Christmas in Vietnam

Christmas is one of the four most important festivals of the Vietnamese year, including the birthday of Buddha, the New Year and the Mid-autumn Festival. Although the Christians observed the religious rituals of Christmas.

Traditional Vietnamese religions are Buddhism and the Chinese philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism. However, during French rule, many people became Christians, that occupy 8 to 10 percent of whose population. This is because the Vietnamese are a fun-loving, sociable people and the various Vietnam festivals and events are actually occasions for them to a gala time, all together. Christmas in Vietnam is a grand party. Tours to Vietnam

History Of Christmas In Vietnam

Christmas in Vietnam has had a tumultuous history. The Catholics are a minority in Vietnam but they used to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam quite in peace right from the days of the French rule. That is until the Communists took over political power in 1975. The church-state relations soured during that time and the Catholics were relegated to celebrating Jesus’s birthday in privacy.

Hoi an, a peaceful meeting place

Since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, church-state relations have not always been smooth. However, they have been improving since the introduction of economic reforms in the late 1980s. Liberalist policies adopted since the 1980s saw Vietnam warming up to western influences and ideals and Christmas in Vietnam came back triumphantly. Now Christmas is one of the major festivals in Vietnam, celebrated with much fanfare by all religious communities. top 3 must see tourist attractions in Can Tho

Christmas in Vietnam

Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh Province is considered the spiritual home for the seven million Catholics who live in Vietnam, a predominantly Buddhist nation. Hundreds of Catholics gather for Christmas Eve Mass in the northern city of Phat Diem. Children staged a nativity play to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - or Kito, as he is known in Vietnamese -- in front of the city's cathedral, built in 1891.

Christmas In Vietnam

Christmas in Vietnam is a huge event, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and the Vietnamese Christmas celebrations here are like any other city in the western world. The Christians in Vietnam attend a Midnight mass on Christmas Eve and return home to a sumptuous Christmas dinner. The Christmas dinner usually consists of chicken soup while wealthier people eat turkey and Christmas pudding.Christmas tree at Fortuna Hotel (Hanoi)
Christmas tree at Fortuna Hotel (Hanoi)


On Christmas Eve, Vietnamese people in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, especially young people, like to go into the city centre, where there is a Catholic Cathedral. The streets are crowded with people on Christmas Eve and in the city centre cars are not allowed for the night.

People celebrate by throwing confetti, taking pictures and enjoying the Christmas decorations and lights of big hotels and department stores. Lots of cafes and restaurants are open for people to enjoy a snack!

Vietnam used to be part of the French Empire and there are still French influences in the Christmas traditions. Many Catholic churches have a big nativity crib scene or 'creche' with nearly life size statues of Mary, Joesph, baby Jesus, the shepherds and animals. In some areas of Ho Chi Minh City, usually in Catholic parishes, people have big crib scenes in front of their houses and decorate the whole street, turning it into a Christmas area! These are popular for people to visit and look at the scenes.

Also like in France, the special Christmas Eve meal is called 'reveillon' and has a 'bûche de Noël' (a chocolate cake in the shape of a log) for desert. Vietnamese people like to give presents of food and at Christmas a bûche de Noël is a popular gift. Other Christmas presents are not very common, although some young people like to exchange Christmas cards.

The Yuletide spirit of giving and sharing has been embraced with an earnest by the Vietnamese. Generous as they are, the Vietnamese give out gifts and presents in plenty during the Christmas celebrations in Vietnam. However, the children are more keen to have their stockings and shoes stuffed in with goodies from Santa’s bulging sack. The European customs of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree were popular and children would leave their shoes out on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas in Vietnamese is “Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh”!

Dong Xuan Night Market

Dong Xuan is a street market spreading over a surface of 600 square meters covering Dong Xuan and Khoai streets. Approximately fifty businesses are operating the forty stands selling food, artifacts, souvenirs and tour packages among others.  Tours Hanoi to Sapa

Unlike other Hanoi night markets selling agricultural products in Long Bien and Quang Ba, Dong Xuan Night Market has been mainly created for tourists. With its eleven stalls, the brightly lit food zone is the most animated, serving late night guests until early morning. Tours North Vietnam

Here you can find real Hanoi food, as favored by true-blue Hanoians. The dishes might cost a little more than elsewhere but, you have to taste it to believe it, they are truly delicious. A steamy hot dish of Pho cuon  (beef wrapped in long wispy strips of rice vermicelli, served with aromatic herbs and spicy sweet-sour fish sauce) costs a mere VND10.000. Hanoi & Halong Bay 4 days

Dong Xuan Night Market

You might have your curiosity and appetite titillated as you try to choose from a wide selection of exotic Hanoi dishes: fried frog or fish meat pastes, rice and duck meat soup, fried rice, tiet canh (duck blood uncooked, only if you have a brave heart and strong stomach!), rice vermicelli and beef cooked in the south Vietnamese style and even just beefsteak and bread.

In artifact shops on Dong Xuan Street you will find traditional Dong Ho drawings, Bat Trang ceramics, Binh Da embroideries and laces, and sand paintings, the new craze of Hanoi’s young people. For a modest sum of VND2.000 - 9.000 you can choose one of those ‘raw’ pictures with different designs and patterns.

You peel off the sheet of paper and using the multi-colored sand you are provided with, you paint and create your own masterpiece following a model or ‘ad lib’ following your own inspiration or fantasy.

Like other markets (cho) such as Sapa’s Cho Tinh, Nam Dinh’s Cho Vieng, Lang Son’s Cho Ky Lua and Can Tho’s Cho Tay Do, Dong Xuan Night Market has been set up to meet the needs of locals and tourists. Dong Xuan Night Market is only one of Hanoi’s many efforts to develop tourism and attract international visitors.

A CD-ROM and two books on Hanoi, and two annual Tourism festivals are planned to open new paths and boost tourism in Hanoi. The Hanoi Service of Communications and Public Works plans to expand and turn Dong Xuan Night Market into a no-vehicle zone to lure more visitors to the place. Two more no-vehicle zones are being delimited round Sword Lake, along Khay, Trong and Le Thai To streets and along Ngang and Dao streets.

Halong Ginger cruise

The Halong Ginger cruise is the perfect mix of classical and modern. It has three decks, that shine polished wood under its golden sails. With two bars, a restaurant, and a luxurious spa, this cruise are perfect to unwind and relax while taking in the beauty of the Halong Bay.

Watch the islands pass by the blue shimmering waters while you sail towards Cua Van, the oldest and largest fishing village in Halong Bay. There are a lot of good reasons to choose Halong Ginger for your cruise of Halong Bay, one of which being the exquisite beauty of the boat itself. Tours to Vietnam

Itinerary

After getting picked up in Hanoi, if you opted for that, you will be taken to Halong Bay where you will find the Halong Ginger in all its glory.

The ship will set sail as passengers are served a lunch. During the days you can cruise the bay and the beaches, or you always have the option of a massage and sunbathing. Along the bay you can go trekking or swimming at Soi Sim Island and then cruising to visit Hang Doi water tunnel with row boat.

• 5 reasons to have a Halong Bay overnight trip

There are plenty of caves and mountains to explore before you get back to the Halong Ginger for dinner. Then wake up the next day with Tai Chi ready to explore more of the beautiful the bay has to offer. Visit grottos and fishing villages all along the bay area. There are so many things to see that you certainly won't get bored on the three days and two night option.

Who this cruise is best for:

The Halong Ginger is a good choice for anyone who wants to see the beauty of Halong Bay and its islands. If you have a medical condition, I wouldn't suggest the trecking in the caves. If you are looking to relax, sight see, take in the sun, and do all of that in luxury, the Halong Ginger cruise might just be perfect for you and your family.

Vung Vieng fishing village

Far 24km from the mainland, Vung Vieng fishing village is located in the center of Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast of Halong Bay tours. This is a peaceful place with the beautiful scenery and features with the traditional culture of fishermen living around the Bay all year round. Coming to Vung Vieng fishing village, you will have a chance to learn how to use fishing net or fishing rod from the local fisherman at this area.

Vung Vieng has attracted lots of travelers for years by its beauties like pretty fishing boats, fish’s cages being in front of floating houses of local people, especially friendly and helpful fishermen, children with happiness on their faces on the way to school,… Everything makes this village become an attractive destination in Halong Bay Heritage.

• V’spirit Cruise – Halong Bay

• 3 best Luxury Cruises on Halong Bay

There are only about 60 floating houses meaning 60 families in this village. You will definitely surprise when seeing these small village with only tens of pretty floating houses in which every activities of the day life or important event of the village happen while bobbing in the middle of the bay. The amazing pictures that your eyes can catch here are simple small floating houses, films on old televisions, a woman cooking the dinner while children playing traditional games in front of the houses and the husband preparing for his fishing trip at night,…These pictures will bring you special memories about people here and the sense of peace in your holiday in Halong Bay.

Almost people here live on fishing and aquaculture but there are several people do small business on their boats by selling miscellaneous goods for other ones and tourists. That’s one of the features in Halong Bay maybe you like because you can by something like snack, water,… from them while cruising on the bay but it’s quite expensive. Recently, when tourism has growth, Vung Vieng became famous place that is included in itineraries of travel companies. In order to explore this place, tourists can hire either kayak to discover bu yourself or small boats rowing by local people. These services are provided by cruise company and local people which brings more revenue for their families.

Discover Asia On An APT River Cruise

Winding your way past quaint riverside towns and floating markets surrounded by green fields along the Mekong Delta and its adjoining waterways is a great way to discover Asia. APT‘s Southeast Asia cruises offer beautifully furnished private suites, international cuisine and small group excursions on rickshaws and water boats. You can cruise magically through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, discovering hidden gems not seen by land.

A visit to the Mekong Delta cruise is so special because of its unique diversity. See kids riding on water buffalo, rice workers hunched over their fields, flocks of storks at dusk and rowboats on its maze of channels. Home to over 1,000 varieties fish, 20,000 plant species and an array of wildlife, the Mekong Delta is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. It’s Asia’s third largest river; a comma-shaped flatland that is also known as Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’, producing more than a third of the country’s annual food crop. Here are four countries you can explore on an APT Asian river cruise.

Discover Asia On An APT River Cruise

Otherworldly sights await at Vietnma’s Ha Long Bay
Vietnam
An APT Mekong Delta cruise can take you through the contrasts of beautiful Vietnam, from the hive of activity in its crowded cities,to the relaxed pace of the beautiful countryside. In northern Hanoi, you will find a beautiful blend of French colonial influence, with the modern pace of Asian city life before cruising onward past the spectacular mountains of Sapa and the sparkling Ha Long Bay.

Be transported further south to Saigon, where you will find a mix of soaring skyscrapers with French architecture and the energy of chaotic outdoor markets. Along the way, Australia’s revered chef, Luke Nguyen, can help you discover the culinary heritage of his home country.

See Cambodian life along the Mekong Delta
Travel to Cambodia
Channels carve a lifeline into Cambodia, a country full of history and magnificence. Visit the famous temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and cruise past the beautiful Royal Palace. Located on the riverfrontm the Palace showcases classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding.

You can experience Cambodia’s lush countryside filled with rice paddies and sugar palms, cruising along the south coast past tropical islands and beach huts.

 Lush landscapes around the Nam Song River, Laos
Travel to Laos
After years of isolation, Laos is now one of the most laid-back Southeast Asian destinations. Enjoy the well-preserved culture, stunning natural environment and friendly people. Life in Laos still revolves around tradition and you can experience riverfront life unchanged over generations. See the historic royal city of Luang Prabang where hundreds of saffron-robed monks move quietly among centuries-old monasteries.

The Mekong opens up at Si Phan Don (meaning literally ‘four thousand islands’). It’s an archipelago of tranquil islands popular with travellers for cycling, swimming, tubing, boat cruises, kayaking, and dolphin spotting.

Cruise into beautiful Bangkok
Thailand
Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, you’re awarded the opportunity see Thailand’s famous beaches and lush mountain ranges on an APT river cruise. Stop at Bangkok for a spot of shopping in its many malls, or take in its history by visiting the ancient temples.

Heading further north, the landscape changes to dense forests, where you come face to face with hill tribes of and see village life rooted in centuries of tradition. The Mekong Delta and its distributaries are lined with natural beauty and is the perfect waterscape to discover Asia from a different perspective.

Halong seafood

Visiting Ha Long Bay will provide you a chance to enjoy the beauty of one of World’s Natural Heritage but aside from this, you will also be impressed by a variety of tasty seafood that will melt even the hardest of appetites. It is said that seafood in Halong Bay cruise is more delicious than the other coastal places in Vietnam. This comment is true as many rock islands and coral reefs in Ha Long Ba provide nutrients to make seafood in the cliffs and coral reefs tasty and abundant in species. 5 places to enjoy seafood in Halong Bay

Counting on economic conditions and the convenience of the trip, you can try many ways to enjoy Halong seafood by yourself. Here is one way which most residents in Ha Long Bay usually enjoy and offer their guests.

Halong seafood

If you visit Ha Long, I can invite you to my house or a restaurant in Bai Chay, or visit  “snail supermarket” in Cai Dam or simply go around Ha Long for its well-known places like Huong Duyen restaurant in Tran Hung Dao Street or Cai Xa Cong in Ha Tu ward. You can even enjoy seafood on the tourist boats….. Some appetizers like hotpot an appealing and delicious way of enjoying seafood are also available for taste testing. Varieties of oysters, snails, crabs, squid, shrimp, fishes that are baked, boiled, fried or steamed will make your mouth watery. These kinds should be prepared in a moderate amount to enjoy many other local dishes. Next, some typical sour but inviting soups can be served like mussel or fish soup together and some other dishes like barnacle cooked with bamboo shoot, “Bong Thua” with kohlrabi, or squid or cuttlefish with celery leaves and fresh garlic are always available. Finally, rice can be enjoyed with a sunny fried mackerel. If you need vegetable dishes, water spinach or collard greens sauted with garlic are ready to serve. If hotpot is chosen, seafood choice relies on your favorite. Moreover, hotpot soup has the kind of sour taste   made from tamarind, star fruits, tomato and many kinds of green vegetables such as water spinach, broccoli, fresh onions, celery, cauliflower, tofu ….can be served. Rice noodles or instant noodles can be ordered at the end of meal. Visit Halong with Travel to Vietnam

One kind of drink that can be considered as a particular specialty of Ha Long is Ruou Ngan (a kind of local seafood like clam dipped in wine), which is quite suitable to serve with seafood. There are three ways of making Ruou Ngan; the first one is  shelling out 3 live intestines of Ngan and putting them into a big cup and then chopsticks in opposite directions are used with trashed hands to poke, hold down and hit until guts get soon crushed finely, dilate and turn into dark red. White wine is poured into it and a glass of fresh rosy wine suddenly appears in front of us. Another way to make, Ngan which is not too old or too young is to tie cleaned shells to boil, then shell out for putting 2 or 3 guts and their water into the cup, depending on drinkers’ taste. Wine is poured into it and chopsticks are used to gently poke two sides and make their liver bladder rupture. As a result, we can enjoy a light pink or bluish glass of wine depending on the way of cooking Ngan. The third way is putting from 3 to 5 bowels into a small aluminum pot, then pouring wine and boiling again. Finally, a hot drink is ready to serve.

Ruou Ngan tastes tangy and slightly salty when tried for the first time, but then its fragrance effuses at the tip of tongue and suddenly makes our body incredibly warm. This kind of alcohol can be addicted if used regularly.

Kỹ thuật cho hươu sao ăn

- Cho ăn đúng cách: Hươu giống chủ yếu hoạt động vào ban đêm, ban đêm hươu ăn tới 60% tổng số thức ăn của khẩu phần, vì vậy mỗi lần cho ăn trong ngày không nhiều, ban ngày hươu ăn ít mà dành thời gian nhai lại thức ăn qua đêm. Đây là một đặc điểm hết sức quan trọng mà người chăn nuôi cần nắm biết. Vì vậy lịch phân bố cho hươu ăn như sau:

Bữa thứ nhất: 6-7 giờ sáng cho ăn 15% thức ăn xanh.
Bữa thứ hai: 9-10giờ sáng cho ăn 15% thức ăn xanh.
Bữa thứ ba: 13-14 giờ chiều cho ăn 10% thức ăn xanh cộng với thức ăn tinh trong ngày.
Bữa thứ tư: 17 - 18giờ tối cho ăn 30% thức ăn xanh.
Bữa thứ năm: 22 giờ tối cho ăn 30% thức ăn xanh.

- Thức ăn tinh không được cho hươu ăn vào buổi sang vì ăn như vậy sẽ làm cho hươu ăn ít thức ăn xanh và thức ăn củ quả. Nên cho hươu ăn thức ăn tinh vào bữa ăn thứ ba vào lúc 13 – 14 giờ trong ngày. Hàng ngày người chăn nuôi phải thường xuyên theo dõi phân của hươu để điều chỉnh thức ăn cho hợp lý. Thường phân của hươu có dạng viên bóng, cứng hình bầu dục nếu khác với bình thường thì cần xem xét lại thức ăn cho hươu.
  Vận động – Tắm nắng – tắm chải.
Cho hươu ăn nhiều loại thức ăn xanh, đặc tính của chúng là thích ăn nhiều loại cỏ non, lá non và các loại cây có mủ. Không nên cho hươu ăn độc nhất một loại thức ăn thì sinh trưởng và phát triển, khả năng sản xuất cho nhung huou tuoi sẽ bị hạn chế.

 

Kỹ thuật cho hươu sao ăn

a). Vận động: Tuỳ thuộc vào hình thức nuôi khác nhau nên cho hươu vận động khác nhau. Hươu là động vật con mang tính hoang dã nên rất thích vận động, chạy, nhảy rất hiếu động nên khi bị bó hẹp trong nuôi nhốt thì rất khó chịu. Chúng ta nên tạo diện tích sân chơi cho hươu bằng cách khoanh vùng rộng bằng rào chắn cao 2 – 2.5m thì khả năng vận động và tắm nắng cuả hươu thịt được tốt hơn và thích nghi với điều kiện sinh lý của nó hơn, ít gây ra các hiện tượng ức chế(stree) con vật thoải mái hơn, góp phần tiêu hoá, trao đổi chất được tốt hơn.

Nếu không có điều kiện thì cần phải thiết kế mái che có lắp tấm kính có độ rộng 40X50cm cho nắng rọi vào 1giờ/ngày. Có thể thiết kế chồng cho nắng xuyên vào chuồng 7-8 giờ/ngày.

b). Tắm chải. Thứ tự tắm chải từ đầu đến mông, từ trên xuống dưới, mỗi lần chỉ cần 5- 10 phút. Trước khi tám chải phải tập làm quen với con vật để tạo cho nó có phản xạ có điều kiện. Trong quá trình tắm chải chú ý phát hiện một số ký sinh trùng nư ve, ghẽ, lỡ, loét…Nếu có hãy dùng các biện pháp sau đối với ve, ghẽ…

Bắt diệt liên tục bằng cơ học.

Dùng Ivermactin điều trị nội ngoại ký sinh trùng để tiêm 1ml/7kg trọng lượng.

Dùng các thuốc sát trùng ngoài da và khử trùng chuồng trại. Định kỳ dọn vệ sinh chuồng trại.

Sau đây chúng ta hãy tìm hiểu cụ thể cách nuôi dưỡng mỗi loại hươu.

Halong Bay swimming activities

Halong Bay is a ideal travel destination - a World Heritage Site, with thousands of limestone islands and caves. There are countless places to stop for swimming, fishing, snorkeling and kayaking when cursing around islands. There are many charming and attractive beaches; it is suitable for swimming activities such as Tra Gioi Beach, Ba Cua Beach, Tuan Chau Beach, Titov Beach, Minh Chau Beach. Visit halong bay cruise

Halong Bay swimming activities

The stunning scenery of sheer mountain cliffs rising out of the bay makes an ideal backdrop to water-based activities.The water of beach is emerald green and turquoise color so you cannot see the bottom. Halong Bay is the safe place for swimming. Because beach is calm waters and tourists will be provided useful equipment such as: life jackets. Moreover the sailors and staff of the ship watched while you were swimming to alert you for dangers in case. Swimming in Halong bay is really nice and refreshing. visit halong long: 3 best places kayaking in Halong bay
 Swimming Safe guides:

- Check with the lifeguard on surf conditions before swimming. If lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the stand, obey them. Never swim alone - use the buddy system. 

- Don't overestimate your swimming ability, especially early in the summer when the water is cold. Swimming ability is severely decreased in cold water.

- Judge your ability to participate in beach activities based on your swimming skills without the assistance of rafts and other flotation devices.

- Never dive into shallow water, or water of unknown depth.

- If you are confronted by a large wave and there is not enough time to get away from it, try to dive underneath the wave. Keep your body as low as possible until the wave passes over you. Timing is important, dive into the base of the wave just before it breaks. Do not dive if the water is too shallow - instead crouch and keep a low body profile. travel to Vietnam

- If caught in rip currents, relax and swim toward the shore at a 45-degree angle until you are free of the current. If the rip currents are strong, swim parallel with the shoreline in the same direction as the littoral current and then swim diagonally toward the shore. If you are not able to swim out of the currents, call or wave for help.

- When body surfing, do not ride waves in a straight line toward shore. Instead, surf at an angle to the waves. Stay away from the white water in the wave center to avoid going "over the falls."

- Never swim while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgment, unnecessary risks are taken and a swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident.

Ba Hang and Cap La Fishing Village in Halong bay

Ba Hang Fishing Village in Halong bay

Ba Hang (Three) Caves is one of 4 fishing villages serving major tourist attractions in Halong Bay. Located in the region of well-known three caves, located next to thiencung (heaven) grotto, daugo grotto ... Visit Ba Hang Fishing Village in Halong bay with Halong bay cruise

with about 50 families...Ba Hang (Three) Caves is one of 4 fishing villages serving major tourist attractions in Halong Bay. Located in the region of well-known three caves, located next to thiencung (heaven) grotto, daugo grotto ... with about 50 families, Ba hang fishing village for tourists to visit, purchase and sale of marine, kayaking service... Read more:  

Paradise Cruise Halong bay, Indochina Sails cruise Halong bay

Ba Hang and Cap La Fishing Village in Halong bay

Cap La Fishing Village in Halong Bay

Cap La is one of the small fishing village (lying between Bai Tu Long & Halong Bay). There are 80 family holders with more than 200 people living in this village. They live by fishing. Children go to school until they are 12 years old, then they stop for working as fish man.

No national electricity system here. The local have to use the electricity generators. It is hard and expensive to buy clean water and petrol her.

Shopping in Halong Bay

Shopping is an essential part for any tourists. From shopping, tourists can learn more about culture and society of place that they visit, as well as bring home some nice souvenirs for their friends or family. There are several locations for tourists to purchase excellent souvenirs, but tourists should be aware of some issues that might negatively influence their shopping time here. Halong bay tours

One of the most serious problems in not only Halong City but also in various tourism spots in Vietnam is related to the price of products, or the way that sellers set prices for their goods. If tourists spend time on shopping places in this city, particularly at markets where prices have no apparent range and standard, they are usually ask for higher price for actual price of the products. Often, these prices can be 1.5 times higher than actual cost, but in some places where sellers are extremely avaricious, they can be 2 or 3 times higher. Therefore, suggestion to tourists is to carefully research about average price range of products that they desire to purchase before to not to be charged by sky high price. Tourists should bargain for a better price if they think the product is overpriced. However, tourists should not bargain in supermarkets or shopping centers, where prices are already set. 

Paradise Cruise Halong bay

Jasmine Cruise Halong bay

Indochina Sails cruise halong

Shopping in Halong Bay

Another issue that tourists should be aware of is fake products. Halong City is located in Quang Ning Province, where has border with China. Therefore, fake products from China are bought frequently by local sellers to earn more profit. Therefore, tourists are recommended to check the quality and origin of products thoroughly before purchasing, as well as shop at ensured places such as shopping mall or authorized shops.

Hon Chong travel guide

Whatever the tourist brochures tell you, Hon Chong is not the Halong Bay tours of the south -- it is as simple as that.

A few rock pinnacles and limestone karsts do not a Ha Long make.

That doesn't mean that it isn't a worthwhile destination in its own right, however. A welcoming seaside village set on a rugged coastline, Hon Chong makes for a decent R&R stop on any Mekong tour. This is especially the case if you're headed towards Cambodia for the overland crossing with Kep. Read more: V'spirit cruise Halong bay

Though it sees a flood of Vietnamese holidaymakers around Tet, it can feel practically deserted for the rest of the year, making it the ideal locale to lay back in a hammock and unwind.

Hon Chong travel guide

Though the town's sole road fronts along a lovely pine-tree fringed beach, the swimming in Hon Chong isn't very good. The sand is too slimy, and the water too shallow -- those fisherman walking 20m from shore? They aren't on stilts. Read more: Vietnam tours

But the sand is still great for getting some sun, or enjoying a seafood lunch. You feel more active than this, the Chua Hang Grotto makes for a worthwhile afternoon out.

Orientation
Hon Chong consists of only one beachfront road, along which all the town's hotels and restaurants are located. There is no hospital, bank or post office here, though on a good day, Ha Tien is only a few hours away over a dreadful road.

Internet doesn't seem to have quite made a splash in Hon Chong yet. For the moment, An Hai Son Resort has WiFi available in their restaurant, and you may be able to convince them to let you use one of the computers in their office.

Travel Tay Ninh

The capital of the same-named province, Tay Ninh is situated 95 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and is the original home of the Cao Dai religion. 

The town itself is a bit of a nondescript affair -- accommodation and eateries are available, but very few travellers choose to overnight here -- primarily because the tours from Saigon are so affordable -- some going for as little as US$2 per person! Read more: Vietnam travel

The people flock her to see the Cao Dai Holy See -- the great temple of the Cao Dai faith -- which sits a few km outside of town. A garish meld of styles and influences, the temple is dominated by the divine eye which is the religion's representation of God -- for those who are curious, it's a left eye. The temple is done out in hues of pink and baby blues, with a brilliant interior bedecked with eight grandiose pillars wrapped with writhing dragons, and a clouded pastel blue sky that wouldn't be out of place in a Vegas casino -- you really have to see the place to believe it. The faith has built temples all over the region -- especially in the Mekong Delta -- but this is the biggest, brightest and the best. Read more: Mekong delta cruise

Travel Tay Ninh

The Cao Dai beliefs are a curious mix of Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism with a decent dash of home-grown remedies thrown into the mix. The religion came out of activities of the Vietnamese public officer and mystic, Ngo Minh Chieu, who was on the receiving end of revelations from 1919 onwards, culminating in the founding of the religion in 1926. These revelations are believed to have come directly from God. For a belief which once had a standing army of over 20,000 the practices laid out in these revelations are decidedly non-violent -- frequent prayer, veneration of ancestors, non-violence and vegetarianism are all centrepieces. Treasure junk 

It's the Cao Dao prayers that forms the key attraction at the Holy See from a tourist's perspective. Ritual prayers are held four times daily with the midday session the most likely one you'll see if you visit as a part of a tour from Saigon. Be aware that while you're permitted to photograph the prayers from the upstairs terrace (where all the tourists are herded) you're not permitted to take pictures of individuals without first asking permission. As with most temples, respectful attire is required -- no singlet tops, shorts, nor, need it be said, bikini tops.

If you decide to visit the temple independently, aim for a prayer session other than the midday one as you'll have far fewer tourists to share the spectacle with.

To reach Tay Ninh from Saigon catch a bus from either Tay Ninh or Mien Tay bus stations in Saigon. The trip will take two to three hours. Once you're in Tay Ninh, walk, or get a xe-om to the temple itself.

Long Xuyen travel guide

The capital of An Giang province, Long Xuyen boasts a sprawling and rather interesting riverside market, a huge cathedral and a smattering of colonial relics, but it is otherwise a nondescript spot that features on close to nobody's travel itinerary through the Mekong Delta trips.

While a steady trickle of travellers and backpackers pass through, or stay in, nearby Chau Doc, precious few choose to stay in Long Xuyen and it is easy to see why.

Some come for a transport connection, but that's close to the end of the appeal for most. Despite this, there is ample accommodation, albeit primarily aimed at travelling business people rather than backpackers and independent travellers. There's also a bunch of dodgy places outside town, but we can't imagine Long Xuyen ever being that busy you'd need to contemplate a stay out there. There's also a smattering of restaurants scattered across town. Read more: Tours in Vietnam 

Long Xuyen travel guide

The most interesting attraction in Long Xuyen town itself is the massive wet market that runs along the river's edge to the east of the central pier.

You could easily lose yourself for a couple of hours in the market, but it is not worth travelling specifically to Long Xuyen to see. Read more: Jahan cruise

From the nearby pier you can also organise short boat trips into the surrounds, priced by the hour. You needn't look for a boatman or woman -- they will find you.

Aside from the market and a boat trip, start planning your escape to a more interesting destination.

Halong Calypso crusie 2D - 1N

The myth of Halong Calypso crusie has been inspirited into the Calypso Cruiser. “Glamour” and “Grandeur” are best to characterize Calypso. The cruiser features 12 luxury cabins, all finely equipped, and exposed to the widest view of the Bay; a restaurant features a feast for the senses; and a panoramic sundeck allowing different activities with the beauty of Halong Bay as backdrop. Read more: Halong Alova Gold Cruise, Halong Image Cruise

Halong Calypso crusie 2D - 1N

DAY 1: HANOI – HALONG BAY

08.00 – 08.30 Pick-up at hotel and start the 3 hour-and-a-half drive to Halong Bay
12.00 – 12.30 Embark on Calypso Cruiser followed by cruise briefing
13.00 – 15.30 Savor a sumptuous lunch as Calypso Cruiser cruise further along the limestone islands of Fighting Cock,Dog Rock and Incense Burner…
15.30 – 17.30 Visit Amazing Cave
17.30 – 19.00 Enjoy drinks on Sundeck, snap photos the overview of Halong Bay, go swimming or just relax as the sun starts to set. Join in our brief Vietnamese cooking course on board while having some free wine.
19.00 Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests or just laze around. vernight on board in a tranquil area. (Evening activities available: night squid fishing, karaoke, dancing…)

Day1: Hanoi - Halong bay (L/D)
08h00 – 08h30    Pick-up at hotel and start the 3 hour-and-a-half drive to Halong Bay
12h00 – 12h30    Embark on Calypso Cruiser followed by cruise briefing
13h00 – 15h30    Savor a sumptuous lunch as Calypso Cruiser cruise further along the limestone islands of Fighting Cock, Dog Rock and Incense Burner…
15h30 – 17h30    Visit Amazing Cave
17h30 – 19h00    Enjoy drinks on Sundeck, snap photos the overview of Halong Bay, go swimming or just relax as the sun starts to set.
Those who fancy some experience in cooking Vietnamese dishes can join in our brief Vietnamese cooking course on board while having some free wine.
19h00    Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests or just laze around. 
Overnight on board in a tranquil area. (Evening activities available: night squid fishing, karaoke, dancing…)

Day2: Halong bay - Hanoi (B/L)
06h00 – 07h00    Start your day with swimming, exercise or photo hunting
07h00 – 11h00    Have breakfast at sunrise. 
Get your hand on some kayaking, visiting Luon cave, swimming.
Option:  For those who do not fancy kayaking can visit Titop Island to enjoy the panorama view of Halong Bay or just relax, swim at the beach.
Head back to the Harbor.
Disembark at around 11h00
12h00 – 16h30    Transfer back to Hanoi and trip finishes at the hotel around 16h30

Notes:

• Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to the weather condition
• Cruise itinerary and schedule subject to change upon weather and operations conditions.
• Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, visa expiry date for all Passengers
• A valid passport is required upon check-in on board. Children whose traveling documents are attached to parent's passport must travel with the parent. Credit cards accepted on board: Amex, Visa and MasterCard.
• Special requests on food (diet or vegetarian) please inform us before departure.
• Connecting room is available upon reques.
• Surcharge will be added for cruises on December 24 & 31

Có nên dùng mua điều hòa cũ hay không?

Tuy có ưu điểm là điều hòa cũ giá rẻ nhiều so với chi phí mua điều hòa chính hãng mới song điều hòa cũ lại có nhiều bất lợi đối với sức khỏe và tiêu tốn điện năng. Chuyên gia điện lạnh Lê Ngọc Tâm sẽ phân tích lý do vì sao đầu tư điều hòa mới sẽ có lợi hơn tiếp tục sử dụng chiếc máy điều hòa cũ.

Dùng điều hòa cũ dễ làm bạn mệt mỏi, uể oải khi sử dụng trong thời gian dài.

May dieu hoa tu dung cũ dễ làm bạn thấy mệt mỏi

Nằm phòng lạnh liên tục trong nhiều giờ, như khi ngủ vào ban đêm, bạn có thể cảm thấy rất mệt mỏi hoặc dễ nhức đầu và nhiễm cảm lạnh khi thức dậy.

Có nên dùng mua điều hòa cũ hay không?

Cánh quạt của may dieu hoa am tran kiểu cũ thường nhỏ và yếu sau nhiều năm sử dụng, không tạo đủ lực đẩy để tỏa không khí ra khắp phòng. Luồng khí mát thổi trực tiếp vào bạn khi ngủ có thể làm cơ thể khó chịu. Điều hòa kiểu cũ đồng thời không được trang bị công nghệ lọc không khí, bụi bẩn trong phòng kín, dẫn đến việc ngồi lâu trong phòng lạnh sẽ làm bạn cảm thấy ngộp thở, mệt mỏi hoặc dễ bị nhiễm các bệnh truyền nhiễm.

[Caption]
Điều hòa có chức năng lọc không khí giúp bạn cảm thấy dễ chịu hơn.

Điều hòa cũ hao tốn điện năng

Điều hòa là một trong những thiết bị tiêu thụ nhiều điện năng nhất trong gia đình bạn, nhưng điều hòa cũ thậm chí còn "ngốn" nhiều tiền điện của gia đình bạn hơn.

Điều hòa đã qua sử dụng thời gian dài có hiệu suất làm mát không cao vì động cơ yếu, cũ kỹ, nên tiêu hao rất nhiều điện để đạt được độ mát mong muốn. Đồng thời, những dòng điều hòa cũ không được trang bị công nghệ inverter giúp tiết kiệm điện.

Khi thay điều hòa mới, bạn nên ưu tiên những sản phẩm có hiệu suất làm mát cao và sử dụng động cơ inverter để tiết kiệm điện. Những máy có thiết kế tam diện, khác máy điều hòa truyền thống sẽ giúp tăng hiệu suất làm lạnh của máy lên nhiều. Công nghệ Digital Inverter cũng là một điểm cộng, tiết kiệm điện cho máy.

Điều hòa cũ tốn kém chi phí sửa chữa

Khi bạn sử dụng điều hòa trong thời gian dài thường trục trặc, hỏng hóc, cần bảo trì liên tục. Chi phí gọi thợ đến bảo trì, sửa chữa điều hòa có thể đội chi phí sử dụng điều hòa lên rất cao. Vì vậy, bạn nên cân nhắc đầu tư một chiếc điều hòa mới, khi điều hòa cũ của gia đình đã hỏng hóc quá nặng và tốn nhiều chi phí để thay.

Food Halong - Ngan

Food and drinks are two of the best parts of Halong, and it could be regretful if travelers cannot taste some of those. Here we introduce many of the best dishes and beverages at the bay, which are symbols of eating culture of Halong Bay. The information is not only what is the dish, how is made and what is made from, or how tasty is it with unique flavor, but also how to enjoy them in the best way, or what make these dishes special. Moreover, we also suggest where travelers should come to taste the dishes, as well as some tips in case that tourist wants to cook that food by their own hand. For the drinks, we recommend some places to purchase them with ensured quality and good price, and also some of cautions for drinkers to use those beverages in a completely safe way. Travel Halong with : Indochina Sails cruise Halong bay, Halong Paradise cruise, Halong Violet cruise 

 

Ngán is a mollusk species which is popular in the Northern Vietnam coastal area. Although it can be seen along the coast of the country, Quang Ninh Province, Halong City is where this seafood gets its fame.

This special sea animal has a similar shape to clam, one of its more popular relative but it is usually a little bigger than clam and also has rougher shells. While in the water, ngán uses its one and only tentacle to crawling around, breathing, and seeking for foods. During the season of ngán, fishermen living in the bay have to wade deep into the mud in attempt to hook up this rare sea animal.

In Vietnamese, the word “ngán’ literally mean “bored” but if you have a chance to have just one bite of it, the deliciousness of ngán would stay in your mouth for the rest of your life.

Amongst all dishes made from ngán, the most favorite and famous one is ngán wine which is made by opening the shells of ngán then letting its blood flow directly into the strong liquor. If you worry about the fishy smell of fresh blood, fear not, because it can be boiled before serve. Ngán blood wine is most preferable by male gourmet thanks to its miracle effect of improving male sexual ability.

Besides, ngán is best enjoyed when grilled or steamed. While it is being steamed, the chief usually tie up its shells in order not to waste the juice and the blood inside, which are the most nutritious parts. Grilled and steamed ngán both have salty taste at the beginning then turning into sweet taste of seafood and this deliciousness stays in your mouth till the next time you taste. Ngán porridge is an excellent choice for breakfast or for a happy ending for your lunch or dinner in Halong. With just only two to three pieces of ngán, your bowl of porridge would become more alluring than ever.

Visiting Halong, you may have many more chances to taste other attractive variables of dishes from ngán like ngán sushi, ngán salad, ngán soup, deep fried ngán with vegetables, etc. You should not miss the chance to feast on this unique seafood when you come to Halong Bay.