Thứ Năm, 25 tháng 12, 2014

Khau Vai Love Market

Khau Vai commune, located in Meo Vac district, the northernmost province of Ha Giang, is home to ethnic minority groups of Giay, Nung and Muong. The love market festival is held on lunar March 26th and 27th with the participation of a large number of locals. The festival features food and drink culture, song performances and folk games. Ethnic costumes, jewelery, ethnic musical instruments, culture and art publications are on display at the market, reflecting activities of the local people.

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The primary Khau Vai Love Market

It can be said that the beauty & power of love is the basic factor to maintain the existence of Khau Vai love market for such a long time. In the market area, there are two temples called Ong and Ba (Mr and Mrs) temples. The story concerning these temples tells that, once upon a time, there was a boy and a girl born from two different places of the Dong Van Plateau. Since forbidden to get married by the two families, they, side by side, decided to leave home to come and settle down together in Khau Vai, a prosperous land with green plants. In honor of their merits in cultivating the wild land into a rich land, the local people built the two temples to worship them.

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Khau Vai Love Market
Khau Vai Love Market

Another local myth tells the story of a young couple from different tribes who fell in love with each other. The girls belonged to the Giay group and the boy to the Nung group. The girl was so beautiful that her tribe did not want to let her get married with any man from another tribes. Consequently, violent conflict arose between the two tribes. To stop the blood shedding, the two lovers sorrowfully decided to part. However, they planned to meet once a year on that day, lunar March 27th. The place where they used to meet is Khau Vai, which thereafter became a meeting place for all those in love.

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Since then, on every lunar March 27th, Khau Vai has attracted couples of different ages, including those who seek partners for the first time. Yet, most of them are those who love each other very much but cannot marry because of different reasons. On the day when the market session takes place, it is likely that both the wife and her husband together go to the market but they look for their own partners to share emotions. If one of them has to stay at home, he or she is not jealous because the dating at the marketplace is only a temporary feeling exchange, which has no negative influences on real life.

Activities

The first day of the market session is for the ceremony to turn into the new calendar period. On this day, at a selected hour, people take a bath and put on their best clothes in anticipation of the New Year. They bring incense, lamps, flowers and fruits to a pagoda where they join the great calendar-receiving ceremony. Then the official ceremony is carried out inside the sanctuary. After that, every participant prays to the Buddha and chant prayers for a happy new year. Young persons walk out to the pagoda yard and join in fun activities till late at night.

The second day is for the ceremony to offer boiled rice and heap up a sandy mountain. Every Khmer family cooks rice and offers it to Buddhist monks at the pagoda in early morning and at noon. In the afternoon, people start to heap up a sandy mountain for seeking happiness and luck. They make small mountains in eight directions and one in the middle reflects the universe. This custom originates from an age-old legend. It displays people’s aspirations for rain.

On the third day of the market, there comes the ceremony to wash the Buddha’s statue and Buddhist monks. In the afternoon, they burn incense, offer sacrifices and use scented water to wash the statue in order to pay tribute and gratitude to the Buddha. This is also to get rid of the old year’s misfortunes and wish all the best for the New Year. After that, people return to their house and wash the Buddha’s statue at home. They offer dishes, confectionery and fruits to ask for happiness for their parents and grandparents and being forgiven for their mistakes made in the previous year.

Thứ Hai, 8 tháng 12, 2014

Halong Bay Highlights

Halong Bay is made up of 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds of islands, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the southeast (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay), and the southwest (belonging to Halong Bay ). This densely concentrated zone of stone islands, world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, forms the central zone of Halong Bay tours, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Viewed from above, Halong Bay looks like an extremely vivid huge drawing. This is a wonderful and skilful masterpiece of the Creation and of nature that turns thousands of dumb soulless stone islands into fantastic sculptural and artistic works of various graceful shapes, both familiar and strange to human beings. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world. There are many names given to islands according to their shapes and forms. This one looks like somebody heading toward the shore: Hon Dau Nguoi (Human Head Island); that one looks like a dragon hovering above the sea surface: Hon Rong (Dragon Island); another looks like an old man sitting fishing: Hon La Vong; some look like big sails struggling amidst the wind to set off for the sea: Hon Canh Buom (Sail Island); then two islands look like a pair of chicken lovingly playing with each other above the sea: Hon Ga Troi (Fighting Cocks Island); and amid the vast sea stands an island like a big incense burner like a ritual offering to Heaven: Hon Lu Huong (Incense Burner Island). All are so real that people are taken aback by them. Those stone islands have experienced unpredictable changes over time and they take different shapes from different angles of view. Here, we come to realize that they are not dumb inanimate things but are vivid and soulful. Long ago, Halong Bay has been called by the great national poet Nguyen Trai: “a wonder of the earth erected towards the high sky”. Read more North Vietnam tours
Halong Bay Highlights
Halong Bay Highlights

Halong Bay has many links to the history of . For example, there are such famous geographical sites as Van Don (site of an ancient commercial port), Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems about emperors and other famous historical figures), and Bach Dang River (the location of two fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors).

It has been proven by scientists that Halong was one of the first cradles of human existence in the area at such archeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu, and Thoi Gieng. It is also a region of highly-concentrated biological diversity with many ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs, and tropical forests featuring thousands of species of animal and plant life.

With all this in mind, the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in on December 17th, 1994), officially recognized HalongBay as a natural heritage site of worldwide importance.

Thứ Tư, 26 tháng 11, 2014

Luon cave Halong Bay

Luon cave is located in the northeast of Bo Hon Island and more than 1km away from Sung Sot Cave. This is one of the most famous places in Halong Bay to travelers in recent years. In front of the grotto is Con Rua Islet, and the Sky Gate is on the right. Here the cliffs stretch vertically out of the pure blue and smooth water. Everything painted an amazing vivid picture.

If you love kayaking, you shouldn’t miss Luon Cave because of the round lake with emerald water hiding inside the cave. The lake is surrounded by luxuriant trees and high dangerous limestone walls. Thus, you can only get inside the cave via a natural gate with a lot of beautiful stalactites on the ceilings. That is also the reason why local people call this place as Luon Cave (means Tunnel Cave). The gate has 4-meter-wide, 100-meter-long, and about from 2.5 to 4-meter-high depending on the tide level. Looking at the arched entrance, you can easily realize that weathering process still occur here, water still drop off slowly from the stone.

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 After passing the pretty gate, you will see great scenery with cycads, ferns and benjamin’s fig trees shade the landscape and many orchids hang their sweet-scented flowers. If you're lucky, you will have chance to contemplate and take pictures of beautiful golden monkeys jigging up and down on the trees around the cliffs. Of courses, they are so lovely and friendly with tourists. Below the calm emerald water’s surface in lake, there is a vibrant life of many species like shrimp, fish, crab and cuttlefish, etc.
Luon cave Halong Bay
Luon cave Halong Bay

The size of mouth’s grotto isn’t enough for cruising. However, you can either reach easily the cave’ inside by kayak or by small boats rowed by local people and need to spend about 20 minutes for return route. You will be instructed to wear life jackets according to the provisions of Management’s Ha Long Bay in order to ensure tourist’s safety.

Luon Cave (Tunnel Cave) possesses beautiful scenery, great values of geology and paleontology so that we can do sightseeing or research, etc. It’s hard to find anywhere else in Ha Long Bay being as amazing as Luon cave which is the mingling of a number of factors: the mountain’s size and form, the color of the water and the clouds.

Thứ Ba, 18 tháng 11, 2014

Top 5 river cruises in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country of immense natural beauty and contrasting cultures. For those wanting to experience the real Vietnam and see Vietnamese daily life outside of the cities, a river cruise offers a pleasant sight seeing alternative. Whether it’s a luxurious cruise through the Mekong Delta, a foodie cruise on the Saigon River or a more peaceful journey meandering through one of the provinces, Vietnam’s rivers offer travellers a different cultural perspective and the chance for quiet contemplation.

Here are our top five river cruises in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s Mekong River
Huong River
Vietnam’s “Perfume River”, Huong River leads silently, gently, to Hue City, the capital of the Thua Thien-Hue province on the central coast of Vietnam. Travel the 22-kilometre river in a traditional dragon boat to see Vietnamese houses, gardens, pagodas and mausoleums. Along the way, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hon Chen Temple, Tu Duc Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb. Book a night cruise and enjoy dinner and live local Vietnamese music on board.
Top 5 river cruises in Vietnam
Top 5 river cruises in Vietnam

Ngo Dong River
A river with a different view, the 100-kilometre long Ngo Dong River in Vietnam’s Hoa Lu District, boasts three magnificent limestone caves. The first cave, Hang Ca, known as “the fish cave” is 127 metres in length, offering challenging climbing opportunities as well as hidden lagoons, accessible only by boat. As you emerge from the third cave, purchase a refreshing drink and a souvenir from a local seller in a sampan.

My Tho
Just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, in the Mekong Delta in Thien Giang province sits the ancient port of My Tho. The traditional gateway to the Mekong Delta, My Tho’s bustling waterfront is a fascinating insight into the region’s rich agricultural industry. As you cruise by My Tho you’ll see lush green rice fields and orchards. Take a smaller boat to Phoenix Island, Thoi Son Island and be sure to visit My Tho’s most popular attractions, Vinh Trang Pagoda and Dong Tan Snake Farm.

Vinh Long – Cai Be
Vietnam’s “Majestic Dragon”, Vinh Long is located between two arms of the grand Mekong, the Tien and Hau Rivers. Stop here on your way to Sa Dec to find one of the busiest floating markets in Vietnam, Cai Be, with its hundreds of hawkers in sampans, selling fresh produce, grown locally. Surrounded by silt-rich soil, the area features abundant rice fields orchards that can be seen via the smaller arroyos, or man-made canals. The local people’s daily lives here are built around the water and houses on stilts line the banks of the river.

Hau River
Vietnam’s Hau River is one of the great Mekong Delta’s tributaries. Experience the sights and sounds of Cai Rang, one of the largest and prettiest floating markets in Vietnam, which features sellers in sampans who offer fresh seasonal produce, agricultural goods and breakfast. The best of this river is to be discovered at sunrise. To get there, you’ll cruise just five kilometres from Ninh Kieu Quay in Can Tho.

Thứ Năm, 6 tháng 11, 2014

Halong cruise safety tips

Cruising on such a magnificent bay like Halong bay travel is undoubted a fantastic experience that you will never want it to be spoiled by any slight unfortunate accident. It is highly recommended to follow cruise ship safety instructions.

After boarding, the very first and basic thing that any reliable and responsive crew member would do is giving passengers a tour around the ship help you become familiar with escape routes and emergency exits. Crew member should also show you where to get life jackets and how to secure them properly. Please pay your fullest attention to this valuable instruction in case of emergency. In emergency situations, you will easily recognize by the evacuation signal (the most international standardized is seven short horn blasts followed with one long horn blast). 5 BEST CRUISES IN HALONG BAY
Halong cruise safety tips
Halong cruise safety tips

Even when your boat has signs of sinking, please remain calm and follow instructions of the crew members to take lifebuoy or life jacket and head to rescue boat to escape safely from the cruise. Jumping into the sea is only suggested when there are no crew members around. A QUICK LOOK ON HALONG BAY MAP

If an emergency arises, please keep calm and listen to important announcements such as instructions guiding you to the exits and evacuation lifeboats.

Leave your valuable items like necklaces, rings, accessories home or in a safe for security reason.

Watch out for strong wind while walking on decks, wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction, and never stay on the decks during a heavy rain or stormy weather.

Drink an acceptable amount. Although some luxury cruise ships offer high quality wines, drinking excessively can impair your judgment and lead you to unexpected incidents.

You can avoid catching illnesses and viruses by washing your hands frequently. It is also advisable to carry extra hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for better protection.

Although it is an interesting experience to cruise alone, try to form a group of 3 to 5 friends and families members so that you can take good care of each other.

Thứ Năm, 30 tháng 10, 2014

Cách phân biệt nhung hươu thật giả

Hàng quý tộc khó kiểm định

Đặc tính của hươu nai giong là chỉ con đực mới mọc sừng. Khi mới mọc, sừng non (thường gọi lộc nhung) có chiều dài khoảng từ 5-20cm, mềm, mặt ngoài phủ đầy lông tơ màu nâu nhạt, phía trong sừng có nhiều mạch máu. Theo ông Lê Tá, một chủ trang trại từng nuôi hươu nai khai thác lộc tại quận 12 (TPHCM) nay đã giải nghệ, nhung hươu đẹp nhất nặng từ 5-6 lạng (500-600gram). Một đời hươu đực trải qua 16-18 lần cắt nhung, mỗi năm cho nhung một lần.

Ông Tá tâm tình: Khi đi mua nhung huou nguyen chat, vì sợ lầm hàng, người sành điệu chỉ mua lộc khi họ được tận mắt chứng kiến cảnh cưa cắt mà thôi. Nhưng không phải ai cũng có kinh nghiệm, thời gian, tiền bạc, sức khỏe để lặn lội hàng chục, thậm chí hàng trăm kilômet đến các trang trại đặng chứng kiến tận mắt cảnh cắt cưa ấy. Điều này đồng nghĩa với việc nhiều người phải mua lộc nhung qua các mối trung gian. Tận dụng cơ hội đó, dân buôn lộc trời ơi thường gả những cặp lộc quá lứa cho khách với giá hàng xịn.

Theo các chuyên gia, lộc nhung tốt là loại mềm, chưa phân yên, nghĩa là khi dùng dao cắt sẽ thái được toàn bộ chứ không đụng xương tảng, không đứt (dấu hiệu chuyển sang sừng).
Cách phân biệt nhung hươu thật giả
Cách phân biệt nhung hươu thật giả


Lương y Đỗ Mạch, ở phố thuốc Hải Thượng Lãn Ông (Q.5, TPHCM) chỉ rõ cách nhận biết giá trị thực tế của lộc nhung hươu, nai. Hươu có lông đen mịn, có đốm, còn nai thì to hơn hươu, lông cứng hơn, có màu xám hoặc nâu. Mùa thu hoạch nhung hươu thường vào tháng 2-3 âm lịch, mùa nhung nai chậm hơn 1-2 tháng sau đó. Nhung nai có màu sẫm, lông nâu, to, nặng và rẻ hơn nhung hươu. Nếu như lộc nhung nai có giá khoảng 5 triệu đồng một kilôgam thì lộc nhung hươu có giá trị hơn, khoảng từ 6-7 triệu đồng. Vấn đề ở chỗ nếu không biết cách nhận biết đâu là nhung hươu, nai thì khách rất dễ bị luộc.

Lương y Mạch tiết lộ xảo thuật làm giả lộc nhung huou tuoi nai của phường gian thương: Bọn gian tạo hình lộc nhung bằng cách nhét tiết lợn cùng xương thỏ băm nhỏ vào da chó, da dê con rồi dùng một loại keo đặc biệt dán chặt. Để chắc ăn, tiếp đó họ sẽ bôi thêm phẩm đỏ hoặc phẩm có màu nâu nhạt đặng xóa vết dán. Thấy cặp nhung đỏ màu tươi rói, nhiều người lao vào mua và… dính đạn.

Lương y Mạch khẳng định: Đây chính là cội nguồn của hiện tượng nhiều con buôn không nuôi hươu nai nhưng nếu khách có nhu cầu bao nhiêu cặp lộc nhung thì họ sẵn sàng đáp ứng trong thời gian ngắn nhất. Do vậy nếu không trực tiếp thấy chủ trang trại cắt lộc thì đừng… xông trận.

Cẩn trọng kẻo mất mạng!

Qua nghiên cứu, cả Đông lẫn Tây y đều đi đến kết luận, lộc nhung có tác dụng giúp người bệnh ngủ ngon, giảm mệt mỏi, tăng sức đề kháng cho cơ thể, giúp vết thương chóng lành và nhất là có tác dụng tốt với các chứng bệnh như tim, nhược năng, bệnh thần kinh thực vật…

Để bán được hàng và bán được với giá cao, nhiều ông bà chủ trang trại hươu nai nhân kết luận đó mạnh miệng tuyên bố thêm, nam-phụ-lão-ấu ai dùng lộc nhung cũng tốt. Người có bệnh thì dùng chữa bệnh, không bệnh thì giúp bồi bổ sức khỏe, ngăn ngừa bệnh tật.

Lại có vị chủ trại cam đoan ai dùng lộc nhung do trang trại mình cung cấp sẽ có nước da láng mịn, mái tóc mượt mà, đàn bà sung mãn, đàn ông thăng hoa. Các chứng bệnh như vô sinh, lao phổ, viêm gan, xơ gan… cũng bị dược tính của lộc nhung đẩy lùi mà dứt tiệt.

Nói đến đây, lương y Mạch lắc đầu: Không chỉ đồn uống rượu ngâm lộc nhung không lo chưa đến chợ đã hết tiền, nhiều ông bà chủ còn tuyên bố chắc nịch uống rượu lộc nhung có sức bắn phá lung tung, bắn chỗ nào là dính con trai chỗ nấy. Một đồn mười, mười đồn trăm, vậy là hình thành trào lưu… nguy hại.

Như lương y Mạch, lương y Hoàng Linh ở nhà thuốc Vạn Xuân cho rằng, lộc nhung có vị ngọt, mặn, có công năng bổ tủy, trợ thận âm…, biết dùng rất tốt cho sức khỏe nhưng nếu lạm dụng sẽ phản tác dụng bởi không phải ai dùng cũng tốt, càng không phải là thuốc tiên chữa bách bệnh.

Lương y Linh cảnh báo: Nhung hươu là chất bổ âm, chỉ dùng tốt với người thận dương không đủ. Những người bị cao huyết áp, có hội chứng âm hư với biểu hiện người gầy, hay có cảm giác sốt về chiều, môi khô, miệng khát, đại tiện táo, tiểu tiện sẻn đỏ… tuyệt đối không được dùng lộc nhung. Người còn trẻ hoặc có sức khỏe bình thường khi dùng lộc nhung phải tiến hành theo dõi tình trạng sức khỏe. Nói chung mọi người không được tùy tiện dùng lộc nhung khi chưa có chỉ định hoặc tham khảo ý kiến của các lương y, bác sĩ. Đã có nhiều trường hợp tự ý sử dụng lộc nhung và sử dụng vô tội vạ dẫn đến hậu quả thương tâm: Toàn thân bị co giật, động huyết, ngực phát nóng, liên tục đổ mồ hôi trộm… để rồi khỏe đâu không thấy, chỉ thấy bệnh tình càng nặng thêm.

Squid fishing on Halong Bay

Night Squid fishing in Halong Bay at night is an interesting activity at which tourists can experience the feeling of being a fisherman. Tourists will have the instruction from local fishermen about how to fish a squid in the sea.
Squid fishing on Halong Bay
Night Squid fishing is the most interesting activity and wonderful pleasure of the night journey on Halong Bay. Tourists are provided with fishing rods and racquets so that they can actively use them to catch squids. Tourists must be excited to clearly see light-drunken shoals of squids lazily hovering around; and, step by step each squid is enticed and picked up, remaining totally fresh and striving convulsively. Especially, during the squid season, it would be common to see large shoals of squids surrounding the cruiser and each tourist may catch an average of 30 squids for each squid fishing night. Read more: Map Halong bay

The squids caught will be used to make dishes for tourists. This is also an ideal time to gaze Halong bay by night. The sea water surface is sparkling with reflected light from cruises anchored on the bay. Foreign tourists are extremely fond of boiled whole squids because when eating, they can enjoy the interesting feeling of ink line breaking out pitch-black in the mouth, splashing all over the face and taking pictures. The tourists eat while singing Karaoke and dancing. In alcohol yeast, everyone becomes enthusiasm and excited singers and dancers. visit North Vietnam tours

Thứ Năm, 23 tháng 10, 2014

Ba Hang and Cap La Fishing Village in Halong bay

Ba Hang Fishing Village in Halong bay

Ba Hang (Three) Caves is one of 4 fishing villages serving major tourist attractions in Halong Bay. Located in the region of well-known three caves, located next to thiencung (heaven) grotto, daugo grotto ... Visit Ba Hang Fishing Village in Halong bay with Halong bay cruise


with about 50 families...Ba Hang (Three) Caves is one of 4 fishing villages serving major tourist attractions in Halong Bay. Located in the region of well-known three caves, located next to thiencung (heaven) grotto, daugo grotto ... with about 50 families, Ba hang fishing village for tourists to visit, purchase and sale of marine, kayaking service... Read more:  
Paradise Cruise Halong bayIndochina Sails cruise Halong bay

Ba Hang Fishing Village in Halong bay
Ba Hang and Cap La Fishing Village in Halong bay


Cap La Fishing Village in Halong Bay

Cap La is one of the small fishing village (lying between Bai Tu Long & Halong Bay). There are 80 family holders with more than 200 people living in this village. They live by fishing. Children go to school until they are 12 years old, then they stop for working as fish man.

No national electricity system here. The local have to use the electricity generators. It is hard and expensive to buy clean water and petrol her.

Thứ Tư, 15 tháng 10, 2014

Where to shop in Halong

Shopping is one of the most popular activities when one travels. In Halong Bay, shopping is not about big malls with branded items. Expect a different shopping experience when you are in the area. The following places are a good  starting point: Halong bay cruise
Halong Market

Being constructed and officially operated in 2003, the new Halong Market is one of the most attractive destinations in the city that draw a huge number of local and international tourists coming for shopping. The market is located in the center of Halong City at Bach Dang Street, and considered the largest markets of this coastal city. Products which are exhibited and sold here are diverse in range from normal to luxurious goods and pretty competitive in price. Customers are easy to find anything here, from clothes, accessories, and electrical devices. Food and drinks are also sold in small restaurants in the market. Moreover, this is also one of the places that sell specialties of Halong City, such as dried squid or seafood, with most ensured quality and reasonable price. Halong Market opens all 7 days a week, from 6.00 am to 6.30 pm
Where to shop in Halong
Where to shop in Halong


For various tourists who visit to Halong City, Halong Night Market is a place that they should not miss out. The market is a group of more than a hundred stalls which sell diverse types of products, such as handicrafts, handmade accessories, clothes, and other dispensable items such as swimwear, lotion, or hat. Tourists tend to come to this place for purchasing unique products of the beach city like necklaces made from seashells, snails, wooden small boats, or T-shirt with images of Halong Bay on. And the great things is that sellers here are friendly with advance English skill, so that tourists should not be worry about bargaining, posing, and tourists can have a nice chat with them about this charming city. Halong Night Market opens 7 days a week, from 6.00pm until midnight

Bai Chay Commercial Center

Being established on the base of a minuscule market at Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay Commercial Center is one of the largest and most modern shopping center in Halong City. Products here are diverse from regular to deluxe goods, and price range is a little bit higher than other markets in the city. However, this extra money is paid for better services, as well as ensured quality of each product.

Thứ Năm, 9 tháng 10, 2014

What you will see on a cruise trip?

Most guests who visit Halong will spend either 1 or 2 night on a cruise or junk - this is without doubt the best way to enjoy the scenic landscape of the Bay. Each cruise tailor-makes their own itinerary but in general, you will get to see the major caves and most important grottos of the Bay. 2 day trip is rather cramped as you get only 1 day to spend on board and the rest of the time is spent on traveling back and forth from Hanoi. 3 day trip gives you a better opportunity to see more of the Bay and worth considering if you have time. Halong bay travel
2 days 1 night tour
On the first day, your cruise will start at noon and as the cruise sets sail, lunch will be served.
In the afternoon, you may have a chance to stop at several famous sites, such as Luon Cave, Đầu Người Island (Human Head Island), Con Rùa Island (Turtle Island), and Cổng Trời Island (Heaven Gate Island). At one of the stopping points, tourists may also take part in exciting kayaking or swimming activity. However, there might be a small additional fee depending on the tour package you register for. V'spirit crusie Halong
Coming back to the ship after a long day, tourists would be welcomed by more relaxing activities like massage, Jacuzzi (for luxury cruise), and a delicious dinner on board. Many cruises also organize cooking demonstration where you will learn to make Vietnamese food. Some cruises offer tourists outdoor BBQ party on the sundeck, which is a great way to spend time with friends and families. After that, you may choose to stay at the bar with lots of qualified wines, playing cards with friends, watching TV, or trying your luck with squid fishing.
What you will see on a cruise trip?
What you will see on a cruise trip?

When you wake up the next morning, your breakfast is ready to serve with an early morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck to get yourself into the flow of the nature. On the second day, you are scheduled to visit more famous tourist attraction, such as Titop Island or Sung Sot Grotto (Surprise Cave). The whole trip ends by a tour back to the harbor after that, so don’t forget to take some nice pictures of the bay on the way. travel to Vietnam
3 days 2 nights tour
Much similar to the previous itinerary, your cruise trip starts with a brief session about the itinerary and safety instructions on boat. The tour usually starts from 11:00am – 12:00am, so that you can have a tasty lunch while observing the stunning landscape of Halong Bay.
The cruise continues going around the bay until you reach a tourist spot, usually a famous beach or limestone cave such as Titop Island, Con Rùa Island (Turtle Island), or Cổng Trời Island (Heaven Gate Island), then anchors for the night there. You will get enough time to enjoy water sports and activities like snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking in the green water of the bay. Depending on your cruise, you might enjoy BBQ party on beach, sundeck, or in the on-board restaurant.
On the next day, the journey starts with Tai Chi class in the early morning and breakfast. You have the whole morning to visit other attractions of the bay, and most cruises will transfer you to a smaller day boat so that you can go down the more narrow path of the Bay. You can spend the rest of the day with your friends and family exploring the sea. A delicious dinner is ready anytime when you come back.
For the thirday, you will often get to see Surprise Cave after breakfast. Brunch will be served as the cruise slowly heads back to the harbour.

Thứ Ba, 23 tháng 9, 2014

Travel to Ben Tre

Travel to Ben Tre
Travel to Ben Tre
Ben Tre, the capital of the same-named province, is made up of three main islands wedged between the Tien Giang River to the north and to Co Chien River to the south with the Ham Luong River running straight down the centre. All are effectively offshoots of the Mekong River cruise as it splits out into many fingers before spilling out into the South China Sea. 

Famous for its coconut desserts, the province is suitably covered in coconut trees. During the war these coconut trees were used to make coconut oil which was then used as a valuable substitute for kerosene. Verdant and flat, the province is mostly given over to rice and fruit cultivation, though being an island province, fishing is another mainstay of the local economy. Traditional Mekong life is the norm here and it's a very unadulterated scene -- wandering the market, sipping the coffee, doing a boat trip and skipping through the local museum are the main pastimes. Read more: Travel to Vietnam

As far as exploring the Delta is concerned, Ben Tre is a dead-end province. Once you've experienced all the province has to offer, unless you have your own transport, you'll need to turn around and head back through My Tho to get any further into the Delta. Read more: Treasure junk Halong

This isn't to suggest Ben Tre isn't worth visiting -- it is. For starters you can do boat trips from here for less than at My Tho and, with its large network of minor canals, there's a lot of scope for riverine exploration. There's also a small museum and a pleasing riverfront worth investigating.

First things first -- Ben Tre town is clean -- it's as if somewhere between the bridge to My Tho and downtown you pass through a cleanliness vortex -- the roads are spotless, the pavements are tiled and smooth and there's little refuse -- even in the market.

If you're on a budget, Ben Tre is a far better base than My Tho -- it's a pleasant enough place, with a small town charm, that makes it an allround reasonable spot for those with enough time on their hands to dawdle slowly through the Delta. 

If you do have your own transport, Ben Tre is a good one for just hoping on the bike and going for a ride. Grand and flat with plenty of rice fields to go around, this is a very beautiful pocket of the Delta. Even by Mekong Delta standards, Ben Tre stands out for its verdant beauty, with rice cultivation going on all over the place. From Ben Tre town, cross the river and head east and - just - keep - going. The further you go the prettier it gets and the roads are pretty good and little trafficked. While you'll need a motorbike to get far, even the immediate surrounds are worth exploring by bicycle. The Oasis hires bicycles by the day and the Hung Vuong rents motorbikes should you need your own transport.

Thứ Tư, 17 tháng 9, 2014

Bảo vệ mái tóc khi ngồi điều hòa

Mái tóc thường khô xơ và không bóng đẹp nếu bạn thường xuyên ở trong phòng máy lạnh. Hãy chọn chỗ ngồi tránh nơi dieu hoa nhiet do thổi trực tiếp vào tóc, không để nhiệt độ quá chênh lệch với ngoài trời...
Để tóc luôn khỏe đẹp khi thường xuyên phải ngồi trong phòng điều hòa LG, bạn nên chú ý những điểm sau:

- Không nên bước vào phòng điều hòa ngay khi vừa từ ngoài nắng nóng vào. Nguyên nhân là nhiệt độ thay đổi đột ngột, mồ hôi sẽ bốc hơi nhanh chóng gây khô tóc, làm cơ thể hạ nhiệt nhanh dẫn đến rối loạn điều hòa nhiệt.

- Nên để nhiệt độ trong phòng và ngoài trời chênh nhau tối đa 8 độ. Không nên ngồi ở chỗ điều hòa thổi trực tiếp vào.

- Tránh ngồi trong phòng điều hòa khi tóc ướt vì lúc này tóc thường yếu hơn, lượng nước bị mất đi đột ngột sẽ khiến tóc của chúng ta dễ bị tổn thương hơn.

- Không nên ở trong phòng điều hòa liên tục quá 4 giờ liên tục.

- Nên có bình hơi xịt nước để thỉnh thoảng xịt cho tóc. Chú ý không phun nhiều, tóc sẽ bị bết.

- Ra ngoài đường nên thoa kem chống nắng và đội mũ cẩn thận để tránh tóc bị gãy, khô, chẻ ngọn.

- Nếu tóc bạn thường xuyên tiếp xúc với dieu hoa Funiki chinh hang, không nên sử dụng máy sấy nhiều. Nếu trong trường hợp khẩn cấp, bạn có thể sấy tóc ở chế độ mát. Nếu bắt buộc phải thường xuyên thay đổi kiểu tóc thì bạn nên dùng loại kem bảo vệ đặc biệt. Hạn chế sử dụng hóa chất với tóc như ép, nhuộm, uốn xoăn.

Gội đầu và dưỡng tóc

Nên chọn những loại dầu gội đầu dầu bảo vệ tóc chống ôxy hóa chứa nhiều vitamin E để chống lại các gốc tự do gây lão hóa tóc.

Với những người thường xuyên ngồi phòng điều hòa midea, việc gội đầu và dưỡng tóc rất quan trọng. Nên dùng dầu xả mỗi khi gội đầu để tăng cường dưỡng chất và độ ẩm cho tóc. Không nên thoa kem xả khô ở phần chân tóc, sẽ làm tóc nhanh bẩn.

Đặc biệt, các bạn hãy sử dụng các loại mặt nạ từ thiên nhiên cho tóc như mặt nạ bơ, đu đủ, chanh hoặc mật ong… Nó có thể giúp tóc phục hồi hư tổn, tăng cường sức sống, độ chắc khỏe và bóng mượt.
Bảo vệ mái tóc khi ngồi điều hòa
Bảo vệ mái tóc khi ngồi điều hòa


Tăng độ ẩm trong phòng

Việc thường xuyên ngồi trong phòng điều hòa sẽ khiến mái tóc mất đi độ bóng mượt và sức sống tươi trẻ vốn có. Nguyên nhân do không khí trong phòng điều hòa thường khô hơn, khiến tóc mất đi độ ẩm cần thiết.

Để tăng cường độ ẩm trong phòng và hạn chế sự khô xơ của tóc, bạn có thể đặt một chậu nước trong phòng mỗi khi bật điều hòa. Cách làm này tuy đơn giản nhưng nó có tác dụng rất hiệu quả trong việc tăng cường độ ẩm và giúp hạn chế hư tổn mái tóc khi ở lâu trong phòng điều hòa.

Uống đủ nước

Thông thường, cơ thể một người cần được cung cấp 2-2,5 lít nước mỗi ngày. Tuy nhiên, khi ngồi trong phòng điều hòa, lượng nước trong cơ thể bị “bốc hơi” nhanh hơn. Vì thế, bạn cần tăng cường uống nước.

Ngoài việc uống nước lọc, bạn cũng có thể sử dụng các loại nước trái cây tươi, nhất là nước cam để thay thế. Đây không chỉ là nguồn cung cấp nước, cam còn bổ sung rất nhiều vitamin và khoáng chất cho cơ thể.

Thứ Hai, 15 tháng 9, 2014

Go kayaking in Halong Bay

ACTIVITIES
The Gulf of Tonkin is the perfect place to experience a wide range of activities, from biking to kayaking, from swimming to squid fishing. Whichever activity you choose you will be surrounded by some of the most dramatic and exciting sceneries, heightening your sense of adventure.

Kayaking while on a Halong Bay cruise

halong bay boat - kayaking
Go kayaking in Halong Bay

This is not only a healthy sporting activity but also one of the best and easiest ways to explore the magnificent caves, lagoons and World Heritage sights of Halong Bay; as well as the more unspoilt, neighboring bays of Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long. Famous for its thousands of islands and islets spread throughout the wide bays, our small kayaks for 1-2 (and even 3) people are not only easy to control and great exercise but also offer a fresh and interesting perspective on the delightful scenery surrounding you.

Biking on Cat Ba Island

Go biking in Cat Ba National Park

Taking a leisurely bike ride through the scenic landscape of Cat Ba National Park is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful island. Cat Ba is the largest island in the Gulf of Tonkin. Indeed, the Lonely Planet described Cat Ba as being ‘rugged, craggy and jungle-clad, it is straight out of Jurassic Park’.

Swimming in pristine beaches in Halong Bay

halong bay boat - swimming
Swimming in Vung Ha beach


‘Really nice and refreshing’ is how passengers often describe wallowing in the placid waters of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Indeed, this is an experience not to be missed. Whether you choose to swim or snorkel, The Au Co cruise Halong bay staff are always on hand to ensure your safety and make sure you have an enjoyable time in the cool, dark waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Squid fishing

halong bay boat - fishing
Go fishing

Sleepless in Halong? We have the cure! As night falls, The Au Co’s staff will hand out fishing rods and guide you in this interesting pastime, which could easily occupy an entire evening. Be patient, focus, and soon, with a flick of the wrist, you can celebrate your very first catch! And of course, your ‘reward’ is to see the fruits of your labor turned into one of many inspired dishes by The Au Co’s team of chefs. This experience will make your cruise in Vietnam unforgettable.
WELLNESS
Cruising aboard The Au Co you are likely to experience a sense of calm and well-being. But to make sure we have also added spa and jacuzzi facilities, for those simply seeking relaxation, or those wishing to unwind after a day packed with adventurous activities. Read more:
Paloma Cruise Halong bayBai Tho cruise Halong bay

Go kayaking in Halong Bay
Go kayaking in Halong Bay
Spa

vietnam cruises - jacuzzi
Relax with spa service onboard

For complete stress relief, why not pamper yourself with a therapeutic massage either in the tranquility of the Spa room or in the open-air Spa area – drifting off into bliss as the cruise drifts along. A visit of Halong Bay by boat wouldn't be complete without a spa centre.

Jacuzzi

vietnam cruises - wellness
Open jacuzzi with panoramic view of Halong Bay

After an exciting day of adventurous activities and cultural excursions what better way to relax and unwind than in The Au Co’s open-air Jacuzzi. Feel any aches and pains drift away as you sip a cocktail while taking in the fantastic views of the seascape as you voyage at sunset. What defines better a luxury cruise than spending some time in a Jacuzzi while cruising in Halong Bay.

Thứ Sáu, 5 tháng 9, 2014

Halong Alova Gold Cruise review

Halong Alova Gold Cruise are featured tour services of Go Asia Travel providing overnight cruise for Halong Bay Visitor. 
Alova Cruise – a Vessel consists of 9 luxury cabins decorated in classic Asian style is the best choice for discovering Halong bay .Being launched in Nov.2011, Alova Gold Cruise was designed and built for the couple; family and small group with the most convenient itinerary, comfortable restaurant, luxuriant room as well as exciting bar. Besides, with professional, skilled staff and a Dutch manager, we commit to satisfy all the guests even the strictest ones! Package tours can be in two or three days depart from Hanoi at 8. A.m or from Halong bay tourist wharf at 12.P.m.  Read more: 
Calypso Cruise Halong bayImage Cruise Halong bay
Halong Alova Gold Cruise review
Halong Alova Gold Cruise review

On Alova Gold Cruise you can get:
- Luxury cabin with Air con, en-suite Bathroom, Hairdryer and slippers
- Kayaking and Swimming equipment
- Welcome drinks
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- English speaking guide
- Meals on board: (lunch, dinner and breakfast) – Complimentary bottled water
- Cooking demonstrations
- Visiting fishing village by tender
- Dining Room and Sundeck
- Entertainment Activities and Bar Happy Hour
- Safety Facilities and First-Aid Equipment
Harmonious Asian style! That’s is the way we create an unconventional sail in order to bring a world of most comfort and romance for all the tourists – who are indeed luckily to have the chance coming to one of the most unique & spectacular beauty of the world –  naming Vietnam’s  Halong Bay!
The cabins are designed and fitted domestic & international standards, characterizing by wooden décor with high – large windows that allow opening the further view around the bay. The bedrooms are designed with luxuriant fine caved patens taking care of your sleep.
  
Cabin Amenities
- Individually controlled Air-Conditioning Wardrobe
- Hot and Cold Shower Complimentary Bottled Water
- Toilet Slippers
- Toiletries Fire Extinguisher
 
Sundeck
The sundeck with universal space & pure atmosphere will surely impress the strictest ones!
With fine architecture of the harmonious combination dotted with green trees together with scientific arrangement as
+ The room under the roof focuses on aesthetic with fresh air & buoyant weather and is a reasonable place for relaxing & drinking
+ The outdoor space is full of sunshine & sea wind becoming inevitable part for sunbathing & reading.
To snap a series of great pictures - Just a kick! The entire Halong Bay immediately appears in your eyes. You can enjoy an exotic cocktail or take a look over the mild beauty of heaven mixed with yeast creating a new source of your inspiration.

Thứ Hai, 1 tháng 9, 2014

Why join Pelican cruises in Halong bay?

Offering a 4-stars cruise experience Cruises in Halong Bay. Our 2 Cruises fleet will take you for an unforgettable discovery Halong Bay cruises, offering the best program for visiting and enjoying the bay’s natural wonders. Pelican 1 will operate since early 2012, while Pelican 2 and 3 will be launched later in 2012 and 2013.With three similar boats providing 22 double cabins, ranging from 16m2 to wider suites, our fleet’s outstanding settings will be yours for the whole length of your stay on board, and our friendly and well trained crew will answer each of your requests to make your stay on board a warm experience. Our restaurant is opened to serve you from breakfast to lunch and dinner, in a mix of Western and Vietnamese fine cooking, while the wide upper sundeck allows you to contemplate sunset while sipping an aperitif. State-of-the art security conditions are our guaranty for an unforgettable journey. Read more: Dragon Pearl Junk cruise HalongHuong Hai Sealife cruise Halong
Why join Pelican cruises in Halong bay?
Why join Pelican cruises in Halong bay?

Why join Pelican cruises in Halong bay?
A new cruising art in Halong Bay operated in early 2012 offers 4star luxury travel service. 02 Royal double cabins, 20 Deluxe cabin will provide luxury accommodation for travelers to Halong bay: All with a wide bow-window, a private balcony, wooden floor, hand-made furniture, private air-conditioning and in-house telephone, safety box, and well appointed private bathroom with deluxe amenities too.
Pelican Cruise Halong facilities:
Private bathroom with hot water
hair-dryer
Individually controlled air-conditioning
large sundeck with comfortable lounging furniture
Mini bar
Complimentary drinking water
State-of-the-art security devices
Food, drink & spa:
Multi-choises of drinks.
Local seafood.
Vietnamese traditonal spa.
Activities on Halong bay tours
Swimming, Kayaking
Cave discovery.
beach relax.
Trekking.