Thứ Bảy, 24 tháng 9, 2011

ACLASS CRUISE OVERVIEW

Experience the serene magic of world famous Halong Bay with Aclass Cruise, a new boat was desighed by traditional and elegant style. With 11 spacious cabins, tastefully furnished, its topside bar, a gourmet restaurant and a relaxed sundeck in fresh air, not to mention extraordinary levels of service, Aclass cruise offers services with professional style If you are hunt for a beautiful place in South East Asia, where should you go ? Halong Bay is one of the best destinations for you to have a amazing vacation. Why not try to book a trip with Halong Alass Cruise ? You will have great experiences to see the serene magic of world famous Halong Bay. To have a safety trip, will you looking a new cruie ? Halong Aclass Cruise is the cruise you are looking for . It was built in traditional and elegant style in 2009.. You will have a great chance to relax on� sundeck in fresh air. Christopher Orton said: “My parents have just returned from a 2 days, 1 night tour with Aclass cruise and were really pleased with everything about the trip! The boat itself was great, new and in great condition. Their cabin was lovely and cosy, the shower was great, really hot and one of the best they’ve had in Vietnam, especially considering it’s a boat. They did a fait bit of research on various forums and were debating between a few before deciding on Aclass and they’re so glad they did!.! The food was great (prepare to get very full!) and the staff really friendly, they would both definitely recommends this company” Aclass Cruise: Cabins Our cabins are built with the finest natural materials, traditional Vietnamese hardwood, and large windows ensuring that each cabin is bright and airy, creating deluxe warmth and an elegant ambience. Each cabin has its own air-conditioning unit, which can be adjusted for your comfort. At night, you can even use only the fan, leaving the windows open. Aclass Cruise: En-Suite Bathroom Cabins come equipped with a spacious private marble bathroom, large glass standing hot shower, hair dryer, plush towels and luxurious complimentary toiletries Aclass cruise offers you a real adventure experience with incredible comfort. �Aclass Cruise: The Dining Room And Bar Meals are one of the highlights on an Aclass cruise. You will have the chance to enjoy seafood, local food and Vietnamese vegetarian food created by our experienced and well-qualified chefs. A healthy and refined cuisine with exotic flavors featuring Vietnamese herbs, spices and other well-known traditional specialties The dining room is designed in oriental style bringing you a cozy, intimate and romantic atmosphere with the wonderful scenic backdrop of the soaring limestone cliffs. The dining room is also the major entertainment area, allowing you either your individual moments or to share laughter and games with others. The topside bar of Aclass offers you pleasant, relaxing music, fresh air and an impressive variety of cocktails. A delightful place to socialize and watch the sun slip into the Bay. Aclass Cruise: Activities You can enjoy active pursuits such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing and kayaking in the crystal clear blue waters. We also run cookery demonstrations for those interested in learning the art of Vietnamese cooking. It�s up to you: you can make your cruise as busy or as lazy as you like

Thứ Bảy, 26 tháng 3, 2011

VIET TRAVEL ADVISOR-Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Area:   2,095.2 sq. km
Population about 8 million.

Administrative divisions: - Districts : District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, District 6, District 7, District 8, District 9, District 10, District 11, District 12, Tan Binh, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Thu Duc, Go Vap, Binh Tan,Tan Phu. - Rural districts : Nha Be, Can Gio, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Binh Chanh.
Ethnic groups:   Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Khmer, Cham...
In the core of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is second the most important in Vietnam after Hanoi. It is not only a commercial center but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist center. The city is bathed by many rivers, arroyos and canals, the biggest river being the Saigon River. The Port of Saigon, established in 1862, is accessible to ships weighing up to 30,000 tons, a rare advantage for an inland river port
Fasten your seatbelts as Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis on the move – and we’re not just talking about the motorbikes that throng the streets. Saigon, as it’s known to all but city officials, is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the whole country forward with its limitless energy. It is a living organism that breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.
Saigon is a name so evocative that it conjures up a thousand jumbled images. Wander through timeless alleys to ancient pagodas or teeming markets, past ramshackle wooden shops selling silk, spices and baskets, before fast-forwarding into the future beneath sleek skyscrapers or at designer malls, gourmet restaurants and minimalist bars. The ghosts of the past live on in the churches, temples, former GI hotels and government buildings that one generation ago witnessed a city in turmoil, but the real beauty of Saigon’s urban collage is that these two worlds blend so seamlessly into one.
Whether you want the finest hotels or the cheapest guesthouses, the classiest restaurants or the most humble street stalls, the designer boutiques or the scrum of the markets, Saigon has it all. The Saigon experience is about so many things – memorable conversations, tantalising tastes and moments of frustration – yet it will not evoke apathy. Stick around this conundrum of a city long enough and you may just unravel its mysteries.

Viet Nam Travel Guide

VIET TRAVEL ADVISOR-Dalat City Travel Guide

Da Lat City Travel Guide

Overview
Dalat, capital of Lam Dong Province, is located approximately 308km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. At an elevation of 1,500 m, Dalat bears the look of an Old French city. It was founded in 1897 when Doctor Alexandre Yersin recommended that the area be developed as a resort town.
Dalat has many natural and artificial lakes such as Ho Xuan Huong, Than Tho, Da Thien, and Tuyen Lam bordered by lines of pine trees, which are a well-known feature of Dalat. A trip to Dalat is not complete until one goes to the Dalat Flower Gardens. The temperate climate of Dalat is suitable for flowers such as orchids, roses, lilies, and camellias.
Climate
Lam Dong province has a tropical climate with monsoon. On the whole territory, due to a complex topography, there is a difference in elevation and degree of vegetation covering. However, the weather of Lam Dong is temperate and mild all the year round, notable changes are rare in the annual cycle. The temperature varies distinctly between areas and the higher it is, the lower temperature is. The range of the average annual temperature is 16ºC - 23ºC. Dry season is from December to March next year. Rainy season is from April to November. It is always sunny everyday. The annual rainfall is not distributed equally in time and place. Its range is 1,600 - 2,700mm. The side of the area towards the southwest wind (Bao Loc Town) has a high annual rainfall amounting to 3,771mm.
Transportation
Road: Dalat is 110km from Phan Rang (Ninh Thuan), 200km from Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak), 205km from Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), 293km from Ho Chi Minh City, and 1,481km from Hanoi.
Airlines: Lien Khuong Airport is 30km south of Dalat. There are daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and two flights a week to Danang Nowadays, tourists not only limit themselves to Dalat; they also visit the area of Langbian Highland and the ethnic minorities. Langbian Mountain’s highest peak at 2,165m is very tempting for climbers. From Lom Bieng Klo peak, one can see endless green mountains reflecting the silver rays of the sun. Many tours are organized in the area, including parachuting and climbing.

Viet Nam Travel Guide

VIET TRAVEL ADVISOR-Danang City Travel Guide

Danang City Travel Guide

Overview
While most tourists neglect Vietnam’s fourth-largest city in favour of nearby Hué and Hoi An, Danang has considerable charm in its own right. The economic powerhouse of central Vietnam, it combines the buzz of a bigger city with beautiful beaches and great restaurants. A lot of money has recently been poured into tree-lined boulevards, bridges
Geography
Danang City is located in middle of Central Vietnam, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, separated from Laos by the western Truong Son Mountains. It is surrounded by Thua Thien-Hue along the northern border and Quang Nam on the southern border. It is embraced by the East Sea with 150km of seacoast.
Topography is rather complex. The south is impressive Hai Van Pass with Mang Mountain 1, 708m, Ba Na Mountain 1, 487m. The east is Son Tra Peninsula, an ideal site of yellow sand beaches, historical remains, and rare bird and animal species. The south is Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains). The seashore is Hoang Sa archipelago with a large fishery.
Climate: Danang is located in the zone of typical tropical monsoon, temperate and equable climate. The city's weather bears the combination of the north and the south climate characters with the inclination to the former. There are two seasons: the wet from August to December and the dry season from January to July, cold waves are occasional but they are of average and short lasting. Average humidity is 83.4%.
Average temperature is about 26ºC, the highest is 28-30ºC in June, July, August, the lowest is 18-23ºC in December, January, February. In Ba Na Mountain, the temperature is 20ºC. Average rainfall is 2, 505mm per year that concentrates during October and November.
Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains. Da nang is the third largest city in Vietnam and it is an economic hub. Da nang is a charming city with an abundance of restaurants, bars and shops. The city is busy and roads are crowded with traffic. Many tourists use the city as a starting point to explore the surrounding areas.
Climate
The average temperature is 26C with temperatures rising during June until August. The cool season if from December until February. During monsoon season there is heavy rainfall which may result in flooding. The rain can hinder sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Transport
Da nang is easily accessible by air as it has its own international airport. There are also flights available within Vietnam and it is possible to fly to other cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City from Dan nang. The airport is small and does not have many amenities but restaurants, shops and money changes are available. The airport is conveniently situated 3 km from the city center. There is a train station within Da nang and traveling by train will allow you to see more of Vietnam's scenery. The local train is cheap but slow. Buses also travel from city to city. Da nang transport options include taxis, motorbike taxis and buses. If you catch a taxi, negotiate a fare before you begin your journey or use a metered taxi. Some metered taxis may however rig the meter so that you are overcharged for the journey.
Attractions
There is an abundance of sightseeing activities in Da nang. Cham Museum first opened in 1915 and the museum offers more information on the Cham civilization. Included in the exhibitions are many different sculptures that are centuries old. There is an admission fee to enter the museum. Marble Mountains attract tourists for their beauty, caves and temples. It is possible to hire a guide to show you around the Marble Mountains. Ba Na Hill station was once a popular French resort. During summer the area offers a respite from the heat. Here you can explore the forest area and enjoy views over the surrounding area. Cham Island and Myson sanctuary are other tourist attractions.
Shopping
A trip to Da nang would not be complete without visiting a local market. There are many different markets scattered around the city. The markets offer a glimpse into the local culture and it is fun exploring the different stalls. Markets are also a good place to sample local cuisine. Shopping centers are also located within Da nang.

Viet Nam Travel Guide

VIET TRAVEL ADVISOR-Hanoi City Travel Guide

Hanoi City Travel Guide

Hanoi – a thousand year old city
Imagine a city where the exotic chic of Old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality.
A mass of motorbikes swarms through the tangled web of streets that is the Old Quarter, a cauldron of commerce for almost 1000 years and still the best place to check the pulse of this resurgent city. Hawkers in conical hats ply their wares, locals sip coffee and Bia hoi (beer) watching life (and plenty of tourists) pass them by. Witness synchronised t’ai chi at dawn on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake while goateed grandfathers tug at their wisps over the next chess move. See the bold and beautiful dine at designer restaurants and cut the latest moves on the dance floor. Hanoi has it all: the ancient history, a colonial legacy and a modern outlook. There is no better place to untangle the paradox that is modern Vietnam.
The grand old dame of Asia, Hanoi lay in a deep slumber after Vietnam’s partition in 1954 until the effects of economic reforms kicked in four decades later. The city survived American bombs and Russian planners to emerge relatively unscathed in the early 1990s as an example of a French-conceived colonial city. Huge mansions line grand boulevards, and lakes and parks dot the city, providing a romantic backdrop to the nonstop soundtrack. There are still moments of Paris, as the smell of baguettes and café au lait permeates street corners.
Known by many names down the centuries, Thang Long (City of the Soaring Dragon) is the most evocative, and let there be no doubt that this dragon is on the up once more.
Hanoi travel guide includes delicious food, museums and religious sites. Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and it is an important political center. It is situated on the banks of the Red River. In this vibrant city there is a fusion between traditional values and modern development. Visitors can enjoy traditional Vietnamese culture while enjoying the luxury of modern amenities.
Food
Vietnamese cuisine has many different dishes to sample and some of these dishes originated in Hanoi. In Hanoi you can enjoy traditional food in restaurants or road side stalls. Fresh ingredients are normally used which are brought from the market every morning. Rice noodle soup served with beef or chicken is a popular dish.
Transport
The closet international airport is Noi Bai Airport which is located 40 km from Hanoi. There is a highway from the airport into the city, making it easily accessible. It is possible to travel by taxi from the airport to Hanoi. Use a metered taxi or bargain for a fare before starting your journey. Beware of taxis with meters that are rigged to charge a higher price. Shuttle buses from the airport are anther option. Many trains depart from Hanoi to other areas of Vietnam. Within the city taxis, motorbike taxis, buses and bicycles are popular means of transport. Traffic in the city is intense and visitors should exercise caution while traveling around the city.
Attractions
Hanoi has an abundance of attractions from museums to tranquil gardens. The Ho Chi  Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum are worth a visit to understand more about the history of the city. Military museums include the Army Museum and Air Force Museum. The Fine Art Museum displays some beautiful Vietnamese paintings. Religious sites include the One Pillar Pagoda and various temples. Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the city center and is a good place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are looking for entertainment, go to the Thang Long Puppet Puppet Theater.
Shopping
Shopping in Hanoi is an exciting activity that offers you a glimpse into local culture. Full of color and charm the local markets are a must see during a visit to Hanoi. At the markets there is a variety of goods for sale including fresh food, souvenirs and crafts. Hang Da Market, Cho Hom Market and Dong Xuan Market are all situated in Hanoi.

Viet Nam Travel Guide

VIET TRAVEL ADVISOR-Cu Chi Travel Guide

Cu Chi Travel Guide

Cu Chi district is the centre of a network of 200 kilometres of underground tunnels used by resistance fighters during the war of liberation. The tunnels were built over a period of twenty-five years by Viet Minh in their fight against the French and repaired and extended by Viet Cong while they were fighting the South Vietnamese and American forces. The tunnels incorporated all the amenities required to sustain life underground including kitchens, hospitals, recreation areas and sleeping quarters. The site has a museum with many photographs and a documentary film describing the role the tunnels played during the war and how they have fought against American troops. Cu Chi is a great learning experience for all those who want to gain a greater understanding of the Vietnamese psyche.
The Cu Chi Tunnel is an underground network which was excavated by the Vietnamese and used by the Viet Cong during both the French-Indochina War (1946-1954) and the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Situated near Ho Chi Minh City, the tunnels took around 25 years to construct and were finished in the 1960s. Stretching for over 200km (124 miles) and connecting numerous villages in the provinces, the tunnels once housed mini-hospitals, store rooms and factories, and were used as living quarters by both Vietnamese fighters and local villagers. The tunnels stand today as a symbol of the struggle by the Vietnamese people on one of the most famous battlegrounds of the Vietnam War. Cu Chi district was heavily bombed during the two wars and was particularly targeted at night, forcing residents to live in underground tunnels. Today, visitors to the site can experience life underground during their tour of the tunnels and imagine what life would have been like for the Vietnamese

Viet Nam Travel Guide

VIET TRAVEL ADVISOR-By train Travel Guide

By train Travel Guide

There are two crossings in Vietnam which involve trains, both with China, but only one of them has a train on each side of the border. The Dong Dang crossing, just over 160km from Hanoi can be reached by train from Hanoi, with the trainline continuing on into China, running north eventually to Beijing. There is a thrice weekly train between Hanoi and Beijing. The Chinese side of the border is the town of Ping Xian. While you can buy a through ticket to Beijing in Hanoi, it is cheaper just to buy the ticket to Dong Dang, take a xe om over the border and buy a new ticket in China (at a reduced rate).

The second train crossing is at Lao Cai (near Sapa) in northwest Vietnam, the Chinese town of Hekou is on the other side of the border. There is no train on the Chinese side though, so you need to arrange alternative transport onwards into China.

Viet Nam Travel Guide

VIET TRAVEL ADVISOR-By Plane Travel Guide

By plane Travel Guide

Airports
Vietnam has two hub international airports, Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. A third airport, Da Nang Airport, in Da Nang, accepts a far smaller number of international flights. Over a dozen other domestic airports are scattered across Vietnam.

Airlines

Vietnam Airlines (www.vietnamairlines.com) is Vietnam's national carrier. It has a comprehensive domestic network and a growing international one. Jetstar (http://www.jetstar.com/) is the second domestic carrier with a more limited network.
A growing number of international carriers (both full service and LCCs) are now flying to Vietnam, including the following:
Aeroflot (Hanoi)
Air Asia (Hanoi)
Air China (Ho Chi Minh City)
Air France (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
ANA (Ho Chi Minh City)
Asiana (Ho Chi Minh City)
Bangkok Airways (Ho Chi Minh City)
Cathay Pacific (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
China Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
China Eastern (Ho Chi Minh City)
China Southern (Hanoi)
EVA Air (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Hong Kong Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
JAL (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Jetstar (Ho Chi Minh City)
Korean Air (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Lao Airlines (Hanoi)
Lufthansa (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Malaysia Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Philippine Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Qantas (Ho Chi Minh City)
Qatar Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Royal Brunei Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Silk Air (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Singapore Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
THAI (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Tiger Airways (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
United (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Vladivostok Air (Hanoi)

Ticketing

You'll almost invariably get a better rate for a long haul fare shopping around online, but traditional agents are still worth a try -- if you haven't already, give our story on getting a cheap airfare to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam a read.
While a lot of international airlines fly into Vietnam, Bangkok and Singapore remain the main gateways. If you're coming from further afield, for example Europe or North America, it often works out more cost effective to purchase a long-haul ticket into one of Southeast Asia's hubs and then continue on to Vietnam with a budget carrier.
Air Asia flies from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to Hanoi, while both Tiger Airways and Jetstar fly to Ho Chi Minh City from Singapore. If you're checking with online agencies like Kayak.com, the airport codes you'll be needing are below, though note very few international airlines serve Da Nang:

Da Nang: DAD
Hanoi: HAN
Ho Chi Minh City: SGN

Viet Nam Travel Guide