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Vietnam tips: a first-timer’s guide

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Enthralling and enraging in equal amounts, Vietnam‘s long-held position as a travel icon is more than deserved. In no other country is the collision of Southeast Asia’s past, present and future so stark. At times, this clash can seem so confronting and confusing as to send even experienced travellers fleeing for the nearest luxury hotel. However, like most things in life, the more you put in, the more you get out – and in Vietnam just a little preparation will set you up for the trip of a lifetime. 1. Keep smiling Despite the grumbles of many visitors, Vietnamese people are mostly just as friendly as their Southeast Asian counterparts. However, unlike in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos – where local residents are genuinely curious about who you are and where you’ve come from – Vietnamese people tend to ignore lost-looking foreigners unless you actually ask for help. But be assured that if you ask a local a question with a smile, you’ll almost certainly have it answered a

Five must-follow Myanmar travel tips

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Stroll past Yangon’s Bogyoke market and it’s impossible not to detect the fast-paced change that is sweeping through Myanmar (Burma). Government-backed banks on the market’s fringes are finally selling Kyat at a market rate, while hawkers openly tout Aung San Suu Kyi T-shirts and National League for Democracy (NLD) mugs. Yet for all this, and the cautiously welcomed decision by the government to allow wider press freedom, Myanmar is still a very different place to travel than its Southeast Asian neighbours, lacking the widespread infrastructure and western comforts found over the border in Thailand. However, follow these tips and you’ll be certain to get the very best out of this stunning destination. 1. Pack noise-cancelling headphones Before you leave for Myanmar, be sure to spend any extra cash on a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones, essential for cutting out the booming, distorted sound of the TV on long-distance bus rides. Buses are by far the cheapest

A perfect trip to Vietnam

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From the island-studded seas of the north to the meandering waterways of the south, Vietnam is a country defined by the diversity of its land and the resilience and generosity of its people. Lonely Planet Traveller magazine shows you how to take the perfect trip to Vietnam. Halong Bay: best for coast The mystical landscape of Halong Bay, where over 2000 limestone islets rise from the Gulf of Tonkin. Photo by Matt Munro Once upon a time, a friendly dragon lived in the heavens above Halong Bay. With invaders from the seas threatening Vietnam, the gods asked the dragon to create a natural barrier to protect its people. The dragon kindly obliged, performing a spectacular crash landing along the coast – digging up chunks of rock with its flailing tail and spitting out pearls – before grinding to a halt. This scene of devastation is now known as Halong Bay – Halong literally translates as ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’. Less exciting explanations of this

Ballon Safaris Inle Tour In Myanmar

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Overview Explore the rich and thrilling culture of one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world and experience the ultimate in stylish sightseeing on this Balloon Safari adventure over mystical Myanmar. Discover the impressive colonial and spiritual heritage of Yangon, one of the most fascinating capitals of South East Asia. Living in the lap of colonial luxury at the elegant Strand Hotel, "finest hostelry east of the Suez" since 1901, you will spend a day discovering the city's pagodas, museums and markets and enjoy fine dining at the renowned Le Planteur restaurant. Continuing on to Heho in the Shan state you will experience the thrill of an adventurous aerial view of Pindaya's spectacular landscape in your first hot-air balloon ride. Guided by gentle winds not exceeding 15mph, you will enjoy a bird's-eye view of the state's tiny villages and pagodas as you glide over the valleys and mountains below. Enjo

Hanoi Stopover Tour

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Day 1: Arrival - HANOI (-/-/-) On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel for check in. Then, you enjoy a tour by cyclo around the old quarter streets to discover the local people life. O/N in Ha Noi. Day 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (B/-/-) (B,L)  Today we commence our sightseeing of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a visit to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam's first university, and the Ethnology Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnam’s ethnic minorities with their own traditions, cultures & life-styles. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the bustling Hang Be or Dong Xuan Market are also visited before taking 1

The Lost City f Mrauk U Tour

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Overview In 1431, King Min Saw Mon established Mrauk U in Myanmar as the capital of the last unified Arakanese Kingdom. An important trading port with links to Portugal, the Netherlands, Arabia, Persia and India, the city eventually reached a size of 120,000 in the mid sixteenth century. The city offers the visitor many chances to study the cultural and a proud heritage handed down to the present day Rakhine generation by their forefathers. Mrauk U can rightfully be claimed as the "Open-air Museum" of the arts and culture of the people of Rakhine. Starting from Sittwe, capital of the Rakhine state, you will uncover the traditional local lifestyles in this town that is located at the mouth of the Kaladan River by the Bay of Bengal. Often overlooked as a convenient stopping point for Mrauk U, Sittwe will reward you with visions of a colorful hinterland seaport with abundance of fish and crops. Cruising upstream along the Kaladan River on a private

Ho Chi Minh City Tour

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Day 1 Arrival - HO CHI MINH CITY (-/-/-) On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel for a check-in by our guide. The bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This metropolis ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. ( If time permits) we stroll around the down-town to explore the different local ways of life O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.  Day 2: CITY TOUR + CU CHI TUNNELS (B/-/-) Today we spend a half-day exploring the captivating Ho Chi Minh City. The most places of interest are located near the town center. We pass by the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on our way to the Reunification Palace. This famous mansion was a former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial str

Shan Trek Kalaw To Inle Myanmar Tour

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Overview: Emerging from a three day trek onto the banks of Inle Lake is an undeniably rewarding experience; however it is the journey that is the true reward. Walking from village to village through spectacular highland scenery, you'll be presented with stunning views and exceptional cultural encounters. With lightly undulating hills and a relaxed pace of travel, even less experienced trekkers will easily be able to enjoy the wonder of the Shan State on this Myanmar tour package. Your Myanmar tour commences in Kalaw, a small town perched on the western edge of the Shan Plateau that is surrounded by lush hills ideal for hiking. As soon as you step away from town and reach the top of the first hill of the day, the beauty of the Shan State is revealed. Seeing the spectacular views of the lowlands and distant rolling hills for the first time is sure to take your breath away. Over the next two days, the trekking averages four hours a day and passes through a va

Northern Trek Vietnam

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Day 1: Arrival - HANOI (-/-/-) On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel for check in. Then, a tour by cyclo around the old quarter streets to discover the local people life. O/N in Ha Noi. Day 2: HANOI - MAI CHAU - HANG KIA (B/L/D) Drive to Mai Chau via Hoa Binh town, through picturesque scenery with beautiful views of the mountains along the way. On arrival in Xa Linh, we spend a 4-hour trek to Hang Kia, stopping en route for seeing the Hmong hill-tribe people. Overnight at Hang Kia village. Day 3: HANG KIA - CUN PHEO (B/L/D) An early morning start to trek mountainsides to Cun Pheo. The trekking is difficult at times with some steep uphill and downhill walking, but the views are incredible however some physical preparation will enable you to fully appreciate today's trek. Overnight at Cun Pheo village. Day 4: CUN PHEO - XAM KHOE (B/L/D) The spectacular countryside and simple lifestyle of the Thai ethnic minority people are a highlight of M