An adventure-seeker's guide to exploring Vietnam

If you're looking for a slightly more unusual destination in which to experience adventure travel, Vietnam is the place for you. This south-east Asian destination is increasingly being recognised as a fantastic country to explore - so make sure you get there before the secret is fully out!

From the hustle and bustle of cities such as Hanoi to quieter towns like Hoi An, Vietnam is certainly a country of contrasts. Head further afield to the rural communities close to the mountains and you'll have your eyes opened to the beauty and poverty that exist side by side.

Vietnam is a country that is less well-trodden than other south-east Asian nations such as Thailand, so you'll truly feel as though your adventures have never been experienced before.

Here are some of the best escapades to be had:

Halong Bay

Travelling around Halong Bay on a junk boat, you'll be taken aback by the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll almost feel you're completely alone in the bay and its untouched scenery adds to this.

Explore caves by day and spend the afternoon cooling off in the waters. As the night draws in, lie back on deck underneath the stars and listen to the silence.

Halong Bay is easily accessible from the northern city of Hanoi, which is also the capital of the country.

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The complete experience in Mekong Delta Trips

Over just six days my boyfriend and I managed to cram in visits to Vinh Long, Can Tho, Rach Gia and Phu Quoc Island, exploring the waters in between by boat and bike.

The Mekong Delta was the last stop during a month-long tour of the country, and we discovered that Vietnam had saved its best for last.

Our days started and finished early. We rose at five am and took long boat journeys through the leaking dawn which allowed us to see most of the early morning activity on the Delta.

Float market on Mekong Delta

The markets were surreal – our small sampan slipped between hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes. Items for sale are attached to a huge bamboo poles which are fixed upright like flags, and floating kitchens steer between the boats, selling noodle dishes to hungry customers.

Food in the Delta is a real highlight, and we tasted an array of tasty dishes at local markets and street stalls. We spent one night at a home stay, where we enjoyed a fun evening in one local family’s kitchen helping to prepare a delicious five course feast.

We discovered that the people of the Delta are so friendly and relaxed as we made our way through small villages.

In Rach Gia, an area rarely visited by tourists, we spent a lovely evening on the streets waving to curious children and talking with local people.

Boats are the main transportation on Mekong Delta

Our final stop was Phu Quoc Island, the gem of the Delta. We ignored many of the exciting activities on offer (scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking and sightseeing), simply content to relax in the sunshine on beautiful empty beaches, we had chosen Phu Quoc for just that purpose, relaxing after our many travels. In the evenings we feasted at the night market, tasting grilled fish dishes and making new friends.

The Delta is unlike anywhere I’ve been before - romantic, exciting and a completely new travel experience. We left with happy memories, hoping to return again.

By Lorraine Simpson in Can Tho

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Vietnam’s best beaches

Vietnam might have been late to Southeast Asia’s beach party, but it was worth the wait. The country has more than 3,400km of coastline, with infinite stretches of powdery sand, hidden coves, lovely lagoons, impossible boulder formations and tropical islands ringed with yet more beaches.

Nha Trang

The heavy weight champion of Vietnam, Nha Trang has been knocking out visitors for years. True, the town is brazen and brash, but the beach is bold and beautiful and a gateway to a cluster of quieter islands.

Mui Ne

Set on a seductive swathe of sand, Mui Ne is an absolute charmer with swaying palms and towering dunes. Get pummelled on the beach by a masseur or pummelled by the waves with some water sports - this place blends action and inertia to perfection.

Phu Quoc

Simply the most beautiful island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is liberally sprinkled with picture-perfect white-sand beaches and cloaked in dense, impenetrable jungle. Long Beach is sophisticated, OngLan Beach is romantic, and Bai Sao is simply irresistible.

Con Dao

The Con Dao Islands have been protected from over-exposure by their isolated location off the coast. Enjoy it while it lasts, with their smattering of resorts and an overdose of idyllic beaches, as this is sure to be the next big thing in Vietnamese beaches.

Doc Let

While the rest of the world is sunning itself in Nha Trang, slip up the coast to this little teaser, home to some atmospheric resorts and some squeaky white sand; a place to get away from it all.

Ho Coc

Vung Tau to Phan Thiet is almost one long beach, but much of it remains mercifully inaccessible to the masses. Sample its potential with a retreat to Ho Coc, a glorious sandbar about midway along this stretch.

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Staying Safe While Travelling in Asia

Asia still seems to be the top on the destination list for backpackers and gap-year aficionados. And why not? Nowhere else on Earth has the variety and scope of this remarkable region with pristine beaches, dramatic mountain ranges and lush rain forests. It’s also a perfectly safe area to travel around, as long as you plan well and use a modicum of common sense. Here are a few tips for your trip.

Before you go

Research, research, research. Don’t just take the word of one internet source, but investigate thoroughly the area you are planning to visit and make sure you are fully aware of all the entry requirements, visa needs, inoculations and have organised sufficient travel insurance. From there look into your local transport options, currency types and potential accommodation. If the price and location of an establishment seems too good to be true, it probably is. While user led review sites such as Trip Advisor can focus on the negative, you can usually surmise if a certain hotel or hostel is best avoided.

Trekking/hiking Asia

Take a look at the customs and tolerances of the countries on your itinerary. Some areas may be more lax on soft drug use for instance, while the next country over may view such things as worthy of a long prison stay. Be wary at borders and airports, with drugs being such a lucrative business in that part of the world, the last thing you want to become is an unsuspecting drug mule. Keep your luggage with you at all times and make sure it’s locked securely.

Staying Safe

While crime against westerners is fairly rare in Asia, it always pays to be alert. Scams and pickpockets can operate in the big cities when renting scooters and motorcycles, as more disreputable firms have been known to ‘steal’ the vehicle rented to you, forcing you to pay for a replacement. And if you are paying someone to drive you to a location, be sure of the price before you set off.

The region is one of the safest for female travelers, but be aware of local customs, especially in rural areas, where displaying too much flesh is frowned upon. The same rule applies when visiting Buddhist temples and Mosques, ensure you are appropriately dressed. And, as everywhere including at home, don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Not that you ever would.

Staying Dry

While crime and political upheavals are easy to avoid if you use common sense, the weather can’t be relied upon so readily. The region features a vast array of temperaments and while extreme conditions such as typhoons are rare, they can occur. May to November is the rainy season and monsoons can conjure up high winds and heavy rain. Don’t pack your suitcase with thongs and flip-flops only. Ensure you have adequate clothing to deal with any eventuality.

A beautiful day on road (Motorbiking Ho Chi Minh trail tour)

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ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA kicks off summer promotion 2012 - Book and get 1 night FREE at 3 star hotel

Accommodation is one of biggest concerns before traveling? It is turning to dust now with ATA’s Summer Promotion 2012

Travelers will get 1 night at 3 star Hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (Calypso Boutique Hotel) for FREE. Double room with luxury equipments and services are designed to ensure that you will have the unforgettable trip with ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA.

In case you cannot visit Hanoi and enjoy 1 night at the hotel or you would like to arrange accommodation on your own, we offer you a meal FREE for 2 people at every destinations on your tour.

How to get this great promotion ?

So easy, just make your decision and book tour with us.

This promotion is valid from May 01, 2012 to Sep 30, 2012, applied for tours in Vietnam and costs from $500 only.

The promotion provides all travelers real experiences in Vietnam without concerning about accommodation, food, and activities. This makes it suitable for all types of groups and those who love any kind of adventure tours.

We hope to meet you there!

Please access our website to discover all the great tours which have been dedicated just for you.

http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/

http://www.activetravel.asia/

In case you need further information about the hotel, please find more details follow this link:(http://www.hanoicalypsohotel.com/vi-VN/home.aspx)

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA, offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, overland tours and family travel packages. Our tour packages and custom itineraries will take you through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Asia. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy an unforgettable active vacation. We run the most adventure tours available in the area. Our active trips are designed for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

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