Top 10 Destinations in Vietnam

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You may hear that everyone is now talking about Vietnam holidays, so you wonder why and should you book Vietnam holiday packages? And what you are going to see in Vietnam holiday packages? Here are some travel tips on top Vietnam destinations in the north Vietnam.

First of all, we have to mention Halong Bay – the King of all Vietnam holiday packages. Halong Bay has twice been recognized as world natural heritage by UNESCO. The first time was in 1994 for its beauty landscapes. The second time was in 2000 for Halong bay’s geology formation. Magnificent Halong bay is One of 7 must-visit places on the earth. Over 3000 unshaped big and tiny limestoned islands rising from the emerald waters on an area of 1553 sq km create amazing picture. This magical landscape of limestone islands has made many tourists change their minds to stay longer. Discover amazing Halong with ultimate luxurious Halong Bay cruises, remember all your life. Halong Bay’s stunning scenery and the luxury comfort of Halong Bay cruises will take you to a paradise on earth that you have not thought before. All most tourists to Vietnam have said that “come to Vietnam without seeing Halong Bay means you have not been to Vietnam”.

Second position next to Halong bay is stunning Sapa – the Queen of all Vietnam holiday packages. Sapa is in the north west of Vietnam close to Chinese border and about 340 km north west of Hanoi. Sapa town is located at the altitude of about 1600m and dominated by Hoang Lien Son range of mountains with the highest mountain of Indochina(Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) Fansifan 3143 m above the sea level. Probably, no other place in the world could compare to the spectacular scenery of Sapa and its terraced paddy fields formed by multi minority groups near thousand years ago. Besides the natural beauty, you have chances to discover different cultures of 7 colorful ethnic groups living here.

The third is charming and romantic Hanoi, one of the highlights for Vietnam holiday packages. Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities, Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter known as 36 commercial streets and over 600 pagodas and temples. Hanoi’s famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), the Temple of Literature – first university in Vietnam (built in 1070) with 82 doctor steles which were chosen as UNESCO world heritage for ancient education document, Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum…Hanoi also characteristically contains 18 beautiful natural lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Thien Quang lake, Bay Mau lake and Truc Bach Lake…, which are the lungs of the city, with their surrounding gardens and trees where you can join morning or afternoon exercise and Tai Chi practice everyday.

Unlike Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh cities, Hue seems to have stood aside from the current economic development. Although the history was not so nice to Hue, it still has retained a unique cultural identity. Hue is a small, peaceful and countless romantic city, full of lakes, canals and lush vegetation. Hue was chosen to be the capital of Vietnam in 1802 under the Nguyen dynasty and continued its role until 1945. Hue was created on the model of the Forbidden city in Beijing with many palaces, temples inside. More recently the French culture has left a strong impression in the city. Hue sets an important stop for Vietnam holiday packages.

Real Estate

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It is easy sometimes for homeowners to get overwhelmed by negative news and downward trends in the real estate market, including luxury real estate. In light of the recent news about home values across America hitting new lows, it is important to try your best to stay positive.

Owning a home is still one of the most sound and time-tested investments one can make. The luxury real estate market always goes through cycles – values go up, values go down. At each of these points, it is important to note that at any given time, either the buyer or the seller is at an advantage.

The Positives for Buyers:

Right now, it’s pretty easy to see that the advantages lie with the buyers. Now is a PERFECT time for anyone who has been looking for luxury real estate and luxury properties. There are so many amazing luxury properties for sale right now that if you have the means; incredible values are there for the picking!

During down economic situations, many families and homeowners are trying to find ways to cut expenditures and decrease their debt. Sometimes, this means selling their luxury property and finding something slightly more economical. These situations provide great opportunities for new luxury homebuyers.

With more and more luxury properties going on the market – the number of choices is increasing exponentially. It is becoming easier for buyers to find the luxury home that has everything that they are looking for. Each buyer has different needs and expectations, so having more and more options available, it is more likely that that perfect home will be available.

The Positives for Sellers:

So, how is any of this positive for sellers? Well, if sellers think in terms of the value lost, since the burst of the recent housing bubble – it might not seems very positive at all. However, just like any free market system, when prices go down, demand goes up! Sellers may not be getting the full value of the home in terms or recent prices, but most likely – depending on how long the sellers have owned the property – the value, in most cases, is still higher than the purchase value. It can still be a salvaged as a sound investment.

However, with prices going down, and interest rates at incredible lows, the demand for luxury properties will eventually start to creep up. If you are in a situation where selling your luxury home is a necessity – a buyer could literally be around the corner very soon.

Just like any business, marketing is the key to creating value for your luxury home. Finding a luxury real estate marketing company to help you find the right buyers is extremely important. There are many real estate marketing solutions that can help match the right property with the right buyer. If your property is exactly what a specific buyer is looking for, then it is more likely that you can sell your home for a more acceptable amount.

Travel

HOW TO BUY REAL ESTATE IN VIETNAM

More and more people are discovering what Vietnam has to offer as a travel destination. It is country with lots of variety in landscapes, as well as lifestyles. The history of Vietnam is very complex and adds to the richness of the experience of a visit there. People can make their Vietnam Holidays a chance to learn more about how the nation has worked through its reunification process. Visitors can visit specific monuments or simply speak with the people who lived through it for a first hand account.

Vietnam has lush countrysides that contrast with its bustling cities. Tourists can spend all of their time in either setting and still come away with the impression that they have had a full experience. The countryside tends to be devoted to farming. It may seem to be a more laid back setting, however, people on the farms work quite diligently. Although, tourists spending their Vietnam holidays in a rural setting will be able to take advantage of the lovely surroundings and relative quiet of the area.

People who choose to spend their time in an urban setting will be rewarded with busy markets, shopping and good restaurants. Tourists who are spending their Vietnam holiday in a city should not be afraid to engage in good natured bargaining to get good prices for items. Many sellers are willing to lower their prices to close the deal. It all depends on whether the tourist can spot a bargain in the making. It may take some practice, but many tourists are more than willing to join in to become part of the scene.

To get the most of what Vietnam has available for tourists, visitors should try to travel to a rural and an urban town. Visiting these places will provide the best sense of what it means to live and work in Vietnam. Meeting people during a Vietnam holiday who have made different choices about whether to live in a big city or a small town will give tourists an idea of the challenges, sacrifices and rewards that many Vietnamese experience on a day to day basis.

Vietnamese Cuisine

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Vietnamese cuisine is well loved around the world and Vietnamese restaurants are popping up in many Western and European cities. To experience the true exotic yet light taste of Vietnamese cooking, you should take a trip to this unique country and sample dishes that are authentically made. You would experience a gastronomical delight. Vietnamese cooks utilize fresh foods in their dishes and use little oil or fats which makes their cuisine one of the healthiest food choices you can make.

Rice is grown abundantly in Vietnam and forms the basis of many meals. Usual Vietnamese meal would include a rice and meat dish or a rice and vegetable dish. When served traditionally, each person has a bowl of rice and the main dish is shared. Vietnamese cuisine is often compared to Chinese food and they are similar, yet different from each other. Vietnamese food is much lighter than Chinese and relies heavily on fish sauce for seasoning.

Other common seasonings used in Vietnamese cooking include ginger, lemongrass, curry powder, onions, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, coriander, and fennel are also used. Cooks aim to create meals that have the perfect balance of spicy, salty, sour, sweet, and bitter. Much Vietnamese cuisine is vegetarian but you will also find all kinds of seafood specialties as well as dishes made with pork, beef, and chicken.

The geography and climate of Vietnam divides the country into three distinct parts and each of these has their own variation upon traditional dishes. North Vietnam for example, uses fewer spices but uses more cold weather vegetables like broccoli, daikon, and radish. South Vietnam has been heavily influenced by Chinese immigrants and French colonists. The dishes from this region tend to be sweeter and use more herbs. Many Vietnamese restaurants in the United States borrow heavily from South Vietnamese cuisine. Central Vietnam is known for its abundance of seafood and custom of serving many small side dishes with meals.

Some popular Vietnamese dishes include:

Bun cha – A grilled pork dish served with vermicelli noodles, salad greens, cucumbers, bean sprouts and herbs. This dish is sometimes garnished with shrimp and roasted peanuts.

Mi xao don – Fried noodles served with seafood, shrimp, and vegetables covered in gravy.

Mi bo vien – An egg noodle soup with meatballs and raw steak.

Bun oc – Soup made with vermicelli and sea snails.

Com ga rau thom – A rice and chicken dish that is flavored with fried mint and herb sauce.

Banh bao – Steamed dumpling pockets that may be stuffed with vegetables, mushrooms, pork, or quail eggs.

Bo kho – A beef stew flavored with spicy herbs.

Many tourists to Vietnam fall in love with Vietnamese coffee. It is served both hot and iced. It has an intense flavor that is derived from using a combination of beans that are delicately roasted. The coffee is coarsely ground and brewed using a Vietnamese drip filter. The drip filter is a small metal filter that makes coffee a cup at a time so it retains the full flavor of the coffee oils. The coffee can be consumed black, mixed with condensed milk, or mixed with condensed milk and ice.

Vietnamese cuisine has something to offer everyone. The food is fragrant, light, and healthy. It is suitable for vegetarians and meat lovers and everyone in between. If you can’t take a trip to Vietnam, the next best thing is to visit a Vietnamese restaurant near you. Your taste buds will be glad you did!

Beautiful Places in Vietnam

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Away from the beach Nha Tang’s main attraction is Po Nagar. The four Cham towers were constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries. Built in 817, the 28-metre North Tower is one of the largest Cham towers. Easily accessible on the banks of the Cai River, this is a good option for those who do not want to go all the way to the most famous Cham remain at My Son. The carvings are well-preserved making the Champa Kingdom’s Hindu roots plain for all to see. Unlike in neighbouring Cambodia where the Cham people have turned to Islam, the Chams in Vietnam remain true to their original faith.

Also convenient located within the city’s boundary in Long Son Pagoda. The original building dates back to the end of the 19th century, although it has been rebuilt many times. Behind it stands a 14-metre high Buddha statue that dominates the surrounding area. There are pleasant viewsdown from the statue across the city. Another Buddha, this time reclining, can be viewed on the way down. To complete the hat-trick of religious edifices, Nha Trang also has a cathedral, built by the French between 1928 and 1933, though in truth it is of little interest in comparison with Po Nagar and Long Son.

However, it is not for spiritual enlightenment that most travellers come to Nha Trang. The place has a vibrant bightlife, especially during high season, when the beach can be jumping. Both the Sailing Club and the Louisiane Brew House next door are good places to get into the party spirit or simply have a sundowner on the beach.

Those looking for simething to do with the kids should take the cable car to Vinpearl amusement park on Hon Tre Island. Divided into various sections according to different climate zones, Underwater World houses over 300 species of fish. It is the biggest underwater park in Vietnam. The complext also has a water park on the beach, allowing you to combine sunbathing with playing in the wave pool or going on one of the many water slides. To round things off the park has an ampiltheatre that can seat 5000 people. With frequent water music shows, it has hosted events such as Miss Vietnam.

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WildLife

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Wildlife in Vietnam is wonderful and the base of attraction for all. Vietnam is the easternmost country situated on the Indochina Peninsula of Southeast Asia. Vietnam is surrounded by Laos to the northwest, China to the north, and Cambodia to the southwest. At the east coast of the country, Vietnam lays in the South China Sea with a population of more than 87 million. Since, Vietnam has a hot and humid climate, common mammals are available in this country. So, make Wildlife in Vietnam a part of your Vietnam Tours.

As you take a trip to Wildlife in Vietnam, you can see that this country is home to species like bears, elephants, tigers and leopards. You can also see some smaller animals such as squirrels, monkeys and otters. Wildlife in Vietnam would be incomplete without mentioning the reptiles. Each kind of reptiles like snakes, crocodiles and lizards are available at the country of Vietnam.

These various kinds of species usually dwell in the forest. Forests of Vietnam are generally dense and are home to the mammal species. Vietnam boasts of extensive range of evergreens including rain forests. Though, deforestation usually takes place, but it is not as often as in other countries of Southeast Asia.

Wildlife in Vietnam includes various kinds of flora and fauna. Other than that you can see the indigenous animals of Vietnam. Agile Gibbon, Scylla paramamosain, Asian Elephant, Banteng, Triceratolepidophis, Bengal monitor, Blood python and Deinagkistrodon are the most renowned species of Vietnam. You can also see False gharial, Giant Muntjac and Green sea turtle widely in the Vietnam country. Hatinh Langur, Hawksbill turtle, Hog Badger, Indian Muntjac, Vietnamese Javan Rhinoceros, Indochinese Tiger, Javan Rhinoceros and Kouprey are also worth mentioning while discussing about the Wildlife in Vietnam.

Some other native species are Lar Gibbon, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Leopard Cat, Lesser False Vampire Bat, Manouria emys, Marbled Cat, Mauremys annamensis, Ovophis monticola, Pelochelys cantorii, Pot-bellied pig, Truong Son Muntjac, Protobothrops jerdonii, Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Water monitor, Rafetus swinhoei, Red-shanked Douc, Reticulated Python, Rice-field rat and Saltwater Crocodile.

The bird species are also the part of Wildlife in Vietnam. The avifauna of Vietnam features 848 species. 13 among then are common and 3 of them are introduced by humans. Other than the indigenous avian species, you can also see some migratory birds in this country, which come to Vietnam in every season.

Vietnam

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Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea, referred to as East Sea, to the east. With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world.

The people of Vietnam regained independence and broke away from China in AD 938 after their victory at the battle of Bạch Đằng River. Successive dynasties flourished along with geographic and political expansion deeper into Southeast Asia, until it was colonized by the French in the mid-19th century. Efforts to resist the French eventually led to their expulsion from the country in the mid-20th century, leaving a nation divided politically into two countries. Fighting between the two sides continued during the Vietnam War, ending with a North Vietnamese victory in 1975.

Emerging from this prolonged military engagement, the war-ravaged nation was politically isolated. In 1986, the government instituted economic and political reforms and began a path towards international reintegration. By 2000, it had established diplomatic relations with most nations. Its economic growth has been among the highest in the world in the past decade. These economic reforms also introduced inequality in many spheres of life in Vietnam such as income distribution and women’s rights.

Attractions

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Vietnam is a nice and peaceful country located in the South East of Asia. With a long coast line from the North to the South and a lot of mountains and highlands, Vietnam has both sea and mountain attractions. Having the area of 331,688 square km and a population of more than 84 million people, Vietnam is one of the most densely-populated countries in the world.

Known as the heart of this beautiful country, Hanoi capital is one of the two biggest cities in Vietnam. This city is located in the Red River Delta in the North of Vietnam and is the economic centre of the whole delta. Hanoi is a cultured city with many traditions, old streets and houses. Even nowadays, when globalization is becoming more popular and Hanoi is influenced strongly by this trend, the traditions and many old features cannot be lost and are still an important and memorable part of this city.

In the middle of Vietnam, the most famous city is Hue. It was the capital of Vietnam during the feudal system’s time. Hue has many old temples and palaces which date back from many centuries ago, when the King was still in power. It is also famous for many kinds of unique food which are usually very hot and spicy.

Ho Chi Minh City is the biggest city of Vietnam and is located in the Mekong River Delta, in southern Vietnam. It was previously known as “Saigon” and that name is still used nowadays. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a young city with much economic potential. Lots of foreign companies have invested in HCMC, which makes this city the most developed one in Vietnam. When coming to Saigon, you are easily tempted to do a lot shopping. There are many shopping centres as well as open markets in HCMC where you can find a wide range of goods at incredible prices. Most foreign tourists visiting HCMC will come to Ben Thanh market, the symbol of this active city. There you can find many traditional items as well as modern ones and you can bargain for your desired prices.

Besides the aforementioned cities, there are many other beautiful cities and towns with lots of attractions. Tourists can enjoy beautiful beaches in Vung Tau or Nha Trang city, green mountains and peaceful lakes with European pine forests in Da Lat, splendid waterfalls in Cao Bang and mysterious caves in Ha Long, Quang Binh. That’s the reason why Vietnam has been chosen as a favourite destination of millions of tourists all over the world.

Relaxation and Points of Interest

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Hoi An, a small city in the province of Quang Nam, is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Unsurprisingly, one can find a plethora of hostels, guesthouses, beds-and-breakfasts, and other inexpensive lodgings there.

A room at one of these establishments often does not exceed USD50 a night. To be sure, there exist hotels in Hoi An that charge higher room rates. But these are luxury hotels and many backpackers and budget travelers aren’t quite willing to spend all that much for a place which they will use essentially just for sleeping.

Having said that, many budget hotels in Hoi An do offer more than just the basic amenities and services to attract guests and to make each stay a pleasant and comfortable one. One will be pleasantly surprised to find that USD18 doesn’t get just a room with a bed for the night. At the Phuoc An Hotel, for example, a room at that price includes air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, free breakfast, private bathroom with hot water – in short, all the modern amenities of a good hotel room. It isn’t the Ritz, but it’s far from being a dump either. In fact, many of them are quite attractive in appearance – quite a few are inspired by French colonial architecture.

The guest services offered at hostels and other budget accommodations in Hoi An are another welcome feature for guests. Many of them offer services that are useful to people who are on a business-and-pleasure trip, such as meeting and function rooms, ADSL or WiFi Internet, postal and courier service, and fax/photocopying. For just pure relaxation, however, guests can simply spend afternoons cooling down in the hotel pool or shoot a few rounds of pool in the billiards room or explore the flower gardens or have a bite and a drink at some hostel’s outdoor bar while watching the Thu Bon River go by. Getting a massage in one’s own room or in a hotel spa for an hour or two after exploring the area is another popular option.

Finding a cheap hotel that offers more than adequate rooms and services in Hoi An isn’t all that difficult as there are so many of them located near or right in the heart of Hoi An Town itself, a place that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most hostels offer free shuttle bus service (others charge a nominal fee) to the town and other nearby attractions, such as the traditional vegetable, pottery, and carpentry villages, and Cua Dai Beach. Some budget inns, like the Indochine Hotel for instance, even offer free use of bicycles – great tools for exploring the area – and getting some exercise at the same time.

Finding the right accommodations is part of what makes a trip enjoyable, and the inexpensive hostels and guesthouses in Hoi An offering rooms, amenities, and services are things that add more value to a budget traveler’s Vietnamese holiday experience.

News

When you heard the word “Vietnam,” more than likely images of the turbulent war that plagued this Southeast Asian nation come to mind. Nearly forty years after the fall of Saigon, Vietnam has since found association in other parts of the world with the overall mindset of the 1960s – anti-war protests and consequent films depicting the military actions there. Some may expect that the country is completely rural and dominated by rice fields as seen in the movies, yet in truth Vietnam has developed steadily since the war to become a strengthening player among the Next 11 nations.

Vietnam as an Emerging Global Power

As a Socialist Republic, Vietnam operates on a market economy that relies heavily on labor, and the costs of goods and services produced in the country are determined by what is needed and what is offered. In the mid-1980s, the Vietnamese government allowed for the establishment of private enterprises to operate in addition to state-run businesses for the purpose of commodity distribution. Consistent with the current Chinese market economy, Vietnam’s operations observe many principles of Marxism and apply these theories toward better participation in global trade. Presently, with trade relations tense between China and the United States and other nations, reliance on Vietnam for specific resources may grow as their economy stands to expand.

Vietnam is known primarily for its agricultural production, rice being the largest crop and more than half the nation’s working population employed in farming. However, in present times Vietnam’s gross domestic product relies more on industrial and service labor to keep the country running. In addition to rice, which is traded with main partners in the United States and Japan, Vietnam is also know for the following exports:

Crude Oil – Oil exports account for, on average, one billion dollars USD to Vietnam’s economy. The nation is presently the third largest producer of crude among countries in Southeast Asia.

Tea and Coffee – Vietnam ranks second in global coffee production behind Brazil, with nearly two tons exported annually. While coffee was introduced to the area in the 1800s, the Vietnamese have cultivated tea for thousands of years – with oolong and green varieties counted among the most popular.

Textiles – The United States trades approximately $1 billion worth of textiles and apparel every year from Vietnam. Sports apparel, including shoes bearing name brands, are often in high demand.

What Vietnam sends out to trade partners, in return the country receives these and other goods from mainland China, Singapore, and Japan.

Refined petroleum – Like many countries that produce crude, Vietnam relies on trade partners to refine oil and gas and return the finished product to maintain their industry.

Cotton – Though an agricultural nation by history, cotton is not a major crop here. What is imported goes out as finished fabric.

Building supplies – Steel and cement for construction are particularly needed as the major areas of Vietnam grow in correspondence to industry.

Transportation – Motorcycles are a popular method of moving around the cities and rural areas. Honda is one major distributor to the nation.

As the economy in Vietnam continues to expand, perhaps one day the nation will outgrow the images of past wars imprinted by way of the popular media. With major supports like the United States and Japan interested in trade agreements, it’s certain Vietnam will rise in the ranks of the Next Eleven.