A traveller’s guide to visiting Hoi An, Vietnam

 

Are you planning a Vietnam travel this summer? Looking for an R&R at one of the most laidback, yet charming towns in Central Vietnam? Then, get going and apply for your visa. Check out with the leading visa service firm in Vietnam to learn more about the visa application process. While a Vietnam holiday can pack in diverse travel itineraries, from adventure activities to historical and cultural tours; visa certainly takes centre stage in Vietnam.

You can tie-up your Ho An visit to Da Nang, as Hoi An is less than an hour’s drive from Da Nang. Plan your Hoi An travel at the time of the Full-Moon Festival, held on the fourteenth day of every lunar calendar. The town comes to a standstill, with traditional programs and festivities taking over.

Hoi An is an ancient heritage port-city dating back to the 15th century. It was once a thriving trading confluence between China and India. Subsequent influences of Japanese and European cultures, have rendered this town a melting pot of cultures, distinctive architectural styles and cuisine.

 

Hoi An –The UNESCO Heritage site in Central Vietnam

 

Hoi An is a traditional seaport located in Vietnam’s central Quang Nam Province, near the mouth of the Thu Bon River. The sea town truly reflects the glorious maritime heritage of Vietnam. As the words “Hoi An” suggest, this port was once the "peaceful meeting place” of seafarers and traders trading in silk and spices along the sea route. The town has witnessed centuries of Chinese, Japanese and European influences; visible in the carefully preserved architecture and ethos of the town. As a remarkable heritage site, Hoi An is a unique blend of indigenous and foreign cultures, that has evolved to embrace tourism while retaining its authentic flavour.

 

When to go

 

Hoi An lies in the central coast, and is dry and sunny from February to July. October is usually the time of riverside flooding. February and April, are popular tourist months when rainfall is low and temperatures mild.

 

What to see

 

What Hoi An lacks in the high-octane attractions of other Vietnam locations, it makes up with its historical setting and traditional structures that are a throwback to a rich heritage.

Some of the Chinese merchant homes of Hoi An are centuries old, with wooden facades and glazed roof tiles decorated with dragons. The town’s old-world charm springs to life in the evenings, when all houses and shops dangle lanterns at their frontage. The silted river may have stopped sea trading activity for long, but the town now teems with tourists who venture into central Vietnam for this quaint historic site.

The Tan Ky House is a must-visit for beautiful, period architecture with Japanese and Chinese designs. The Phung Hung Old House is another historic building withdelicate \ wall hangings, embroidery and lanterns. The Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation islike a fertility temple for the worshippers. TheAssembly Hall of the Hainan Chinese Congregation is a former congregation hall of seafaring merchants, with beautiful ornate gilded wood carving showcasing early Chinese court life.

Hoi An has plenty of museums that feature on every traveller itinerary. They are unique, as they offer a window into the ancient history of Vietnam, its early settlements; as well as the interactions of Hoi An with other countries in the medieval period. The Museum of History and Culture houses original relics from the historical dynasties of Vietnam. The Hoi An Folklore Museum contains artefacts that showcase the culture and life of communities indigenous to Hoi An region. The Museum of Trade is an amazing storehouse of period items of Persia, China, Thailand, India and other countries with which Vietnam once carried a flourishing trade. The Museum of Sa Huynh Culture displays artefacts from the Sa Huynh people, the original settlers of Hoi An site more than 2000 years ago. The Precious Heritage Museum exhibits photographs and art works collected by Réhahn, the famous French travel photographer who settled at Hoi An in 2011.

The wooden Japanese Bridge at Hoi An is its iconic landmark. It dates back to the 18th century, and has a pagoda with typical Japanese ornamental designs. The entrances are flanked by a pair of monkeys and a pair of dogs, with various stories themed around the Chinese year of the monkey and the dog.

There are other places to go from Hoi An.  You can take the winding roads to the Cua Dai Beach or the sampan boat to an island on the Thu Bon River. Much different from your usual river cruise, these Chinese boat tours are more traditional ways to travel to the estuarine islands and outlying craft villages.

 

What to do

 

River activities - The Thu Bon River provides plenty of activities and sight-seeing opportunities. From kayaking to boat tours and motorboat rides; navigate the river to witness the local culture, visit farming communities and soak in the scenic riverfront views.

Sample local cuisine - The local cuisine is an amazing fusion of cultural influences. Discover the pleasure of street barbeques at cheap prices, try platters of the local bun đau mam tom, or take a culinary class to learn how to cook the local cao lau, a typical signature dish of Hoi An.

Relax at any of the riverfront bars with ice-cold brews of the bia hoi, and watch boats sailing past in a laid back historical setting,

Go shopping - Carry home a Vietnamese lantern or a bespoke suit. Hoi An has plenty of tailor shops that will fit you out in custom-made clothes in no time. Visit the Hoi An Night Market for handicrafts and other takeaways. Sample street food like the banh xeo and banh mi, or hop over to a restaurant in the neighbourhood.

 

Vietnam Travel and Visa Friday, May 11th, 2018 - 10:34 AM

 

 

Vietnam Travel and Visa 

Vietnam is one of those countries that remains abuzz with visitors all throughout the year. It is an outstanding travel destination with its tranquil village life and enchanting natural beauty. This country has 3 distinct areas- north, south, and central - with each having countless picturesque tourist spots. There are fun and excitement to be had throughout the tour, and you can engage yourself in an array of entertaining activities such as a boat trip on the Mekong Delta, cycling in various parts of the country, elephant riding near Da Lat at Tuyen Lam Lake, horse riding on the Vietnamese Hmong Horse, kayaking on Ha Long Bay, and swimming in the public swimming pools, lakes, beaches, and streams. A trip to Vietnam will allow you to experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Sun-kissed beaches, pristine waters, hospitable people, and wonderful scenery await you.

A Land of Compelling Destinations

Vietnam is astonishingly mysterious, utterly beautiful, and home to some compelling destinations. It has a travel friendly setup and largely depends on the tourism industry economically. So, lets delve further into the confines of this country and see why people from across the world are gaga about it. What is it about Vietnam that grabs people’s attention to explore this country? Let’s find the answer to this question.

1. Ho Chi Minh - This city introduces Vietnam at its best. Located beside the beautiful Saigon River, this is the biggest and most exciting city in the country. Full of commerce and culture, it is always buzzing with energy.

2. Hanoi - This is a highly developing city which served as the capital of Vietnam for more than a thousand years. Hanoi is a mesmerizing Indochinese colonial city which boasts French-era villas, heritage monuments, dynastic temples, lakes, and pagodas.

3. Mui Ne - Located at the end of a 4-hour train ride from the HCMC, this is the driest area in Southeast Asia. Here, you can do some quad biking, kite surfing, and windsurfing. Do not miss the sunrise over the dunes!

4. Nha Trang - This is an immensely popular beachside destination in Vietnam where you can go diving or relax at the beachside. Do not miss the mud baths and Thap Ba Hot Springs which are just 2 miles away from the city. It is a busy place with an urban feel.

5. Mekong Delta - Here, the Mekong River flows into the sea. You can visit Can Tho, affectionately called the “rice bowl,” to get a taste of the rural life in the biggest city in the area.

6. Hue - Also known as Vietnam’s Imperial City, this was the location of the national capital between 1802-1945. One of the key attractions here is the citadel which is enclosed with thick stone walls and a moat.

7. Ha Long Bay - Your trip to Vietnam will be incomplete if you do not visit Ha Long Bay, which is often a pinnacle in the Vietnam experience. You will find a couple of opportunities for recreation and leisure in the chartreuse waters.

8. Sapa - Called a lost paradise, this place is isolated from the remaining parts of the country. Sapa is popular for its green slopes, rice fields, and a lovely waterfall.

These are the top 8 destinations that pull tourists to Vietnam from across the world. This list, however, includes much more.

Foodies Rejoice

Vietnam is quite popular for its mouth-watering and delicious cuisines, and the people are modest about their food which is delectable, spicy, and appetizing. Notably, the food is served with an abundance of herbs. Plates are piled high with fresh herbs such as mint, coriander, and Thai basil amid others that accompany everything from spring rolls to soups. The best place to try some local Vietnamese food is the stalls placed along the sidewalk. Be it bun cha or noodle soups, the street food is just amazing. The food in Vietnam is not only about spring rolls and pho but varies by region. Here, fresh vegetables continue dominating the tables, and poultry and meat are also gaining popularity. Deep-fried snake dishes, fermented scorpion wine, and fertilized duck eggs, this country is synonymous with food that raises the hairs on visitors’ arms. Sipping a cup of iced coffee with condensed milk or black coffee while watching the natural beauty is an unforgettable experience.

Apart from tourist attractions and food, there are many other factors that make Vietnam a highly sought-after tourist destination. It has beautiful city parks, friendly people, good weather, not too congested and polluted, has an amazing countryside, active nightlife, a myriad of accommodation options, breath-taking landscape, beautiful caves, colourful traditional festivals, and easy access to different parts of the country. So, if you decided to visit Vietnam, apply for your visa right away.

Getting a Visa to Vietnam

If you apply for a tourist visa for Vietnam, you will have to submit the following documents:

• Entry permit form

• Original passport

• Two photos

• Visa fee

Note: The fee and the form vary depending on the country you are applying from.

For a business visa, you need to submit the documents mentioned above along with a letter of support either from your company or your sponsor agency in Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival

Here, you have another choice in hand. If you wish to get a visa on arrival, apply online for an approved letter and collect the visa from the Vietnam airport.

If you want to apply for a visa to Vietnam, get in touch with us at Vietnam Immigration and see how we make the process simple and easy for you. All you need to do is click on our Apply Visa page and fill in the required details, and within just 2 working days we will start processing the request. We are a pioneer in this domain and will make your dream come true with our years of expertise and cutting-edge solutions. Hurry and contact us now. Vietnam is calling!!!

 

All That You Should Know Before Visiting Vietnam Thursday, May 10th, 2018 - 2:16 PM

 

 

All That You Should Know Before Visiting Vietnam

 

If you have any plans to travel to the beautiful country of Vietnam, then this article is just for you. We will share with our travel experiences the best places to visit and most sumptuous food to try in Vietnam. Also, we will demystify some facts about the most important thing before planning a trip to Vietnam, i.e., the Vietnam visa process and how can you manage to get a Vietnam visa easily.

 

Best Places To Visit in Vietnam

 

Once you are done with the Vietnam visa process and ready to enter the beautiful country of Vietnam, you have a long list of amazingly beautiful places to visit. Vietnam offers plenty of attractions for you to make the most of your vacations. A soothing, relaxing and beautiful country, Vietnam has a lot in store for everybody. With so many mesmerizing places in Vietnam like Hanoi, Ho Chi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh, etc., you are sure to carry with you memories for a lifetime.

Starting with the capital city of Hanoi, a hustling bustling city of Hanoi has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing places, great food, and a great travel experience. The best time to make a trip to Vietnam is in the months of February, March, and April. As the Vietnam visa process is pretty simple, there won’t be any long waiting line. The weather during these months is pleasant and sunny, but not so warm that it hinders your travel plans. Usually, people go for a 4-5 days tour to the beautiful city of Hanoi and Saigon. One can see the beauty of the city by taking sightseeing tours all around the city and having delectable Vietnamese cuisine. The best thing to do in Vietnam is to meet the locals there. The native people of Vietnam are very hospitable and give you a warm welcome. They are generally sweet to the visitors and are known for their hospitality around the world. Ho Chi Minh City, which also goes by the name of Saigon is known as the financial hub of the city and has delicious food to offer. The city also has an international airport if you are here just for business. It also hosts a huge and highly famous museum known as the Ho chi museum. So, if you are a history aficionado, this museum is a must visit for you.

Another very famous place to go in Vietnam would be the Ha Long Bay. Trust us; if you are paying a visit to this country, this is one place you surely would not want to miss. Again, the best time to go here would be in the months of February, March, and April when it is sunny but no scorching sun to exhaust you. The picturesque views of this place can amaze people for a lifetime. The beautiful sunset on the emerald waters of the bay is the best attraction of this place. The view of the rainforests, islets, and limestone islands are exquisite. Here, you can indulge in some of the adventure activities as Ha Long Bay offers scuba diving and other water adventure sports.

 

Vietnamese Food

 

It is without a doubt that Vietnam is a gourmand's paradise and a food connoisseur's delight. The wide range of Vietnamese dishes is a delectable treat and is bound to leave you mesmerized and happy. Some of the very famous dishes that everyone must try are: -

Goi Cuon is one such famous dish. It is essentially translucent spring roll having veggies inside it and is served with some delicious sauce.

Banh mi is another favorite among tourists. It is a baguette sandwich which has veggies and freshly cooked omelet inside it.

These are just a few of the many scrumptious dishes which you can savor while you are here.

 

Vietnam Visa Process: How To Get Vietnam Visa

 

The authorities of the country are very particular about Vietnam visa process. There are two ways of getting the Vietnam visa: One is by getting it from the embassy from your home country, and another one is to get Vietnam visa on arrival as you land in the country. Getting the visa on arrival is easier, saves time and is hassle-free. Although there are scores of tourists who go through the Vietnam visa process by filling out the permit form, one would need to provide the embassy with his personal details and complete all the formalities in order to get the Vietnam visa.

Because of the various benefits, most of the people visiting Vietnam are going for visa on arrival. Vietnam visa on arrival is no less than a boon for the business executives who are always on the run, traveling from one place to another.

Let us guide you as to how to get Vietnam visa on arrival. The Visa on Arrival in Vietnam is issued by the local agents or issuing authorities. The process is that you first need to apply for the Vietnam visa through your agent. After that, you would need to fill out the form, give your details, and do the payment. After the embassy gives you the approval to travel, you receive an approval letter.  You will need to carry this letter with yourself as you land at the airport. It is a time-saving way to clear the Vietnam visa process and is the modern trend among the tourists these days!

At www.vietnam-immigration.org, we give you solutions to how to get Vietnam visa and name the Vietnam visa process a whole lot simpler, saving you from the hassle. We are known to provide seamless visa on arrival process to our customers from around the world. So, if you are a tourist who wants to visit Vietnam and is looking to get a Vietnam visa without any hassle, Vietnam-immigration.org is the company you go with. Feel free to contact us to know more about our services. We would be happy to assist you!

 

A traveller’s guide to visiting Da Nang Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 - 2:39 PM

A traveller’s guide to visiting Da Nang

Travelling to Vietnam for an R&R or honeymooning? Then make Da Nang your destination en route to Hoi An. It is the port-city of Vietnam, with the most modern feel, and relatively unspoilt by the tourists flocking to Vietnam of recent.

However, make sure to check out your visa requirements. Although Vietnam has opened up many countries to the visa-on-arrival, it makes for good travel sense to apply for your e-visa through a reliable visa service provider, and insulate yourself from the hassles of visa.

Although Da Nang weather is quite mild, there are months of very hot and dry weather as well as extremely wet months. So the best time to visit Da Nang is February to May, when you can avoid the heat as well as the rains.

Da Nang – a city of festivals

There is more to Da Nang than luxurious holiday resorts and golf courses. It hosts festivals almost throughout the year. Some are traditional and some, new and hip.

The Cau Ngu Festival, also referred to as the Whale festival is held in the month of January, to worship the whales and honour the fishing community. The Hoa Village Festival is another community event, filled with fun and frolic.  This is followed by the Quan Yin Festival in February where Buddhist rituals are accompanied by carnivals. The An Hai Village Festival held in August has its roots in local traditions.

The best way to know Vietnam is through its festivals, that honour spirituality, culture, traditions, local dance and music.

Da Nang’s efforts at modernisation have moved beyond the infrastructure and tourist amenities to festivals. In February, Da Nang hosts an International Fireworks Competition, while in August it holds the Beach Festival with water sports, fetes and music drawing the crowds. Now it has even begun the tradition of a Street Festival showcasing Vietnamese music talent on the last Saturday on every month, held on the Tran Hung Dao Street.

What to see

Linh Ung Pagoda – This is the largest Buddhist Pagoda, known equally for the beautiful temple complex as much as for the 67 m high statue of Lady Buddha. It is believed that the tall white statue of the Goddess of Mercy towering over the sea looks after the well being of the fishermen community venturing out in the seas every day.

Dragon Bridge – Considered world’s largest dragon bridge, it is a 166-meter-long steel bridge connecting Da Nang with its beaches. What’s remarkable is the shape of the arch resembling the dragon that is part of Vietnamese legends. Lit by more than 2,500 energy lights, the dragon releases bursts of fire and spits water during festivals or at weekends, and is an amazing must-see spectacle.

Phap Lam Pagoda – ThisBuddhist temple has three huge Buddha statues and is another of Da Nang’s attractions.

Danang Cathedral – Also known as the Con Ga Church /Rooster Church for the iconic weathercock on top, this is an amazing candy-pink architecture built during the French occupation.

Museums in Da Nang

Da Nang is known for its many museums. Visitors, who want to understand Vietnamese history and folk traditions, must make time to visit some of these museums

The Da Nang Fine Arts Museum showcases Da Nang’s history as well as the culture of local ethnicities. Ho Chi Minh & Zone 5 is another Military Museum that Vietnam is proud of, as it resonates with stories of Vietnam’s freedom struggle. The Buddhist Culture Museum is one-of-its-kind, housing Buddha statues of precious stones and other Buddhist relics from the past. The Dong Dinh Museum is a beautiful cultural address with an amazing art and antique collection located in a unique and beautiful setting.

Where to go

The My Son Sanctuary is an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site that is today an important archaeological site of a Hindu culture during the Champa dynasty. It contains remains of Hindu temples constructed by the Kings of Champa.

The Cham Museum, also known as the Museum Of Champa Culture, showcases fine examples of Hindu styled terracotta and stone sculptures from the period of the indigenous Cham people.

Marble Mountains is a must-go for every spiritual adventure traveller who likes to hike. It is a cluster of five mountains of marble and limestone, with an ancient folk-tale behind it. The site is steeped in spirituality with Buddhist sanctuaries and places of worship dotted among the many caves and temples. What is unique about this place is its symbolism with all the elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Climb up the mountains; and enjoy magnificent views of the beach. Some highlights are the Mountain of Water, the Tam Quan Gate, the Metal Mountain, the Riverview Tower, Nguyet Grotto and the Lantern Cave. 
Cham Island   - Looking for a getaway to a private spot with pristine beaches, swimming, diving, snorkelling, seafood and romantic scenic drives? Then head out to the Cham group of islands a mere couple of hours away by speed boat.

What to do

Besides spa treatments, motor biking, night strolling along the riverfront promenade, and discos; Da Nang is a great place for seafood and local cuisine.

Grilled cuttlefish, oysters, clams and crabs are as common as Vietnamese hot fish soup or the hotpot called lau. If you are not keen on seafood, try the Mi Quang /Quang noodles, and beef-based Banh trang cuon thit heo or Be thui Cau Mong; indigenous to Da Nang region. You may like to try the specialty restaurants of Da Nang offering goat meat, or farmed crocodile and turtles. From Indian restaurants, vegetarian places to French dining, Da Nang is fast emerging as a gourmet paradise. 

Buu Long cultural park in Dong Nai province Thursday, May 9th, 2013 - 9:53 PM

Location: Buu Long Cultural Park is located in Buu Long ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, about  30 km away from Ho Chi Minh City.

Characteristic: Buu Long Cultural Park is known as "miniature Ha Long Bay of the South".It is a landscape with beautiful natural sceneries of high mountains, large lakes, ancient pagodas that make up a charming beauty spot which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Hue Monday, May 6th, 2013 - 8:53 AM

Hue was the capital of Vietnam for about one hundred and fifty years in the nineteenth century and early the twentieth century. Compared to other famous destinations, Hue is considered as the most poetic and beautiful destination in Vietnam.