Best of Ho Chi Minh Tour Guides for Travellers

Ho Chi Minh City, also called Saigon, is a city located in southern Vietnam, known for its Vietnam War history, French colonial landmarks, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Bến Thành Market and the vibrant city life. Your visit to Vietnam will not be really fulfilled without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

Be prepared for busy roads full of vehicles’ noise, which take many travellers by surprise in the city. The restaurants and cafes are superbly cosmopolitan and with the presence of all the leading brands in the markets of the city, shopping here is the best that you can have.

When it comes to the must visit places in Ho Chi Minh tour guides, the name of Dong Khoi comes on the top. Being a small and central district, Dong Khoi holds most of the best sights of the city. Make a visit to HCMC Museum that offers a colourful collection of artefacts that tell you the rich art and culture of the city. The other attractions are 19th century old grand Notre Dame Cathedral, old district of Da Kao, The History Museum, French colonial monuments and Jade Emperor Pagoda.

The Vietnam War has left behind an unforgettable past which can be revisited through the museums and monument here. The Reunification Palace, now South Vietnam's president residence, is mainly famous as the place where the tanks of North Vietnam stopped marking the end of the war on 30 April 1975. Also visit the War Remnants Museum, and witness the brutal marks of the war and the atrocities done by US Forces in Vietnam.

Avoid the stress of passing through the busy Ho Chi Minh City to reach the airport to your hotel through Vietnam transferservices. For a convenient and comfortable ride, book a private car in advance by providing all details about your journey and flight. Many of the Ho Chi Minh City travel desks offer round-the-clock service. You will get booking confirmation within a few hours. Even if you reach Vietnam on the first or last flight, your reservation is secure.

The Ho Chi Minh City travel companies charge on per person basis on eight people per vehicle. On reaching the international airport at Ho Chi Minh City, a courteous driver will meet you and help you with your luggage. Just sit back and enjoy the ride into the city.

Plan a tour to Ho Chi Minh city today and get the best of your Vietnam tour.

5 Best Places To Visit In Vietnam

Vietnam is a charming country in Southeast Asia and there are many best places to visit in Vietnam that you must not miss when on a tour here.

Ha Long Bay

Hạ Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam, is a World Heritage site and is known for towering limestone islands and emerald blue water and rainforests. The scene resembles one from a fantasy story. The bay boasts of more than 2,000 islands covered by thick jungles and dark intriguing caves, grottoes and lakes. Once can enjoy a Junk boat or luxury cruise or can also kayak to see the places to visit in Halong Bay. You will visit Cát Bà island, Dau Be Island, Dau Go Island, Bon Hon Island and more. You can also enjoy the exciting activities during your vacation here, like fishing, scuba diving, rock climbing and hiking to reach Cát Bà National Park.

Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam is the most dynamic one that bewilders and yet charms the travelers. The city will give you the true slice of life of Vietnamese lifestyle, be it frenzy on roads and constant cacophony of street vendors.

Hanoi has an eventful past as it emerged from the Indochina and Vietnam Wars and became the dynamic capital of reunified Vietnam. When in Hanoi, visit Old Quarter, an open-air museum that witnessed the bombings during the Vietnam War. Enjoy your coffee at the quaint cafes of city, get entertained at the Grand Opera House, the Presidential Palace and shop in the busy markets.

Sapa

The vibrant green rice fields, pictorial Hoang Lien mountains, deep valleys and lifestyle of ethnic minorities, the Sapa town offers them all. Located in the remote northwest of Vietnam, for trekkers Sapa is a base to trek to Hoang Lien Son Mountains, rice paddies and villages. Vietnam’s tallest peak is Fansipan Mountain, which is the top trekking destination here. A tour to Sapa offers beautiful views of mountains, waterfalls and an opportunity to taste delicious local cuisine.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort destination of Vietnam that has it all - scenic mountains, beaches and lush greenery. Located on Asia’s most beautiful bays near South Central Vietnam, Nha Trang remains abuzz with tourist activities, adorned with resorts and lined with palm trees.

My Son

For a tour back in the rich folds of history, a tour to My Son is most recommended. Located on the central coast of Vietnam, My Son is a ruined Cham era temple city that dates back to the 4th century. My Son, is Southeast Asia’s most famous archaeological sites, as in its hay days, it was a significant center of Hindu ceremonies when Champa Kingdom kings built temples devoted to  Lord Shiva.

How to find good Halong Bay cruises deals

They say that if you are going to Vietnam tour, Halong Bay is the must visit destination. And, the best way to discover the beauty and magic of the Bay is to jump onto a cruise and just sail through. Reach and see the far-most corners of the Bay to explore hidden lagoons, pristine beaches and mystical caves that have no comparison anywhere else in the world.

Many tourists who are new to Vietnam often try to find good Halong Bay cruise deals as they are afraid that they might end up paying more than what the actual worth is.

If you too are looking for Halong Bay cruises at affordable rates, research about them well on the internet and trying speaking to the organisers from your home country. There is no better way to do it than this. When you will contact a few service providers, you will get to know the market trend and that how much money gets how many features.

There are many types of cruises that ply in the bay, such as Junk, Luxury and Charter. Junk cruises are anyways priced at a lower end because they use ordinary boats and offer limited services. When intending to grab good deals, one must focus on getting luxury cruises at a cheaper price.

‘Cheaper’ is a relative word and its implications wary from person to person. So, after you have done research in the market, make a list of the amenities that you are getting in a price and on what all you don’t want to compromise. Than what you get at the end of this exercise is what is your definition of cheaper and your deal should include the price and amenities that you have in mind.

Mostly tourists who write on Forums about their experience agree on the price of $145 to 160 for a 2night/3 day tour of halong Bay. This is they agree was a decent tour that included good rooms, private space, all meals and drinks extra. If you don’t want to stay there long, you can book day tours also. You can get a 5-hour-long descent luxury tour in $95.

While a day tour is a short tour that gives you just an opportunity to see and absorb the atmosphere, a typical, one night at Halong Bay is what can complete your experience. The one or two night stay cruise includes activities like visits to fishermen’s villages, caves, little islands, kayaking, sunset watching, all meals and more. 

Finding cheap Halong Bay cruises in Vietnam

Halong Bay cruises are one of the most sought after activities in Vietnam and why not? Where else do you get to enjoy one of the best views in Vietnam. Indeed, Halong Bay is a picturesque setting full of thousands of pretty islets, emerald green waters and awe-inspiring cliffs. Tourists to Vietnam mostly think of enjoying affordable or cheap Halong Bay cruises so that it doesn’t affect their overall travelling budget. You can choose the type of cruise as per your taste.

There are three types of cruises that you can take on Halong Bay - Junk cruises and luxury cruises.

Junk Cruises

Junk cruises are the most cheap cruises available in Halong Bay. These cruises are arranged in junk wooden boat that has its own characteristic Asian style. Though the boat is quite small, it has enough room for restaurant, lounge, bar, shop, and even a library. There are about a dozen sleeping cabins made on the junk boat for the travellers.

Focus on the natural scenery while travelling on the junk boat. Order and savour Vietnamese delicacies in the restaurant and watch Vietnamese folk performances or participate in other cultural activities. During the day, kayaking can be enjoyed while during night fishing is a popular activity. At any given time, there are many junk boats that cruise in the Halong Bay.

Luxury Cruises

For those who want to mix comfort with sighting natural beauty, luxury cruises are a good choice. There are several luxury cruises on Halong Bay that offer you a good choice. Some of the luxury cruises have historic significance as they are single-wheeled paddle steamboat built several years back in Vietnam. On an average, in a 150-180 feet long ship, there are three decks, about 40 cabins and one suite. Restaurant are big enough too and can house about 50 -80 people. Also, you can enjoy spa, sun deck, Tai Chi classes, swimming, bars, shops and entertainment venues.

While a day-tour will cost you about $95 for a 5-hour excursion, a 2D/1N trip for a family of two adults and a child will cost you about $510. Services Included in the price of the luxury Halong Bay cruises are: a private car with a driver, cabin with air conditioning, meals and cocktails, Halong Bay entry fees. However, you should ask before hand what all is included in the price that you are paying.

Extra drinks, massage and souvenir shopping is additional cost.

Be Your Own Vietnam Tour Guide

If you are thinking of visiting Vietnam, then having a good tour guide must be on your mind. But who can be one of the best Vietnam tour guides than yourself? Yes. Be your own tour guide and have the best vacation in the way you want.

In the times run by internet technology, the world has actually become smaller. With each and every thing able to be remotely accessed and researched well before you actually land in the country, it is not difficult to plan one’s own tour.

Research well and plan yourself

There are plenty of websites available that offer valuable information about Vietnam tours. You can take notes and plan your itinerary accordingly. Decide where you want to stay, the places you want to visit. It is wise to book air tickets in advance, so that you can grab them at lower prices.

Moreover, it is the culture and flavour of Vietnam that makes it easier for the tourists to plan their tour there. The friendliness and helpfulness of Vietnamese, amazing culture, beautiful scenery and pristine and calm beaches are some things that every traveler has on top of their list.

Boasting 3265 km of coastline, decked with mountains, bays, deltas and winding rivers, Vietnam offers an exotic picture. The nature offers a bounty for those who live in busy city environment. The must-visit destinations for a memorable Vietnam tour are Halong Bay, where fascinating natural limestone sculptures stand in blue emerald water; sprawling terrace rice fields in Sapa; Tam Coc, the peaceful river that offers mountain views, charming villages of Mai Chau or floating markets on Mekong river, all the sites are just wonderful.

Hanoi is another popular tour of Vietnam. Hanoi is a tourist attraction thanks to the perfect blend of rich history and natural beauty that it offers. On the Hanoi tour guides designed by you, you will be seeing ancient temples as old as 1500 years put in complete contrast by modern looking French colonial structures. A simple stroll on the streets of Hanoi will bring you peace and joy as a traveller. The serene lakes, other popular attractions, such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Saint Joseph Cathedral, Bat Trang Pottery Village and Hanoi Opera House instantly uplift the travellers.

Becoming a part of a tour group organised by a travel agency is easiest. It is wiser to do some extensive research and save money and time by planning it yourself.

Halong and Sapa: The Rustic Magic Of Vietnam

Halong and Sapa are the two holiday destinations in Vietnam that attract the most tourists from around the world. Both the destinations are different in flavour and thus offer something unique to the travellers. If you are planning to enjoy some peaceful and recreational time this holiday season, Halong Bay and Sapa are the places you must head to.

Halong Tour Guides

In Halong Bay, enjoy the most memorable cruise of your lifetime amidst emerald blue waters and amazing limestone structures. Get ready to experience splendid views of limestone karsts with bewitching shapes reflecting out from the waters. The views are sometimes clear and at times hidden a little by fog.

Located in northeastern Vietnam, Halong Bay is surrounded by Gulf of Tonkin on the south and southeast. Halong Bay, considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your cruise here will bring to you awe-inspiring natural beauty and magical experience. Halong Bay in Vietnamese language means ‘bay where the dragon descends into the sea’. You will be able to fancy the dragon immersing into the waters of the Bay.

Spending your time in this modern day paradise will indeed fill you with joy. Take a cruise in the various sailing options available at the Bay, such as Junk boats, mid-range boats and luxury ships. While cruising enjoy the floating villages, occult caves, limestone islands, lakes, pristine beaches and lots more.

Sapa Tour Guides

                       

Sapa is a small and sleepy mountainous town in Vietnam that has over the years become quite famous for many travelers. Known for its beautiful landscape, Sapa also showcases rich cultural diversity. It offers breathtaking views of Hoang Lien Son mountain range and also lures travellers with rocky treks and other adventurous activities. When in Sapa, take a tour of lush green forests, rice terraces, vegetation and other natural wonders.

The best time to visit Sapa is June to October. In the summer season, expect to see a subtropical atmosphere when temperature ranges from 15.4ºC to 29.4ºC. In August, rain is more frequent in the area. From November to February, the weather is wet and foggy and mostly people avoid this period to see this country. After winter, the tourist season picks up and most of the budget and luxury hotels in Vietnam get filled. If you are travelling during this time, book your accommodation in advance.