Vietnam Holidays » Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Capital Of Vietnam – The Thausand City Year Old!

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:38:37 +0000

Ha Noi’s history stretches back nearly a thousand years when the city was founded by Emperor Ly Thai To, who in 1010 renamed the area Thang Long – ‘Soaring Dragon’. Soon after some of the city’s oldest structures were built including the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university.

Ha Noi is a city rich in tradition and legend. Probably the most famous legend of all is the Arthurian tale of Hoan Kiem Lake. Legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. Whilst rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honor of the event he renamed the lake ‘Ho Hoan Kiem’ – Lake of the Restored Sword.

Although nearly a thousand years old, Ha Noi had to wait until 1831 to regain its former name, when Emperor Minh Mang established it as the capital of the Northern Province. Indeed the last Vietnamese dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty moved their capital from Ha Noi to Hue. The name Ha Noi means ‘ where the river bends’, the river being the Song Hong or Red River.

The city’s main period of growth stems from the arrival of the French in 1888. Within a short time Ha Noi was transformed into an elegant city with broad tree-lined boulevards, avenues and parks, making it one of the greenest cities in Asia. Fortunately many of the old boulevards and residences have survived and are used to house Foreign Embassies and Government institutions.

From 1902 until 1953 the city served as the capital of French Indochina, although in 1945 Ho Chi Minh proclaimed in his independence speech from Ba Dinh square that Hanoi would henceforth be the capital of Vietnam.

Today Ha Noi is a bustling capital city of nearly 4 million people. Its focal point is the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, immediately to its north

Here’s a list of some of the capital’s main attractions:

Ngoc Son Temple

Set on a tiny island on the Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dates back to the 13th century.

Old Quarter

Also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally each of the 36 streets names’ was related to the products being sold there. Hence you can walk from Fish Street to Tin Street to Bamboo Street. It’s a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

Completed in 1975 the complex contains Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh museum. When visiting the mausoleum the following rules need to be observed: No short sleeves & skirts are allowed. Silence should be observed when entering the tomb and definitely no photographs (in fact all bags have to be left outside). It’s quite an experience as you queue with many Vietnamese, some of whom have traveled many miles to make the pilgrimage.

Temple of Literature

Originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070. Inside are the stone stele mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of the university’s graduates. The complex is divided into five courtyards with different paths that would originally have been reserved for the Emperor and his mandarins. One of the courtyards contains the statue of Confucius guarded by two beautiful bronze storks standing on turtles. The temple highlights the importance that Vietnamese society placed then and now on education.

Hoa Lo Prison

Better known by its former inmates as ‘The Hanoi Hilton’ it became famous during the American War as many US POWs were incarcerated here. Notable prisoners included Republican senator John McCain and Douglas Peterson who later became the first post-war US Ambassador to Vietnam.

Museum of Ethnology

A must for anyone intending to visit either Mai Chao or Sapa in particular. This museum is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. As well as the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the grounds.

Water Puppet Theatre

This is a uniquely Vietnamese creation with its origins dating back nearly a thousand years. Originally these plays would have taken place on lakes and ponds during the monsoon season, depicting daily life as well as numerous tales and legends. The stories remain the same but now the production takes place in a specially designed theatre with a stage knee-deep in water. The puppeteers are hidden behind a bamboo screen and the whole experience is both entertaining and amusing

Quan Thanh Temple

There are many interesting temples in the city, but one of the best is the Quan Thanh on the West Lake. It is dedicated to Than Vu a legendary general. At the centre is the four meter bronze statue dedicated to the man who later became the guardian saint of the city. It is believed that if you rub the statue’s right foot it will bring you good luck.

see more infomation at: www.panviettravel.com.vn

Traditional Village & pagodas in Hanoi ~ ‘The tradition & art of viet culture.! Tour code: PV – BT 06 – 09. Duration: (1day)

Heritage in culture

AM: Pick you up at your hotel at 8.00. Transfer to visit Bat Trang pottery village. On the way to Bat Trang village, you have a chance to see the property of the villages located along the two banks of the Red River Dykes and the lifestyles of dwellers. Two hours visiting Bat Trang village, then have lunch at a Vietnamese traditional restaurant.

PM: The guide takes you to visit Dong Ho folk painting where you will be surprised by the folk paintings made by the skilful persons with natural materials and colors. After that visiting But Thap Pagoda, the cradle of Buddhism in Vietnam with the unique architecture makes you impressed by its charms and history. Visit DONG KY – carpentry village .Here they made furniture inlaid with mother of pearl and finished off with layer of clear lacquer .In laying the mother of pearlis highly labour intensive, see how it is delicately sawed info fine fish-bone sliver and paints takingly set into wood. Finish tour.

Prices ($US)

Your price when;

Standard

Superior

Deluxe

INCLUDES:- All transportation and transfers, English speaking guide, Vietnamese lunch, Admission fees and permits where applicable

EXCLUDES: – Personal insurance, Expenditure of a personal nature, tips, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, emergency transfers & etc.

By: PanViet Travel Vietnam

Vietnam travel guide and package tours in summer 2009 deals

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:27:58 +0000

Day 1 – Arrive Hanoi -Transfer to your hotel. Your local guide will be available for optional walking tours of the city for those that are not too fatigued by the flight. Perhaps visit a Water Puppet Show at the Municipal Water Puppet Theater located on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. (B,D)

Day 2 – Hanoi – Victoria Express Train – Sightseeing in Hanoi starts with a visit to the Old Quarter. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite exploration, while its many beautiful public spaces lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. We will see the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. Then begin exploring the OLD QUARTER. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses is also known as ‘The 36 Streets,’ each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from< fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the HISTORY MUSEUM or the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY. Transfer to train station - By night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai aboard the Victoria Express Train. (B)

Day 3 – Lao Cai – Sapa – Transfer to Sapa – Excursion to Cat Cat and Ta Phin with trek Travel down a winding road to the Black Hmong village of Cat Cat, past beautiful mountain scenery. Wander through the village, visiting the traditional houses and observing the rural way of life. Afterwards, continue to the handicraft village of Ta Phin, inhabited by the Red Dzao, known for their distinctive red headscarves. (B, D)

Day 4 – Sapa – Excursion to Lao Chai and Tavan. Travel on mountain roads to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, then past beautiful terraced fields to Tavan, a town of the Zay ethnic group. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 5 – Sapa – Lao Cai – Train – Visit the colorful Sunday market at Bac Ha, where ethnic minorities from around the region gather to trade water buffalo, livestock and handicrafts. The people inhabiting the area are mainly Flower Hmong, but there are also Dzao, Nung, Xa Fang, Phu La, Thai and many more ethnicities as well. By night train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. (B)

Day 6 – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Transfer to Halong Bay for Cruise aboard a traditional junk.The first day’s itinerary passes Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi Island, Sung Sot cave, before stopping at Titov beach for a swim. Dinner is served on the boat as the sun sets. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Continuing to cruise around the waters of the bays, visiting Man’s Head Island, Tortise Island, and Luon Cave. Return to Hanoi. (B)

Day 8 –Hanoi – Hue – Flight from Hanoi to Hue for sightseeing in the Old Imperial City: Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Also visit the Dien Tho Residence and the Thai Hoa Palace, among other sites. Visit Dong Ba Market : a local market near the Imperial City. (B,D)

Day 9 –Hue -Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the Perfume River, stopping first at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower. Then to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting. Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. During the afternoon, visit a variety of other Imperial tombs in the countryside. (B)

Day 10 –Hue – Hoi An – Journey from Hue to Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline including the large coastal city of Danang before arriving in Hoi An. Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese, and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers’ paradise, best explored on foot. (B,D)

Day 11 –Hoi An – Danang – Saigon – Flight from Danang to Saigon. Saigon teems with energy. Your tour of this exciting city begins in the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street passing classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), and the old Opera House. Visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh handicrafts Market. (B,D)

Day 12 –Saigon – Today a visit to My Tho, a town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the islands of the Mekong, stopping at an orchard to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to local music. (B)

Day 13 –Saigon – Siem Reap – Flight from Saigon to Siem Reap, Cambodia. (B,D )

Day 14 –Siem Reap – Today, visit the crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat. It is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia, especially the extraordinary temples of Preah Khan, Banteay Srei. Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. (B)

Day 15 –Siem Reap- Visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Covering an area of 10 square km. and enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Cambodia’s most popular sights. Bayon Temple and the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, are included (B)

Day 16 –Siem Reap – Bangkok –Sightseeing in Siem Reap – Visit the Chantiers Ecoles (Artisans d Angkor), A vocational centre trains 650 apprentices a year including 160 in fine arts and crafts trades. We’ve included a visit to the McDermott Gallery. Flight, Siem Reap to Bangkok. (B,L)

By: Tony Chu

Hanoi City Tour- Vienam deluxe travel – vietnam tours

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:23:27 +0000

Hanoi is the capital and second-largest city of Vietnam. From 1010 until 1802, with a few brief interruptions, it was the political centre of an independent Vietnam. It was eclipsed by Hu? during the Nguyen Dynasty as the capital of Vietnam, but Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam. Itinerary Â Â - 8:00 Pick up from your hotel, start of the tour journey visit Ho Chi Minh complex, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – the final resting place of Vietnamese great father or uncle Ho, President Ho Chi Minhâs stilt house – where the president lived on and off from 1958to 1969, then visit Ho Chi Minh Museum, Where tourists will learn what he has done for Viet Nam and some other countries and learn all kinds of information about President Ho Chi Minh. (These sides will be closed on Monday and Friday)The next place to move to is One pillar pagoda- a group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a square lake. Leave One Pillar Pagoda for driving around West Lake (the former Golden Buffalo lake) for sightseeing. Â - 10:30 Visit Temple of Literature- the first college of Viet Nam and the place dedicating to Confucian. Â - 11:30 Lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant. – 13:30 After having lunch visit the Museum of Ethnology (Museum of history) – Where you can look at the cultural mosaic of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. Back to centre of Ha Noi, visit old quarter by cyclo (01 hour). The last place of city tour is Hoan Kiem Lake (Restored Sword Lake) with Ngoc Son Temple. – 17:15 Stop at Thang Long theatre for Water Puppet Show – 18:30 Enjoy a Vietnamese delicious food at local restaurant. – Tour end about 19h30 For more details : http://vietnamdeluxetravel. com/vietnam/tours/excursions/hanoi_city_tour/overview/213/

Buy one get one free Vietnam tour

admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:27:14 +0000

Condition: – Only below tour can win a free trip to NhaTrang for 3 days, cost USD1200. 00- Buy a vietnam tour 8days for family of 5 below http://www. dongtravel. com/tour 8 DAYS VIETNAM TRIP – LUXURY 5* DELUXE *Itinerary: Day 01 : Arrive SGN (D) Meet and transfer to hotel for your accommodation. Dinner Cruises at Saigon River Day 02 : SGN (B/L/D) Visit to Cuchi Tunnels, War Museum, Notredame Cathedral, Post Offices, Benthanh Market. Day 03 : SGN-HUE (B/L/D) Morningflight to Hue, On arrival meet and visit to Imperial Citadel, Tu Duc Tomb, Boat Trip at Huong River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Day 04 : HUE-HOIAN (B/L/D) Visit to Phuoc Kien Pagoda, Japanese Bridge, Hoi An Ancient Town – One of the World Heritage sites. Day 05 : HOIAN-DANANG-HAN (B/L/D) Visit to Marble Mountains, Cham Museum then flight to Hanoi. On arrival meet and visit to Hoan Kiem lake (Sword Lake), Ngoc Son Temple. Dinner with Famous Water Puppet Show. Day 06 : HAN-HALONG (B/L/D) Morning visit to Ho Chi Minh Maoseleum, One Pilar Pagoda, Temple of Literature then proceed to Halong Bay. Day 07 : HALONG-HAN (B/L/D) Morning boat trip to the see the wonderful scenery of Halong Bay. Seafood Lunch on board then proceed back to Hanoi for last minute shopping. Day 08 : HAN Dep (B) After breakfast, transfer out HOCHIMINH CITY: New World Saigon HUE: La Resident Hotel HOIAN: Palm Garden HALONG: Novotel Halong HANOI: Melia Hotel FAMILY of 5: USD690. 00/pax Inclusive of: – Accommodation base on twin sharing – FOC based on Twn share – Full land transportation – Meals as program ( 6 lunches 7 dinners) – Admission fee – English speaking tour guide – Boat trip as mention – Services Excluded: -Personal Expense: Tel, Fax, Laundry, etc -Other service which not mention in the itinerary – Tip for guide and driver(3USD/pax/day) OTHER TOUR CAN BE FOUND ON PROMOTION CENTER, visit us for more info www. dongtravel. com 7 Days Highlight Vietnam 8 Days Hightlight Vietnam 9 Days Vietnam Highlight 11 Days Pearls of Vietnam 12 Days Vietnam Overview 14 Days Spectacular 14 Days Vietnam By Train 14 Days World Heritage Highlights Of Vietnam Cycling Essential Vietnam 11 Days – Contact Mickey at info@dongtravel. com to get the voucher – Please quote 2009PRO in the subject of email – Free trip include 2 night at luxury Diamond Bay Resort 4* in NhaTrang or Vietstar Resort Phu Yen 4* – Valid until 30September, 2009 Press Information:Dong Travel178/3 Pasteur street, Dist 1, HCMC, VietnamContact Person:Mickey DongManaging DirectorPhone: 84866508688email: info@dongtravel. com Web: www. dongtravel. com

Bike and Kayaking Red River Tour

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:20:26 +0000

Bike and Kayaking Red River Tour

Itinerary in brief

Day 1: Thay pagoda and handicraft villages (bike 35km)

Day 2: Nam Hong – Lim Town (bike 40km)

Day 3: Lim Town-Ha Long (kayak 5-7km)

Day 4: Ha Long Bay (kayak 5-7km)

Day 5: Ha Long – Hanoi (kayak 5-7 km)

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Thay pagoda and handicraft villages (bike 35km)

From Hanoi, a 30km-drive brings you to the 15th century Thay Pagoda, famous for its fantastic collection of carved wooden Buddha statues. After exploring the pagoda, bike through sweeping rice paddies, stopping at a traditional So noodle-making village. Peddle on through other villages, experiencing daily life deep in northern Vietnam’s countryside and learning about the local traditions. Enjoy a picnic lunch before taking a leisurely walk beneath an avenue of betel nut trees to Chuong village, where villagers still produce one of Vietnam’s most enduring symbols the conical palm-leaf hat. After shuttling back to Hanoi spend the late afternoon sightseeing around Hoan Kiem Lake, whose waters are said to hide a sacredÃ¢ and indeed magical golden turtle. Spend your first night in Hanoi.

Day 2: Nam Hong – Lim Town (bike 40km)

After traveling by shuttle to Dong Anh, a suburban district of Hanoi, bike through the Nam Hong flower village and on through other villages that grow bonsai trees. Spin through a colorful patchwork of green paddy fields, vegetable plots and flower fields en route to the ancient citadel of Co Loa, a large complex of temples and ruined earth fortifications that date back to the third century B.C. From the citadel ride to Thiet Ung village, famous for its intricate wooden statues, and visit the 200-year-old home of a prize-winning master carver. A quaint brick road leads to Dong Ky, another wood carving village, this one specializing in furniture. Peddle along a river dyke to Lim town, stopping to visit a beautiful village temple that perches above a lotus-covered pond. Travel by shuttle to Ha Giang and enjoy a home-cooked meal followed by a performance of traditional Quan Ho folk songs performed by local artists clad in colorful 1930s-style dresses. Shuttle back to Hotel and spend the night.

Day 3: Lim Town- Ha Long (kayak 5-7km)

Depart Lim Town for Ha Long with many photo opportunities en route: rice paddies, water buffaloes, farmers in the fields. Arrive at Ha Long Bay around noon and board our traditional wooden junk, then dine on fresh-caught seafood. After lunch, explore one of the largest caves in the bay, Sung Sot (Surprise Cave). Return to the boat for instruction on kayaking techniques and safety procedures, then follow your guide to explore three sea caverns. Back on the boat take the time to photograph the sun slipping behind the bay’s myriad islands, then join your fellow travelers for dinner. If you wish, take a night-time paddle through the moonlit bay, then retire to your cabin to be lulled to sleep by the soft lapping of the waves.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay (kayak 5-7km)

Kayak through the biggest floating fishing village in Ha Long Bay, making stops at the floating primary school and at various floating houses to discover the locals’ unique way of life. After lunch, a two-hour paddle brings you to the Three Lagoons, which you enter via a sea cavern. Next stop is Ba Men Temple, where local fishermen make offerings to the Whale God. Return to the junk and cruise to Three Peach Island, an ideal spot for a swim. Back on board, travel to Titop Island, where the boat will anchor overnight. Enjoy dinner on board and relax.

Day 5: Ha Long – Hanoi (kayak 5-7 km)

Enjoy the sunrise and an onboard breakfast as you cruise back to Duck Rock, from where you paddle to Incense Burner Island and explore a cave. Back on board the junk, enjoy the magnificent scenery as you cruise back towards the harbor. Following lunch in Ha Long City, drive back to Hanoi and bid the group farewell.

more…

_________________________________________

Green Trail Tours … Taking the Paths Less Travelled

International Travel License No.0595/TCDL – GPLHQT

Add: Suite #1016 – B4 Building – Tran Dang Ninh Street – Cau Giay district – Hanoi – Vietnam

Telex: + (844 ) 37 54 52 68 # 103

Fax: + (844) 37 54 52 77

Local Time Standard time zone: GMT +07 hours

Monday to Saturday : 8:00 a.m until 6:00 p.m (except Sunday)

Website: greentrail-indochina.com / greentrailtourism.com

By: greentrailtourism