business man da lat haunted house prenn pass Tourist visioto

One of the most well-known "haunted" houses in Da Lat has had a makeover to cash in on its "notorious" history among tourists and visitors.

 Da Lat is said to have a number of "haunted" houses, but few as "infamous" as one house at the foot of Prenn Pass, Mimosa Valley built in 1930, which has undergone numerous repairs until, in 1986, it was sold to a French-Vietnamese man who died in a plane crash soon after buying it. 

The house was abandoned, but it has attracted "stories" of murder and ghosts. A security guard committed suicide there in 1997, and taxi drivers in the city tell of one driver, who took a woman there on a short drive and died a few days later. As rumours about the house grew, it attracted more and more curious visitors. But years of neglect left it in a shambles. 
In early 2015, the house was sold to a businessman in HCM City. He cleaned up the garden, gave the house a facelift, and has reopened it for visitors.

Unknown 0 Comments

Cat Ba Hai Phong Island national park Quang Ninh touching indochina Tourism Tourist traveling to Vietnam Vietnamese Package Tour VISA visa on arrival visa to vietnam

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Halong Bay. While the vast majority of Halong Bay's island are uninhabited vertical rocks, Cat Ba actually has a few tiny fishing villages. The terrain is too rocky for agriculture and most residents earn their living from the sea. Life has always been hard here and, not surprisingly, many Cat Ba residents joined the exodus of Vietnamese boat people in the 1970s and 1980s.

Although the island lost much of its fishing fleet this way, the overseas Vietnamese have sent back large amounts of money to relatives on the island, thus financing the new hotels and restaurants that you'll see.

There is very little motorized traffic and, indeed, very few roads. Compared with the tourist carnival at Bai Chay, Cat Ba is still very laid back, despite about a ten fold increase in hotel rooms since 2006.

About half of Cat Ba Island which has a total area of 354 sq km and 90 sq km of the adjacent inshore waters were declared a national park in 1986 in order to protect the islands divers ecosystems.
These include subtropical evergreen forests on the hills, freshwater swamp forests at the base of the hills, coastal mangrove forests, small freshwater lakes and offshore coral reefs. Most of the coastline consists of rocky cliffs, but there are a few sandy beaches tucked into small coves. The main beaches in Cat Ba Island are Cai Vieng, Hong Xoai Be and Hong Xoai Lon.

There are also numerous lakes, waterfalls and grottoes in the spectacular limestone hills, the highest of which rises 331 m above sea level. The growth of the vegetation is stunted near the summits because of high winds. The largest permanent body of water on the island is Ech lake, which covers an area of three hectares. Almost all of the surface streams are seasonal; most of the Cat Ba's rainwater flows into caves, and follows underground streams to the sea, creating a shortage of fresh water during the dry season. Although parts of the interior of the island are below sea level, most of the island is between 50 and 200 m in elevation.

The waters off Cat Ba Island are home to 200 species of fish, 500 species of molluscs and 400 species of arthropods. Larger marine animals in the area include seals and three species of dolphins.

Stone tools and bones left by humans who lived between 6000 and 7000 years ago have been found at 17 sites on the islands. The most thoroughly studies site is Cat Beo Cave, discovered by French archaeologist in 1938. which is 1.5 km from Cat Ba Village.

Getting there and away to Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is 40 km east of Haiphong and 20 km south of Halong City. A great innovation for getting there are 108 seat russian built hydrofoils. the air-conditioned water rockets reduce the Haiphong - Cat Hai- Cat Ba Journey to just 2 hours. Vietnamese Package Tours can arrange 2 day 1 night trip to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi.
An Alternative way to reach Cat Ba Island via the island of Cat Hai, which is closer to Haiphong. A boat depart Haiphong and makes a brief stop in Cat Hai Island, before continuing to the  port of Phu Long on Cat Ba Island.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Nam Cat Tien national park Natural Park nature reserve Tourism Tourist traveling to Vietnam vietnam tour vietnam visa VISA

Decided to go to Vietnam, for planning a good trip you need to know about reasonable flight to Vietnam, arranging your Visa to Vietnam and probably a good research on where to go and what to see in Vietnam, Vietnam Tourist sights are divided to natural, historic and National Parks, here we go a head describing about Nam Cat Tien National Park, the National Park straddling the border of three provinces, Lam Dong, Dong Nai and Song Be - This National Park is only 240 KM from Ho Chi Minh City.

Nam Cat Tien was hit hard with defoliants during the American war, but the large old growth trees survived and the smaller plants have recovered. Just as importantly, the wildlife has made a comeback. The area is said to be the home of the Javan Rhino in Vietnam, considered the rarest mammal in existence. Another rare creature found here is a type of wild ox called a guar. The jungles here in Nam Cat Tien National Park support a very healthy population of monkeys and plentiful birds. On occasion, leopards can be spotted.

Elephants are also live in the Nam Cat Tien National Park, but their presence has caused some controversy. In the early 1990s, the area just outside of the Nam Cat Tien was visited by a herd of 10 hungry elephants. In search of food, the creatures fell into an abandoned bomb crater left over from the American war, Local villagers took pity on the Elephants and proceeded to dig a ramp to rescue them. For their efforts, 28 villagers have so far been killed by the ungrateful beasts, who have been on a rampage ever since. The problem could have been simply dealt with by shooting the Elephants, but the Vietnamese government wasn't willing to risk the wrath of international environmental organisations.

However, none of these organisations ever came up with the funds for relocating the Elephants, some of which were finally removed to zoos, In the longer term, such conflicts will likely be repeated with Vietnam's increasing population, the competition between people and wildlife for the same living space is like;y to increase.

Getting to Nam Cat Tien National Park

Nam Cat Tien National Park is still an undeveloped area and access is difficult. The most common approach is from National Highway 20, which connects Dalat with Saigon. To reach the Park you have to follow a dirt road which branches west from highway 20. Another approach is to take a boat across Langa lake and then hike from there, however, you would really need a Vietnamese Tour Guide to trek in the remote spot.

Getting to Nam Cat Tien National Park from Dalat

It's not absolutely necessary to approach the park from Dalat Side. A third entrance to Nam Cat Tien is approached via Buon Ma Thuot. Unfortunately, this route puts you into Dac Lac province, where the authorities are a problem. 

Anonymous 0 Comments

Madame Nhu Tonkin touching indochina tour Tourism Tourist vietnam business visa vietnam package tour vietnam tour visa on airport visa to vietnam

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Vietnam

The Thien Mu Pagoda just outside Hue was a hotbed of anti-government protest during the early 1960's. The Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the must see Tourist sight in Hue and is home to the Austin motorcar made famous by Thich Quang Duc's self immolation in 1963.

Surprisingly, it also became a focus of protest in the 1980s when someone was murdered near the Pagoda and anti-communist demonstration was started right here in Thien Mu Pagoda , closing traffic around Phu Xuan Bridge. Monks were arrested and accused of disturbing the traffic and public order. Things have calmed down and a small group of monks, novices and nuns now live at Pagoda.

Behind the main sanctuary of the Thien Mu Pagoda is the Austin Motorcar which transported the Monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his 1963 self immolation.

Self immolation of monk Thich Quang Duc

Thich Quang Duc travelled to Ho Chi Minh City and publicly burned himself to death to protest the polocies of President Ngo Dinh Diem. A famous photograph of his act was printed on the front page of newspapers all around the world. Thich Quang Duc's death soon inspired a numbers of others self-immolation.

Photo by Wikipedia

Many westerners were shocked less by the suicides than by reaction of Tran Le Xuan, known as Madame Nhu, the President's notorious sister in law, who happily proclaimed the self-immolations a 'barbecue party' and have said, Let them burn and we shall clap our hands. Her statements greatly added to the already substantial public disgust with  Diem's regim; the US press labelled Madame Nhu the ' Iron Butterfly ' and ' Dragon Lady ' . In November, both President Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu (Madame Nhu's husband) were assassinated by Diem's own military. Madame Nhu was out side the Vietnam at the time.

A memorial to Monk Thich Quang Duc can be found at the intersection of D Nguyen Dinh Chieu and D Cach Mang Thang Tam, around the corner from the Xa Loi Pagoda, in Ho Chi Minh City, South Vietnam. many Vietnam Tours providers have include visiting Xa Loi Pagoda. travelers, also, planning a trip ( Visa to vietnam, flight etc) Vietnam,  for vacation or tourism purpose will visit many places , we encourage them to visit the memorial as well.

Anonymous 0 Comments

DMZ excursion hue tour Tourist Vietnam vietnam visa visa to vietnam

Central Vietnam - Things to see and to do

From 1954 to 1975, the Ben Hai River served as the demarcation like between the Republic of Vietnam (RVN; Southh Vietnam) and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV; North Vietnam). To either side of the river was an area 5km wide known as the demilitarized zone (DMZ ).

The DMZ itself and areas to the South Vietnam saw plenty of action and experienced a high military presence during the American War. However, the area is still home to some of the most interesting Vietnam Tourist sights . As you head south from the DMZ you reach the Historic town of Hue and Hoi An , two of the most relaxed places you'll find.

Hue City

Hue, the most interesting historically city in Central Vietnam, and as some people say, in whole Vietnam, served as Vietnam's political capital from 1802 to 1954 under the 13 emperors if the Nguyen Dynasty, The province of Quang Nam, bordering the municipality of Danang, contains Vietnam's most important Cham Sites - including My Son and Tra Kieu (Simhapura) - which have become popular stomping grounds for Tourists. Side trips to places like the Marble Mountains and China Beach also continue to draw a steady trickle of travelers. while the once bustling city of Danang is rather quiet these days, the Cham Museum there is topnotch. The Old part of Hoi An (Faifo) has a great deal of rustic Charm and is a great spot in Vietnam to relax and appreciate what life must have been like in centuries gone by.

DMZ - Demilitarized Zone

The idea of partitioning Vietnam had its origins in a series of agreements concluded between the USA, UK and the USSR at the Potsdam Conference, which was held in Berlin in July 1954. For logistical and political reasons, the Allies decided that the Japanese Occupation forces to the south of the  16th parallel would surrender to the British while those to the north would surrender to the Kuomintang ( Nationalist) Chinese Army led by Chaing Kaishek.

Explore Highlights of Central Vietnam

Most of the travelers are preferred to explore central highlights of Vietnam as part of any Vietnam Package Tours , here, there is a list of Highlight of Central Vietnam, also, Visa to Vietnam must be arranged before flying to Vietnam, 

• Make a day long pilgrimage into the former battlefields of the Demilitarized Zone the DMZ
• Take a dragon boat cruise along the scenic perfume river and soak in the atmosphere of one of the majestic Royal Tombs.
• wander along nature walks and explore old French Villa ruins in spectacular Bach Ma National Park
• Linger in the old world atmosphere of Charming Hoi An
• Make an excursion out to the extraordinary Cham ruins at My Son
• Take in Vietnam's pre-eminent collection of Cham statues at the Cham Museum in Danang City
• Catch some rays on famous China Beach, Or explore some of the canyons and caves of the mystical Marble Mountains.

Anonymous 2 Comments

Liechtenstein passport touching indochina tour guide Tourism Tourist vietnam tour Visa extension VIsa FAQ visa on airport

Holders of passports of the Liechtenstein willing to visit Vietnam either for tourist or business purpose can easily obtain for a Visa on Arrival, regardless of traditional way that applicants should refer to the embassy and submit passport and other documents and waiting for 5 days to get a visa to Vietnam, then Visa on Arrival is the most simple way to get your Visa done, please follow the simple steps as following in order to apply online for a Visa to Vietnam.

How is the process of Vietnam Visa on Arrival from the Liechtenstein?

Applicants must follow the three simple steps to submit their request in order to apply for an Approval letter; here is the process one-by-one:

1. Browse through Tonkin Visa official and recognized Visa website (VisaVietnam.Pro) Fill in the Visa application form using the correct information as shown on your passport, applicants are required to submit the accurate information in order to get the approval letter approved by the Vietnam Immigration department.
2. Please kindly make sure about information you've been submitted, then, move to the second step to submit the Visa services fee, this process can be done using your credit card through the online form in our website.
3. We review your submission and start the process to get your Vietnam Visa Approval letter, the visa processing is depend on your selected options out of 3 options ( Normal for 2 days , Urgent for 1 day, Express for 4 working hours)

How About the Cost of a Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Liechtenstein Passport holders? (Apply with Tonkin Visa)

• One Month Single Entry Tourist Visa: 16 US$

• Three Month Single Entry Visa: 25 US$

• One Month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: 18 US$

• Three Month Multiple Entry Visa: 32 US$

What to do after i got the Visa Approval letter?

Once we sent you the approval letter, then simply print it out and present it for boarding the flight (need it), then upon arrival at Vietnam’s International Airports, you should present the visa approval letter with 1 passport sized photo and filling a visa form and present it to the Visa officers, you should pay the Stamping fee as 45 US$ for one month and 95 $ for 3 month Visa directly to the immigration officers. And wait for few minutes to get your Vietnam visa stamped into your passport. That’s it and welcome to Vietnam.

Free Visa to Vietnam

We at Touching Indochina Travel (Tonkin Visa), offers Free Vietnam Visa for applicants who takes 4 days and more Tours with us, please check our Vietnam Package Tours and feel free to ask away your related questions.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Airplane American Bach Ma Business visa FAQ fast visa national park passport Tonkin touching indochina tour guide Tourism Tourist VISA Visa Exemption visa on airport visa on arrival

Off the beaten tracks of Vietnam are beautiful and worth to visit, here is Guide on How to Visit Suoi Voi Spering. About 15 KM north of Lang Co is the inland turn off to Elephant springs, Suoi Voi, a secluded recreation area where one could easily spend a day traipsing through the forest and swimming in cool, crystal-clear streams. It's a pleasant detour and highly recommended for bikers and cyclist who are braving their way along the Highway 1.

The main springs, a short walk from the parking area about 1 KM from the entry gate, feauters huge boulders, one in the shape of an elephant's head and the stunning back drop of Bach Ma mountain Range in the distance. Time permitting, further exploration will lead to less populated swimming holes including Vung Do Pool, about 200m beyond the main area.

Foreign visitors here are scarce and most seem to be rushing in one direction or another along the coast, and on weekdays you may find you've got the whole place to yourself, Sundays, however are jam-packed with young Vietnamese lovers seeking a bit of privacy.

Getting to the Spring from Highway # 1?

for getting to the spring from highway 1, look for the large faded sign reading 'Suoi Voi' . you will see the 19th century Thua Lau Church just a head of you after making the turn off. From here follow the dirt road for a few Kilometers to the entry gate

You'll need to buy an entry ticket here and also pay for the parking. Hold onto your ticket as you may be asked to show it more than once, there are some basic food stalls near the springs, but you're best off bringing a picnic lunch, otherwise if you are on Vietnam Tours then your tour might get lunch included.

Tonkin Visa Agency organize weekly tours to Suoi Voi Springs, about another 15 KM north of this turn off if the village of Cau Hai, and the turn off to reach Bach Ma National Park.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Airplane Australia business Business visa cheap Visa FAQ passport Tonkin touching indochina tour guide Tourism Tourist urgent visa Vietnam

Getting a Vietnam Visa on Arrival from Australia

Australian passport holders willing to visit Vietnam either for tourist or business purpose can easily obtain for a Visa on Arrival, regardless of traditional way that applicants should refer to the embassy and submit passport and other documents and waiting for 5 days to get a visa to Vietnam, then Visa on Arrival is the most simple way to get your Visa to Vietnam done, please follow the simple steps as following in order to apply online for a Visa to Vietnam.

How is the process of Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Applicants must follow the three simple steps to submit their request in order to apply for an Approval letter; here is the process one-by-one:

1. Browse through Tonkin Visa official and recognized Visa website (VisaVietnam.Pro) Fill in the Visa application form using the correct information as shown on your passport, applicants are required to submit the accurate information in order to get the approval letter approved by the Vietnam Immigration department.
2. Please kindly make sure about information you’ve been submitted, afterward, move to the second step to submit the Visa services fee, this process can be done using your credit card through the online form in our website.
3. We review your submission and start the process to get your Vietnam Visa Approval letter, the visa processing is depend on your selected options out of 3 options ( Normal for 2 days , Urgent for 1 day, Express for 4 working hours)

How About the Cost of a Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Australian? ( Apply with Tonkin Visa)

• One Month Single Entry Tourist Visa: 16 US$

• Three Month Single Entry Visa: 25 US$

• One Month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: 18 US$

• Three Month Multiple Entry Visa: 32 US$

We at Tonkin Visa, have special prices for Our Visa services fee for group travelers

I got the Approval letter, what’s next?

Once we sent you the approval letter, then simply print it out and present it for boarding the flight (need it), then upon arrival at Vietnam’s International Airports, you should present the visa approval letter with 1 passport sized photo and filling a visa form and present it to the Visa officers, you should pay the Stamping fee as 45 US$ for one month and 95 $ for 3 month Visa directly to the immigration officers. And wait for few minutes to get your Vietnam visa stamped into your passport. That’s it and welcome to Vietnam.

Free of charge Visa to Vietnam

We at Touching Indochina Travel (Tonkin Visa), offers Free Vietnam Visa for applicants who takes 4 days and more Tours with us, please check our Vietnam Package Tours and feel free to ask away your related questions.

Anonymous 2 Comments