Khau Vai Love Market

Khau Vai commune, located in Meo Vac district, the northernmost province of Ha Giang, is home to ethnic minority groups of Giay, Nung and Muong. The love market festival is held on lunar March 26th and 27th with the participation of a large number of locals. The festival features food and drink culture, song performances and folk games. Ethnic costumes, jewelery, ethnic musical instruments, culture and art publications are on display at the market, reflecting activities of the local people.

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The primary Khau Vai Love Market

It can be said that the beauty & power of love is the basic factor to maintain the existence of Khau Vai love market for such a long time. In the market area, there are two temples called Ong and Ba (Mr and Mrs) temples. The story concerning these temples tells that, once upon a time, there was a boy and a girl born from two different places of the Dong Van Plateau. Since forbidden to get married by the two families, they, side by side, decided to leave home to come and settle down together in Khau Vai, a prosperous land with green plants. In honor of their merits in cultivating the wild land into a rich land, the local people built the two temples to worship them.

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Khau Vai Love Market

Another local myth tells the story of a young couple from different tribes who fell in love with each other. The girls belonged to the Giay group and the boy to the Nung group. The girl was so beautiful that her tribe did not want to let her get married with any man from another tribes. Consequently, violent conflict arose between the two tribes. To stop the blood shedding, the two lovers sorrowfully decided to part. However, they planned to meet once a year on that day, lunar March 27th. The place where they used to meet is Khau Vai, which thereafter became a meeting place for all those in love.

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Since then, on every lunar March 27th, Khau Vai has attracted couples of different ages, including those who seek partners for the first time. Yet, most of them are those who love each other very much but cannot marry because of different reasons. On the day when the market session takes place, it is likely that both the wife and her husband together go to the market but they look for their own partners to share emotions. If one of them has to stay at home, he or she is not jealous because the dating at the marketplace is only a temporary feeling exchange, which has no negative influences on real life.

Activities

The first day of the market session is for the ceremony to turn into the new calendar period. On this day, at a selected hour, people take a bath and put on their best clothes in anticipation of the New Year. They bring incense, lamps, flowers and fruits to a pagoda where they join the great calendar-receiving ceremony. Then the official ceremony is carried out inside the sanctuary. After that, every participant prays to the Buddha and chant prayers for a happy new year. Young persons walk out to the pagoda yard and join in fun activities till late at night.

The second day is for the ceremony to offer boiled rice and heap up a sandy mountain. Every Khmer family cooks rice and offers it to Buddhist monks at the pagoda in early morning and at noon. In the afternoon, people start to heap up a sandy mountain for seeking happiness and luck. They make small mountains in eight directions and one in the middle reflects the universe. This custom originates from an age-old legend. It displays people’s aspirations for rain.

On the third day of the market, there comes the ceremony to wash the Buddha’s statue and Buddhist monks. In the afternoon, they burn incense, offer sacrifices and use scented water to wash the statue in order to pay tribute and gratitude to the Buddha. This is also to get rid of the old year’s misfortunes and wish all the best for the New Year. After that, people return to their house and wash the Buddha’s statue at home. They offer dishes, confectionery and fruits to ask for happiness for their parents and grandparents and being forgiven for their mistakes made in the previous year.

Ministries, localities join hand to develop tourism

The Government has assigned specific tasks to ministries and localities nationwide to make tourism spearhead economic growth.

Localities, especially those with prominent tourist sites, must raise public awareness of maintaining security and order and servicing tourists in a friendly way, according to a resolution recently issued by the Government. Halong bay cruise

The Government also gave the nod to funding for a national action plan on tourism and a national tourism promotion programme in 2015.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) was asked to work together with other ministries and sector in devising plans to draw foreign visitors from potential markets. Tours to Vietnam

Ministries, localities join hand to develop tourism

In coordination with the MoCST, the Ministry of Planning and Investment will work on all possible incentives for investments, especially those going to infrastructure and key national tourist areas as listed in the comprehensive master plan on tourism development until 2020, with a vision to 2030.

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The Ministry of Finance is in charge of reviewing the investment law and other decrees, thereby making proposals to make possible changes in regulations on hotel and travel business.

At the same time, it will examine regulations on importing hi-end travel vehicles such as hydrofoils, cruise vessels, seaplanes and balloons, and report to the Government before June 30, 2015.

Regulations on land allocation and taxes on land use will also be adjusted in a way that eases financial burden on accommodation and tourist facilities.

Hue Festival

Hue Festival is a big cultural event of Hue City that is held every two years. There is a week (usually in April, May or June) for each festival season which is the occasion to honor cultural and historical values of that Vietnam's former capital city. The first Hue Festival took place in 2000. Centre Vietnam tours

At the beginning of Hue Festival, visitors can enjoy a colorful and grand opening ceremony with unique performances of several art groups from Vietnam and other countries. Hue Festival has become a space of cultural exchange between peoples all over the world. During the festival, there are variety of cultural events taking place such as Hue Poetry Festival, Massive Street Arts Performances, the Dialogue of drums and percussion instruments, Art Exhibitions, the Week of Vietnam’s historical films.

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Hue Festival

Otherwise, visitors can come and explore some traditional values of Vietnam at Gastronomy Quarters, Traditional Kite Flying Festival or watch “Ao dai” Grand Show, “Oriental night” Show, and sporting activities like boat race, human chess, etc. Especially, many ancient scenery of Nguyen Dynasty are also reproduced and provide tourists an insight into Vietnam’s feudal era. Some typical events include Nam Giao Offering Ritual, Xa Tac Offering Ritual, the Royal Refined Music of Hue which was recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003. Hue Festival is well-known as an international festival where cultures of many countries converge together as well as where Vietnamese traditional and cultural values are widely presented to the world.

Cultural villages in Sapa

Cat Cat village:

Located 2 km from Sapa Townlet, Sapa District, Cat Cat is the village of H'Mong ethnic groups. There remain heaps of unique customs and practices of people here, one of which is the brocade weaving craft. After being woven, pieces of brocades featuring beautiful designs will be dyed and embroidered. And then brocade fabrics are polished by rolling with a round section of wood covered with wax in order to keep their colors durable. Besides, residents here are skilled at manipulating gold and silver jewelry which is graceful and can be purchased in the village and in other travel places in Sapa.Travel to Sapa

Cultural villages in Sapa 

H'Mong ethnic people still maintain their traditional custom of "pulling wife" which has made particular impressions on many tourists. When a man falls in love with a girl in the village, he can ask his friends to unexpectedly lure that girl into his house and keep her there for 3 days. After these days, the girl can either agree to become his wife or freely go home if she doesn't like him. In case she agrees, an wedding which usually happens from two to seven days will be officially held.

The old-age Cat Cat village with its special culture has drawn many visitors to come and discover.

Ta Phin village:

Ta Phin village can be reached by thirty minute drive North of Sapa. It is the living place of the Red Dao and Black Hmong people.

In addition to luscious scenery and distinctive culture, Ta Phin village is especially well known for its famous brocade. Main brocade products created by the skillful hand of women here are backpacks, handbags, handkerchiefs, wallets, overcoats, etc, all of which are decorated with sophisticated colorful designs of flowers, birds. As for ethnic people, brocade is not only for beautifying but for symbolizing love.

Ta Phin village's brocade has become the indispensable gift for tourists once coming here. Impressive designs on those products showing ethnic groups' special culture helps distinguish them from brocade in other places and become the distinctive feature attracting visitors everywhere.

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Sin Chai village:

Sin Chai village, located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, is 30km trekking from Sapa town. It is the village of the Dao ethnic people.

Visiting the village will be a terrific chance for tourists to enjoy stunning landscapes as well as discover culture of residents. What makes this community village special lies in local people who will take the time to teach textile weaving and dying and to explain names and function of the local flora. There are also many interesting activities relating to traditional sports, tree planting for visitors to take part in.

If you travelled to Sapa, trekking to such cultural villages as Cat Cat village, Ta Phin village, Sin Chai village, etc would leave you unforgettable memories.

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba Island is one the popular attraction for traveler when they join Halong Bay tours. Usually tourist spend one night overnight on cruise and one night overnight in Cat Ba Hotel. Cat Ba island is one of the largest island, belong to Hai Phong city with an area of 280 km2, included Cat Ba National park, complex of beautiful bay, Cat Ba center town.
Cat Ba Island view from the peak of National Park

Cat Ba island has a variety of natural ecosystems with limestone, forest, beach, cave… Original Cat Ba is the place of fisherman. They live in Cat Ba town and floating villages around the island. Today Cat Ba become one of famous attraction for tourist.  Tourist arrive here and join many activities on the island: Trekking through Cat Ba National Park, Biking through village with mountain landscape, kayaking to explore the bay, swimming in natural beach… Vietnam travel
There three beaches in Cat Ba island: Cat Co beach I, Cat Co beach II, Cat Co beach III

Cat Ba National Park founded in 1986, covered an area of 98 km2 with 109 km2 of land area and 52 km2 of sea.  There are 1,561 species of flora from 186 families, 406 species of trees. There are 279 species of fauna, included 53 manual species. 160 bird species, 274 species of insect. There are 178 coral, 900 fish, especially Cat Ba island is a home land of langurs, it going to disappear in the world. Today there are only 68 langur in the National Park.

There are 68 langurs left in Cat Ba National park

Cat Ba National Park

Tourist is easy to get to Cat Ba island when they join Halong Bay tours. Halong Bay cruise will drop you in Gia Luan or Beo tourist wharf then take the shuttle bus to Cat Ba town. Optional from Hanoi ( 160 km to Cat Ba ) tourist will take bus and drive to Hai Phong (50 km to Cat Ba island )city then transferred by ferry to Cat Ba town ( not recommended for tourist, It take long time to get to Cat Ba island. Drive to Halong City then join boat trip to Cat Ba island. You will be enjoyable with Halong Bay view) Huong Hai Sealife Halong bay
Cat Ba National Park has various types of animals, trees, insect, fishes...

Cat Ba island welcome 350,000 tourists every year. There various type of services in Cat Ba island: hotel form 3 star hotel to 5 star hotel or resort in Cat Ba island, driving motor or biking to explore Cat Ba island, kayaking to explore the bay, drinking some beer in the bar, joining massage services. Food in Cat Ba is perfect with various of seafood.

What you will see on a cruise trip?

Most guests who visit Halong will spend either 1 or 2 night on a cruise or junk - this is without doubt the best way to enjoy the scenic landscape of the Bay. Each cruise tailor-makes their own itinerary but in general, you will get to see the major caves and most important grottos of the Bay. 2 day trip is rather cramped as you get only 1 day to spend on board and the rest of the time is spent on traveling back and forth from Hanoi. 3 day trip gives you a better opportunity to see more of the Bay and worth considering if you have time.

2 days 1 night tour

On the first day, your cruise will start at noon and as the cruise sets sail, lunch will be served.

In the afternoon, you may have a chance to stop at several famous sites, such as Luon Cave, Đầu Người Island (Human Head Island), Con Rùa Island (Turtle Island), and Cổng Trời Island (Heaven Gate Island). At one of the stopping points, tourists may also take part in exciting kayaking or swimming activity. However, there might be a small additional fee depending on the tour package you register for.

Coming back to the ship after a long day, tourists would be welcomed by more relaxing activities like massage, Jacuzzi (for luxury cruise), and a delicious dinner on board. Many cruises also organize cooking demonstration where you will learn to make Vietnamese food. Some cruises offer tourists outdoor BBQ party on the sundeck, which is a great way to spend time with friends and families. After that, you may choose to stay at the bar with lots of qualified wines, playing cards with friends, watching TV, or trying your luck with squid fishing.

When you wake up the next morning, your breakfast is ready to serve with an early morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck to get yourself into the flow of the nature. On the second day, you are scheduled to visit more famous tourist attraction, such as Titop Island or Sung Sot Grotto (Surprise Cave). The whole trip ends by a tour back to the harbor after that, so don’t forget to take some nice pictures of the bay on the way.

3 days 2 nights tour

Much similar to the previous itinerary, your cruise trip starts with a brief session about the itinerary and safety instructions on boat. The tour usually starts from 11:00am – 12:00am, so that you can have a tasty lunch while observing the stunning landscape of Halong Bay travel.

The cruise continues going around the bay until you reach a tourist spot, usually a famous beach or limestone cave such as Titop Island, Con Rùa Island (Turtle Island), or Cổng Trời Island (Heaven Gate Island), then anchors for the night there. You will get enough time to enjoy water sports and activities like snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking in the green water of the bay. Depending on your cruise, you might enjoy BBQ party on beach, sundeck, or in the on-board restaurant. Paradise cruise Halong Bay

What you will see on a cruise trip?

On the next day, the journey starts with Tai Chi class in the early morning and breakfast. You have the whole morning to visit other attractions of the bay, and most cruises will transfer you to a smaller day boat so that you can go down the more narrow path of the Bay. You can spend the rest of the day with your friends and family exploring the sea. A delicious dinner is ready anytime when you come back. In Travel to Vietnam

For the thirday, you will often get to see Surprise Cave after breakfast. Brunch will be served as the cruise slowly heads back to the harbour.

Tips for cruising with children in Halong Bay

It is a great experience when your family can spend time travelling together. However, travelling with children can cause some difficulties for parents. Here are some tips that parents should know when joining a cruise in Halong Bay:

Preparation

• Clothes: make sure that you bring warm clothes in the winter and comfortable clothes in the summer for the children.
• Others: you also should bring some medicine in case your children are not fine.

Safety on board

• The safety on board is very important, especially for children, parents should:
• Always take notice of the children, keep them in your sight.
• Make sure that children do not climb on the handrail or the railing on boat. Children are not allowed to stand on the bow.
• Ask the staffs on board to show you the life vests for children. 

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Activities on board

• Children can join the activities on board like: cave visiting, kayaking, swimming or fishing village but they need their parents’ attention. Before each activity, children need to be told in advance about the safety so that they are more careful to follow the instructions.

Tips for cruising with children in Halong Bay

• Children also need to be well- equipped with life vests during all the activities.
• The role of the tour guide and staffs on board
• Take care more, playing and chatting with them.
• Ask the parents if the children need to have dinner early as they need to go to bed earlier than adults.
• Check with the parents if the menu for adults is also suitable with children; otherwise, the alternative food should be prepared.
• Prepare some games for children.

Western food in Halong Bay

Similar to any other famous tourism cities in the world, besides its delicious local specialties Ha Long has a wide range of Western cuisine dishes to serve the increasing demand from international passengers. Although there are not so many specialized restaurants for Western cuisine like in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you might find it easy to get your favourite food at most of the high-end restaurants and hotels in Halong bay tours.

For any good meal, appetizers are very important. Luxury restaurants in Ha Long set high priority on the appetizers menu with authentic Western cuisine like Italian ham salad, salmon and squid salad, fried rice ball, or vegetable salad and fried potato. Read more: Vspirit cruise Halong bay

Pizza and pasta are the quintessence of Italian gastronomy that haven been loved by people all over the world. In Ha Long, these dishes are no doubt popular in any high-end restaurant or hotel at reasonable prices. To be fair, the quality of pizza and pasta here cannot be compared with that in your homeland or other bigger cities where they have been served for decades. However, they stil have their own charm with basic recipes like Capricciosa, Seafood Bianco, Hawaiian, etc. Read more: Vietnam tours

Although Ha Long Sea does not have salmon, salmon dishes like baked salmon with creamy sauce or baked salmon with butter and garlic, are always available to contribute on the diverse list of Western cuisine here. Additionally, main dishes would be perfect with rosemary baked chicken with olive oil, herbal leaves, and garlic, or steak with fried vegetables and potato, or chicken thigh fillets with marinara sauce.

The last element for a perfect meal is desserts. High-end restaurants in Ha Long always have on their menu your familiar dessert: ice-creams, tiramisu, fiottore, and gateaux.

Food Halong - Ngan

Food and drinks are two of the best parts of Halong, and it could be regretful if travelers cannot taste some of those. Here we introduce many of the best dishes and beverages at the bay, which are symbols of eating culture of Halong Bay. The information is not only what is the dish, how is made and what is made from, or how tasty is it with unique flavor, but also how to enjoy them in the best way, or what make these dishes special. Moreover, we also suggest where travelers should come to taste the dishes, as well as some tips in case that tourist wants to cook that food by their own hand. For the drinks, we recommend some places to purchase them with ensured quality and good price, and also some of cautions for drinkers to use those beverages in a completely safe way. Travel Halong bay with : Indochina Sails cruise Halong bay, Halong Paradise cruise, Halong Violet cruise 

 

Ngán is a mollusk species which is popular in the Northern Vietnam coastal area. Although it can be seen along the coast of the country, Quang Ninh Province, Halong City is where this seafood gets its fame.

This special sea animal has a similar shape to clam, one of its more popular relative but it is usually a little bigger than clam and also has rougher shells. While in the water, ngán uses its one and only tentacle to crawling around, breathing, and seeking for foods. During the season of ngán, fishermen living in the bay have to wade deep into the mud in attempt to hook up this rare sea animal.

In Vietnamese, the word “ngán’ literally mean “bored” but if you have a chance to have just one bite of it, the deliciousness of ngán would stay in your mouth for the rest of your life.

Amongst all dishes made from ngán, the most favorite and famous one is ngán wine which is made by opening the shells of ngán then letting its blood flow directly into the strong liquor. If you worry about the fishy smell of fresh blood, fear not, because it can be boiled before serve. Ngán blood wine is most preferable by male gourmet thanks to its miracle effect of improving male sexual ability.

Besides, ngán is best enjoyed when grilled or steamed. While it is being steamed, the chief usually tie up its shells in order not to waste the juice and the blood inside, which are the most nutritious parts. Grilled and steamed ngán both have salty taste at the beginning then turning into sweet taste of seafood and this deliciousness stays in your mouth till the next time you taste. Ngán porridge is an excellent choice for breakfast or for a happy ending for your lunch or dinner in Halong. With just only two to three pieces of ngán, your bowl of porridge would become more alluring than ever.

Visiting Halong, you may have many more chances to taste other attractive variables of dishes from ngán like ngán sushi, ngán salad, ngán soup, deep fried ngán with vegetables, etc. You should not miss the chance to feast on this unique seafood when you come to Halong Bay cruises.