HO CHI MINH CITY WEATHER

                                     

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical monsoon climate - it's very much a typical steaming hot Southeast Asian metropolis where you can expect it to be either hot and dry or hot and wet.

Regardless of the time of year, you'll never need more than one layer of clothing in this southeastern Vietnam city.

Best Time to Come to Ho Chi Minh City

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the drier months of December to March, when temperatures range between 21°C and 34°C. Many like to visit during the Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or early February. The whole country joins in the festivities and it's a colourful spectacle, but prices are higher and getting around may be difficult due to the large numbers of people travelling.

May to September sees frequent showers with monthly rainfall levels of 200 to 300mm during this period. The rains tend to come in short bursts, so it's possible to still enjoy sunny days during these wet summer months. Just be sure to bring an umbrella to avoid being caught out! The peak period for typhoons to hit Ho Chi Minh City is from July to November.

Seasons

Ho Chi Minh City has two distinct seasons, the northeast monsoon months from November to April and the rainy southwest monsoon months of May through October. Humidity levels average 75% throughout the year but are higher during the rainy season.

Visiting Tra Su Mountain in An Giang

Tra Su Mountain is a must-see destination in An Giang Province and it was a day we won’t forget.

                                 

To reach there you have to head from Nha Bang Township on the road to Tinh Bien Township for about 150 meters, then make a right turn along a rocky sloping path to a pharmacy named ‘Sau Xung va Nam My’, tourists will spot Tra Su Mountain.

Located in Nha Bang Township, Tinh Bien District, Tra Su Mountain belongs to Thuy Dai Son Mountain Range. The mountain is not impressive due to its height but it is an attractive peak for tourists to admire the splendid scenery and to find tranquility for their soul.

The mountain is famous due to a small temple which is dedicated to worship two huge rocks. Locals say that the stones, which are about one ton and 300 kilograms, rolled to the Cua Thien Huyen Nu from the mountain peak on July 25 1991.

People call the stones ‘Chu vi Son Than’ (Goddess of mountain) and worship them as they pray for good luck and health.

Trekking up about 100 steps, tourists will see Ong Ho Cave which has two stone grottoes, one is Ngu Ho temple and one is Cuu Pham temple lying deep in the cave. After another 25 meters, pilgrims will see Ba Chua Temple where many locals often come to pray for a happy life.

Progressing towards the peak, tourists will see a fairy yard where they can stand and appreciate a panoramic view of Nha Bang Township with its greenness of rice fields, plantation, winding roads, streams and nearby houses. The fresh air, the spacious atmosphere and tranquility of nature will help tourists to rejuvenate after stressful working days.

There will be some other stone caves for tourists to discover and old altars for pilgrims to burn incense to connect with the supernatural world.

Vietnamese traditional costumes

For formal ceremonies men would have two additional items, a long gown with slits on either side, and a turban, usually in black or brown made of cotton or silk. In feudal times, there were strict dress codes. Ordinary people were not allowed to wear clothes with dyes other than black, brown or white. Costumes in yellow were reserved for the King. Those in purple and red were reserved for high ranking court officials, while dresses in blue were exclusively worn by petty court officials. Men's dress has gradually changed along with social development.

The traditional set of a long gown and turban gave way to more modern looking suits, while business shirts and trousers have replaced traditional long sleeved shirts and wide trousers. Traditional costumes still exist and efforts are increasingly being made to restore traditional festivals and entertainment which incorporate traditional costumes.

Young women wear light brown-colored short shirts with long black skirts. Their headgear consists of a black turban with a peak at the front. To make their waist look smaller, they tightly fasten a long piece of pink or violet cloth.On formal occasions, they wear a special three layered dress called an "ao dai", a long gown with slits on either side.

The outer garment is a special silk gown called an "ao tu than" which is brown or light brown in colour with four slits divided equally on its lower section. The second layer is a gown in a light yellow colour and the third layer is a pink gown. When a woman wears her three gowns, she fastens the buttons on the side, and leave those on the chest unfastened so that it forms a shaped collar. This allows her to show the different colors on the upper part of the three gowns. Beneath the three gowns is a bright red brassiere which is left exposed to cover the woman's neck.

                                                       

Over time, the traditional "ao dai" has gone through certain changes. Long gowns are now carefully tailored to fit the body of a Vietnamese woman. The two long slits along the side allow the gown to have two free floating panels in the front and at the back of the dress. The floating panels expose a long pair of white silk trousers.

An elegant looking conical palm hat, which is traditionally known as a "non bai tho" (a hat with poetry written on it), is worn as part of a woman's formal dress. This traditional conical hat is particularly suitable for a tropical country such as Vietnam, where fierce sunshine and hard rain are commonplace.

                                                       

To make a conical hat, a hat maker chooses young palm leaves that have been been dried under continued sunshine. Attached beneath the almost transparent layers of dried palm leaves is a drawing of a small river wharf. Below the drawing, there is a piece of poetry to be recited by the hat wearer.

In recent years some foreign fashions have been introduced to Vietnam; however, the traditional "ao dai" remains preferable to women in both urban and rural settings.

                                                

In general, Vietnamese clothing is very diverse. Every ethnic group in Vietnam has its own style of clothing. Festivals are the occasion for all to wear their favorite clothes. Over thousands of years, the traditional clothing of all ethnic groups in Vietnam has changed, but each ethnic group has separately maintained their own characteristics.

In the mountain areas, people live in houses built on stilts, wear trousers or skirts and indigo vests with design motifs imitating wild flowers and beasts. In the northern uplands and the Central Highlands, the young women have made skirts and vests with beautiful and coulourful decoration in a style convenient for farm work in terraced fields and to travel on hilly slopes and mountain gorges.

Vietnam Festivals and Events

Vietnam's festivals follow an age-old calendar based on Buddhist and ancient Confucian beliefs. The list below is a work in progress - a run-down of ten important Vietnamese holidays and festivals, although each province has its own series of festivals unique to the locals. Dates are subject to change without further notice.


PERFUME PAGODA ( HUONG TICH) FESTIVAL


Chua Huong - Viet NamThe Perfume Pagoda (Huong Tich), At My Duc, 69km south of Hanoi, without doubt, is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in northern Vietnam. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to this sacred cave to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year. pilgrims board boats, usually rowed by young women, which carry them along the Yen Stream through a stunning landscape of blazing green rice paddles studded with jagged limestone mounts to the base of Huong Mountain.


                                  


From the riverbank, pilgrims proceed on foot, past various ancient pagodas, monasteries and shrines, up hundreds of stone steps and a switchback trail, all worn smooth by the passage of countless feet. The Perfume Pagoda consists of a group of caves and is an impressive architectural ensemble of both human and natural endeavor.


                                 




The Perfume Pagoda Festival lasts from the 6th day of the 1st month to the end of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. Visitors can get tot the Perfume Pagoda either by the inland road or by water way. The Vietnamese believe that Huong Son is Buddha's Heaven. Huong Son is considered the place to worship Brodhisattva Kwan Yin. People conduct a dragon dance in the yard of Trinh Pagoda, and sail the royal barge on the 6th day of the 1st month. The festival is held in three places, Huong Tich, Tuyet Son, and Long Van. The festival is most crowded from the 15th - 20th day of the 2nd month of the lunar calendar as this period marks the main festival. The path leading from Ngoai Pagoda to Trong Pagoda is full of visitors coming up and down the mountain.


A pilgrimage to the Perfume Pagoda is not only for religious reasons, but also to see the numerous natural landscapes and the buildings that are valuable artifacts of the nation...


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Feb 08, 2012 Jan 28


COW RACING FESTIVAL


Cow racing Festival - Viet NamEach year on the last day of the Khmer calendar, the Khmer, an ethnic minority group living in the Mekong delta province of An n Giang, hold a festival to honor their ancestors. The festival begins with a visit to the pagoda, where Khmer families invite the souls of their ancestors to dine with the living. Should any visitors appear during the festival they will be warmly received since the Khmer believe that guests who arrive around New Year are messengers sent by their ancestors.


Following a visit to the pagoda people walk to the nearest stream or river where they tie the trunks of banana trees together to form rafts. Offerings are placed on these rafts, which are then pushed into the water to be swept away by the current.


                               




These quiet ceremonies are sharp contrast to the highlight of the festival, a cow race. The racetrack, set in a muddy and slippery paddy field, is 120m long, with both the start and finish lines marked with red and green flags. Each race involves two pairs of cow, controlled by two young men. To further complicate their task, the teams must run in a straight line and will be disqualified for veering off course.

The races are both exciting and hilarious. People travel from miles for the show, bringing food and pots and pans for a picnic. Part rodeo, part race and part comedy, a Khmer cow race is an unforgettable spectacle.


HUNG TEMPLE FESTIVAL


Hung Kinh Temple Festival - Viet Nam Hung temple is located on Nghia Linh Mountain, Hy Lang Commune, Phong Chau District, Phu Tho Province. Every year, this national festival is held to worship the Hung Kings, who were instrumental in founding the nation.


                                 




The festival lasts for 3 days from the 9th to the 11th of the 3rd lunar month. The worship service is held on the 10th day and commences with a flower ceremony with the participation of state representatives. Held in Thuong Temple, where the Hung Kings used to worship deities with full rituals, the ceremony consists of a lavish five-fruit feast. Cakes and glutinous rice dumpling are also served to remind people of the Lang Lieu Legend (the 18th Hung King who invented these cakes), and the merit of the Hung Kings who taught people to grow rice.


                                  




Next to the stage procession for deities, there are several marches in the procession, such as the elephant march followed by the procession chair. These procession marches are conducted in Tien Cuong, Hy Cuong, Phuong Giao, and Co Tich Villages. The procession marches are followed by a Xoan song performance (a classical type of song) in the Thuong Temple, "Ca Tru" (a kind of classical opera) in Ha temple, and other activities.


The Hung Temple Festival not only attracts visitors from all over and allows visitors to participate in special traditional cultural activities, but it is also a sacred trip back in time to the origins of the Vietnamese culture. People usually show their love and pride of their homeland and ancestral land. This religious belief is deeply imbedded in the minds of every Vietnamese citizen, regardless of where they originate.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Mar 31.


CHU DONG TU FESTIVAL

Chu Dong Tu Festival - Viet NamThis festival occurs for three days from the 10th - 12th of the third lunar month in Chu Dong Tu Temple in Du Hoa Village, Chau Giang District, Hung Yen province, some 20 km from Hanoi.


                              




Saint Chu Dong Tu was one of the "four immortal heroes" at the centre of Vietnamese society. Chu Dong Tu was a cultural hero and the founder of agriculture because he conquered the marsh and developed agriculture and trade. After the opening ceremony, there is a procession to remind people of the legend, life, and work of Saint Chu Dong Tu and his two wives.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Apr 31.


LE MAT SNAKE FESTIVAL


Le Mat Village Festival - Viet NamLe Mat Village belongs to the Viet Hung Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi. The Le Mat Village Festival is held annually on the 23rd of the 3rd lunar month. In the early morning on the 23rd day of the 3rd month, representatives of the 13 camps to the west of the Ancient Capital of Thang Long carry 13 trays of food over their heads from the capital to the Le Mat Village.
                              




                              




At the beginning of the festival, water and carp processions are staged and brought to the Thanh Communal House. This ritual reminds the present generation of the heroic accomplishments of exploiting and bringing about agriculture to the village. A snake act is then performed in the yard of the communal house. The snake (made of bamboo taped with cloth) symbolizes the water-monster species that has been bitten by the power and will of youth. The music of this act is an octet and the sound of the drummer's double rhythm is haunting. The Le Mat Village Festival provides an opportunity for children in the village, and those who have reclaimed this ancient wasteland in the city, to meet and retell the history of the establishment of the village. The challenge and difficulty that was encountered in the establishment of the village is expressed in the sincere homage of the ancestors of the village.


In addition to the ceremony, the Le Mat people have a special talent for catching snakes. While attending the Le Mat Village Festival, guests are offered a cup of snake wine made from three or five snakes.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 25, 2012 Apr 13.


WHALE FESTIVAL

Whale Festival Viet NamThe Whale Festival has been, for centuries, the biggest water festival of the fishermen in Quang Nam, Danang province. The worshipping of the whale is not only about paying respect to their God, but also about ensuring prosperity for the villagers. This festival last for two days in the middle of the 3rd lunar month. On this occasion, the whale temple, as well as all the houses and boats, are beautifully decorated. The peace offering is conducted in the first evening at the whale temple by village elders. Offerings, which do not contain seafoods, are given while the oration is read out. The ceremony is held to respect the Whale God and to pray for the safety and prosperity of the village.


                                   


At dawn the following day, there will be a procession of boats on the sea in a set formation. This procession displays the sincerity of fishermen to their Whale God. By midnight, the official ceremony is conducted as school children offer incense and the orchestra plays a classical opera. All the fishing boats and villagers, no matter where they are, will return to take part in the Whale Festival.
Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Apr 31.


ELEPHANT RACE FESTIVAL


Elephant Race Festival Viet NamThis festival is held in the spring, around the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. It is usually held in Don Village or in forests near the Sevepoi River (Dac Lak). The race track is on even ground where there are only has a few big trees. The width of the track is large enough for 10 elephants to stand in a line at the same time and the length of the track runs 1-2 km.


                                   


With the signal of the horn (a wind instrument), the mahouts command their elephants to go to the starting line. When the command to start the race is released, all of the elephants rush ahead, excited by the sound of the drums, gongs, and cheering from the viewers. At the end of the race, the winning elephants lift their trunks above their heads to wave to the viewers. They walk deliberately flapping their ears gently, gazing through half-closed eyes to receive sugarcane from their viewers.


The elephant race is the biggest festival in the middle highland. It bears the martial spirit of the M'nong ethnic group, who are very famous for their bravery and skill in hunting wild elephants.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Mar 31.

Ho Chi Minh Spas & Massage

Increasing numbers of high-end luxury spas are opening up in Ho Chi Minh City.

The therapists have good knowledge of massage and other treatments, mixing eastern philosophy, knowledge and techniques with some western practices.

                                         

YKC Spa

Exceptional service and customer satisfaction for over a decade has firmly established YKC as a premier pampering destination for Saigon’s expats and visitors. Complimentary beverages are offered in addition to a complete range of professional spa and hair services. Family owned from the very start, YKC operates with the utmost integrity and respect in regards to serving its clients.

Address: 219 Dien Bien Phu, District 3, Saigon. 

Tel: +848 3829 2791 / 3827 5194 

                                         

                                       

Glow Spa

This is a day spa where you receive massage therapy, facial care, hair spa, hand and foot care services while enjoying views of the lush, tropical garden. It is situated right in the city centre.

Location: 129A Nguyen Hue, District 1 

Tel: +848 3823 8368 

                                      

L'Apothiquaire Spa & Retreat

L' Apothiquaire is in a colonial mansion with beautiful surroundings dating back to 1959. Services include facials, body treatment and fitness programs such as yoga and T’ai chi. There are a few branches spread out over the city.

Address: 

63 Le Thanh Ton St, District 1, Tel: +848 3822 1218 

64A Truong Dinh, District 3, Tel: +848 3932 5181 

                                      

Jasmine Spa

A long-time favourite among Japanese and European expatriates, Jasmine is famous for its cellulite treament package using seaweed and its cavier facial treatment.

Location: 45 Ton That Thiep, District 1 

Tel: +848 3827 2737

QI Saigon Spa

QI Saigon Spa is a luxury day spa and salon using Qi beauty products, a brand of the Japanese cosmetics firm Shiseido. 

Address: 151 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan District. 

Tel: +848 844 0611 

                                   

SEN Spa

SEN Spa offers body massage, facial care, Jacuzzi and herbal steam room. It is on the 10th floor of Miss Aodai Building in District 1, just minutes from the Saigon River.

Location: 10th floor of Miss Aodai Building in District 1

Tel: +848 3910 2174 

Spa Authentic

Situated on the Saigon River in District 2, Spa Authentic offers massage and facial packages in a luxurious pool surroundings.

Location: 195 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2 

Tel: +848 3744 6452 

                                 

Thann Sanctuary Spa

A branch of a successful Thai company, Thann reaches out to HCMC with its range of therapies that include healing stone body and foot scrubs and massages using their aromatic products based on Southeast Asian flora.

Location: 

Nguyen Du Park Villas, 111 Nguen Du, District 1

Saigon Center Level 2, 65 Le Loi Street 

Tel: +848 3822 0788 and +84 983 624 497

Ho Chi Minh Cooking Classes

Vietnamese food was one of the first true ‘fusion’ cuisines in the world, thanks to the history of the area, with its Indian, Chinese, French, Russian, and American influences. It is also renowned as one of the healthiest foods in the world.

So, while visiting the country, why not learn how to cook your own authentic Vietnamese dishes? Many hotels in Ho Chi Minh City offer cooking classes or you can try the following: 

                                            

Bi Saigon Cooking Classes

Bi Saigon Cooking Classes are held in the Bi Saigon Hotel & Restaurant. Here they teach visitors how to cook a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese recipes. There are no set times for classes. Instead, lessons are organised for individuals and small groups on request. 

Address: 185/26 – 185/16 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1

Tel: +848 836 0678 

                                          

Hoa Tuc Restaurant Cooking Class

Hands-on cooking classes are offered twice a day at this Vietnamese restaurant which used to be an opium refinery. Hoa Tuc is renowned for its authentic and fusion Vietnamese cuisine.

Location: 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Dist. 1 

Tel: +848 3825 1676 

Saigon Culinary Arts Centre

One of the latest additions to the burgeoning cooking schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Culinary Arts Centre is run by Vietnamese chef Mai, who take guests to the local markets, followed by a cooking demonstration at the well-equipped kitchen at Mai Home Restaurant.

Location: 42/3 Nguyen Van Troi Street - Phu Nhuan District 

Tel: +848 3997 9565 

Vietnam Cookery Center

Vietnam Cookery Center offers a morning course from 09:30 to 13:00, including lunch, or an afternoon course from 15:30 to 19:30, including dinner. There are also special courses for professional cooks and for children. Address: 177 Dien Bien Phu, District 1

Tel: +848 823 5872 

Sports, Fitness & Yoga in Ho Chi Minh

Saigon certainly has its share of activities that are not only fun but will also keep you fit and full of health. And yes, there's a chapter of Hash House Harrriers to have boozy fun and exercise with but there are also slightly more serious options such as yoga and fitness centres. 

Ho Chi Minh City may be compact but that's no reason not to go for the optimum in fitness while there.

                                      

Saigon Hash House Harriers

The world-wide runners club Hash House Harriers has a ‘down-down’ in Ho Chi Minh City, too. There are organised runs every Sunday and members meet at Caravelle Hotel at around 13:30 where they are taken by bus for a run outside the city. Return around 19:00 hrs.

Tel: +848 92 386 2453 

                                     

Saigon River Club

Saigon River Club features modern fitness facilities that include sauna, steam rooms, and pools with outdoor Jacuzzi.

Location: 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, District 1 

Tel: +848 3514 9009 

                                     

                                       

Sivananda Yoga Center

Offers yoga classes and Ayurvedic massages and vegetarian meals at its center in district 1, and occasionally organises longer retreats near Cu Chi, 1.5 hours drive from the city.

Location: 17 Tran Quy Khoach, District 1 

Tel: +848 6291 2663 

                                        

Soham Yoga Studio and Boutique

Located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Soham Yoga Studio offers regular classes in Vinyasa Flow, Sivananda, Power yoga.

Location: 84T/4 Tran Dinh Xu, District 1 

Tel: +848 3920 5813

Hai Van Pass Vietnam

Vietnam tours Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is the highest pass in the country and one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam. The meaning of Hai Van is wind and cloud or sea cloud. True to its meaning, wind in Hai Van Pass moves like a herd of horses galloping a number of miles and clouds seem to pour down from the heaven. One of the major Vietnam tourist attractions is the panoramic view of the Danang city, Tien Sa port, Son Tra peninsula and long white sandy beach from the Hai Van Pass.

                           

                                                                 Hai Van Pass

                          

                                                      Hai van Viet Nam tour

Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is the last spur of the Throng Son Range that reaches to the sea. As described by a 17th Century Vietnamese scholar, Hai Van seems to stands with feet in the sea and its summit covered with clouds. The road over Hai Van Pass opened in the end of 19th century. The road over the pass is over 21 kilometers long and 435 meters above sea level. The drive over the pass gives the visitors thrill of tearing through the clouds on the winding road up and down the pass. 

The pass is crowned with the vestiges of a fortified gateway built by the French which is now covered with moss. This gateway acts as entrance and exit points of Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam provinces. These points are indicated by the inscribed words “Hai Van Gate” on the one facing Thua Thein and “the most grandiose gateway in the world” on the one looking down on Quang Nam. 

The view during the descending journey from Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is no less enchanting. Sightseeing in Vietnam is at its best here with the sequel of valleys and lagoons as the road descends lower. The first stop in this descending journey is the village of Lang Co sitting on the tip of a long peninsula separating a shallow lagoon from the sea. This scenic village is a good stop over place for a lunch or even a day with a beautiful beach to swim at or the village houses and the church to explore Vietnamese lifestyle. 

This descending journey has much more to offer. The road between Danang to Hue passes by few small hills with its unique landscape just beyond it. The three hour drive from Danang to Hue, Vietnam is sure to leave the visitors asking for more. No wonder Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is listed among one of the most visited of the various Vietnam popular destinations.

                              

Ao Dai Hue - Traditional Vietnamese Dress of Hue Vietnam

Sweep through Hue and the classic grace of women clad in ao dai will surely to make a lasting impression on you. But behind the beauty is a rich history, brimming with cultural significance.

A researcher of Hue culture, Phan Thuan An, said that variations in Hue ao dai are related to the ups and downs of history.

                                   

                                   Ao Dai Hue - Traditional Vietnam Dress of Hue

History of the Hue ao dai

Under the Minh Mang Dynasty, the King issued a dress code for the whole country. Accordingly, all imperial concubines and servants had to wear ao dai when they set foot in the forbiddance palace. All citizens had to wear trousers, not skirts. Ao dai also became the compulsory costume of adults when they were out and about.

At that time Hue ao dai were similar to those in other regions, which were often dark in colour, and were a tangle of five flaps. Convenience demanded a four-flap version, the ao tu than or four-flap dress (with the two fore-flaps tied or left dangling to match satin trousers and silk belts). The five-flap ao dai has two fore flaps and two back flaps sewn together along the spine.

                                   

                                              

Violet AoDai

There is also a minor flap, which belongs to the forepart, at the right side, which hangs to the fringe. The sleeves are joined at the elbow since cloth available at the time had a width of just 40cm. The collar is 2-3cm high with the sleeves wrapped tight at the wrists, with accentuation of breast and waist. The laps flare from waist to foot.

For trousers paired with ao dai, while women in the North and the South favoured a solemn black, Hue women favoured white. Royals and the well to do often wore trousers with three pleats, giving a graceful spread to the leg, and increased mobility.

In the early of the 20th century, especially when the Dong Khanh High School for female students was founded in 1917, all schoolgirls from the central region flocked to Hue to study at Dong Khanh, ao dai became their uniform. They wore white trousers with violet ao dais as going to school, which then were changed to white colour in the dry and blue in the rainy season.

                                 

                                 

In the 1930s and 1940s, ao dai of Hue as well as of other regions didn’t change. However, they were made of much more abundant materials and colours. Women at that time could select various kinds of cloths imported from Europe, which were replete with bright colours.

The use of imported cloths, with their wider widths resulted in seamless ao dais. The flaps were lengthened, to within 20cm of the ankle. Hue women were renowned for their elegance in white trousers and ao dais. The dress gradually became a fashionable costume among girls in various regions, except among married women.

Hue ao dai would not have today’s design without an innovation initiated by an artist from the Indochina Art College, the owner of the reputed Le Mur tailor shops in Hanoi and Hai Phong, Lemur Nguyen Cat Tuong.

He brought a collection of Europeanised ao dais to the Hue Fair in 1939, which were called “modern ao dai”. These ao dai had two flaps rather than the octopus tangle of five as before. They had puffed out the shoulders, were cuffed at the sleeves, a round collar cut breast-deep and laced, accentuated by a corrugated fringe made of joined cloth of different colours and gaudily laced.

Hue’s women quickly accepted the remodelled ao dai. However, influenced by their inherently unobtrusive style, Hue ao dai were only modernised moderately with two flaps and buttoned from shoulder to waist.

In the 1950s, following trends across the country, Hue ao dai became more figure hugging, with higher collars and narrowed flaps, for an alluring body sculpting form.

In the mid-1960, as more women began to wear bra, Hue tailors stitched ao dai tighter at the waist, in an effort to further please the eye. At the end of the decade, Hue ao dai followed Saigon’s raglan-sleeve ao dai, which hid the troublesome wrinkles that often formed at both shoulder and armpit.

But ao dai with high collars were still fond among Hue women, while others sported the low-necked, décolleté ao dai improved by Tran Le Xuan, sister-in-law of former South administration president Ngo Dinh Diem.

The Hue Ao dai has remained almost unchanged since 1975, although the dress is falling from popularity due to the demands of modern life. In the late of the 1990s, the ao dai made a comeback, at the behest of fashion designers.

However, women in the ancient capital were loath to be strapped back into the tricky dress. Today Hue women are still unobtrusive in their ao dai, which are worn not too thin, with long flaps that are nearly touch ground, high collars and low waist to hide the flash of skin at the flanks.

Violet ao dai, a symbol of Hue

An ao dai tailor since 1970, Nguyen Van Chi has seen many subtle changes to Hue ao dai. Even though material and styles have changed, their colour and purpose of ao dai have not. Ao dai with bright colours for the New Year festival; broad ao dai in brown violet, indigo-blue and milky coffee colour with sombre designs for funerals and ceremonies; ao dai in dark colours for rainy days; and light in colour for sunny days.

Most Hue women have at least one ao dai of violet colour, a specific characteristic for this ancient capital. Along with their grace, unobtrusiveness, violet ao dai and non bai tho have become indispensable images that are closely linked to Hue women.

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There are so many choices of activities and services in Vietnam that you may become quite confused about what to do and what to leave for another time. Viet Value Travel would like to list some of the highlight activities that we think you should try while travelling in Vietnam. However, we also understand that everyone has their own ideas, so what we suggest is just that. We look forward to hearing your comments and recommendations to extend this list.

                                

Having Pho - Noodle soup.

Vietnam's most popular breakfast made from rice and different kinds of herbs. This is not only simple food but also our culture of food - art. Where do you go to try this? Everywhere! Ask your tour guide or any local people and they will show you the one that they normally eat at daily. However, the many Pho 24 or Pho 2000 restaurants are famous with travellers. 

                                              

Cooking class in Hoi An.

If you have been in Vietnam for a few days and decide you love Vietnamese food, try a short demonstration cooking class in Hoian. Mrs. Vy, who owns the Cargo Ship restaurant, can bring you an forgettable class which is a mixture of fun and education. Hai's Scout in Hoi An is another great place to arrange this activity. Enjoy making your own real Vietnamese Spring Rolls. 

                                     

Homestay in the Mekong Delta.

Viet Value Travel believes the local culture will be best understood if you join local activities. That's why we recommend this action. Many tour operators offer this tour from Saigon (including Viet Value Travel). The best tour is a small private tour and an overnight stay with a small family in Vinh Long or Ben Tre. Big tour groups can damage the meaning of this option. Stay to understand the lovely locals of the Mekong Delta - always selected as the highlight of a Vietnam trip from our past customers.

                                         

Fighting Cu Chi tunnel.

Begun during the French war, Cu Chi was used widely during the more recent Vietnam war. These were hidden tunnels to protect the village people from bombs and fighting. Most now is closed for secturity purpose, however enough is maintained so people still have a great opportunity to see how it was built and its various uses. The highlight of Cu Chi is you can actually crawl through it (if you want to) with a local guide. It will be hot down there but this is the way you understand just a bit about how hard it was for people here who had to live in the tunnels during the actions above. Tour departs from Saigon, and takes about 5 hours in total ( Including transportation time ).

                             

Perfume River cruise and Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

The Perfume river was named through a legend of the Nguyen Lord during the feudal period of Vietnam. People said, this Perfume River is Hue's charm. It devides Hue city into two parts, north and south. By cruising on the river you will have a good view into both sides of the city. The cruise starts from the Toa Kham pier by Dragon Boat and its destinations are Imperial tombs, and of course, the Thien Mu pagoda. Thien Mu is the oldest pagoda in Hue, built in 1601 under Nguyen Hoang Lord. It has a great over the Perfume River, but the most interesting part of this pagoda is its atmosphere, so quiet and peaceful.

                             

Riding Xich Lo ( Rickshaw ) in the Hanoi old quarter

Hanoi's old quarter itself is interesting but riding by Xich Lo to see it is even better. There are plenty of routes to cruise through the 36 old streets. W recommend a 1.5 hour ride to see that special part of Hanoi. Most of Viet Value Travel tours include this experience in their itinerary.

Sit back for water puppet show in Hanoi.

The original Water Puppet shows were created by farmers in the 11th century during flood seasons. Plays are very simple representations of daily activities and something only rarely ever seen out of Vietnam. This is another great chance to understand the Vietnamese 'water-rice' culture. Viet Value Travel includes this show in most of our tours.

                            

Junk cruise in Halong Bay 

Many people travel to Vietnam just because of Halong Bay. This natural world heritage site atracts millions of visitors per year. It is definitely the most popular destination in Vietnam. A trip to Halong bay is offered by many tour operators in Hanoi. Let's have a nice junk - VietValue's junk - to enjoy this famous spot.

                                     

Visit Sapa homestay

Sapa is in the northwest of Vietnam and is the hometown of many different colorful hilltribe groups. This remote area is highly recommended to adventure travelers especially for trekking and homestay. Quite different from homestay in Mekong Delta, a stay in a local house of one of the people in Sapa is more rustic. Everthing seems to be very simple but what you really get from it is the diversity of the local culture, atmostphere, scenerary and unique hospitality.

Mui Ne

Someone says 'Mui Ne is another Nha Trang 10 years ago'. We have to agree with it. Mui Ne will be a big destination for beach lover in the future. This place gains a great support form nuture, with stable weather, sunshine and dry year around. It is an ideal of sea sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing. Mui Ne is known as a famous beach resort in Vietnam, Tourist season begins in December to May. Foreign tourist continuously increased, especially in retreat tourism. There are many hotels and resorts along Mui Ne beach center. Ranging from 2 to 5 star for traveler's choice

Getting thereThere is no flight to Mui Ne. Travelers can only get there by bus or train. Local bus is not recommended as they are all busy and Mui Ne is mostly not their stops so you have to take another transfer to Mui Ne. Open bus could be a good choice if you are in budget. Private transport is available in most of travel cafe in Saigon. 

If you want to take a train, there are quite a few of options for you. Make sure you will be off at Muong Man train station, then take your taxi to Mui Ne. You can also arrange transfer from your booked hotels in Mui Ne to pick up from Muong Man. 

What to see in Mui Ne?

There are few tours and places that you can visit while your vaction in Mui Ne. Most famous place would be Sandunes, ask your resort reception for transportation for Sand dunes visit. The best time to go is around 5 or 6 am when sand dune is not mixed up yet. There are some local games that you can join with local tourist. Trip takes couple of hours. 

                                   

Another worth half day trip is Poganu Cham Tower which is one of the oldest Cham Tower in Vietnam (1.200 year old). Besides, there are temples, pagoda and other interesting sightseeing in Binh Thuan areas for your choice. 

Restaurant in Mui Ne

Mui Ne is famous for fresh and affordable seafood. Many restaurants serve seafood, but only a few restaurants have good service and good pricing. Here are the list of local restaurant for your choice

Cay Bang Restaurant: This is a very popular restaurant in town serving fresh seafood and other local dishes.

Dung Su Restaurant: It is also much much focusing on seafood. Reservation in advance is needed.

Ngoc Suong Restaurant: Upscale restaurant in town. 

Western food & Bars

Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant: The same group of the one in Hoi An & Saigon. Owned and run by an Italian, offer pizza and pasta

Wax Bar: Live music and open air

Sankara: Most popular hangout place in Mui Ne. Hot area!

Pham Ngu Lao Street in Ho Chi Minh City

The Pham Ngu Lao area of District 1 is where most backpacking travelers first land in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a similar scene to Southeast Asia's most famous backpacking centre, Khao San Road in Bangkok, but on a smaller scale. The main thoroughfares (with lots of lanes and back alleys) that make up the popular area include Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, Bui Vien and Do Quang Dao streets.

These are where tourists can find Western-style eateries and bars, countless travel agencies, cheap guesthouses (as well as many of the so-called ‘mini-hotel’ buildings usually with six to seven floors, rarely offering an elevator), internet shops, pharmacies and souvenir-and-craft shops.

Pham Ngu Lao is not limited to only low-budget travelers. Its own unique vibe draws people from everywhere. Visitors sometime prefer to enjoy local street food or do nothing but people watching over the incredibly cheap bia hoi draught beer on the roadside as there is always something going on in Pham Ngu Lao.

                                     

Pham Ngu Lao Attractions

Pham Ngu Lao is an attraction in itself. Though this area has been developing fast over the past decade, there are still lots of charming old buildings as many families have been living there for generations. The street scene can seem a little crazy with hawkers selling just about everything from cigarettes to massage services. 

Pham Ngu Lao is also close to many city landmarks as well as interesting attractions. The famous Ben Thanh Market is just a 10-minute walk and the Fine Art Museum, Reunification Palace and Phu Dong Statue are less than a kilometre away.

                                   

Pham Ngu Lao Dining

Saigon’s street eating scene is a must for first-time visitors to the city and the only risk is the ice served in your drinks which can be from doubtful sources. Reward yourself with local favourites such as sandwiches with all the fixings, banh xeo (pancakes), pho (the most common and popular rice noodle soup), bun bo hue (a rice noodle soup thicker than pho) and local coffee.

Take advantage also of the restaurants in the Pham Ngu Lao Area as they’re known for delicious and well-priced food. Some of the venues have high-speed WiFi.

                                 

Pham Ngu Lao Nightlife

Ho Chi Minh City comes alive at night. Street vendors, bia hoi stalls, bars and downtown clubs are part of the lively scene.

Pham Ngu Lao, as can be imagined, also has interesting nightlife entertainment spots including Allez Boo and Le Pub as well as many smaller pubs known for their cheap drinks. It’s common around here to meet some friendly expats who are more than willing to share a few tips about travelling in and beyond Vietnam.

                                 

Pham Ngu Lao Shopping

If your shopping list in Vietnam includes any of the following list, you will definitely find them in Pham Ngu Lao; conical hats (the unofficial national symbol), handicrafts, paintings, silk products, T-shirts, rice paper (Vietnamese spring rolls anyone?), tea, coffee, coffee containers, coconut candies and tropical fruits.

Pham Ngu Lao has extensive markets nearby as well as boutique shops, malls, and art galleries. Even though shopping here can be so much fun for most people because of the attractive prices, it’s still wise to compare prices and bargain before making a purchase.

                               

Pham Ngu Lao Activities

If you want to observe real local life, get up early and visit the parks in the area to see (and even to join in on) a morning exercise activity. It is interesting to see all those ‘uncles’ and ‘aunties’ into their Tai Chi-like sessions.

Pham Ngu Lao is not such a large area, making it the perfect place to sightsee by foot and the best time to do this is either in the morning or late afternoon when the heat has ebbed away. You will find plenty of travel agencies to select activities and tour packages along the way too.