Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Discovering the Mekong Delta tours


To mark the inauguration of the cable-stayed Can Tho Bridge that has the longest main span in Southeast Asia, Saigontourist Travel Service Company is launching new tours of the Mekong Delta
The tours include a four-day Cai Be-Vinh Long-Can Tho-Bac Lieu-Ca Mau tour, priced at VND3, 215, 000-VND3, 995, 000, departing on Thursdays and Saturdays; and a two-day Cai Be-Vinh Long-Can Tho tour, priced at VND1, 415, 000-VND1, 775, 000, departing on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tourists will discover the local village life with visits to floating markets, islets, orchards and a chance to listen to amateur southern opera.

From April 1, Saigontourist has increased the domestic insurance benefit it provides for tourists that take domestic package tours departing from all over the country with a maximum insurance benefit of VND60 million/tourist. 
With the new Can Tho Bridge across the Hau River opened to traffic on April 24, linking Can Tho and Vinh Long, the overland journeys in the new tours arranged by Saigontourist, which have been departing every week since late April, will help tourists discover the attractions and distinctions of the Mekong Delta. On the Cai Be-Vinh Long-Can Tho-Bac Lieu-Ca Mau itinerary, tourists will visit famous floating markets of the Mekong Delta, including Cai Be floating market in Tien Giang Province, which is held all day with hundreds of boats full of fruits; Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho Province, where tourists will enjoy local specialties on a friendly local boat; and Ca Mau floating market, a crowded market that is filled with the aroma of cakes and the green color of fruits and vegetables.

Along with “Discovering the Mekong Delta, ” Saigontourist has recently introduced a four-day Chau Doc-Rach Gia-Phu Quoc tour, priced at VND3, 359, 000-VND3, 529, 000, departing on April 30, helping tourists enjoy the scenery and specialties of the Mekong Delta and relax on Phu Quoc Island.

Coach Hire|Mini Bus Hire|Coaches Hire Manchester


From the moment you contact Selwyns Coach Hire you can rest assured that you are being taken care of by professionals. We have over 40 years experience of providing quality coach hire at a price that you can afford.

Whatever event you are planning, our expert personalised service will ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Whether you are organising a club outing, school trip, airport transfer, firm's outing, corporate event, wedding, or any other trip, Selwyns Coach Hire will ensure that you reach your destination in safety and comfort.

Our coach hire service is located in the North West, with bases in Liverpool, Manchester & Runcorn and we are available for travel over the whole of the UK.

Travel by bus in vietnam


Bus is the most popular way for travelers on a tight budget to choose. Traveling by bus allows traveler to stop in any destination and stay as long as they like at reasonable prices. Although, compared with train bus hardly can give passengers a comfortable trip, it's still a hard-to-beat means of transportation in Vietnam.
If you want to discover thoroughly a certain place and gain more local experiences, public buses are an option worth considering. They run many of the same routes everyday and also additional routes throughout Vietnam.
Though, there are areas in which public buses are forbidden to access, such as District 1 and 3 in Ho Chi Minh City. So, for the sake of yourself, you should get a map of the main routes of each city's public buses on sale at bookstores. Ticket can be purchased directly at the bus stations or on buses at low prices. However, you should acknowledge the discomfort when taking this vehicle.



VISIT VIETNAM WITH ASIANWAY TRAVEL

Vietnam tour and Vietnam Hotel Vietnam hotel

VIETNAM NORTHER TOUR

VIETNAM CENTRAL TOUR

VIETNAM SOUTHERN TOUR

Vietnamese Border Crossings



To Laos


There are two border crossings to Laos:


▼ Keo Nua Pass (also known as CaU Treo):
From Hanoi, you can take direct overnight buses to Vientiane, across the border at Cau Treo, 80kms from Vinh City in Vietnam’s Central Provinces. For tickets and information, contact Hanoi’s tours and travel agents, under Travel Contacts.


 Lao Bao:
From Hue, direct buses for Savannakhet cross the border at Lao Bao, near Dong Ha in the Central Provinces.


To Cambodia


There are three border crossings to Cambodia:


▼ Moc Bai:
The main overland border crossing to Cambodia is northwest of Ho Chi Minh City at Moc Bai (in Tay Ninh Province). Direct buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh take around eight hours. Tickets cost between $8-16.


▼ Vinh Xuong:
A new riverside border crossing called Vinh Xuong is located 30kms north of Chau Doc, in the Mekong Delta at Vinh Xuong. For boat transfers up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh,



▼ Tinh Bien:
The third international border between Cambodia and Vietnam had been opened at Tinh Bien, about 25 km west of Chau Doc.

To China
There are three border crossings over China:


▼ Lao Cai - Ha Khau
The Hekou Bridge overland border to China is at Lao Cai, (the main train station for Sapa) in the northwest. Twice weekly trains also run from Hanoi to Kunming in China; you can also board the train at Lao Cai Train Station. .


▼ Mong Cai - Dong Hung
The Mong Cai - Dong Hung - the third border crossing China can be found at Mong Cai Town, northeastern of Vietnam. To get there, you can get hydrofoils direct from Hai Phong or Ha Long (see hidrofoils).


Contact the main boat jetties in town for tickets & information.


▼ Huu Nghi:
Huu Nghi is an overland border of 18kms north of Lang Son, in the northeast. From Hanoi, minibuses depart from Gia Lam Bus Station for Lang Son. There are also local trains from Hanoi, which stop at Dong Dang Station, 4kms away from Huu Nghi. The international train for China (Beijing) departs Hanoi’s main train station via Dong Dang Station, but you can only join the train at Hanoi.

Vietnam Cruises with Vietnam travel agency


Wonderful cruises in Vietnam welcome all of you!
Minmax Travel Company
 will be your ideal choice for Vietnam cruises


MinMax Travel is a Vietnam tour operator specialising in high-quality tailor-made tours in Vietnam and neighbouring countries. We're fully licensed and bonded, and highly competent.

Our tour designers and operators are well-trained friendly experts. You'll have your own personal tour operator who'll manage the entire process from your first enquiry to collecting feedback after your holiday, and will always be on hand to help and advise when needed. Everyone at MinMax Travel is deeply committed to our ideals and to your holiday – only 100% customer satisfaction is good enough. We want you to return home feeling that that your holiday was money well spent! Obviously, we hope you will decide on a fully customised Vietnam tour with MinMax Travel. However, please look at other companies before making your choice. We're convinced that having done so, you'll opt for us.

Warning - Kayaking in Halong Bay


We just had the most horrendous experience in Halong Bay with a kayak. Kayaking is generally assumed to be very safe in these calm waters but there are some serious hazards that we were not warned about. A friend and I kayaked around some of the karsts. As we approached what looked like just another cavern in a wall, our kayak got sucked in. We didn’t really know what was happening but couldn’t stop the kayak and smashed into the wall of what turned out to be a cave.
The impact capsized the kayak. We managed to cling on to it but couldn’t understand why it was getting darker around us. When we barely saw any light from the now far-away entrance, we abandoned the kayak and tried to swim, realising for the first time that we were in a very, very strong current dragging us further into the cave. Swimming was no use and eventually we managed to hit the walls, now in utter darkness. My friend and I were separated but could still communicate with each other by shouting. We then desperately tried to claw our way back along the walls against the current. It took about 45 minutes to an hour before we saw daylight again in the distance.
Luckily another friend had seen where we disappeared and returned to our boat to alert the crew. They were unfortunately ill equipped to deal with the situation and managed to get themselves into trouble by following us into the cave. Eventually we were rescued by another tourist kayaker on a rope. We sustained serious lacerations to body, hands and feet from clinging on the sharply-countoured cave wall and the whole experience was absolutely terrifying.
Swimmers less strong or less confident in the water may well have been swept all the way or drowned. Locals later told us that we were lucky to have survived; apparently the cave may be up to 200 m deep. Why there is such a strong current we could not work out; there may be sinkholes into which we could have been sucked.
Our nightmare was unfortunately not over. Our hosts were not worried about our injuries or trauma - instead we were soon approached to pay 500 US dollars for the lost kayak. We were threatened to be held to ransom in the boat if we did not pay and even later, when we talked our way to be returned to Cat Ba where we booked the trip, we were blackmailed as the company held our passports. Eventually, we parted with 150 US dollars just to get away and have our injuries seen to.
I have travelled to many countries in the world and I am saddened at how this experience turned out for us. Please spread the word that the caves around Halong Bay can be dangerous.
http://halong-bay-kayaking.com
http://www.travel-to-vietnam.net

Monday, November 28, 2011

Ben Thanh Market


Ben Thanh Market, Vietnam Markets: Ben Thanh Market is situated at the intersection of Le Loi Avenue, Ham Nghi Avenue, Tran Hung Dao Avenue and Le Lai Street, 700m south-west of the Rex HotelAt first, the market was situated near the Ben Nghe River Dike. After being moved many times, it is now standing in the centre of the city where consumers can conveniently find all sorts of products.According to Vuong Hong Sen, author of "the book Saigon of the Past", in 1912, the French filled a pond, the Boresse, into a solid foundation of 12,000m² and built a market on it. The market was close to a landing stage (Ben) of the old city (Thanh), hence its name of Ben Thanh. The opening ceremony for the market in March 1914 was a big festive event.At present, the front of Ben Thanh Market faces Quach Thi Trang Square; its rear faces Le Thanh Ton Street; its right, Phan Chu Trinh Street and its left, Phan Boi Chau Street. At all of its four sides, there are bustling trading shops. Located at the centre of the city, Ben Thanh Market is always loaded with varieties of goods, such as consumer goods, cakes and candies, food and foodstuff, and particularly high-quality fruit and vegetables. Goods are displayed in a very attractive way that always catches the eyes of the buyers. They meet all requirements for the customers' daily life or for their families. The market has four gates that are very convenient for the market-goers. For all of its advantages, Ben Thanh Market is one of the most attractive tourist sites in the city for both domestic and foreign visitors.Ben Thanh Market is a huge covered market in central HCMC. It is one of the best places to buy coffee, but do try the stalls inside before buying, as the outside stalls are more expensive. Also if you are buying a reasonable quantity you can usually get a couple of free coffee filters. Vietnamese coffee is really delicious, I'm surprised it is not more widely available in the West.Apart from coffee, you can get almost anything in the market or the shops surrounding it. You will have to bargain, unless the prices are written on the goods, but that is all part of the experience. And afterwards you can have a bowl of delicious noodles.

Cho Gao floating market


Cho Gao floating market- Vietnam Markets: Cho Gao village is a local market and continue to My Tho.In the early morning, you could travel by your comfortable bus towards Can Duoc, where you come aboard of your boat to cruise to the Cho Gao floating market.This sightseeing is extremely interesting as you participate in the life of the local people. The market is a melting pot of colors, shapes, sounds and smells. Rice, fresh fruit, fish, handicrafts, bonsais, almost everything is for sale, a great opportunity to find some nice souvenirs for the loved-ones at home!

Nam cat tien national park in photos


Located 150 km from Hochiminh City, the jungles of Nam Cat Tien support an astounding variety of bird life, a very healthy population of monkeys. Nam Cat Tien boasts a wide range of evergreen, semi deciduous and bamboo forests; some 1800 species of plants thrive in the park. In 2002 UNESCO added Cat Tien National Park to its list of biosphere reserves.
First come to Cat Tien National Park, visitors will be provided with valuable information at the eco-tourist and environmental education centre. Cat Tien National Park can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, by jeep and also by boat along the Dong Nai River. There are several well established hiking trails and Bau Sau is the most interesting site of the discovery trip. Those who like thrills can spend the night at the ranger's post and view the wildlife at night.


Bird at the Park
Dong Nai River
Stream
Wild Life
Crocodile Lake

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Can Gio Mangrove Forest


Can Gio Mangrove Forest photos
Bicycle on a bridge, Can Gio



Can Gio Hairdressers

Ferry to Can Gio

Known as the 'green lungs of Saigon', the Can Gio biosphere reserve to the south of the city covers around 80,000 ha of the river delta and is cloaked in rich mangrove forest that is full of wildlife, with over 200 species of fauna and 52 flora. This huge mass of green so close to the centre of Ho Chi Minh City helps clean the air of the city, and protect against coastal erosion and storms coming in from the sea.
The mangrove forest in Can Gio was originally over 2000 years old, and so dense that the interior was cold, foggy and dark, and full of dangerous animals such as tigers and crocodiles. During the war the mangroves were a dense hiding place from which to launch attacks on the city, which both the Vietnamese and Americans found extremely difficult to penetrate or patrol. Sadly this lead to the Americans dropping a huge amount of chemical defoliant or dixoins on the area, significantly damaging the mangrove forest, in an attempt to maintain control.
Now the mangrove is beginning to recover and is protected by the government and international law, and there are efforts to reintroduce much of the wildlife that fled the area. It is a great place to visit from Saigon, whether as a day trip or for a longer stay - there is a resort to the south with a pool and small (though slightly muddy) beach.
I loved Can Gio, and have been back several times since - it is particularly special as when you live in Saigon it seems you must drive for hours to escape to the countryside, yet just an hour south is this beautiful, thoroughly rural nature reserve. You can make the trip by motorbike - through District 7, then south through Nha Be until you cross the Nha Be river by ferry. From there head south through Can Gio to head deeper into the mangroves. We took a boat trip to explore by water, stopping off at some nature reserves and spotting all kinds of wildlife, and I can highly recommend it.
Another option is to take a ferry to Can Gio from Bach Dang wharf in Saigon, which will take you down the rivers and canals to Can Gio - I've not done this trip but I expect its a great option for those without bikes - or to book a tour of Can Gio, either locally or online through Isango.
Its worth noting that Can Gio is the poorest district of Ho Chi Minh City, with most people making their money from fishing and catching crabs, so while you are there do try to spend some money in local shops and food stalls, tip your guide or boat crew and if you like the area, consider staying in one of the hotels or guesthouses in the region.
I forgot my camera when we took a boat trip, so my photos are mainly of our bike ride round the north of Can Gio province - you can see some good photos of themangroves on flickr - and of the sea shore on the other side of Can Gio at Phuong Nam Pearl Resort

Hanoi spruced up in violet

At this time of early summer, many streets in Hanoi are engulfed in a sea of violet flamboyant umbrellas. Most of the trees, now in full bloom, have been planted in the capital city in recent years.

They were brought here from the central highland city of Da Lat. Visitors can hardly help but leave the city with a mixed feeling of nostalgia for the end of spring.


Lotus,Vietnam national flower, becomes more and more beautiful together with Vietnam

Lotus,Vietnam national flower, becomes more and more beautiful together with Vietnamese charming pretty girls.[TABLE]

[TR]
[TD]The images of Vietnamese girls in Ao Dai (long dress) and lotus flowers have become one of Vietnam travelsymbols. In addition, lotus - Vietnam national flower also becomes more and more beautiful when they appear with Vietnamese charming pretty girls in other traditional clothes.
Followings are meaningful gifts for who love Vietnam travel as well as Vietnam’s beauty, especially for foreigners want to join tours in Vietnam so far.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Train de Hara Express


Train de Hara Express est non seulement le transport de bois mais doux dormeur transport, ayant 4 couchettes en cabine avec AC et deux toilettes aux deux extrémités. Chaque couchette est équipée de lampes de lecture individuelles de stockage des bagages, et coffre spacieux pour le cas de bains et les bagages à main. Le train est aussi fourni également de l‘eau et de serviette. Hara Express Train s‘écarte chaque nuit. Vous pouvez nous contactez à quyet@vietnamtouronsale.com pour obtenir le meilleur prix.

* Note :
- Gratuit pour les enfants de moins de 5 ans en partageant la couchette avec les parents pour toutes les voitures de tourisme.
- Le ramassage gratuit de Hanoi à la Gare au condition où vous réserviez le tour à Sapa.
- Un billet aller simple est disponible.
- Le prix du billet ne comprend pas les repas à bord du train, mais comprennent snacks et des boissons.
- WC ne sont pas dans la cabine.

Is Vietnam travel by train a good idea?


Is Vietnam travel by train a good idea?-ontario-passenger-train_705.jpgLocal trains

The local trains are slow (around 20 km/h) and stop at every station along the way. Since they don't have priority on the track they also spend a lot of time waiting for the express trains to come through. Seat options are hard, half, and soft seat.

Express trains

The Express train is ‘faster’ (50 km/h) and covers the railway from the north (Hanoi) to the south (HCMC).

There are different classes of ticket you can buy:


- Hard-seat or soft-seat.
- Hard sleeper berth (each cabin has 6 beds) or soft sleeper berth (each cabin has 4 beds), both with or without AC.

Booking in advance is preferable.

Comments 

We didn't take the soft sleeper from Hue to Hanoi, but comments we heard were universally positive. The trip is comfortable and costs about 55 $ (don't book through your hotel, they sometimes ask steep commissions). Important note however: only book the fast express train! Someone else we met booked the slow sleeper from Hue to Hanoi (15 hours for 30 $), and they had an awful night in a dirty compartment).

Also the night trip from Nha Trang to Danang is an excellent alternative to the horrible bus ride. From Danang railway station, it's a 1 hour trip to Hoi An by taxi.

We took the hard sleeper from Hanoi to Lao Cai (no soft sleepers available), and this was reasonable. We were with 6 in our compartment and slept reasonably well. Some points to remember however:
- Go for the lower berths: they are cooler then the top berths, and the luggage can be stored underneath the bed, so stealing is impossible.
- The train from Lao Cai to Hanoi arrives in Hanoi before 5 am, which is unreasonably early.
- Some travelcafés (like Kim) provide small mattresses which make the trip a little bit more comfortable (15 $ deposit is asked for).

Prices (info as provided in 9/99) 
- Hanoi- Lao Cai: 16 to 18 US$ (hard sleeper)
- Hanoi-Hai Phong: 5 US$ (hard seat)
- Hanoi-Vinh: 28 US$ (soft sleeper)
- Hanoi – Hue : 58 USD per person (soft sleeper)
- Hanoi-Nha Trang: 120 US$ (soft sleeper)
- Hanoi- HCMC: 130 US$ (soft sleeper)
- Hue-Nha Trang: 63 US$ (soft sleeper)
- Hue-Nha Trang: 63 US$ (soft sleeper)
- Hue-HCMC: 70 US$ (soft sleeper)
- Nha Trang-HCMC: 23 US$ (soft sleeper)

Tho ethnic group


Customs and habits
Formerly, the Tho lived in houses built on stilts. Now they prefer houses built on the ground. Close relationships and a desire to help each other have existed for a very long time in Tho society. Young Tho boys and girls have enjoyed considerable freedom through a custom known as "Ngu Mai". They are allowed to lie together and have heart-to-heart talks with each other. In the course of these nocturnal parties, each boy and girl will eventually find their sweetheart. As for marriage, a boy's family must spend a lot of money in preparation for the celebration of the wedding. Therefore, a boy must work many days for his future in-laws. The Tho worship innumerable genies and spirits. They also have great respect for pioneers who have made contributions to the clearing of the land and the building of the village, and for the numerous war heroes. All families also worship their ancestors. Each year, the most important ceremony called "Going to the Field" is held.

CultureThe Tho language belongs to the Viet-Muong Group.
CostumesTho attire resembles the farmers’ dress of the Kinh in the early half of 20th century. Tho women buy skirts from the Thai and wear a square white cloth around their heads which serves as a female head dress. The morning ribbon is a long white piece of cloth.
EconomyThe Tho cultivate rice and hemp. With rice cultivation, they often use ploughs and harrows to till the soil. Hemp is grown primarily for producing items for daily use. The forest provides various kinds of vegetable for Tho daily life.

Chut ethnic group


Customs and habits
Though most Chut live a sedentary life, their villages are quite separated and their houses are temporary. Each lineage has its leader and an altar to worship their common ancestors. Among the leaders of the lineages, those who can win the highest prestige will be proclaimed village chief. Matrimony is still practiced. The Chut have very simple funerals.

Culture
The Chut language belongs to the Viet-Muong Group. The Chut have inherited a rich folk art and culture. The folk songs are called Ka-tum and Ka-lenh, and are very popular among many people. The ancient tales of the Chut are diverse and have various themes. The Chut play pan-pipes and six-hole flutes.

EconomyThe Chut are primarily involved in agriculture and they practice slash and burn cultivation. They also practice hunting, gathering, fishing, and animal husbandry. Carpentry and basketry are another means of income generation.

Guide for package trip


Guide for package trip-travel.jpg


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People of Vietnam


In 1998, Vietnam had a population of over 76,000,000 and of these most of them lived around the Red and Mekong deltas, where the population density is around 1000 people per sq km. The population is made up of mainly ethnic Vietnamese people (those whose ancestors moved to the area thousands of years before) who have settled in the lowlands, while the largest minority group consists of ethnic Chinese. The Chinese immigrants (those whose families settled in the area within the last few hundred years) have settled for the most part in cities and provincial towns and consist of around 2,000,000 total population. 
In addition to the ethnic Chinese, there are other minorities that live in Vietnam namely the Khmer and the Cham, descendents of inhabitants who lived in central and southern Vietnam before the area was conquered by the Vietnamese. Another portion of the population is made up of tribal groups, who as a whole represent about 7% of Vietnam's entire population. Their ancestors came into Vietnam from other Asian countries. These tribes make up about 50 different language and ethnic groups and live mainly in the mountainous area around the Red River Delta and in the Central Highlands.
Although the different ethics groups get along for the most part, the Vietnamese tend to show antipathy towards the dominance ethnic Chinese have in the national economy. To further aggravate the situation, Vietnamese tend to be wary of China for their past domination in various parts of the country and take it out occasionally on the Chinese citizens of Vietnam. 

Friday, November 25, 2011

Vietnam Travel Guide


Vietnam is an utter assault on the senses; it is at once dizzying, frenetic and fascinating. Yet it is lovable. The Vietnamese are friendly and endlessly generous, and travelling the country is nothing but a delight. The cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are both chaotic and captivating: the capital Hanoi is the focus for arts in Vietnam and has been since its foundation in the year 1010, while Ho Chi Minh, still referred to as Saigon, is the business hub, but no less interesting. The imperial city of Hue offers a well-preserved insight in to Vietnam's proud past.


Thanks

Car rental service


CAR RENTAL SERVICE IN VIETNAM

Wildtour Company have private car hire services for your business trip, sightseeing tours, pick up/see off at the airport when you arrive Vietnam. You can feel secure and put your faith in our service because our drivers are always careful and enthusiastic who can speak English/French language and thorough knowledge of tourist. 
Our price inclusive: private car, driver, petrol, toll, parking fees, tax.

Car hire price: (This price is valid to December 31, 2010) 

PRICE (USD)/04 seat/ 07 seat/ 16 seat/ 30 seat 

Pick up/see off Tan Son Nhat airport (within Ho Chi Minh city): 15$/ 18$/ 20$/ 25$ (for 04 seat/ 07 seat/ 16 seat/ 30 seat )
Ho Chi Minh city (8 hours) 44$/ 54 $/64$/ 90$ ((for 04 seat/ 07 seat/ 16 seat/ 30 seat )
Sai Gon - Cu Chi - Sai Gon 50$/ 60$/ 70$/ 100$
Sai Gon - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Sai Gon90$ /100$/120$/150$
Sai Gon - My Tho -Sai Gon : 60$/ 70$/ 80$/ 110$
Sai Gon- Vung Tau - Sai Gon : 80$/ 90$/ 110$/ 140$
Sai Gon-Cai Be(Tieng Giang)-Vinh Long-Sai Gon: 80$/ 90$/ 110$/140$
Sai Gon-My Tho-Can Tho-Sai Gon: 110$/ 120$/ 140$/ 180$
Sai Gon-My Tho-Can Tho-Chau Doc-Sai Gon: 160$/ 180$/ 200$/ 240$
Sai Gon - Phan Thiet - Sai Gon: 130$/ 140$/ 160$/ 210$
Sai Gon - Da Lat - Sai Gon (3 days): 170$/ 190$/ 210$/ 250$
Sai Gon - Da Lat- Nha Trang -Sai Gon (5 days): 270$/ 300$/ 330$/ 380$

Note: We will quote for you other prices following your route, you may send your order details to our sale center at info@vietnamwildtour.com

Website: http://tour.birdwatchingvietnam.net/default.asp?contentID=689&lang=1

Vietnamese Border Crossings


To Laos


There are two border crossings to Laos:


▼ Keo Nua Pass (also known as CaU Treo):
From Hanoi, you can take direct overnight buses to Vientiane, across the border at Cau Treo, 80kms from Vinh City in Vietnam’s Central Provinces. For tickets and information, contact Hanoi’s tours and travel agents, under Travel Contacts.


 Lao Bao:
From Hue, direct buses for Savannakhet cross the border at Lao Bao, near Dong Ha in the Central Provinces.


To Cambodia


There are three border crossings to Cambodia:


▼ Moc Bai:
The main overland border crossing to Cambodia is northwest of Ho Chi Minh City at Moc Bai (in Tay Ninh Province). Direct buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh take around eight hours. Tickets cost between $8-16.


▼ Vinh Xuong:
A new riverside border crossing called Vinh Xuong is located 30kms north of Chau Doc, in the Mekong Delta at Vinh Xuong. For boat transfers up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh,



▼ Tinh Bien:
The third international border between Cambodia and Vietnam had been opened at Tinh Bien, about 25 km west of Chau Doc.

To China
There are three border crossings over China:


▼ Lao Cai - Ha Khau
The Hekou Bridge overland border to China is at Lao Cai, (the main train station for Sapa) in the northwest. Twice weekly trains also run from Hanoi to Kunming in China; you can also board the train at Lao Cai Train Station. .


▼ Mong Cai - Dong Hung
The Mong Cai - Dong Hung - the third border crossing China can be found at Mong Cai Town, northeastern of Vietnam. To get there, you can get hydrofoils direct from Hai Phong or Ha Long (see hidrofoils).


Contact the main boat jetties in town for tickets & information.


▼ Huu Nghi:
Huu Nghi is an overland border of 18kms north of Lang Son, in the northeast. From Hanoi, minibuses depart from Gia Lam Bus Station for Lang Son. There are also local trains from Hanoi, which stop at Dong Dang Station, 4kms away from Huu Nghi. The international train for China (Beijing) departs Hanoi’s main train station via Dong Dang Station, but you can only join the train at Hanoi.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Vietnamese embassies and consulates in Australia and Oceania


Australia
The Embassy of Vietnam, Canberra
Address: 6 Timbarra Crescent, Malley, Canberra, ACT 2606
Telephone: 628 66059, 629 01549
Off duty hours: 628 23192, 628 26680
Fax: 628 64534
Consul : 629 01556
Code: 00-61-2
Email: canberra@au.vnembassy.org
Website: http://www.au.vnembassy.org
Ambassador: Mr. VU CHI CONG

Consulate-General of Vietnam, Sydney
Address: 489 New South Head Road, Double Bay, Sydney, N.S.W. 2028 Australia
Telephone: 932 72539, 932 71912
Fax: 932 81653
Code: 00-61-2
Email: vnconsul@ihug.com.au
Consul General: Mr. NGUYEN VAN THO

New Zealand
The Embassy of Vietnam in New Zealand, Wellington
Address: Level 21 Grand Plimmer Tower, 2-6 Gilmer Terrace,
PO Box 8042, Wellington New Zealand
Tel: 473 5912/ 473 5910
Fax: 473 5913
Code: 00-644
Email: mailto:embassyvn@paradise.net.nz
Ambassador: Mr. TRAN HAI HAU

Get Vietnam Visa in Cambodia


For citizens in Cambodia, no Vietnam entry Visa is required for a stay within 30 days in Vietnam.


For citizens in Cambodia, no Vietnam entry Visa is required for a stay within 30 days in Vietnam. For more than 30-day stay, entry visa is a must. It is quite easy to get your visa to Vietnam in Cambodia at hostels, travel agencies, or Vietnam consulates.
Embassy of Vietnam
Address: 436 Monivong Blvrd, Phnom Penh
Tel:+855-23 362741
Fax: +855-23 427 385, 362 314

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Christmas Stress Management

Listening to the conversation that two of my girlfriends were having over coffee last week, it dawned on me that they sounded very much like over-worked A Level students about to sit their exams...

"I'll be glad when it's all over... I simply don't have a minute to myself... I don't see how I can possibly get everything done".
I'm sure you've guessed from the title of this post that they weren't taking any exams. No, they were talking about Christmas; the time of cheer and goodwill to all men... and apparently stress, pressure and hard work to all mums!
It started me wondering: how did we manage to take all the fun out of Christmas?
But then the memories of last year came flooding back. All that organising; writing all the cards; buying and wrapping presents; shopping for food; cooking for hundreds; acting the perfect hostess; sorting out family politics ; keeping Aunt Mabel away from the cooking sherry (please note, name changed to protect the guilty)...
Suddenly I felt the same as my friends. But I am so determined to enjoy Christmas this year that I came up with "6 Christmas Stress Management" tips, which are designed to let me and my girlfriends have our Christmas cake and eat it!
So, if any of the above strikes a chord, keep reading to see how you can ensure that you're rested and stress free when Santa finally climbs down the chimney.
1- Get back to basics 
Have reasonable expectations - chances of a perfect fairytale Christmas are unrealistic and difficult to plan for. Christmas Day is a time to enjoy being with family and friends. It doesn't matter if lunch is late, presents aren't wrapped perfectly or grandma has a few too many sherries! Keep it simple and remember that Christmas is about everyone - including you, having a good time!
2- Ask for help 
Even Santa has an army of little helpers, so you are allowed a helping hand at Christmas too. If you're hosting a Christmas party for a lot of people, don't try to be Superwoman. Ask others to help with food preparations or decorations.
Perhaps a sister or friend could bring the Christmas cake and another relative could help decorate the tree. Give everyone a task - a team effort is often far more fun and rewarding!
3- Not everything has to be made from scratch 
In an ideal world, we'd all be there in our red and white checked aprons, happily baking Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings, mince pies, warming home-made mulled wine and milking our own cow to make sure that the cheese is fresh.
That might be fine if you've plenty of time, are super-organised or both (and keep a cow in your back garden). But let's get real. Most mums these days are trying to juggle work with school nativity plays, shopping, wrapping and hiding presents and the other million and one things that must be done by Christmas.
So, my advice is to be smart, take advantage of the convenience offered by today's modern world (sounds much better than saying 'cheat').
Ready-made Christmas cakes and puddings are often just as delicious (sometimes more so, knowing my past disasters) and will lighten your workload. Likewise, artificial trees are mess free (less cleaning), and shop-bought mince pies can work out cheaper than baking your own.
You can even take it one step further. Supermarkets have a great, and tasty, range of fresh, ready prepared vegetables and frozen roast potatoes. Or if you really do want to make your own, why not prepare stuffing and part-roasted potatoes a couple of weeks before and keep them in your freezer. Saves a great deal of time on Christmas Day - as long as you remember to defrost them in time!
4 - Sorting out family politics 
This can often be the trickiest part of Christmas, especially for those with extended step-families or long lasting family feuds. From experience, Christmas has also been known to cause a few feuds!
My advice is to sort out arrangements well in advance. If you have family that won't mix, invite one set at Christmas this year and the other for New Year and explain that the following year the invitations will be reversed.
It also helps if you or your partner have siblings who could take some of the heat off you by extending an invitation to family members. Get together with brothers and sisters in the autumn to sort out between you who is inviting who, so that no-one is left out and everyone is happy.
This won't solve all problems, but at least you're making some steps towards tackling them in advance of Christmas Day.
5- Plan a late Christmas dinner 
Don't start cooking at the crack of dawn - enjoy your Christmas morning! If you have a good breakfast, there's no need to sit down for your main Christmas meal until mid-afternoon or early evening.
That gives you plenty of time to sit and watch the kids open their Christmas gifts and play with their new toys.
6 - Boxing Day is to put your feet up! 
If you've been in charge on Christmas Day, don't even think about doing it all again the next day.
Let someone else take their turn and you become the guest for the day or even have a quiet day by putting that left over turkey to good use and having sandwiches!
I hope it works for you and wish you a stress free, very merry Christmas!