Vietnam Travel & Tourism

Making our way up Mount Fansipan

activetravelasia — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:43:25 +0000

Mount Fansipan is only half as tall as Mount Everest. Yet this mountain, perched at the eastern edge of the Himalayan range in Vietnam’s uppermost Lao Cai province, is hardly an easy climb.

Mt. Fansipan, Vietnam

Together with a group of friends, I’ve opted to take the chance.

It takes about two hours to reach the campsite from the clearing where we have lunch, according to our guide Dung. From there it’s two more hours to the summit. The mist is thickening.

When we reach the next plateau, it billows around us, covering everything more than ten feet away in a wispy shroud. We decide to save the final ascent for the morning. Dung says he’s only seen the sun shine on the summit twice, but we hope for the best.

The weather is not encouraging. By the time we reach the campsite, a hilly clearing surrounded by bamboo forest, the wind blows in gusts so hard it sounds like rain.

We crawl into our tent, a long blue tube that could have about twenty people cocooned sardine-style, and take refuge in our sleeping bags. Although it is barely 4pm, we can only think of rest. Dung fills a bowl with rice wine from a plastic water bottle.

“The first time I came here I didn’t drink any. Then I couldn’t sleep,” he says, taking a generous swig. “It was so cold!” He passes the bowl around. It goes down harsh, but it makes us feel marginally warmer.

Eating on the road

Dinner arrives, prepared by local H’Mong women: stir-fried chicken and ginger, tofu steeped in tomato sauce, garlicky strands of cabbage. We devour ample bowls of rice. Between bites, Dung asks us about America; we ask him what it’s like to grow up in Sapa.

“Around here many children speak English before they can speak Vietnamese,” he says, flushed from the wine. “They don’t go to school. They follow tourists and try to sell them stuff.”

Within minutes, he is sleeping soundly. I fall asleep but wake up soon after, tossing and turning in the darkness. A few feet away the tent flap has come undone, and the wind rushes in, sharp and blistering. I burrow into the hood of my sleeping bag.

Waking again, I see a fierce white light through the crack in the tent. The wind feels more bearable in the sun. A hurried bowl of ramen noodles laden with cabbage and strips of soft omelet, and then we’re headed for the summit.

Bamboo forest on the road to Fansipan

The first few minutes are easy walking, and we keep a rapid pace. When we emerge from the shade of the bamboo forest, Dung lets out an ear-splitting “Woo!” He is always happy, bounding up the mountain in a red fedora and tight jeans. It seems like not even the cold can unnerve him. I step up a final rock after him, onto a broad plateau.

We’re above the clouds now: surrounded by the gentle curves of terra cotta peaks, speckled with trees, and beyond that harsher green ridges. In front of us the mountain slopes upwards, and someone asks if that’s the summit. Dung laughs.

Now we are clambering up boulders again, and the rest breaks grow more frequent. We are not talking anymore, only dragging ourselves forwards with vines and carefully placed bamboo rods.

The current record for scaling Fansipan is one hour and thirty-five minutes. We feel accomplished enough when, two and a half hours after leaving camp, we stumble up the last incline onto flat ground.

On the summit of Mt. Fansipan

The wind hits hard at the summit. Clouds drift across sprawling ridges, mountains that would seem formidable if we were standing anywhere other than the peak of Fansipan.

Somewhere down the Himalayan chain, Mount Everest beckons. Three thousand metres in the air, gazing into the foggy blue distance, I feel a little closer to reaching it.

Source: www.dtinews.vn/

Recommended Mt. Fansipan tour by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA
” Conquer Mount Fansipan – Sinchai Route “- A big challenge for Mt. Fansipan’s conquerers
Hanoi – Sapa – Fansipan Mt. – Sapa – Hanoi
5-day tour with 3-day climbing Mt. Fansipan
Trekking grade: Challenge

At 3143m Mt. Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam and the entire Indochina peninsula. This remote trek provides plenty to see and absorb, from the scattered rocks inscribed with drawings and designs of unknown origin, to the French influenced hill retreat town of Sapa with its minority groups, beautiful villas and cherry forests. Our trek to the top of Mt. Fansipan is challenging and will be fully supported every step of the way by our guides, porters and cooks who’s local knowledge and understanding of the different hill-tribe cultures we pass along the way will add to the uniqueness of this exhilarating journey.

Highlights

Awesome scenery
Great view from the summit
Challenging trails
Fully supported

Stunning trek in Laochai and Tavan village, Sapa, Vietnam

activetravelasia — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 07:37:47 +0000

Trek-outside of Sa Pa Day 2 Sunday, December 30, 2012

We wanted an easy walk, so we trekked to two villages, up and down the local hills through the rice paddies of Lao Chai and Ta Van Village.

We went to firstly Lao Chai village, 6 km from the centre town, where the H’mong people are living. The trek was through rice fields and quite steep. The most difficult part was walking and balancing on the edge of the terraced rice paddies. In my embarrassment of being 65 a village girl had to hold my hand over quite a long stretch that was about six inches wide and straight down a long ways on the right and into the water on the left. I managed to slip into the water several times but the girl kept me from falling down the mountain.

We took about two hours to get down to the bottom to the beginning of the Muong Hoa valley.
Then we went to Ta Phin village about an hour’s drive and two hour walk from Sapa, the little hillside village located in midst of the Hoang Lien Mountains. Several tribes live peacefully here: the Kinh, Red Dao and Black Hmong people. We had lunch at her village and went on to to Ta Van Village which borders Lao Chai Village.

Ta Van village, Sapa, Vietnam

“Ta Van means “a big turning road” like a basket brim, or tripod-leg line. Vast terrace fields with unique position of a big turning road become a landscape and a destination of Ta Van. Seo Mi Ti scenery-old pine forest, a half day of sloping road away from township centre, is also a particularly interesting eco-tourist site of Ta Van. And Ta van has become an integral tourist site for ecological excursions in Sapa.”

I am not sure how much the villages are affected by the tourist coming through. They are better off and have built schools off the proceeds so we are doing our little bit. The village by Western standards are quite poor and I am not sure we could live like they do for very long which probably illustrates our materialistic ways.

Children in Tavan Village, Sapa, Vietnam

Children in Lao Chai village, Sapa, Vietnam

There are six major groups in the Sa Pa area each speaks their own language though they share Vietnamese they do not understand the other village’s languages. Each village has its own culture and beliefs. Our guide was from the H’mong tribe and she spoke good English. She is Buddhist and she married a fellow from another village. Some villages are Christian some have no beliefs – which is impossible because we all believe something or the other – but they all co-exist and have for I suppose many hundreds if not thousands of years. Apparently they were not affected by the American war in the 1960s and early 1970s and the government has pretty much left them alone, probably because they are so isolated and non-threatening. This is really something to see; we, with all our Western beliefs and wants and to see tribes living like they have for so long makes one believe that society may continue. They will be still here when all the Christians, Muslims, Jews and spiritualists of many hues destroy themselves. The teenagers do not run off to Hanoi but stay in their villages and keep the traditions going.

Trek Lao Chai, Vietnam

Source: DR. TERRELL NEUAGE’s blog

Recommended Sapa trek tour by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA

Sapa trek & Topas Eco Lodge - “Stunning trek and great combination of homestay & eco-lodge”

At an elevation of 1,600 meters, Sapa is a delightful former French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnam’s northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minority groups, each wearing traditional and colorful attire. This trip includes a trek through the hills and valleys of the Sapa region, discovering several different minorities along the way. You will experience overnight accommodation in the hospitable villages of Dzay and Tay ethnic minorities. Round off the trek with a nice stay in Topas Eco Lodge. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer and experience unique villages culture.

Highlights
• Awesome scenery
• Rice terraces
• Colorful minority groups
• Homestays in minority villages
• Topas Eco-lodge

Lucky Adventure Travel Indochina – Summer Promotion 2013

activetravelasia — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:34:55 +0000

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA has launched “Great summer holiday with lucky travels” for summer promotion 2013 in Vietnam, Lao, Cambodia. The program applies for all customers request tour on website from 25 March to 30 September 2013. Variety gifts such as discount up to 15% on tour request, free city tour, free one night at a luxury cruise or at hotel, free meal at elegance restaurant and others are in listing lucky gift.

ATA's summer promotion

Escape to learn from difference. Instead of staying at home, let’s trek through the jungle closer with wildlife, actively ride on bike or motor along the legendary trail to hotspots, the remote place in Vietnam, Lao , Cambodia to live like local people, enjoy the amazing food, learn new language, experience in rich culture, gain the historic knowledge. Leave everything behind to see the life in the different way. Why not?

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA would like to assist all customers to travel in period between 01 May 2013 and 30 September 2013. Just have fun and get luck by request tour on website – get ticket number. Customers chance to receive summer promotion 2013. Each Monday ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA will announce lucky people via website, social network channel.

Customers have right to get the summer promotion 2013, following the Terms & Conditions:
The offer applies for all customers send the request and book tour with ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA from March 25th to September 30th, 2013 for travel period between 01 May 2013 and 30 September 2013.

The offer applies for all request of package tour (from 2 days more), cannot be applied to airfares, travel insurance, extra accommodation…
The promotion is only valid for request & booking tour in Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia.
The request applies for booking which is not too different from the original request in terms of location, activities, duration.
The prizes are not transferable and cashable.
End of promotion time, the prizes will be no longer available.

For more details: http://www.activetravel.asia/special_offer/2013_summer_promotions.html

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, overland touring and family travel packages. For more information, please contact ATA for tailoring your very own tour via:
ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA)
Telephone: +844 3573 8569
Fax: +844 3573 8570
Email: info@activetravel.asia
Website: www.activetravel.asia

Some tips for female travelers in Indochina!

activetravelasia — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:09:22 +0000

The International Women’s Day is coming! It is time for you to the woman whom you admire and respect through show your love, gratitude and appreciation.

On this occassion, ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA wishes all female travelers in this world: “Wishing you’ll get everything to take the world in your stride. Happy woman’s day! “

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA wishes you a Happy woman’s day!

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA recommends some tips for female travelers in Indochina:

• Female travellers in Vietnam

Vietnam has been strongly influenced by Confucianism, so men regard women as subservient, as do most women. It doesn’t really affect female travellers, apart from an almost universal assumption that a male companion will automatically be the one in charge, and therefore the one to be addressed. Attempting to be politically correct is likely to be met with blank incomprehension.

Your manner of dress and behaviour is important. It’s a common belief among Vietnamese men that ‘western women’ are very liberated, and therefore an easy lay! This belief will be strengthened if you wear ‘sexy’ clothes, and you may well attract unwelcome attention. Ostentatious ‘male’ behaviour, such as drinking beer and/or smoking, will also help to confirm that you are available.

For this reason, it’s wise to avoid tight shorts, hot pants, figure-hugging tops and low cut blouses. Teeny bikinis are not a good idea, and topless sunbathing immediately attracts a crowd of male admirers who will stand and stare at you. It’s also highly likely to land you in trouble with police.`

Apart from the behaviour of men, Vietnamese women are embarrassed when visitors expose large areas of flesh. They’re also perplexed about why anyone would wish to sunbathe – in Vietnam, a white skin is considered beautiful by men and women. A sun tan identifies you as a peasant.

Single women travellers tend to attract more notice, as Vietnamese women seldom travel, and those that do seldom travel alone. However, providing you don’t call attention to yourself by your appearance and ignore would-be admirers, the most you’ll get is minor nuisances from time to time.

• Female travellers in Cambodia and Laos

Even though Cambodia has taken on aspects of the Thai sex trade, Kh’mer men have a reputation for politeness and courtesy towards women. Because prostitution is a serious offence in Laos, and is therefore much less common than in Vietnam, Laos is probably the least likely country in Asia for you to encounter sexual harassment.

Laotian men are less likely to associate a women drinking alcohol or smoking with being a prostitute. However, the advice about dressing appropriately and not drawing attention to yourself holds good in both countries.

• Practical issues

You’ll find it quite hard to find tampons in Vietnam, so it’s wise to bring a supply with you. Toiletries here are mostly low-quality, and non-allergic products are as rare as snow in June.

Clothes are plentiful and cheap, but most tailor-made garments are designed to fit the Vietnamese frame. Ethnic minority materials and garments are very attractive, but often not colourfast.

If you’re likely to be riding on the back of a motorbike, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of trousers. The alternative is to sit side-saddle, which is quite scary if you’re not used to it.

• Health issues

The humid climate prevalent throughout Indochina encourages the growth of vaginal fungal infections such as thrush and candidia. Antibiotics, tights, synthetic material and the contraceptive pill can exacerbate the condition.

If you’re prone to such infections, it might be wise to consult you doctor for suitable medication in advance, or douche regularly with a weak solution of lemon juice or vinegar. Loose fitting silk or linen garments and cotton underwear should help towards preventing discomfort.

Source: http://news.activetravelvietnam.com

Family adventure in Vietnam for all travelers in Tet holiday

activetravelasia — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 04:19:36 +0000

Tet is the most essential holiday for Vietnamese. It is the time for people leave a job behind and coming back home to celebrate upcoming year with family. Specially, in this scared period western visitors have a chance to explore the most quintessential of all custom in Vietnam.

It is an honor for ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA to operate “Family Adventures in Vietnam” for travelers deeply acknowledge the traditional culture ,sightseeing the full blossom of peach, cherry apricot landscape, relishing the holy spirit fulfill in atmosphere, enjoying the special food, and witnessing the Vietnamese’s family activities in the lunar new years.

“Family Adventure in Vietnam” highlight includes:

• Kayaking in the amazing Halong Bay, one of the Seven Wonders of the World comprised thousand limestones.

• Biking in the majestic former capital of Hue recognized a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its outstanding cultural and historical values. Travellers were drived to the Imperial City to visit the impressive Royal Palace and other beautiful royal buildings.

• Charming ancient town of Hoian of which have notable ancient Vietnam architecture, special music, and culinary flavours and aromas

• Floating market of Cai Rang, enjoyed different kinds of tropical fruit cultivated on the island, entertained with songs and music performed by villagers.

Tips to travel Vietnam in Tet holiday:

Booking early, early, early is the best tip for all travelers in the Tet holiday. If you are late, don’t worry, it still be fine.ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA has experience to solve it in this period.

Moreover, visitors should notice about some custom in the biggest holiday to avoid some mistakes in the scared place. Visitors should follow the rule when come inside the temple or pagoda such as take the shoes off before going inside, remember cover the shoulder and leg, and get the permission before taking picture, stand when monks and nun enter.

Recommended tour:

Family Adventures in Vietnam: This trip offers stunning natural landscapes, millennia-old history, exciting cosmopolitan cities, friendly hamlets and mélange of cultural influences. And there’s no better way to become acquainted with this vibrant country than by exploring it under your own locomotion and at your own pace. Walk past pagodas and temples in old Hanoi, kayak amid labyrinthine limestone outcrops in Halong Bay, bike past vibrant green rice paddies, investigate magnificent historic sites in Hue and stroll through the enchanting city of Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s architectural gems. Round out your days of discovery with meals of delicious local cuisine and stays at warm welcoming hotels.

For more information, please visit website http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=27

6 Tips for Riding Safely A Motorbike In Vietnam

activetravelasia — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 07:05:17 +0000

1. Forget What Road Rules You Already Know

Riding a motorbike in Vietnam (or any vehicle in South East Asia for that matter!) is very different to what you may be used back at home. The first thing you should know is that while road rules do exist, when on the road they cease to exist-if you get my drift! Forget trying to indicate, using your mirrors or going the speed limit-it just doesn’t happen. At first this may take some getting used to but after a while it works. So many times we would see Vietnamese on their Moto’s pulling out of a road onto a major highway without even looking! It’s just a given that everyone moves around them or out of their way. Now while I’m not saying you should never look when pulling out (a lot of things you’ll still do instinctively) but rather you need to flex your rules to how the Vietnamese do things. For example, while Anthony was riding, if we needed to cross lanes, merge, turn or even slow down I would just stick my hand out (either left or right depending which way) and give it a little shake. Who needs indicators when you have a good old hand wiggle! The thing is, it worked. People knew where we were trying to go. It might seem a little awkward at first, trying to adapt but after a while their driving becomes second nature.

2. Keep Up With The Flow Of Traffic

This is probably one of the most important things you can do whilst on a bike. When you first get on, you make feel like you want to go slow (because it feels safer) but in all honesty, doing that will get you into an accident. In larger cities-because there are so many motorbikes-there is an ebb and flow to the traffic. Keeping up with this so called ‘pulse’ makes it easier to move on the road. If you’re travelling on major highways, always keep to the very edge of the road and try and go about 60km/h. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to go any faster and going slower is likely to cause more accidents.

3. Have Tea Breaks

If you’re on the road for most of the day, it is important to stop for tea breaks. Along both main and country roads there are countless teahouses that will offer you an ice-cold cup of ‘tra da’ (iced tea) for less than a dollar. Many of these places will also serve a soup or a rice dish too if you’re hungry. These stops are important so you can stretch your legs and have a bit of a break from riding, but they are also a great place to meet locals, have a chat with them and get a view into their daily life.

4. Get A Decent Road Map

Now while it may sound adventurous and rather ‘Bear Grylls’ of you to travel without a map, it is smarter idea to carry one with you on your trip. Not only can you decide where you want to ride to next, you can also pick and choose places a little more easily. We bought maps (from a bookstore near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi) that were detailed, had how many km’s there was between towns and also had tourist sites for some places.

Road signs are actually pretty good in Vietnam and many places/roads were labelled and corresponded to our map. On the off chance they didn’t or we weren’t sure where we were going, we just pulled up somewhere and asked the locals for some help. We would show them the town on the map and then they would point us in the right direction. Everyone we met was willing and happy to help (so boys, don’t worry about asking for directions!) Not only will a map help keep you safe it is also great to keep check of everywhere you visited in Vietnam.

5. Take Back Roads

When you can, take the back roads to your next stop. Not only will they allow you travel slower and be less crowded, but more often than not the sights are breathtaking and the people very friendly.

Running pretty much the entire length of the country is Highway 1. It’s busy, dusty and very fumy. However, to get to coastal towns, there are times when you’ll have to travel on this. Otherwise opt for the scenic and beautiful, Ho Chi Minh Trail. This road is very quiet, smooth and much more pleasant. Take your time and travel these smaller quieter roads, wherever possible.

6. Don’t Ride At Night For Long Periods

Riding at night is ok if you’re just going out to eat or visit markets etc, but try not to travel at night on your bike. Many of the roads have no streetlights, so at night it is more difficult to see what may be ahead of you. There are many dogs, chickens, cows they are constantly on the road, so running into one of them on the road wouldn’t be pleasant or safe. Also, some Vietnamese don’t travel with their headlights on which makes them harder to see. The bottom line-don’t travel at night for a long period of time.

Now Enjoy The Freedom!

With these tips in mind, get out there are enjoy riding through Vietnam! You now have the freedom to go wherever and whenever you’d want. Stumbling upon little towns you never thought existed or meeting some of the friendliest people in the world, will surely be an amazing experience. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it just as much as we did!

Source: positiveworldtravel

Recommended Vietnam motorcycling tours by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA

Taste of Ho Chi Minh Trail

This trip offers a stunning motorcycling route with great exploration of nature and culture of northern Vietnam. The trip is organized for first time rider and easy adventure.

Highlight:

- Awesome scenery

- Homestay in villages

- Beautiful quiet road

- All inclusive

Details program are available here

Sapa Vietnam, great trekking, the way others don’t

activetravelasia — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:06:45 +0000

To get rid off an usual path, travelers will be experienced the fantastic feeling with an astonishing landscape throughout a challenge trail and actively relishing the quintessential of the colorful mosaic of ethnic minorities along the adventure activities organized byACTIVETRAVEL ASIA.

Undeniable that Sapa, located at North West of Vietnam, having an exotic attraction with the majestic splendor scenery, a notable France architect, and the unique custom. Specially, the mountainous terrain which contributed for this place become more well- known with the highest peak Indochina (approximately 3143m above sea level) and challenge trail, enticed thousand adventurers every year come to explore its inhospitable geography and the hill tribal culture .

Different to be unique

Not the same as usual trekking tour in Sapa, the travelers will obtain more challenger than ever. This requires travelers have a feat of endurance, endeavor to conquer the Fansipan in different way from Ben Den to the roof of Indochina. The victory will be more exciting and meaningful as the result of taking challenge.

Give more to gain more

To stand of the top of the Indochina Mountain, travelers have to spend a lot of effort, time. However, along this trip, trekking through Sin Chai B, Thanh Phu village, Nam Sai, Nam Sai valley… adventures not only gain the surreal emotion, witnessing the extraordinary scenery like water buffalo rest in the terraced fields or wild flowers decorate at remote waterfall.

Moreover, Sapa home to Hmong, Red Dzao and Tay ethnic minorities. Along the trip travelers will have a chance to live with indigenous people and experiencing a daily routine of ethnic minorities who are warm, exceeding friendly.

The ethnic minorities’ house always opens to welcome all travelers to stay with us. This house has a distinctive architectural style as travelers can live under the thatched- roof stilt house, on the split- bamboo floor.

Specially, each day travelers immerse in the amazing dessert, the handmade rice or corn wine and traditional meal which is cooked over a wood fire. In addition, if travelers are interesting in ethnic minorities culinary, the host is always willing to teach how to cook with the special ingredient.

Recommended tour by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA

Different Sapa – Different Trek: This trip gives you the best Sapa has to offer but not in the normal way. The traditional treks start in Sapa and finish back in Sapa. This special trek starts in Ben Den and finishes in Sapa. The trek is tougher but not less enjoyable since you trek through the hills and valleys of the Sapa region, discovering several different minorities along the way. You will experience overnight accommodation in the hospitable villages of Dzay, Tay and Dzao ethnic minorities. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer and experience unique villages culture.

Travel Facts:

Telephone: +844 3573 8569

Fax: +844 3573 8570

Email: info@activetravel.asia

Website: http://www.activetravel.asia

Address: Floor 12 Building 45 Nguyen Son Street, Long Bien district, Hanoi, Vietnam.

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA launches “Big Save for Great Indochina Vacation” promotion for Christmas and New Year 2013.

activetravelasia — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 04:04:54 +0000

Christmas and New Year Eve is in air, ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA’s promotion now is available for all travels who book the adventure tour of ATA.

For the sight, the sounds and the taste of an unique and special Christmas and New Year Eve in Indochina (Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia) , ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) has launched “Big save for great Indochina vacation” promotion for all invaluable customers who are going to book a tour from December 15, 2012 to Febuary 15,2013. From the bottom heart, ATA would like to express gratitude and appreciation to all customers who traveled with ATA in the past and would be in the future with huge discount up to 10 % off and the hundred surprise gifts, already prepared for you.

As a leading position of an adventure travel agent in Indochina and South East Asia, ATA always commits to bring unforgettable trip for travelers. Furthermore, ATA is a local expert, had 6 years experience in operating many kinds of adventure motorcycling, trekking, hiking, biking, kayakingtour which was designed suitable with all level of fitness.

So instead of a usual holiday, why do not you travel with ATA to discover a rich culture, history of Asia, enjoining amazing culinary, sightseeing a stunning landscape. And just one click booking you can get the ticket to the fantastic place for experiencing in new way with Asia‘s Christmas and New Year Eve style. This trip will be refresh your spirit, bring to you new inspiration and happiness for New Year.

Seem like Santa Clause’s gift, now travelers have more chance to achieve the best selling tours in 2012. Traveler will be enjoyable the rustic countryside, sightseeing the inspiring vitas, living with Muong ethnic minorities and joining in the outdoor adventure activities in “Cycling and home stay in Ba Khan 2 days 1 night” tour.

Or taking the challenge by trekking the tough trail with awesome scenery, overnight at silt house of mosaic of minority groups in “ Different Sapa, Different Trek” And more best selling tours are waiting you explore.

Please click here to get more information. To experience in Indochina, you can book online or booking directly at ACTIVE TRAVEL SHOP.
About ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA:

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, overland touring and family travel packages.

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA)
Telephone: +844 3573 8569
Fax: +844 3573 8570
Email: info@activetravel.asia
Website: http://www.activetravel.asia
Address: Floor 12 Building 45 Nguyen Son Street, Long Bien district, Hanoi, Vietnam.

ACTIVE TRAVEL SHOP
Telephone: +84 4 3935 2576
Fax: +84 4 3935 2577
Email: shop@activetravelshop.com
Website: http://www.activetravelshop.com
Address: #9 Hang Buom St., Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam

The 9 Best Things To Do In Vietnam

admin — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 07:19:46 +0000

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 Con 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.

Top 5 foods should try in Ha Noi

admin — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 07:14:33 +0000

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. Noodle soup cooked in many different way, there are 5 foods you should not miss when traveling in Ha Noi.

1. Pho (Noodle food)

Pho, a typical dish of Hanoi people, has been existing for a long time. Pho is prepered not only in a sophisticated manner but also in the technique which is required to have sweet but pure bouillon, soft but not crasded noodle, soft and sweet smelling meat. Only in cold days, having a hot and sweet smelling bowl of Pho to enjoy would make you experience the complete flavor of the special dish of Hanoi.

2. Bun thang

Dishes made of soft noodle soup are diverse such as vermicelli and fried chopped meat, Bun Thang, vermicelli and sour crab soup, stewed vermicelli and boiled lean meat, etc. The popular dish is vermicelli and sour crab soup whilst Bun Thang is for con-noisseurs, unique and available in Hanoi only. A bowl of Bun Thang includes lean pork paste, thin fried egg, salted shredded shrimp, chicken, onion, shrimps paste, and a little Belostomatid essence. Especially, Bun Thang bouillon made from shrimps and meat must be very sweet and pure. Without enjoying Bun Thang when arriving to Hanoi, it somewhat seems to lack of a part of taste of Hanoi.

3. Bun cha

Bun Cha Hanoi is another great way to use what we have already made (thit nuong, a variation of nem nuong, and picked carrots and daikon). As the name implies, this dish originates from the city of Hanoi in northern Vietnam, but is very popular throughout the country. It is similar to Bun Thit Nuong, in that both vermicelli and thit nuong are used, however the difference is that it includes a cha (pork sausage patties) and both grilled meats are soaked in nuoc mam cham, allowing it to soak up all the flavors of the nuoc mam. The cha nuong in this dish is slightly different then nem nuong in that there’s less garlic and sugar and no baking powder, although if you made nem nuong, you can certainly use it to make bun cha Ha noi.

4. Banh cuon

Banh Cuon (Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls/Crepes) is the perfect holiday detox food. Banh cuon is a very light crepe often with ground pork, minced wood ear mushroom, and onions and eaten with Vietnamese ham (cha lua), steamed beansprouts, and cucumbers. Another variation arising from a village in Northern Vietnam famous for their banh cuon is called banh cuon “Thanh Tri” a style where the crepe is not rolled but kept in sheets without any filling, and sprinkled with fried onions.

5. Cha ca la Vong

One of Hanoi’s most famous specialties is Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong grilled fish pies). The dish was invented by Doan family and has quickly become so popular that the name of the street where it is served was changed into Cha Ca (fish pie) from its former name Hang Son (Paint Street). To have tasty pie, the fish selected is Hemibagrus with solid fresh, less bones and good scent. Fish bones are left away to keep fish meat only, then seasoned with fish sauce, pepper, saffron and galingale. After that, the processed fish is grilled by coal heat and turned upside down to make both sides baked.

When serving, an oven of coal is needed to keep Cha Ca always hot. It is served with rice vermicelli, dried pancakes, roasted peanuts, sliced onion leaves, basil and shrimp paste with lemon and chilly.Hanoians often eat this dish while sipping some alcohol in the cold weather. If you are in Hanoi, you should come and explore the grilled fish pie yourself.