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Category: Vietnam

  • Respecting Vietnamese Culture – Dos and Donts for Your Vietnam Vacation

    Vietnam is a safe and friendly country, but its unique culture can come as a shock to foreign travelers.

    As with entering any country, it’s important to be sensitive of these customs and do your best to fit in. The advice you'll find here will help you avoid making any embarrassing faux pas. Friendliness is something the Vietnamese people pride themselves on, and you will never see one drop this happy façade in public. Travelers should do the same and avoid losing their temper, especially when bargaining in the markets or dealing with members of the hospitality industry. This kind of scene is interpreted as a loss of face for both parties. Vietnamese people dress conservatively, particularly by Western standards. While in summer it's especially tempting to wear singlet tops and shorts, the locals frown on foreigners who show too much skin. It's particularly important to dress modestly when visiting pagodas and other religious sites, as the Vietnamese see the wearing of immodest clothes in these sacred places as offensive.[caption id="attachment_1430" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Visit Vietnam"]travel to vietnam[/caption] This call for modesty extends to the wearing of jewelry or carrying of large sums of money. It is considered impolite to flaunt your wealth, and on a practical level it may make you a target for pick-pocketing. It also extends to behavior. While public displays of affection are accepted in the Western world, they are frowned upon in Vietnam. A couple may hold hands, but they should only hug and kiss behind closed doors. If you strike up a friendship with one of the locals there are some rules to remember when visiting their home. Shoes should be left at the front door before entering. Most Vietnamese homes have a family altar, a place where they can honor their ancestors and consult them on important family matters. Visitors should never sleep or sit with their feet pointing towards this family altar. It is also considered impolite to snap a person's photo before asking them. Many locals will be happy to star in your shot, but some will not. It's important to respect the wishes of any unwilling models. You should not push the issue or offer them money in an attempt to change their mind. You should also never take a photograph of a military installation, officer, or anything else to do with Vietnam's military. This may be seen as a security breach, and dealt with accordingly. While you may want to preserve your entire vacation, you should leave your video camera at home when visiting small villages. The locals consider these modern devices to be intrusive. There is a lot to remember when visiting Vietnam, but don't worry if you get it wrong. The Vietnamese people will appreciate your efforts and forgive any indiscretions.

  • Nam Hai Villas in Vietnam, Accommodation That’s Heaven on Earth

    Vietnam is rarely a vacation destination associated with luxury, but Nam Hai Villas in Hoi An is doing its best to change all that.


    You'll find the one-bedroom villas on a 32-hectare property in Central Vietnam. Tranquil China Beach borders one side of the resort, and the Cham Islands are just a stone's throw away. The local environment is stunning, and the villas have been careful to preserve that natural beauty. There are 60 villas in all, each with indoor and outdoor sitting areas, perfectly manicured gardens, and private outdoor showers. You'll get a blissful night’s sleep on the beds, which are surrounded by mosquito netting to keep the creepy crawlies at bay. And for the ultimate luxury, 40 villas even have their own pools!going to nam hai vietnam The pool villas have their own kitchens, but if you feel like letting someone else do the work make sure you visit one of the resort's two gourmet restaurants. Local Vietnamese cuisine and international dishes are served side by side in both establishments. You need never leave Nam Hai Villas, as there are plenty of activities to help you wile away the hours. You can work up a sweat in the gym, or soak up the sunshine on the tennis, badminton, and basketball courts. Then wind down in the Spa Center or library. Nam Hai translates to "Heaven on Earth," and it seems a moniker befitting such a special resort.

  • How to Bargain – A Guide to Shopping in Asian Markets

    The busy markets of Asian nations like Thailand and Vietnam are a mecca for bargain shoppers, but the culture shock of bargaining can scare some foreign tourists.

    The process won’t be so daunting if you follow these simple tips. It's good to get a feel for the markets before you commit to your first purchase. Spend some time walking around, perusing the wares and watching other shoppers bargain for the best price. This will give you some sense of what items are worth, and what sellers may be willing to settle for. It's also important to choose the optimum time to shop. Many sellers may be willing to discount goods in the late afternoon, particularly if they have not had a successful day. Surprisingly the early morning can also be a good time to shop, as some marketeers may reward their first customers with some bargains. Once you've found the perfect item, make sure you keep your composure. It's best to feign disinterest and inquire about several items rather than zeroing in on the one you covet. Make your first offer very low, as the seller will typically drive this cost up before you reach an agreement. It's also advisable to bargain away from other customers if you can; a shop owner may be willing to offer a larger discount if other potential buyers don't know about it! Buying several goods from the same market stall can also be to your advantage. One tactic is to begin bargaining for one item, then ask the seller what discount you could receive if you buy more. Another is to suggest a small complimentary item could help to seal the deal. Above all, it's important to remember that those selling in the markets expect you to bargain with them. They may protest and declare that you are sending them broke, but it’s all part of the game. Hold your nerve and enjoy the rewards of this unique Asian shopping experience!

  • Shopping in Hanoi – Finding Bargains and Luxury Goods in Vietnamese Capital

    Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is a rich shopping mecca, offering opportunities for luxury lovers and bargain hunters alike. Known as the Paris of the Orient, this Vietnamese city specializes in fashions and homewares.

    The Old Quarter is the hub of Hanoi’s shopping district with its modern malls and traditional markets. If your time is limited make sure you hit up the Dong Xuan Market. This three-storey market has hundreds of stalls selling just about everything including knitwear, gourmet foods, jewelry, imitation designer fashions, cosmetics, and woven mats. Bargain hunters should also explore Hang Bac and Hang Be. Stores here sell lacquerware and other traditional goods at backpacker-friendly prices.piggy bank world

    To make shopping convenient for tourists, stores in one street or district commonly sell similar goods. For example, Hang Gai is known as “Silk Street,” and European designer and high-end goods can be found at Nha Tho.

    If you’re after a special souvenir of your stay it’s worth moving away from the city center. Half an hour from Hanoi you’ll find the small village of Bat Trang, a community which has made pottery for more than 400 years.

    These local crafts also make wonderful gifts for loved ones back home. While bargaining is not appropriate at galleries and shopping centers, it is still practiced at many smaller stores. As a rule, if goods are marked with a price this is non-negotiable. However, if you are verbally told the price it’s customary to haggle it down. Early morning is not a good time to bargain, but shopkeepers are often open to giving a discount later in the day. It’s easy to go overboard when shopping in Hanoi. Thankfully though, most stores are happy ship any large items home for you. It's also important to keep track of what you're spending. Many countries require travelers to declare when they have spent more than a specified amount on foreign soil. Consult the customs authorities in your own country to learn the rules applicable to you.

  • Backpacker’s Guide to Vietnam – Budget Traveling Around Asia

    Backpackers hoping to enjoy the real Asia without the frills should definitely consider a trip to Vietnam.

    The country’s tourism industry is relatively new, so it offers visitors a more authentic experience than many Asian nations.

    These are also not publicized as well as they might be in other countries, so a Vietnam guidebook is a good investment for making the most of your stay. Vietnam is a very affordable destination, with one American dollar equaling approximately 18, 475 Vietnamese Dong (VND). It's easy to find meals for around 15, 000 VND, so travelers can easily eat on in Vietnam for a week for less than $20 US. The biggest temptation for travelers is shopping. While there are bargains to be had, it's easy for them add up once you get started! Vietnam has accommodation to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts to hostels. These hostels offer the best value for backpackers who don't mind forgoing some creature comforts. Hostel Vietnam is a useful website for backpackers researching hostels near their chosen destinations. Another affordable alternative is Hill Tribe living. This authentic Vietnamese experience takes travelers to remote communities to live with the locals. The basic accommodation makes the hostels look luxurious, but tours with companies like Handspan Adventure Travel offer backpackers an unparalleled cultural experience. Vietnamese people are very friendly to tourists and happy to speak English if they can.
    However, it's worth learning a few basic phrases, especially if you're planning to visit the villages. In these rural communities many people do not speak English, so some simple sentences are helpful for communicating. This website has an excellent and comprehensive guide detailing basic phrases and more specific words for food and drink, getting around, and other relevant areas. The cities should not be avoided though as they do offer plenty for tourists looking to meet other travelers. Nightclubs and cafes are ideal for meeting other people, as are internet cafes. To learn more about the best places to go, consult the staff in your hotel or hostel.

  • Tropical Tourist Heaven at Vinpearl Land, Vietnam

    Vietnam attracts visitors drawn to its rich history and magnificent natural vistas. But there’s a different side to the Asian nation, a tropical paradise just off Vietnam’s south-east coastline.

    Vinpearl Land on Hon Tre Island is thought to be one of Asia's best keep secrets, a coastal tourism complex which makes the most of stunning Nha Trang Bay. This is not a holiday destination for budget travelers, with few high end resorts. It was designed for guests who want to have all their needs met on site. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, a sprawling pool and spa for relaxing, and a gymnasium for working up a sweat. Later this year a six-star hotel is scheduled to open, giving luxury lovers even more choice. It will have 125 six-star suites, which pale in comparison to the two presidential villas. The opulent hotel's facilities will include two tennis courts and massive 3500 meter squared swimming pool. While lazing by the pool and snorkeling in the bay are attractive, families will love Vinpearl Land's amusement park. It has a variety of indoor and outdoor rides, including a swinging carousel, jet elephant, and merry-go-round. The 500-seat amphitheater hosts concerts and stage shows, while the musical fountain entertains visitors each night with its laser spectacular. The region's weather conditions are perfect for soaking up all that Vinpearl Land has to offer. It enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, with comfortable average temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The most popular way to reach Vinpearl Land is by cable car, which leaves from the mainland hourly between 9 am to 10 pm each day. At 3320 meters, it is the longest cable car in Vietnam. Between 1000 and 1500 can enjoy the views of Nha Trang Bay as they take the 12-minute journey. High-speed boats, taxi canoes, and ferries also travel from Phu Quy to Vinpearl Land each day. While luxury hire cars are available, most travelers choose to explore the island spot by tuktuk car. These vehicles transport visitors from the boat pier to their hotel or the amusement park.

  • How to Stay Safe in Vietnam | A Guide For Female Travelers

    Women in the West enjoy many freedoms not experienced by girls in many global destinations.


    While this shouldn’t deter female travelers from exploring exotic locales such as Vietnam, girls should follow a few simple rules to ensure they stay safe and have fun on their Asian vacation.

    Vietnamese women dress modestly, and tourists should try to do the same. Wearing tight or skimpy clothes may be seen as provocative, and a sign that you do not respect local culture. Instead, choose conservative clothes that are relatively loose fitting and comfortable to wear. When visiting holy places and national monuments, female tourists should dress even more sedately. When stopping by these significant cultural spots, it’s customary to cover both arms and legs, even in warm weather.

    Vietnamese men are not accustomed to women enjoying the independence of female travelers from Western countries. When dealing with them, it’s important to be inconspicuous, yet assertive. Do not be confrontational, but do be firm and confident. As most Vietnamese women do not travel alone, you are likely to be a source of interest and curiosity to the country’s men. They are likely to ask questions about your home, your family, and even your marital status. If the attention of these men is unwarranted, you may consider telling a small lie about an imaginary husband. It’s also important to consider that some Vietnamese men may interpret eye contact as a sexual invitation. Wearing sunglasses to disguise your eyes helps to prevent this confusion.
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    As with traveling to any unfamiliar countries, you should also undertake basic precautions. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted friend or relative, and contact them at regular intervals. Be aware of your luggage and other bags at all times, and never leave them unattended. Most vacation spots in Vietnam are considered safe for travelers, although pick-pocketing is rife in tourist centers and Ho Chi Minh City has a problem with bag snatching. As a precaution, consider staying at up market hotels and always lock valuables in their safes.

    Be alert and aware and sensitive of your surroundings, and you will enjoy your vacation in Vietnam.

  • Go Green with a Cycling Vacation Through Vietnam

    biketourIf you want to see the real Vietnam, forget the tour buses and get on your bike! While the motorized excursions zoom through the countryside on the way to major tourist centers, an eco-friendly cycling journey allows you to stop and smell the paddy fields.

    As cycling is the locals main form of transportation, it’s a great way to interact with the natives. While their grasp of English may be limited, particularly in the country areas, locals are friendly and always willing to chat with tourists. Trips through rural communities allow you to meet the rice farmers and their buffalo at work in the fields, while rides through the cities let you experience Vietnamese life at a faster pace.

    Traffic in Vietnam can be daunting, so it’s important to keep your wits about you. Remember that the Vietnamese always drive on the right side of the road, so if you stay there you won’t get into trouble.

    As cycling vacations require you to carry your luggage with you, it’s clear that you’ll need to travel light. Thankfully clothing and other basics are inexpensive in Vietnam, so you can easily buy what you need along the way. In many cases, it’s actually cheaper to buy new than have your clothes laundered.

    You should make room in your travel bag for basic bicycle tools. While local repairmen will happily fix your bike, the repairs will often be below Western standards. If you’ve got the means, it’s often easier to do the job yourself.

    You can happily explore Vietnam on your own, but guided tours are also available. These expeditions generally provide bikes which are of a higher standard than many available locally. They also provide a support vehicle, which can be a welcome relief when your legs get tired. Meals and an English-speaking guide are just a couple more perks. World Expeditions runs 15-day cycling tours, which travel from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh in the south, while Grasshopper Adventures takes a slightly different route. Its 13-day adventure starts at Hanoi and weaves down to Saigon.