SEVEN SIGNATURE DISHES YOU SHOULDN'T MISS OUT ON IN HOIAN

Chicken rice, baguettes and the legendary Hoi An cao lau noodles all await gourmets in the ancient Vietnamese town.

Com ga (chicken rice)

Hoi An chicken rice attracts diners with its eye-catching colors. You can order a plate with either chicken strips or chopped chicken for around VND40,000 ($1.77). You can also order chicken, rice and soup when you come in a group. The most famous restaurants are Madam Buoi's on Phan Chu Trinh Street and Huong's on Le Loi Street. Photo by Tuan Dao.

Cao lau (Vietnamese thick noodles)

A mouth-watering bowl of Cao Lau is full of poached noodles, bean sprouts and herbs from the famous Tra Que Village. On top of the dish sits thin slices of barbeque pork and crispy fried pig skin. You can find Cao Lau almost everywhere in Hoi An, but try Thanh Cao Lau on Thai Phien Street or Madam Be Cao Lau on Tran Phu Street. A delicious bowl of Cao Lau will cost you around $1. Photo by Ma Lum.

Banh mi (Baguette)

This is the dish that almost everyone has tried in Hoi An. Hoi An bread is like no other, with the hot baguettes filled with delicious meat, pâté, homemade sauces, hot peppers, herbs and pickled carrots. Madam Phuong and Madam Khanh are the most famous local restaurants in Hoi An, and are often mentioned in foreign media. A normal baguette will cost you VND20,000 (less than $1), but splash out an extra VND5,000 for a special. Photo by Lan Huong

Thit xien nuong (grilled meat skewers)

From Tran Phu Street to the corners along Le Loi, Tran Hung Dao and Bach Dang, visitors can easily find fragrant barbecue skewers. Meat grilled in a charcoal oven is wrapped inside a thin layer of rice paper with herbs and sour slices of star fruit. The treat is best served with a special sauce, and costs just VND5,000 (around 22 U.S. cents) per skewer. Photo by Lan Huong.

Banh dap (girdle cake)

A serving of girdle cake includes thin steamed rice pancakes sandwiched between two crispy cousins. To enjoy the dish, you should roll the cake and dip it into a fish sauce paste, which is a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, caramelized onions, chopped pineapple, garlic and green horn pepper. The most famous girdle cake is served at Madam Gia's restaurant in Cam Nam Ward. Photo by Thien Nguyen.

Banh beo (water fern cake) 

Hoi An's water fern cake is usually served in tiny bowls with the rice flour, shrimp paste and fried pig skin. Diners add fish sauce with chili to enjoy the dish. The most popular places to find the dish are in Cam Chau and Cam Nam wards, or inside Hoi An's market. Each bowl costs only VND3,000 (13 U.S. cents). Photo by Tran Viet Anh.

Tao pho (tofu pudding)

Walking along the Hoai River in the evening, you will see many street vendors selling tofu puddings surrounded by many customers. A bowl of tofu pudding with a sweet and spicy ginger soup, white jelly and coconut milk offers a cool, sweet sensation. Each bowl costs around VND10,000 (less than half a $1). Photo by Xuan Phu.

(By VnExpress.net)

HUE BANS 'OFFENSIVE' CLOTHING FROM ANCIENT SITES

Tourists will have to leave their shorts and tank tops behind if they want to go on a sightseeing tour of the ancient capital.

Vietnam's former imperial capital Hue is introducing a dress code for visitors who wish to visit the city's ancient sites, according to the Hue Monuments Conservation Center.

From July 1, visitors to Hue's relic sites will have to obey the dress code, which the center says will create “a civilized tourism environment that respects national and cultural values”.

Tourists are urged to wear respectful clothing that reflects the nature of the relics. In places of worship, offensive shorts, tank tops and short skirts will be absolutely prohibited, said the center.

The center plans to place signs at all the sites to inform visitors of the new regulations.

Hue's Complex of Monuments was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The complex includes many vestiges of the Nguyen Dynasty, such as the Imperial Citadel, High Noon Gate and many tombs, monuments and pagodas. 

(By VnExpress.net)

4 NEW THINGS TO DO IN SAIGON

The southern metropolis is diversifying its tourism products. See if it has something that you may find interesting.

Tradition Medicine District

Several streets in Ho Chi Minh City's District 5, home to over a hundred traditional medicine businesses, are now assuming a new role as a tourist attraction, following an initiative launched in February by the local authorities.

The streets of Luong Nhu Hoc, Trieu Quang Phuc and Hai Thuong Lan Ong are now worth a visit. You can observe the making of herbal medicine and have your questions answered by medicine practitioners.

The area is also located along the popular route to explore Saigon's Chinatown, with attractions such as Thien Hau Pagoda and many dim sum places and tea houses.

Gold street

Nhieu Tam, Nghia Thuc and Bui Huu Nghia Streets in District 5, which have been selling gold, silver jewelry and gems since the 1980s, are now appearing with a new official brand: the gold and jewelry street for tourists.

There are now 55 shops selling jewelry and providing goldsmith services at these streets.

Saigon Central Market

At the river end of Nguyen Hue Street, a new flea market is open every weekend to attract tourists, especially foreign visitors, who may enjoy shopping and eating a great food variety.

The flea market is expected to help revive Bach Dang Wharf, which has previously fallen into disrepair.

There are also traditional games to play if shopping doesn't cut it for you.

Street art

Nguyen Hue, currently the only pedestrian street of the city, is already one of the top attractions.

But since mid of May, the street has become more lively every weekend with street performers gathering to entertain locals and tourists.

Expect a variety of art forms. You can show off your skills here as well. So busk away.

(by Thanh Tuyet, vnexpress.net)

Australia, India left out as Vietnam renews visa-free travel for some Europeans

Industry groups have been lobbying for a wider visa program to include more nationalities, with little success.

The government has decided to extend its visa-waiver scheme for visitors from five European countries by another year, effectively rejecting the recent push by industry groups for a wider scope.

A post published on the government website on Monday afternoon said the visa waivers for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K. will stay on for another year, until June 30, 2018.

They will be allowed to stay in Vietnam for 15 days.

This decision would disappoint two top industry groups, the Vietnam Tourism Association and the Tourism Advisory Board. Over the past weeks, they had been urging the government to extend the scheme for five more years and to allow eligible passport holders to stay 30 days.

They also called for the inclusion of more foreign travelers, including those from key markets such as Australia, Canada and India.

Speculation of visa-free entry for Australian tourists, in particular, emerged years ago. But it was fueled in late 2015 when Australian visitors were declared the biggest spenders in Vietnam by the tourism authority.

When Hanoi launched a global campaign to promote its attractions in late spring, Phoebe Lee, an Australian travel writer, was picked as the official face.

It remains unclear if the government will choose to consider adding more countries to the visa waiver program over the course of the next year, before it expires.

Vietnam has been offering single-entry visa exemptions to citizens from Western European countries since mid-2015. Arrivals from the markets increased between 10-29 percent in the first five months, compared to the same period last year.

The country has set a target of welcoming 20 million foreign visitors in 2020 and develop tourism into a key economic sector, and the tourism association said that one way of achieving that goal is to provide visa waivers for important markets, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The Vietnam Tourism Association has said that the e-visas introduced last February will not be able to replace visa exemptions.

In the Monday's post, the government also said that e-visas are also an important issue as it affects a larger number of tourists. It said for many visitors, visa fees are not a real concern and that the goal should be to simplify visa procedures.

Official data released in early June showed that as of late May, 12,000 foreign visitors entered with e-visa including those from China, Japan and the U.S.

Foreign tourists to Vietnam increased nearly 30 percent so far this year to nearly 5.3 million.

Vietnam is believed to have one of the toughest visa policies for tourists in Asia.

It remains unclear if the government will choose to consider adding more countries to the visa waiver program over the course of the next year, before it expires.

Vietnam has been offering single-entry visa exemptions to citizens from Western European countries since mid-2015. Arrivals from the markets increased between 10-29 percent in the first five months, compared to the same period last year.

The country has set a target of welcoming 20 million foreign visitors in 2020 and develop tourism into a key economic sector, and the tourism association said that one way of achieving that goal is to provide visa waivers for important markets, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The Vietnam Tourism Association has said that the e-visas introduced last February will not be able to replace visa exemptions.

In the Monday's post, the government also said that e-visas are also an important issue as it affects a larger number of tourists. It said for many visitors, visa fees are not a real concern and that the goal should be to simplify visa procedures.

Official data released in early June showed that as of late May, 12,000 foreign visitors entered with e-visa including those from China, Japan and the U.S.

Foreign tourists to Vietnam increased nearly 30 percent so far this year to nearly 5.3 million.

Vietnam is believed to have one of the toughest visa policies for tourists in Asia.

QUANG BINH TO OPEN AIR ROUTE TO THAILAND

The Quang Binh provincial People’s Committee has worked with the budget carrier Jetstar Pacific to open two air routes from Dong Hoi to Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Hai Phong.

Accordingly, the Dong Hoi – Hai Phong air route is scheduled to open in the end of May 2017 with two flights a week, while air connection between Dong Hoi and Chiang Mai is being discussed for launch in June 2017.

Currently, Thai tourists are interested in Vietnam’s tourist attractions like Hoi An, Sa Pa, Ninh Binh and Quang Binh. Specifically, Chiang Mai has familiar attractions to discover nature, culture and history with Quang Binh. However, it take two days for travellers to come to Quang Binh by road, while they need only spend two hours to travel by air.

The launch of the Dong Hoi – Chiang Mai air route aims to lure more Thai tourists to northern localities, creating two tourism routes: Quang Binh – Hoi An and Quang Binh – Ninh Binh – Ha Long – Hanoi – Sa Pa.

Meanwhile, the operation of the Dong Hoi – Hai Phong route will create favourable conditions for people of central coastal localities to visit Hai Phong and northern localities, especially tourists to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park./.

INSIGHT ASIA TRAVEL LAUNCH FREE CHOICE OFFERS

For the Summer 2017, Insight Asia Travel Vietnam introduces the “ Free Choice Offers including Free Choice Sightseeing - Free Choice Street Food and Free Choice Dining “. All the free choice options are included and clients do not have to pay any extra. (TRAVPR.COM) VIETNAM - May 9th, 2017 - Hanoi - Vietnam - May 9, 2017 For the Summer 2017, Insight Asia Travel Vietnam introduces the “ Free Choice Offers including Free Choice Sightseeing - Free Choice Street Food and Free Choice Dining “. All the free choice options are included and clients do not have to pay any extra. Insight Asia Travel proud to be the first Vietnam-based International Tour Operator offers the “ Free Choice Sightseeing - Free Choice Street Food and Free Choice Dining “ for clients when they are travel to Vietnam and Indochina. Different people, different interests and tastes. That ‘s why we launch this Free Choice Offers, Mr.Nguyen Viet Trinh, Insight Asia Travel Managing Director said. The “ Free Choice Sightseeing - Free Choice Street Food and Free Choice Dining “ give clients the chance to maximize and personalize their visit on their very own way for the truly authentic experience. Totally difference from almost the tour programs with its fixed places of sightseeing, set-menu meals at the restaurants arranged by the local tour operator, the Free Choice Sightseeing in each visited city is list of all city attractions, a list of nearby highlights surroundings such as handicraft villages, ancient villages so that clients are more easier to decide what and where to spend their time when they are in the city and never miss any things. Experiencing the local culture is a huge part of travelling and trying traditional food is largely connected with that cultural experience. That’s why all the packages are included two options: Free Choice Dining & Free Choice Street Food. For afternoon break, the “ Free Choice Street Food” offers clients to taste local food with local people at a very local restaurants while the “ Free Choice Dining” offers choices of dining at some of the best local restaurants available. Tasting a vegetarian food like the Vietnamese Buddhist is an option and worth to try. Do things the local do for a truly authentic experience and enjoy a wonderful trip is what we like to offer. From 1 May - 30 Sep 2017, all the ready-to-made packages are discount up to 15% for the group of 2 persons. Bigger group or family can get better offer. Visit our website and contact us for more information: Insight Asia Travel 1 Do Hanh street, Ha Noi ., Vietnam E:  sales@insightasiatravel.com|  W: www.insightasiatravel.com International Tour Operator License : 01-572 / 2015 / TCDL - GPLHQT About Insight Asia Tarvel Insight Asia Travel, a 100% fully registered and privately-owned Vietnamese company, founded by travel specialists who are well placed being Asian born and bred to understand our unique areas, its customs, sites and quaint habits, as we’ve worked in this Tourism Industry all our professional lives. We have a proud history of service and understanding of what our clients visiting from afar  want to see and do whilst in our care, exploring Indo-China. Our reputation has grown throughout the world for our quality of service and expertise.  Regardless of what brings you to our shores, be it cultural, business conferencing, family holiday, a honeymoon, soft adventure, sports orientated – such as a golfing holiday – or just to relax at one of the many resorts,  either on the beach or in the mountains, we are here to make your dream a reality.  ###

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Phuoc Tich ancient village

Bridge - More than 500 years of existence, through wars and the destruction of nature, Phuoc Tich village in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue still preserves the pristine beauty of a traditional Vietnamese village.
Phuoc Tich, about 30 kilometers from center of Hue, is famous for pottery. Now, tourists come to Phuoc Tich in order to contemplate Ruong houses of 500 years old. 

Built in 1470 under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, the village was recognized as a national relic in 2009. This is the second village of Vietnam with the recognition.

The first stop in the village may be Cay Thi Temple, which is about 700 years old. The temple retains harmonizing aspects of Vietnamese and Cham architecture, with linga and yoni relics.

Of the village’s 117 houses, 37 are between 100 and 200 years old. They are so well preserved as to astonish cultural anthropologists, architects and historians. 

Phuoc Tich houses are mainly made of jackfruit wood and are adorned with exquisite and lively carvings, most of which remain undamaged despite having gone through so many wars throughout the years.

The interiors usually include parallel sentences, a horizontal lacquered board, wooden scrolls, a plank bed and a wardrobe altar.

The mossy, tile roofs of the houses sag slightly.  Brick walkways, wind screens and old water wells complete the picture. Lines of Chinese tea trees are often charming substitutes for walls.

The green garden surrounding the ancient “Ruong” houses create the unique Phuoc Tich. The number of “Ruong” houses preserved in the village is approximately 30 houses. It is known as the village of rich people or mandarins in Hue ancient capital.

The village is also associated with Hue’s royal music (Nha Nhac), which has been recognized as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Phuoc Tich is the second ancient village in Vietnam ranked as a national relic of Vietnam, after Duong Lam.

An ancient house in Phuoc Tich, which is now a family temple.

Cay Thi Temple

A pottery kiln.

A private museum of ancient pottery items in Phuoc Tich.

A garden house in Phuoc Tich