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Vietnam turns 72 this year and as much as National Day is a time for us Vietnamese to be proud of red and yellow from the flags fluttering from buildings, houses and everywhere else under the Vietnam sky. It is also a chance to chill out and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. On this occasion, we offer a special deal that helps you save 25% for the visa service fee to quickly get a visa for your wonderful journey to Vietnam.  Just simply use the promo code: NATIONALDAY29, you will experience our excellent service at the best price. Wish you have a fantastic and safe trip!

Following a considerable rise of tourists arrivals along with the successful conclusion of the arrangement underscores the commitment of the U.S. and Vietnam to improve the bilateral relationship by expanding existing trade and economic opportunities and developing people-to-people, Vietnam officials have announced a further loosening of visa restrictions for US citizen. Specifically, Vietnam will issue 12-month, multiple entry visa to US citizens for purpose of tourism, conferences, private business and other purpose of entry in short term which is commensurate with visa that the US government grants citizens of Vietnam for years. With this visa, you can stay in Vietnam within 3 months for each entry until the expiry date of your one year visa. The procedure for getting this visa is the same as before. However, the stamping fee the US visitors have to pay at the airports is 135 usd instead of 25 usd when there is no other types of visa existed except one year, multiple entry business/tourist visa. In principle, Vietnam will issue maximum validity visas to each US citizen, authorised agency may limit visa validity and entry times for individual applicants on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This new visa rule will “benefit  American and Vietnamese tourists and business travelers, generating new opportunities for trade, investment and tourism” the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi commented.

Vietnamvisaco.com officially announces that every passport holder of United Kingdom (the UK), France, Germany, Spain and Italy will be able to be exempted from Vietnam visa for stays of maximum 15 days in Vietnam, according to the recently issued Resolution No 46/NQ-CP by Vietnamese Government. The policy will take effect for one year from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. All citizens from five mentioned above countries traveling to Vietnam will enjoy visa exemptions with all types of passports and immigration reasons if they meet the conditions required by Vietnamese law. Vietnam will grant visa for passport holders of five countries,including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy Up to now, Vietnam has unilaterally exempted 15-day-visa for citizens of seven countries, including Russian, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Belarus. Also, Vietnam has bilaterally granted 30-day visa exemption for citizen from 9 out of ten ASEAN countries. Thanks to the current visa exemption policy, Vietnam tourism sees the increasing number of tourists coming from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Russia in recent years. Therefore, the new policy of free visa for five countries in Europe is expected to boost the Vietnam tourism industry by attracting more and more tourists from other countries all over the world. Please be noted that the visa exemption for five countries in Europe is applied for stay of maximum 15 days in Vietnam. In case ones want to stay more than 15 days in Vietnam, applying for visa on arrival is highly recommended to save cost and time. Applying for Vietnam visa on arrival at here

Vietnam, a country that can offer you a chance to experience breathtaking beauty, explore a new culture, click memorizing pictures and more, also offers you an opportunity to know the locals more closely. It is by the souvenir shopping, which Vietnam has to offer. Every country has a special list of products which tourists must buy as souvenirs and Vietnam too has these which you must buy when you travel to Vietnam. So, here is a list of top 10 souvenirs which you can gift family members, friends and all others. 1. Silk In Vietnam, you can find gorgeous silk scarves for men and women and it’s a popular souvenir from this country. The silk here is still made on traditional handlooms and the best place to buy this is at the silk village in Hanoi (named as Van Phuc) and Hoian as well. Silk in Vietnam is renowned for brilliance and you can easily find some unique souvenirs here. 2. Ceramic Ceramic products are another popular souvenir which you can take home from Vietnam. The beautiful variety one can find here is simply appealing, but just travelling can be tricky where you must handle the same very carefully. You can easily find here ceramic vases, lacquer vases and more such variety in a plethora of sizes, shapes and colors. All these ceramic items are hand crafted by trained Vietnamese people who still rely on the traditional methods. 3. Bamboo and wooden products Bamboo and wooden products in Vietnam are all hand woven and available in a large variety of colors. You can buy the same as beautifully carved bamboo hats or salad bowls, trays, baskets and more such items made out of bamboo and wood, bamboo baskets are another specialty made by the Vietnamese people. Apart from being cheaper alternatives they are also eco-friendly in nature. 4. Silk Paintings Silk paintings in Vietnam are a very unique product and depict an iconic art form of the artisans living here since olden times. The mystical, simple and poetic themes used in silk paintings make these particularly attractive. The paintings make use of the natural silk colors and textiles as the backdrop which is usually colorful. You can find such paintings on wall hangings, scarves and even on the traditional Ao dai (Long dresses) 5. Musical instruments Musical instruments here are hand crafted which include mini T’rung that are xylophones and bamboo flutes. Carrying these is very easy and can make that perfect souvenir for all music lovers, reminding you of your Vietnam tours for long. 6. Lacquerware Lacquerware in Vietnam is distinct in its style of using resin from son tree. The art links to the French influence in Vietnam and the same is work-intensive art form. It’s said that high quality lacquer products go through 20 stages of development and can be used to craft dishes, bowls, vases, and more in beautiful colors and intricate designs. There are some galleries exclusively dedicated to this art where you can find some really great collection. 7. Vietnamese embroidery An art passed down from ages, embroiders in Vietnam make use of Chinese techniques largely. It’s said that one can become master in this art in a span of 8-10 years. You can find a museum dedicated to embroidery in Nha Trang and can see embroiders working here live. The mastery and explicit craft is bound to amaze you. So, when on a Vietnam trip don’t forget buying at least one embroidered piece from there. 8. Guoc Moc Guoc Moc or wooden clogs are traditional footwear for males and females in Vietnam. Females in Vietnam wear these with the traditional Ao Dai to add to their gratefulness. Now the use might have faded away, but you can still buy these at some traditional stores in Vietnam. 9. Conical Hats Referred as leaf hat or non la, these are a symbol of Vietnam and can be seen on drums as old as 3000 years. The same can be used as an umbrella during rains and sun protector during summers. The conical hats are available in a large variety, which you can buy as a souvenir which is restricted to only this part of the globe. 10. Ao Dai Recognized as a national garment for females in Vietnam, it’s a tight-fitted long dress worn over long pants. The style and traditional variety may have seen an evolution over the years, but the same is still being used by Vietnamese women. The bottom line Vietnam, from Ha Noi to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City is flooded with diverse markets and an amazing mix and match of culture and tradition. Each place offers a distinct experience which can be more closely seen with its souvenirs collection. So, stop by when on your shopping spree to get amazed and enticed with the exotic and beautiful yet distinct delights that await you as top Vietnamese souvenirs.

Three quarters of Viet Nam's territory consists of mountains and hills. Viet Nam is divided into four distinct mountainous zones. The Northeastern Zone (Viet Bac) This zone stretches from the Red River Valley to the Gulf of Tonkin. The mountainous area of Viet Bac is scattered with famous sights: Dong Nhat Grotto, Dong Nhi Grotto, and Tam Thanh Grotto in Lang Son Province; Pac Bo Grotto and Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang; Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan; Yen Tu Mountain and Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh; and Tay Con Linh, the highest mountain peak in the region reaching 2,341 meters above sea level. The Northwestern Zone This zone is comprised of mountains that run from the north of the Sino-Vietnamese border to the west of Thanh Hoa Province. This magnificent mountain range is nationally known for its resort town of Sapa in Lao Cai Province, which is perched 1500 meters above sea level. Several ethnic groups, such as the H'mong, Dao, Kinh, Tay, Giay, Hoa, and Xa Pho, still reside in this region. The northwestern zone is also famous for the historical site of Dien Bien Phu and Fansipan Mountain, which measures 3,143 meters above sea level at the peak. The North Truong Son Zone This zone runs from the western part of Thanh Hoa Province to the Quang Nam-Da Nang Mountains. This region is known locally for its picturesque Phong Nha Grotto and its two breathtaking passes, the Ngang Pass and the Hai Van Pass. It is also known worldwide for being the location of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail constructed during the second great resistance war. The South Truong Son Zone This zone is located to the west of the south central coast provinces. Behind these huge mountains is a vast area of red soil known locally as "Tay Nguyen" (the Central Highlands). There are numerous legendary accounts of the flora and fauna and of the lives of several different ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands. Dalat, established during the 19th century, is a popular resort town in this part of Viet Nam. Viet Nam has two major deltas, including the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong River Delta in the south. The Red River Delta, or Northern Delta This region stretches for15,000 sq. km. Over time, deposits of alluvium carried from the Red River and Thai Binh River have accumulated to form the delta. The ancient Viet people settled at the junction of the two rivers . At that time, the wet rice civilization was established The Mekong River Delta, or Southern Delta This region is approximately 40,000 sq. km. The land is very fertile and has favorable climate conditions for agriculture. As a result, it is the largest rice growing region in Viet Nam. Viet Nam is crisscrossed by thousands of streams and rivers. There is a river discharging every 20 kilometers along Viet Nam's coastline. The waterways are a very convenient means of transport with major rivers like the Red River in the north and the Mekong River in the south.

Vietnam, a country steeped in history and culture, boasts a captivating spiritual tapestry woven by various religions and belief systems. From ancient indigenous practices to the influence of major world religions, Vietnam's religious landscape is a vibrant mosaic that reflects the diverse spiritual heritage of its people. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the spiritual tapestry of religions in Vietnam, delving into the intricacies of its religious traditions, rituals, and sacred sites. We will uncover the profound influence of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, folk religions, and other belief systems that have shaped the spiritual fabric of the nation. Join us as we navigate through the coexistence, harmony, and deep-rooted faith that define main religions in Vietnam.

Viet Nam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate. The monsoon climate also influences to the changes of the tropical humidity. In general, in Viet Nam there are two seasons, the cold season occurs from November to April and the hot season from May to October. The difference in temperature between the two seasons in southern is almost unnoticeable, averaging 3ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in the northern where differences of 12ºC have been observed. There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in the northern provinces(from Hai Van Pass toward to the north): Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Every year there are 100 rainy days and the average rainfall is 1,500 to 2,000mm. The humidity ranges around 80%. The sunny hours are 1,500 to 2,000 and the average solar radiation of 100kcal/cm2 in a year. Because Viet Nam is affected by the monsoon, that why the average temperature is lower than the other countries which are located in the same longitude in Asia. The annual average temperatures range from 22oC to 27oC. In comparing with these countries, the temperature in winter is colder and in summer is less hotter in Viet Nam. Under influence of monsoon, and further because of the complicated topography, the climate in Viet Nam always changes in one year, between the years, or between the areas (from North to South and from low to high). The climate in Viet Nam is also under disadvantage of weather, such as typhoons (advantage there are 6-10 storms and tropical low atmosphere in year, floods and droughts are threaten the life and the agriculture of Viet Nam). Ha Noi: In Ha Noi there are four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But it is able to be divided into two main seasons: the rainy season from May to September (it’s hot, heavy rain), and the dry season from October to April (it’s cold, little rainfall). The annual average temperature is 23.2oC, but in winter the average temperature is 17.2oC. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 2.7oC in 1955. The average summer temperature is 29.2oC, with the highest ever recorded being 42.8oC in 1926. On average, there are 114 rainy days a year with around 1,800mm of rainfall. Hai Phong: It's one province in the North then Hai Phong is influenced by a tropical monsoon climate too. There are 4 seasons and the annual average temperature is between 23oC and 24oC. Rainfall total is between 1,600 and 1,800mm. The weather is warm throughout the year. Quang Ninh: The climate is symbolic of the climate of North Vietnam; featuring all four seasons. In summer (from May to September), it's hot, humid and rainy, while monsoons flourish. In winter (from October to April), it's cold, dry, and sees little rainfall.The average temperature is over 25oC. Annual rainfall totals between 1,700 and 2,400mm. Thua Thien Hue: It features a tropical monsoon climate, featuring all four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The spring is cool and warm, the summer is hot, the autumn is cool and the winter is cold. Average temperature is 25oC. The best time for tourists is from November to April next year. Da Nang: Its climate is tropical, with two distinct rainy and dry seasons. The average annual temperature is between 28oC and 29oC, and storms hit the area every year in September and October. Khanh Hoa: The climate here is oceanic tropical monsoon, but is quite mild. The average annual temperature is 26.5oC. Annual rainfall totals over 1,200mm. Lam Dong: The climate here is cold, with an average annual temperature of 18oC. Da Lat is a city town, the climate is temperature and there are the beautiful natural landscapes with the waterfalls, lakes and pine groves, and is well known as Viet Nam’s flower city. Ho Chi Minh City:The climate is divided into two seasons, with the rainy season lasting from May to November. The average annual temperature is 27.5oC without winter, and yearly rainfall totals 1,979mm. Tourism is convenient for all 12 months of the year. Ba Ria-Vung Tau: The climate here is tropical monsoon. The average annual temperature is 27oC, rarely stormy, rich in sunshine. Vung Tau is without winter so resorts can active throughout the year.

The melodic strains of Vietnamese music are a treasure trove of cultural legacy that has been passed down from generation to generation. Each traditional instrument represents a distinct tonal element that is profoundly ingrained in Vietnamese culture, and together they make up the very soul of this fascinating music. With a history that stretches back centuries, these instruments have played an instrumental role in shaping the cultural identity of the Vietnamese people. The social and religious fabric of Vietnam is woven with cultural symbols, including traditional Vietnamese instruments, which are more than just musical tools. Their sublime melodies boost the spirit and unite people in harmony at festivals, celebrations, and other occasions during which they play a key role. Furthermore, despite these instruments' long history, people continue to find them appealing nowadays. Modern musicians are still pushing the limits of traditional music by incorporating cutting-edge styles and methods into these instruments to produce hypnotic fusions of traditional and modern music. Travel back in time with us as we explore the vibrant history of Vietnamese traditional instruments, tracing their development through various cultural and historical influences. Discover how these instruments have evolved over time, adapting to changing times while still holding steadfast to their traditional roots. Join us on this musical odyssey as we immerse ourselves in the rich and diverse world of traditional instruments in Vietnam, where the past and present come together in perfect harmony.

Central Vietnam has its own spicy, strongly-flavored cuisine, distinct from the Chinese-influenced fare of the North and the light tropical flavors in the steamy South. Hue, capital city of the ancient Nguyen empire, is famed for its imperial cuisine—a banquet-style procession of elaborate dishes—but it also boasts a colorful, snack-heavy street food culture. Hoi An, a historic trading port-turned Unesco World Heritage site, is influenced by a confluence of Vietnamese-Japanese-Chinese-Mediterranean cuisine, and is home to both a noodle soup of mythical proportions and what might be the best bahn mi in all of Vietnam. Between the two cities, there are enough unique dishes to almost make you forget about the food other parts of Vietnam. Banh Ep Uncooked banh ep look like little dough balls with bits of barbecued pork; they’re flattened in a weighted griddle and scattered with fresh scallions and fried shallots before serving. Banh Trang Trung prep Banh trang trung starts with a crisp rice cracker, which is thrown on the griddle and cooked with scrambled egg, pork pate, scallions, fried shallots, and your choice of decorative topping (see the aforementioned hotdog and mayo). Banh Beo A taste of Hue’s imperial cuisine minus the pomp and ceremony, banh beo—steamed glutinous rice cakes with shrimp and pork rinds—are a popular street snack. You’ll see stacks of empty two-bite bowls piled high on certain corners, though there are also restaurants that specialize in different varieties of miniature steamed banh. Banh Khoai Yet another pancake-family Hue specialty, banh khoai are like the smaller cousin of southern Vietnam’s famed banh xeo. The crisp yellow shell is made from an egg and rice flour batter, which is folded around slices of barbecue pork, sausage and shrimp, then topped with pickled vegetables and fresh bean sprouts. Bun Bo Hue Hue’s eponymous soup, a fiery rice noodle number chock full of beef, pork, cartilage and offal (if you ask nicely). The broth is laced with tomatoes and lemongrass, and the dish, like most Vietnamese soups, comes with your own DIY platter of raw vegetables and herbs to munch on between bites. Bun Thit Nuong A cool vermicelli noodle salad laced with tangy nuoc cham, pickled vegetables, bean sprout and fresh herbs, topped with delicious smoky-sweet grilled pork and a scattering of crushed peanuts. Bun thit nuong is all over Hue (and much of Vietnam in general), but the trick is finding a restaurant or vendor with superior pork. Nem Lui Hue A novel new take on the “meat-on-a-stick” idea: ground pork is molded around lemongrass stalks and charcoal-grilled, then served with raw veggies (starfruit!), fresh lettuce and herbs, and a viscous peanut and pork liver dipping sauce. Com Hen and Bun Hen Hen are tiny freshwater clams, beloved in Hue as a topping (along with everything else on this platter—pork rinds, roast peanuts, crushed garlic, shrimp paste, etc)—to rice (“com”) or vermicelli noodles (“bun”). The finishing touch is a ladle full of clam broth and a handful of torn cilantro. Vegetarian Delight Hue is also the historic capital of vegetarianism in Vietnam, and there are several health-minded veg restaurants in town. This simple stir-fry of fresh corn, mushrooms and scallions was a much-needed break from all the grilled pork. Cao Lau Hoi An’s most famous dish, and one only available in this tiny town, thanks to a generations-old legend stipulating that the noodles can only be made with water from a special, bottomless local well. Cau lao is hawked on every corner in Hoi An, and while I doubt every bowl is made with this special water, most renditions are still delicious: thick udon-esque wheat noodles in a smidge of ultra-rich pork broth, with roast pork, fresh herbs and fried noodle “croutons” for crunch on top. White Rose Dumplings Named for their supposed resemblance to the flower, these delicate steamed dumplings are filled with shrimp and pork, then topped with crunchy fried shallots and served with a sweet dipping sauce. Like cau lao, the translucent wrapper dough is supposed to be made with the special well water, so white roses are a dumpling variety native to Hoi An and Hoi An alone. Fried Wontons On the complete opposite of the dumpling spectrum in Hoi An are these deep-fried wontons, which are almost like Vietnamese nachos. The wonton filling is minimal—this dish is really just a vehicle for the sweet-and-sour tomato/pepper/onion/shrimp topping, which wasn’t all that different from the Chinese. Com Ga, aka Chicken Rice A close cousin to the Hainanese dish of the same name (and likely a holdover from Chinese traders in Hoi An centuries ago), Hoi An’s com ga features shredded chicken mixed with herbs and copious amounts of raw onion, served over rice that’s been cooked in chicken broth and pickled veggies on the side. Banh Mi Phuong Let’s just get this out of the way: yes, Anthony Bourdain featured the banh mi from Hoi An’s Banh Mi Phuong on “No Reservations” a few years back, so the stall isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but their sandwich remains, quite simply, the Platonic ideal of banh mi perfection. I am still dreaming of this thing: a manageably-sized, crusty-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside baguette with carefully arranged meats, a light-handed scattering of pickled vegs, and Phuong’s secret weapon: an addictive hand-ground chile sauce on top.

Xoi chien phong (Bloating fried sticky rice) A round plate of Xoi chien phong, placed next to a plate of buttery roasted chicken, is always attractive to anyone. A lump of sticky rice will become a plate of Xoi chien phong as big as a grape-fruit by talent chefs. In the past, Xoi chien phong was offered only in the Binh Duong Restaurant, Dong Nai Province. At present, you can taste the dish in star classified hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. Lau mam (Mixed vegetable and meat hot pot) At present, Lau mam folk dish in the past hundred years - become a luxurious specialty in the South. Chau Doc fish sauce made from fresh-water fish, a kind of sweet- smelling and greasy fish, which must be as required to have a delicious Lau mam dish. Substances to prepare for Lau mam, including fresh food-stuffs such as snake-head fish, "keo" fish, pork, peeled shrimps, eel, beef, and so on, accompanied with at least 10 kinds of vegetable, sometime amounting to 24 kinds of vegetable. They include water-lily, egg-plant, balsam-apple, straw mushroom, bean sprouts, chilly, etc. When boiled, the flavors of the sauce, which is mixed with citronella, chilly, vegetables, fish, shrimp and meat, are very sweet-smelling. Lau mamroam is scoop out into bowls and served with soft noodle soup, simply but deliciously. Goi Buoi (Salad of shaddock) Goi buoi is available at the majority of famous restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. The major substances to prepare for the dish include shaddocks mixed with fresh shrimps, pork, and dry cuttle-fish. The dish is originated in Miet Buoi, Bien Hoa City. Goi buoi dish is especially flavored with slightly sour, sweet, peppery-hot and buttery tastes. It is also added with spice vegetable, white sesames, coconut and dry cuttle-fish. Therefore, the dish will be appeared on dining table as a fresh colorful picture and attractive to customers. Ca tai tuong chien xu ("Tai tuong" bloating fried fish) "Tai tuong" fish is classified as a kind of luxurious food-stuffs. The fish is as white as chicken, delicious and sweet smelling but not crushed. There are two ways to prepare for the dish: Boiled down or bloating fried. In bloating fried way, pour plenty of oil into pan, wait for the oil to boil before placing the fish in. In boiled oil, fish scabs would be raised up as porcupine's feathers. As serving, place the fish on to the plate, arrange boiled quail eggs around with, fried potato, fresh onion and tomato slices at the edge, season with chilly. Finally, pour soup and sprinkle fried peanuts and crashed onion on to the fish. The dish is served with sour and sweet sauce of fish. Ca tai tuong chien xu is an unique and luxurious specialty in the South. Ca nuong trui (Bare fried fish) The Southern villagers in countryside areas usually have fried fish in the field. They use a bamboo piece to cross through the fish. Pitch the head side to ground, pile up rice straws at the wind-swept place to smoke fish. As serving, use hand to remove the burned fish scabs. Fish will become as white as chicken. Place the hot fish on a lotus leaf, take up each piece of fish and dip it in peppery salt, squeeze with some lemon drops, roll in fig leaf or sesame young shoot to experience the dish. Bowl and chopsticks are not necessary. At home, the dish can be served with dry pancake, soft noodle soup and vegetables. Ca nuong trui is a dish that accompanies drinking. It is popular and exciting. Ca kho to (Dry-boiled catfish) Fish, which used to prepare for the dish, can be catfish, anabas or snake-head fish. Necessary spices include dry garlic, fresh lemon, onion, chilly, sugar, glutamate, fish sauce, grease, and a spoon of pepper and wine. Although Ca kho to is a popular dish in the South, it is also a cheap specialty. As serving, pick up fish to other bowl, boil the bowl of fish on a low fire and sprinkle some peppers to have sweet-smelling: Keep fire when serving, Ca kho to can be served with such boiled vegetables as shallot, white cabbage, spinach to dip in Ca kho to sauce. It is more convenient to serve it with pickles such as vinegary beet or green pineapple. Cua rang muoi (Fried salted crabs) The Westerners, especially those in land-locked countries, usually appreciate the dish as soon as they firstly experience it. At parties, a plate of bright red Cua rang muoi is usually acted as aperitif. Customers suddenly feel sweet-smelling of spices and delicious buttery flavor of crab at the same time. Highly qualified chefs in Vung Tau coastal area usually select brackish water crabs with much meat and liver-pancreas. A delicious crab dish also depends on the soup, added to frying crabs in pans, including star aniseed, cinnamon, cardamom. The connoisseurs immediately experience the dish as it is still very hot, mixed with some lemon drops.