Travel Forums by Destination360 - Vietnam http://www.destination360.com/forum/ Travel Forum - Post your questions on Vietnam or share your travel stories with fellow travelers. And read our travel guides for expert advice on traveling to Vietnam. en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:37:30 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.destination360.com/forum/images/VBSilver_tc/misc/rss.jpg Travel Forums by Destination360 - Vietnam http://www.destination360.com/forum/ Mekong travel, Mekong tours at Impress Travel http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7946-mekong-travel-mekong-tours-impress-travel.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:18:47 GMT Mekong travel

The Mekong Delta is the bottom half of Vietnam's two rice baskets, the other being the Red River Delta in the North .

This vast delta is formed by the deposition of the multiple tentacles and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which has its origin in the Tibetan highland plateau 2,800 miles away.

From its source, the river makes its way through China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam before flowing out into the South China Sea.

The Mekong's Vietnamese name, Cuu Long, means Nine Dragons for the nine mouths that terminate the flow of this great river as it is absorbed by the sea.

The people of south Vietnam are often very proud of the richness and vastness of this land. When referring to the rice fields in this area, they often say, "co bay thang canh", meaning the land is so large that the cranes can stretch their wings as they fly.

Today, the region is one of Vietnam's highest producer of rice crops, vegetables and fruits. => More Mekong travel ]]> Vietnam vnlinks http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7946-mekong-travel-mekong-tours-impress-travel.html Vietnam Visa http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7940-vietnam-visa.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:52:28 GMT Vietnam Visa exemption being negotiated with some countries The PM authorized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in coordination with relevant... Vietnam Visa exemption being negotiated with some countries
The PM authorized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies, to negotiate with Egypt, Italy, Lithuania and Spain about agreements on visa exemption.

The PM gave nod to the contents of the draft agreement between the Government of Viet Nam and the Egyptian Government on visa exemption for diplomatic, special and business passport holders.

He also okayed the similar drafts between Viet Nam and Italy, Lithuania, and Spain on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders.
The MoFA is assigned to sign the agreements with representatives of the four governments.

So far, Viet Nam has signed 57 agreements on visa exemption with 55 countries and 54 documents have come into effect.

Source: Government web portal ]]> Vietnam nguyenfrank http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7940-vietnam-visa.html Vietnam Travel Forum http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7859-vietnam-travel-forum.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:41:19 GMT Are you looking for Vietnam advice and information from Vietnam Travel Forum members? Post Vietnam travel questions and get insights from real... Are you looking for Vietnam advice and information from Vietnam Travel Forum members?

Post Vietnam travel questions and get insights from real travelers and forum members. Some of the highlights of the Vietnam travel forum are threads on Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam vacation.

Get advice on best places in Vietnam as well as advice traveling to Vietnam .

Vacationbuddy ]]> Vietnam VacationBuddy http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7859-vietnam-travel-forum.html Vietnam Visa Travel Information http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7739-vietnam-visa-travel-information.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:36:31 GMT For Visa application, we need the following information: - Full name (Name as in passport) - Sex (male/ female) - Date of birth -... For Visa application, we need the following information:

- Full name (Name as in passport)
- Sex (male/ female)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Arrival date
- Arrival flight number
- Departure date ]]> Vietnam travel100 http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7739-vietnam-visa-travel-information.html Mekong in vietnam http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7368-mekong-vietnam.html Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:31:48 GMT In the morning take a boat trip to see the most chaos Cai Rang floating market and up a quiet canal for cruise more on winding arroyos. Then, you... In the morning take a boat trip to see the most chaos Cai Rang floating market and up a quiet canal for cruise more on winding arroyos.

Then, you can bike country roads to enjoy the beautiful Delta scenery and meet the locals (many on bicycle too). ]]> Vietnam spirittran http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7368-mekong-vietnam.html Have you ever eaten West lake shrimp in batter? http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7277-have-you-ever-eaten-west-lake.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:10:08 GMT Visitors to Hanoi would eagerly go to West Lake to enjoy the shrimp fried pancake, a speciality of the place. One enjoyment could leave a great... Visitors to Hanoi would eagerly go to West Lake to enjoy the shrimp fried pancake, a speciality of the place. One enjoyment could leave a great impression. The reason is not only in shrimp pancake itself, but also in the beautiful scene at West Lake.

All people who used to live in Hanoi are familiar with Banh tom Ho Tay Restaurant on the Thanh Nien (Young) Street. The cake preparing process includes wheat flour mixed with potato fibres, placing on shape with shrimps upper, then fried with oil. The cake is brittle, soft, sweet-smelling, and served with vegetable pickles and sweet and sour fish sauce for best taste.

The best time to enjoy shrimp pancake at West Lake is at sunset in summer. The pink shrimp (from the West Lake fresh water) on light brown crackers and the sweet, sour and spicy sauce all remind you of the aroma of the countryside. There at the West Lake, a diner could take each bite of the cake accompanied by a drink of cold beer, and enjoy the nice smell coming from the stove and the cool wind blowing from the lake. Now, you may seek somewhere in your memory the fairy tale about the Golden Buffalo who, on the way to look for his lost mother, created the West Lake.

The shrimp fried pancake of West Lake now still keeps its traditional flavour and taste: hot, cracker cake dipped in skillfully made sauce which is sweet, sour and spicy. ]]> Vietnam Anna Nguyen http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7277-have-you-ever-eaten-west-lake.html A food That Can Not Be Missed When Traveling Vietnam http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7276-food-can-not-missed-when-traveling.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:57:29 GMT I would say that must be the Hanoi Noodle soup - A most famous food in Vietnam Hanoi noodle soup first appeared in the 1920s and developed... I would say that must be the Hanoi Noodle soup - A most famous food in Vietnam

Hanoi noodle soup first appeared in the 1920s and developed incredibly fast. Now Pho is so popular that almost no street in Hanoi without a Pho restaurant. In fact, not every restaurant can satisfy the strict requirements of Hanoian gourmets, who eat Pho every morning or late at night during all four seasons.

A good bowl of Phở first requires the flavor of soup, which comes from cooking the ox bones, not from seasoning, along with taste of cardamon, grilled ginger and onion, all mixed together. Noodles must be soft and plastic. Next, brown beef is dipped into the hot soup, and finally spices, including onion and “thơm” vegetable. The southerners love to eat Phở with various types of vegetables, but Hanoians do not eat it that way.

Exceptional cases are Phở bought specially for sick people without properly, it should be eaten in restaurants with the atmosphere of people going in and out, the sound of bowls, chop sticks and knives, and the passionate faces.

Phở is the delicious speciality food of Hanoi. In Vietnam, you can find Phở everywhere, but even some tens of km away from Hanoi, Phở is longer so delicious.

In addition to Phở made from beef and from chicken, there are other types of local Phở like Phở thịt vịt (duck meat), Phở thịt lợn (pork), Phở chua, Phở cuốn etc., but only Phở noodle soup made in Hanoi has the special attraction that is found no where else in Vietnam. It is, indeed, “a feature of Hanoi”.

Some types of Phở noodle soups in Hanoi: Phở bò tái (rare beef), Phở bò chín (well done beef), Phở bò nạm gầu (beef), Phở bò sốt vang (beef and tomato), Phở gà (chicken). ]]> Vietnam Anna Nguyen http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7276-food-can-not-missed-when-traveling.html Trekking experience in Vietnam http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7268-trekking-experience-vietnam.html Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:10:53 GMT My plan for the trip in Vietnam is mainly relaxing with days on the beach. Then my girl friend and I decide to have a bit of off road trekking. ... My plan for the trip in Vietnam is mainly relaxing with days on the beach. Then my girl friend and I decide to have a bit of off road trekking.

Hoa Binh is the place I choose because it seems less touristy.

I did the 4 days trips trekking in Mai Chau. It is not a hard trek. My girl friend can do that quite well. Especially, the people are so nice, friendly and so much different from the touristy one in Sapa. We have a guide go with us and a local who prepare the meal for us. They are lovely and so much helpful.

The trekking road is very peaceful and the view is very nice. Some parts is challenging (may be because I am not very fit). I stay in the home stay of the Thai and H’mong. They are quite good. We spend a very interesting chat with the owner of the house.

I usually do the classic tour and this off track trekking give me the very different emotion. I love it. ]]> Vietnam arrontrump80 http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7268-trekking-experience-vietnam.html Dining in Hanoi http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7240-dining-hanoi.html Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:56:12 GMT Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam is not only famous for its beauty, history but also for its cuisine. Hanoi residents have always been proud of the... Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam is not only famous for its beauty, history but also for its cuisine.

Hanoi residents have always been proud of the richness of specialities in their city and sophisticated cuisine. Both specialities and ordinary dishes in Hanoi provide unique tastes that satisfy different eaters.

However, it is useful to know where to go and how to enjoy each of them.

Some specialities are served in only fixed places in Hanoi, such as “Com Vong”, “Banh Com Hang Than”, “Cha ca La Vong”. The makers keep the secret to make their dishes unique throughout the line.

For ordinary dishes, like “Pho Hanoi”, you’d better go out of the hotel, and enjoy it in a small restaurant on the streets. You’ll try different tastes in different restaurants.

As a matter of fact, some traditional dishes of Hanoi have come out of taste. There have appeared in Hanoi many new dishes, which may come from other town, even from aboard.

Though dishes in Hanoi are rich in number, they share common features.

First, the combination of different tastes is in a dish. For example, you’ll find at least 5 different spices in a bowl of “pho”: hot ginfer, pepper, chili, tasty cinamon, sour lemon, some onions and herbs…Spices and herbs are popular, probably for the richness of fruit and vegetable in the land of Hanoi.

Second - the harmony and moderation of dishes. Except for special dishes, Hanoi cooks rarely prepare dishes that are too hot or too salty. The amount of a dish is not large, just enough.

Compared with Asian dishes, Hanoi’s dishes don’t contain much fat or sugar. Vegetables are cooked in a way that they are eatable but still keep their natural colour at most. This way of cooking is very healthy to eaters, and makes the dishes look fresh. ]]> Vietnam Anna Nguyen http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7240-dining-hanoi.html Vietnam by train http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7103-vietnam-train.html Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:01:44 GMT Vietnam is a land of rich natural and cultural beauty. Visit Vietnam by train is a good chance to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the whole country... Vietnam is a land of rich natural and cultural beauty. Visit Vietnam by train is a good chance to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the whole country along the way.

The train is a good alternative to road travel and one we recommend you experience at least once on your holiday. Once again, its important to be aware that the quality of the trains is not international standard. Ensure you are seated in a soft berth cabin to avoid traveling in a hot, crowded carriage on a wooden seat for hours at a time. The soft berth cabins are quite adequate (but by no means luxurious!). Enjoy the unique character of train travel - sharing the train with Vietnamese people, making new friends and viewing some stunning landscapes.

If you are travelling to Sapa you will almost certainly be taking the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai and back again (there is no airport in Sapa and the road trip is definitely not recommended). You can travel overnight for one or both of these train trips in a soft berth sleeper (the trip takes approximately 10 hours). If you are staying at the Victoria Hotel in Sapa you can enjoy the luxury of the Victoria Express cabins which are attached to the regular train and offer a superb standard of luxury - equivalent to the hotel itself.

Another popular train journey is the Reunification Express from Hanoi to Hue in Central Vietnam, which takes about 12 hours and is available overnight. Take this trip if you wish to experience the trains of Vietnam, although we generally recommend flying between Hue and Hanoi. ]]> Vietnam Vicky Cun http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/7103-vietnam-train.html Do you have a bad travel exprience? http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6951-do-you-have-bad-travel-exprience.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:30:40 GMT I have a nightmare in Hanoi and Sapa In Hanoi we got in a taxi with a corrupt taxi driver, his meter was running twice as we were really driving... I have a nightmare in Hanoi and Sapa

In Hanoi we got in a taxi with a corrupt taxi driver, his meter was running twice as we were really driving and when we wanted to stop, the driver threatened us with a stick. He wanted the money for the distance he had already driven (20.000 dong for 500 meter).

There were 3 hotels with the same name in a row in Hanoi. We had booked one and the one we walked in said we had to wait until 8 am before we could get the room with window for 15 dollar (which they also said in a reservation e-mail).

We could wait in a small other room without window (which they did not say in their e-mail; it said we had to wait in the lobby and could use the internet there).

So when I asked about this internet at 8 am, they took me to the hotel with the same name next door. There I asked about the room and got the room for the price they e-mailed me.

When I wanted to pick up my luggage, the first hotel charged me 15 dollar for the room! For just 3 hours without any using of the toilet or shower. And the room with window costs 15 dollar, so the room without should be less right? No, also 15 dollar. Great.

In Sapa my friend got hit by a car. He was protecting his head by raising his arm (cars were racing by on the road really close). His hand touched a outside mirror of a passing car and the mirror folded inward (like you sometimes do when you park your car on a busy road).

The driver got mad and wanted 4 million dong (300 dollar) for his broken window (which wasn't broken at all). He grabbed a stone and wanted to throw it at my friend when he refused to pay. Thank god there were more people there to help him, because this would have escalated badly otherwise.

An English guy and his Vietnamese wife passed by and talked to us and them. She said that the driver said that we were just rich Westerners and that we could well pay a 100 dollars. The English guy guy told us this happens everyday over there. So this is how some North Vietnamese make a living.

This is our experience and I am sure there are much more nice Vietnamese than bad ones, but take this as a warning. Be careful not to get hit by a car, because you have to pay for it. ]]> Vietnam vutru01 http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6951-do-you-have-bad-travel-exprience.html Mekong Delta Vietnam Adventure Tour http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6949-mekong-delta-vietnam-adventure-tour.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:20:31 GMT HO CHI MINH - CU CHI - TAYNINH - VUNG TAU - MEKONG DELTA Day 1 - Arrive Ho Chi Minh City ( D ) Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your Tour... HO CHI MINH - CU CHI - TAYNINH - VUNG TAU - MEKONG DELTA

Day 1 - Arrive Ho Chi Minh City ( D )
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your Tour guide and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in HCMC

Day 2 - HCMC - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City ( B,L,D )
A morning city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, takes in the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, a lacquerware factory and Thien Hau Pagoda in the city’s bustling Chinatown . In the afternoon visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence . Overnight in HCMC.

Day 3 - HCMC - Vung Tau – HCMC ( B,L,D )
Breakfast at Hotel. Continuing our trip to Vungtau, only 125 km from HCMC, it offers you relaxation on the sandy beaches caressed by the cool breeze from the vast Pacific Ocean.Arrival to Vung Tau. Sea bathing at Ocean Park –Enjoy sunbath and sea activities: canoe, jet-ski, parachute,... Afternoon visit Jesu’s Statue, Tam Thang Temple, on the way back, visit Fruit Market in Long Thanh District with fresh fruits: longan, jack-fruit, rambutan, durian, mangosteen, … Reach HCMC and have dinner Free at your leisure.

Day 4 - HCMC - Can Tho ( B,L,D )
Leave Ho Chi Minh City after breakfast and head south to Can Tho deep in the Mekong Delta. Break the journey at My Tho, 2 hours drive south of HCMC, to visit the ornate Vinh Trang Pagoda in a family-run rice-noodle factory. Arrive in Can Tho and check into hotel. . Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 5 - Can Tho - Chau Doc ( B,L,D )
After breakfast ,check out the hotel and head northwest to Chau Doc, situated on the Cambodian border. Transfer to hotel on arrival. In the afternoon take a boat visit fish farms where fish are bred in wooden cages suspended under floating houses on the river. Continue by boat to visit a village of stilt houses belonging to the Cham minority where colorful traditional textiles are woven on old wooden looms. Return to the dry land in time to drive up Sam Mountain to watch the sunset over the Cambodian border. Overnight Chau Doc

Day 6 - Chau Doc - Vinh Long ( B,L,D )
Leave Chau Doc after breakfast and head back towards Ho Chi Minh City via Vinh Long. Break the journey at Vinh Long to take a boat trip to visit Phan Thanh Giang Confucian Temple and the cottage industries of Cho Cua village. Visit a ceramic tile factory, a tofu and fish sauce factory, a blacksmith’s, a roof thatcher’s and a rice husking factory. Continue to Cai Be Floating Market and rejoin the car to drive to HCMC. Overnight in HCMC

Day 7 - Depart Ho Chi Minh City ( B )
Departure day. At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for onward flight.
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]]> Vietnam dat0000 http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6949-mekong-delta-vietnam-adventure-tour.html Hanoi -Sapa Fansipan hike http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6898-hanoi-sapa-fansipan-hike.html Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:54:46 GMT Mt. Fansipan at 3143m, and on the border with China, is Vietnam’’s highest mountain. It is only 9km from Sapa town but it takes at least three days... Mt. Fansipan at 3143m, and on the border with China, is Vietnam’’s highest mountain. It is only 9km from Sapa town but it takes at least three days to get to the peak and back.

Sapa, at an elevation of 1600m, has been described as "Not easily reached... Sees few tourists... Unbelievable mountain scenery... Still retains many French cultural and architectural influences... Has been under the control of at least four countries over the centuries... Unlike other Vietnamese hill towns, different ethnicities cohabitate peacefully here."

The region around Sapa is indeed home to various colourful ethnic minorities, wearing traditional attire.The climb is rough, wet and cold, but the views are rewarding. The top is accessible year-round to anyone who is in good shape. As there are no mountain huts on the way, we will be camping. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy. The equipment and food will be carried by our porters. Trekking time is 5 - 8 hours per day.

Equipment that you should bring

The only thing you should bring yourself is a pair of good walking-boots, or another kind of solid foot-wear. You should have tried them out beforehand, and know that you can walk in them all through the day !

Recommended equipment :

* 2 pairs of thick socks ( for use in the walking-boots)
* Sandals or light footwear ( for use in the evening )
* Sun-cream (with a high factor ; 10-20 )
* Mosquito repellent
* Hat or cap, with a shade
* Bathing suit
* Medicine for your own use (fever, bad stomach etc.)
* 1 warm jacket (fleece-jacket etc.,- for the evenings)
* 1 sweat-shirt
* 1-2 pair of long trousers (loose,- for your comfort)
* 1 pair of short trousers ( for warm days)
* 2 –3 shirts, or T-shirts
* Socks (for use in the evenings, and against mosquitoes)
* Underwear (for the women : also a Bra !)
* Towel
* Toilet requisites
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]]> Vietnam dat0000 http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6898-hanoi-sapa-fansipan-hike.html Vietnam Beach Breaks http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6873-vietnam-beach-breaks.html Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:28 GMT Vietnam is currently one of the world’s most talked-about travel destinations. After opening its doors to tourism in 1989, the “Land of the Ascending... Vietnam is currently one of the world’s most talked-about travel destinations. After opening its doors to tourism in 1989, the “Land of the Ascending Dragon” has established its reputation as a unique and genuine South-East Asian experience. A visit to this fascinating country will indulge your senses and open your mind.

Day 1: Nha Trang Arrival –Whale Island
Upon arrival in Nha Trang, you will be welcomed and transferred to the pier in Dam Mon, where you will take a boat for 20 minutes to reach Whale Island. You will lodge in huts on pillars equipped with bathrooms and fans. Here you are free for your own activities and enjoy the resort facilities such as diving, boat hiring.

Day 2: Whale Island
Another day for relaxing or active vacation. For your leisure, catamarans, wind surf and canoe are available. If you wish to do some snorkeling, there a boat departs for the best snorkeling site every morning.

Day 3: Whale Island
Free at leisure

Day 4: check out Whale Island
We end our great journey and depart for the next destination.

More information: indochina travel service ]]> Vietnam Vicky Cun http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6873-vietnam-beach-breaks.html Ha Long Bay Tours in Vietnam http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6788-ha-long-bay-tours-vietnam.html Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:50:33 GMT Ha long bay in Vietnam is one of the most amazing place for tours and holidays in Vietnam. Bluebell Tours Vietnam offers luxury cruising tours in ha... Ha long bay in Vietnam is one of the most amazing place for tours and holidays in Vietnam. Bluebell Tours Vietnam offers luxury cruising tours in ha long bay. Travelers will be cruising in luxury boats and junks in ha long bay. Ha long bay bay tours allow travelers visit limestone caves in ha long bay. Ha long bay tours also let travelers visit fishing villages in ha long bay. Ha Long Bay tours also let travelers enjoy swimming in ha long bay. Ha long bay tours also allow traveler enjoy kayaking tours in ha long bay

Bluebell Tours Vietnam offers travelers luxury cruising tours in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Bluebell Tours offers tours to Ha Long Bay in 1 to 3 days. With our tours to Ha Long Bay, travelers will cruise on luxury boats in ha long bay. Our ha long bay tours also treat travelers delicious seafood meals on board. Our ha long bay tours allow travelers explore the most amazing travel destination of Vietnam. our ha long bay tours also offer travelers great kayaking tours in ha long bay. Bluebell Tours Vietnam ]]> Vietnam vietnam-tours http://www.destination360.com/forum/vietnam/6788-ha-long-bay-tours-vietnam.html