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

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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

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

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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

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Halong Bay weather – Best time to visit Halong Bay

Halong Bay weather – Best time to visit Halong Bay https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/halong-bay-weather-forecast-first-concern-travelling

If you are planning your Vietnam tours 2021, Halong bay must be one of the most popular destinations. Therefore, to have a perfect trip, it is very important to research its weather as well as leisure activities in advance. The following article will give you the characteristics of Halong weather by month. Let’s find out!

 

A trip to Vietnam cannot be complete without a visit to Halong Bay

Halong weather by month

January

Halong weather in January is quite dry. You can enjoy the clear blue sky with little sunlight. The temperature is low, about 18°C with fog and not much rainfall. Therefore, visiting Halong bay at this time, you should prepare a thin jacket and raincoat. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. If the weather is warm enough, you can immerse yourself in the water of Halong.

Also, it is a good time for you to experience most of the activities on the bay such as enjoying the whole view of Halong Bay by seaplane, climbing Bai Tho, admiring the bay on Halong bay cruises.

Especially, traveling Halong bay in January can avoid the crowds of the locals.

 

You will have a chance to admire the beauty of Halong Bay on a luxury cruise

February

Like January, you will also experience the beauty of the clear blue sky and full of sunshine. However, the temperature will be lower, about 17°C along with the same fog as last month. Once again, don’t forget your thin jacket.

Similarly, all the activities are suitable to experience in February. However, be aware that the beginning of the month falls into the period of the Tet holiday, so some attractions might be closed. Therefore, it is necessary to get advice from your travel consultant.

March

March is considered the best time to visit Halong bay, due to the slight increase in the weather of about 19°C. It is the perfect time for climbing experience. Also, you can take a dip in the clear blue water in Halong if the weather permits.

April

Considered the end of the tourist peak, Halong weather in April begins hotter. You can take advantage of the beautiful sunny days in early April to enjoy your vacation. The summer rain starts around the end of the month with a temperature of about 24°C.

This time is ideal to take part in all relaxing activities in Halong Bay such as Halong Bay kayaking, swimming, climbing, cycling, boating or sightseeing with seaplanes. You can choose the 1 night or 2-night itinerary on Halong Bay cruises with various things to do in Halong Bay.

 

Get ready for kayaking during the beautiful sunny days

May

May is a good time to travel, however, it is often difficult to determine the weather. More rainfall is accompanied by heat and humidity. The average temperature is about 29°C. In return, the cool breeze on Halong Bay will make you much more comfortable.

Therefore, please make sure to bring shorts, tank tops or T-shirts, especially swimsuits to jump into the clear blue water anytime.

June, July, and August

June has the most typical summer weather with high temperatures up to 35°C and heavy rainfall. For travelers who prefer the sun with summer showers, this will be the ideal time. Storms often occur on the bay, so outdoor activities will be postponed or canceled due to rain. Either you might not be able to take part in mountain climbing.

Halong weather in July and August is the wettest of the year. It rains the most at this time, therefore, it is not suitable for sightseeing and other activities.

However, if you are fond of the sun and lucky enough, this time could be an opportunity for you to explore on less rainy days than forecast. Therefore, don’t miss many good deals for the summer promotion. Halong Junk Cruise is where to find the most favored cruise for your experience in Halong Bay.

September

In September, the rainfall on Halong Bay is significantly reduced. The temperature also drops to 28°C, the weather is mild and pleasant. The rainy season ends, meaning that the attractive activities will return. You will have a chance to experience the beach as well as mountain activities. Note that you should bring a raincoat to prevent the sudden rains.

October

In October, the sky becomes clearer and the rainfall drops significantly. The average temperature is 26°C. It is one of the most beautiful months to travel to Halong Bay.

October is also a good time to see Halong Bay from above with seaplane, visit the colorful shimmering Halong Bay caves, and enjoy a lot of fun activities such as swimming, climbing or cycling around the islands.

 

Exploring Luon Cave in Halong Bay

November

The weather in November is dry, the temperature is about 24°C, so this is considered an ideal time for you to visit Halong Bay. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the water of Halong Bay before winter comes. November is also the peak season, you should book in advance to avoid disappointment.

December

December is the driest time of the year. With rainfall and temperatures simultaneously falling, you don’t have to worry about sudden rains. The sky becomes clear, creating the greatest conditions for you to experience the activities on the bay.

With a temperature of about 19°C, during the day, the weather in Halong Bay is sunny but the night is quite cold. Therefore, you should bring both summer and winter clothes. The low temperature also creates the perfect conditions for travelers to explore the magnificent beauty of Halong Bay. Some popular activities to be considered are hiking, climbing, and cycling. The water activities might not be suitable due to the cold weather.

 

Beautiful Halong Bay in December

December is also the festive season, therefore you can expect such beautiful decoration of Halong bay cruises and special food for Christmas and New Year.

Best time to visit Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the greatest Vietnam holiday destinations at all times. We can say the best time to visit Halong  Bay is from March to May and from September to November. However, the summer has its advantages. If you would like to avoid the crowds and enjoy the most wonderful beauty of Halong Bay, you should choose the low season.

Suggested Vietnam tours including Halong Bay

• Tonkin Elegance 8 Days
• Classic Adventure Vietnam 12 Days
• Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 Days

 

With all the information about Halong bay weather above, we hope you have fully planned your Halong Bay tours. Enjoy and make the most of your time in Halong Bay!

 

Yen Nghiem – Travel Specialist

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

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Top 7 must-try street food in Cambodia

Top 7 must-try street food in Cambodia https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/best-street-food-in-cambodia

I bet that Angkor Wat is the very first thing coming into your mind when we mention Cambodia. No doubt that it has been famous all over the world; but I strongly believe that there are many other things that motivate travelers to visit Cambodia from a faraway country, transit a couple of times and long-haul flights. One of those is the culinary culture. Not as famous as the neighbors Vietnam and Thailand, still Khmer food especially treats on the streets would definitely make your trip memorable. Let’s explore top 7 must-try street food in Cambodia in this article.

Lort Cha

It is believed that Lort Cha is the most popular dish on Cambodia streets. “Lort” means the kind of short flat rice noodle (rice pin noodle) and “cha” is stir fry. So basically it is stir-fried short noodles with broccoli, beans, chives, and scallions. It is typically mixed with beef and finally topped with a fried egg. It tastes sweet and a bit spicy which reminds me of Pad Thai but with different ingredients. This could be a perfect lunch while roaming around the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh or Pub Street in Siem Reap. It is easy to find a Lort Cha food stall which is with a big fry pan and a collection of fresh ingredients making your tasty plate of noodles.

 

Lort Cha

Fish Amok

This is a traditional dish that you must try at least once in Cambodia. You will this on menus around the country, from luxury to the low budget. This is the cooking fish with coconut curry served onto a banana leave which is like a bowl. In the traditional way, banana leaves are also used to steam the fish. The wide selection of spices such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, turmeric, and the local herb slok ngor creates the thick layers of flavor.

 

Fish Amok – one of the most famous street food in Cambodia

Grilled insects

Visiting Phnom Penh night market, you will be surprised by the various vendors selling different types of insects: spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches, worms, scorpions, ant eggs, etc. These are usually grilled or fried with different spices. It is a common food for Cambodia since the late 1970s when they had to live mostly in the forests – the natural habitat of these insects. Crickets, like most insects, are rich in protein and some research suggests they help lower cholesterol. Also, Khmer women believe that eating spiders would be good for their beauty and hair.

Most people are brave enough to try just one of these insects but it turns out to be quite good. While the crickets or cockroaches are crunchy, worms are juicy and buttery.

 

Grilled insects

It is really bizarre for most tourists so that taking photos is what all of us want to do. However, the sellers will not let us do so unless you buy something from them. It is sold in a can or cup which costs about 4000 Riel – quite reasonable!

Kralan

Here is what a vegetarian feel happy about – Kralan or bamboo stick stuffed with the sticky rice. It is actually not just sticky rice, Khmer people added back eyed beans or soybean and coconut milk making it a mixture. Then put all together into a bamboo tube and roast these tubes on a charcoal or wood fire. The smoky flavor just brings the taste to another level.

According to tradition, Khmer soldiers from Angkorian times would take Kralan on patrols. Nowadays, it is like a sort of snack which people can have it any time of the day. It tastes best right on the day of cooking, since it has coconut milk, it does not keep well beyond two or three days.

 

Kralan

Street BBQ

Street food BBQ is very much common in South East Asia and Cambodia is not an exception. Definitely this is one of the most easy-to-eat dishes anywhere in the world. The skewers on coals filled with pork, beef, chicken, seafood (squid, prawn), sausage, quail eggs, etc. are really attractive on the streets of Cambodia.

Kuy Teav

A noodle soup is something that originated in South East Asia and Cambodia is one of the best places to have the dish. Here, the soup is usually made with local greens along with rice vermicelli, scallions, and pork or chicken bones. For the adventurous, you can choose to add livers, intestines, tongue or even blood to the soup. The soup is quite filling, which is why you will find hordes of people lining up against the stalls in the night to have it.

 

Kuy Teav

Surprisingly, Hu Tieu noodle in Vietnam is a creation from kuy teav. It is most famous in the Southern part of Vietnam, like a symbolic dish.

Balut

If you are a traveler who loves to explore new things and dare to try exotic cuisines, Balut cannot be skipped. It is duck’s fertilized embryo and served as a whole. To eat balut, you just need to crack the shell on its top and firstly sip the liquid right off the actual eggshell. You are able to add spices up to your liking, like pepper salt, lime juice or chilli.

What scares people the most is sometimes, they choose kind of older eggs then you will see the embryo which has turned to be semi-grown duck.

 

Balut

A bit of ginger slices and a special herb would balance the taste as the egg alone is very rich in protein.

Suggested Cambodia tours

• Grand Cambodia 16 Days
• Relaxing Cambodia 11 Days
• Cambodia Discovery 8 Days

 

Daniel Nguyen – Travel Specialist

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

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Top tips to buy the best souvenirs in Vietnam

Top tips to buy the best souvenirs in Vietnam https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/top-tips-to-buy-souvenirs-in-vietnam

Would you like to buy some souvenirs during your Vietnam tours 2020? It could be a memory for you or a gift for your family at home. But you might feel uncomfortable with the purchase style and do not know which ones are the most purchased souvenirs in Vietnam. Let’s Indochina Voyages travel experts help you with the following tips!

Where to find the best souvenir shops

You can search on TripAdvisor for souvenir shops in Vietnam. By reading the reviews, you also estimate the average cost of souvenirs, so it is less likely to be overcharged by locals. It is smarter to check online for price and available Vietnamese souvenirs before going out shopping. 

What to buy as souvenirs in Vietnam

Silk

Vietnam is famous for its silk. If you are in Hanoi, you can go to Van Phuc Village. This village has been well-known for silk for decades. Even locals who are looking for gifts also go there to buy silk scarves. 

 

Decoration in Van Phuc Silk Village during Cultural Week

Bamboo baskets

The reason why you can see some bamboo baskets labeled Made in Vietnam is because this job is a tradition in Vietnamese villages a long time ago. Locals are skillful in woven bamboo.

 

This is a traditional handicraft in Vietnam

Non la (Hat)

The name of this hat literally means (bamboo/palm) leaf hat. It is the simplest souvenir you can choose if you do not want to think too much. This is also a symbol of the country of Vietnam. Actually this one is used normally by women in the countryside. If you travel in rural areas, there is a high chance that you see this kind of hats.

 

Different sizes of non la you can choose from

Brocade fabric products

If you want an exotic souvenir instead of simple ones as Non la, brocade fabric clutches and purses are great choices. Various designs are available for you to choose from.

If you are in North Vietnam tours, tribes in those mountainous areas make brocade clothes by themselves. It would be interesting to see how products are hand-made. Locals there also wear these kinds of clothes on a daily basis.

 

Brocade clutches and purses are popular souvenirs in Vietnam

Ceramic products

One of the most popular hand-crafting traditions in Vietnam is ceramics. In Hanoi, there was a place called Bat Trang where they make famous Bat Trang ceramics. Not only travelers but also locals go there at weekends to buy ceramics for their families or just have fun making ceramics with kids. You can explore and purchase good ceramics for families and friends at a cheap price.

 

So many designs that you can choose or you can make one by yourself

Tips to get the best souvenirs at the best price

Check several shops before you decide to buy one souvenir

Normally, every shop offers the same souvenirs. If the first vendor asks you to pay a price that you think is much higher than what you have searched online, go to check another shop in the proximity. It is a high chance that the next one has the same souvenirs at different prices.

Bargaining

Bargaining happens all the time when buyers deal with sellers in Vietnam. In order not to be ripped off by local vendors, you need to know the estimated price for the product you want (remember the first step to search online). Then from the opening offer of vendors, you start the negotiation. Do not feel bad when you make a bargain. It is a common practice so have fun with it. 

Just have some notes before you practice your negotiation skills

• Do not bargain in the early morning. Vendors do not welcome any bargaining in the early morning as they think that may affect the business for the whole day.
• Do not afraid of making a bargain for everything
• One tip recommended by great bargainers is to pretend to walk away from the deal. Vendors may feel lost and try to reduce the price more for you to get it done.

Vietnam currency

Most local shops only accept Vietnamese Dong. So make sure that you have Dong available when shopping for souvenirs. Exchange in banks might cost more compared to local jewelry shops. Note that these shops may offer only popular currencies like USD and EUR. In Hanoi, you can go to a street named Ha Trung street in Hanoi Old Quarter. Here they provide exchange services fast and convenient at a competitive rate. Locals also go there for currency exchange when they travel abroad.

Suggested Vietnam tours

• Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 Days
• Splendors Of Vietnam & Cambodia 17 Days
• Grand Sensational Vietnam 20 Days

 

Happy traveling!

 

Linh Nguyen – Travel Specialist

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

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