Khau Vai Love Market

Khau Vai commune, located in Meo Vac district, the northernmost province of Ha Giang, is home to ethnic minority groups of Giay, Nung and Muong. The love market festival is held on lunar March 26th and 27th with the participation of a large number of locals. The festival features food and drink culture, song performances and folk games. Ethnic costumes, jewelery, ethnic musical instruments, culture and art publications are on display at the market, reflecting activities of the local people.

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The primary Khau Vai Love Market

It can be said that the beauty & power of love is the basic factor to maintain the existence of Khau Vai love market for such a long time. In the market area, there are two temples called Ong and Ba (Mr and Mrs) temples. The story concerning these temples tells that, once upon a time, there was a boy and a girl born from two different places of the Dong Van Plateau. Since forbidden to get married by the two families, they, side by side, decided to leave home to come and settle down together in Khau Vai, a prosperous land with green plants. In honor of their merits in cultivating the wild land into a rich land, the local people built the two temples to worship them.

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Khau Vai Love Market

Another local myth tells the story of a young couple from different tribes who fell in love with each other. The girls belonged to the Giay group and the boy to the Nung group. The girl was so beautiful that her tribe did not want to let her get married with any man from another tribes. Consequently, violent conflict arose between the two tribes. To stop the blood shedding, the two lovers sorrowfully decided to part. However, they planned to meet once a year on that day, lunar March 27th. The place where they used to meet is Khau Vai, which thereafter became a meeting place for all those in love.

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Since then, on every lunar March 27th, Khau Vai has attracted couples of different ages, including those who seek partners for the first time. Yet, most of them are those who love each other very much but cannot marry because of different reasons. On the day when the market session takes place, it is likely that both the wife and her husband together go to the market but they look for their own partners to share emotions. If one of them has to stay at home, he or she is not jealous because the dating at the marketplace is only a temporary feeling exchange, which has no negative influences on real life.

Activities

The first day of the market session is for the ceremony to turn into the new calendar period. On this day, at a selected hour, people take a bath and put on their best clothes in anticipation of the New Year. They bring incense, lamps, flowers and fruits to a pagoda where they join the great calendar-receiving ceremony. Then the official ceremony is carried out inside the sanctuary. After that, every participant prays to the Buddha and chant prayers for a happy new year. Young persons walk out to the pagoda yard and join in fun activities till late at night.

The second day is for the ceremony to offer boiled rice and heap up a sandy mountain. Every Khmer family cooks rice and offers it to Buddhist monks at the pagoda in early morning and at noon. In the afternoon, people start to heap up a sandy mountain for seeking happiness and luck. They make small mountains in eight directions and one in the middle reflects the universe. This custom originates from an age-old legend. It displays people’s aspirations for rain.

On the third day of the market, there comes the ceremony to wash the Buddha’s statue and Buddhist monks. In the afternoon, they burn incense, offer sacrifices and use scented water to wash the statue in order to pay tribute and gratitude to the Buddha. This is also to get rid of the old year’s misfortunes and wish all the best for the New Year. After that, people return to their house and wash the Buddha’s statue at home. They offer dishes, confectionery and fruits to ask for happiness for their parents and grandparents and being forgiven for their mistakes made in the previous year.

Da Nang ranks first among top 10 destinations on the rise for 2015

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, has named the central coastal city of Danang as a top destination on the rise in Asia and the world.
“The port city of Danang is a beacon for foodies, who flock here to sample the famously fresh and bold flavours of Central Vietnamese cuisine,” said the magazine. Centre Vietnam tours
“Taste your way through the streets on a walking or biking culinary tour. Work off those bowls of spicy noodle soup with an exploration of the caves and grottos of the Marble Mountains. Be sure to time your nighttime stroll so you pass the Dragon Bridge when its “head” breathes fire over the River Han.”

Da Nang ranks first among top 10 destinations on the rise for 2015

Tran Chi Cuong, Deputy Director, Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism of Danang city said that he was really touched when knowing that Danang ranked first in the list for Travellers’ Choice Destination on the Rise awards. Travel to Vietnam
He stressed that Danang has a wide range of peaceful and beautiful natural landscapes that are great endorsements from travellers around the world. Travel to Cambodia
Other ideal places in the list include Sihanoukville of Cambodia, Limassol of Cyprus, Ao Nang of Thailand, Bodrum City of Turkey, Naha of Japan, Hurghada of Egypt, Kazan of Russia, Manaus of Brazil, and Eilat of Israel.

Halong Phoenix Cruiser - Luxury cruises

Cruise Description:

Halong Phoenix Cruiser consists of three wooden junks, which are excellently decorated and outstandingly managed. If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Vietnam, then you must plan a visit to the Halong Bay which is the biggest tourist destinations in Vietnam. If you want to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then you must travel through this luxurious Halong Phoenix Luxury Cruises.

The Halong Phoenix Cruise offers luxurious service, appreciable accommodations and great food to its guests. It comprises of sundecks, massage parlours, bars, dining halls, restaurants and beautified cabins which are wonderfully decorated with traditional and modern Vietnamese facilities. You can have an excellent time in this excellent Halong Phoenix Luxury Cruise by eating, drinking, swimming, kayaking, playing, fishing, dancing as it offers endless enjoying activities to its guests.

If you ever plan to visit Vietnam, then you must plan a visit to see the exquisite and intimate sites of the Halong Bay. You are definitely going to love the experience and it will definitely be the most memorable experience of your life.

Cruise Itinerary:

The Halong Phoenix Cruise offers overnight packages to its guests. The two and three days itineraries offer excellent sightseeing and wonderful adventures. The cruise welcomes its guests and serves them with delicious wines at the start of its journey. Luscious sea food is served in lunch in the cruise by the crew. The cruise reaches the Sung Sot Cave nearly around 3 pm, where the tourists get a chance to invade the caves. The area is enriched with natural beauty and one may find it the most exciting tour of one’s life. Travel to Vietnam

You can enjoy boating and kayaking with the facilities provided by the cruise. In addition, you can enjoy dancing with the pleasurable background music which constantly entertains the people in the cruise. The cruise then takes its visitors to the Luon Cave, where the cruise spends its overnight anchorage. The dinner is served at the cruise which comprises of excellent meals for the tourists.

Halong Phoenix Cruiser - Luxury cruises

The next day tour includes a trip to Ti Top Island, where tourists get an opportunity to swim, and enjoy. You can also capture the captivating beauty of the island in your cameras to save the most memorable moments of your life. The cruise ends its trip at 4 pm the next day.

Who will enjoy:

The Halong Phoenix Cruise is the best for small families; small group of friends and for couples as well. The great mix of activities offered by the cruise is very suitable for all kinds of people to enjoy. All in all, the Halong Phoenix Cruise offers everything to the tourists to make their trip worth paying for.

Ho Dong Tien cave

Ho Dong Tien (Fairy Lake Cave) is one of the most beautiful caves on Halong Bay. It's famous for the beauty, geological and historical values.

Ho Dong Tien  cave is same as other caves if you just look at its gate from outside. Its entrance can be flooded up to one third when the tide rises. The Cave can be divided into three chambers and the way connecting them is very narrow that is big enough for only one person to go through at a time. It’s very dark in the middle of the cave so you need to bring torches in order to discover the cave and watch beautiful stalagmites and stalactites which are everywhere and make the cave become more special. Besides, we can see limestone lofts hanging on the wall, which are relics of geolical history of Halong Bay. They have been formed for thousands of year so scientists can do research and restore geological history of this area. It’s interestingly that there are small animals living inside the cave where there is no sunlight but nobody know how they can survive.

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Ho Dong Tien cave

The second chamber of the cave will lead you to a small close lake with shallow water. The lake was surrounded by lime-stone mountains, where fairies came here for bathing and sleeping according to legends of local residents. Thus, “Fairy Lake” was named for this cave by the locals. In fact, this special landscape has a special ecological environment which is the home of many endemic species.

It’s quite wet and dark inside the cave so the ground is slippery. In order to discover the whole cave, you need to wear nice shoes with a good grip on the ground. You can go to this cave either by kayaking or small boat rowing by the local people, it’s will be memorable experience in Halong Bay.

Ho Dong Tien is a nice place for celebrating your birthday and special events with your family, friends. The capacity can be around 15 – 20 people. There are some cruises and travel agents provide this services so don’t worry about how you can do that. Come to visit and feeling the special of Fairy Lake Cave.

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba Island is one the popular attraction for traveler when they join Halong Bay tours. Usually tourist spend one night overnight on cruise and one night overnight in Cat Ba Hotel. Cat Ba island is one of the largest island, belong to Hai Phong city with an area of 280 km2, included Cat Ba National park, complex of beautiful bay, Cat Ba center town.
Cat Ba Island view from the peak of National Park

Cat Ba island has a variety of natural ecosystems with limestone, forest, beach, cave… Original Cat Ba is the place of fisherman. They live in Cat Ba town and floating villages around the island. Today Cat Ba become one of famous attraction for tourist.  Tourist arrive here and join many activities on the island: Trekking through Cat Ba National Park, Biking through village with mountain landscape, kayaking to explore the bay, swimming in natural beach… Vietnam travel
There three beaches in Cat Ba island: Cat Co beach I, Cat Co beach II, Cat Co beach III

Cat Ba National Park founded in 1986, covered an area of 98 km2 with 109 km2 of land area and 52 km2 of sea.  There are 1,561 species of flora from 186 families, 406 species of trees. There are 279 species of fauna, included 53 manual species. 160 bird species, 274 species of insect. There are 178 coral, 900 fish, especially Cat Ba island is a home land of langurs, it going to disappear in the world. Today there are only 68 langur in the National Park.

There are 68 langurs left in Cat Ba National park

Cat Ba National Park

Tourist is easy to get to Cat Ba island when they join Halong Bay tours. Halong Bay cruise will drop you in Gia Luan or Beo tourist wharf then take the shuttle bus to Cat Ba town. Optional from Hanoi ( 160 km to Cat Ba ) tourist will take bus and drive to Hai Phong (50 km to Cat Ba island )city then transferred by ferry to Cat Ba town ( not recommended for tourist, It take long time to get to Cat Ba island. Drive to Halong City then join boat trip to Cat Ba island. You will be enjoyable with Halong Bay view) Huong Hai Sealife Halong bay
Cat Ba National Park has various types of animals, trees, insect, fishes...

Cat Ba island welcome 350,000 tourists every year. There various type of services in Cat Ba island: hotel form 3 star hotel to 5 star hotel or resort in Cat Ba island, driving motor or biking to explore Cat Ba island, kayaking to explore the bay, drinking some beer in the bar, joining massage services. Food in Cat Ba is perfect with various of seafood.

What you will see on a cruise trip?

Most guests who visit Halong will spend either 1 or 2 night on a cruise or junk - this is without doubt the best way to enjoy the scenic landscape of the Bay. Each cruise tailor-makes their own itinerary but in general, you will get to see the major caves and most important grottos of the Bay. 2 day trip is rather cramped as you get only 1 day to spend on board and the rest of the time is spent on traveling back and forth from Hanoi. 3 day trip gives you a better opportunity to see more of the Bay and worth considering if you have time.

2 days 1 night tour

On the first day, your cruise will start at noon and as the cruise sets sail, lunch will be served.

In the afternoon, you may have a chance to stop at several famous sites, such as Luon Cave, Đầu Người Island (Human Head Island), Con Rùa Island (Turtle Island), and Cổng Trời Island (Heaven Gate Island). At one of the stopping points, tourists may also take part in exciting kayaking or swimming activity. However, there might be a small additional fee depending on the tour package you register for.

Coming back to the ship after a long day, tourists would be welcomed by more relaxing activities like massage, Jacuzzi (for luxury cruise), and a delicious dinner on board. Many cruises also organize cooking demonstration where you will learn to make Vietnamese food. Some cruises offer tourists outdoor BBQ party on the sundeck, which is a great way to spend time with friends and families. After that, you may choose to stay at the bar with lots of qualified wines, playing cards with friends, watching TV, or trying your luck with squid fishing.

When you wake up the next morning, your breakfast is ready to serve with an early morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck to get yourself into the flow of the nature. On the second day, you are scheduled to visit more famous tourist attraction, such as Titop Island or Sung Sot Grotto (Surprise Cave). The whole trip ends by a tour back to the harbor after that, so don’t forget to take some nice pictures of the bay on the way.

3 days 2 nights tour

Much similar to the previous itinerary, your cruise trip starts with a brief session about the itinerary and safety instructions on boat. The tour usually starts from 11:00am – 12:00am, so that you can have a tasty lunch while observing the stunning landscape of Halong Bay travel.

The cruise continues going around the bay until you reach a tourist spot, usually a famous beach or limestone cave such as Titop Island, Con Rùa Island (Turtle Island), or Cổng Trời Island (Heaven Gate Island), then anchors for the night there. You will get enough time to enjoy water sports and activities like snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking in the green water of the bay. Depending on your cruise, you might enjoy BBQ party on beach, sundeck, or in the on-board restaurant. Paradise cruise Halong Bay

What you will see on a cruise trip?

On the next day, the journey starts with Tai Chi class in the early morning and breakfast. You have the whole morning to visit other attractions of the bay, and most cruises will transfer you to a smaller day boat so that you can go down the more narrow path of the Bay. You can spend the rest of the day with your friends and family exploring the sea. A delicious dinner is ready anytime when you come back. In Travel to Vietnam

For the thirday, you will often get to see Surprise Cave after breakfast. Brunch will be served as the cruise slowly heads back to the harbour.

Nuôi hươu nai lấy nhung dễ hay khó?

Ông Nguyễn Công Hà ở ấp Miễu, xã Phước Tân (huyện Long Thành) - một người nổi tiếng trong nghề nuôi hươu, nai lấy nhung cho biết: "Nuôi hươu, nai chăm sóc rất dễ, vì chúng vốn là động vật hoang dã nên sức đề kháng cao, ít khi bị bệnh. Thức ăn của chúng là tất cả các loại lá cây và cỏ. Một con hươu trưởng thành ăn 5 ký cỏ hoặc lá/ngày và nai là 10 ký/ngày. Vào mùa cắt nhung hươu, nếu cho chúng ăn thêm tinh bột khoảng 300-500gam/ngày và những lá cây có nhiều nhựa như sung, mít, đu đủ... thì chất lượng nhung sẽ tốt hơn".

Nuôi hươu nai lấy nhung dễ hay khó?

Được biết, sau 2 năm nuôi, thì hươu giống và nai giống đực bắt đầu mọc sừng non màu hồng nhạt trông rất mịn được dân gian gọi là nhung. Nhung từ khi mọc đến khi cắt khoảng 50-55 ngày. Nhung nai tốt nhất là khi cao khoảng 26cm và hươu là 22cm. Khi cắt nhung phải dùng dụng cụ sắc và được khử trùng cẩn thận, cắt xong phải tiến hành cầm máu nhanh để tránh mất sức cho hươu, nai. Sau đó cho hươu, nai ăn 3 lần vào sáng, trưa, tối và bổ sung thêm thức ăn tinh bột như: cám gạo, cám ngô để giúp chúng nhanh hồi sức. Bình quân mỗi con hươu một năm thu được 0,5 - 1 ký nhung và nai 1,5 - 3 ký nhung. Hiện tại giá bán ngay tại các trang trại là 450 ngàn đồng/100gam nhung nai và 850 ngàn đồng/100gam nhung hươu. Hươu, nai nếu chăm sóc tốt có thể cho nhung đến 30 năm. Nhung hươu, nai từ xưa đã được coi là loại dược liệu quý hiếm, bổ dưỡng dùng cho người thiếu máu, người già...


Theo các chủ trại chuyên nuôi hươu, nai lấy nhung, nhu cầu mua nhung trên thị trường hiện nay lượng cung không đủ cầu. Nếu muốn mua nhung với số lượng lớn, khách hàng phải đặt hàng từ đầu mùa thu hoạch.


Không chỉ nuôi hươu, nai lấy nhung, các trại chủ thường nuôi thêm hươu, nai cái sinh sản để tự cung cấp nguồn giống, đồng thời việc bán con giống cũng cho họ khoản thu không thua kém gì nhung. Hươu, nai phối giống tự nhiên và nuôi con bằng sữa mẹ đến 4 tháng tuổi mới tách ra nuôi riêng. Nai 3 năm sinh sản hai lần và hươu một năm sinh sản một lần. Nai giống khoảng 6 tháng tuổi hiện nay có giá 50 triệu đồng/cặp và hươu 15 triệu đồng/cặp. Chuồng trại để nuôi hươu, nai tương đối đơn giản, mỗi con chỉ cần diện tích khoảng 5m2 và  xung quanh được quây bằng lưới B40 cao 2m. Chi phí chăm sóc, mua thức ăn cho hươu, nai chỉ khoảng 2-3 triệu đồng/con/năm.

* Để mua được nhung thật

Bà Đào Thị Thìn ở xã Bắc Sơn (huyện Trảng Bom) một người có thâm niên gần 30 năm trong nghề nuôi hươu, nai lấy nhung cho biết: "Cách tốt nhất để tránh mua phải nhung giả là người mua trực tiếp đến tận trang trại và đợi người ta cắt nhung xong thì mua. Trong trường hợp không có mặt tại chỗ khi người ta cắt nhung, thì khi mua nên cắt ra xem thật kỹ, nhung còn tươi có màu hồng nhạt, mềm và bên ngoài có lớp lông măng mịn như nhung. Còn nhung giả, bên trong thường được làm bằng thạch cao". Ông Hà ở ấp Miễu, xã Phước Tân cũng cho biết, nhung thật khi sấy khô có màu xám đen và rất cứng, nhung giả sấy khô thường mềm. Song, người không quen rất dễ nhầm lẫn, tốt nhất là khi mua nhung nên chờ cắt xong là lấy về, làm như vậy nhung sẽ đảm bảo về chất lượng.

Những người nuôi hươu, nai còn cho biết thêm, nhung hươu, nai tươi bảo quản trong ngăn đá của tủ lạnh có thể để được từ 2-3 tháng. Cách dùng tốt nhất là thái nát hoặc nghiền nhỏ nấu cháo, ngoài ra có thể dùng ngâm rượu. Nếu muốn để lâu nên sấy khô, nhưng chỉ sấy ở nhiệt độ 50 độ C, nhiệt độ cao quá sẽ mất đi chất bổ dưỡng trong nhung.

Chau Doc travel guide

Chau Doc Attractions

The main attraction in Chau Doc is the Sam Mountain, which is about seven kilometres north of town. The mountain is not really high, it just seems that way because of the plains of Mekong. This tourist destination is considered a local pilgrimage site because the mountain is home to many shrines and temples and there is a colourful temple at the base, and smaller places of worship on the way up the mountain. However, the most religiously significant is the Ba Chua Xu Temple, which has its own festival held between April and June. Visit Chau Doc with Mekong river tours

An attraction history lovers would surely appreciate is the Tuc Dup Hill. This is where the U.S. forces failed to stop the small-scale insurgencies in the delta. The hill was guarded and dominated by the Viet Cong during the U.S. assault, which lasted for four months. Near the hill, one will see graves and memorials.

Another attraction worth visiting in Chau Doc is the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary. It has a 23-metre high observation tower, enabling visitors to see over the reserve and the stunning countryside that surrounds it. With

Chau Doc Restaurants/ Dining Scene

When it comes to dining in Chau Doc, there are two restaurants that stand out: Bay Bong and Bassac Restaurant. The latter is upscale compared to the former, but both serve exceptional dishes which are enough reason to try them. Read more: South Vietnam tours

Bay Bong is a favourite dining destination for good a reason. Tourists who have tasted the dishes cannot help but rave about the cuisine and not only is the food delicious, but they are also reasonably priced. One is served with mouth-watering hot pots, soups and fresh seafood fare and the canh chua (sweet and sour soup) and ca kho to (stewed fish in clay pot) are highly recommended.

Chau Doc travel guide

Those who prefer a more sophisticated dining experience should head on over to the Victoria Chau Duc Hotel, where the Bassac Restaurant is located. Aside from amazing Vietnamese delicacies, its menu also includes a wide selection of international dishes. The dessert options in this place are impressive and diners can choose to eat either in the air-conditioned dining room or on the deck.

Chau Doc Nightlife

Chau Doc is a sleepy town, and locals usually retire to bed early. Nonetheless, visitors who will find themselves in Chau Doc after twilight can enjoy a few drinks and maybe even a dance. Chau Doc Night market

The four-star Victoria Chau Doc Hotel is probably the best place to stay in the Chau Doc region. Coincidentally, it is also where one can find one of the best bars in the city. The Tan Chau Salon bar is one of the nicest places to visit after a day of sightseeing. Aside from Asian and Western snacks, it offers great cocktails and is open until 23:00.

Couples who are interested in a nightcap can go to Gio Dong. The idyllic spot is located about two kilometres from town, on the way to the famous Sam Mountain.

For people who want more than a drink to end their night, An Tuong 2 is the place to go. This dance hall, which is a local favourite, has an entrance fee which is inclusive of one drink.

Chau Doc Shopping

Like other rural areas in Vietnam, Chau Doc has a floating market where one can find almost anything. The market expands from the bank of the river and along the streets of Le Cong Thanh Doc, Phu Thu, Bach Dang and Chi Lang. This is where most local products and commodities are sold. However, merchandise from Cambodia and Thailand can also be purchased here. Each floating 'store' has a long pole that shows a sample of the vendor's wares.

The wide selection of goods sold in this market is impressive. It is one of the best places to get fresh produce from the region. Most boats sell an assortment of fruit and vegetables. There are those that offer silk products, such as clothes and bags while others sell local embroidery, while there are some that hawk handicrafts and antiques.

Mekong floating market

Cho Gao Floating Market

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! Read more: Mekong river tours

Phong Dien Floating Market

Boats loaded with produce from nearby orchards of the Mekong Delta converge to the floating market. They carry mostly fruits but also coconuts, vegetables and fishes.
Buyers are local traders with bigger boats snapping everything by the bushels and resell at local markets or to wholesale dealers from big cities, often for a handsome profit.
Large floating markets are not complete without its floating restaurants, floating gas stations and an occasional tour boat filled with tourists. 

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Mekong floating market

Perhaps the best floating market in the Mekong Delta, Phong Dien has fewer motorised craft and more stand-up rowing boats. It's less crowded than Cai Rang and there are far fewer tourists. The market is at its bustling best between 6am and 8am.
It is theoretically possible to do a whirl- wind boat trip here, visiting the small canals on the way and finishing back at the Cai Rang floating market. This journey should take approximately five hours return from Can Tho.

Cai Be Floating Market

It is opened from 5am to 5pm. It is best to go early in the morning. Wholesalers on big boats moor here, each specialising in one or a few types of fruit or vegetable. Customers cruise the market in smaller boats and can easily find what they're looking for, as the larger boats hang samples of their goods from tall wooden poles.
One interesting thing you won't see at other floating markets is the huge Catholic cathedral on the riverside - a popular and fantastic backdrop for photographs.
It takes about an hour to reach the market from Vinh Long, but most people make detours on the way there or back to see the canals or visit orchards.
Phung Hiep Floating Market
The market meets all day long, but most noisy and busy in the morning. The precious evening, from far-and-wide, boats full of seasonal vegetables and fruits: mangoes, durians, bananas, oranges, coconuts... left their villages to head for the sunrise market. Every boat is full of fruits. Some boats are covered with roofs, some are not. On boats without roofs, the sellers have to hold high a stick hanging with fruits as signals. Market-goers do not bargain, just a few words exchange, they sell and get paid. Normally, fruits are sold and brought to big boats. Then they will be transported to fruit-processing factories or to Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, even to Hanoi and Northern provinces.
It's a floating market' but services are available, foods and drinks on small boats twist and turn to serve hungry sellers and buyers. Signal to buy is only a whistling or waving band. Apart from fruits, local products: snakes, birds, turtles... are easy to find near Phung Hiep bridge. These specialties are almost bought and brought to restaurants in Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City.
The atmosphere in Phung Hiep market was exciting, as we witnessed snake traders fearfully transferring poisonous copperheads, kraits, and rattlesnakes, from their cages to purchaser’s jute bags.
The price for a snake ranges from tens of thousands of dong for individual specimens, to hundreds of thousands of dong per kilogram. One kilogram of water snakes is priced at VND30, 000-VND50, 000 (US$1.88 - $3.13); while copperheads sell for between VND50, 000-VND400, 000 ($3.13 - $25) per kilo.
Second to the snakes in quantity at Phung Hiep market are wild birds. All species favoured by urban gastronomers such as cao, cu dat, stork, blosh dove, moorcook, and la mia, are sold at the market.
Birds are hanged up on the motorbikes of bird hunters from rural areas and confined in narrowed cages. Thousands of birds are purchased each hour, and transported to “headquarters” for retail sale to restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and southwestern provinces.
Phung Hiep Snake Market, located close to the floating market, is known worldwide. Visitors from all over the world go there to taste the snake liquor and see the dangerous snake dance.

What you will see on a cruise trip?

Most guests who visit Halong will spend either 1 or 2 night on a cruise or junk - this is without doubt the best way to enjoy the scenic landscape of the Bay. Each cruise tailor-makes their own itinerary but in general, you will get to see the major caves and most important grottos of the Bay. 2 day trip is rather cramped as you get only 1 day to spend on board and the rest of the time is spent on traveling back and forth from Hanoi. 3 day trip gives you a better opportunity to see more of the Bay and worth considering if you have time. Halong bay travel

2 days 1 night tour

On the first day, your cruise will start at noon and as the cruise sets sail, lunch will be served.

In the afternoon, you may have a chance to stop at several famous sites, such as Luon Cave, Đầu Người Island (Human Head Island), Con Rùa Island (Turtle Island), and Cổng Trời Island (Heaven Gate Island). At one of the stopping points, tourists may also take part in exciting kayaking or swimming activity. However, there might be a small additional fee depending on the tour package you register for. V'spirit crusie Halong

Coming back to the ship after a long day, tourists would be welcomed by more relaxing activities like massage, Jacuzzi (for luxury cruise), and a delicious dinner on board. Many cruises also organize cooking demonstration where you will learn to make Vietnamese food. Some cruises offer tourists outdoor BBQ party on the sundeck, which is a great way to spend time with friends and families. After that, you may choose to stay at the bar with lots of qualified wines, playing cards with friends, watching TV, or trying your luck with squid fishing.

What you will see on a cruise trip?

When you wake up the next morning, your breakfast is ready to serve with an early morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck to get yourself into the flow of the nature. On the second day, you are scheduled to visit more famous tourist attraction, such as Titop Island or Sung Sot Grotto (Surprise Cave). The whole trip ends by a tour back to the harbor after that, so don’t forget to take some nice pictures of the bay on the way. travel to Vietnam

3 days 2 nights tour

Much similar to the previous itinerary, your cruise trip starts with a brief session about the itinerary and safety instructions on boat. The tour usually starts from 11:00am – 12:00am, so that you can have a tasty lunch while observing the stunning landscape of Halong Bay.

The cruise continues going around the bay until you reach a tourist spot, usually a famous beach or limestone cave such as Titop Island, Con Rùa Island (Turtle Island), or Cổng Trời Island (Heaven Gate Island), then anchors for the night there. You will get enough time to enjoy water sports and activities like snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking in the green water of the bay. Depending on your cruise, you might enjoy BBQ party on beach, sundeck, or in the on-board restaurant.

On the next day, the journey starts with Tai Chi class in the early morning and breakfast. You have the whole morning to visit other attractions of the bay, and most cruises will transfer you to a smaller day boat so that you can go down the more narrow path of the Bay. You can spend the rest of the day with your friends and family exploring the sea. A delicious dinner is ready anytime when you come back.

For the thirday, you will often get to see Surprise Cave after breakfast. Brunch will be served as the cruise slowly heads back to the harbour.

Pelican cruise Halong bay

Discovering a Natural Wonder such as Halong Bay at its best requires the highest standards in terms of services.
A new cruising company launches its services to offer a pioneering new generation of vessels with both uncompromising quality and safety standards: Pelican Cruise
When it comes about discovering the magic of Halong Bay, tourists’ expectations are those of a luxurious and safe experience in order to admire the most relaxing way the archipelago’s tremendous scenery.
As for the luxury standards, Pelican Luxury Cruise has 3 boats, each of 22 cabins. Including bar and restaurant and a sun-deck will provide guests the comfort and 3-star experiences..

Pelican cruise Halong bay

The first Pelican boat is operating in 2012, while the two others will be launched later during the year.

PELICAN CRUISE 3D-2N

DAY 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Boarding and check-in with welcome drink, then the cruise starts through Cho Da, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi and Hoa Cuong limestone islets while a lunch is served on board. Then visit Sung Sot Grotto, the “Cave of Surprises”, before taking a swim in Titov Beach or Soi Sim Beach’s pristine waters. The vessel then cruises further to reach its overnight anchorage location near Ho Dong Tien or Luon Cave.
Enjoy the sunset from the sundeck or while swimming; then a dinner will be served on board. Evening is devoted to relaxing in that peaceful piece of a setting, or to experience night-fishing from the boat’s deck.
Overnight on board.

DAY 2: Halong bay cruise – Lan Ha Bay
Early wake-up for a breakfast with stunning scenery, then transfer on a day-trip boat that will take you to visit Van Gia or Vung Vieng fishing villages to view the daily lives of the locals and then cruise further to Ho Ba Ham area. Lunch is served on board before visiting Ho Ba Ham Cave, accessible on a small boat or individually by kayaking. Back on board the cruise heads further to Ho Dong Tien, a cave of great significance for the restoration of Halong Bay’s geology; or Trong Cave, named as well as “Drum Cave” because the wind blowing through the stalactites and stalagmites resembles drumbeats. The day-trip boat takes you back to Image Halong for a dinner
Overnight on board.

DAY 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Early wake-up for a breakfast with stunning scenery, then a small boat will take you to visit Luon Cave. Back on board the cruise heads further to Bai Tu Long’s bay passing by Hon Gai’s floating town. Lunch is served on board while the cruise goes back to Halong City for disembarking at noon time.
End of the cruise.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change upon weather.

3D-2N	High season 2014 (Jan-Apr,Oct-Dec)			Promotion deal 2014 (May-Sept)
CRUISE CABIN	Rate/person	Single Supp	Child (5-11)	Rate/person	Single Supp	Child (5-11)
Deluxe	$288	$167	$216	$242	$130	$182
Royal Suite	$420	$238	$315	$381	$213	$285

Note: 
- Our price is net, in US dollar, based on the Dbl/Twin sharing and applied for the minimum of 2 persons
- Child 5 – 12 years old will share bed with parents (no extra bed set up).
- Booking of 4 cabins up to private charter, please contact us for more details.

Inclusive of - Welcome drink - Accommodation - All meals per program - All tax & service charge - All entrance & visiting fees - Boat trip as specified program - English speaking guide on board

Exclusive of - Kayaking (optional) - Drinks, tips - Travel insurance - Other personal expenses - Transfer round trip (Pls see our transfer)

The Dining Room & Bar:

Our philosophy is guided to exceed our guests’ expectations thanks to utmost quality services. When it comes to a cruising experience, everything has to be ready for delighting their senses, moreover amidst such a Natural Wonder. Fine cuisine and extensive list of drinks, including signature cocktails, will be available at the restaurants and the bars or on the sun deck.

A romantic setting, ideal for a wedding anniversary, birthday, or a special surprise for your loved one; and a magnificent atmosphere making an unforgettable experience too.

As for the food, our delicious flat will answer all your wishes and quality expectations, ranging from menus to buffet style, combining Western and Asian with local Vietnamese delicacies.

Be ready to enjoy a drinks experience. Pelican Cruise Halong bay bars offer you a comprehensive list of refreshing drinks ranging from non-alcoholic drinks to spirits: soft drinks such as mineral water, fresh fruit juices and sodas; beer bottles and cans or draught beer; imported wines’ list; a menu of spirits such as vodka, gin and rum; and cocktails too.

The wine menu will delight you with a tasty selection of imported wines including French wines Australian amongst others.

Source: http://www.halongjunkcruise.com/deluxe-cruises/pelican-cruise/