Vietnam Trip

HANOI

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a pleasant city. It is located in the northern region and serves as the center for politics, economic and culture for Vietnam. Currently populated by more than 2 million citizens, Hanoi is a captivating city, a must visit for all travelers.

CLIMATE

Hanoi enjoys two climatic seasons in a year – the hot season and the cold season. The hot season usually runs from February to May while the cold season is from November to January. Do expect plenty rainfall between the months of June to October.


GETTING AROUND

Public transportation in Hanoi is limited to only buses. Although the fare is relatively cheap, the buses are usually very crowded. Moving around on the public bus is not highly recommended as it can be difficult for those who do not speak Vietnamese.

Metered taxis are available for hire. Flag down one just off the streets or you can find them at major attractions and hotels. Always request that the drivers turn on the meter before boarding.

One of the more preferred modes of transportation around Hanoi is the motorbike taxi. They are cheap and easy to find and convenient to move around with. If you are a more adventurous traveler, you can also rent one for your own use. The rental charges are on hourly or daily basis.
For first time travelers, it is highly recommended that you try the cyclos. Cyclos are similar to trishaws found in Malaysia – it is a 2 seater cart which is being pulled by a man on a bike. You can flag down a cyclo anytime, anywhere, and always remember to bargain before you board.


Dining

Rice, or commonly known as Com to locals, is the staple food in Vietnam. Thus, it is no surprise to see that almost everything is served with rice. A typical Vietnamese meal is made up of rice, served with pork or fish dishes, vegetables and soup.

Noodles, or Pho to locals, are also a favourite among Vietnamese. Typically eaten for breakfast, it has a very distinct taste and fragrant smell. Pho is usually served in soup of beef or chicken.
Other not to be missed Vietnamese food includes Banh Chung (Sticky Rice Cake), Gio Lua (Lean Pork Pie), Cha Ca (Grilled Minced Fish) and Banh Tom (Crispy Shrimp Pastry).

If you do have time to spare, do indulge in a cup (or two) of Vietnamese coffee. They are rated among the world’s best for aroma and taste, but more importantly, Vietnamese coffee is inexpensive. 


Attractions:

Hanoi, rich with cultural history and charm, boasts a wide selection of attractions not to be missed. Among the favourites are:

1. The Old Quarter – This area is made up of over 40 streets of shops. You can find a myriad of shops selling silks, textiles, jewellery, antiques and religious objects. Among these shops, you can also find art galleries and craft stores. If you are famished do stop by one of the cafes or restaurants to fill your stomach.
2. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum – This mausoleum is located in Ba Dinh Square – the place where the independence of Vietnam is declared. Security is tight here and visitors are expected to dress appropriately and behave piously.
3. Ho Chi Minh Museum – This museum was built to honour and remember the life of Ho Chi Minh. Here you can find memorabilia, correspondence, photographs, manifestos and military orders from Ho Chi Minh’s life that played a very crucial and significant role in Vietnam’s history.
4. One Pillar Pagoda – This pagoda amazingly stands on just one pillar, hence the name. It was built during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong in honour of Buddha for blessing him with an heir. The pagoda was designed to resemble a lotus flower on which Buddha is seated.
5. Temple of Literature – This temple was constructed by Emperor Ly Thai Tong to honour those who excel academically, and to pay tribute to education as a whole. It was later converted to be Hanoi’s first University.

Other also not to be missed attractions in Hanoi are Ngoc Son Temple, Quan Thanh Temple, Hai Ba Trung Temple, The History Museum, The Revolution Museum, The Army Museum and The Fine Arts Museum.

Interesting Places at Hat Yai

INTERESTING PLACES TO GO IN HAT YAI

SHOPPING CENTER

The shopping complex concentrates around Niphat Uthit 1-3 Road, Kim Yong and Santisuk Markets, Phetchakasem Road and various department stores, all within walking distance. Kim Yong and Santisuk Markets sell a great variety of food, electrical appliances, cosmetics and clothing.

Wat Hat Yai Nai (Reclining Buddha Image)

The third largest reclining Buddha image of the world reposes at Wat Hat Yai Nai on Phetkhasem Road near Ou-Tapao Bridge. The statue, named Phra Buddha hatmongkhol, is 35 meters long, 15 meters high and 10 meters wide. This is considered one of the most revered statues in the region.

Tone Nga Chang Waterfall

Waterfall is located in a wildlife reserve area 26 kilometers from Hat Yai. It can be reached by taking the Hat Yai - Rattaphum Road, turning left at the 13 kilometer milestone and going further for another 13 kilometers. Of all the seven cascades, the third one is the most fascinating, with the water falling into two large streams resembling an elephant's tusks (Tone Nga Chang means "waterfall like an elephant's tusks" in the local dialect). The water flows all year long. The area is also ideal for trekking and enjoying unspoiled nature

Hat Yai City Municipality Park

The park is located 6 kilometers from Hat Yai city center on Kanchanavanit Road (Hat Yai - Songkhla). It is a recreational area for Hat Yai residents as well as other visitors. The park complex is decorated with beautiful flowering and ornamental plants. A pavilion was built jutting into a small man - made lake. A small size zoo and a bird park provide visitors with a glimpse of wild animals and various species of birds. At the foot of the hill near the bird's park is a statue of King Rama V. On the hilltop is a shrine of the Hindu god Brahma. On the north side of the hilltop overlooking the scout camp is located a shrine of the Chinese goddess Kuan-Im.

ABOUT HAT YAI

Hat Yai is southern thailand's major commercial, communication, entertainment and shopping center. It is located in Songkhla province, 947 km. from Bangkok and 50 km. north of the Malaysian border. It is a very popular city for tourists from neighbouring countries, it is also the region's communication hub and is easily accessed by cars, trains and by planes. Hat Yai has many first class hotels as well as several moderate price accommodations, and a lot of good restautants.

Hat Yai is the city of happiness. Many visitors who had been there figuratively called it "Little Paris of the Southern of Thailand". If you come to Hat Yai, you will be able to get many facilities as much as your pocket money is available.





During the day you can either travel around the city, seeing natural site such as beach, mountain & forest, water falls, ancient places, old and beautiful temples or do some shopping (this is the place you can find many types of goods). There are many restaurants in different styles ranging from simple street vendors to the many hotel and garden restaurants. Many new and delicious strange manu serving you for 24 hours.





During the night , you can enjoy the attractively nighttime life. Many various entertainments are excitiing and dazzling. You can see movies, listen to music , or join in discotheque, karaoke or nightclub whatever you want.






Shopping is another big attraction, Hat Yai has several modern department stores and hundreds of street stalls. Hat Yai offers many good buys in Thai handicrafts, food, electrical appliances, cosmetics and clothing.





There are easy and quickly ways accessing to Hat Yai. A centre of land transportation with the biggest platform are located in Hat Yai. Several buses link all provinces surrounding Hat Yai . It also has North-South Highway connected to Malaysia.





The important railroad jonction also located in Hat Yai where many trains passes so that you can comfortably go to Hat Yai by train and from Hat Yai to other regions of Thailand through Bangkok or travel to Malaysia border or Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.




For the tourists who travel by cars can drive to Hat Yai easily and also drive from one Thai-Malaysia border to another within 30 minutes.








Hat Yai is keeping growing . Many things have been developed for following the changing in the world and comforting the increasing tourists and its population. Hat Yai , therefore , is always ready for welcoming the visitors.



TRANSPORT IN HAT YAI





Transport within Hat Yai is most convenient by the four-wheeled "Tuk-tuk" minibuses that accommodate up to 10 people. Tuk-Tuk is a small converted pick-up truck with two bench seats along the sides in the truck bed. it was called a Tuk Tuk because of the chugging sound of the engine.








Motorbike Taxi is one option of getting around, and probably the quickest. However, ride at your own risk. The motorbike taxi drivers can be identified by the coloured vests they wear