The 9 Best Things To Do In Vietnam

Vietnam is one of my favorite places in Asia. So much history, so much natural beauty, and the Vietnamese people themselves are renowned for their graciousness and good cheer. They harbor no resentment toward Americans despite a decade of bombings during the war. In fact they hold us in the highest favor -- increasingly consuming our globalized bounty of pop culture -- and welcome Americans with open arms.

A hopeful current is buzzing throughout much of the country, and it's a thrill to watch the chaos and order play out their yin and yang amidst honking horns, noodle stands, crumbling colonial remnants and high-rises. Here is my list of the nine best things to do in Vietnam.

#9 -- Access ethic tribal minorities at villages nestled in the lush hills near Sapa, and share a cup of tea with locals in their rustic mountain homes.

#8 -- Dine at the epicenter of culture at an exclusive dinner at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.

#7 -- Enjoy a private reception at a first-rate art gallery in Hanoi. The curator is our longtime friend, and the crème of Hanoi's artists are in attendance.

#6 -- Take a private cooking class with a gourmet chef, our friend of two decades who is frequently featured on Vietnamese cooking shows.

#5 -- Visit the collection of antiques and photographs of the "American War" by our friend Cuong, who photographed the fall of Saigon and was later sent to a Marxist re-education camp. His life story has been the subject of a PBS documentary.

#4 -- Enter a state of blissful oblivion at the breathtaking Six Senses Can Dao beach resort, located on a white sand beach of stunning natural beauty.

#3 -- Navigate the alleyways of the ancient port town of Hoi An by bicycle, to explore the syncretic cultural influences of Southeast Asia's most important port from the 17th through 19th centuries.

#2 -- Cruise the waterways of the Mekong Delta to glimpse the timeless rural scenes of farmers working the fertile land and fishermen with their nets. Stop in a home to see them making rice paper, one at a time, with a ladle and griddle.

#1 -- Take a private overnight cruise through Halong Bay on a restored junk, a traditional Chinese sailboat. This bay is on anyone's short list for the greatest natural scenery in Asia. From sea kayaking into caves to visiting locals in their fishing villages on tucked-away islands, Halong Bay is a must on any trip to Vietnam.

Honorable mention: joining locals in a crowded café for a cold "33 Export" beer and a hot bowl of pho (pronounced "fuh"), a beef, noodle and fresh vegetable soup that is eaten obsessively in this strange and wonderful land.

Marilyn Downing Staff

Founder, Asia Transpacific Journeys

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An early morning in Sapa

Sapa is famous for both its fine, rugged scenery and also its rich cultural diversity. An early morning in Sapa, photos by L.A.M

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Tips on Travelling To Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines

Asia is the largest and the most populated continent in the world, with population close to 4 billion people. There are 48 countries inside Asia and the continent is also being divided in some regions. The most popular one among tourists will be South East Asia. 

As the name implies, this region is located to the south of Asia and there are eleven countries inside the region. If you want to go for a vacation in South East Asian countries, you must use the services provided by the car rental companies because they are really cheap. If you rent a car, you will be sure that your vacation will be more enjoyable.

Here, we will tell you specific tips on travelling to three countries of South East Asia; Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.

Vietnam

The main place of attraction in Vietnam will be Hanoi located to the south and Ho Chi Minh City at the other end of the country. Both of these cities are highly modernized but not all cities in Vietnam experience the same thing. You can even see some old towns inside the country that is still lack of basic facilities and such. Every tourist that comes to this country will need a visa except for those who are from Thailand and Philippines. On a more important note, buy mosquito repellents to protect you from those insects during the night as mosquito related diseases are quite common in Vietnam.

Thailand

The Thais are a religious community so you must not disrespect the customs that they have whenever you visit the temples known as ‘wat’. The same word is also being used in other countries nearby like Cambodia to represent their temples. Do not insult the Thais by touching them on the head as it will be their greatest insult especially to total strangers. Thais are always known for their politeness so give them the same level of respect.

Philippines

Philippines is quite a special country because it has thousands of islands all around the main island. As it is an archipelago of islands, the beaches will be the main tourist spots inside the country while the best activity that you can do here is island hopping. There is always something to see here and you will be impressed with the beauty of the resorts here that complement the beauty of the nature given by God to this country.

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Vietnam to offer tax refunds for tourists

Dulichbui's Blog - The government has decided to pilot a value-added-tax refund scheme for foreign visitors in July in an attempt to boost sales of local products.

Foreigners who make purchases in Vietnam and leave the country via Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City will receive VAT reimbursements, according to statement on the government’s website.

The goods are required to be brand new and not on the list of prohibited items. A valid invoice with a value of at least VND2 million (US$95) and a tax claim statement are required.

Commercial banks selected to handle the tax repayments are allowed to charge a service fee of up to 15 percent of the refund value. The refund will be made in Vietnam dong and can be converted to other currencies accordingly.

The pilot program will last from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014. Retailers must register with the authorities to join the scheme, the government said in the statement. 

Thanh Nien News

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Wild Sunflower, Dalat (2011)

This time, if you travel to Da Lat you will see Wild Sunflowers (Helianthus) everywhere: The Truc Lam Zen Buddhist Pagoda (Truc Lam Temple), Dalat Train Station, Park,... These are some photo of wild sunflowers that i took in Dalat Train Station (11/2011):

Photo: Tùng Lâm

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Bangkok Flood Updates (November 7th, 2011)

The flooding situation in Thailand is mainly affecting the central provinces along the Chao Phraya River including Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Other popular tourist destinations in the central region including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Ko Chang have not been affected by the floods. Tourist destinations in the south of Thailand including Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Ko Samui, Hat Yai and Phang-Nga; and in the north including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai, also have not been affected by the floods.

Flood waters in Ayutthaya and some other central provinces have begun to subside, although many areas are not yet fully accessible. Tourist attractions in Ayutthaya will reopen once they have been restored.

Events relating to Loy Krathong, an ancient tradition that has been celebrated since the Sukhothai Era, will still take place in many locations throughout Thailand including Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Hat Yai and Surat Thani during November 8th to 10th. Some Loy Krathong events have been cancelled in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Suphanburi due to the flood.

Situation in Bangkok

Areas flooded in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area includes suburbs in the east and west, the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and districts in the northern part of the city. In central Bangkok, businesses, hotels, shops and tourist attractions remain open as per normal in areas including:

• Khao San Road

• Ratchaprasong (Central World area)

• Phetchaburi Road

• Sathorn

• Ploenchit/ Chidlom

• Siam Square/ MBK/ Siam Paragon

• Pratunam

• Silom/ Surawongse

• Rama 1 Road

• Sukhumvit Road/ The Emporium

• Rama 4 Road

• Yaowarat (Chinatown)

Given the rapidly changing nature of the flooding situation in Bangkok, visitors should also check multiple sources of information to make an informed decision about whether they should visit central Bangkok at the present time.

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are operating normally at this time. Visitors are advised to check with the BTS and MRT regarding the current status of their operations. Taxis and tuk tuks are available as per usual. Many BMTA bus routes have been rerouted or suspended due to the flooding. Express boat services on the Chao Phraya River have also been suspended, as have most water-related tourist activities.

Transportation

Airports

Bangkok is served by two airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main gateway to Thailand with 120 international and domestic airlines, remains open. It has considerable flood protection measures in place. Suvarnabhumi Airport is also the main connector for international arrivals to domestic flights serving tourist destinations throughout Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani. Domestic flights are operating as per normal between Suvarnabhumi Airport and other airports in Thailand.

Transportation to and from the airport into central Bangkok including taxis, buses and the Airport Rail Link have not been affected by the floods and are operating normally. Highways from the airport to tourist destinations southeast of Bangkok such as Pattaya, Rayong and Ko Chang are open.

Don Mueang Airport, the old international airport, is closed due to flooding. The two domestic airlines operating from Don Mueang have temporarily switched their operations to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

A “Tourist Assistance Center” is set up on the 3rd floor of Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan Station to facilitate tourists’ transport from hotels in central Bangkok to the airport. TAT and Thai Hotels Association (THA) are providing free transportation from hotels to Makkasan Station. The Tourist Police will assist tourists at Makkasan Station and at the airport. Tourists who would like to use this service can contact the Tourist Assistance Center via the TAT Call Center at 1672, or the Tourist Police at 1155.

State Railway of Thailand and inter-provincial bus services:

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and inter-provincial bus services are operating as per usual in areas that are not affected by the floods. In Bangkok and other areas affected by the floods, the SRT and inter-provincial bus service operators are adjusting their routes to best serve passengers given the disruptions caused by the flooding. Inter-provincial buses from Bangkok to southern provinces are leaving from a temporary station with shuttle services to and from the Southern Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai Mai.

Train services to northeastern Thailand are operating as per normal. Train services to the northern provinces are operating between Hua Lamphong station in central Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Trains to the north are being rerouted around flooded areas, adding approximately two hours of travel time. Train services to the southern provinces are operating from Hua Lamphong station or Nakhon Pathom if required due to flooding in Bangkok’s western suburbs. The SRT is providing shuttle bus services between Hua Lamphong station and Nakhon Pathom when needed. Travelers are advised to check in advance with these operators and may want to consider flying to their destinations within Thailand.

Accommodation

For Tourist who would like to move to /check in at hotel in unaffected area in Bangkok and other city of Thailand, Check out the below information

• Sukhumvit Area

• Siam Square Area

• Pratunam Area

• Khaosan Area

• Silom Area

• Sathorn Area

• Suvarnabhumi Airport Area

• Petchburi Area

• Ploenchit / Chidlom Area

• China Town Area

• Ratchaprasong Area

Attractions

• Future Park Rangsit closed

• Dream World closed

• Central Pinklao closed

• Central Ramindra closed

• Central Ladprao closed

• Chatuchak weekend market closed

• Fashion Island closed

• The Mall Bang Kae closed

Chatuchak market open as usual

The Chatuchak weekend market is still open as usual although floodwater is swelling through the drains at a section next to the army's Land Transport Department on Phahon Yothin road, market's deputy director Tinakorn Rujirong announced on Sunday. Pumps are being used to drain water out and keep the market dry.

Vehicles can enter the market through Gate No 1. About 50 per cent of the shops have been opened.

The water level outside the market this morning was 50-60 centimetres high.

Photo: Bangkok Post

USEFUL NUMBERS:

• Government Call Center: 1111 ext 5

• Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Hotline: 1784

• Royal Irrigation Department Hotline: 1460

• Emergency Medical Institute Hotline: 1669

• Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hotline: 1555

• BMS’s flood response center 02-2485115

• Highway Hotline: 1586

• Highway Police: 1193

• State Railway of Thailand Hotline: 1690

• Transport Co. Hotline: 1490

• JS100 community radio: 1137

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Thailand Flooding Update (Oct 23, 2011)

Over the past several weeks, seasonal rains that are heavier than usual have resulted in widespread flooding in Thailand. While the flooding is having some impact on tourism, most key tourist destinations and attractions throughout Thailand have not been affected by the floods and almost all remain open. 

Bangkok Flood Round Up (Bangkok Post)

The floods are mainly affecting the provinces in central Thailand and a few provinces in the north and northeast. Flood waters in some provinces in northern Thailand have begun to subside. Provinces in the south of Thailand have not been affected by the floods. Ayutthaya has been the only tourist destination widely affected by the floods, while other provinces where tourists generally go have been slightly impacted.

Major tourist destinations such as central Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Pattaya, Ko Chang, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Ko Samui, and all

provinces in southern Thailand, are not affected by the floods. They remain fully accessible and are experiencing normal weather conditions for this time of year.

All airports in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, have not been affected by the floods and are operating as per usual. Suvarnabhumi Airport has considerable flood protection measures in place and officials are monitoring the situation closely.

Flood waters are being drained through Bangkok’s system of canals in a controlled manner. Most areas of central Bangkok where tourists normally go are not flooded and fully accessible. Some of the city’s outlying suburbs and areas along the Chao Phraya River are experiencing localized flooding. The government has enacted measures under which military personnel are helping to protect central Bangkok and key transportation facilities such as Suvarnabhumi Airport from flooding.

Tourist destinations in the north, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Sukhothai, are best accessed by air as some roads and railways in the central provinces are closed due to the floods. Provinces in southern and eastern Thailand remain fully accessible by road and train.

Train services from Bangkok to northern destinations are suspended due to the tracks being flooded. The

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is offering full refunds on tickets for travelers who want to cancel their trips to destinations where train service is suspended. Train services to other parts of Thailand are available as per normal.

Tourists planning to travel to the provinces affected by the floods are advised to check the latest weather forecasts for their destination and confirm arrangements with the transportation providers with which they will be travelling. Tourists can call the TAT Information Line at 1672 to check local conditions, or visit the Thailand Meteorological Department web site at http://www.tmd.go.th/en for updated weather forecasts.

Major events going ahead as planned include

• Phimai Festival, from November 9th to 13th, at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province
• The 5th Thailand International Balloon Festival in Chiang Mai from November 25th to 27th.
• Loi Krathong Festival and Candle Festival in Sukhothai, from November 8th and November 10th at the Sukhothai Historical Park.
• The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Fair 2011 in Chiang Mai, although the opening date has been moved back from November 9th to December 16th.

T.A.T Update (Oct 23, 2011)

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