Whether you are traveling to Vietnam for the first time or you are a seasoned traveler, there are many things you should know about traveling to the country. If you have never visited Vietnam before, you will find that this Southeast Asian country offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy. You will find that Vietnam is full of beautiful beaches and bustling cities. It is also home to Buddhist pagodas and rivers.
Besides Ha Long Bay's imposing mountains and grottoes, there is a lot to see and do. It is a must visit destination.
Ha Long Bay is considered as one of the world's wonders. It is located in Ha Long City, Vietnam. It is a perfect destination for vacation. You can enjoy the peaceful waters, and visit the various islands and caves. You can also try kayaking.
If you want to explore the bay, the best time is at sunrise or before sunset. The water is clear, and you can view the mountains and islands.
There are many fishing communities in the bay. You can try seafood, and experience the daily life of the fishermen. You can also visit the Cai Dam market to buy seafood for your meals. There are also plenty of restaurants around Vuon Dao street. They are reasonably priced.
The Quang Ninh Museum is a miniature model of the province. It contains important cultural information. This is a great pride of the people in Ha Long.
In Quang Ninh, grilled oysters with onion fat is a popular dish. You can also try sea squid. Squid can be eaten with white sticky rice, sour rolls, or cakes.
The Sung Sot Grotto is one of the best grottoes in Ha Long. It is located on Bo Hon Island, and it has a beautiful landscape. It is also one of the widest grottoes in the bay. It is about 700-800m away.
Another must see place is the Thien Cung Grotto, which is located on the south-west side of the bay. It has a 130-meter-long girth. The stalactite formations in the cave are grandiose.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc Island is an island of pristine beaches, lush vegetation, and beautiful seas. It is part of the Tho Chu Archipelago. The island is recognized as the largest island in Vietnam.
Phu Quoc is the perfect destination for a beach break. It is also a good place for exploring. It is an eco-friendly island that relies on solar power. There is little traffic and most of the beaches are free from vendors.
It is easy to see the island on a motorbike. Local tour companies will take you to see attractions. You will need a helmet.
You can also rent a motorbike for a day. Most locals use motorbikes to commute. You can find motorbike rental shops throughout the island.
The main town of Phu Quoc is Duong Dong. It is not a big town, but there are a few attractions to see. One of the main attractions is Dinh Cau Temple. It is a popular religious site and is considered a symbol of the island. The temple is located near the Phu Quoc night market. It is also a good place to watch the sunset.
The most scenic beach on the island is Sao Beach. It is a 45-minute motorbike ride from the town. The beach is surrounded by bamboo shacks. It has no infrastructure, but the beach is beautiful.
If you are looking to snorkel, the best time is during the summer months. The water is clear and there are vibrant coral reefs. There are snorkeling tours available to see these.
The town of An Thoi is the jumping off point for boat tours. There are also local Vietnam travel guide that can take you to see some of the island's most scenic sights.
Throughout the country, you'll find awe-inspiring natural wonders that make it a place to experience the majesty of nature. From karst mountains in the far north, to war-torn jungles in the south, there's no shortage of incredible sights. If you're looking for a destination with both natural and cultural appeal, you'll love traveling to Vietnam.
Located in the northwest of Vietnam, Ba Be National Park features dramatic limestone cliffs and plunging valleys. The area is also home to numerous lakes and diverse wildlife species, including endangered species. The park also offers plenty of hiking trails, including trekking excursions.
In addition to its spectacular natural features, the park also offers a chance to experience traditional Vietnamese culture. You can even spend a night in a local family's home or participate in cultural activities.
A short drive from Hanoi, you'll find Cuc Phuong National Park, which offers natural landscapes in Vietnam. The park also features hiking trails and an Endangered Primate Rescue Center, which educates visitors about the dangers of primate extinction.
The region surrounding the park is also home to one of the most spectacular national parks in Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang. This park is home to a number of stunning sights, including cathedral-like chambers, mountain rivers flowing through ravines, and jagged hills shrouded in rainforest. The park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its natural beauty is a definite draw.
Another national park in the region is Cat Ba National Park, which is home to a variety of species, including monkeys and civets. The park is also home to numerous limestone tower karst islands.
The park is also home to Avatar Mountains, which are sandstone pinnacles that form the setting for the Avatar movie.
Getting around Vietnam is simple and affordable if you hire a car and driver. Cars with drivers are available from private travel agencies and state-run tourism offices. You can find them from your hotel or in most major tourist centers.
The cost of hiring a car with a driver depends on your destination, the type of car, and the company you hire from. Typically, rates start at $50 per day. It is recommended that you check prices online and research forums for drivers before you start your trip.
In the big cities, you can find cars and drivers for hire from the local tourist offices, hotels, and private travel agencies. They charge a per-kilometer rate. The company's vehicle agreement usually specifies the driver's salary and working hours.
Buses are popular for traveling between major cities. They are air-conditioned and convenient. Buses compete for space with pedestrians, trucks, and motorbikes.
Motorbike taxis are also available. Prices depend on the distance, time of day, and how long you need to ride. You can find them from apps. They are more adventurous and cost less than a regular taxi.
If you are going on a long trip, it is a good idea to hire a long-term driver. Research drivers on social media, social groups, and forums. If you can stand your ground, you can negotiate a fair price.
The cost of hiring a driver and car can range from $50 to $100 per day. Some local agencies may not have English speaking drivers during peak tourist seasons. If you can negotiate the price, it is worth it.
A rented vehicle should be checked before your journey to make sure it is in good condition. You should also ensure that the breakdown policy is clear.
Leaving a tip in Vietnam is a great way to thank the service providers. This is especially true in a country that pays low wages and has a lot of workers who work long hours.
Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but it is a common way to say "thanks" to service providers. Tip sizes vary widely, depending on the type of service you're receiving.
Some hotels and restaurants add a small service fee to your bill automatically. This is a common practice in many countries. It may not reach the workers you're tipping.
However, this is not always the case. Sometimes the fee is paid by the owner. In this case, you may need to tip the person directly. You can put the tip in an envelope and hand it to the worker.
Most people tip only in restaurants and hotels, but you can tip other service providers if you feel the need to. This includes drivers, tour guides, and cleaning staff.
A tip of ten percent of the bill is a good starting point. However, you may want to increase your tip if you're staying in a luxury hotel or eating at a fancy restaurant.
You may also want to tip a bellman or housekeeper, especially if you stay in a high-end hotel. However, you should tip only if the service you received was exceptional. If you don't tip, the employee may be offended.
In most countries, tipping is considered part of etiquette. However, in some countries, tipping is viewed as a tax on your personal income. Therefore, you'll want to double check the bill before tipping.
In Vietnam, you can tip drivers or taxis, but it's not necessary. However, if you're in a taxi and you feel that you've been treated well, tipping is appreciated.