Thứ Năm, 25 tháng 12, 2014

Vietnam Lunar New Year Festival

Lunar New Year Festival often falls between late January and early February; it is among the most important holidays in Vietnam. Officially, the festival includes the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day in Lunar Calendar; however, Vietnamese people often spend about nearly a month to celebrate this special event. 

Traditionally, the purpose of Tet holiday is that Vietnamese would like to thank Gods for the arrival of spring with a variety of blooming trees and flowers after a cold and harsh winter. Also, this is the privileged occasion for family’s members to reunite, celebrating a new year which has come together, and saying farewell to the previous one. All the best things are prepared and consumed during this holiday as people want to ensure that they will have a new year full of prosperity. Read more: Travel to Vietnam
Tet Holiday gets its beginning marked with the first day in the Lunar Year; however, its preparation starts long before that. One week before the holiday, in the 23rd day of the last Lunar month, is East Day—a ritual worshiping Kitchen Gods (Tao Cong). It is believed that each year on this day, these Gods (two males, one female) go to heaven to tell Jade Emperor (Ngoc Hoang) about all activities of households on earth. On the New Year’s Eve, they return to earth to continue their duties as taking care of families. Each household also buy a carp as this is the transport for the Gods on their trip to heaven. After the ritual, they set the carp free.

Sapa Vietnam tours – top 3 most attractive destinations

Vietnam Lunar New Year Festival
Vietnam Lunar New Year Festival


Kitchen Gods are believed as the first gods leaving earth to report, followed by others on the next day. Within the absence of all of the gods, household members start cleaning their houses and decorating them beautifully with a plenty of accessories—a process that must be done before the New Year’s Day as the appearance of cleaning equipment after that equals sweeping all the good lucks away. In addition, people buy and/or prepare items exclusive in Tet Holiday (for example: Chung cake, Day cake, pork bologna, pickled onion, candied fruits and seeds)—mainly foods that can be stored for a long time as all services are closed in the event, for about two weeks. Also, they buy new clothes, and give gift to their homies, relatives as well as friends. One thing to remember is that everybody needs to pay all of the debt as remaining debts from one year to another is considered bringing bad lucks.  travel to Mekong river in Vietnam
The penultimate New Year’s Eve—Tat Nien, the meal finishing the entire year—should be well served, in which everyone involved remembers all the happy moments and talks about the good things only. On the New Year’s Eve (Giao Thua), Vietnamese people have a spectacular celebration which involves the whole nation—some may gather around TV and watch the Tao Quan show, some may go out for fireworks observation. When the bell of the twelfth hour rings, everybody gathers, at exciting parties or at the comfort of their homes, saying Happy New Year to one another in warm hugs, forgetting all problems as well as hoping for a better start.
On the New Year’s Day, the first ones who come to visit households—called first-foot—are very important and hence need to be well chosen, as they are believed to hold in their hands the entire luck of the family in New Year (Tan Nien). After that, till the third day or even the fourth day of Tet, individuals meet relatives, friends and colleagues, wishing them all kinds of good things like happiness, health and success. They give children lucky money covered in pretty little red envelopes also because of that reason, as red represents good lucks. Also, they visit pagodas to pray for a good start in the coming year.
There is a saying in Vietnam, “Father’s Tet is on the First Day of New Year, Mother’s Tet is on the Second, and Teacher’s is on the Third”. The best illustration of the quotation is that, on the first day, Vietnamese visit their parents on the husband’s side on; on the second day, they turn to parents on the wife’s side; and lastly, they spend their third day of Tet visiting their teachers. All in all, Tet is all about back to origins, wishing for the best, and joining in colorful parties.

Thứ Hai, 15 tháng 12, 2014

Highland markets in Quang Ninh

Speaking about the highland markets in Quang Ninh, among them is Binh Lieu Highland Market, which the local called the Third Lunar Month Market. This market features the Viet, Dao, Tay and San Chi ethnic groups of the Binh Lieu, Tien Yen, Dam Ha, Hai Ha districts. There are also many merchants from the Dong Tong area of China present. Halong bay travel

Goods exchanged on market day are essentially agricultural or forestry products bred or grown by the local population. The Chinese come to the market with various commodities, including shoes and clothing. In stark contrast to Vietnamese merchants, they keep their prices without bargaining, and if they cannot liquidate their goods, carry them home and wait until the next Sunday.
Highland markets in Quang Ninh
Highland markets in Quang Ninh

Coming to the marketplace, the first things people look to do are exchange goods and eat. Meanwhile, boys and girls scatter to the corners to play or sing. Many boys and girls make appointment on the next market day.

The Binh Lieu Highland Market, before day, it only took place on odd-numbered days of the third lunar month every year. Today, with better economic conditions for locals, the requirements for trade have seen the market open regularly every Sunday. It is open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Before the market day, boys and girls choose the most beautiful costume for wearing as going to the market is a festive day and they can enjoy everything after a hard working day. It is also a chance for the boy conquers the girl's heart through singing to each other. Many young couples have also met on these busy Sundays, eventually become husband and wife.

Thứ Hai, 8 tháng 12, 2014

Hue Festival

Hue Festival is a big cultural event of Hue City that is held every two years. There is a week (usually in April, May or June) for each festival season which is the occasion to honor cultural and historical values of that Vietnam's former capital city. The first Hue Festival took place in 2000. Centre Vietnam tours

At the beginning of Hue Festival, visitors can enjoy a colorful and grand opening ceremony with unique performances of several art groups from Vietnam and other countries. Hue Festival has become a space of cultural exchange between peoples all over the world. During the festival, there are variety of cultural events taking place such as Hue Poetry Festival, Massive Street Arts Performances, the Dialogue of drums and percussion instruments, Art Exhibitions, the Week of Vietnam’s historical films.

Danang – Hue – Hoian 4 days

Hue Festival
Hue Festival

Otherwise, visitors can come and explore some traditional values of Vietnam at Gastronomy Quarters, Traditional Kite Flying Festival or watch “Ao dai” Grand Show, “Oriental night” Show, and sporting activities like boat race, human chess, etc. Especially, many ancient scenery of Nguyen Dynasty are also reproduced and provide tourists an insight into Vietnam’s feudal era. Some typical events include Nam Giao Offering Ritual, Xa Tac Offering Ritual, the Royal Refined Music of Hue which was recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003. Hue Festival is well-known as an international festival where cultures of many countries converge together as well as where Vietnamese traditional and cultural values are widely presented to the world.

Thứ Tư, 26 tháng 11, 2014

Soi Sim Island and beach

Soi Sim is a small island located 12km west of Halong City. With the area of 8.7 hectare, the island with two mountain top of about 100m high above the sea level. Soi Sim Island has very special geological formation 2/3 of which covered by Feralit and soil weathered by wind, which is favourite condition for the growth of a plant species named Sim (scientific name: Rhodomyrtus tomentosa). That is the reason why the local people named this island Soi Sim. It’s noticeable that Sim trees often bloom and bear fruit annual between March and August.  Sim fruits is quite good for our health according to traditional medicine so you can taste its fruit if coming here in July or August. Halong bay cruise

The island has been existed about hundred of million years ago and surrounded by the sea then there are endemic plants, according to researchers. It’s beautiful island with a primitive forest of varieties of flora and fauna, and endemic plants of Halong Bay Ecology.

Soi Sim Island and beach
Soi Sim Island and beach

 Soi Sim is quite new with travelers and still being clean and beautiful attraction compared with other ones in Halong Bay because it has just been opened for about 10 years.

What you can do on a Halong Bay day trip?

The white sandy hugging the outline of the petite Soi Sim island and the shallow clean emerald water provide you a good opportunity to swim, relax, kick back on the beat, lie on huge beach towels while watching the sunset. Besides, you can also climb up to the top of the island through a small natural trail then savoring a panoramic view of the world’s heritage and taking some pictures. 5 best cruises in Halong Bay

How to get there? You can easily reach the Soi Sim Island either by getting SIC tickets at the Ha Long wharf or book a cruise trip including this Soi Sim Island in cruise itineraries. With those extreme values, Soi Sim Island is an important part of Halong Bay and now becoming a must-see for tourists who visits the Bay.

Thứ Ba, 18 tháng 11, 2014

Discover Asia On An APT River Cruise

Winding your way past quaint riverside towns and floating markets surrounded by green fields along the Mekong Delta and its adjoining waterways is a great way to discover Asia. APT‘s Southeast Asia cruises offer beautifully furnished private suites, international cuisine and small group excursions on rickshaws and water boats. You can cruise magically through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, discovering hidden gems not seen by land.

A visit to the Mekong Delta cruise is so special because of its unique diversity. See kids riding on water buffalo, rice workers hunched over their fields, flocks of storks at dusk and rowboats on its maze of channels. Home to over 1,000 varieties fish, 20,000 plant species and an array of wildlife, the Mekong Delta is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. It’s Asia’s third largest river; a comma-shaped flatland that is also known as Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’, producing more than a third of the country’s annual food crop. Here are four countries you can explore on an APT Asian river cruise.
Discover Asia On An APT River Cruise
Discover Asia On An APT River Cruise


Otherworldly sights await at Vietnma’s Ha Long Bay
Vietnam
An APT Mekong Delta cruise can take you through the contrasts of beautiful Vietnam, from the hive of activity in its crowded cities,to the relaxed pace of the beautiful countryside. In northern Hanoi, you will find a beautiful blend of French colonial influence, with the modern pace of Asian city life before cruising onward past the spectacular mountains of Sapa and the sparkling Ha Long Bay.

Be transported further south to Saigon, where you will find a mix of soaring skyscrapers with French architecture and the energy of chaotic outdoor markets. Along the way, Australia’s revered chef, Luke Nguyen, can help you discover the culinary heritage of his home country.

See Cambodian life along the Mekong Delta
Travel to Cambodia
Channels carve a lifeline into Cambodia, a country full of history and magnificence. Visit the famous temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and cruise past the beautiful Royal Palace. Located on the riverfrontm the Palace showcases classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding.

You can experience Cambodia’s lush countryside filled with rice paddies and sugar palms, cruising along the south coast past tropical islands and beach huts.

 Lush landscapes around the Nam Song River, Laos
Travel to Laos
After years of isolation, Laos is now one of the most laid-back Southeast Asian destinations. Enjoy the well-preserved culture, stunning natural environment and friendly people. Life in Laos still revolves around tradition and you can experience riverfront life unchanged over generations. See the historic royal city of Luang Prabang where hundreds of saffron-robed monks move quietly among centuries-old monasteries.

The Mekong opens up at Si Phan Don (meaning literally ‘four thousand islands’). It’s an archipelago of tranquil islands popular with travellers for cycling, swimming, tubing, boat cruises, kayaking, and dolphin spotting.

Cruise into beautiful Bangkok
Thailand
Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, you’re awarded the opportunity see Thailand’s famous beaches and lush mountain ranges on an APT river cruise. Stop at Bangkok for a spot of shopping in its many malls, or take in its history by visiting the ancient temples.

Heading further north, the landscape changes to dense forests, where you come face to face with hill tribes of and see village life rooted in centuries of tradition. The Mekong Delta and its distributaries are lined with natural beauty and is the perfect waterscape to discover Asia from a different perspective.

Thứ Năm, 6 tháng 11, 2014

Tips for safe dining of seafood in Halong

Halong, known as the world heritage city with thousands of caves and grottos, is also famous for its abundance of nutritious and delicious varieties of seafood like crab, prawn, fish, or sea-snail. Gourmets who come to Halong can hardy resist the taste of fresh seafood without the worry of gaining weight. However, there is always risk of food poisoning hidden in seafood. Below are some safety tips to avoid trouble with dining in Halong bay tours.

1. Avoid eating raw seafood in general

Raw seafood or unprocessed seafood may contain the Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria which is harmful for the digestive system. Moreover, the bacteria can live under high temperature (more than 80oC). Although sushi and sashimi is very tempting, try not to eat too much, esepecially from the dubious dining places. Fresh seafood in Halong Bay

2. Never eat raw crab
Tips for safe dining of seafood in Halong
Tips for safe dining of seafood in Halong

Inside unprocessed Ha Long’s crab is a very dangerous parasitic bacteria named lung fluke that may mess up your respiratory system with symptoms like lead to severe cough, coughing up blood, or even cerebral paralysis. It is highly recommended that crabs have to be fully cooked for at least 20-30 minutes. Travel to Halong with Vietnam tours

3. Seafood shopping tips

Buying your own seafood in a market to bring back to your hotel and ask the chefs to cook for you is a very enjoyable experience. However, remember to choose ones which are still alive and fresh, because dead sea-animals, especially one that has shells, contain much higher level of bacteria or poisons.

4. Avoid drinking excessive beer while eating seafood

Scientists say drinking beer while eating seafood increases the probability of having gout or arthritis disease. Therefore, it is recommended that you limit your alcohol consumption when being served seafood.

5. Avoid having fruits/tea after having seafood

The reason is that the acid inside sour fruits may negatively affect the process of absorbing protein from seafood into your body. Besides, tannin from fruits may react with calcium and protein from seafood to stimulate your digestive system that leads to stomach-ache and vomiting. Same thing happens if you drink tea after a seafood meal.

Thứ Sáu, 31 tháng 10, 2014

Một số cách sử dụng nhung hươu

Bột nhung hươu nguyên chất: Tán nhỏ nhung hươu thành bột, mỗi ngày uống từ 1-3g, chia 3 lần, chiêu với nước ấm. Cách này có thể dùng cho mọi lứa tuổi.
Rượu nhung tươi: Lấy 20g nhung hươu thái lát ngâm vào 500ml rượu ngon, để trong 14 ngày là uống được. Mỗi lần uống 1 thìa cà phê, ngày uống 1-2 lần vào trước bữa ăn làm khai vị. Hết lại làm tiếp uống. Cách này chỉ phù hợp với người lớn và có thể uống rượu được.

Rượu nhung hươu sơn dược: Nhung huou tuoi 30g, bỏ lông thái lát, bột sơn dược 30g, bỏ vào túi vải buộc lại thả vào bình rượu cùng lộc nhung. Để 7 ngày là dùng được. Mỗi ngày uống 3 thìa canh. Chữa liệt dương, người già đái đêm.
Một số cách sử dụng nhung hươu
Một số cách sử dụng nhung hươu

Rượu nhung hươu, trùng thảo: Nhung hươu 20g, đông trùng hạ thảo 90g, rượu ngon (40-50 độ) 1.500ml (một lít rưỡi). Các vị trên thái nhỏ cho vào bình rượu để trong 10 ngày gạn lấy rượu uống, ngày uống 20-30ml, dùng cho người đau lưng, mỏi gối, sợ lạnh, liệt dương... do thận dương hư suy, tinh huyết khuyết tổn sinh bệnh.
Trứng gà hấp nhung hươu: Lấy bột nhung hươu 0,5-1g, trứng gà 1 quả, cho bột nhung hươu vào trong trứng gà hấp chín, hằng ngày ăn vào buổi sáng sớm lúc bụng đói, cần ăn  15-20 ngày liền.
Cách này tiện lợi cho trẻ con và người không biết uống rượu. Nhung hươu lấy từ những con huou giong tốt. Món này thích hợp sử dụng cho người huyết áp thấp, thể chất hư nhược, gầy gò, sợ lạnh, chân tay lanh, liệt dương, đái đêm...
Tốt nhất, trước khi sử dụng nhung hươu cần được sự tư vấn và giúp đỡ của bác sỹ để lựa chọn sản phẩm, tham khảo sự phù hợp với từng người bệnh, hoàn cảnh.

Halong Excursions

Tourists from various nook and corner of the world, and from other parts of Vietnam come to enjoy Excursions in Halong. To foreign travelers, Halong Bay is a popular vacation spot. The bay and its 3,000 islands will come before you in different hues at various time of the day.
Halong Excursions
Halong Excursions
At every point the natural landscape is waiting to surprise you. The area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Loaded with fascinating natural splendors, Excursions in Halong are always pleasurable.Visit Halong with 5 best cruises in Halong Bay

World famous Halong Bay is located in Quang Ninh province of Vietnam. Excursions in Halong mean exploring the entire bay that features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes.

Pleasing climate makes excursions in Halong more enjoyable for the foreign tourists. The bay experiences an average temperature from 15 degree centigrade to 25 degree centigrade. Annual rainfall is between 2000 millimeters and 2200 millimeters.Visit Halong with Vietnam tours

In Halong Bay, you will come across giant and amazing limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rises spectacularly from the ocean. There are many islands are hollow, with enormous caves in it.

The Hang Dau Go or the wooden stakes cave is the largest grotto in the Halong area. French tourists visited in the late 19th Century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. There are three large chambers in it containing large numerous stalactites and stalamites. There are two bigger islands, Tuan Chau and Cat Ba which have permanent inhabitants. There are a number of wonderful beaches on the smaller islands.Read more: V’spirit crusie Halong bay

You can also visit the fisherman villages in some island. Many of the islands have acquired their names as a result of of their unusual shapes such as Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha Islet (roof). The lush forests in Halong Bay also houses different species of birds and animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and iguanas.

Thứ Năm, 23 tháng 10, 2014

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park in located 15km north - west of Cat Ba Town in Cat Ba Island - Hai Phong Province. It was established in 1986. It spans an area of 15,200ha, of which 9,800ha are forest, and contains lots of particularly interesting caves. The original tropical forest spans an area of 570ha, with extremely varied wildlife and vegetation.

Cat Ba National Park in located 15km north - west of Cat Ba Town. It was established in 1986. It spans an area of 15,200ha, of which 9,800ha are forest, and contains lots of particularly interesting caves. The original tropical forest spans an area of 570ha, with extremely varied wildlife and vegetation. Visit Cat Ba Island with Hanoi & Halong Bay 4 days

Cat Ba National Park is situated in Cat Ba Island and on several smaller islands nearby. The park currently comprises 98km2 of total land are, 54km2 of inshore waters. The National Park was Vietnam’s first national park to included both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. It is recognized nationally and internationally for its importance in biodiversity conservation, as it contains many different types of ecosystem and habitat. The Park has a great variety of plant and animal species. With Paradise Cruise
Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park

The golden–headed langur or Cat Ba langur is a rare and a precious animal and exists only in Cat Ba island. A special type of tree called “Cay Kim Giao” is unique to Cat Ba. In ancient times, kings and nobles would eat only with chopsticks made from this timber, as the light coloured wood was reputed to turn to black when it touched anything poisonous. There are 745 species of plants recorded on Cat Ba, including 118 timber species and 160 plants with medicinal value.

The national park is home to 32 types of mammals and more than 70 species of birds have been sighted. There is a beautiful lake inside the national park called Frog Lake, with a water forest and amazing landscape. Read more: Halong Bay map

How to get to Cat Ba island from Halong bay?
There are 3 ways:
1. Take a overnight cruises, after visiting Sung Sot Cave you can catch a day boat to Cat Ba island. Need to arrange in advance
2. Start from Tuan Chau Island - Halong bay harbor, get on a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Ferry start every 2 hours from 8.00 am to 17.00 pm.
3. Join a 3 days 2 nights package tour (1 night on boat and 1 night in Cat Ba Island)

Thứ Tư, 15 tháng 10, 2014

Tips for cruising with children in Halong Bay

It is a great experience when your family can spend time travelling together. However, travelling with children can cause some difficulties for parents. Here are some tips that parents should know when joining a cruise in Halong Bay:
Preparation
  • Clothes: make sure that you bring warm clothes in the winter and comfortable clothes in the summer for the children.
  • Others: you also should bring some medicine in case your children are not fine.
Safety on board
  • The safety on board is very important, especially for children, parents should:
  • Always take notice of the children, keep them in your sight.
  • Make sure that children do not climb on the handrail or the railing on boat. Children are not allowed to stand on the bow.
  • Ask the staffs on board to show you the life vests for children. 
  • Paradise Cruise

  • Jasmine Cruise

  • Indochina Sails

Activities on board
  • Children can join the activities on board like: cave visiting, kayaking, swimming or fishing village but they need their parents’ attention. Before each activity, children need to be told in advance about the safety so that they are more careful to follow the instructions.
Tips for cruising with children in Halong Bay
Tips for cruising with children in Halong Bay

  • Children also need to be well- equipped with life vests during all the activities.
  • The role of the tour guide and staffs on board
  • Take care more, playing and chatting with them.
  • Ask the parents if the children need to have dinner early as they need to go to bed earlier than adults.
  • Check with the parents if the menu for adults is also suitable with children; otherwise, the alternative food should be prepared.
  • Prepare some games for children.

Thứ Năm, 9 tháng 10, 2014

Hon Chong travel guide

Whatever the tourist brochures tell you, Hon Chong is not the Halong Bay tours of the south -- it is as simple as that.

A few rock pinnacles and limestone karsts do not a Ha Long make.

That doesn't mean that it isn't a worthwhile destination in its own right, however. A welcoming seaside village set on a rugged coastline, Hon Chong makes for a decent R&R stop on any Mekong tour. This is especially the case if you're headed towards Cambodia for the overland crossing with Kep. Read more: V'spirit cruise Halong bay

Though it sees a flood of Vietnamese holidaymakers around Tet, it can feel practically deserted for the rest of the year, making it the ideal locale to lay back in a hammock and unwind.
Hon Chong travel guide
Hon Chong travel guide


Though the town's sole road fronts along a lovely pine-tree fringed beach, the swimming in Hon Chong isn't very good. The sand is too slimy, and the water too shallow -- those fisherman walking 20m from shore? They aren't on stilts. Read more: Vietnam tours

But the sand is still great for getting some sun, or enjoying a seafood lunch. You feel more active than this, the Chua Hang Grotto makes for a worthwhile afternoon out.

Orientation
Hon Chong consists of only one beachfront road, along which all the town's hotels and restaurants are located. There is no hospital, bank or post office here, though on a good day, Ha Tien is only a few hours away over a dreadful road.

Internet doesn't seem to have quite made a splash in Hon Chong yet. For the moment, An Hai Son Resort has WiFi available in their restaurant, and you may be able to convince them to let you use one of the computers in their office.

Thứ Ba, 23 tháng 9, 2014

Travel Phu Quoc Island

Sitting back in a hammock, looking out over the quiet surf, you may wonder why more people don't know about Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. It gets almost none of the press of those islands over in Thailand -- and yet with its rugged jungle, squeaking white sands and sparkling cobalt waters, it can more than match them. And though an unbroken beach stretches for almost the entire length of the island's west coast, only a small part of it has been developed. Read more Mekong delta tours

We've seen many an island in Southeast Asia, and we've never stumbled across somewhere quite like here. The mix of isolated and deserted beaches, and a few thriving yet unadulterated Vietnamese towns, make Phu Quoc a rare find indeed. Read more: Vietnam tours
Travel Phu Quoc Island
Travel Phu Quoc Island


Given its ease of access (a 21-minute flight from Rach Gia or an hour's flight from Saigon), it's amazing the island isn't far more developed, and while the Vietnamese government has huge plans they remain unrealised, and hopefully will remain just on paper for the foreseeable future. Paloma cruise

The island has something for everyone -- really! Ringed by over a dozen bays and beaches, some yellow sand, others brilliant strips of white, with an archipelago of islets off its south coast, a jungle-covered interior and a handful of fishing villages, there is enough to do for a longer stay than you may be planning.

Accommodation on Phu Quocencompasses a full range of options from affordable backpacker guesthouses through to quite fancy beach resorts and hotels. Hoteliers report that some guests do nothing more than the daily bungalow-beach-restaurant-beach-bungalow circuit for days on end -- for couples in particular, Phu Quoc is a favourite. 

But with a motorbike and a map, there's loads of exploring to do here, and while some of the beaches are under military control, the majority are open to the public.

Many leave Phu Quoc as their final stop in Vietnam before leaving, only to find that a couple of nights just aren’t enough. As a result, flights are changed and itineraries are revised -- so take it from us, revise your itinerary upfront and be sure to allow yourself enough time on Phu Quoc.

Thứ Hai, 15 tháng 9, 2014

Ben Tre travel guide

Ben Tre province is made up of three main islands wedged between the Tien Giang River to the north and to Co Chien River to the south with the Ham Luong River running straight down the centre. All are effectively offshoots of the Mekong River cruise as it splits out into many fingers before spilling out into the South China Sea.

Famous for its coconut desserts, the province is suitably covered in coconut trees. During the war these coconut trees were used to make coconut oil which was then used as a valuable substitute for kerosene. Read more: Travel South Vietnam

Verdant and flat, the province is mostly given over to rice and fruit cultivation, though being an island province, fishing is another mainstay of the local economy. Traditional Mekong life is the norm here and it's a very unadulterated scene -- wandering the market, sipping the coffee, doing a boat trip and skipping through the local museum are the main pastimes.
Ben Tre travel guide
Ben Tre travel guide


As far as exploring the Delta is concerned, Ben Tre is a dead-end province. Once you've experienced all the province has to offer, you'll need to turn around and head back through My Tho to get any further into the Delta. That's not to suggest it isn't worth visiting -- it is. For starters you can do boat trips from here for a fraction of the price of a trip from My Tho (either organised through Ben Tre Tourist, or via the boatmen at the pier) and, with its large network of minor canals, there's a lot of scope for riverine exploration. There's also a small museum and a pleasing riverfront worth investigating. Mekong Eyes cruise

First things first -- Ben Tre town is clean -- it's as if somewhere between the My Tho ferry crossing and downtown you pass through a cleanliness vortex -- the roads are spotless, the pavements are tiled and smooth and there's little refuse -- even in the market.

Secondly, there's not really all that much to do in Ben Tre. There's boat trips, a pagoda, a small museum, a good market and lots of friendly people, but overall there's not enough here to justify a stay of more than a night or so.

The main advantage of coming here is that the boat trips are far cheaper than in My Tho and you can pretty much visit the same spots. If you're on a budget, Ben Tre is a far better base than My Tho -- it's a pleasant enough place, with a small town charm, that makes it an allround reasonable spot for those with enough time on their hands to dawdle slowly through the Delta.

Thứ Sáu, 5 tháng 9, 2014

Calypso cruise Halong bay

Calypso cruise offers the most comprehensive information and services for rock climbing in Vietnam! There is no better way to get high in Vietnam than rock climbing over the turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay, which is quickly becoming the most exciting way to enjoy this world-wonder Bay.
Come with us and challenge yourseft!
Summer promotion :
  • discount 10% + free shuttle bus Hanoi- Halong - Hanoi for 2 days 1 night cruises from 01 May - 30 September 2014
  • discount 10% for 3 days 2 nights cruises
CABIN FEATURES
Sized from 12.5m2 (134.5ft2), all Calypso cabins are selectively equipped to confine fine bedding, and are well recognized with expansive windows to be exposed to the widest views of the bay. Acknowledging the views are constantly changing, the bathroom is also widely exposed to the views to ensure every moment of yours counts. Read more: Alova Gold CruiseImage Cruise
Calypso cruise Halong bay
Calypso cruise Halong bay

Facilities
  • Individually controlled Air-Conditioning
  • Wardrobe
  • Hot and Cold Shower
  • Toilet Slippers
  • Toiletries
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Life hammer
Dining - Featuring a feast for the senses
The Calypso restaurant offers freshly-caught delicious seafood and other specialties to celebrate the fullest enjoyment of your sail-away. Fine cuisine mingles with friendly staffs, calm water, X-breeze and stunning view of thousands of islets around for a truly unforgettable experience.
Sundeck - No better elsewhere
There’s properly no better else in the world, as the views from the Sundeck are breath-taking, panoramic and constant-changing. The Sundeck offers ideal space and atmosphere to enjoy sunbath, to socialize, to snap great pictures of Halong Bay, to sip a refreshing cocktail while gazing at the rock formations reflected in the crystal clear water of the bay, or just simply lazing as the sun starts to set.
Activities - Enriching the body and the soul
Swimming and kayaking in the crystal waters of Halong Bay are integral experience during your time with Calypso.
Regular events like guest’s birthdays, honeymoon celebrations, Halloween, National days, Christmas, New Year and like such are well attended to ensure your fullest enjoyment and excitement during your valuable time onboard.

Chủ Nhật, 31 tháng 8, 2014

Chọn máy tiết kiệm điện



Hiện nay trên thị trường có 2 dòng máy điều hoà giá rẻ là máy thông thường và máy biến tần.

Máy thông thường là máy nén kiểu đóng ngắt ON – OFF, khi điều chỉnh năng suất lạnh và nhiệt độ phòng. Đặc điểm của loại máy này là nhiệt độ trong phòng dao động mạnh, máy làm việc theo chu kỳ đóng ngắt và tiêu thụ điện năng tương đối cao.

Máy biến tần là loại máy mới, hiện đại, điều chỉnh năng suất lạnh và nhiệt độ phòng bằng cách thay đổi vòng quay trục khuỷu máy nén. Nhờ cách điều chỉnh này cũng như nhờ thay động cơ xoay chiều bằng động cơ một chiều, ống mao bằng van tiết lưu điện tử... nên tiêu tốn điện năng có thể giảm tới 50% so với máy thông thường.
Chọn máy tiết kiệm điện
Chọn máy tiết kiệm điện


Tất nhiên giá máy này cũng đắt hơn khoảng 30%. Tuy nhiên, giá đầu tư ban đầu cao hơn, nhưng sẽ nhanh chóng được bù lại nhờ giá vận hành giảm và vòng đời của máy cao (khoảng 13 năm).

Nên chọn loại điều hòa tủ đứng chính hãng biến tần để tiết kiệm điện năng.
Chú ý khi lắp đặt điều hòa

- Phòng phải được hút bụi, làm vệ sinh sạch sẽ, tường và trần nhà thường được lau rửa. Ngoài ra, cần lưu ý lắp đặt điều hoà ở vị trí sao cho dòng không khí có thể được phân phối đều khắp phòng. Trong phòng bạn cũng nên để một chậu nước mát.

-  Không để dàn nóng của điều hòa âm trần chính hãng bị ánh nắng chiếu vào và tránh để dàn nóng bị cản gió. Hướng đặt dàn nóng tốt nhất là hướng bắc hoặc hướng nam. Nếu lắp đặt ở hướng đông hoặc tây thì nên có mái che để che nắng, mái che này không được cản trở luồng gió lưu thông qua dàn nóng.

- Dàn lạnh nên được lắp ở vị trí hợp lý để có thể tỏa lạnh đều trong phòng và đường gió ra không bị cảm trở bởi các vật dụng khác.

- Lắp đặt dàn nóng và dàn lạnh càng gần nhau càng tốt, độ chênh lệch giữa 2 dàn càng nhỏ càng tốt. Như vậy sẽ tiết kiệm điện hơn.

- Phòng lắp máy phải khô ráo với độ ẩm tốt nhất từ 30% đến dưới 60% để các loại vi khuẩn, nấm không có điều kiện phát triển.

Cách chọn và sử dụng điều hòa để tiết kiệm điện năng - Ảnh 2
Vệ sinh sạch sẽ phòng trước khi nắp điều hòa.
Điều chỉnh nhiệt độ vừa phải

Chỉnh nhiệt độ càng thấp, máy lạnh tiêu thụ điện càng nhiều hơn. Chỉnh nhiệt độ tùy vào khả năng thích ứng của mỗi người. Tuy nhiên, nếu nhiệt trong phòng chênh lệch quá lớn so với bên ngoài là điều không có lợi cho sức khỏe.

Theo khuyến cáo chỉ nên chênh lệch dưới 10 độ C (tốt nhất là 7 độ) và không nên dưới 20 độ C. Ví dụ nhiệt độ ngoài trời là 36 độ, nhiệt độ trong phòng nên đặt ở mức 26 - 28 độ. Bạn có thể sử dụng thêm quạt điện, như vậy sẽ đạt hiệu quả cao và tiết kiệm điện.

Nếu máy không có chế độ ngủ, hãy tăng nhiệt độ phòng thêm 2oC, nếu cảm thấy nóng lúc đầu, hãy bổ sung thêm quạt trong vòng 1h. Không đặt nhiệt độ thấp đến mức phải nằm đệm và đắp chăn khi ngủ.

Hãy tắt máy điều hoà khi ra khỏi phòng, tắt bằng điều khiển từ xa, sau đó ngắt áp tômát. Nếu chỉ tắt bằng điều khiển máy vẫn tiêu thụ khoảng 15W.

Cách chọn và sử dụng điều hòa để tiết kiệm điện năng - Ảnh 3
Hãy tắt máy điều hoà khi ra khỏi phòng, tắt bằng điều khiển từ xa, sau đó ngắt áp tômát.
Chỉnh hướng gió

Ở máy lạnh có những cánh để điều chỉnh hướng gió sang trái hoặc phải, hướng lên trên hoặc xuống. Do ảnh hưởng độ quay của quạt và vị trí của các ống dẫn hơi lạnh bên trong, nên đa số máy điều hòa nhiệt độ đều có xu hướng thổi hơi lạnh nhiều hơn về một phía của phòng. Bạn nên điều chỉnh hướng thổi lạnh vào khu vực cần thiết của phòng (giường tủ, bàn làm việc...). Từ đó, có thể chỉnh nhiệt độ ở mức tối ưu nhất.

Thường xuyên vệ sinh máy

Các bụi bẩn bám và tích tụ vào bề mặt dàn nóng, dàn lạnh, lưới lọc... làm trở ngại cho việc trao đổi nhiệt, làm máy chậm lạnh. Việc vệ sinh dàn nóng, dàn lạnh ở máy lạnh hơi phức tạp và có liên quan đến an toàn điện.

Bạn có thể nhờ thợ điện lạnh bảo dưỡng định kỳ (khoảng 6 tháng/lần). Còn lưới lọc bụi, vệ sinh dễ dàng hơn, khoảng một tháng/lần. Bạn có thể tự làm, tháo ra và rửa sạch bằng bàn chải và xà bông.

Thứ Ba, 26 tháng 8, 2014

Paradise cruise reviews


The best part of the Paradise Cruise halong can be found in the word luxury. You will be treated in a way that will make you feel special. On larger cruise ships, the passengers often get lost in the crowd. That will not happen on this ship. It is small and intimate.You will have a great chance to unwind and relax while you are pampered.
There are many people who are unaware of how beautiful Vietnam is. There are two reasons for this. They either have never visited the country, or if they have visited, they chose the wrong way to do it. That said, one of the best ways to see the natural beauty that Vietnam has to offer is by taking a Paradise Luxury Cruise. This cruise offers its passengers a great way to see many different sites in and around Halong Bay.
There are many choices for people who want to enjoy this cruises that include a classic 2 day and 1 night cruise or private and custom made cruises.
All of the cruises are taken on a luxurious ship with a crew that pays attention to all of the small details that make the cruise more memorable. The rooms and the food on this cruise are five-star. You will never find yourself looking for something to eat while onboard. The beauty that can be found in Halong Bay matches the accommodations of the ship. Read more: Indochina Sails, Violet cruise halong bay
Paradise cruise Halong bay
Cruise Itinerary
While some people create their own cruise, the classic cruise is the most popular. Departing from Tuan Chau Island at noon, the cruise meanders through Halong Bay. Along the way, you will get to tour Bay of the Descending Dragon. At this stop you will get to see the caves and rock formations along with the floating villages that make this destination unique.
After seeing this area, you can return to the ship and enjoy the wonderful dinner that will be prepared for you. You may want to take advantage of the spa facilities on board or one of the other relaxing activities that are available.
When the sun sets, you will have a glorious view that is hard to describe. In the morning you can enjoy a Tai Chi demonstration or you can sit down and have a gourmet buffet breakfast.The ship returns to Tuan Chau Island around 11:00. This time can vary depending on the specific details of your cruise.
Who Will Enjoy
Couples who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life will enjoy this cruise the most. It is the perfect chance to unwind and relax. The beautiful scenery that the ship cruises through makes it almost impossible not to forget about the rest of the world. If you enjoy having your every wish catered to than the Paradise Luxury Cruises is the right one to go on.