Introduction about MeKong Delta

Mekong delta is made up of 13 provinces: Long An, Tiền Giang, Bến Tre, Hậu Giang, Kiên Giang, An Giang, Đồng Tháp, Trà Vinh, Sóc Trăng, Vĩnh Long, Cần Thơ, Bạc Liêu and Cà Mau

And Mekong delta is divided by many rivers and canals. And all the rivers and canals are 5.700 km.

Mekong delta is about 40.000 square kilometers (km2) in area. And it is known as one of the widest and richest delta in ASEAN, in Vietnam it is considered as the biggest granary of Vietnam (the second one is Red River delta in the North of Vietnam), it provides 60% of nation’s rice. Besides that, Mekong delta is the place of different tropical fruits such as durian, coconut, banana, pineapple, dragon fruit… and when people come here they can enjoy the seasonal fruits all round year.

Mekong delta is the area which has the biggest population in Vietnam, now it has a population of  about 18 million people. In the past, most of the people here lived by farming.

There are 2 distinguished seasons in Mekong delta: rainy season (from May to November) and sunny season (from December to April). Especially, in the rainy season the color of all the rivers are brown because of the alluvium, in the sunny season the color changes into light blue.

In Vietnam, people don’t call this land “Mekong delta”, but they call “Nine dragons delta” because when the Mekong river comes to Vietnam, it divides into 2 small branches, then the 2 branches divide into 9 mouths going to the East Sea. Seeing on the map, people can realize that the river now looks like 9 dragons

Introduction Of Mekong River Delta In Southern Vietnam

Don't leave without seeing the Mekong Delta, one of Vietnam's most interesting and scenic regions. An organized tour, even the most low-budget version, offers action-packed days with bus and boat trips to small craft villages, mangrove swamps, island orchards, and spectacular floating markets. A 1-day trip isn't quite enough to fully delve into the delta, so plan on an overnight -- best in the delta's urban centers of Can Tho or Chau Doc near Cambodia (try to stay at the Victoria in either location).

The delta is a web of Mekong River waterways covering an area of about 60,000km (37,200 miles) across three provinces. The region is densely populated with 18 million souls, most engaged in farming and fishing. Called the "rice basket" of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta accounts for more than 50% of all rice and produce in the country, exporting between 4 million and 5 million tons of rice per year. The land is tessellated with bright green rice paddies, fruit orchards, sugar-cane fields, and vegetable gardens, and its waters stay busy with boats and fish farms. Rice production and harvest still involves water buffaloes instead of tractors, as well as backbreaking hand planting of rice shoots, weeding, and hand harvesting.

Impoverished under socialist agricultural programs, the region benefited greatly from the 1980s Doi Moi reforms, and rice paddies that once yielded just one crop now produce three crops per year, an important part of Vietnamese economic self-sufficiency.

The Mekong delta was a hotbed for Viet Cong guerillas during the war with the U.S., and some tours will take you to the vestiges of old Viet Cong hide-outs, complete with hideaway ambush holes and a ride among the mangrove swamp where stealth forces disappeared after raids in Saigon.

Introduction in Hanoi

The Vietnam War helped to unfairly saddle Hanoi with a reputation as a dour outpost for Communist apparatchiks. It may not be as chaotic as Saigon, but Hanoi ranks among the world's most attractive and interesting cities. The city's placid air gives it a gracious, almost regal flavor, underscored by a rich history that traces back more than a thousand years -- a fascinating heritage on display in well-preserved centuries-old architecture. Hanoi is Vietnam's cultural center, and puppetry, music, and dance performances are well worth your time.

Things to Do

The quintessential Hanoi neighborhood and the oldest area in town, the Old Quarter is a maze of streets dating back to the 13th century. The Old Quarter's Communal Houses were set up by guilds as small temples to honor a local god -- the Bach Ma, or White Horse, who represents the city itself. Another sightseeing highlight is the Temple of Literature -- a sanctuary of Confucianism and Vietnam's seat of learning for almost a thousand years.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Hanoi is the best place to experience traditional Vietnamese arts such as opera, theater, and water puppetry, shows that feature traditional music and depict Vietnamese folklores and myths. The city also has a variety of pleasant little watering holes. For a vivid taste of local street life, Hanoi style, pull up a little plastic squat stool on a street corner or in one of the many cozy, open-air bars serving the local brew bia-hoi.

Restaurants and Dining

It's hard to have a bad meal in Hanoi. Hanoi's finest local food is served at small, one-dish restaurants, usually just open-air joints at street-side, where you might wonder why a line is snaking out the door. The ubiquitous pho -- noodle soup served with slices of beef (bo) or chicken (ga), fresh bean sprouts and condiments -- can be found anywhere. And don't miss cha ca, Hanoi's famed spicy fish fry-up.

Active Pursuits

Dozens of small, serene lakes dotted about Hanoi offer transport to tranquility amid the city bustle. In the morning, the circumference walkway encircling Hoan Kiem Lake becomes a training camp, with locals working up a sweat performing tai chi or calisthenics. Otherwise, walking is the best way to tour the winding passages of the Old Quarter. More intrepid souls bike around town to beat the chaotic traffic -- most hotels have a cycle to rent.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hanoi/

Introduce a tour in Nha Trang

See more tours in Nha Trang

Nha Trang not only gets great natural advantages of its geography position, landscape, and climate, but inherits its rich background in culture and humanities as well. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.

 

Khanh Hoa is a coastal province in South Central Viet Nam. The terrain of this region gradually declines from the mountains to the west towards the hills, deltas, and a 200km- long coastline and islands to the east. It is well known by the attractive beauty of its own capital – Nha Trang. Among its 3 bays, Nha Trang ranks first thanks to 100% pristinebeaches, excellent view, gorgeous islands, mountains, and rivers.

Nha Trang not only gets great natural advantages of its geography position, landscape, and climate, but inherits its rich background in culture and humanities as well. Although it is 1,280 km far away from Hanoi and 448 km from Ho Chi Minh city, it is easily accessible for tourists by all means of transport: by road, rail, air and waterway.

History

Until the middle of the 19th century, Nha Trang had still been a deserted area with wildlife animals like tigers, and was a part of Hà Bạc, Vinh Xuong District, Diên Khánh Province. Nha Trang officially became a center urbain under the Indochina Governor General’s decision issued on the 30th August 1924. After only 2 decades of early 20nd century, Nha Trang underwent rapid changes and became today’s Nha Trang city – a marvellous picture with old view but modern and fresh environmental city of Khanh Hoa.

The name of the city – “Nha Trang” – derives from a false Vietnamese spelling of a geographical name in the Cham language of the site Ya Trang, (which litterrally means Lau River, the name of the now Cai River as referred to by the Cham people). From this, the name was adopted to call what is now Nha Trang.

Natural conditions

Nha Trang is known as a sea city with a great long beach and a lot of islands, making the city different and outstanding from any other cities of Vietnam. With 19 islands, Nha Trang is famous with beautiful view and different species living inside (such as the Monkey Island). People also live there, specifically around 2,500 households and 15,000 persons. The biggest island is Hon Tre with 36 square kilometer, being laid far far away in the distant sea, bringing Nha Trang Baythe impression of being out-of-the-wind, “all calm and still”.

Cultural values

Nha Trang is famous for natural beauty, therefore, most great Beauty Contests of Vietnam and some of the World have selected this city to be the performance place. Nha Trang people are now very proud to witness the greatest Beauty Contest of both Vietnam and the World to take place here. For the past years, Miss Vietnam and Miss Earth have occurred in Nha Trang. More importantly and proudly for Nha Trang in particular and Vietnam in general, Nha Trang (to be exact, Vinpearl Land (which means Vietnam’s Pearl) – the 5-star resort of the city) was selected for the “Miss Universe Pageant 2008”.

Another cultural activity is sea festival. Sea Festival is held anually, and August-Nha Trang Rendezvous Festival is held every 2 years absorb numerous tourists. All the festivals fully cover sea food, arts and activities like Sea-Food Zone, Sea Night Carnaval, ect., and some exhibitions about Cham Brocade Textile, Arranging Art, and so on. If you would like to get to know about this City, please come and join them on any of those occasions.

Cuisine

The culinary offer in Nha Trang is very varied, which are the reasons tourists enjoy their stay in Nha Trang. One of Nha Trang’s most valuable specialities is “yen sao” (translated as “salangane”), “nhím biển” (translated “sea-chesnut”), “cầu gai”…, which make this sea city special. A salangane is not a swift or swallow. It builds its nest with its saliva. The salangane was associated with royal banquets in the past, and with expensive formal parties today. In the past, salangane was an “ideal precious age prolongging medicine” for Kings.

Apart from Seafood, Nha Trang has many other delicious special delicacies, such as Ninh Hoa dried Spring Rolls (Nem nướng Ninh Hoà), Fish noodle (Bún cá), Canh cakes (Bánh Canh), etc., containing the characteristics of the land. Some scholar once said: “Special food or delicacies reveal their genuin land in the most lively way”.

Mekong river Muslim 1 day tour

Itinerary Mekong river Muslim 1 day tour:

• At 8.00 am, We take a two hour driving to My Tho. On the way witness picturesque rice fields and buffalos. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on the Mekong River with a stop at Thoi Son islet to taste seasonal fruit whilst enjoying traditional folk music. Then, visit the authentic life of the locals and challenge your bargaining power at cottage handicraft shops. Take an adventurous sampan ride in palm shaded canals. Lunch to be served with Halal food. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantations and villages. Return to Ho Chi Minh city around 5.00pm.


• End of your Mekong river Muslim 1 day tour.

 

JOINING TOUR OPTIONAL: US$19 per person

 

Tour price includes:

• A/c bus for transfer & sightseeing as per program.


• English speaking tour guide


• All entrance fees


• Boat trip on Mekong Delta


• Mineral water on bus (1 bottle/ pax/day)


• Halal food for lunch

Tour price excludes:

• Travel insurance


• Hotel pick up & drop off service


• Drinks & other meals not mentioned in the program.

Mekong full day Muslim tour

Itinerary Mekong full day Muslim tour:

• At 8.00 am, Leave Ho Chi Minh city, enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields. On arrival at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shade of water coconut trees along natural canals. Then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of "Southern Vietnamese folk music", performed by the locals. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantations and villages. Return to Ho Chi Minh by road.  The tour finishes at 17.00.


• End of your Mekong full day muslim tour.

 

JOINING TOUR OPTIONAL: US$19 per person

 

Tour price includes:

• A/c bus for transfer & sightseeing as per program.


• English speaking tour guide


• All entrance fees


• Boat trip on Mekong Delta


• Mineral water on bus (1 bottle/ pax/day)


• Halal food for lunch

Tour price excludes:

• Travel insurance


• Hotel pick up & drop off service


• Drinks & other meals not mentioned in the program.

Getting around Vietnam

Air: 

Vietnam Airlines (VN) (www.vietnamairlines.com) operates daily flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hué, Danang and Nha Trang. Jetstar Pacific (www.jetstar.com) also operate flights on these routes. Regular services are also provided by Vietnam Airlines between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot, Dalat, Phu Quoc, Pleiku and Qui Nhon.

The road situation has improved dramatically so flights are used for long distances and to save time. It is still easier to fly to places like Dien Bien Phu. Flights are particularly busy around the Tet holiday in January/February and it is essential to book ahead.

Departure tax: 

Included in the price of the ticket

Side of road: 

N/A

Road quality: 

The road network throughout Vietnam is reasonable but the standard of the roads varies dramatically from good to appalling. Road conditions can deteriorate during the rainy season.

Roads throughout Vietnam are designated by numbers and the main north to south route is Highway 1 connecting Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City.

Road classification: 

Highway 1 travels the length of the country from the very south to Hanoi via Danang and Hue. The road from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cambodian border is Highway 22.

Car hire: 

It is possible to hire chauffeur-driven cars from travel companies. Self-drive car hire is non-existent.

Taxi: 

Taxis are plentiful and cheap. They can be flagged down on the street or arranged through your hotel or the restaurant where you are eating. Always make sure the driver has set the meter before starting the journey.

Bike: 

Bicycles can be hired for a day or longer from shops in the main towns and cities. Many Vietnamese people still have a bicycle as their main form of transport but now there are many more motorbikes as well as cars and lorries. Particular care must be taken when cycling in towns and on main roads outside the towns as drivers do not always observe road rules and are not cyclist-aware.

Coach:

Long-distance coaches operate throughout the country, between Hanoi, Hué, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. Tickets must be bought in person at the bus station.

Regulations:

Seat belts are not compulsory in Vietnam. Helmets are compulsory for motorbike riders. Cars drive on the right.

Documentation: 

An International Driving Permit and a test (taken in Vietnam) are required for long-term residents.

Getting around towns and cities: 

There are local bus services in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi. It is also possible to travel by taxi, motorbike or cyclo (cycle rickshaw; motorised version also exists). Most foreigners forego the bus, preferring to use these. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but it is welcomed. Hopping on the back of a 'moto' is the cheapest way to travel, if you have the stomach for the crazy driving. Agree the price first and make sure they have a good helmet.

Rail: 

Visitors may use the rail transport system independently or as part of a rail tour. Express long-distance trains are faster than local services, more reliable and more comfortable. Although a few carriages now have air conditioning, facilities are still short of international standards. The main rail route connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the journey can take between 30 and 40 hours. There are also services from Hanoi to Haiphong, Dong Dang and Lao Cai. Contact Vietnam Railways (tel: (04) 3942 3949; www.vr.com.vn) for more information. Tickets should be bought at railway stations.

There are private tourist carriages attached to long-distance trains on the Hanoi to Danang (tel: (04) 3942 9919; www.livitrans.com) and Hanoi to Sapa routes (tel: (20) 387 1522;www.victoriahotels-asia.com; also served by Livitrans) where the standard is higher and there is a dining car.

By water: 

Cat Ba Island, in the north, is a popular place for visitors and can be reached by hydrofoil from Haiphong. A hydrofoil also serves the beach resort, Vung Tau, with a daily service from Ho Chi Minh City. The tropical getaway island of Phu Quoc in the Gulf of Thailand can be reached by hydrofoil from Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta.