Quang Binh - The Land of caves in Vietnam

Visit gentle central strip, famous scenic unspoiled nature and magnificent – Quang Binh, tourists should not overlook certain caves incredibly unique and magnificent, the pride of the people here. Owning many cool cave system is such ingenious sculptural paintings of natural hand, Phong Nha, Son Doong Cave, Tien Son … has made countless tourists stupor and impressive.

1. Phong Nha Cave

Tourism is always mentioned first when talking about Quang Binh, Phong Nha Cave once considered Thien Nam De Nhat Dong of Vietnam, was recognized as the World Heritage and was been the British Royal Associations voted as one of the world’s most beautiful caves. Phong Nha cave located Ke Bang limestone mountain area, Son Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, covered by tropical forests. Inside the cave are countless strange shapes, varies from the extremely lively stalactites, outside the mountain river surrounded glamorous, all contributing to the same famous for tourist attractions present.

1. Son Doong Cave

Newly discovered recently made the interesting waves spread throughout the world, animated Son Doong is currently one of the attractions of Quang Binh most popular tourist attraction in the province. Son Doong Cave belongs Son Trach commune, Bo Trach district, located in the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Son Doong cave is currently winning record the largest natural cave in the world and has been the New York ranked eighth in the list of 52 places in the list of places to travel to in 2014.

1. Paradise (Thien Duong) cave

One of the natural children of Quang Binh most favor it is Paradise (Thien Duong) Cave, was dubbed the underground palace, is one of the wonders of the magical and most beautiful sparkling world. Paradise (Thien Duong) Cave West Branch from the edge near the Ho Chi Minh road 4 km of Son Trach commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, the center of the city about 70 kilometers Dong Hoi northwest. Bring the beauty of the poetic but no less mysterious, magical, Paradise (Thien Duong) Cave has always been one of the famous tourist spots of Quang Binh.

1. Tien Son Cave

Along the populations Heritage Site Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Tien Son cave, also known as the Dry famous for magnificent beauty and attraction. Tien Son uplink crooked, curved, surrounded by lyrical natural scenery and vast, make people feel the smallness of man and of all things, before the vast expanse of heaven and earth. A beauty that space genie, mystery, previously Tien Son cave people in the area also known as Tien Cave.

1. Tu Lan Cave

Modest and less known than the caves above, but Tu Lan Cave always mentioned when people mention the name of the brightest pearl of tourism in Quang Binh. Perhaps precisely because of elusive beauty and its conquest, as pretty girl “hard”.Tu Lan cave system located in the village of Tan Hoa, Minh Hoa district, about 70km from Phong Nha northwest, including about 8 different caves. Visitors must pass through the jungle, wading stream, surpassing many difficult and dangerous to get to the cave. And the most interesting point is the visitors have to swim in the dark cave to admire the unique beauty of the adjacent 5 cave. Water where the clear, cool, that visitors could not amused and impressed.







So far, perhaps you have begun more excitement with stunning caves and famous incomparable magnificent of Quang Binh. This is the priceless gift of nature bestowed Quang Binh, and ready waiting for you once travel to explore.

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Lotus - National flower of Vietnam

Lotus aromatic, excellent flavor to existence. Every circumstances, Lotus contained in  it: subtle, pure, beautiful. It really is the most iconic symbol for culture and manners of the Vietnam humanities.

The Vietnamese has a famous folk poems meaning that “In the pond, nothing’s more beautiful than lotus, the flower of the dawn”. The elegance of the lotus is often cited in the Vietnamese folk songs and poems. To the Vietnamese, lotus is known as an exquisite flower, symbolizes the purity, serenity, commitment and optimism of the future as it is the flower which grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. At night, the flower closes and sinks under water. It rises and opens again at dawn. How it blossoms and recedes at certain times of the day makes the flower remain untouched by impurity. Thus, the lotus symbolizes the purity of heart and mind. And just like the lotus, Vietnam has a strong affinity with the water. From history to present, Vietnamese farmers working on the paddy fields while fishermen make livelihood from the rivers and streams. Vietnamese civilization sprung out of the Red River delta, Mekong delta where wet-rice cultivation along with fishing and rice planting was the mainstay of living.

One interesting research reported that the lotus has the remarkable ability to regulate the temperature of its flowers to within a narrow range just as humans and other warmblooded animals do.

Such is the Vietnamese love for the lotus that it was voted as the country’s national flower.— for which one of the criteria was that it “must be found in many localities”, and it would be hard to travel through Vietnam during lotus season without coming across a pond or lake filled with them.

Early in the morning, elderly ladies push off in their boats to cut the flowers ready for selling later that day. Later in the day, young lovers and groups of girls dressed up along to the ponds for both professional and amateur photo shoots. Enterprising land — or pond — owners have put up bridges jutting out into the ponds and charge for the privilege of taking photos on the bridge or out on small boats among the flowers. Pink lotus being considered the supreme of all lotuses.

As well as being beautiful to look at, and having a wonderful fragrance, lotus flowers have other uses: the young stems are used in salads, the stamens can be dried and made into a herbal tea and the lotus seeds are eaten raw, dried or boiled. The sweet soup is particularly tasty.

Lotus flowers are beautiful in both appearance and smell. The color of lotus flowers usually are pink, red, white, blue and purple, each color has different meaning but they all have pleasant smell and people simply love them at first sight.

You can come up with in the lotus fields at Dong Thap Muoi of the Mekong Delta to experience great of Lotus – National flower of Vietnam. Contact us at Mekong Delta Tours – Sinhcafe Travel for pleasure to assist you.

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5 Things not to do in Vietnam

There are things you should NEVER do in Vietnam in order not to insult, ridicule or offend someone by accident. Don’ts might sometimes save your life, make your journey nicer and smoother and make you see the real side of Vietnam.

1) Don’t wear valuable jewellery and don’t show off your expensive iPod/phone/clothes. Petty crimes happen a lot here.

2) Never wear your bag on your back, always keep it in front of you zipped or locked properly. Thieves sometimes use the knives to rip your bag and they are so smart! You won’t even feel it.

3) Don’t rush people. They hate it. They take their time and there is no rush for them. If you have to wait 10 minutes for your coffee, just deal with it, don’t scream or show how unsatisfied you are because people take things slow and easy.

4) Keep a cool head and remain polite, you’ll have a greater chance of getting what you want.

5) If you travel with your girlfriend or boyfriend don’t show in public how much you love each other. Kissing, touching or holding hands may be perceived inappropriate.

The Vietnam Tourism provides a list of things not to do in Vietnam that can secure visitors and help them to make their trip in Vietnam enjoyable.

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"Kong: Skull Island": When Hollywood comes to Vietnam

Hollywood movie producers for 'Kong: Skull Island' came to Vietnam not long ago, bringing along a feeling of polished skill that nearby Vietnamese infrequently encountered. 

In spite of the fact that not the first run through a Hollywood film team has picked Vietnam as a shoot area, it absolutely has been a while since the Vietnamese last got very close with American-style filmmaking. 

This might clarify the media buildup encompassing the occasion, with many columnists and paparazzi flooding the open air film set in Phong Nha, a town in the north-focal territory of Quang Binh. 

The serene town, with a populace of around 1,000, turned out to be exuberant overnight when many local people relinquished their day by day work to get A-rundown stars Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, and Samuel L. Jackson in the substance.

Absolute confidentiality

Local people say the lake being recorded, which up to this point has just filled irrigational needs, is fascinating even to Vietnamese individuals, and voyagers are infrequently seen going to the fascination in spite of its magnificence. 

Reporter daily paper columnists took after Giang, a neighborhood authority, to the film set however were halted 1km from the scene by a gathering of security gatekeepers. 

The columnists were just permitted to remain focused condition that no recording gadgets were to be utilized. 

There have been past cases, Giang said, where security has needed to grab spectators' telephones to delete clasps and photographs they took of the film set. 

There are three separate security checkpoints, says a head of one security group. The checkpoints lie at 1,000m, 400m, and 100m from the scene. 

"The producers put secrecy at the highest point of their need list while arranging the agreement with us," said a gatekeeper when requested consent to get closer to the set. "With a financial plan of a huge number of dollars for the film, a minor hole about its substance can cost the makers a fortune, so we can't go for broke." 

The film set is by all account not the only thing being kept mystery. All data with respect to the film group is likewise secret. 

An authority at Quang Binh's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the makers of 'Kong: Skull Island' requested complete privacy about the film, including the particular place every performing artist and on-screen character remains. 

The newspaper correspondents, planning to get more data about the film, went inside an inn where one of the team's vans was stopped outside, yet it was futile. 

"We have marked a classification contract with the group," a director let them know. 

Polished methodology 

Downpour began Tuesday evening on the second day of recording, yet the team hinted at no stress as they immediately snatched plastic sheets to cover hardware. Then, the cast wore overcoats and kept recording. 

A Vietnamese driver enlisted by the team told the newspaper journalists on Wednesday how awed he was by the force of their working timetable and the exertion and obligation every part put into their employment, paying little heed to their position. 

Stopped close to the set were many little trucks and trailers conveying the team's devices, and additionally a rescue vehicle prepared to react to on-set crises. 

Among the armada were three outfit trucks with clothes washers, two trucks saved for make-up, one for hairdressing, and three others conveying fuel, water, and sustenance. 

A portion of the trucks are restored to look like manufactured homes within, with every one of the necessities required for the taping process. 

All these exhaustive logistical arrangements are to offer the cast some assistance with focusing on their employment without being occupied by trifling matters, said Leann Emmert, the group's executive of settings. 

The scene happens on an island unfamiliar by people, she included, so everybody on the team needed to take after specific ways when moving around the set so as not to bother its primitiveness and guarantee the film's rationale. 

The team halted for a smorgasbord lunch around 1:00 pm, with a wide decision of dishes from Western to Vietnamese foods. 

Showcasing official Gregg Brilliant said it was a gigantic measure of work get ready nourishment for many individuals in the meantime, however the cooks were working their hardest to 're-empower' the team. 

"I'd likewise get a kick out of the chance to talk for the benefit of my partners," Brilliant said, "that your nation is really a wonderful and perfect spot for both taping and working. We are taping scenes that have never been known not world. Contrasted with Hawaii and Australia, where we recorded before coming here, Vietnam has scenes that no place else does." 

"We have never seen such polished methodology!" Ho A Phong, chief of Quang Binh's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, shouted after watching the film set. 

'Kong: Skull Island' recounts the account of a gathering of swashbucklers who set foot on an uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean – one so stunning that individuals think of it as incredible. Much to their dismay they just strolled into the region of the fanciful King Kong. 

The film, delivered by Legendary Pictures and dispersed by Warner Bros. Pictures, is relied upon to hit films in March 2017.

Some images:

Locals gather near the 'Kong: Skull Island' film set in Quang Binh, Vietnam. Photo: Instagram/voteroberts

Brie Larson tries out the traditional costume of Hmong, an ethnic minority in Vietnam, at the set of ‘Kong: Skull Island’ in Quang Binh, Vietnam
Photo:

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10 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

10 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam - Vietnam has still a way to go before being a world-renowned destination. However, it still has its share of activities.

1. Dalat

Year-round cool weather and idyllic scenery of misty valleys, lush pine trees and colorful flowers are some of the reasons that Dalat was once used by Vietnamese emperors and French colonials as a summer retreat. Today, this charming town in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam is a popular destination for those looking for relief from the heat. A walkable city, Dalat is a beautiful scene of French colonial architecture and villas set amid picturesque landscapes.

2. My Son

Located on the central coast of Vietnam near the Duy Phú village is the important archaeological site known as My Son. One of Southeast Asia's most notable ancient sites, My Son was once a significant center of religious Hindu ceremonies where the kings of the Champa Kingdom built numerous temples devoted to the worship of the god, Shiva, between the 4th and 14th centuries.

3. Ho Chi Minh City

Lying along the Siagon River near the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon and served as the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city of the reunified country, offering plenty of reasons to visit, from its blend of historic and modern attractions to vibrant shopping, dining and nightlife.

4. Mekong Delta

Colorful floating markets, fruit orchards, rice paddies, sugar cane groves, bird sanctuaries and quaint villages are all what draw many to the Mekong Delta in southwestern Vietnam. Nicknamed "Vietnam's Rice Basket," the Mekong Delta is an agricultural region made fertile by the maze of canals and streams fed by the Mekong River. Stretching from the Gulf of Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta feeds more than a third of the country from its rich plantations, orchards, rice paddies and fish farms.

5. Nha Trang

Located on one of Asia's most beauthul bays off the coast of South Central Vietnam, Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort city. Picturesque mountains, beaches and lush islands all make it a favorite destination among tourists, Vietnamese and scuba divers. Adorned with resorts, palm trees and a lovely promenade, Nha Trang's beach is its main draw. Amusement and water parks provide fun for everyone with roller coasters and wave pools.

6. Sapa

Surrounded by pictorial mountains, rice terraces and a diversity of hill tribes in the remote northwest of Vietnam Sapa is a quiet town frequently used as a base for trekking in the Hoang Lien son Mountains and touring rice paddies and traditional villages. From the town, there are many organized tours that aide tourists in mountain hikes and exploring the nearby rice paddies and remote villages. These tours present views of beautiful waterfalls and the opportunities to experience the food, customs and way of life among the local tribes.

7. Hue

Situated on the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue once served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty. Today, the vestiges of this former glorious period are reflected in the city's architecture, culture and cuisine, making it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. Of the city's monuments, the Citadel is the most famous. Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, the Citadel is a sprawling complex of grand palaces, ornate temples, walls and gates Another important landmark on the river is the city's official symbol, the Thien Mu Pagoda.

8. Hoi An

Located off the coast of the South China Sea in South Central Vietnam, Hoi An is a beautiful, old city dating back 2,000 years to the Champa Kingdom. The city's historic architecture, traditional culture and textiles make it a popular destination in Vietnam. At the heart of Hoi An is its atmospheric Old Town which is small enough to walk around easily. The narrow, winding lanes of the Old Town are lined with beautiful old architecture, traditional wooden houses and hundreds of tailor shops selling clothing, shoes, bags, souvenirs and custom-made services.

9. Hanoi

For the last century, Hanoi has the Indochina and Vietnam Wars to emerge as the booming capital city of a reunified Vietnam. At the heart of Hanoi is its Old Quarter, an open- air museum of historic Asian and French colonial architecture that has largely remained intact despite the bombings of the Vietnam War. Here among scenic tree- lined boulevards, tourists can browse busy markets, sip coffee at quaint cafes and visit prominent sites like the Grand opera House, the Presidential Palace and Saint Joseph Cathedral.

10. Ha Long Bay

With its aqua-green water and cluster of limestone rocky outcrops rising from the water like sea dragons, Ha Long Bay resembles a scene from a fantasy story. Located about 130 km (80 miles) east of Hanoi in northern Vietnam, this otherworldly bay features more than 2,000 jungle-covered islands pitted with intriguing caves, grottoes, sinkholes and lakes. Many of the islands have been sculpted over the centuries by natural processes into fantastic formations.

Here is Top 10 Places must to Visit in Vietnam. Vietnam however is also a country with a long history and ancient traditions. It has many historic attractions and old temples.

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Vietnam Travel Information - The Vietnam Tourism

Language

The official language is Vietnamese. Learning foreign languages, particularly English, is becoming popular among young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang and other cities. Tourist guides are available for English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian speaking tourists.

Time Zone of Vietnam

Local time is GMT + 7 hours (ie: 5 hours ahead of South Africa).

Climate in Vietnam

Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia, Laos and China, and features 3,200 km of coastline bordering the Eastern Sea. Vietnam stretches over 1,800 km from north to south; therefore weather patterns in the principle cities are very different. North: Winter lasts from November to April, with temperatures averaging I0 - 16C, fog and drizzle in January - March. Summer begins in May and lasts until October, with an average temperature of 30C, heavy rainfall and the occasional violent typhoon. Center: Central Vietnam experiences a transitional climate, with heavy rainfalls between November and December and dry, hot summer months. South: Temperatures are fairly constant through the year; 25C - 30C. Seasons are determined by the rains - the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is March and April. Typhoons are quite common in coastal areas between July and November. Highland areas: In the hill resorts of Dalat (1,500 m), Buon Me Thuot and Sapa, nights are cool throughout the year, and in the winter months, October to March, it can be distinctly chilly with temperatures falling to OC. Even in the hottest months of March and April the temperature rarely exceeds 26C.

Vietnam Currency

The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Approximately I US Dollar (USD) = 15,688.0 Vietnamese Dong (VND) (as at time of going to press).

Travelers cheques & cash, particularly U.S. Dollars, can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized money- exchangers. It is advisable to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations. Credit cards are generally only accepted in major hotels, and in some up-market shops and restaurants in major cities. ATM facilities are readily available now in major cities.

Tipping in Vietnam

Tipping for service is expected and certainly appreciated. As a guideline, 5- 1 0% is quite acceptable. ($2-$3 per person for a guide or $1 to a cycle driver will be appreciated).

Health Requirements
There are currently no official vaccinations required. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and Malaria. Yellow Fever is required if coming from/stopping over in an infected area. Visitors taking medicine for certain conditions such as diabetes or heart problems should make sure that they carry these medications in their hand luggage at all times, in the unexpected event of main luggage being delayed.

Visas

Visas are required by South African passport holders. Entry visas must clearly state the intended entry and exit points. Passports are required to be valid for at least six (06) months beyond completion of stay.
The Vietnam government may change visa regulations at short notice, and it is therefore advisable to check with the embassy or consulate prior to departure.

Departure / Arrival Taxes

Airport departure tax for international flights is currently: US$ I4 from Hanoi / US$8 from Danang & U$D I4 from Ho Chi Minh City. The airport departure tax may be paid in local currency or in US Dollars.

Customs Regulations

All visitors to Vietnam are to complete a declaration form and show their luggage to customs officials on request. Visitors can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, all of which must be declared in detail on the customs forms. Commercial Video films and printed materials that are considered offensive are normally confiscated and sent to Ministry of Culture for inspection.
Goods prohibited to import: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, drugs, toxic chemicals, debauched and reactionary products, firecrackers of all kinds, toys with negative impacts on the dignity education, social security and safety, cigarettes beyond the stipulated quantity, etc.
Goods prohibited to export: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, antiques, drugs, toxic chemicals, wild animals, rare and precious animals and plants, documents related to the national security, etc

Safety & Security

No matter where you travel, it is always advisable to keep a note of your traveler's cheques & air ticket numbers and passport details, separate from the original documents. Having a record of these details saves time should you need to replace any of them. Always carry the original items on your person. We recommend that you lock valuables in a hotel safety deposit box and remind you to check the access times as these facilities often open at odd times which may not be convenient for you. Vietnam is a third world country and lavish displays of wealth may encourage petty theft. However, personal safety is in general a low risk in Vietnam.

Electricity

Electricity in Vietnam is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Vietnam with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.

Vietnam Travel Tips

Never drink tap water, no matter the category of hotel you are staying at. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels throughout Vietnam. Do not have any ice in your drinks as this is often made from water that has not been purified. Vietnam has abundant food supplies and an elaborate cuisine. Cooking is seen as an art and some Vietnamese dishes have achieved international fame. In addition to Vietnamese food, the larger hotels also serve a wide variety of Continental and Chinese cuisine. In the smaller cities, when the hotels only have one restaurant, ordering a-la-carte may involve a slight wait, consequently it is advised that you take advantage of the large and diverse buffets available at these hotels to minimize any delay.

Foreign visitors to Vietnam have the opportunity to buy souvenirs made of rattan, gold, silver and stone. Saigon is the best place to buy goods such as CD's and clothing. Tailors in Hoi An and Hanoi are renowned for their skill and speed.

Taxis are the easiest mode of transport in the major cities and are reasonably priced. Cyclo trips cost about the same, but are a more novel form of transport. On street corners, motorcyclists offer transport — this is called Honda Om; it's usually cheap and reliable, but negotiate the fare beforehand.

Vietnam has high international telephone charges. It is important to check the exact amount with the hotel before making a call, as hotel surcharges are often imposed. VOIP calls are now available, which help reduce call charges (for most of International calls from any destination within Vietnam and for domestic calls between the main cities of the country). Pre¬paid internet & mobile cards can be bought in the major cities.

Take light comfortable clothing, with warmer clothes for the winter months. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are acceptable on women, but revealing clothes are frowned upon in this modest country. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit the wearing of shorts above the knee or bare arms. When dining at restaurants, smart/casual clothes are the norm.

Governmental agencies work Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 16h30 (excluding one-hour lunch) and are closed Saturday and Sunday.** Banks are open Monday to Friday from 07h30 / 08h00 to 1 I h30 and from 13h00 to I 6h00 and are closed Saturday and Sunday. **Private shops are open from 08h00 / 08h30 to 21 h00 / 23h00**

Special Attractions

Halong Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Cu Chi Tunnels (former stronghold of the Vietnamese army with 250 kms of tunnels), China Beach, the Imperial Citadel & Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Thien Mu Pagoda, to mention but a few.

Source: thevietnamtourism.com

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