Electricity. Time. Currency. Visa. Language. When to go

Transcription

1 38 Vietnam

2 Vietnam Destination Guide Culturally diverse and naturally exquisite, overtly friendly and historically rich, the curvaceous country of Vietnam has it all and then some! With its ancient Chinese influences, and in more modern times, its subtle but distinct French imprint, Vietnam is a fascinating blend of diverging genealogy; something that is noticeably reflected in its culture, food, architecture and religion. Its popularity as a holiday destination is attributed to its quaint villages, lush green landscapes, and what can seem like a never ending stretch of beautiful winding coastline. Electricity 220V 50Hz Time China is 1 hour ahead of Vietnam. Currency The official currency in Vietnam is the Dong (VND). The US dollar is widely accepted. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and foreign currency can be changed at banks and hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Visa The majority of nationalities will require a visa for Vietnam prior to entry, please enquire with our consultant on the requirements depending on your passport nationality. Hanoi Language Vietnamese is the official language. English, French and Chinese dialects are also spoken. When to go The climate in Vietnam varies greatly from the north to south with three distinct climatic zones; therefore, there is no one ideal time to visit the country as a whole. Hue Danang In the north of Vietnam, from April to October, temperatures can reach up to 38 C with occasional bursts of heavy rain from July onwards during the rainy season. Winter is from December to March. The best time to visit sights in the north is from September to December. Hoi An VIETNAM Central Vietnam (including Danang, Hoi An, Hue) can be lovely year round. The rainy season is from September to December when the northeast monsoon season begins. The region can also be affected by the typhoon season in the Western Pacific from August through to November. Nha Trang The South of Vietnam, it is generally hot year round, with the dry season running from November to April. The wet season lasts from May to October, with the highest rainfall from June to September. Phu Quoc Island Con Dao Island 39

3 Danang & Hoi An Danang & Hoi An Danang is a hive of activity with development blossoming around every corner. The city is perfect for those wishing to relax on a beach, take in a little culture or for the more active travellers it is a great base for day trips around the region. Hoi An with its charming fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese architecture, ancient streets and glimpses of traditional life is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Possibly the most picture-perfect place in all of Vietnam, this atmospheric city can be easily explored on foot. Wander down to the Thu Bon River and watch traditional boats float past, see farmers and fishmongers hauling their goods to market, and enjoy the fragrant aromas that arise from the colourful street food stalls, which can be found on almost every corner. Explore Danang highlights include a visit to Cham Museum, a trip to Marble or Monkey Mountain, a relaxing afternoon spent on Non Nuoc beach and an evening exploring Danang s huge street food scene. Hoi An is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in all of Vietnam, including the celebrated Tan Ky House. Situated in the Old Quarter, this exquisitely well-preserved 18th century merchant s house features beautiful Japanese and Chinese design and architecture. Exploring Tan Ky House is like stepping into the past, where time has stood still for 6 generations. Move on to the equally renowned and truly impressive Japanese Covered Bridge. This stunning bridge is among the most iconic attractions in Hoi An, and indeed the entire country. With a roof to protect pedestrians from the elements, the bridge, which dates back to the early 17th century, is solid in structure yet delicate in its ornamental design. Hoi An is a great place to do a bicycle tour. Cycle through small villages, forests, rice fields and visit local homes to get an insiders perspective on local Vietnamese life. Eat and Drink Hoi An is most definitely a food lover s paradise from the restaurants and markets to the street food, you ll find fresh, delicious fare at very affordable prices. Seek out the local specialties, which include cao lau, a tantalising bowl of thick noodles with pork and fresh local greens, and banh bao vac, a dish of shrimp dumplings folded to resemble a rose. For an authentic Vietnamese dining experience head to the vibrant Central Market, where the food is fresh and the atmosphere is positively buzzing with the energy of the locals. For a drink after dark, sit back and relax at one of the open-air bars in the Old Quarter where you can people-watch and soak up the feel-good atmosphere of the town as it settles down for the night. Our recommendations in Danang: Dung Bac, Bun cha ca Ba Lu, My Quang Ba Lu and La Maison Our recommendations in Hoi An: Banh Mi Phuong, Green Chili, Hai Café, Morning Glory, Bao Han and the Little Menu. Where to Stay Danang and Hoi An both offer accommodation options to suit all budgets and hotel needs. The area enjoys an impressive selection of upscale hotels and resorts, both in the towns and in the more rural beachside locations. If you d prefer to stay within walking distance of the sites and shops, Hoi An boasts charming boutique hotels in the Old Town that offer convenient access to the markets, restaurants and sightseeing attractions. If staying at the beach is your preference, both areas offer fabulous options to choose from which are only a short drive from the town centre. Shopping A trip to Hoi An will guarantee you leave with armloads of tailor-made suits, dresses and even shoes. Downtown Hoi An is teeming with experienced tailors, all at the ready to sew custom-made clothing for tourists at prices that simply cannot be matched back home and in record-breaking time to boot. Go to town buying beautiful silks, ceramics, woodcarvings and handmade Chinese lanterns, all of which can be found at the popular Central or Riverside Markets. Most of the city s colourful, enticing shops and markets are specifically aimed at tourists, meaning prices are inflated, so be prepared to haggle. 40

4 Danang & Hoi An like a Local An ideal way to escape the tourist traps and discover the local way of life is to hire a bicycle. Bicycle hire comes cheap and gives you the freedom to dictate your own sightseeing itinerary. Venture into the countryside, along rice paddy fields, over little bridges, past beautiful beaches and through fishing villages. Watch the locals going about their day as you peddle past enjoying the serenity. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Premier Village Danang Resort Pullman Danang Beach Resort Fusion Maia Da Nang Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa Danang & Hoi An Connecting flights (via Macau, Ho Chi Minh or Seoul) with Air Macau, Vietnam Airlines, Korean Airilnes Flight duration approximately 5hrs 30 minutes Private Transfers Danang Airport to Danang hotels from RMB 85 one-way Danang Airport to Hoi An hotels from RMB 105 one-way Experiences LOCAL LIFE - Hoi An Countryside Cycling Hop on a bicycle for a picturesque half day tour of the countryside. Pass rows of serene rice paddy fields en route to Cam Thanh village where you ll get a taste of local life. Once a shelter for locals and soldiers during the war, the village is now famous for its thatched roof cottages, woven from water coconut leaves. Spend some time with a local family and learn about the villagers way of life. Then, board a bamboo basket boat and learn how to catch crabs alongside local experts. Next stop is Ha Linh lantern workshop. There, you ll learn how to make these delicate creations in a hands-on master class. FROM RMB 295 per person Anantara Hoi An LOCAL LIFE Hoi An Street Eats Start your tour at a local restaurant famous for white rose dumplings, found exclusively in Hoi An. This restaurant makes up to 6000 dumplings per day and the tour includes a chance to try making a few of your own. The next stop is another local specialty: banh can crackers - served with quail eggs, pork and a tasty salad. Continue onwards to sample grilled pork satay and spring roll. Next up is fried wonton - referred to as Hoi An pizza - and finally famous Cao Lau noodle or chicken rice to finish. Wrap up the tour with a stop at Sky Coffee Bar, a favourite amongst the locals. FROM RMB 270 per person Red Bridge Cooking Class Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa This morning visit the local produce market before cruising along the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Here you will tour the school s herb gardens and enjoy an informal cooking lesson. Your chef will explain the secrets of popular Hoi An specialties. The town is famous for dishes like Cao Lau, a medley of yellow noodles, pork slices and pickled hot peppers, and Mi Quang, a noodle dish featuring boiled quails eggs and chunks of baked rice cakes. The tour includes a walk through the Red Bridge Cooking School s herb garden to see the plants that give Vietnamese dishes their distinctive flavours. FROM RMB 395 per person 41

5 Danang Fusion Maia Da Nang Resort Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My Ward Room types start from Pool Villa up to Three Bedroom Beach Villa - Bar - 3 restaurants - 2 pools - Adults only pool - Child minding/babysitting - Room service - Laundry service - Free resort activities - Reception - 24 hours With a surprising spa inclusive concept, Fusion Maia Da Nang is a ground-breaking resort the first in Asia providing all private pool villas, spa treatments and breakfast anytime and place, included in the standard room rate! Maia Spa, the highlight of the resort, is set in tropical gardens with a swimming pool and waterfall, and includes at least 2 spa treatments per day, a complimentary wellness program with daily scheduled yoga, meditation and tai chi. - Cable/Satellite TV - Flat screen TV - Tea & coffee facilities - Mini-bar - Hairdryer - ipod docking station - Stand alone villa Pullman Danang Beach Resort Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My Ward Located on the stunning white sands of Danang Beach, 15 minutes from the city centre, Pullman Danang Beach Resort is an oasis of tranquillity and activities. This upscale resort offers spacious rooms and cottages, and a vast array of amenities that make the most of the resort's beautiful tropical setting. Whether you're on holiday with your family, taking a romantic break, or organizing a special event, Pullman Danang Beach Resort provides everything you need for an unforgettable beach resort experience. Room types start from Superior Room up to Two Bedroom Cottage Property Feature - 2 bars - 2 restaurants - Pool - Children's pool - Child minding/babysitting - Tennis court - Interconnecting rooms - Room service - Laundry service - Free resort activities - Reception - 24 hours - Disabled room - Cable/Satellite TV - Flat screen TV - Tea & coffee facilities - Mini-bar - Hairdryer 42

6 InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Bai Bac, Son Tra Peninsula Enjoy the very best of what the destination has to offer at the multi-award winning InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, where myth meets luxury at our hillside resort and spa overlooking a sparkling private bay. From the moment you arrive, you ll be pampered by the unparalleled personalised service and luxurious amenities. Room types start from Resort Classic Rooms up to Sun Peninsula Residence Villas - 2 bars & 3 restaurants - 2 pools including children's pool - Disabled room Danang & Hoi An Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa 5 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward Premier Village Danang Resort 99 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Ngu Hanh Son District Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa has an excellent beach front location and 90% of the rooms have a balcony and sea view. Throughout the day you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the hot tub, private beach, fitness centre, sauna and nearby golf course. Our ultra-modern villas are your perfect home away home, complete with a private pool and secluded garden. Large bedrooms and spacious ensuite bathrooms give guests a deep sense of space and relaxation. Each villa also comes complete with fully-equipped kitchen facilities, perfect for families or groups of friends. Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort is located near Cua Dai Beach. The spacious rooms come with traditional Vietnamese, French or Japanese décor. Victoria Spa offers a variety of body and facial treatments. Room types start from Hyatt Guest Room up to Three Bedroom Residence - Bar & 3 restaurants - 5 pools including children's pool - Disabled room Room types start from Garden View Villa up to Four Bedroom Beachfront Villa - 2 bars & 2 restaurants - 2 pools including children's pool - Disabled room Room types start from River View Room up to Suite - 3 bars & 1 restaurant - Pool 43

7 Hoi An Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Block Ha My Dong B, Dien Duong Ward Situated on a private stretch of white sand along the tranquil East Sea and featuring 100 ocean-facing villas ranging from one to five bedrooms, The Nam Hai is further complimented by two gourmet restaurants and a bar, an award winning tropical spa, 3 infinity edge pools, a health club, kids club and sports facilities such as tennis, basketball and badminton courts. Room types start from One Bedroom Villa up to Five Bedroom Beachfront Pool VIlla - Bar - 2 restaurants - 3 pools - Children's pool - Adults only pool - Child minding/babysitting - Tennis court - Room service - Laundry service - Free resort activities - Reception - 24 hours - Cable/Satellite TV - Flat screen TV - Tea & coffee facilities - Mini-bar - Hairdryer - ipod docking station - Stand alone villa Anantara Hoi An Resort 1 Pham Hong Thai Street, Hoi An Room types start from Deluxe Room up to Anantara River View Suite - Bar - 2 restaurants - 2 pools - Children's pool - Adults only pool - Swim-up bar - Interconnecting rooms - Room service - Laundry service - Reception - 24 hours Scenically positioned on the bank of the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a charming boutique retreat in the historic port town of Hoi An. Designed with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences that reveal Hoi An s fascinating cultural diversity. Split level rooms and suites open onto porches with comfortable daybeds, overlooking the river or a garden courtyard. - Cable/Satellite TV - Flat screen TV - Tea & coffee facilities - Mini-bar - Hairdryer 44

8 Vietnam, Hidden Gems Vietnam, Hidden Gems Six Senses Con Dao Dat Doc Site, Con Dao District, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province Banyan Tree Lang Co Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune Angsana Lang Co Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune Six Senses Con Dao is located in a national and marine park. Comprising 50 contemporary pool villas, it offers several dining alternatives with a focus on seafood and world cuisine. The Six Senses Spa has a backdrop of the Lo Voi Mountains, plus there are activities on hand to entertain all ages. Located in the tranquil southern coast of Vietnam near Lang Cô Bay, retreat to the intimate collection of stunning pool villas that is Banyan Tree Lang Cô, Central Vietnam. Wake up to the inspiring view of the Truong Son Mountain Range on one side and the milky blue of endless sea on the other at Angsana Lang Co hotel. Room types start from Ocean View Duplex Pool Villa up to Four Bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villa - Bar & 2 restaurants - Pool - PADI dive centre Room types start from Lagoon Pool Villa up to Three Bedroom Hillside Pool Villa - 4 restaurants - Pool including children's pool Room types start from Garden Balcony Grand Room up to Angsana Skypool Sea View Two Bedroom Loft - Bar & 3 restaurants - Pool including children's pool 45

9 Nha Trang Nha Trang Connecting flights (via Guangzhou) with China Southern Flight duration approximately 7 hours Private Transfers Nha Trang airport to city hotels from RMB 125 one-way Nha Trang is a seaside town, located on the south central coast of Vietnam. Travellers from all over the world flock to the coastal city for its sandy beaches, excellent diving and snorkelling spots, oh-sofresh seafood, tropical climate and vibrant nightlife. The vibe here is fun and laid-back and there is plenty of action to be enjoyed in and out of the water. Visit Nha Trang between January and August for the best swimming and sunbathing weather. Explore While there s no denying that many tourists come to Nha Trang for the exquisite beaches and nightlife, the history and culture that abound in this coastal city are definite crowd-pleasers. Draw yourself away from the shore to one of Nha Trang s stunning architectural wonders, Po Nagar Cham Towers. Resting gently on the banks of the Cai River just 2 kilometres north of the city centre, these stunning Cham Towers have a history that dates all the way back to the 7th century. The striking temple complex, which was constructed to honour the goddess Yan Po Nagar, is still a place of worship for Buddhists today. Long Son Pagoda is another cultural draw that s well worth a visit. Dating back to the 19th century, Long Son Pagoda is best known for the grand white statue of Buddha that takes pride of place behind the pagoda. Climb the 152 stone steps to the base of the statue to take in beautiful views of Nha Trang and surrounds. The temple itself is decorated with striking glass and ceramic dragon mosaics, while the main hall features traditional art and carvings. Mud bathing is a hugely popular activity in Nha Trang, especially at Thap Ba Hot Springs. The region s original thermal mineral mud bath and mineral hot springs centre, Thap Ba offers both traditional communal bathing and private experiences along with a swimming pool and hydrotherapy water jets. Eat and Drink A beach town through and through, Nha Trang offers excellent food right on the sand catch a local seafood peddler walking the main beach and enjoy fresh seafood cooked to order right in front of you on a brazier. Other local specialties to look out for include Nem Nuong (grilled fermented pork) and Banh Can, a popular snack made of rice flour, eggs and spring onion served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. For a little fun when the sun goes down, head to one of the many bars in the city centre. Local laws mean they can t stay open after midnight (although some do) so after the clock strikes 12 wander down to the beach where hotspots kick on in spectacular fashion until late. Our recommendations: The Sailing Club, Galangal, Louisiane Brewhouse, LIVINcollective and The Shack Vietnam. Where to Stay There are hundreds of hotels in Nha Trang that cater to every budget, from the shoestring traveller to those with finer tastes. For a truly luxury experience book a room at one of the premier hotels on the beachfront boulevard Tran Phu, where you ll wake up to blue water views and enjoy prime beach access. Shopping Laid-back shopping is the name of the game in beachside Nha Trang. Gifts, souvenirs and mementos are available on every street corner, while pockets of the city offer excellent little galleries selling local artwork and artisan crafts. Be sure to visit a local tailor to have a shirt, suit or dress custom made the experience alone is worth it. For something off the rack, the beachfront boulevard Tran Phu is home to the Nha Trang Centre shopping mall where you ll find brand name fashions, jewellery, cosmetics and accessories galore. Nha Trang like a Local Exploring the traditional markets of Nha Trang is a great way to experience the bustle of the locals and see how they go about their daily lives. Dam Market and Nha Trang Market are recommended starting points. For the adventurous try the locals breakfast choice Bun Cha Ca - a soup made from leiognathidae, tomato and pineapple with rice noodles and topped with grilled chopped fish and jellyfish. 46

10 Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Ninh Van Bay, Ninh Hoa Six Senses Ninh Van Bay sits on a dramatic coral bay with golden sand and towering mountains. It comprises 59 pool villas on the beach and nestled between rocks. Guests enjoy many family friendly activities, culinary experiences and excursions, and the Six Senses Spa is a sanctuary for the senses. Room types start from Hill Top Pool Villa up to Three Bedroom Hill Top Reserve - 2 bars & 3 restaurants - Pool - PADI dive centre Nha Trang Fusion Resort Nha Trang Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Bai Dong Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang Fusion Resort Nha Trang brings a new level of luxury with an all Spa inclusive concept to the shores of southern Vietnam. It is an exceptional beach resort with an uninterrupted ocean view, providing at least 2 spa treatments daily, breakfast anytime and anyplace, and complimentary airport transfers included in the room rate. Room types start from Chic Suite up to Four Bedroom Grand Beachfront Villa - Bar & Restaurant - 2 pools including children's pool - Stand alone villa Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang offers you a wide selection of villas and luxurious rooms that provide the highest standards of comfort and indulgence. All rooms are fully equipped with modern facilities and come with attached balconies that boast spectacular views of the ocean and pure white sand beaches. Room types start from Garden Villa up to Presidential Residence - 2 bars & 4 restaurants - Pool including children's pool - PADI dive centre Evason Ana Mandara Tran Phu Boulevard, Nha Trang Evason Ana Mandara offers 74 semi-detached Garden and Seaview suites nested among 17 traditional villas which are evocative of a serene Vietnamese village blended with modern refinement and luxury comforts. Room types start from Garden View Room up to Ana Mandara Junior Suite - 3 bars & 3 restaurants - 2 pools - PADI dive centre 47