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Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Hoi An - The Charming Town

Hoi An, once known as Faifo, was a major international port in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the foreign influences are discernible to this day. While the serious shipping business has long since moved to Danang, the heart of the city is still the Old Town, full of winding lanes and Chinese-styled shophouses, which is particularly atmospheric in the evening as the sun goes down.

While almost all shops now cater to the tourist trade, the area has been largely preserved as is, which is unusual in Vietnam, and renovation has proceeded slowly and carefully - it's mercifully absent of towering concrete blocks and karaoke parlors. The main thoroughfare in the Old Town is Tran Phu. Just south of the Old Town, across the Thu Bon River, are the islands of An Hoi to the west, reachable via Hai Ba Trung, and Cam Nam to the east, reachable via Hoang Dieu.

Old Merchant House Hoi An

Things you should do

• Walk around the Old Town, visiting temples, merchandise houses
• Have clothes made at one of the tailor shops

When to go

Hoian is located in the zone of typical tropical monsoon, temperate and equable climate. The city's weather bears the combination of the north and the south climate characters with the inclination to the former. There are two seasons: the wet from August to December and the dry season from January to July, cold waves are occasional but they are of average and short lasting. Average humidity is 83.4%. Average temperature is about 26ºC, the highest is 28-30ºC in June, July, August, the lowest is 18-23ºC in December, January, February. In Ba Na Mountain, the temperature is 20ºC. Average rainfall is 2,505mm per year that concentrates during October and November

Getting there & away

+ Flight: Daily flights from Saigon, Hanoi to Danang, then drive to Hoian.
+ Road:
- 30 km away from Danang
- 130 km away from Hue
- Train: Daily express train services are available from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Danang

Where to stay

The Nam Hai Resort, out of rank, from USD 800: Belong to GHM Hotels, look at the rate, needless to say, it is the best of the best. The harmony between architecture and nature is evident at The Nam Hai. Set amid lush landscaping and unobstructed ocean views, all accommodation occupies its own section of landscaped gardens, and boasts views of the South China Sea and nearby Cham Islands. www.ghmhotels.com

Hoian Victoria Resort & Spa, 4 stars, from USD 150: situated 5 km from the little town of Hoian, along a stretch of white sand beach, one side of the resort facing the river delta and the other side, the sea. Referring to Hoian history and mix of cultures, Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort is built like a small fisherman's village, with small streets and water ponds, small houses with clay-tiled roofs and round Chinese cloth lanterns. A special care of the individual senses and feelings has been taken to provide to each guest a warm and restful environment. www.victoriahotels-asia.com

Golden Sand Resort, 5 stars, from USD 100: located in Cam An beach, just 5 km from the little town of Hoi An. The private beach of the resort last up to 400m, and the width of the shore up to 100m, make the resort is very large in size of up to 4 ha. Relax on this fantastic beach resort and you will enjoy the choice of the spacious white sandy beach relaxing under a Beach Umbrella or choose to lie beside the 150-meter swimming pool that boasts two pool bars. www.swiss-belhotel.com

Palm Garden Resort, 4 stars, from USD 100: The name “Palm Garden Resort” was derived from its location, which ideally situates on 5-hectare of unspoiled tropical garden, features more than 400 palm trees. The resort is landscaped with several unique species of palm and coconut trees, as well as furnished it with selective Vietnamese products of silk, wood, and natural ceramics. www.palmgardenresort-hoian.com

Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, 4 stars, from USD 60: located just a few minutes walk (400 meters) from Hoi An ancient town and set in a superb location of great natural charm with a magnificent view on the sleepy and romantic Thu Bon River. Here guests enjoy the resort’s splendid blend of fine old Vietnamese traditions with superb modern equipped rooms and excellent services. www.vinhhunghotels.com.vn

What to see & do

Walking tour to visit Hoian Town: Let Vantours escort you through the narrow lanes and streets of the old town, lined with centuries old shophouses combining the influences of the many trading communities who visited Hoi An: French, Japanese, Chinese. See the Japanese Covered Bridge, the gaudy interior of the Guangdong or Fukien Chinese Assembly Halls; take tea in an 18th Century home; jostle for space with the fish mongers in the lively riverside seafood market. these are all part of the unique Hoi An experience.

Cooking Class: If you like to cook, and if you want to do some cooking, Hoian is the place for you. There are many cooking classes. Join Vantours, we will take you to an unique cooking class of Vietnam Food in Hoian.

My Son Holly Land: My Son Valley was the spiritual centre of the ancient Cham civilisation, in the same way as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Borobudur in Indonesia and Pagan in Myanmar. A religious sanctuary since the 4th century, its history is reflected in the temples and towers that remain. It is also the home of the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings. My Son Valley is 45 km away from Hoian.

Tailor Made: The best place to have clothes made in Vietnam or even in Asia is Hoian, Usually the tailors are able to have your order ready in 24 hours. Of course, the quality of the workmanship will be compromised, somehow. It will be better if you are able to give yourself and tailors more than one day to finish the order. Don't forget to try on them before you make the full payment. Alteration should be made without extra charge. And It can take more than three hours for alteration to be done satisfactorily.

What to eat

Food in Hoi An is, even by high Vietnamese standards, cheap and tasty. In addition to the usual suspects, there are three dishes that Hoi An is particularly famous for:

Cao Lau: a kind of rice noodle which is original from Hoian. The secret is the soup which is cooked from the water which is from Ba Le Well, the oldest well of Hoian.

Cha Ram: rolls of shrimps and noodles

How to design your tours:

Two nights in this town are enough, you can stay in a beach resort which is 5 km away from Town or in town resorts or hotels by the river.

List of unique tours in Hoian Vietnam recommended by Palm Vietnam Travel

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Da Nang Vietnam - The Gate Way to Central Coastline

Danang City is located in middle of Central Vietnam, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, separated from Laos by the western Truong Son Mountains. It is embraced by the East Sea with 150km of seacoast. With over one millions people, Danang is the largest City of Central Vietnam where the first U.S troops arrived in 1965. It is now the gate way to this region with Danang international airport. Even Danang is the largest city in Central Vietnam, tourism is not popular here as in Hoian and Hue which are much more popular. However, there are some fine resorts right on China Beach, Danang where you can stay and do tour to Hoian by a shuttle bus.

Dragon Bridge, Han River - Da Nang

Things you should do

• Visit to the Cham Museum
• Climb up to Marble Mountains
• See how locals make marble statues of Giant Lions, Dragon, Buddha, and Jesus Christ

When to go

Danang is located in the zone of typical tropical monsoon, temperate and equable climate. The city's weather bears the combination of the north and the south climate characters with the inclination to the former. There are two seasons: the wet from August to December and the dry season from January to July, cold waves are occasional but they are of average and short lasting. Average humidity is 83.4%. Average temperature is about 26ºC, the highest is 28-30ºC in June, July, August, the lowest is 18-23ºC in December, January, February. In Ba Na Mountain, the temperature is 20ºC. Average rainfall is 2,505mm per year that concentrates during October and November

Getting there & away

+ Flight: There are daily short flights between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi to Danang, and also from Danang to small cities like Dalat, Nha Trang, Ban Me Thuoc, and Pleiku.
+ Road:
- Almost 1000 km away from Saigon - 1000 km away from Hanoi
- 30 km away from Hoian
- 65 km away from Myson Holly Land
- Over 100 km away from Hue
- 535 km away from Nha Trang
+ Train: Daily express train services are available from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Danang.

Where to stay

Furama Resort, 5 stars, from USD 200: The luxurious Furama Resort Danang is a true icon of Vietnam tourism. This 5-star haven on world-famous China Beach is celebrated as Vietnam’s most prestigious resort - counting royalty, presidents, movie stars and international business leaders among its celebrity guests. But the Furama is much more than an idyllic tropical retreat, it is also a premier base for exploring one of Asia’s most exciting new destinations – in the early days of being “discovered” by international tourism. www.furamavietnam.com

Son Tra Resort & Spa, 5 stars, from USD 150: The biggest resort in Da Nang, Son Tra Resort & Spa, a Complex of International Five Star Hotel and Villas with over 500 rooms invested by Son Tra Joint Stock Company, is planned to be completed in late 2006. The complex exclusively covers the area of 14.1 ha in land and 20.8 ha in sea, stretches along 1.6 kms of sandy beach and against rocky mountain. The whole setting is designed to ensure natural harmony as well as convenient and contemporary accommodations and furnishings. www.sontra.com.vn

Sandy Beach Resort, 4 stars, from USD 100: Situated on the Non Nuoc seaside, a famous beauty spot of Danang City with blue water & white sand, just 15 minutes drive from the City Centre to the South, Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort is an ideal destination for visitors to Danang City and the three World’s Cultural Heritages recognized by UNESCO including Hue Ancient Capital, My Son Relic Zone and Hoian Ancient Town. Sandy Beach Resort is a new development opened in September 2004. www.sandybeachdanang.com

What to see & do

Cham Museum: Champa is an ancient kingdom that used to occupy central and south Vietnam. Vietnam's southward expansion, sadly, has come at the expense of the Chams. The building is used to be a Far estearn Studies in Vietnam. It's all about the Old Champa Kingdom. The Cham Museum exhibits 300 original sandstone sculptures and some baked products collected from temples and towers that lie scattered from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan in central vietnam. The visit can be made as a stopover from Hue to Hoi An.

Marble Mountain: This mountain is so named because it is excavated for marble. There are many workshops and factories nearby which make marble sculptures and furniture. The five mountains consist of rock outcrops that are made of marble. Each mountain is said to represent a natural element and is named accordingly to Water. Wood, Fire, Gold and Earth. The largest, Water, has a number of grottos and caves. At the entrace of each cave, a torch is available for exploring.

List of tours in Danang Vietnam recommended by Palm Vietnam Travel

Cantho City - The Center of Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Sited at the confluence of the Can Tho and Hau Giang rivers, Cantho is the delta's biggest, a major trading centre and transport interchange. However, abundant rice fields are never far away, and boat trips along the canals and rivers, through memorable floating markets, are undoubtedly Can Tho's star attraction. It is about 160 km away from Saigon, 4 hours drive as there is a ferry to pass which takes time to wait.

Ninh Kieu Pier - Cantho, Vietnam

Things you should do

• Boat to visit the floating markets.
• Experience life of Vietnamese in the countryside.
• Visit to the local market by the river.
• Visit to local homes to understand life in Mekong Delta.
• Have snake and rat as the Mekong specialties.

When to go

There are two seasons in Southern Vietnam, with the annual average temperature is around 27ºC, rains during wet season from May and November, the best time to visit tropical climate zone - Ho Chi Minh City is in the dry season - from December to April. Even rainy season, but it rains some days. So, you can travel to Saigon all year around. You should ovoid to visit Saigon during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, it fails around the end of January or the beginning of February, very close to Chinese New Year) as you won’t see a busy daily activities of this City.

Getting there

+ Roads: 160 km away from Saigon, 4 hour drive.
+ Boat: Speed boat from Saigon River takes 3 hours. There is no way to go by air nor train down Cantho from Saigon.

Where to stay

Cantho Victoria Resort, 4 stars, from USD 120: the best hotel in Cantho The only luxury hotel in the centre of the Mekong Delta, the four stars Victoria Can Tho Resort blends colonial-style architecture with the natural beauty of the river. Close to Can Tho town, but a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, the resort lies on the banks of the Hau River, set amidst gardens with a plethora of exotic plants. www.victoriahotels-asia.com

Cantho Golf Hotel, 4 stars, from USD 80: Located on the banks of the Hau river- one of the nine estuaries of the Mekong Delta- Golf Can Tho is a splendid modern style hotel set in the magnificent Can Tho city. The hotel feature 101 rooms, 8 of which are spacious suites, all has balcony with a half river view. www.vinagolf.vn

Saigon Cantho Hotel, 3 stars, from USD 40: Good location, right in the City Center, fine services. www.saigoncantho.com.vn

What to eat

Can Tho is famous for delicate cuisine and extra-fresh fruit and vegetables, and a good place to try and eat the fruit you would not usually like: you may well find they are very tasty and enjoyable. Among the local produce, you may like to try mangoes, oranges, jackfruit, pomeloes, grapefruit, but also custard apple, corossol, longans or even durian.
Cantho is also popular for fresh water fish like elephant eared fish, snaked head fish, and cat fish. And if you want to try exotic food, you can find snake and rat.

What to see & do

Cairang Floating Market: Floating market is the unique one in Mekong Delta, all boats gather together at the River Corner during the early morning hours, larger sized boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even smuggled goods like cigarettes. Sellers do not have to cry out about their goods because their goods can be seen in a distance and their cries would not be heard in the vastness of the river and the noise of boat engines. Small boats that sell beer, soft drinks and wine go among the other boats to serve market-goers and visitors. Sellers tie their goods to a tall pole so that buyers can see from a distance what they are selling.

Other tips

Bring along mosquito spay & rain coat.

How to design your tours in Saigon:

You should have one night to visit Cantho at least. If you have more time, then stay here two nights to have more space. The tours include Cantho:
• In Mekong Delta To Be A Real Vietnamese Farmer - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• The cuisine and culture at the South - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Southern Escape - 9 Days/ 8 Nights
• Highlights of Mekong Delta - 2 days/ 1 night

Nha Trang Vietnam - City of Miss Universe & World Contest

Nha Trang Beach, Vietnam

Nha Trang is endowed by nature with deep, quiet and warm waters all the year round, surrounded by archipelagoes, islands, mountains and white sand beaches - a wonderful and attractive tourist resort. To the north of Nha Trang stands the Chong mount which looks like a wide open hand over the sea. Far offshore, the Yen (Swallow) Island appears with lush green colors where salangane nests have been harvested for years to make the traditional "bird's nest" tonic and food. The 7km white sand beach of Nha Trang is often called Vietnam’s Mediterranean Area, considered one of the jewels along Vietnam's long stretching coast line. Nha Trang is sunny all year round, with an average temperature of 23°C due to northern winds. Nha Trang benefits from topographical advantages of the sea, islands, mountains, and deltas. West of Nha Trang, there are endless mountain ranges where a wide variety of animals and birds live. Nha Trang has many specialties. Especially, bird’s nest soup, or swallow’s nest soup is very famous in Nha Trang and round Vietnam. The magnificent coral seabed in Nha Trang makes it ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Nha Trang Bay is recognized as one of 29 most beautiful bays in the world.
Nha Trang is home of Miss Universe in 2008 and Miss World in 2010.

Things you should do

• Experience Scuba Diving.
• Cruise to visit the islands.
• Have mud bath.

When to go

Hue is located in the zone of typical tropical monsoon, temperate and equable climate. The city's weather bears the combination of the north and the south climate characters with the inclination to the former. There are two seasons: the wet from August to December and the dry season from January to July, cold waves are occasional but they are of average and short lasting. Average humidity is 83.4%. Average temperature is about 26ºC, the highest is 28-30ºC in June, July, August, the lowest is 18-23ºC in December, January, February. In Ba Na Mountain, the temperature is 20ºC. Average rainfall is 2,505mm per year that concentrates during October and November.

Getting there & away

+ Flight: Daily flights from Saigon, Hanoi to Cam Ranh Airport which is 30 km away from City Center.
+ Road:
• 400 km from Saigon
• 200 km from Da Lat
• 200 km from Mui Ne
• 230 km to Qui Nhon
• 1300 km to Hanoi
• 530 km to Danang
+ Train: Daily express train services are available from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Qui Nha Trang.

Where to stay

Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay, top of the list, from USD 700: Sits on dramatic Ninh Van Bay, with its impressive rock formations overlooking the South China Sea, white sand beach and towering mountains behind, all adding to the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature. The exclusive property also presents the reality of the destination, with an architectural style reflecting the traditions of Vietnam. www.sixsenses.com

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang, 5 stars, from USD 250: Reflects the image of an old Vietnamese village, with its warm hospitality, rich culture and unique tastes. The exclusive location of Evason Ana Mandara affords city-centre access to Nha Trang’s only beachfront resort. It is surrounded by private tropical gardens, offering simplicity, serenity and refinement together with spectacular views of Nha Trang Bay. www.sixsenses.com

Vinpearl Resort & Spa, 5 stars, from USD 200: locates on Hon Tre Island, off shore of Nha Trang. Renowned as a tropical paradise and retreat for Sun lovers with beautiful white sand beaches. Vinpearl Resort & Spa provides five star accommodations, the largest swimming pool in South East Asia (5000m2). With 700 meters of fine white sand beach and high spa service. Apart from restaurant on mountain and beside beach, clients can enjoy funny games at amusement park. www.vinpearlresort.com

Sun Rise Hotel, 5 stars, from USD 150: Located on the tree lined Esplanade of one of the most sort-after pristine beaches, overlooking Nha Trang Bay. A stone's throw from the beach, the Hotel is also idyllically located in the heart of the City and sightseeing locations. www.sunrisenhatrang.com.vn

Nha Trang Lodge, 4 stars, from USD 65: The hotel offers 121 rooms that are fully carpeted and equiped with mini-bar and air-conditioner, attached bathroom with bathtub & shower and balcony with a view of the sea, IDD telephone and satellite television, modern elevator. Other facilities include lobby bar, 24 hour room service, restaurant, tour desk, business centre, conference room, laundry service, airport transfer, beauty saloon, discotheque, Jackpot, massage, sauna, steambath, jacuzzi, foreign exchange, souvenir Shop and swimming pool. www.nhatranglodge.com

Yasaka Hotel, 4 stars, from USD 60: Located right on the beachside with 201 luxurious guest rooms, facilities and services that meet to the requirement of both leisure and business travelers. With a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi on top, a tropical garden, and other services like massage, steambath, tennis court, fitness center. www.yasanhatrang.com

What to see & do

Po Nagar Cham Towers: Po Nagar Cham Towers were built between the 8th and 13th centuries. The largest of the four remaining towers was built in honor of the Goddess Po Nagar, also known as Lady Thien Y Ana or Lady Mother of the Kingdom.

Scuba Diving: Many also come for the diving-Nha Trang will argue to be the best location for diving in Vietnam. Visibility can hit 30m, though usually more like 15-20m and the marine life includes reef sharks and stingrays.

Mud bath: A few kilometers away from Po Nagar Cham Tower is the Thap Ba Hot Spring Centre. As the advertising billboards around town boast, 'soaking in mineral mud is interesting'. Not only is there the chance to take a mud bath, but also soaking in mineral water, steam bath and massage, and a warm mineral water swimming pool are available.

Long Son Pagoda: built in 1886 and named Dang Long Pagoda. In 1900, the pagoda was damaged in a storm and was rebuilt down the mountain in its present location. A huge white statue of Sakyamuni Buddha sitting on a lotus pedestal, which erected in 1964-1965, 24m high not including its pedestal being 14m high.

What to eat:

Like other beach cities, Nha Trang is naturally a seafood haven. Besides, Nha Trang also has its own specialties.

Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa: Vietnamese grilled pork patty.

Banh Mi: Vietnamese Bread, the best can be found in Nha Trang.

How to design your tours:

Nha Trang is a beach city, two nights are enough. You can stay longer if you wish.

The unique tours include Nha Trang recommended by Palm Vietnam Travel

• Vietnam Beach Tour - 14 Days/ 13 Nights
• Vietnam relaxing - 10 days/ 9 nights
• Southern Escape - 9 Days/ 8 Nights
• Vietnam from excursion to highlight in style - 15 Days/ 14 Nights
• Discover Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia - 21 Days/ 20 Nights

Cu Chi Tunnels - Underground Villages, Vietnam

Cu Chi Tunnels - Underground Villages, Vietnam

Cuchi Tunnels, just 60 kilometers northwest of Saigon, lay on one of the most fascinating historical sights of Vietnam-American War. The beginnings of the Cu Chi tunnels date back to Vietnam's struggle for independence from the French, but it was not until the Vietnam-American War that the tunnel network was widely expanded to cover a total distance of some 250 kilometers (170 miles).

A small part of this network has been restored and opened to visitors to cast a fascinating light on the lives of the Cu Chi guerrillas and their hideouts. Join Vantours for a visit to Cu Chi where we'll take you underground to experience a glimmer of the conditions in which these people lived and fought.

If climbing through the tunnels holds no appeal, try sipping green tea and munching on some cassava - a guerrilla staple - in an underground. Many artifacts and recreations are also on display to give visitors an idea of the conditions, suffering and determination of the local people in their conflicts. You can have the real gun shooting experience of AK47, M16, M30, M60,... with extra charge of USD 1.5/bullet. The Tunnels have opened to public since 1990.

Some of you may not want to go to the Tunnels as you think the Tunnels are small. Yes, they are small tunnels, but it does not mean that we are in the Tunnels at all time, we are on the surface most of the time, just some who like to have the experience under ground, you can go down, but just few minutes only.

There are two openings of the Cuchi Tunnels, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Ben Dinh is more popular as it is more original which where Vantours take you to.

Things you should do

• Shoot the real guns.
• Get into the Tunnels as you can.
• Try V.C Viagra, a kind of Snake Whisky.

When to go:

This is the most popular site from Saigon, so many visitors come to visit everydays, the best time to visit is early by 08.00pm to start from Hotel or in the afternoon, if you are not morning persons. 40 miles or 60 km away from Saigon, 90 minutes drive.

Tours to Cuchi Tunnels: The tour to Cuchi Tunnels from Saigon is about 5 hours in total, if you don’t have much time in Saigon, then you can combine Cuchi Tunnels and Saigon City tour in one day tour. The total tour of Tunnels only takes 5 hours. Or if you like to have a long day tour, you can combine Cuchi Tunnles and Caodai Temple.

Tips: Bring along with you hat, flash light, sun block, mosquito spray. Wear something light and cover your knees as you plan to go inside the Tunnels, and walking shoes.

The tours include Cuchi Tunnels recommended by Palm Vietnam Travel:

• Ho Chi Minh City Tour - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Relaxing Tour - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Exciting of South Vietnam - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• In Mekong Delta To Be A Real Vietnamese Farmer - 4 Days/ 3 Nights

Da Lat - City of Eternal Spring, Vietnam

Da Lat - City of Eternal Spring, Vietnam

The site of Dalat, at 1475 meters elevation, was discovered by Doctor Alexandre Yersin. Because of its pleasant temperate climate, and the beauty of its surroundings of lakes, waterfalls, and pine forests, it became popular with the French after 1912 as a cool retreat from the heat of the plains.

Dalat became known as "Le Petit Paris". The city was implicitly considered to be a neutral zone and was spared fighting and destruction during the war. You can still see there a small Eiffel tower, villas modeled after regional French architecture, and a school as well as a train station which look like they are from a French little town of the first half of the century. Because of the cooler climate, school kids still wear "chandails", French style sweaters. Because of its charms, the town draws a large number of Vietnamese tourists and honeymooners for which a number of very "kitch" attractions have been created. But overall, they contribute to create a delightful intemporally dated atmosphere.

Things you should do

• Walk around Xuan Huong Lake to shop around little shops near Dalat market at night time.
• Visit to XQ Hand Embroidery Historical Village.

When to go

You can visit Da Lat all year around as it has perfect weather around 20 degrees Celsius (68 F).

Getting there & away

+ Flights: Vietnam Airlines has daily short flights between Saigon and Hanoi to Dalat. There are also two flights a week to Danang. The airport is about 30 km south of Dalat City.
+ Roads:
• Over 300 km away from Saigon, 5 hour drive on scenic up hill roads.
• 200 km away from Nha Trang, 4 hour drive.
• 200 km from Buon Ma Thuoc City, Dak Lak Province.
• 100 km away from Muine, Phan Thiet. 3 hour drive.

Where to stay in Da Lat

Dalat Sofitel, 5 stars, from USD 200: The best hotel in Dalat, located in the heart of Dalat surrounded by a superb park, has an original 1920s style and charm. The hotel provides a shuttle service to and from the airport. It has 38 rooms and 5 suites, a gastronomic restaurant, a brasserie serving international and local cuisine, a piano bar, Larry's bar, and 7 meeting rooms accommodating up to 300 delegates. There are shops, tennis courts and a golf course nearby. www.sofitel.com

Evason Ana Mandara Villas in Dalat, 5 stars, from USD 150: Set in the cool climate of the rural highlands of Central Vietnam, Evason Ana Mandara Villas Dalat comprises 17 French colonial villas each originally constructed between the 1920's and 1930's and lovingly restored to their former glory, with all care taken to preserve original design, décor and charm. The surrounding countryside and town provide beautiful views from all areas of the gently sloping hillside property. www.sixsenses.com

Dalat Novotel, 4 stars, from USD 100: The Novotel Dalat is the ideal place to holiday with all the comfort and facilities of a 4 star hotel. This historic hotel is an oasis in the beautiful Central Highlands surrounded by lakes and waterfalls. Guests enjoy access to the Dalat Palace Golf Club. Relax with your favorite drink in one of our two bars and be tempted by a range of cuisine, including traditional Vietnamese, in our two restaurants. www.novotel.com

Resort Hoang Anh Dalat, 3 stars, from USD 70: Located in the central of Da Lat City, near Xuan Huong lake, Resort Hoang Anh Da Lat with elegant rooms fully equipped, good and Friendly Services, we offer the cozy atmosphere suitable for all kind of guests. www.hoanganhhotelgroup.com/dalat

What to eat & drinks:

Dalat is a paradise for lovers locally garden vegetables which are grown locally and sold all over the Southern Vietnam. The abundance of just-picked peas, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, green peppers, bean sprouts, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, beets, green beans, bamboo shoots, spinach, potatoes, squash and yams make for meals unavailable any where else in the country. Persimmons and cherries are in the season from November to January. Apples are known here as Bom after the French pomme. The Dalat area is justifiably famous for its strawberry jam, dried blackcurrants and candied plums and peaches, all of this can be purchased from food stalls which are everywhere in town. You should try Dalat Red Wine as it is only local wine in Vietnam. Dalat is also home of coffee and tea.

What to see

Bao Dai Third Palace: Bao Dai, the last King of Vietnam. He is considered as Play Boy King as the country was under the domination of French during his rules, so he had many palaces of leisure. The Dalat Bao Dai Third Palace was built from 1933 to 1937 when Bao Dai was on his throne in Hue kingdom. Bao Dai used this place as a resting place in summer. When the French returned to Vietnam, Bao Dai became the puppet minister in 1950 and used this place as his office and his house.

Thien Vien Truc Lam - Buddhist Monastery: the largest pagoda in Dalat, 4km from Center, established by Thich Thanh Tu Monk in the 90s and it was opened on February 8th, 1994. The area is 24.5 hectares and it is divided into 3 zones: zone for the Mons, zone for the Nuns, zone for visitors. The first outline design had the attendance of a famous architecture, Mr. Ngo Viet Thu (the architecture of Doc lap Palace- Reunificatication Palace now in Saigon).

Lat Village: about 12 km North of Dalat at the base of Lang Bian Mountain, the peak of Southern Vietnam. Traditionally, Lat houses are built on piles with rough plank walls and a thatch roof. The people of Lat eke out living growing rice, coffee, black beans and sweet potatoes. Even their life has changed, it is worth to pay a visit.

Dalat Railway Station: Built in 1943, the Dalat station offers an atmospheric slice of Dalat's colonial history. You can see an authentic old wood-burning steamer train on the tracks to the rear, and stroll around inside looking at the iron-grilled ticket windows, empty now. Although the steamer train no longer makes tourist runs, a newer Japanese train makes a trip to Trai Mat Street and the Linh Phuoc pagoda.

Flower Gardens: There are many flower gardens in Dalat, just pick the one which closes to your Hotel.

Dalat XQ Hand Embroidery Historical Village: With a skillful hand, a craftswomen pays their soul into each stitch to make the lifelike pictures, so the viewer gets much emotion. XQ hand embroidery historical village is the place you can experience how Vietnamese keep their traditional craft. Can you believe that the picture on your left is hand embroidery painting, it seems that it is a real picture of Vietnamese girl in traditional dress.

Some other tips:

• Pack warm clothes as it is cold to locals.
• Try local tea & coffee.

The tours include Da Lat recommended by Palm Vietnam Travel:

• Southern Escape - 9 Days/ 8 Nights

Vung Tau City Vietnam - Coastal

The town of Vung Tau is located just 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, easily accessible from Saigon via fast hydrofoil or car. The resort town is split pretty much into two areas: Front Beach which houses mist of the more expat-oriented hotels, restaurants and bars, and the Back Beach which caters for tourists and Vietnamese holidaymakers. Between the two lies a steep hill which boasts a huge statue of Jesus at its summit with great views across the town, beaches and ocean beyond.

Vung Tau Beach City - Coastal, Vietnam

Vung Tau city belongs to Ba Ria Vung Tau Province where Australia Soldiers based in Nuidat, Long Tan Baria. So, Vung Tau sometime gets Australian visitors. Vungtau is popular for local visitos as the beaches are not as beautiful as in Central Coastline of Vietnam. But the city is a nice city for a day visit if you have time from Saigon.

Statue Of Jesus In Vung Tau, Vietnam

When to go

The best time is from January to November.

Getting there & away

Hydrofoil: 2 hours from Saigon River Bank, center of Saigon.
Roads: 130 km, 3 hour to drive from Saigon.

What to eat

Vungtau is a seaside city where seafood popular.

What to see

Vung Tau is a small City, there are some temples, small musiums... the most popular thing here is the racetrack opens on Saturday and Sunday nights - not horses, but dogs. Races start from around 19:00. This is a real family and tourist event with a fun atmosphere. Food and drinks are available, and with betting starting at few USD, there's no need to worry about losing the house either.

How to design your tours from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

It takes 3 hours to drive from Saigon, so one way drive, one way by hydrofoil is the best. If you don’t go to Central Coastline, and have free time, then one day trip to Vung Tau is something different from Saigon hustle City.

For Australian, if you would like to visit the former base, you can do one day tour from Saigon to visit Long Tan, Nui Dat, Horse Shoes, Ba Ria, and a touch of Vung Tau City. Or if you have time, you can stay one night in Vung Tau. Contact us, we will design the tour just for you./.

The unique tours include Vung Tau City recommended by Palm Vietnam Travel
• Exciting of South Vietnam - 5 Days/ 4 Nights

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