Bun Cha of Vietnam is in top 10 world’s best street food

National Geographic has named Vietnamese dish Bun Cha as top 10 world’s best street food.

Bún Chả is made from rice noodles with barbecue pork, often combined with Nem (spring rolls).  It demands a special fish sauce with sliced green papaya and fresh herbs.

Bún Chả, Hanoi, Vietnam

momos of Nepal

Doubles cake of Thailand

Dahi Vada (deep fried fritters soaked in savory yogurt) of India

Balut of the Philippines

Visit us at TandP Travel Vietnam to get further information about traveling around the world and Vietnam tours; to have access to the best travel services and to meet our professional consultants who're always available for help. For any inquiry please contact us.

VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTIONS FOR MORE INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will propose more visa exemptions to the authorities for visitors from certain markets in North America, Europe, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia, while extending the visa-free duration for other markets to attract more foreign travelers to Vietnam.

The proposal was forwarded to VNAT after a meeting between representatives of local tourism and trade agencies, tour operators, transport companies, big hotels and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) in Hanoi, 10 July.

At the meeting, experts said visa exemptions were limited and needed to be widened to include more countries to boost tourism.

The meeting noted that even the visa-on-arrival facility was complicated and required travelers to complete some advance paperwork to ensure it worked properly.

It is also likely that Vietnam will increase the visa-free stay from 15 to 30 days for citizens from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Japan and South Korea.

VNAT has also urged the government to streamline visa-on-arrival procedures and introduce electronic visas.

Similar changes were also suggested by the Tourism Working Group under the Vietnam Business Forum at a mid-term dialogue between the government and the business community in Hanoi last month.

Vietnam already allows nationals of 17 countries to enter the country without a visa. The length of stay differs.

Citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Kyrgyzstan get a visa-free stay of up to 30 days. Citizens of the Philippines get 21 days. Citizens of Brunei and Myanmar get 14 days.

Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Japan, and South Korea get 15 days.

All travelers can visit Phu Quoc for 30 days without a visa, but they must, either enter through the island’s seaport, or through its airport after transiting through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City’s international airports.

Tours of villages attract foreign tourists

An increasing number of foreign tourists are enjoying the hospitality and traditional Vietnamese culture in Yen Duc commune, Dong Trieu district, Quang Ninh province.

Many of them are spending two- or three-day stays observing and partaking in the unique rural culture, such as planting water rice, grinding rice and fishing.
Nguyen Thi Hai, Vice Chairwoman of the Yen Duc commune People’s Committee, says Yen Duc is an agricultural village which boasts of many stone mountains and beautiful caves such as Canh, Nguu Ngoa, Doc Thoc, Thung, Con Meo, Con Chuot, Long Ma, Luy and Nghe.
The village lies on the pathway from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi so the tourism industry incorporates tours of Yen Duc village to introduce Vietnamese village culture to international guests before they end tours of Ha Long Bay.
David Phillips from Manchester City in the UK says he spent a marvelous time staying in a peaceful village with hospitable people.
Vietnamese culture is fascinating, he says, adding, he is highly appreciative of how the young generations learn and experience production and daily life from their predecessors.
His wife, Susan Phillips, says Vietnamese farmers are industrious and show great kindness to their families. She expects to return and experience other cultural activities in the country.
Coming to Yen Duc, visitors have the chance to go through Vietnamese farmers’ routine, visit ancient pagodas, and enjoy folk music. They even plant rice and vegetables, grinding rice and fishing themselves.
Such tours are considered a special kind of tourism product, helping promote and protect traditional agricultural craft, and heighten the image of Vietnamese villages.
Source: VNS

THINHGS NOT TO MISS IN VIETNAM

The Huffington Post has listed 10 things that American tourists should do when they visit Vietnam, including going to the traditional market and singing karaoke late at night.

One of the first things suggested by the Huffington Post is walking in the Old Quarter and around the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.

Visiting Ha Long Bay, the natural heritage of the world, is the second suggestion.

Sa Pa is the next destination in the S-shaped country.

Coming to Vietnam, visitors can enjoy Vietnamese style coffee and sunflower seeds on the sidewalk.

Vietnamese pho is a dish not to be missed.

Markets are also a unique facet of the culture of Vietnam.

Going to the Mekong Delta and the floating markets there.

Home-stay is also one of the fun activities while visiting Vietnam.

The last thing that foreign tourists are interested in is singing karaoke late at night.

Hoi An is one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam.

VIETNAM TOURS
CLASSIC VIETNAM & CAMBODIA 14DAYS

VIETNAM 2014 - A TRIP TO VIETNAM

Few countries have changed so much over such a short time as Vietnam. Less than forty years since the savagery and slaughter of the American War, this resilient nation is buoyant with hope. It is a country on the move: access is now easier than ever, roads are being upgraded, hotels are springing up and Vietnam’s raucous entrepreneurial spirit is once again alive and well as the old-style Communist system gives way to a socialist market economy. As the number of tourists visiting the country soars, their talk is not of bomb craters and army ordnance but of shimmering paddy fields and sugar-white beaches, full-tilt cities and venerable pagodas; Vietnam is a veritable phoenix arisen from the ashes.
The speed with which Vietnam’s population has been able to put the bitter events of its recent past behind it, and focus its gaze so steadfastly on the future, often surprises visitors expecting to encounter shell-shocked resentment of the West. It wasn’t always like this, however. The reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975, ending twenty years of bloody civil war, was followed by a decade or so of hardline centralist economic rule from which only the shake-up of doi moi – Vietnam’s equivalent of perestroika – beginning in 1986, could awaken the country. This signalled a renaissance for Vietnam, and today a high fever of commerce grips the nation: from the flash new shopping malls and designer boutiques to the hustle and bustle of street markets and the booming cross-border trade with China. From a tourist’s point of view, this is a great time to visit – not only to soak up the intoxicating sense of vitality and optimism, but also the chance to witness a country in profound flux. Inevitably, that’s not the whole story. Doi moi is an economic policy, not a magic spell, and life, for much of the population, remains hard. Indeed, the move towards a market economy has predictably polarized the gap between rich and poor. Average monthly incomes for city-dwellers are around US$100, while in the poorest provinces workers may scrape by on as little as US$30 a month – a difference that amply illustrates the growing gulf between urban and rural Vietnam.
There is an equally marked difference between north and south, a deep psychological divide that was around long before the American War, and is engrained in Vietnamese culture. Northerners are considered reticent, thrifty, law-abiding and lacking the dynamism and entrepreneurial know-how of their more worldly wise southern compatriots. Not surprisingly, this is mirrored in the broader economy: the south is Vietnam’s growth engine, it boasts lower unemployment and higher average wages, and the increasingly glitzy Ho Chi Minh City looks more to Bangkok and Singapore than Hanoi.
Many visitors find a vast number of places to visit that intrigue and excite them in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the other major centres; but despite the cities’ allure, it’s the country’s striking landscape that most impresses. Vietnam occupies a narrow strip of land that hugs the eastern borders of Cambodia and Laos, hemmed in by rugged mountains to the west, and by the South China Sea – or the East Sea, as the Vietnamese call it. To the north and south of its narrow waist, it fantails out into the splendid deltas of the Red River and the Mekong, and it’s in these regions that you’ll encounter the paddy fields, dragonflies, buffaloes and conical-hatted farmers that constitute the classic image of Vietnam.
In stark contrast to the pancake-flat rice land of the deltas, Ha Long Bay’s labyrinthine network of limestone outcrops loom dramatically out of the Gulf of Tonkin – a magical spectacle in the early morning mist. Any trip to the remote upland regions of central and northern Vietnam is likely to focus upon the ethnic minorities who reside there. Elaborate tribal costumes, age-old customs and communal longhouses await those visitors game enough to trek into the sticks. As for wildlife, the discovery in recent years of several previously unknown species of plants, birds and animals speaks volumes for the wealth of Vietnam’s biodiversity and makes the improving access to the country’s national parks all the more gratifying.

THE BEST OF VIETNAM TOURS 14DAYS
1 DAY TOUR IN HOIAN, HUE, DANANG
DISCOVER VIETNAM 12DAYS

My Son home-stay gives visitors taste of rural living

Nguyen Duc Nha, 53, has introduced tourists to farming and rural lifestyles in My Son – a very new service being offered near the My Son Sanctuary, a World Heritage Site.

Rustic charm: Local man Nguyen Duc Nha has offered home-stay services, introducing tourists to farming and rural lifestyles in My Son.

 

Nha and a group of 22 farmers in the agriculture-based village, 1km from the My Son Sanctuary, have created home-stay services to allow tourists to remain in the area after a day of visiting the famous sites.

The village, with over 2,000 residents, offers trekking, cycling, mountain climbing and boating, as well as joining a cooking class with the hosts.

"Previously, tourists spent only one day visiting the My Son Sanctuary because hotel and guest houses were not developed in the area. Yet, tourists wanted to stay longer in this tranquil area, 30km from the nearest town of Nam Phuoc and 70km from Tam Ky City in the central Quang Nam Province," said Nguyen Viet Trinh, a tour operator in Ha Noi.

"Home-stay services, which have been booming in the area of the ancient town of Hoi An, have become an attraction for tourists," he said.

Tourists can book a two-day, one night package tour in the village to visit the World Heritage site and explore nature attractions around the village.

Tourists can also arrive at the village by bus or motorbike from Da Nang or Hoi An, and continue on to My Son Sanctuary.

Visitors are able to identify home-stay service households when they see a stone carving with names of the hosts outside their homes.

A slope leads tourists to a rural house, with a clay tile roof in the middle of green gardens and trees.

"Most of the thatched roof and clay wall houses in the village were replaced by newer buildings. However, tourists can discover a different lifestyle when living here," said Nha, a home-stay host.

"We offer VND300,000 for one night with a clean and quiet room and VND200,000 for a meal," he added, noting that his house has available a room for two with a double bed.

"It's a pilot project to boost community tourism in the village, so there are only five households providing home-stay service this year. We want to introduce rural farming skills and the lifestyles of local people," Nha explained.

The tour begins with a 3km bicycle ride from the house to Thach Ban Lake.

Later, a small boat for two that docks at the pier will provide a one hour cruise. "Tourists can order net fishing on the lake and cooking lunch at the site," the host added.

"However, we suggest tourists go around the village or visit An Hoa Buddhist pagoda near the lake. This is the way that tourists can experience a bit of the spiritual life of rural people."

Mountain hike

Nui Chua-Hon Den mountain, 700km above sea level, is a favourite spot for trekking and climbing. Though the path is not so adventurous, many tourists still enjoy the nature of the jungle.

Also, a waterfall and rock climbing will offer a challenge to tourists, though the unspoiled beauty of this tropical forest helps tourists work through the hours of hard trekking.

The trek normally takes six hours from the bottom to the peak of the mountain. However, tourists can also reserve a night stay in the forest during their trekking.

Home cuisine

Hosts also offer tourists the chance to help with dinner by cycling to the market.

A small market serving villagers reflects the life of local people, and tourists can find fresh food, including fish, pork, chicken, maize and vegetables.

Nguyen Thi Hong Anh, a villager, said she is assigned to cook for tourists.

"We offer favourite foods for tourists because we want to introduce local specialities and let them taste what we eat in our daily meals. Pancakes, spring rolls, sauteed wild vegetable, glory morning and pumpkin sprouts are major offerings on our menu," she said.

"Grilled fish and chicken are also offered when tourists buy them from the local market. Of course, my quang (a noodle dish particular to central region), is the most ordered food, while braised snake-head fish and rice also tests the appetites of tourists," Anh said, adding that hosts often invite visitors to join them as they cook together.

Daily grind: Nha shows a manual grinding rice mill at his home in My Son Village in the central Quang Nam Province.

Serene setting: A lake near My Son village used for boat excursions and net fishing as part of a new home-stay service introduced in June.

Night performances

The hosts will also organise dancing and singing of local bai choi folk songs from the central region.

"I can play Hawaiian guitar and dan co (Vietnamese two-chord fiddle) to perform folk songs. It's a traditional life that we have inherited from ancestors for generations," Nha said.

The 53-year-old farmer said the services not only earn him and the villagers a good income, but they also help local people preserve their traditional rural lives.

The My Son community tourism village has hosted over 200 tourists since it opened in June.

Tra Kieu travel and tour, a travel agency in Da Nang City, arranges tour services.

The community tourism programme has benefited from the project "Strengthening of Inland Tourism in Quang Nam", supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) with funding of US$1.3 million.

Nguyen Thi Huyen from the ILO said a three-year project was launched to support local people by developing sustainable tourism development in early 2011.

She said over 42 households in the village had received training on tourism services, speaking English, cooking and customer care.

The My Son home-stay service will also add to Quang Nam Province's successful community tourism activities, such as farming, fishing, boating, biking and pottery in Hoi An.

Source: VNS

12Days Discover Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh $1423/pax

12Days Discover Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Route: Hanoi – Halong – Hoian – Hue - Saigon – Mekong   

Tour code: VNTP02

Package rate : US$1423/pax (private tour for 2-4 pax)

Travel date: individual tour with flexible travel date

ITINERARY IN DETAIL:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Welcome to Vietnam! On your arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Rest of the day is yours to see this charming city with exotic buildings and tranquil lakes. Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Highlights (B/L)

In the morning, explore Hanoi by touring some major historic sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. Lunch in local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue to discover Temple of Literature and cycle through the Old Quarter (about 1hr), with a short visit to Ngoc Son Temple.

 In the late afternoon, enjoy a Water Puppet Show to learn more about Vietnamese traditional culture. Overnight in Hanoi  

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 3 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Hotel pick-up at about 8 am and then take a 3-hour scenic drive to the World Heritage Site Halong Bay, whe:re you can see nearly 2,000 limestone islands, traditional sampans and junks sailing on the glinting water, grottos, thick forests, and hidden caves. It will be a real ocean adventure! A variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving will definitely add more fun to this trip. Relax and enjoy a leisure cruise.

Overnight: onboard

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An (B/L)

Continue your cruise on the picturesque Halong Bay before disembarkation at noon. Our guide and driver will meet you at the pier and take you back to Hanoi (around 4 hrs’ drive) for the flight to Da Nang (around 1hr). Upon arrival, take a 30-minute drive to Hoi An.

Overnight: Hoi An

Meals: brunch

Day 5 Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An (B)

Head for the World Heritage Site My Son valley, to discover the temple ruins and old sculptures of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Later get back to Hoi An and get a taste of this old town by visiting the old Japanese Bridge, Chinese temple, and Vietnamese former merchants' house.

Overnight: Hoi An

Meals: breakfast

Day 6 Hoi An - Da Nang – Hue (B/L)

Drive to Hue this morning. En route, pass the impressive Hai Van Pass (a winding coast high way, 500 meters above sea level) and overlook the beautiful coast. Also visit Marble Mountain, a cluster of five hills to see nice carvings of Buddha, fantastic caves and a panorama of Da Nang. Upon arrival at Hue, relax or explore nearby areas in your way.

Overnight: Hue

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 7 Hue Sightseeing (B/L)

This morning visit Imperial Citadel of Thang Long to see old palaces, temples and relics including the Forbidden Purple City and proceed the bustling Dong Ba Market.

In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Perfume River to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda and drive to visit the majestic Tomb of King Ming Mang. Later get back to Hue. Overnight in Hue

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 8 Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City this morning. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel to check in. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: breakfast

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing (B/L)

Today is a full day to discover Ho Chi Minh City. Start with Thien Hau Temple, followed by the lively Binh Tay Market. Continue to visit the former Presidential Palace, From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall are all within walking distance and absolutely nice choices for a free stroll.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)

Head for My Tho this morning. Take a boat trip on Tien River to visit My Tho fish market and four islands. Continue to across Mekong River to visit the coconut candy and rice paper factory in Ben Tre. Later have a horse cart ride along one of the most beautiful villages to Mr. Muoi Hai’s house to enjoy honey tea and some seasonal fruits while listening to the traditional melody ‘Tai Tu’.

Row on a sampan along the canals of the Mighty Mekong River. After lunch, return to My Tho and drive back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi (B/L)

This morning set out for Hoc Mon district to visit the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnel. Then tour the ornate Cao Dai Temple, another highlight of today’s sightseeing, where you will attend the fantastic mid-day service together with the followers. Later drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City, Departure (B)

Enjoy some free time before being escorted to the airport for the flight back home.

Meals: breakfast in hotel

Package rate for private tour of 2 - 4 pax:

US$1423/pax

Services Included:

Hotels/accommodations in double/twin share in good quality hotels 3star

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) (no drinks)

Land Transfers by private air-con vehicles.

Boat cruises if specified in the itinerary.

Join deluxe Bai Tho junk in Halong

English speaking guides. Other languages are available upon request.

Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary.

Domestic flights

Visa arrangement

Services excluded:

International air fare

Visa stamp fee

Insurance

Drinks and personal expenses

Airport departure taxes if any.

Should you need any further information, please email us sales@tandptravel.com .