Cat Tien National Park

Fast Facts:
Area: 720 km2
Founded: 1998

Highlights:
Flora and fauna, birding.

Description:
Cat Tien National Park Is one of Vietnam's most important national parks. Cat Tien is about 3 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh city. It protects one of the largest areas of lowland tropical rainforests left in Vietnam. Cat Tien national park was protected initially in 1978 as two sectors, Nam Cat Tien and Tay Cat Tien. Another section, Cat Loc, was gazeted as a Rhinoceros Reserve in 1992 upon the discovery of a population of Javan Rhinoceros, an occasion that brought the park into the world's eye. The three areas were combined to form one park in 1998.
The park suffered historically during the Vietnam War when it was extensively sprayed with pesticides like the defoliant Agent Orange. To this day these areas have extensive bamboo and grassland cover and trees have not yet grown back.
About 50% of Cat Tien National Park is evergreen forest, dominated by Dipterocarpaceae, 40% of the park comprises of bamboo woodland, the remaining 10% is farmland, wetlands and grassland. The park fauna is impressive, if highly threatened, comprising of such impressive megafauna as Asian Elephants, Gaur, Sun Bears and, possibly, Banteng, and wild Water Buffalo (and prior to their extintion in Vietnam, the Java Rhinoceros). Some accounts also list tigers, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Dholes and Asiatic black bears, however a recent series of surveys did not confirm this. The park also holds hosts of smaller mammal species, including Yellow-cheeked Gibbons, Silvered Langurs, Crab-eating Macaques, Lesser Slow Loris, as well as civets, mouse deer, and tree shrews.
The park also has impressive bird species including White-winged Ducks, Siamese Firebacks, Great Hornbills and lack Eagles

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Cua Lo beach

About 17 km northeast of Vinh you’ll find the Vietnamese beach vacation spot of Cua Lo. There’s some fine beach here, a bit reminiscent of the beaches around Da Nang, and of course, a long line of sea food restaurants to choose from. Unfortunately all the accommodation is on the inland side of the beach road.

This whole stretch of Vietnam’s north central coast is lined with beach after beach, but, perhaps due to the cooler weather, they lack the popularity of the beaches further south — especially among foreign travellers, who pretty much bar the entire region.

There’s nothing wrong with the beaches here, but yes, the water is cooler than the glistening waters off Phu Quoc Island.

We wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to visit here, but if you happen to be in Vinh anyway (from where, in the opinion of one of our writers, just about anywhere is an improvement), and you hear the sea beckoning, don’t hesitate to make a day-trip or overnight out of it.

It’s a virtual ghost town in the winter months, but in summer things really pick up, and the spot is well-known for it’s massage parlours and prostitutes. But, as seedy beach towns go, its hardly Patong beach, and a beach is a beach.

Orientation

The beach road is called Binh Minh, and few of the hotels go by any specific street addresses. Towards the upper end of the beach is a distinctive circular arch that makes for a good reference point. The road heading west from here leads nowhere in particular, but about 700 metres up on the north side, you’ll find the post office, which also has cheap and convenient internet services.

There’s is a Vietcombank ATM on the beach side of the road across from the Hoa Dong Tien Hotel, a kilometre or so south of the arch.

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Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve

Cu Lao Cham is a large island consists of several small islands distance 25 nautical miles off the coast from Hoi An.
At the summer, if guests reaches for the island by normal boat, it takes 2 and half hour, but only 30 minutes by speed boat. Cham island has total 7 islands including Hon Lao, Hon La, Hon Kho me, Hon Kho ? at the area of 16 sq. meter, whereby the largest island is Lao.

According to archaeologists, Cu Lao Cham first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. Up to now, Cu Lao Cham has preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th ? 20th century. They include the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao. Still, Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. After a 3-hour canoe trip, one may hop over to the famed Well of the Cham people.

Lao island is circle shape at the high of 500m, the forest here is natural, a lots of woods and rare animals. There are nice beaches at Bim and Ong beach. The island is a place where shelter for value swallow birds.
Around the island has a lots of color corals under the water, about 3.000 residents living focusing at Lang and Huong beaches as fishing and agriculture. A small part of people living at the village works at service and handicraft.

Situated in a salty-water area, this square-bottom well, amazingly, provides clear fresh water all year round. Enjoyable extras include white-sand, pristine beaches and captivating attractions evocatively named Bai Ong, Bai Bim, Bai Chong, Bai Bac, Suoi Tinh, Cau Mo, Suoi Ong and so on, where tourists can relax, go hunting, fishing even fishing octopuses.

Travellers also have chances to view the sea swallows' nests clinging to the towering cliff. Cu Lao Cham wins kudos for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish's fin, abalone, kaki, hind, cholonia's eggs, bird's nests) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-shells)

The tour takes half day to Lang beach for seeing some interest places as such Au Thuyen a shelter for boats at bad weather, an over-100 years Tay Tang pagoda remarks the Puddhism came here for long time ago, Ong temple is a place worships a big fish burried here. The tour is available at the hotel registered daily for request in advance

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Da Nang travel

Da Nang, a city on the sea, is a mixture of isolated beaches, picteresque mountains, rich ancient history, and one of the friendliest groups of people in Viet Nam. It’s quiet sandy beaches of the South China Sea, juxtaposition the city lifestyle, making Da Nang a unique Vietnamese city not to be missed.

Located between the old town of Hoi An, the holy land of My Son and the historical city of Hue, expect a city deep in ancient heritage, but at the same time, offering a tropical haven for those who just want to relax. Da Nang is halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh cities, built around old army bases of the American-Vietnam war.

Shellshocked from the effects of the American-Vietnam War, Da Nang’s beaches now offer unspoilt sands, and clear (clean!) waters. Visit during the day, when the beach is literally deserted from locals at work and school, with the very rare tour bus. At evenings (4pm onwards), teenage boys flock to play football on the sand, while young couples visit after dark to quietly cuddle by the moonlight. If you travel directly east from the Han River bridge, you will hit Da Nang’s main beach, Non Nuoc. A taxi will take you there for around 30,000 Dong, while a xe om (motorbike taxi) should take you for half that – just be clear and concise with your prices.

Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is a large mountaineous range of 30 sq km of forest, and 300 different types of plants. It now offers a quiet getaway spot for visitors to Da Nang, still unexploited by tourists, despite interest for major development under planning. An ideal way to explore this area, is by motorbike, where you can travel the windy roads further and further up the mountain, and take in breathtaking views of the entire city, it’s beaches and more. If your hungry, follow one of the many signs off the main road and you’ll be sure to find food or drink. You can park your motorbike for 1000 Dong, and they will walk you down to the beach, with private tables, chairs and hammocks. Take a dictionary with you, because there is absolutely no English. Providing magnificent panoramas, Son Tra Peninsula is the perfect way to spend a half a day while in Da Nang. It’s poetic views of Da Nang, Hoi An and further, present an opportunity that not many other tourists take advantage of. The peace and quiet will be a much needed break from the noise that the Vietnamese roads offer.

Marble Mountains
Nui Ngu Hanh Son, or the Marble Mountains, are made up of 5 different mountains, each representing a different element: metal, wood, fire, water and earth. Take good walking shoes, as you will be walking up hundreds of carved steps, and taking in more breathtaking views over Da Nang. Inside the mountains, are home to many small Buddhist sanctuaries, within large caves and numerous tunnels. The mountains contain both marble and limestone, which will be evident when you see stonecutter shops selling everything from small souvenir Buddhas, to giant carved lions. The mountains provide a great opportunity to learn more about Viet Nam’s buddhist history, and the land surrounding Da Nang.

Why Not Go
Backpackers and people who want to party, party and party will not enjoy Da Nang as there is minimal nightlife here.
Being one of the least developed major cities in Vietnam, Da Nang is still relatively small, and it doesn’t have the ancient charm seen in Hoi An or Hanoi. If you like big cities and the “wow”factor of a new city, Da Nang is not for you.

Why Go
People who enjoy the outdoors and beaches will adore Da Nang. It’s beaches stretch for miles, and during the day, totally deserted. Son Tra Peninsula is the perfect place for some photography of the city and the beaches.
Older travellers who like some more peace and quiet compared to other cities in Vietnam, will enjoy Da Nang. It is not overflocked by young travellers, and there are hotels along the beach away from the main roads.

Best Time to Visit
Wet Season is from August to December and dry season from January to July. Avoid the wet season as much as possible, as rains are very heavy. All throughout the year it will rain, even during the dry season it may rain for 20 minutes, so be sure to pack an umbrella.
Visiting from January to May is the best, when rains are low. The heat really kicks in in June, but will still be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and the beach.

Where to Stay
Budget on the Beach: Hoa’s Place (215/14 Huyen Tran Cong Chua St, China Beach, T: (0511) 3969 216 ) provides rooms cheaper than $10 US a night. Rooms are small, and not the most comfortable, but the service and hospitality provided can far exceed more expensive hotels. Hoa is fluent in English and will take care of your needs, while his wife cooks communal meals at 7pm each night.
High-End on the beach: Furama Resort was built over 10 years ago, and is the best resort operating in Da Nang. All the amenities of a 5 star resort, plus the waterfall pool with private beach is stunning. Food served from the restaurant and pool side menu is good, but extremely expensive for it’s quality. A popular hotel for business groups, and provides a free shuttle to Hoi An and Da Nang.
You can choose to stay in the city centre if you are only there for 1 day, or in transit. If you wish to maximise your stay in Da Nang, it is best to stay near or on the beach, where you have access to the one of the best views and best beaches in Vietnam.

Where & What to Eat
Bread of Life: Most of the staff here are deaf, and Bread of Life is involved with all sorts of charity programs within the local community. Owned and run by an American couple, the food served here is fantastic, and not too pricey either, with some profits going to charity.
Christie’s Cool Spot: Local expat hangout, pub downstairs, restaurant upstairs. Come here for an extensive menu of food, Vietnamese, Western, Japanese, fast food and everything else. They have a huge cocktail list, lovely wait staff, and prices aren’t bad either.
Apsara Restaurant: Popular Vietnamese restaurant, but usually packed with Vietnamese customers on weekends. Lots of seafood, popular in Da Nang, being so close to the beach. They have authentic Vietnamese performances of dance and music, but don’t come here if you want quiet and peace while you’re eating.
On the Beach: If you want an authentic Vietnamese experience, sit down at one of the many small food stalls set up literally on the sand of Non Nuoc beach. Take your phrase book with you and translate the tens of fish offered on the menu, or just point at something that looks interesting and hope for the best. No English is spoken, but make sure you establish the price if you don’t get a menu. You will be spoilt for choice, plus given comfortable beach lounge chairs.
Local food is different in Da Nang to cities as close as Hue. Local specialty “Mi Quang” is a very famous noodle breakfast dish. Da Nang has the variety of all Vietnamese cities. You can find “Chao” from Southern Vietnam, “Pho” from Hanoi, and “Bun Bo Hue” from Hue.

Nightlife
Christie’s Cool Spot – local pub hangout for locals. Mainly male-dominated pub, an extensive drinks list, and friendly staff.
Bamboo 2 Bar – the other hangout for expats. Western music, pool table, seating in and out, and a chance to speak with other foreigners. Small bar, but given your lack of choice, this is really it.

My to do List
1. walk along the beach at dawn/dusk
2. Motorbike up Son Tra Peninsula and take in the views.
3. Eat fresh seafood on the beach.
4. Say hello to the many teenagers smiling eagerly at you on the street.
5. Take the trip from Da Nang to Hue or vice versa via the Hai Van Pass.
6. Eat the local Mi Quang dish

Getting There
Da Nang has an International Airport only a few minutes from the city centre. There are only a few international flight services operating from Asiana Airlines, SilkAir & Korean Air. Most travellers fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city, and travel either north or south.
Domestic flights travel from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to/from Da Nang via Jetstar Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. If you get in early, you can get a flight as low as 300,000 Dong travelling Hanoi to/from Da Nang.
Beware of taxis at Da Nang airport scouting for foreigners to travel direct from Da Nang to Hoi An city. Many taxi’s will not take you on metre alone, and charge you $10 just to get to Da Nang city which is only 5 minutes away. Use the Mai Linh taxi group (green and white), insist on paying in Dong, and only using the metre.

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Lang Co beach

A good day stop along Route 1A between Hue and Danang/Hoi An, Lang Co Beach is a sweeping expanse of sand good for dipping your toes and taking a rest. The absence of group tours and touts is the main draw, and options for overnight stays are growing.

The beach lies at the northern end of Hai Van Pass, and the sands of Lang Co begin just where the mountain switchbacks end. Behind the long stretch of beach is a large lagoon, and the lightly populated town area is just a narrow strip of land between sea and lagoon, with most Lang Co villagers in homes along Hwy. 1. The beach is most popular for fishing and for boat repairs, used more as a garbage dump or as a local latrine than for sun-loving tourists, but the southern section of beach near the resorts gets cleaned up on occasion, and this windswept stretch at the base of Hai Van Pass is quite stunning. Starting with the Lang Co Beach Resort, there's a small clutch of cozy budget warrens of bungalows, and more development is slated.

A tunnel will soon connect Lang Co directly with Hue, but tourists will still likely make the pilgrimage up to Hai Van Pass. The town has no good dining to speak of, just a few little backpacker places that are popular among passing truck drivers; and where there are passing truck drivers, there are brothels -- which seem to be the town's only real industry. The beach is pretty hassle-free, but plan to pack your own lunch and drinks. There are no services on the sands.

Bach Ma National Park is just a short motorbike taxi ride from Lang Co, and the beach makes a good overnight before a day of hiking and onward travel to Hue, or Lang Co could be your overnight rest after the park and before crossing the pass to Danang and Hoi An.

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Sam Son beach

Visiting Sam Son beach,  tourists are not only strongly impressed by a long coastline of white sand beach, beautiful scenery, and historical relics, but also always welcomed by friendly and generous people here. Here you can have the chance to enjoy the delicious specialties of the northern region of Vietnam.\

Driving 16km from the center of Thanh Hoa or 170 km from Hanoi, tourists will reach Sam Son Beach in Thanh Hoa province. This place has been a famous destination since the beginning of the last century, when the French begun building amenities here to serve themselves and the courts of the Nguyen regime. Apart from the gifts that the nature presents, Sam Son also has many exciting sites for travelers to explore.

Sam Son is a long and beautiful beach covering more than 16km in length. Visitors will have some memorable moments when wallowing in the cool blue sea, listening to the sound of the wave and the wind, taking a nap on the sunlight sandbanks, or building sand castles. Besides, this is a good place to try various local seafood assortments such as shrimps, fish, or crabs and also to bring back home some pretty souvenirs. The very smooth and gentle sandbank, combined with clean and azure water makes the scenery of Sam Son beach glorious and gorgeous.

Sam Son also has another captivating destination with many natural attractions and historical vestiges: the Truong Le Mountain range. The part that is adjoining to the sea is called Co Giai Islet. On top of this islet, there is a small pagoda named “Doc Cuoc”, which means “One Leg”. The pagoda reminds local people of a heroic legend of a giant that manages to slay a sea monster and guard the sea. Futhermore, there is a special rock name “Trong Mai”, created with two huge boulders on a flat rock. There is a story that these rocks represent a pair of husband and wife, who love each other so passionately that both have been transformed into birds and lived forever together.

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Hoi An travel

Hoi An Old Town is located 30km south of Da Nang City, and 60 kms northeast of Tam Ky. Hoi An used to be an international trade center by sea on the east-west area in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was the busiest trading port in Dang Trong region of Vietnam under the reign of Nguyen as merchants from Japan, China, Portugal, Spain, Holland...often landed for exchanging, purchasing commodities. In the historical progress of establishment and development, Hoi An was known by foreign merchants as Faifo, Haisfo, Hoai pho. Based on archeological relics and architecture documents, Hoi An was not only a place of converge and exchanging of many cultures such as: Champa, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese, especially impacted most by Vietnamese and Chinese civilization

Location:
Hoi An district and town is on the lower section of the Thu Bon River system. It is in the coastal plain of Quang Nam province, just 28 km to the Southeast of Da Nang City.
Hoi An is located at latitudes 15o15’26’’ - 15o55’15’’ North and longitudes 108o17’08’’ - 108o23’10’’ East and shares the boarders with Duy Xuyen district in the South, Dien Ban district in the West and North and the Pacific ocean (the East Sea) in the East.

Climate:
The climate in Hoi An is rather mild. The annual average temperature is 25.6o, the percentage of humidity is 82%, rainfall reaches up to 2066mm and sunshine of 2158 hours.

Area and Population:
Hoi An has a natural area of 6027.25 Ha (60sq.km) inhabited by 81.021 people.

Major Potentials:
As a coast of 7 km with many nice beaches that are favorable for tourism development. Hoi An also has a large fishery plentiful with sea products. About 15km from the Cua Dai beach lays the Cham archipelago (of 1,591 ha) where there are many famous sea swallow nests (bird nests) and good conditions to promote ecological tourism.

Getting there and around
By plane
The nearest airport is in Da Nang, which has domestic connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city and Hue and some international flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Siem Reap.
Taxi cost from Da Nang airport to Hoi An ancient town about 25 $, plenty of taxis are parking around the arrival entrance.
Generally in Vietnam call by telephone and book a taxi with Mai Linh taxi as they are the most reliable and honest (this is their mission) - and pay meter charge.
A word of caution about flying Jet star: they are frequently up to 8 hours late, many times arriving at Da Nang from Saigon at 2am. If you arrive late, you should arrange an airport transfer in advance if you don't want the taxi haggling hassles.

By train
There is no railway station in Hoi An. The nearest is in Da Nang, which receives several trains a day from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang etc. Most travel agents and hotels can book a train ticket for you.
Da Nang Railway Station: 202 Hai Phong, Tan Chinh Ward, Thanh Khe District, TP Da Nang, Phone: (+ 84 511) 3750666.

By bus
There are two different bus stations in Hoi An now (older guide books just show the one on D Hung Vuong) But the public buses to Da Nang leave from the station about 2km north west from the center on Le Hong Phong. A xe om from Hoi An bus station to the old town should be around 15,000 dong.
There is a public bus from Da Nang bus station to Hoi An bus station (15,000 dong, the fare is written on the side of the bus (June 2012), they try to charge foreigners 50,000 dong, just grab all your stuff and stay in the bus, they can be very aggressive... same goes for Hoi An - Da Nang). The bus passes through downtown Da Nang as well. If you come from Da Nang airport, the closest bus stop of the same route to Hoi An is at the roundabout where the streets Nguyễn Tri Phương and Điện Biên Phủ meet (a nice 10-15 minutes walk, since you can walk along the lake). This bus stop is clearly marked with a road sign.
There are no shortage of travel companies and private buses traveling to and from from Hoi An to destinations such as Hue, Hanoi, Saigon, Dalat and Nha Trang.
Open-tour buses run daily up and down the coast from Da Nang, Hue (3.5-4 hours, 60,000-100,000 dong as of March 2012) and Nha Trang (9-10 hours).

By motorbike or taxi
It is easy to take a motorbike or taxi to and from Da Nang via the Marble Mountains (see below), from where you can catch a train onwards. This trip cost vnd 460.000 from Da Nang  bus station, by the meter. Mai ling taxi in Jan 2012.

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Ha Long bay

Geographical position
Situated in the north-east region of Viet Nam, Halong Bay is a part of Bac Bo Gulf and comprises the sea area of Halong City, Cam Pha Town and a part of Van Don island district, Quang Ninh Province. It borders Cat Ba Island to the south-west, the mainland to the west with a 120km-long coasNatural Beauty

Halong Bay covers a total area of 1,553km², including 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the south-east (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay) and the south-west (belonging to Halong Bay). The average geological age of the islands is between 250 and 280 million years old.

Halong Bay has been called by the great national poet Nguyen Trai: "a marvel of the earth erected towards the high skies". While exploring the bay, tourists will feel lost in a legendary world of stone islands which shapes change depending on the angle and the light. There are many names given to islands according to their shapes and forms such as Hon Dau Nguoi (Human Head Islet), Hon Rong (Dragon Islet), Hon Canh Buom (Sail Islet), Hon Trong Mai (Cock and Hen Islet)… But the beauty of Halong Bay does not consist only in the forms of its mountains, islands and the colour of its waters, but also in its infinitely rich system of grottoes and caves such as: Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto), Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto), Trinh Nu (Virgin Grotto)…. Each is a grandiose and refined natural architectural creation.

Geological value

The most remarkable geological events of Halong Bay’s history in the last 1,000 years include the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay area and the strong erosion that has formed coral and pure blue and heavily-salted water. This process of erosion by sea water has deeply engraved the stone, contributing to its fantastic beauty. Present-day Halong Bay is the result of this long process of geological evolution that has been influenced by so many factors. It is because of all these factors that the tourists now visiting Halong Bay are not only treated to one of the true wonders of the world, but also to a precious geological museum that has been naturally preserved in the open air for the last 300 million years.

Value of biological diversity
Results of scientific research show that Halong Bay features ecosystems of a tropical ocean region such as ecosystem of coral reefs with 232 species of coral distributed mainly in the areas of Cong Do and Bo Hung. It is also home to 81 species of gastropoda, 130 species of bivalvia, 55 species of polycheta and 57 species of crab. The ecosystem of salt water-flooded forests chiefly concentrated in the zones of Tuan Chau, Cua Luc and Ba Che has the most diversified collection of species of salt water-flooded plant in North Vietnam. Also living in this ecosystem are a great many species of animals: migrating birds (200 species), polycheta (169 species), seaweed (91 species), reptile (10 species). Halong Bay also has ecosystem of tropical rain forests with various rare and precious creatures: deer, weasels, squirrels and in particular, white-tabby and red-haired monkeys. In addition, there is a system of small caves along the sea, which are the living and development places for many animals and plants: seaweed, water plant, algae, fish and shrimp. Deeper into the water, there are also many species of shrimp, fish, abalone and other sea-specialities.


Historical and cultural value
Halong is a place closely linked to Vietnam’s history with such famous geographical names as: Van Don (site of an ancient commercial port); Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems by emperors and other famous people of the past); and Bach Dang River (the location of two fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors). This is not all, Halong has been proven by scientists to be one of the first cradles of human existence in the area, with such archaeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu and Thoi Gie

On December 17, 1994, Halong Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for its natural beauty at the 18th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Thailand. On December 12, 2000, Halong Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for the second time based on its geological value at the 24th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Cairns, Australia. The recognised site covers an area of 434km², comprises 775 islands and forms a triangle: with Dau Go Island (Driftwood Grotto) to the west; Ba Ham Lake (Three Shelter Lake) to the south and Cong Tay Island to the east.

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Sapa travel

Sapa is among the highest places in Vietnam and among the most recent additions to the Vietnam tourist trail. Sapa's commercialization began in earnest in the early part of the 2000s, according to Footprint Vietnam, a Vietnam travel and tour company. Compared to other small-town tourist stops -- most notably Hoi An on the Central Coast -- Sapa is still relatively undeveloped and rough around the edges, which is particularly refreshing when travelling in Vietnam.

Getting to Sapa
Sapa is in North Vietnam, close to the Chinese border. Travel to Sapa begins in Lao Cai, which has train and bus service to and from Hanoi. The train takes about 10 hours, so booking an overnight ticket on a soft sleeper may be more comfortable than sitting upright in the hard, though cheap, seats. From Lao Cai, air-conditioned mini-buses run frequent trips to Sapa. This trip takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. Book tickets for all travel from tour companies in Hanoi to save hassle, though separate arrangements can be made at each step of the trip.

Sapa Tourist Information Center
The developing tourist trade in Sapa has made getting around the city easier. The Sapa Tourist Information Center is adjacent to the mini-bus station in the north of town. The Tourist Center has free Internet access, and can help you arrange local tours and return travel to Hanoi or Lao Cai. You can also rent bicycles and motorbikes from the center, the two preferred means of getting around in this mountain town.

What to See
The Sapa area is highlighted by its natural beauty and its ethnic history. Sapa is nestled in the mountains, in regions known for rice production, and sunrise and sunset trips to layered rice fields will make any photographer's mouth water. Vietnam's famed karst formations -- ancient limestone cliffs and mountains eroded by millennia of inclement weather -- can be found near Sapa too, most notably a Ham Rong mountain. The nearby villages of Ta Phin, Lao Chai and Cat-Cat are sometimes described as "crumbling" centers, as modernization and spreading urbanization threaten the traditional way of life in the mountains, but these villages remain Hmong minority centers. Visits to each of these towns and stops to their local markets help local economies immensely.

Organized Tours
A handful of tour companies operate trips to and out of Sapa, offering trips that try to highlight the natural wonder and cultural heritage of the area. Sapa Mountain Trail Travel (sapamountaintrail.com) has tours departing from Hanoi or Sapa, ranging from mountain trekking adventures to homestay tours. First Choice Travel's Sapa tours (travelsapa.com) often depart Hanoi and include overnight train rides. First Choice's tours are upscale compared to Mountain Trail Travel, and focus more on comfortable hotels and sight-seeing than deep cultural interaction, though not exclusively. Footprint Vietnam (footprintsvietnam.com) focuses exclusively on trekking and backpacking trips to remote areas around Sapa.

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Da Lat travel

Dalat is a mountain resort town that has attracted visitors seeking a luxury vacation since the colonial period. Former colonial estates and upscale resorts sit near rural villages and peaceful lakes, creating a romantic environment that has made Dalat one of Vietnam's main honeymoon destinations. The area is also a destination for European and North American backpackers and Dalat offers many cafes, restaurants and hotels to accommodate the budget traveler as well.

Nature
Two stunning waterfalls are located in the region around Dalat. Prenn Falls is approximately 6 km from Dalat and has a bamboo bridge that allows visitors to walk across the back of the falls. Gougah Falls is located 25 miles from Dalat and features a split waterfall. Thung Lung Tinh Yu, also known as the Valley of Love, is a park surrounding a lake; visitors can take advantage of boat rentals and trails for horseback riding. Xuan Huong Lake and Ho Than Tho Lake are used by locals and visitors for leisurely strolls, boat rides and relaxing on the shore.

Historic Locations
Bao Dai's Palace is one of three palaces built in Dalat by Vietnam's last emperor. The palace is open to the public and retains the original furnishings. Vietnam was once a French colony and the French Quarter contains the former summer homes of the colonial elite. More colonial architecture is available to view at the defunct Dalat Railway Station, which features an old steam train that visitors can tour.

Religious Sites
Truc Lam Zen Monastery gives visitors the chance to see a working monastery and catch a glimpse of the daily lives of Yen Tu Zen monks. The monastery has a scenic setting that offers views of Tuyen Lam Lake. Thien Vuong Pagoda features three 16th-century Buddhist statues carved of sandalwood that stand 13 feet high. Linh Phuoc Pagoda has a golden statue of Buddha in the main building and a 10-foot dragon statue in the garden. Lam Ty Ni Pagoda is known less for its structure than for its resident -- Thay Vien Thuc, known locally as the "crazy monk." Visitors to his temple will find him drawing and painting in his quest for spiritual enlightenment. Although there is some controversy surrounding his official religious status, some local tours stop at his home and visitors are welcome.

Dining
Located in the Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel, Le Rabelais offers a romantic, fine dining experience for lunch and dinner. The menu consists of French cuisine and the restaurant offers an extensive wine list. Le Café de la Poste serves continental cuisine, lighter fare, such as sandwiches and even cheesecake from its location at the Dalat Palace Hotel. Local cuisine is, of course, readily available in Dalat and the town's many cafes and restaurants offer reasonably priced meals. Ngyuen Chi Than Street is full of cafes and Phan Dinh Phung Street has a selection of good restaurants.

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Phan Thiet-Mui Ne beach

Binh Thuan is a coastal province, located east of Ho Chi Minh City, with some famous islands off the coast such as Lao Island (Hon Lao) at Mui Ne, Cau Island (Cu Lao Cau) and Ba Island (Hon Ba). Phan Thiet is the capital of Binh Thuan, 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Referring to Phan Thiet– Mui Ne, it is renowned for its resorts with wild beautiful beaches and ever named as “City of Resorts”.

Climate in Phan Thiet and the best time to visit Phan Thiet - Mui Ne

Phan Thiet - Mui Ne has typical coastal climate with annual average temperature of 26°C and possesses beautiful sunshine nearly around the year, the annual average temperature is relatively lower than of all other cities in Vietnam. Phan Thiet has two main seasons: dry season (from November to April) and wet season (from May to October), rainfall here has usually low record and heavy drops in August. It sometime has infrequent typhoons happening from June to October.

From November to April is the best time for windsurfing and period from September to December is the best time for surfing. The climate is ideal for swimming, when it is warm and calm.

Transport: Getting there and away

By Air: Foreign travelers always book flights (main carrier: Vietnam Airlines) to Ho Chi Minh City then takes tours to Phan Thiet-Mui Ne.

By Train: Visitors can take a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet (not popular for the travelers).

By Open Bus: It is easy to book from Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet, but to ensure that your trip is convenient with best quality services; visitors should reserve the Package Tours from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh.

What to see and visit in Phan Thiet – Mui Ne ( Sightseeing in Phan Thiet )

Binh Thuan is well-known for pure and pristine beaches and beautiful landscape such as Cana, Cu Lao Cau Island, Hon Ba Island, Doi Duong Beach, Mui Ne Beach,Phan Thiet Beach ,Bau Trang Spot,Tacu Moutain Pagoda,Co Thach Pogoda, Lao Cau Isle, Khe Ga Light House, The Prince’s Castle, Hon Rom Resorts, Hon Ba Spot, Poshanu Cham Tower Temples, Podam Cham Tower Temples, Ganh Son Cape, and “ City of Resorts” at Phan Thiet - Mui Ne.

Where to stay in Phan Thiet - Mui Ne

Not only for clean and blue beaches, Phan Thiet-Mui Ne is also well-known for its beautiful and high quality spas and resorts. Designed in different styles, but those resorts are fascinated to visitors with green grass, the pool, the sea, the flowers and the beautiful bungalow.

-Mui Ne Bay Resort 4*+ (Zone 14, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam)

-Pandanus Resort 4*+ (Zone 5, Mui Ne Ward Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam)

-The Cliff Resort and Residences 4*+ (Zone 5, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam)

-Victoria Phan Thiet Beach & Spa 4* (Km 9 Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam)

- Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa 4* (Km 10, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam)

- Allezboo Beach Resort and Spa 4* (No 8, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam)

-Lotus Village Resort 4*+ (100 - 139D Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam)

-Seahorse Resort and Spa 4*, Km11 Ham Tien Road, Central Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet, Vietnam

What to eat in Binh Thuan ( Binh Thuan's Cuisine )

Binh Thuan specialties are very fresh, tasty and affordable (plants: There are many kinds of seaweed; animals: fish, squid, shrimp, scallops, sea cucumbers ...). Binh Thuan is also known for other types of seafood specialties such as fish sauce (nuoc mam Phan Thiet), dried seafood with spices, re cake, com sua, etc. They are carefully packaged for visitors to buy as souvenirs. The processed foods with individual art and characteristics are always attractive to visitors, such as Goi ca mai, muc mot nang, suong sa rau cau, banh can, banh canh, banh quai vac, moi muc, banh xeo, oc luoc and so on. Binh Thuan is also famous for its delicious fruits. Especially, dragon fruit is considered the local specialty with high export revenue.

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Vung Tau beach

Vung Tau is one of the nearest beach cities in Vietnam which is located about 120 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. If you feel stuck over the weekend and looking for a quick escape, Vung Tau Beach is a good option. This city was also considered as a French preferred holiday destination during their era. Besides, there are a group of expatriate communities, especially Russian who are working at petroleum drilling platform.

Get Set & Go!
Going to Vung Tau is very easy. You can take a bus from Mien Dong Bus Station in Binh Thanh District with two hours journey. Optionally, you can go to Vung Tau by using hydrofoil which is a little bit pricey, around VND 200,000 but your journey only will take around 1 hour and 15 minute. Good reputation hydrofoil operators such as Petro Express and Vina Express fo have daily services from Saigon’s Bach Dang Jetty at Ton Duc Thang street to Vung Tau. The boats leave every hour from Ho Chi Minh City starting from 6.30am and you must know, they are really on time!

Travelling around Vung Tau should be very easy for first timers. Taxi services are always available especially at tourist attraction areas. If you can ride a bike, you can ask help from your guesthouse or mini hotel staff about motorbike for rent. Optionally, there are motorbike drivers or locally called “xe om” are always ready at tourist areas. All you need to do is making an eye contact with them and do not forget to negotiate the price before departing to any places.

Where to Check in?
There are selections of hotels for you to choose in Vung Tau. The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau which is located at Thuy Van Street is one of the five star hotels and one of the best choices if you are looking for a luxury holiday.

Optionally, there are also numbers of three star hotels such as Rex Hotel at Le Quy Don Street, Valley Mountain Hotel at Tran Phu Street and Buffalo Inn at Ba Cu Street which comes with economy prices between VND800,000 up to VND1,500,00 per night

If you think that you will spend most of your time outdoors and just need a room for sleep and get changed, budget hotel at Thuy Van Street area is just perfect for your needs This street is opposite to the beach and very busy with hundreds of tourists especially on weekends. From the Vung Tau Jetty, you just need to take a taxi and ask them to bring you to Thuy Van Street. The room rate here can be as low as VND200,000 per night and it is depends on the season as well. This area is also very good for first timers in Vung Tau as there are so many food stalls, seafood hawkers and souvenir sellers around the area.

Exploring Vung Tau
If you are staying in the Thuy Van area, you can do many activities starting from morning until evening. At the beach site, you can see some Vietnamese ladies sitting under umbrellas with some blue colour basins. Come closer and you will find out that they are selling crab which is very juicy and fresh. The price is vary between VND100,000 to VND200,000 per kilo, depends on size and season. Walking along the seaside should be safe as long as there are people around. At evening, you may come again to seaside and you will see many seafood hawkers busy grilling clams, squids and crab spikes for their customers. The price is relativly very cheap, but as usual, it is advisable to ask for the price first upon ordering.

If you do not want to spend your whole day by lazing on the beach, there are some local attractions that you should not miss. Grab a xe om driver to Nui Nho (Small Mountain) where the Giant Statue is located or go to visit a lighthouse at another hill area which you can see a vast view of Vung Tau beach.

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Nha Trang beach

Welcome to the beach capital of Vietnam. It may not be a charmer like Mui Ne or a historic jewel like Hoi An, but there is a certain something about Nha Trang that just keeps them coming back for more. For most it is the beautiful beach, the best municipal stretch of sand in the country, while the offshore islands add to the appeal, offering decadent boat trips on the water and some of Vietnam’s best diving under it.

The setting is stunning, with towering mountains looming up behind the city and the sweeping beach stretching into the distance, the turquoise waters dotted with little islands. The beachfront has been given a huge makeover in recent years, with parks and sculpture gardens spread along the shorefront, although by night it still reverts to a bit of a circus with motorbike drivers doubling as pimps and dealers, and kamikaze hookers hoping to relieve drunken tourists of their remaining dong.

Nha Trang is a study in contrasts, as the main city is still a bustling Vietnamese entity, buzzing along oblivious to the tourist crowds lining the shore. Hugging the coast for a few blocks is a fully fledged international resort, complete with high-rise hotels, souvenir shops, stylish restaurants and sophisticated bars. This part of town could be anywhere in the world, but the steady soundtrack of xe om drivers will soon bring you back to the Vietnamese reality.

It is not only the blissful beaches and glorious coastline that define Nha Trang. It also offers some of the best dining beyond Hanoi and Saigon, with a bounty from the sea and an array of international flavours. As the restaurants wind down, the nightlife cranks up – Nha Trang is a party town at heart, like any self-respecting resort should be. Forget the curfews of the capital; people play late in this town.

If cocktails and shooters aren’t your flavour, there are some more sedate activities on offer beyond the waters. Try an old-school spa treatment with a visit to a mudbath or explore centuries-old Cham towers still standing in the centre of town. Or throw culture to the wind and experience Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang’s attempt at Disneyworld. Nha Trang has something for everyone.

This part of the country has its very own microclimate and the rains tend to come from October until December, a time best avoided if you are into lazing on the beach or diving in crystal-clear waters.

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