A PLACE FULL OF HARMONY

Travel Guide for

Vietnam
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Culture & Religion

Festivals & Cuisine

Best time

Experience

Souvenirs recommendation

Travel tips

Itinerary

Visa

Environmental Conservation Training | Feb. 2020

CULTURE
& RELIGION

Vietnam is a beautiful country filled with rice

terraces, endless beaches and streets decorated

with colorful lanterns. Located in Southeast Asia,

Vietnam is bordering China to the north and Laos

and Cambodia to the west. The Mountains of the

Annam Cordillera rise over most of the western side

and the endless coastline in the east and south of

Vietnam provides perfect sunset panoramas.

 CULTURE RELIGION

The Vietnamese culture is one of the oldest in Vietnam is a communist country and has therefore

Southeast Asia and is heavily influenced by no official religion. Even so, most Vietnamese are

neighboring Asian cultures. The French colonial rule not atheists, but worship a combination of religions.

introduced the Western culture and led to the The three main religions are Buddhism, Taoism, and

spread of Catholicism and the Latin alphabet. Confucianism. They are often grouped together as

Authentic Vietnamese culture includes the one religion called the three teachings or tam giáo.

veneration of the ancestors, the respect for family

values and the devotion to study.

FESTIVALS &
CUISINE

Vietnam is undoubtedly one of the most

fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. Nature

enthusiasts will love all the different outdoors,

ranging from unspoilt beaches and untouched

islands to magnificent mountains and tropical

forests housing thousands of rare wildlife

species.
 LUNAR NEW YEAR HUE FESTIVAL

The most important holiday Lunar New Year, locally A biannual celebration that takes place in UNESCO-

called Tet, is the biggest festival of the year with the listed Hue City. The array of cultural events is held in

whole country having family get-togethers. It’s a order to preserve traditional customs that were

fascinating time to visit Vietnam, because locals will practiced during the Nguyen Dynasty.

light up fireworks, set up interesting flower stalls and

visit temples with their families.

 THE PHO GOI CUON BANH MI BUN CHA

Vietnam’s best-known dish Goi Cuon are Vietnamese A baguette sandwich As a Hanoi specialty, you’ll

is Pho (pronounced “fuh”), a spring rolls packed with heavenly filled with find it everywhere across

noodle soup eaten at any vegetables, coriander and vegetables and a choice of the city. The barbecue pork

time of day but primarily at various combinations of filling. This popular snack is is served on a bed of cold

breakfast. Pho is made of a minced pork or shrimp. available with meat, rice noodles with assorted

combination of meat, green seafood or tofu. foliage and a great broth.

herbs, and rice noodles, all

served in a perfect broth.

BEST TIME

The best time to visit Vietnam's northern

region is between March and May, and from

September to November when you'll be

spared the full brunt of the summer heat and

the cold winter downpours. The period

between March and May is Vietnam's spring

season and the countryside around Hanoi is in

full bloom.
EXPERIENCE
Culture Nature

Vietnam is home to ancient cities, impressive

History Beach
landscapes and mouth-watering cuisine. This

country is filled with colorful streets, historic stories

and joyful people.

Cruise
Religion
 NORTHERN VIETNAM

HANOI HA LONG BAY

Ha Long Bay is arguably Vietnam’s most

The ancient capital city boasts with original

recognised landscape, boasting over 1,600

Vietnamese beauty. There are many unique

limestone islands and islets. Located in

spots like the Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s Old

northern Vietnam, the UNESCO-listed bay

Quarter and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

features a wide range of biodiversity, while

the surrealistic scenery has been featured

in plenty of films throughout the years.

 NORTHERN VIETNAM

BAC HA AND SAPA

BAN GIOC DETIAN WATERFALLS
Bac Ha's majestic countryside is home to
The Ban Gioc Falls are a breathtaking complex
one of the biggest ethnic minority markets.
of waterfalls right on the border with China.
The authentic market towns are the perfect
Comparable with the Niagara Falls and
starting point for a trekking route through
undoubtedly the most impressive panorama in
the charming mountains and rice paddies.
Vietnam.
 CENTRAL COAST

HUE HOI AN

THE IMPERIAL CITY THE ROMANTIC CITY

Hue was the capital city during the time Hoi An is a well-preserved town on the

Vietnam was still an empire. A lot of the central coast of Vietnam. Food lovers will

old, authentic glory survived natural love the local cuisine and the atmosphere

disasters and the war. Admire the imperial filled with colorful colonial houses, iconic

city with the banks of the Perfume River. lanterns and dazzling temples.
 CENTRAL COAST

BAI XEP
DA NANG
REMOTE BEACH
THE GOLDEN DESTINATION
Bai Xep is a remote fishing village with a
The coastal city Da Nang has a variety of
pretty beach and crystal-clear water,
enjoyable sceneries, ranging from the Five
perfect for diving.
Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) over Cu Lao Cham

island to amusement parks like Ba Na Hill and

Asia Park.
 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

PHONG NHA DA LAT NHA TRANG

KE BANG NATIONAL PARK THE FRENCH DREAM THE SUNNY COAST

The spectacular Phong Nha-Ke Bang The hill town of Da Lat is famous for its wide Nha Trang is a very small lively town

National Park contains the oldest karst variety of flowers, vegetables and fruit from its surrounded by small islands with

mountains in Asia. The complexity of the surrounding farmlands as well as countless breathtaking coral reefs and fish species,

cave systems and length of the river system nature sites; it's beautiful landscape, making it the perfect spot for diving. Of

is out of this world. This is the perfect place evergreen forests and minority villages. particular note are the long sandy beaches

for riding a zipline or renting a kayak. with crystal clear water.

 SOUTHERN VIETNAM

CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK HO CHI MINH MEKONG DELTA

A great place for those who want to get Ho Chi Minh is one of two economic and Murky canals, floating markets, and vast

away from the bustle of the big city, get cultural centers of the country. This city swamps; this region is a fascinating mixture

back to nature, stay in the middle of the preserved the charming architectural features of nature and culture. Discover the Mekong

forest, and go trekking. The Endangered of the French colonial era. Learn more about River by boat and enjoy the local lifestyle.

Primate Rescue Center specializes in the Vietnams war history in the War Remnants

rescue of endangered primates from the Museum and in the Cu Chi tunnels.

South of Vietnam which are seized from

the illegal wildlife trade.

 SOUTHERN VIETNAM

CON DAO ISLANDS PHU QUOC ISLAND PHAN THIET

Con Dao Islands consist mostly of Vietnam’s most desired beach getaway makes The simple lifestyle of Phan Thiet city is very

uninhabited islets just off the southern it easy to forget all your worries. Swim near calming. The sunrise view with the

coast of Vietnam, making it an expensive waterfalls, snorkel above vibrant reefs or just picturesque backdrop of the red sandy

beach escape with stunning hiking trails relax and sunbathe on the stunning beach. desert landscape is incredibly beautiful.

and a wide range of outdoor activities.

SOUVENIRS AO DAI

RECOMMENDATION

COFFEE

We all want our travel memories to remain fresh forever.

But if only memories were left alone. It is human nature to

possess material belonging as a reminder of their

cherished memories. Whether you splurge on your travels,

buy a cheap souvenir, pick a free memento or just take

lots of photos, there is always something to look back to

after your return.

VIETNAMESE EMBROIDERY
TRAVEL TIPS

4 things to know before visiting Vietnam for the

first time.
TIPPING SHOPPING
If you really want to tip for exceptional service, be The best shopping strategy is to negotiate and then

discrete. Leaving a tip isn't expected and upfront threaten to walk away.

tipping could make a person lose their face.

RELIGIOUS BELIEF WARNING TOPIC

It doesn’t matter if you believe in traditions Don’t speak ill of Vietnamese war heroes, or make

around ancestral beliefs, never make light of jokes about anything related to the colonial past or

ghosts or the deceased. the war.

 ITINERARY

Vibrant colonial towns, delicious food and the

unrivalled natural scenery make Vietnam irresistible.

This country should be on top of your South East Asia

bucket list.
6-DAY OVERLOOK DAY 1. WELCOME TO HANOI!

OF VIETNAM TOUR Pickup from the airport. Start the tour by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

and Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam) – Vietnam’s first

University constructed in 1070. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture

offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We will proceed our visit at the Vietnam

Museum of Ethnology which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic

groups in Vietnam.

After that we will take you to Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoy the peaceful water,

and visit Ngoc Son Temple, meaning Temple of the Jade Mountain.At 18.00,

we go back to your hotel in Hanoi. It’s then your free time now to have

dinner and a short while to explore the streets of Hanoi on your own.
DAY 2. EXPLORE HALONG BAY BY CRUISE

Around 8.00am, our guide picks you up at your hotel and go to Halong

Bay.Arrival in Halong at 10:30. The captain and crew welcome you

aboard. Savor the delicious lunch as boat pass through thousands of

Islands and Islets with different shapes.

After the lunch, explore the biggest and the most amazing cave in

Halong Bay - Surprise Cave.Kayak for an hour around the fishing village

and discover the life of community there.Sunset Party, get to calm, clean

water place for swimming. Enjoy delicious and romantic dinner with some

barbecue courses.

In the evening, there will be free time for entertainment with the funny

plays such as squid fishing, karaoke program, stars watching on

sundeck… Spend a romantic night on boat.

Overnight on board in Halong bay .

DAY 3. ENJOY ANOTHER DAY IN HALONG BAY

Early in the morning, start your new day on Halong bay with doing

morning exercises, Taichi or hunting photos. Breakfast is served with

coffee or tea.

After breakfast, our bus takes you to Cai Beo harbor, get on the ”Day

Boat”.Visit Ba Hang Fishing Village to experience the lifestyle of local

people.

After that we will head back to the boat restaurant to join the cooking

class and enjoy lunch.Around 11.45 AM, we will disembark and transfer

back to Hanoi. We will transfer you directly to Noi Bai airport (in Hanoi)

for the flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh. Check-in to the room at the hotel and stay

overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

DAY 4. DISCOVER HO CHI MINH CITY AND CU CHI
TUNNELS

In the morning, we will tour Ho Chi Minh City. We start the trip by these

famous places: Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office,

followed by exploring the Reunification Palace, and the remarkable site

of the War Remnants Museum. (Drop you off at Ben Thanh Market for

shopping if we have enough time).

Afternoon, Cu Chi tunnel, before entering the tunnels visitors can watch

a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed.

You will spend the next hour exploring the tunnels.Afterwards, enjoy tea,

cassava (guerrilla’s food during the war).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

DAY 5. MEKONG DELTA EXPLORATION

Around 8.00am, travel to My Tho and Ben Tre, enjoy the scenic journey

along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields.

On arrived at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride

along the river, view stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages

along the river bank.

Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then we will

take a boat ride to An Khanh, a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy

cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shade of the water coconut

trees along natural canals.

Enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese

folk music”, performed by the locals.

Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste

delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through

fruit plantations and villages. Go back to the city.

DAY 6. GOODBYE VIETNAM!

Start off your last day by bidding farewell to Ho Chi Minh city and

prepare to depart home.

We hope you enjoyed our tour to the fullest as much as we did. We wish

you good luck and hope to hear from you again!

Pick up from the hotel in the morning.

Transfer to the airport.

FROM 996 USD / PER PERSON

Note: Expats Holidays can arrange the tour according to your needs.

The tailor-made tour price will change depending on your needs.

VISA
Applications can be submitted in person or by post

or by email. The visa fee can be paid together or

separately. Tourist visa can be issued for up to three

months for single entry and multiple entry.

For the application via email you will need the

following documents:The Visa application form, a

copy of the data page of your passport (ID page), a

2x2 inch identical photo, your current

mailing/shipping address and your Credit Card

information.

After all required documents are submitted, the

issuing process will take around 1-2 business days.

 Explore the colours of life

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Jing'an District Shanghai China

+86 021 6054 7788 / +86 187 2197 8867

[email protected]

www.expatsholidays.com

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