After arriving in Phu Quoc Island, foreign tourists are allowed to stay here for less than 15 days. If they want to travel to other places or stay in the island for more than 15 days, Vietnam Immigration Department will be responsible for issuing visas right on the spot. Their passports must be valid for at least 45 days. If passports are about to expire, it is necessary to be renewed prior to arrival.

About Phu Quoc Island:

Located in Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc Island (also known as Pearl Island) is the largest and most untouched island of Vietnam. Also being regarded as the “next Phuket”, Phu Quoc is a truly paradise on Earth for both domestic and foreign travelers. Phu Quoc is famous for many picturesque beaches stretching along 150 km namely romantic Ong Lang Beach, irresistible Bai Sao, sophisticated Bai Dai beach (Long Bank, one of the five hidden beaches in the world) stretching to the horizon. Coming to Phu Quoc, tourists should not miss coral reefs swarming with tropical fish, of every possible color and design. Swimming, sun bathing, boat-sailing, scuba-diving, etc. are all the exciting and relaxing seaside activities that will absolutely make unforgettable moments in your life.

How to get there:

1. By cruise ship

Coming to Phu Quoc by cruise ship, you are exempted for Vietnam visa less than 15 days. Visitors arriving in Phu Quoc by any other mean still need to obtain Vietnam visa.

2. By air

You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) through Vietnam Airlines flights or from Rach Gia (in Kien Giang Province) to Phu Quoc. Only Air Mekong offers direct flights from Hanoi to Phu Quoc Island.

3. By boat

There are also ferries and hydrofoils between Phu Quoc to Rach Gia, Ha Tien and Hon Chong.Note: Depending on season, taxis may not be available in Phu Quoc. So if you want to get around, you can take motorbike or walk instead.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/special-vietnam-visa-regulations-for-those-who-travel-to-phu-quoc-island-4908093.html#axzz1PUi1CWAp

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In early mornings, the hilly road to Pa Co is shrouded in mist. Cloud, mountain and stream make for a relaxing environment and a respite to noisy urban life.

The area is inhabited by the Mong ethnic minority, who preserve their traditions and ways of life. The entire commune has only 2,522 people, and is divided into eight villages.

The women often wear colourful garments which might be considered works of art in themselves, complementing the natural environment.

Photos of Pa Co:

Stunning scenery in Gio Slope

May Pass

Road to the commune

Road to the commune

Sunrise in Pa Co

Sunrise in Pa Co

Waiting for mother

Women go about their daily routines

Women go about their daily routines

Women go about their daily routines

Young people learn old ways

Bright-faced children

Children helping their parents

Source: DTI

Tip: If you want to take a trip to Mai Chau and Pa Co, book any hotel in Hanoi then a tour as Mai Chau is 130 kilometers from Hanoi.

A village in Sapa

For many people, one of the highlights of traveling in Sapa is the experience of visiting minority villages. If possible, it’s recommended to visit the minority villages as a part of a small group, ideally four people or less, as this causes least disruption and allows for greater communication. Most villagers are genuinely welcoming and hospitable to foreigners, appreciating contact with Westerners and the material benefits which they bring.
Behavior that we take for granted may cause offence to some Ethnic minority people; remember you are a guest. Apart from being sensitive to the situation and keeping an open mind, the following simple rules should be observed when visiting the ethnic minority areas.
- Dress modestly, in long trousers or skirt and T-shirt or shirt.
- Be sensitive to people’s wishes when taking photographs, particularly of older people who are suspicious of camera; always ask permission first.
- Only go inside a house when invited and remove your shoes before entering.
- Small gifts, such as fresh fruit from the local market, are always welcome. However, there is a view that even this can foster begging, and that you should only ever give in return for some service or as a sign of appreciation for hospitality. A compromise is to buy craftwork produced by the villagers-most communities should have some embroidery, textiles or basketry for sale.
- As a mark of respect, learn the local term of address, either in dialect or at least in Vietnamese, such as chao ong, chao ba.
- Try to minimize your impact on the often fragile local environment; take litter back to the towns and be sensitive to the use of wood and other scarce resources.
- Growing and using opium is illegal in Vietnam and is punished with a fine or prison sentence; do not encourage its production by buying or smoking opium.

Thousands of customers visited and enjoyed national dishes, including many local visitors, ambassadors, Chargé d’affaires, diplomats and expatriate communities living and working in Abu Dhabi.

The Embassy of Vietnam attended the festival with a stall splendidly decorated with flags, flowers and panels, photos introducing the country and people of Vietnam and displays of traditional dishes characterizing Vietnam’s gastronomy culture including: spring rolls, pho, vegetable pickles, taro sweetened porridge and spices. Shortly after opening, hundreds of visitors visited the booths and enjoy the cuisines of Vietnam.

“My wife and I are enjoyed the great dishes of Vietnam. I can say that food displayed in Vietnamese booth is the most delicious,” Mr. Lucchese Andrew, an American diplomat commented. Notably, the cuisines of Vietnam praised at the festival were not made by professional chefs but were made and served by embassy staff.

Immediately after the festival, Al-Ahlyia Company of the United Arab Emirates wrote a letter to the Vietnamese Embassy and requested help to recruit some Vietnamese cooks to work for their restaurants.

Source: VGP

Besides Ca tru (Hat A Dao or ceremonial singing), Cheo (traditional operetta), Hat xam (blind buskers music) and traditional folk games, visitors can enjoy specialities from Northern, Central and Southern regions especially “Imperial cuisine” and “Folk cuisine” and a wide variety of Hue’s cakes, sweetened porridges and some others specialities.

One of the highlights of the festival is a night floating food fair serving visitors who enjoy Hue’s royal and traditional music on the Huong River.

Apart from the cultural cuisine, the festival also introduces many kinds of ornamental trees from different localities nationwide with themes “Art ornamental plants and flying emotions”, “Hue- a green city” and “Ch’an and ornamental trees”.

In addition, some community activities such as cooking contests “We are into kitchen” for pupils from high schools, “Happy meal” for spouses and program “Walk for a green country” are expected to take place.

“It is an opportunity to introduce the image of Vietnam in general, and of the Imperial City of Hue in particular, to domestic and foreign visitors, said Mr. Ngo Hoa, Vice Chairman of Thua Thien-Hue Provincial People’s Committee.

Tip: Some Hue hotels near Huong River

-         Saigon Morin Hotel, 30 Le Loi Street, price from $82

-         La Residence Hotel & Spa, 5 Le Loi Street, price from $201

Some hotels in Hue near Ngo Mon Square:

- Pilgrimage Village Hue, 130 Minh Mang Road, price from $103

Tip: Book any other Hue hotel or hotel in Vietnam at lowest prices herehttp://vietnamhotels.net

Vietnam's Traditional Drum

It is part of a project to make 37 drums announced Monday in Hanoi.

The project will officially be launched this Sunday, in the central province of Thanh Hoa, which is well-known for its drum craftsmen, the news source said.

The first drums will be delivered to the Hung Temple (a holy site dedicated to the founders of Vietnam in the Northern Province of Phu Tho) and President Ho Chi Minh’s Vestige Site in Hanoi by April 5.

Others will be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by August 28 for its 66th anniversary before being brought overseas.

VnExpress quoted Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Thai as saying that the project will helpVietnam bring its cultural symbols closer to other countries.

Bronze drums are revered as national treasures in Vietnam and are worshipped as a deity in Thanh Hoa.

The project was primarily funded by Kinh Do Investment and Communications Company, as well as AMC Investment and Development Joint-stock Company.

The drums will also be built using funds contributed by different organizations and individuals.

Collected by Vietnam Hotel

huong pagoda Huong Pagoda festival kicks off

The relic site, built at the end of 17th century, also consists of dozens of pagodas dedicated to Buddha, and various temples dedicated to local saints and agricultural gods on a bank of the Day River.

It is estimated that about 50,000 tourists would visit the relic this year. The festival lasts till the end of the third month of the lunar year (the end of April).

My Duc District’s People’s Committee Chairman Le Van Sang said the local authority had planned a safer and more bustling festival this year. Shops, advertisement banners and food shops would be strictly controlled to offer the best service to tourists.

Environmental protection also would be enhanced by the relic management board which planned to process rubbish following guidance by the Hanoi Natural Resources and Environment Department.

Source: VNS

The Hotel Stamp is getting more and more important for when you leave Vietnam/apply for an extension (which is itself becoming extremely hard to get). Only official hotels have a hotel stamp and they charge official prices for you to stay there (in part because they have to give half their foreign revenue to the government over and above a substantial “foreign licensing” fee). If you want the stamp but not the overnight then offer one of the desk staff a few dollars to borrow their stamp.

It is almost impossible to find lodgings during Tet holidays. Book in advance and sit tight through the holiday or you may be spending some nights out on the street.

You are generally not charged extra for an extra person in the room. You will probably be charged extra for a second bed, even if you’re not using it. To avoid confusion (and surcharges) over the various interpretations of “single”, “twin”, and “double”, go have a look at the room to be sure you’re getting what you want.

TRANSPORT

Taxis with meters are available in big cities. The current price is about US$ 0.5 per kilometer. A taxi ride from Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to downtown Ho Chi Minh City costs about US$4. A taxi ride from Noi Bai Airport (Ha Noi) to downtown Ha Noi costs abouts US$15. Most metered taxi drivers speak little English. In HCM City, Saigontourist runs a fleet of red-painted cabs.

The traditional means of transport in remote areas is waterways. Ship of all types together with the river and the wharf, are familiar in the Vietnamese geological and humanitarian images. So if you want to make trips to such places like Mekong Delta, be prepared to go by this means. Super trips!

SHOPPING

The following items are preferred by foreign travellers:

Carved wooden furniture, fine lacquerware (these can be shipped home upon request).

Traditional Vietnamese hand-made silk dresses, kimonos, embroideries, etc.

Simulated antiques, fine ceramics, old watches or Zippo lighters, etc.

Copies of famous artist paintings

SECURITY

As with any big city, do not bring items of value as you go shopping or sightseeing on city streets.

It is customary to give alms to beggars and to buy souvenirs from street vendors.

Foreign currencies should be exchanged at banks, or authorized exchange facilities. Do not exchange money in the street.

It is advisable NOT to take pedicabs or “honda-om” on your own.