Foto's From the Phone - Danang - Vietnam

For the past week or so, all has been quiet on Vietnam and Cambodia, the reason? Tet!

Yeap, we have been in Danang celebrating the Lunar New Year with my wife's family. We had a great time and managed to fit in a bit of sight seeing around Danang, the beach and of course lunch in the beautiful town of Hoi An.

So while I get busy writing some more cool stuff, check out some photo's from phone that I took last week!

Got any cool travel pic's or a funky review? Send it to us and get it posted here on Vietnam and Cambodia - Write For Us

Danang River which runs through the middle of the city.

The changing scene of Vietnam as high rise buildings appear across the country

Marble carving on display along the river front in Danang

Marble carving on display along the river front in Danang

Marble carving on display along the river front in Danang

Marble carving on display along the river front in Danang

Marble carving on display along the river front in Danang

Danang Beach, west of the city. The section of the beach runs all the way to Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An

Danger - No Swimming! Danang Beach

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6 Things To Do In Hoi An - Vietnam

Cau Dai Beach - Hoi An

© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Hoi An Fish Markets

Located on the Thu Bon River, behind the main market area, the local Hoi An fish market is a real photographers delight. As with most markets in Asia, the best time to visit around 6 – 7am each morning when it’s at it’s busiest.

Cooking Classes

If cooking is your thing or even if it’s not, Hoi An is a great place to do a cooking class. Many cafes and restaurants around town now offer classes. Try the ones that run over lunch, meaning you miss the heat of the day, others are also offered in the evening. One of the best in town is at Hai’s Scout Cafe (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street).

Cultural Sites

Hoi An is well known for it’s historical sites which include Chinese Assembly Halls, Pagoda’s, Japanese Covered Bridge, 300 year old homes and much more. You need to visit one of the ticket offices around town to purchase your ticket which cost 75,000VND. Each ticket enables you to visit up to 5 sites.

Shopping

Hoi An is one the shopping Mecca’s of Vietnam! Here you can buy sandals, lanterns, ceramics, tailor made clothing, bags, art work, crappy t-shirts, wood carvings, novels, bad looking hats and so much more!

Beach

Cau Dai Beach is located about 4km from the main part of town. A great way to get there is by bicycle. It’s an easy, flat ride which should take the slowest person around 30 minutes. On the beach you’ll find a stack of cafes, all selling cold drinks and fresh seafood! My favorite cafe there is called “Hon” Cafe and they do the best Crab in Tamarind Sauce. The swimming is good as well!

Note – Despite popular believe, you do not have to pay for deck chairs. If you order a drink or eat something, chairs should be included!  

Hire a Bicycle

Hoi An being flat and not so busy with traffic, makes it a great place to hire a bike to get around and visit all those great places. Bikes cost around 15,000VND or $1USD per day and can be hired from just about anywhere. My advice: pick a road (or lane) and just go. You’ll see some great sites and get some amazing photos!

Thu Bon River - Hoi An - Vietnam

© Photographer: Photosbyash | Agency: Dreamstime.com

High Fashion on the streets of Hoi An - Vietnam

© Photographer: Ginaellen | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Japanese Covered Bridge - Hoi An - Vietnam

© Photographer: Guillermo1956 | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Read More On Vietnam and Cambodia:

• Attractions - Hoi An  
• Hotels - Hoi An
• Travel - Vietnam 
• Travel Tips

Tet Tips for the Travelers

© Photographer: Iloveotto | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Tết Nguyên Đán (Tet) or the Lunar New Year is a special time for much of Asia and in Vietnam it is no different. Much of the countries population travel home to be with loved ones to celebrate the old and new years.

However the New Year can bring some various challenges to the traveler. Here are a few tips on how to negotiate Tet with out any hassles!

1. Book Early - Many Vietnamese travel home at Tet. If you need to fly, catch a bus or jump a train, book early. If you get a ticket, expect double bookings, delays and crowds! It's Tet everyone is on the move!
2. Finding a bed - Same as transport, with so many people traveling, hotels fill up quicker then ice melts in the sun. There are also thousands of Overseas Vietnamese visiting Vietnam, so book early and expect prices to rise!
3. Getting a feed - For several days over Tet, businesses close their doors. While main cities and towns will generally have plenty options, smaller towns tend to close down for the first, second and third day of the new year.
   
4. Stock Up - Just like restaurants - supermarkets, camera shops, markets, tailors etc will shut up shop. An example is the Co-Op Supermarket near where I live in HCMC, it's closed for 5 days over Tet!
   
5. Expect Crowds - If you're heading to Pagoda's or Religious sites expect massive crowds. Everyone will be there making offerings and praying for a lucky 2009. This also makes for some great photo op's!
6. Look left, look right - Most of the year, Vietnam's road are crazy, but at Tet there crazy, mad and packed! People traveling home, visiting friends or cruising around make it busier than normal. Quite often people drink large amounts of beer and spirits with friends to celebrate the New Year, so be careful on the roads!
7. Pull Over - Hand in hand with crazy roads, if you ride a motor bike, follow the laws. Police are having major crack downs on road safety. Wear a helmet and don't speed or expect to be fined!
   
8. Cash Up - Banks are closed over Tet and ATM Machines are pushed to their limits, often running out of money early into the New Year. So stock up with money and don't be caught short.
   
9. Enter With Caution - On New Years Day, the first person to enter a house dictates the families luck for the year. So if you're rich, good looking, successful and healthy it's all good. If not, ask first!
   
10. Join In - The Vietnamese are the friendliest folk you will meet, so get into it, ask questions and most importantly smile and have fun!
    

Chuc Mung Nam Moi - Happy New Year

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Jazz in Hanoi

© Photographer: Leoblanchette | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Where:

Minh’s Jazz Club

32 Pho Luong Van Street, Hanoi

Food:

The Jazz Club is a well known hang out for both locals and westerners and along with the music, there is a basic menu offering some Asian dishes.

The food itself for me is ok. You’ll better else where, but if you’re enjoying the music and feel like something, it’s all there! Prices range from 30,000VND up.

The Club:

The Jazz Club is owned by a local musician, Mr Minh. Minh is a teacher at the Hanoi Conservatory and also plays a wicked Sax!

Many of the crew that plays here are Minh’s students, however you will quite often see local Vietnamese and other Expats climbing on stage to play some tunes.

The music begins around 9pm each night and the bar is fully stocked with all your favorite drinks.

Most only cost a few dollars.

Out of 10:

10/10 – Music/Bar

6/10 - Food

The Good Oil:

Minh’s Jazz Club is a real gem and a perfect “after dinner” hang out.

Great music, great drinks and great atmosphere!

See you on the Sax!

Have you been the Jazz Club? Tells us what you think!

Read more on Vietnam and Cambodia:

• Attractions - Hanoi
• Eating - Hanoi
  
• Travel Tips

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From The Phone

From today on, I will be showing you some photo's from my phone. Nothing in particular, just snaps shots from my travels around Vietnam and Cambodia!

If you have any cool shots (travel shots from Asia Only please) from your phone, Email them through and show them off here! Include your own blog so I can link back!

Happy Snapping or ringing.....................

The "Black Canal" running through District 3, HCMC

Flowers in District 1, HCMC

Looking at Angkor Wat from near the front entrance. Siem Reap, Cambodia

People's Committee Hall, District 1, HCMC

Saigon from the 9th floors. Looking over Dist 3 and onto Dist 11. HCMC

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Hanoi Army Museum - Hanoi - Vietnam

Located on the busy Dien Bien Phu Street in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is the Army Museum.

Full of photo’s, displays, paintings and much more, the Army Museum is a great place to visit for all travelers. Discover the Vietnamese version of the happenings and outcome of the French
and Vietnam Wars.

Through out the Museum are some fantastic photos and a great outdoor display area with Tanks, Guns and Armored vehicles used by both the Vietnamese and US Forces.

Entrance to the museum cost 25,000VND per person and it’s open everyday, except Mondays. Closed for lunch.

For basic information and photos visit the Museum Website at http://vnmilitaria.com/museum1.htm. The images below are of the outdoor displays.

 © Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

 

© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

 

© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

 

© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

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Orchid Gardens - HCMC - Vietnam

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A great place in HCMC to check out some stunning Orchids is along Hoang Van Thu Street in Tan Binh District.

Out towards the airport, most of the shops are on the southern side of a small park called Cong Vien Hoang Van Thu and you can find a huge range of Orchids and other flowers. Prices vary greatly, but we saw a few starting from around 45,000vnd (less than $3USD).

Below are a few images of the flowers we saw (first 2 images taken in the park opposite).








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Vietnam Airlines – Did You Know?

© Photographer: Shuttlecock | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Vietnam’s National Air Carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has been growing at an extraordinary rate. While many businesses here and abroad suffer large losses, Vietnam Airlines continues to grow. Here a few facts about the Airline.

- In 2008 Vietnam Airline reported revenue of 26.6 Trillion VND or 1.56 Million USD.
- Vietnam Airlines carried about 8.82 million passengers in 2008.
- The Airline carried more than 125,280 tonnes of cargo in 08.
- Each day over 24,000 people traveled with Vietnam Airlines.
- In 2009 the airline is predicting 9.4 million people will travel with them.
- Vietnam Airlines have signed contacts to purchase more aircraft including the following makes

- Boeing 787-8
- Airbus A350-900
- Airbus A321
- ATR - 500

For more information, visit their website – www.vietnamairlines.com.

Please Note: Vietnam Airlines currently do not offer online bookings. International flights should be booked else where online or at a travel agent. Domestic flights are much cheaper if booked in Vietnam!

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