Introduction Vietnam has done very well tourism-wise since reopening its doors to foreign tourists in the mid 1990’s. Combined with a good train system, affordable and frequent flights and a tourist-orientated minibus system, a bunch of very worthwhile destinations have developed into what has become a pretty well worn path running up and down the length of the country. Most first time visitors...

Halong Bay, Vietnam is one of world’s natural wonders and is one of the top tourist attractions in Vietnam. The literal meaning of “Halong” is “Bay of Descending Dragons”. A local legend says that a family of dragons was sent to defend the land long ago when the Vietnamese were fighting the Chinese invaders. These dragons had descended upon what is now Halong Bay. Halong Bay, Vietnam, famous for...

Formation and meaning of traditional festivals Traditional festivals constitute a form of cultural activities, a spiritual product which the people have created and developed during the course of history. From generation to generation, the Vietnamese people preserve the fine tradition of Re-remembering the source while drinking water. Festivals are events which represent this tradition of the...

Halong is the capital of Quang Ninh, Vietnam. A number of attractions have made this place a famous tourist destination. Bai Tho Mountain is a famous spot here, where you will unveil the breathtaking view of nature. Cua Van Fishing Village is also very popular to the tourist. On the other hand, the places like Hoang Gia Park, Ha Long Market, Bai Chay Trading Center, Quang Ninh Museum, Vietnam- Japan...

Indochina Sails III A BAT let out a startled screech as we paddled our kayak into a moonlit limestone cave in Halong Bay. I'm not sure who was more surprised – me or him – but it served to remind me that humans are the minority here. Bats are just one of countless wildlife species that inhabit the islands and caves of this ancient, World Heritage-listed site, which resembles the set of the...

Well, another amazing day. Today may well have been one of the highlights of the trip...which is a presumptuous statement to make after only 5 days on the road, I know, but still. I don't really expect to see scenery and people like this everywhere we go. Sapa View   To start off: yesterday was great. We arrived in Sapa at 7:30 in the morning, got our hotel (and shower), and did some looking...

"Everyday is Valentine's Day in February with 14% Discount on all On board Services" ( VALID FROM 1st FEB – 28th FEB 09) Enjoy the Sweet February on the Bay with Indochina Sails: • 14% Discount on Beverages, Kayaking, Massage Services and Transportation • Daily Vietnamese Food Preparation and Carving Demonstrations Terms & Conditions • Cruise rates based...

I’m writing this waiting to get the night train to Hue. We just came back from Halong Bay which was an overnight on a boat on the bay. It is a world heritage site and so beautiful. It was misty and a bit rainy but apparently that makes it more atmospheric although I’d say they just tell you that to shut people up moaning. It was a long trip in a mini bus to the bay and of course as usual with organised...

Ever since I saw the movie "Indochine," I've wanted to visit Ha Long Bay. I loved the haunting scenes where Camille and Jean Baptiste, her beloved French soldier (originally her adoptive mother's lover - it's a French film after all) float through the islands in a small junk. Camille's just killed a French soldier, they're fleeing the French army, and they're without food or water and are barely conscious...

A lasting impression for any visitor to Vietnam is the beauty of the women dressed in their Ao dais. Girls dressed in white pick their way through muddy streets going home from school or sail by in a graceful chatter on their bikes. Secretaries in delicate pastels greet you at an office door and older ladies in deep shades of purple, green or blue cut a striking pose eating dinner at a restaurant....