Myanmar things to see and do

Myanmar's Destination

Hpa-an

Kyauk Kalap Hpa-An, Myanmar

The small town of Hpa-an, in the southeast of the country, is a pleasant place to spend a few days. Moreover there are some excellent day trips from the town, and you can take a taxi or ride a rented motorbike through scenic rice fields to swimming holes, a pagoda perched on a vertical column of rock, and caves full of Buddhist art.

Inle Lake

Traditional Fishing - Inle Lake

A busy tourist industry has grown up on beautiful Inle Lake, which has several resorts on the water, as well as in the nearby town of Nyaungshwe (which provides more affordable accommodation). Long motorised boats take day-trippers to thriving markets, interesting little workshops in stilt villages, and ruined temples.

Irrawaddy River

Irrawaddy River, Myanmar

It’s hard to overestimate the importance of the Irrawaddy River, which winds its way south through pretty much the length of the country, and a trip on the river offers the chance to see small riverside settlements. Tourist boats ply the Mandalay-Bagan route, while you can meet locals on ferries between Yangon and Pathein.

Mrauk U

Mrauk U Myanmar

The collection of temples in the former capital of Rakhine – now a state but once an independent territory – may be on a smaller scale than in Bagan, but their appeal is increased by the fact that a settlement still exists around them. Mrauk U was, however, closed to foreigners at the end of 2012 following inter-ethnic violence. Check before travelling.

Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach, Myanmar

The most famous stretch of sand in the country is pretty idyllic, albeit hard to get to from Yangon other than by flying. Chaung Tha and Ngwe Saung beaches offer more easily reached alternatives, the former being popular with local families and the latter more international and upmarket.

Pindaya

Offering - Pindaya

The journey to the town of Pindaya from either Kalaw or Nyaungshwe is an attraction in itself – it’s set in one of the lushest agricultural areas in Myanmar, and the colours of the fields can be truly spectacular. The main draw in the town is Shwe Oo Min, an atmospheric cave packed with Buddha images.

Taungoo

Taungoo, Myanmar

It may be part-way between Yangon and Mandalay, but Taungoo is rarely visited by tourists. It’s a shame though because, as well as having an interesting market and some lovely villages nearby, it’s a good place to arrange a visit to a logging camp for the unusual experience of seeing elephants at work.

The hills of Shan State

The hills of Shan State, Myanmar

The parts of Shan State open to foreigners provide some of the country’s best hiking opportunities and, unusually for Myanmar, offer the chance to stay in local homes or monasteries. Walk through stunning valleys to remote ethnic minority villages close to the northern town of Hsipaw, or take the three-day trek between Kalaw and Inle Lake.

Bagan

Hot air balloons over Bagan

Covering an area of 67 sq km (26 sq miles), the astonishing archaeological site of the ancient city of Bagan is dotted with the remains of more than 2000 temples, pagodas and stupas, mostly dating from the 11th century. Visitors get around the site by car, bus, bicycle or horse and cart; many visitors take a river excursion to take in large stretches of the site, which is particularly beautiful at sunset or the more adventurous can take in the views from a hot air balloon.

Bago

Golden Rock - Bago Myanmar

One of the easiest trips from Yangon is to Bago, which has a collection of Buddhist buildings and monuments. They include the golden Shwemawdaw Pagoda – with the tallest stupa in the country – as well as the Shwethalyaung Buddha, which is considered one of the most beautiful reclining Buddhas.

Buddhist festivals

Buddhist festivals, Myanmar

Catch one of Myanmar's frequent Buddhist festivals, many timed to coincide with the full moon. Highlights include: Amanda Pagoda Festival in January/February; Pindaya Cave Festival in March; Maha Thingyan (New Year) in March; and Thihoshin Pagoda Festival, Pakkoku, in June/July.

Catch a show

Attend scheduled nightly performances of Myanmar's traditional dance, marionette theatre or anyeint (comedy) in Mandalay. Alternatively, look out for performances during religious festivals, weddings, sporting events and funerals – sometimes they last for an entire night, and include nat pwes, an event which pays homage to the spirit world.

Kyaiktiyo

Kyaiktiyo Myanmar in the Morning

Marvel at Kyaiktiyo and its Golden Rock Pagoda: a 5.5m (18ft) shrine built on a gold-plated boulder balancing atop a cliff. It’s a very busy pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and the experience of joining believers as they walk up is – for some people – as memorable as the pagoda itself.

Lost cities

U Bein Bridge in Amarapura, Myanmar

Take a day trip from Mandalay to several former royal capitals. Sagaing has appealing hillside pagodas, while the highlight at Inwa is a 19th century teak monastery. Teak was also used to build the long U Bein Bridge in Amarapura, which is very photogenic at sunrise and sunset. Alternatively take a river trip to Mingun to see the world's largest intact hung bell.

Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha Meditation Centre

Buddhist monks - Yangon

This centre in Yangon is the most famous centre in Myanmar for the serious study and practice of Theravada Buddhism. Those able to commit to at least six weeks (requiring a special visa) can try to find balance and inner peace by participating in a Buddhist retreat.

Mandalay

Temples in Mandalay Hills

Roam the former royal city of Mandalay, which isn’t as old as you might have thought but is rich in palaces, stupas, temples and pagodas. Take a walk up Mandalay Hill at sunset and help young monks to practice their English, or marvel at the gold-leaf-encrusted Buddha image inside Mahumuni Pagoda.

Naga-Yone

Naga-Yone, Myanmar

Outside the capital, visit the Naga-Yone enclosure near Myinkaba, with a Buddha figure entwined and protected by a huge cobra - a combination of Buddhism and Brahman astrology.

National Parks

National parks, Myanmar

Myanmar's has rich opportunities for ecotourism, trekking and safaris to experience in its national parks. The best parks include the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (northwest of Monywa); Hlawga National Park (near Yangon); Popa Mountain Park (central Myanmar); Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago); and Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary (located in Minbu).

Watch traditional sports

Burmese boxing, Myanmar

The national game chinglone, is played in teams of six, and the object of the game is to keep a cane ball in the air for as long as possible, using any part of the body except the hands. Burmese boxing is another popular sport.

Yangon

Karaweik Palace - Yangon, Myanmar

Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is a city of temples, markets, food stalls and ill-maintained colonial architecture. Highlights include the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most spectacular Buddhist structures in Asia; Bogyoke Aung San Market, a great place to bargain for handicrafts; and the fascinating colonial district around Sule Pagoda.

Source: Worldtravelguide

Tours in Myanmar recommended

• Essential Myanmar - 16 Days/ 15 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 15 Days/ 14 Nights
• Essential Myanmar - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Colorful Myanmar - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Essential Myanmar With Boat - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Classic & Beautiful Beach - 12 Days/ 11 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 10 Days/ 9 Nights
• Wonderful Myanmar - 10 Days/ 9 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 9 Days/ 8 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 8 Days/ 7 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 8 Days/ 7 Nights
• Discover Myanmar - 6 Days/ 5 Nights
• Amazing Myanmar - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Amazing Myanmar - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Taste Of Myanmar - 4 Days/ 3 Nights

11 things to know before visiting Myanmar

1. New Year celebrations last four days

New Year celebrations last four days

The Burmese make a big deal of the New Year. Thingyan, known as the "water throwing festival", is celebrated in April. This year it takes place April 13-16.

Everything shuts down over the four-day New Year - banks, restaurants, shops. The biggest celebrations are in Yangon and Mandalay.

During the New Year water-throwing frenzy everyone throws and sprays water at each other. Staying dry isn't an option. Water symbolizes the washing away of the previous year's bad luck and sins.

On New Year's Day, the fourth day of the festival, fish and birds are released as acts of merit and feasts are held for monks.

In recent years of privation, hard-core Burmese punks used leather glue to spike up their hair at New Year. The superstrong glue meant their mohawks stayed standing through the Water Festival, but when the party was over they had to shave their hair. These days, Burmese punks use hairspray.

2. Myanmar has fantastic beaches

Ngapali Myanmar beaches

Myanmar has 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) of coastline and some of the finest stretches of beach in Asia. Many beaches along the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea remain undiscovered by tourists and unspoiled by development.

Many of them face west, so they produce great sunsets.

The best known is Ngapali Beach, a 45-minute flight from Yangon, where almost two miles of white sand are lined with palm trees overlooking the Andaman Sea. Here, you'll find a number of large resorts.

Less developed is Ngwe Saung, a beautifully unspoiled beach that's a five-hour drive from Yangon. Also called Silver Beach, its eight-mile (13 kilometers) stretch makes it one of the longest beaches in Asia.

3. The Internet isn't censored anymore, but it's still slow

The Internet arrived in Myanmar in 2000, but high prices and slow connections mean it's still not widely used.

Under the former government, websites such as YouTube and Gmail were blocked, but restrictions have largely been lifted and last month Google chairman Eric Schmidt visited the country.

Far more popular than the Internet are mobile phones, though here, too, prices are high compared with other Asian countries. Local IT firms are lobbying to introduce cheaper SIM cards and a breakthrough is expected soon.

A U.S.$15 SIM card for mobile phones will be made available in June, in the run-up to the Southeast Asian Games to be held in Myanmar in December, but will be available only to foreigners.

4. You'll need plenty of cash - and make sure it's clean

You'll need plenty of cash - and make sure it's clean

There are few ATMs in Myanmar, so visitors need to bring plenty of U.S. dollars. The higher the denomination, the better the exchange rate.

Your greenbacks should be squeaky clean - that means no creases, stains, marks or tears. A note that's folded or even a little worn is worthless in Myanmar.

At present, credit cards are accepted only in five-star hotels and up-market shops and restaurants, usually with a 2-3% fee added to the bill. But this is changing. By the end of the year, credit cards should be more widely accepted.

The local currency is the kyat (pronounced "chat") and U.S.$1 will get you about 882 kyat. The new 10,000-kyat note (less than U.S.$12) is the highest denomination - be prepared for a bulging wallet.

There's little worry about carrying a lot of cash. Crime against foreigners is rare and the Burmese -- the vast majority of whom are Buddhist -- are generally honest.

5. A kissing sound gets you a beer

Enjoy Myanmar Beer

When the Burmese want to get a waiter's attention they make a kissing sound, usually two or three short kisses. It's the sort of sound you might make if calling a cat.

Walk down 19 Street in Yangon's Chinatown and you'll hear that kissing sound a lot. This narrow, pedestrian-only street is where the Burmese come to drink.

Restaurants line either side of the street and chairs and tables are set out in front.

The local brew is Myanmar Beer and it's cheap - about 60 cents for a glass of draught.

This is prime people-watching territory and if you keep an eye out you'll spot Yangon's hip-hop royalty on the prowl.

Just don't expect to see any females. Most Burmese women - married and single - stay home in the evening. That's not to say Western women aren't welcome. It's understood that foreigners have different customs.

6. Hotels are expensive

Myanmar Hotels are expensive

Room rates shot up 350% last year, which means that a room that cost U.S.$25 a night in 2011 now goes for almost U.S.$100.

It's a simple matter of supply and demand. Since the country opened up, business travelers and tourists have been packing flights to Myanmar. There are a lot more visitors - more than a million last year - but roughly the same number of hotels.

More hotels are on the way, but they take time to build and the hotel shortage is expected to continue five to 10 years. Book accommodation well ahead.

A lot of hotels are renovating and since they don't want to miss out on the visitor boom, they're staying open while upgrading. When making a reservation it's worth checking to see if any work is in progress and, if so, requesting a room away from the noise.

7. The men wear skirts

The men wear skirts, Myanmar

The traditional Burmese dress is the longyi, a wraparound skirt worn by men and women. Men tie theirs in the front and women fold the cloth over and secure it at the side.

NLD Leader Aung San Suu Kyi is known for her beautiful longyis and tailored tops. Her high-profile appearances have helped boost the popularity of the traditional dress among young women in Myanmar.

As for what's worn underneath, that's a matter of personal preference. In the cities, Burmese men usually wear underwear beneath their longyis when they go out, but at home wear it as the Scots wear their kilts.

In the countryside, underwear is much less common - for men and women. As one man jokingly put it: "Longyi are great. Free air-conditioning." That's a plus, especially when the summer temperature tips 104 F (40 C).

It's completely acceptable for a foreigner to wear a longyi and can be a conversation starter.

8. The food is exceptional

Myanmar - The food is exceptional

It's considered rude to eat with the left hand as this is the hand used for personal hygiene. To spell that out -- the left hand does the job of toilet paper.

So eating - as well as giving money - is always done with the right hand.

A typical Burmese meal includes steamed rice, fish, meat, vegetables and soup and all the dishes arrive at the same time.

The Burmese use their fingertips to mold the rice into a small ball and then mix it with various dishes.

As is the norm, Buddhists usually avoid eating beef and the Muslims don't eat pork.

Meals are served with plenty of condiments - from sweet to savory - and everyone has their preferred way of customizing a dish.

9. The trains are seriously bumpy

Trains in Myanmar

The poor condition of railway tracks means carriages get shaken about. This makes for a bouncy ride, but trains are still a great way to see the country.

Myanmar's trains are slow and have a reputation for running late. The most reliable route, Yangon to Mandalay, takes about 16 hours, assuming no delays.

On overnight trains, there's more chance of getting some shut-eye in an upper class seat than in a sleeper. It can get surprisingly cold a few hours after dusk, so it's smart to bring something warm to wear.

Buses are usually a faster option, but they're often crowded. Domestic flights are the most comfortable way to cover long distances and relatively cheap.

10. Yangon has a newspaper vendor on every street corner

The Man with a Newspaper

After five decades under a repressive military regime, the Burmese are enjoying their newfound press freedom and showing a healthy appetite for news.

In the past, all publications had to submit their stories to the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division for approval. Censorship was gradually phased out in 2012 and at the beginning of this year the bureau was formally abolished.

Under the former ruling military junta, Myanmar had a reputation for jailing anyone who dared voice opposition; that included many in the media. Last year was the first year since 1996 that no journalists were jailed.

Burmese journalists who fled the country and were forced to live in exile are slowly returning.

April 1 was a landmark for the country's media. For the first time since 1964, daily newspapers were permitted. It's a big step for press freedom, but there are concerns that some of the popular weekly newspapers will struggle to make the transition to daily circulation.

11. The people with red teeth aren't vampires

Experience local Myanmar culture

Chewing betel nut is a national pastime. Small street stalls selling the palm-sized green leaves are everywhere.

The leaves are filled with hard squares of betel nut, spices and sometimes a pinch of tobacco and then folded up and popped in the mouth and chewed.

You have to chew a while before you feel the mild narcotic effect of the betel nut.

At about 6 cents a wrap it's a cheap hit, but there's a downside. Not only does betel nut stain your teeth a reddish-brown, the little packages are spat out on the floor when finished - making for messy sidewalks.

It's also highly addictive.

Source: CNN

Tours in Myanmar recommended

• Essential Myanmar - 16 Days/ 15 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 15 Days/ 14 Nights
• Essential Myanmar - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Colorful Myanmar - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Essential Myanmar With Boat - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Classic & Beautiful Beach - 12 Days/ 11 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 10 Days/ 9 Nights
• Wonderful Myanmar - 10 Days/ 9 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 9 Days/ 8 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 8 Days/ 7 Nights
• Beautiful Myanmar - 8 Days/ 7 Nights
• Discover Myanmar - 6 Days/ 5 Nights
• Amazing Myanmar - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Amazing Myanmar - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Taste Of Myanmar - 4 Days/ 3 Nights

Vietnam the beautiful wonder of Asia

Vietnam is a unique nation that has become synonymous with success, growth and adventure.

The countrymen call their motherland "The Land of Dragons". Vietnam is a land of history filled with memory of many told and untold events. The great theme of modern Vietnamese history is the Vietnam’s war of Independence and reunification.


Ba Dinh Square In Hanoi, Vietnam

The Vietnam War was proved to be an extremely sobering experience which caused so much suffering for the Vietnamese people. The people of the country have a well-deserved reputation for being hard workers, but they enjoy their leisure as much as anyone else. Today the largely agrarian society of the country is shifting towards a more multi-sector economy. The country has a population of 91.5 million (estimates 2011) with a wealth of dialects spoken in different regions.


Halong Bay Vietnam

President Ho Chi Minh’s name comes to mind when we remember the recent history of Vietnam. He is the best-loved and famous political figure in the country. Ho Chi Minh the founder of the Vietnamese Communist Party and leader of the revolution carried the torch of Vietnam’s independence movement for over half a century. As a revolutionist he made great contribution to the victorious Viet Minh that unified the country. Mausoleum Ho Chi Minh a monumental marble edifice at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi was built to show the deep gratitude of the countrymen to their great leader. His remains are displayed inside the chamber of the mausoleum.


The Huc Bridge, Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi

Hanoi the capital city, known as "city of lakes" is one destination for which any number of praising words seems inadequate. It is a thriving metropolis with cloud-tickling skyscrapers, numerous specialty shops, boutiques and colorful markets that unhesitatingly leap into the future.


A traditional music show

A visit to the country would remain incomplete if one doesn’t drive a 3½-hour journey on road from Hanoi to Halong Bay port. The five hour cruise in a double deck wooden boat on the bluish green waters, one can enjoy the beauty of the bay. The UNESCO world Heritage site Halong (or "Descending Dragon) Bay is situated amidst a splendid panorama. The bay covers an area of 1500-square-kilometres dotted with a cluster of 1960 lime stone islands.

Hue in the center of the country is studded with many archeological sites. There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in Hue. Among those sites, feudal capital city with fortresses, temples, mausoleums, pagodas, bridges attract thousands daily. The area also offers the tourist to enjoy the riverside beauty. The Perfume River is famed for breathtaking river cruise in a traditional wooden boat.


Hue Citadel, Vietnam

Traveling from North to South of Vietnam can be a fantastic experience for a tourist.
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and is situated nearly 1,700 kilometers south of Hanoi. After the end of war in 1975 the Saigon city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of this great Leader. It is a city with a rapid development, where modern buildings are rising besides the 19th century buildings. An array of giant cranes show the development fever in the city.


Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

Among its highest-esteemed attractions are the Notre Dame Cathedral, Municipal Theater, the Re-unification palace, the Mekong River cruise, the Cu Chi tunnels and the Vietnam War Memorial Museum. The Vietnam War memorial museum is one of the most recognizable places to visit in the city. It is a living testimony to the history of the Vietnam’s war of independence and re-unification of North and South Vietnam. It is a place preserving the memories and relics of the Vietnam war.


Mekong Delta Floating Market

Vietnam culture possesses several distinctive characteristics that give its own unique style. Today, the mixture of influences is apparent in art, music, dance and literature. Moreover, the fast growing tourism sector is another major pillar in the overall economic field of the country Vietnam is emerging as a strong tourist destination with number of visitors to the country climbing to 6.0 million in 2011.

Traveling to the country can be done in different ways .However the experience that a visitor gains is unforgettable. The country is home to a wide range of domestic and international airports. Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, Da Nang and Tan Son Nhat Airport of Ho Chi Minh City are the major stop over points for many international airlines. Vietnam has a great deal to offer and is worth visiting.


War Crime Museumm, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tours in Vietnam recommended

• Vietnam in style - 11 days/ 10 nights
• Vietnam relaxing - 10 days/ 9 nights
• Discovery Vietnam in style - 9 Days/ 8 Nights
• North Vietnam Highlights - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Vietnam Beach Tour - 14 Days/ 13 Nights
• Northern Vietnam in Depth - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Stunning twin cities Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh - 7 Days/ 6 Nights
• Ho Chi Minh City Tour - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Highlights of Mekong Delta - 2 days/ 1 night

Tips for foreign travelers when visiting Vietnam

Tours in Vietnam

The most concerning issue for foreign travelers when visiting Vietnam is to find a convenient and reasonable-priced accommodation. That’s why we would like to introduce here the accommodation system in Vietnam which comprises a wide range of hotels and hostels ranking from five-star ones to budget ones. The most common choice of accommodation for foreigners visiting Vietnam would be Vietnam hotels. The hotel system is available in almost all tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Cat Ba, Sapa, Hoi An, Dalat, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, etc. In big cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, you can find all types of hotels from five-star luxury to budget ones. Hotels in these cities are located in almost every street which is near tourist attractions.


The beautiful of Halong Bay Vietnam

In other destinations famous for their beaches such as Phu Quoc and Phan Thiet, there are mainly luxury resorts and hotels which offer you the most private and comfortable accommodation. The price may be a little bit high, but the service is really great. On contrary, there are some tourist destinations in the northwest of Vietnam where the hotel system is not very well-developed. When making a trip to these areas, for example, to visit ethnic minority villages, you should consider the possibility of staying in local people’s houses without modern facilities and services. However, it is a great experience, especially for those who want to explore and learn about the traditions and culture of Vietnam.


Phu Quoc Beach Island

For those wandering souls who would love to explore the peaceful countryside in Vietnam, you may need to consider staying in some motels (which read "Nhà Nghỉ" in Vietnamese) along the way. The prices are cheap, there are only standard facilities and English-speaking staff should not be expected here. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you learn some common Vietnamese phrase or find yourself a Vietnamese companion. Language barrier had better not be regarded lightly in these areas. Hostels are not very popular in Vietnam.

You can only find some in a few big cities and tourists attractions such as Ho Chi Minh City or Danang or Hue city. It is best if you get the recommendations from some fellow backpackers for there is not much available information on the internet. Three and four star hotels are most commonly used among foreign tourists in Vietnam. For four star hotels, you can either contact the hotel directly via the hotels’ websites or book hotel via a hotel booking website which lists all the available hotels and their prices.


Roadside coffee Saigon

The prices from these websites might be a little lower than the listed prices at the hotels. When it comes to three star hotels and lower, you might have some difficulties contacting the hotel directly because some of them do not have a website. Then, your best choice would be making reservations through a hotel booking websites. Aside from the price factor, you can also compare the facilities and locations of hotels to pick out the one that best meets your needs. If you choose a website that focused in hotels in Vietnam only (also Vietnam-based), it may come with other travel services essential for foreign tourists (such as Vietnam visa, airport transfer and tours) as well as useful travel guides and tips.
With the advantage of being local, they might give you a better insight on what you need and provide you with better support once you are in Vietnam. Above is a brief overview of accommodation in Vietnam and the choices available for foreign tourists. We hope you find them useful in some way and Welcome to Vietnam!

Tours in Vietnam recommended

• Vietnam in style - 11 days/ 10 nights
• Vietnam relaxing - 10 days/ 9 nights
• Discovery Vietnam in style - 9 Days/ 8 Nights
• North Vietnam Highlights - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Vietnam Beach Tour - 14 Days/ 13 Nights
• Northern Vietnam in Depth - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Stunning twin cities Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh - 7 Days/ 6 Nights
• Ho Chi Minh City Tour - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Highlights of Mekong Delta - 2 days/ 1 night

Mekog Delta Vietnam Excursions

Explore the Mekong Delta Vietnam

Mekong Delta is located in Southwestern Vietnam. In Vietnamese, it was called Cuu Long. It means Nine Dragons for the nine months that terminate the flow of this great river as it is absorbed by the sea. Its total area is around 39.734km2 and include provinces: An Giang , Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long


Mekong delta - Rice Fields, Vietnam

Mekong delta is well-known as the biggest rice-growing region in the country. Other products of the delta include coconut, sugar cane, fruit and fish.The main towns of the delta are My Tho, Vinh Long, Can Tho and Chau Doc. My Tho is the first stop when you go from Ho Chi Minh city to the Delta. It is popular with a taste of authentic delta life. Here tourist can take Sampan along the waterways, visit tropical fruit orchards and enjoy the local delicacy, Elephant’s Ear Fish. Then you will come Vinh Long. It is the island in Mekong River. Coming there you have a chance to take part in Floating Markets in which all kinds of product are traded from boats. To make shopping easier, the boats suspend a sample of what they sell from the top of a long pole. Besides, you can visit small riverside workshops including blacksmiths, rice huskers, thatchers and coffin makers. Contemplating local orchards, flower markets and fish farms is other interesting activities when you come Mekong delta.


Fruit Gardens (Miet Vuon) In Southwest Vietnam

Say goodbye to Vinh Long, you will come Can Tho. It is a commercial center of the Mekong Delta. Here you can visit the biggest floating- Cai Rang Floating Market in the morning. A spectacular sight outside of town is the stork garden at Thot Not where hundreds of egrets, herons and cormorants gather in the treetops to roost late in the afternoon. The last place is Chau Doc. It is located at the foot of Sam moutain on the Cambodian border. Here you can enjoy the large Cham, Khmer and ethnic Chinese communities and the distinctive architectural styles of each community can be seen in their places of worship around the town. You can take a boat trip to see the unusual floating fish farms, houses with wooden pens suspended underneath where live fish are kept. You will get exciting experiences in Mekong delta which nowhere can bring to you. Let come and discover by yourself!


Mekong Delta - Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho

Mekong Delta Tours

• Highlights of Mekong Delta - 2 days/ 1 night
• In Mekong Delta To Be A Real Vietnamese Farmer - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Exciting of South Vietnam - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Relaxing Tour - 4 Days/ 3 Nights

Things to eat in Sapa Vietnam

Sapa Vietnam

Sapa Cap Nach Pigs

Sapa Cap Nach Pigs - Vietnam Travel Blog
At the fair of Lao Cai, you can easily see local people selling small pigs whose weight is less than 20kg so that people can put into the baskets, even put in the armpits. "Cap Nach" pigs are special food of Sapa. They are not locked up but they had to find food by themselves.

Sapa Chinese Black Mushroom

Sapa Chinese Black Mushroom - Vietnam Travel Blog
Sapa has cool temperature which is the invaluable resources that heaven has given to this place. Sapa is the place where Chinese black mushrooms hidden in the forests. Come to the fair of Sapa, tourists will be invited to buy Chinese black mushrooms that are special food of Sapa.

Sapa Pau Play Day Cake

Sapa Pau Play Day Cake - Vietnam Travel Blog
Round sticky rice cake is made from glutinous rice. Glutinous rice is soaked in water about 2 hours and then pours it into the pot. After that, sticky rice will be put into mortar. Round sticky rice cake can be eaten with sugar. These cakes have special flavors of glutinous rice.

Sapa Thang Co

Sapa Thang Co - Vietnam Travel Blog
"Thang co" is one of the most famous dishes of the H'Mong in the northwest of Vietnam. "Thang co" usually use for festival or special day. On the weekend, it is sold at the fair. Its name means a pot of soup which includes meat, organs of horse, vegetables and special kinds of spices.

Sapa Fructus Crataegi Wine

Sapa Fructus Crataegi Wine - Vietnam Travel Blog
Fructus Crataegi wine is unique wine. Fructus Crataegi is soaked very carefully and then they use this water from Fructus Crataegi to make wine. Drinking wine feel like drinking carbonated soft drinks. In Sapa, Fuctus Crataegi grows on the Hoang Lien Son range. It is the natural gift that the heaven give the H'Mong.

Khang Gai Dried Meat in Sapa

Khang Gai Dried Meat in Sapa - Vietnam Travel Blog
The meat of horses, pigs are usually hung up by the H'Mong. These meat will be chopped into pieces about 2-3 kilograms and hung up in order to store. When eating meat, they will clean dust and cook with tomatoes, bamboo shoots… Dried meat is fleshy, fragrant and crispy.

Fansipang Restaurant

Fansipang Restaurant - Vietnam Travel Blog
Address: No.25, the Cau May, Sapa, Lao Cai province. Located at 25 Cau May, Fan Si Pan Restaurant not only attracts customers by 100 dishes made by the experienced chefs but also has the unique design. The restaurant can offer 45 visitors with cuisine of Asian, Western and some special food of the ethnic minorities of Sapa.

Gerbera Restaurant

Gerbera Restaurant - Vietnam Travel Blog
Address: No.31, Cau May, Sapa, Lao Cai province. Tourists will be satisfied with new space and cozy, and unique architecture from the bamboo. From here, visitors can sight the beautiful perfection of Hoang Lien Son range with Fan Si Pan top - the highest mountain in Vietnam.

Gecko Restaurant

Gecko Restaurant - Vietnam Travel Blog
Address: No 04, Ham Rong, Sapa. It is located in the heart of Sapa, Gecko Restaurant is known as a reliable address of tourists. The French architecture combines with Vietnamese style; tourists will feel the warm ambition in this place.

Red Dao Restaurant

Red Dao Restaurant - Vietnam Travel Blog
Address: 4B Silver Waterfall Road, Sapa. It is located in the heart of Sapa. The restaurant is far from the church about 90 meters, on the ways to go to Silver Waterfall. "Dao Do" restaurant was designed by the architecture of the stilted houses of Dao Do ethnic./.

List of Tours in Sapa Vietnam recommended

• Explore the Wonders of Sapa - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Sapa Spotlights - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Sapa - a Walk of Colors - 2 days/ 1 night
• Northern Vietnam Tour - 6 Days/ 5 Nights
• Northern Vietnam in Depth - 13 Days/ 12 Nights
• Vietnam from excursion to highlight in style - 15 Days/ 14 Nights

Top things to do in Sapa

Sapa Vietnam Travel Guide

One of the most famous sightseeing in the north of Vietnam is Sapa, with the height around 1500-1650m above sea level. Sapa is a charming land, quiet but varies wonderful of natural scenes. Sapa is also a nest of hill tribe as: Black H'Mong, Red Dzao, Xa Pho, Tay, Zay...etc. Travel to Sapa, leave all your daily life behind and enjoy the fresh air, clouds, sky, romantic scenery of the majestic attraction. With an average temperature of 14-17°C will be more convenience for the tour to the local villages as well as explore the Fansipan mountain peak. However, how to visit and which attraction to visit is the big question to all visitors who tend to come to Sapa. Hereafter, these are most popular things to do in Sapa:

1. Muong Hoa Valley

Muong Hoa Valley - Sapa Vietnam
Muong Hoa is one of the most famous destination for breathtaking scenery and is the largest farmland for rice growing in SaPa. It is far from town about 14 kilometers. Going to visit Muong Hoa, you can trek along Muong Hoa River sneaking through the valley nearby SaPa town. This valley lies between two high ranges of mountains running in parallel south-east of SaPa town. On the way, you can learn more about how is the rice cultivating.

From the highest elevation of the mountain range covered by endless forest, rain water follows dozens of streams downhill to the floor forming the Muong Hoa, which follows across the small town and rice fields of the ethnic minority people of H’Mong, Dao and many others. They has been working on the slopping land and living their own ways for hundereds years.

Visiting Muong Hoa Valley, you will enjoy an easy walk downhill and along Muong Hoa River, through terraced fields passing some hamlets of the H’Mong people as Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai..., watching locals at work. The night you spend in Ta Van village. The unique village in SaPa area where Giay minority live, will be an excellent and remarkable experience.

2. Love WaterFall

Love WaterFall - Sapa Vietnam

Located in San Sa Ho Commune with 4km to the Northwest of Sapa Town, Love Waterfall deserves to be a must-see in this allured town. The name of this waterfall, Love, originates from a legendary love story that has been told to generations in this land. The story tells that long time ago, this waterfall was the bathing place of fairies from heaven. One day, a fairy was mesmerized by flute sound of a young boy near the fall, so she spent every night listening to his melodies. Not long time after, her parentscame to know the secret, and forbade her from coming back to the fall. The passionate fairy transformed herself to a bird so that she could live with her love forever. From then on, the name Love is born.

Travelling on a soil road offragrantflower on the two sides of it to the fall, tourists might be more and more curious about how beautiful the waterfall is. From far sight, Love Waterfall looks like a sparkling stream of light.

It has a height of about 100m, and starts from the peak of Fansipan Mountain and rush noisily into the Gold Stream like a never-ending song. Under the waterfall, the Gold Stream runs along with green grass plots and bamboo clusters, forming a poetic image.The stream flows to the forest endlessly, to some places that only passionate people dare to venture into.

3. Tram Ton Pass

Tram Ton Pass - Sapa Vietnam

Tram Ton Pass locates on the road from Sapa to Lai Chau Province on the northern side of Fansipan and around 15km from Sapa. At 1900m height, this is Vietnam’s highest mountain pass, and described as a line between two weather fronts. Even if you’re not tend to travel to Lai Chau, just spend few hours to come up here to experience the often ferocious winds and the breathtaking views.

4. Ta Phin Village

Ta Phin Village - Sapa Vietnam

Travel to Sapa, visiting its villages is the must do thing as without seeing the local life, you are considered as have not been here. One of the villages is Ta Phin. Ta Phin Village is located in Ta Phin Commune, Sa Pa District, about 12km northeast of Sa Pa Town. The village is surrounded by mountains and owns spectacular rice terraces. The best time to visit Ta Phin is in late afternoon when tourists can enjoy amazing view of sunset over the village and the whole surrounding areas. Set within a valley with a towering mountain peak at one end, this village is alive with the daily life of the Kinh, Red Dao and Black Hmong people. The valley floor is layered with rice paddies and dotted with 20 small home communes. Above them are some smaller communes and a patchwork of corn and vegetable fields.

"We women are so active - not only do we grow vegetables and pigs and get wood for the fire, we also try to learn English so we can talk to tourists. Before there were tourists we were very poor. But now we can make more handicrafts and make some money and meet people." - said Ly May Chan (a local woman)

A common sight in the village is to see the woman and the girls sitting together, gossiping and laughing, head down focused on a piece of indigo coloured cloth. They make their embroidery and brocade products that are sold and traded amongst the villages and visitors. The locals are friendly and will invite the tourists to go to their homes to show how they live and what they have.

Ta Phin Village now is also a famous destination for trekking tours. Whether the tourists choose to stay overnight in the village or just visit for a day, the locals will be happy to organise a tour for them through the village. The tourists may meet locals working the field, see traditional housing, visit caves and medicine bath complex or go for a long walk through the rice paddies and mountain views.

5. Sin Chai Village

Sin Chai Village - Sapa Vietnam

Located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain - the roof of Vietnam and Indochina countries is Sin Chai village, about 30 kilometers trekking from Sapa town. From here you can enjoy huge stunning landscapes before climbing up on the way a jeep to return to Sapa. Sin Chai is a village of the Red Dao ethnic people, whose women wear beautifully embroidered clothes with distinctive silver jewellery and an enormous red turban. This short trek to Sin Chai allows visitors for cultural acclimatization. Sin Chai is a community village. Here the locals will take the time to teach textile weaving and dying, will take the group on a locally built trail to explain the names and function of the local flora. There will be the opportunity to participate in the village community, there will be a traditional sporting activity and tree planting. But before staying in Sin Chai Village, the visitors shall have a chance to stop over Cat Cat Village, just 2 km trekking from Sapa Townlet and on the way to Sin Chai Village, to learn about the life of Black H’mong people.

6. Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Falls)

Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Falls) - Sapa Vietnam

Travel to Silver Waterfall by Jeep or a 4 seat car (even by bus or motorbike), Silver Falls is about 15 kilometers from Sapa toward Lai Chau Province; tourists take approximately 30 minutes by motorbike or bus to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. The scenery along the way, the pine forest, and the 'su su' spread over the hills. With more than 100 meters high, white water pouring down the stream.
Standing on Ham Rong Mountain, visitors will see the water flows down as silver so that people in here called the waterfall with the romantic name "Silver Waterfall"

7. Holy Rosary Church Or the Stone Church

Holy Rosary Church Or the Stone Church - Sapa Vietnam

The ancient church is known as stone church or the Holy Rosary church which is located in the heart of Sapa town built by the French from the early 20th century. Before starting to build this structure, the French architect selected carefully about the terrain. The shape and architecture of the church was built by cross. This architecture presented in the roof, bell tower… which created the elegant church.

The whole church was built by stone (walls, floors, bell towers) that are linked by a mixture of sand, lime and molasses. With total area over 6000m2, Sapa church has enough rooms for the arrangement of the area.

The church of Sapa is always a place where holds many traditional cultural activities of ethnic minorities. In the front of the church is tennis area which has unique cultural activities of local people on Saturday. With flute, trumpet leaves, “xòe” dance... created sparkling, magical atmosphere in Sapa.

Additionally, because the structure was designed early, the church of Sapa experienced many events of history. Since its establishment, the church always has priests in order to offer parishioners. However, many years later, due to the presence of Japanese troops, the activities of the Church have stalled. In later years, the war makes almost activities to suspend. After that, the church became the repository of rice.

8. Ham Rong Mountain

Ham Rong Mountain - Sapa Vietnam

Via Muong Tien to get to Sapa, in vaporous clouds travelers will see a mountain peak rising as dragon-head. It is Ham Rong mountain with 100 ha in area.

The name of Ham Rong was derived from the legend that, in primitive age there were a couple of dragons which became attached to each other while the deluge was rising high. Walking up, they hurrily separated from each other but failed. They were drifted to different places After a long time, the female dragon was petrified but still tried to raise its eyes to the male dragon on the Hoang Lien mountain in the west because its instinct for survival remained.

As going to Sapa, travelers often climb up Ham Rong mountain to enjoy a cool atmosphere and charming landscapes such as cloud ground and stone garden, gardens, garden of medicinal plants, especially the garden of various orchids and specific houses on stilts of ethnic minorities. A great deal of rocks in shape of dragon claws and fin appear to our eyes and we will think of being lost in a wonderland. Following cliff will lead us to the heaven gate I and II.

Standing on the peak, you will enjoy particularly interesting landscapes around as much as you wish and throw your view farer to make the most of poetic beauty of Sapa town looming in clouds.

9. Sapa Love Market

Sapa Love Market - Sapa Vietnam

Sapa is also famous for its love market, which takes place on saturday evenings. The love market of Sapa used to be the place to find a partner to get married. With the tourism, the real love market does not take place anymore. Currently you can only see a representation of the love market. Do not miss it anyway if you are staying here a saturday night.

Young Red Dzao hill tribe used to come to Sapa to sing songs to the opposite sex. Girls sang the songs hidden in the dark, when a boy found them, and if they matched together, they disappeared into the forest for three days. Some of them got married after that.

A night of song and dance, the performances expressing fervent wishes for eternal love. Romantic melodies fill the night air.The dancing and singing continue into the early hours, often persuading men and women into each other’s arms. That first magical night, some are lucky enough to leave the market with their new partners and walk hand in hand through the forest. But others are simply nervous: tomorrow is the big day, after all. Many have waited months for the chance to find their soul mate.

The day of the Market of Prosperity is alive with different moods: happiness at meeting old friends, anxiety as others wait to meet someone new. Whether they find a partner or not, the happy memories of the day linger in the minds of many of these mountain people. And anyway, there is always next year. Because at this market, the goods are always ripe.

List of unique tours in Sapa Vietnam recommended

• Explore the Wonders of Sapa - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Sapa Spotlights - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Sapa - a Walk of Colors - 2 days/ 1 night
• Northern Vietnam Tour - 6 Days/ 5 Nights
• Northern Vietnam in Depth - 13 Days/ 12 Nights

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