly for you without doing too much hassle works.

Some advice to choose the best Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks

Be more specific about what type of traveler you are

After reading highlights of places to visit, see what you want to do, including your special interests, you might take some suggestions below:

If you are a type of traveler who counts experience of a country on the whole picture, let make it a bit of everything here and there. Let’s plan for some mountains, some downtown, see the main sights, go to some outdoor markets, take some home visits along the road, try some different eats both in local restaurant and from street sides. This route might work well with Hanoi (3 days) – Halong (2 days) – Sapa (2 days 3 nights by train) – Hue (2 days) – Hoi An (2 days) – Ho Chi Minh (2 days) – Mekong Delta (1 day).

If you are likely a beach breaker and wish to see Vietnam in a slow pace, looking for some leisure days and doing not too much of the sights, see if this version might work: Hanoi (2 days) – Halong Bay (2 days) – Hoi An (4 days) – Saigon & Mekong (2 days) – Phu Quoc Island (3 days).

What if you are after history, people and in love with cultural identity of the destination, consider a different two-week travel itinerary in Vietnam which perfectly fit for you as Hanoi (2 days) – Ha Giang (4 days) – Ninh Binh and Halong Bay (3 days) – Hue (2 days) – Hoi An (3 days).

 

The peaceful Hoi An ancient town

What if I wish a bit more than just traveling to Vietnam in 2 weeks?

Some people who tend not to see one destination at a time but several. This is when after taking a long flight from the other side of the global, people just don’t want to waste that flight time and see just one place. It’s often the case when a lot of people from North America and the Europeans plan to see Vietnam in two weeks, including a short extension to either Luang Prabang in Laos or Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It means that you are going to squeeze your Vietnam program a bit and to save time for the extension. Southern Vietnam itinerary is worth to be put off in this case.

 

Angkor Wat – Cambodia

Now, see if this suggested itinerary will fit with the Ankor Wat lovers; Hanoi (2 days) – Ninh Binh & Halong Bay (3 days) – Hue (2 days) – Hoi An (3 days) – Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat (4 days). The same itinerary will also work if you like the Laos extension for the last 4 days out of the Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks. It is totally doable this way as Danang International Airport is now serving direct flights both to these two cities – Luang Prabang and Siem Reap.

 

Luang Prabang – Laos

Extra points need to be noticed

Remember, after doing some reading for destination guides that are available on Travel Fish or Vietnam Highlights, you can feel exactly what you want and may be you can even work out a perfect itinerary based on some suggested hints above. Though travel by plane from North to the Central or from the Central to South takes only an hour, it takes more time to travel for sightseeing around a region as the roads are not that good to the western standard and with a slower speed limit. Let count this when you build up your travel itinerary to make sure the pace suits you. Another way is you can contact a reputable travel company in Vietnam and ask for bunch of questions. There will always be a travel consultant to be in charge taking care of you, to answer all you need to know and it’s totally free.

Weather makes any matter?

Like the wealth of its attractions in Vietnam that you can’t do all in 2 weeks trip, there will never be 100% perfect weather time to travel into this country. If you are very much keen on the sights of Hanoi, its nearby Red River delta and the northern mountains, the best time of year is from October to April, except a bit drizzle in early March.

 

Hoan Kiem lake – Hanoi

Though May and June are not too bad but the heat might be concerning as climate often get up to 36 – 38 degree Celsius. Hoi An should be cautioned with the first 3 weeks of November as annual flood season while Phu Quoc will offer compliment raining and thunderstorm most of October. Knowing these facts, you will better planning your itinerary and to benefit from doing the good homework during your travel time.

Pricing wise

Is Vietnam the cheap travel destination?

No, it has never been cheap but cost of living and the daily life consuming is quite affordable and inexpensive. You can get a nice meal everywhere such as Vietnam street food from US$2 for instance a bowl of Pho, Bun Cha or a big loaf of Banh My. Anyhow, for services engaged in the inbound travel industry which requires business norms and standards internationally, it seems a bit higher than the local living cost.

 

Delicious Bun Cha

Accommodation

A decent Airbnb homestay or 3-star hotel in pretty central location might range from US$35 – US$55, depending on its service quality and location that is convenient to other necessities; and US$55 – US$100 to a deluxe level of accommodation, equal to 4* hotel ratings and > US$100 for luxury choices. This expense is counted as the major part in your tour price package. It’s suggested to mix the range and type of accommodation for the 2 weeks Vietnam trip, just make sure you are doing it where and when wisely. For example, if you have a busy day with sightseeing in Hanoi, it’s better to book with a small & boutique 3* hotel in Hanoi Old quarter. But if you are at the leisure part of the trip in Phu Quoc, it should be in a pretty nice resort where a private beach would be a big plus.

 

Private beach in Phu Quoc Island

Same thing goes with Halong Bay, which is often a lifetime experience on board a cruise in the middle of Tonkin Gulf. It’s highly recommended to hook up with a nice boat, generally from 4* rating up. This will make your trip not in the same tone in term of accommodation and to enjoy the best where it comes to the best and save big when you don’t really need to spend.

 

A lifetime experience on board a Halong Bay cruise

Other expenses

They are based on how you pick the tours to be privately served or group shared; where the cost involves with tour guide, vehicle used and some other built-in costs of a tour nature. Fondly, some of the day tours will be more interesting if you joined the group other than doing privately. Remember, you can always ask and have the travel consultant explained for you and to suggest you when you should make it a tailor tour join the group in your complete travel itinerary in 2 weeks.

For years in the industry, I have found out that if you travel privately with some mixture of 3-star & 4-star accommodation in a Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks, the cost is roughly at US$ 125 – 130/person per day and 2 weeks is about most sufficient. If you like a bit of everything and while gaining some cultural interactions for traveling to this country, Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 days is a perfect Vietnam travel itinerary in 2 weeks in such a case. Let’s follow the above tips then check further from the booking guide and planning with our travel consultant for an irresistible Vietnam tours 2019 that you deserved.

 

Tim Lee – CEO

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Vietnamitinerary2weeks

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Ha Giang Vietnam – An alternative to Sapa

Ha Giang Vietnam – An alternative to Sapahttps://http://bit.ly/2SzQuYz

Had been working as a tour guide for few years, I have had chances to reach many places in Vietnam, especially the northern part of the country and love them all. The breathtaking mountainous landscape, friendly people make me feel warmly welcomed all the time. But among these beautiful places, Ha Giang – the final frontier is my most favorite destination. Ha Giang Vietnam, considered as an alternative to Sapa recently, has stolen my heart from the very first time. Even the very bad car sick couldn’t stop me from coming there many times later.

Ha Giang – home to many ethnic minorities including Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, etc. is a remote area, closer to neighboring country of China than it is to Hanoi. Since it is far away from city center and the transportation was not very good, tourism left it behind the development. Thus, everything remains untouched on this beautiful land. Recently, Ha Giang Vietnam is becoming a popular destination for many travelers. I myself do believe that Ha Giang never makes any of these disappointed.

There are many beautiful places and things to see in Ha Giang Vietnam. Here are some my own experiences for the best experience in Ha Giang.

Things to see in Ha Giang Vietnam

Thon Tha Village or Ha Thanh Village – Phuong Do commune

Thon Tha Village which is 6 km from Ha Giang city can be considered as the first stop in this North Vietnam tours. Those two villages offer opportunity for you to stay with Tay ethnic minority and enjoy beautiful and peaceful landscape. If you come here in April, you will have chance to join in one of the most famous festival “Lau then”; in which people offer things for the God of Heaven to pray for a safe and fruitful year. If the homestay is not one of your favors, there are hotels located in Ha Giang city, though, they are not luxurious one.

 

Thon Tha Village

Quan Ba Pass

Located 40km north of Ha Giang city, Heaven Gate of Quan Ba pass should be a stop in your list. At the top of the pass, about 1500 meters to sea level, you will have amazing view down to Tam Son valley with Impressive Twin Mountain, often called Fairy Breast by local people. Quan Ba Pass is also the gate to Dong Van Karst Plateau – a UNESCO recognized Geopark in Vietnam. If you would like to experience more local life and stay at traditional homestay, there are some of Red Dzao people available in this area. For me, this is one of the exceptional experiences I have made since staying in straw-thatched house reminds me of my childhood.

 

Twin Mountain

Vuong Palace

In the centre of Sa Phin Valley, a very unique and rare architecture stood by – the famous Vuong Palace, built in 1914 by Vuong Chinh Duc who was considered as Hmong King of the area. The palace includes 4 transversal houses and 6 lengthwise houses. All having two floors and a total of 64 rooms. Most visitors are impressed with its detailed decoration of animals which has different symbol meanings. During your visit, a lot of stories about the family will be revealed for your information.

 

Vuong Palace

Dong Van & Meo Vac – Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass that connects Dong Van and Meo Vac can be considered as the most exciting part of Ha Giang Vietnam. The road offers such a grand view with deep valley and amazing scenery. This road is the place where most of motorbike travelers in Vietnam want to conquer. Still, please consider carefully before deciding to ride a motorbike even if you are a good motorbike rider. The better way is renting a car with a guide so that the guide can take you to walk on the trail used by local people. If you come here at weekend, don’t forget to visit Meo Vac or Dong Van Sunday Market, one of the region’s biggest and most colorful with participants from Hmong, Tay, Nung, Hoa ethnic minorities.

 

Meo Vac Sunday Market

Hoang Su Phi

Located about 350km from Hanoi, it takes you about 8 hours to get to Phung Village, central of Hoang Su Phi. Maybe, the thinking of a very long drive will discourage from coming there. However, the grandiose landscape of rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi will never disappoint you upon coming here. The best time to come here is Autumn, from September to October when all the rice terrace change into yellow color. There are several villages where you can get homestay service, but for me the best experience is at Phung village – home of La Chi People. Waking up in a traditional house, looking over the window, welcoming sunrise, seeing could flying on top of the house is the wonderful experience everyone could wish once in their life.

There are actually several ways to get to Hoang Su Phi. If you start from Hanoi, you should spend one night in Ha Giang city or Phuong Do commune and do some trekking before getting there. Most of travelers combine Bac Ha Lao Cai with Hoang Su Phi and then go to the other destination such as Quan Ba, Dong Van, Meo Vac. I think it is the best way to discover Ha Giang.

 

Phung Village

Best time to visit Ha Giang

Since the weather in Ha Giang is clearly classified into 4 seasons as spring, summer, autumn and winter, it offers different form of landscape. It is a colorful picture in spring from January to March as it fulfills with a lot of different flowers such as peach blossom, apricot, plum, etc. Also, spring is the season of New Year and festival, ethnic minorities get dressed with their most beautiful custom; they sing, drink and dance with their traditional folk song. Summer is the time local people prepare for their planting rice. All rice terraces covered with water creates a spectacular view look like slow-moving waterfall in May. The fields are fully green and fluorescent green during June, July, August, which makes everyone feel refresh and peaceful.

For me, the time I like most about Ha Giang is September and October when the color of rice changing into golden yellow creates a gorgeous picture.

 

Beautiful golden rice terrace in Ha Giang Vietnam

How to get to Ha Giang

You can simply go to My Dinh local bus station to catch a bus to get to Ha Giang. The duration is about 6-8 hours and the price from 10USD to 15USD/one way. The earliest one leaves at 7am and the latest one leaves at 21pm.  However, it is not really a smooth way to get a seat at local bus station. Your bus are expected to stop many times on the way to drop or recruit more people. Luckily, there are couple of bus picking up tourists from Old Quarter recently that makes it much more convenient to get Ha Giang with price ranging from 15USD to 20USD. Once you arrive to Ha Giang, let’s think about renting a motorbike to conquer the most dangerous but beautiful road of Vietnam.

However, I highly recommend the best way to get to Ha Giang is to arrange a car with Vietnam tour companies in Hanoi. You will have great chances to Explore unfold Ha Giang 5 days with many of cultural richness, diversity of minority people as well as stunning landscapes of Ha Giang Vietnam.

Happy travelling!

 

Van Do – Travel Expert

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #HaGiangVietnam #NorthVietnamtours

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