Category: Hanoi

In these months, the weather is perfect and suitable for sight-seeing, photo-taking and camping. This is the end of summer season in Sapa when the sky is clear and blue, which makes the landscapes more amazing.

The sun shines through hundreds of mountains and creates huge shadows in combination with vibrant landscapes and deep blue sky; all that visual effects come together to make Sapa much more outstanding.

The weather is around 20-25°C which is perfect, but there’re sometimes rains to refresh the atmosphere. In general, this is one of the best time to visit Sapa.

Also, in September, it is time for harvesting. The terraced ricefields become yellow during this period. The landscape becomes amazingly beautiful.

Many people are working in the ricefields in September because of harvest time which is also very interesting to watch.

June to July – another great time to visit Sapa

This is spring in Sapa when plants grow and flowers blossom.

In June, the ricefields become green. It gives to Sapa spectacular landscape.

The temperature during this period is around 25°C. It is the warmest period in Sapa.

Note that from June to August, it is rainy season in Northern Vietnam. That is why it can be hard for trekking. Don’t forget to bring a raincoat. It will not rain all the time because in this mountainous area, the weather changes very quickly.

Summer in Vietnam is very hot in Northern Vietnam and in the big cities like Hanoi but the weather in Sapa will be not too hot during this period.

October to May – not the right time

This is the winter season in Sapa which is really harsh and long with average temperature of zero degree and cold breezing winds from December to January. It’s not a right time for tourists to visit Sapa, especially those from tropical countries.

From October to November and from February to May, it is not too cold in Sapa but there are no rice crops anymore in the terraced ricefields. The view is not so good then.

Also, during the winter, the mountains are often in the clouds and it is difficult to have a nice view.

Together with weather, the quality of the tours is also important. As suggested by many tourists, those tours listed in sapa tours are good choices for tourist’s reference.

Almost all payments in Hanoi and in all Vietnam are made in cash. The local currency in Vietnam is Vietnam Dong (VND). It is therefore important to always have a small bundle of cash on you when you go to restaurant or for shopping. The question then is: where to exchange money in Hanoi?

Here are the listed the best places to exchange money in Hanoi.

There are different types of places where you can exchange money in Hanoi. Some places are more convenient but the exchange rate is often not very good. In few places only, you will find a good exchange rate in Hanoi.

VND exchange rate

The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the Vietnamese official currency. The VND 10,000 is the smallest polymerised bill you’ll find on the street these days.  Coins of as low as VND 200 have long been phased out but you will find bills of 1000 VND and 2000 VND. The upper limit is the VND 500,000 bill.

Getting a grip on all those zeroes can be challenging for the first-time visitor to Vietnam. With a little time and practice, buying and spending Vietnamese dong becomes second nature to the Vietnam visitor.

The exchange rate of the VND is modeled on the exchange rate of the US dollar and also takes into account the rate of inflation. So, about thirty years ago, a few Dongs were enough to buy a bowl of soup (or Pho Bo). Today, with the effect of inflation, the price of a bowl of soup is about 30,000 VND.

Exchange money at Hanoi airport

A quick and easy way to exchange your currencies into Vietnam Dong is at the airport. In each international airport (including Hanoi airport and Ho Chi Minh City airport), you will find many counters at the exit  where it is possible to exchange money.

The biggest advantage of the airport is to be able to exchange almost any currency. The counters are also easily accessible upon your arrival in Vietnam and the service is fast. The counters are open from 6.30am to 9pm. 

The disadvantage of the airport is the exchange rate. The exchange rate is often disadvantageous. It is advisable to compare rates between each counter.

So, Hanoi airport is the most convenient way to exchange money in Hanoi but the exchange rate is not very good. That’s why we advise to exchange few currencies at the airport in order to take the taxi or the bus and exchange more money in Hanoi old quarter.

Exchange money in the bank in Hanoi

Banks in Hanoi can exchange money in Vietnam Dong. In big cities, it’s easy to find banks on every street corner. The advantages of banks in Vietnam is to be able to exchange money at an interesting rate. Banks are also very secure. It is therefore easier to exchange a large quantity of liquid safely. Most of the employees at the counters also speak English.

The disadvantage of banks in Hanoi is the opening schedule. Indeed, most banks open at 9:00 am and close around 17:00. It is therefore not possible to exchange money in the late evening. Also, the banks are closed on sunday in Vietnam.

In addition, banks do not allow to exchange all currencies in Vietnam. Euros and dollars are accepted by all banks.

Apart from US Dollars, many banks in Vietnam still exchange VND for these foreign currencies:

• Australian Dollar: 1 AUD ≈ 17,000 VND
• British Pound: 1 GBP ≈ 29,000
• Euro: 1 EUR ≈ 25,000 VND
• Canadian Dollar: 1 CAD ≈ 16,000 VND
• Japanese Yen: 1 JPY ≈ 200 VND
• Singaporean Dollar: 1 SGD ≈ 16,000 VND
• Taiwanese Dollar: 1 TWD ≈ 500 VND
• Hong Kong Dollar: 1 HKD ≈ 3,000 VND
• Swiss Franc: 1 CHF ≈ 22,000 VND
• New Zealand Dollars: 1 NZD ≈ 15,000 VND
• Thai : 1 THB ≈ 700 VND

Exchange money in a jewelery store in Hanoi

Most jewelery shops allow you to exchange money in Hanoi. They agree to do it at a very interesting rate and very close to the actual rate. Some jewelers have become specialists in money exchange in Hanoi and do not even sell jewelry anymore. These jewelry stores accept all currencies.

For example, in Hanoi, you can visit Quôc Trinh Jewelery at 27 Ha Trung Street, at 10-minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. You will see many tourists there to exchange money. The staff do not speak English but will take your money and show you the rate on a calculator. If you agree, your money will be exchanged to Vietnam Dong. 

Exchange money at the hotel in Hanoi

A simple and practical way to exchange money in Hanoi is to do it directly at your hotel. Most hotels agree to do this. Your hotel used to help their customers in order to simplify there stay in Vietnam. So, you can ask them to do many things and also to exchange your money.

The hotel will exchange your money at the actual rate without taking any commission.

However, the hotel will often not be able to exchange large sums of money because they do not have enough Vietnam Dong in the cash register. It is worth going through your hotel to exchange small amounts of money in Hanoi.

If you arrive late in Hanoi old quarter and you do not have any local currencies, exchange money at your hotel is the most convenient way to get local currencies.

Note that all the hotel do not accept to exhange money. The small and budget hotels will not accept to exchange money.

Take cash at the ATM

A simply way to get cash with local currencies it to take it at the ATM.

Most ATMs are connected to Visa and Mastercard networks. But do notice that a currency exchange fee and an ATM withdrawal fee will be applied.

Our advice is that you should ask your bank about the rules of getting cash advances overseas because the fee may be unfairly large.

There is no best time to visit Mai Chau but many different good times to visit Mai Chau. In this article, we will explain you when the ricefields are green and when they are yellow just before harvesting.

The idyllic and rural valley of Mai Chau is located at only 150 km from Hanoi but it’s like being in a parallel world. Fields and rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see, and the mountains blend into the horizon. The best time to visit Mai Chau is when the rice paddies are green or yellow because at some periods in the year, there are no rice crops anymore and this peacefull area is less beautiful.

The only soundtrack here comes from nature, the delicate song of birds, the roar of buffaloes, the cry of chickens and children playing freely in the fields. Although Mai Chau has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, it has kept its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

Best time to visit Mai Chau

The best time to visit Mai Chau is from April to May and even better from September to October, both in terms of climate and scenic beauty.

There are 2 rice harvests in Mai Chau and its surroundings. The rice is planted after Tet, in late January and early February. After that, the rice fields will be green from April until the end of June. At this period, you will have the chance to see many different types of green in the valley.

At the end of June, the rice will be harvested. It is the time of the first harvest. In Mai Chau, all the people work together and harvest the rice by hand which is a spectacular perfomance.

Then the rice is sown again in July and harvested in October. So, from August to October, it is also a good time to visit Mai Chau with green ricefields.

In terms of climate, the weather oscillates between showers and bright sunshine in April and May. The temperature average is around 25 and 30°C.

In June, temperatures and humidity rise up and become really hard to bear. Go for shorter walks and bike tours.

In August, the rice fields are very green, but it rains a lot. It is also very hot at this period with a temperature average around 32-35°C.

Then in September, the rain diminishes, the weather is cooler and the rice fields are again green until the second harvest in late September, early October.

The weather remains ideal for visiting the area until late November, but the landscape loses its luster once the rice is gone.

The winter in Mai Chau

From December to end February, it is cold (temperatures can drop below 15 degrees), the sky is overcast and it often has drizzle. At this period, there are no ricecrops anymore in Mai Chau. It is not a good time to visit Mai Chau. The ricefields will be brown and the farmers don’t work in the fields at this period.

Most of the people spend an overnight in a homestay in Mai Chau. Most of the year, the weather is pleasant in Mai Chau and people don’t need air conditioning in the room. In the winter, the nights in Mai Chau can be less comfortable because with temperatures under 15°C at night, it is very cold if you stay in a traditionnal wooden house from the Thai minorities.

What to see in Mai Chau

Mai Chau is located in a peaceful valley. Most of the people visit Mai Chau to enjoy the calm of the vietnamese countryside.

When you arrive in Mai Chau, you will have the chance to arrive at the top of a mountain with an amazing view on Mai Chau Valley. At this view point, there is a rock with a vietnamese flag. All the people who want to have a lucky trip in Mai Chau have to go on the top of this rock to enjoy the view.

In Mai Chau valley, there are a lot of small villages. The Viet people live around the main road and the Thai minorities live in small villages far from the main road. It is quite easy to find a homestay in Mai Chau. Also, it is possible to spend a night in a hotel. The most popular hotel in Mai Chau is Mai Chau ecolodge where people can spend an amazing night in an individual small house with all the modern comfort.

Mai Chau is a good place for easy trekking and learn more about the Thai traditions. Many people visit Mai Chau by bicycle which is a good choice because this area is flat. It is also possible to hire an electric car in Mai Chau for elderly.

Traveling to Southeast Asia may make you feel that everything just looks like the same, such as white-sand beaches, old temples, tourist traps, etc. Your mind can be changed after you visit Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Landing on here is like a new breath of fresh air. While Ho Chi Minh City attracts tourists by its vigorous and lively vibe, Hanoi helps them feel peaceful in heart and mind. The city is an amazing combination of modern living and traditional culture, which is suited to both extroverts and introverts. If you are the first-time visitor who’s concerned about what to do, when to visit, etc., then this post of Hanoi travel guide can ease your worry for sure !

How to get there ?

• By plane: Located about 45 kilometers North of Hanoi, Noi Bai International Airport serves as the main airport for domestic and international airlines. There are lots of regular flights which make it easy for tourists to choose from. Once you exit the airport, consider catching a metered taxi and mini-bus to reach any nearby hotel. But, if you’re still uncertain of using public conveyance, don’t mind requesting a hotel you’ve booked in advance to render airport service to you.
• By train: Making a trip to Hanoi by train is also a nice idea because the city’s prime train station is not far from the centre of Hoan Kiem Lake. But, make sure that you check the cost’s ticket and route before departure.
• By bus: Hanoi is a large transportation hub. You can catch the first-class sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi with an affordable price.

When is the best time to visit Hanoi ?

The city is endowed with 4 distinctive seasons. So, the time for departure partly depends on your travel purpose and your desirable activities once checking in here. In general, saying Hello to Hanoi in spring or autumn (from October to December) to enjoy cooler weather and avoid heat is a good choice. Or, you may stay away from the rainy season by making a travel plan between October and April. If watching many colorful parades and joining in temple celebrations are your main goals for this vacation, then make sure to arrive during Tet Holiday, which often takes place in late January or early February.

What to do ?

Visit the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution 

Situated at Tong Dan Street, this museum will be worth an arrival, if you are particularly interested in how Hanoi was in the past and the country’s revolutionary history. Events from 1858 to 1945 are mainly highlighted here. Although many artifacts in the museum are fascinating enough to get high attention from viewers, these simply aim for a less emotional and shocking pitch than those artifacts in War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City. Thus, items and documents here don’t fully convey the raw zeal which historical events occurred.

Go around Hoan Kiem Lake

Also called Lake of the Restored Sword, this place gets its name famous for an interesting legend. It was about Le Loi King who used the sword – a gift from heaven – to fight against a neighboring country and won a noble victory. One day, when taking a boat trip around the Thuy Quan Lake, a giant tortoise rose above water and asked him to return the sword to the Dragon King. He then threw the sword to the lake without any hesitancy. And the name “Hoan Kiem” started from then on.
In general, from dawn to dusk, the lake is full of exciting activities. If waking up early, you can see lots of the elder and young people taking exercise or practicing Tai-chi. The afternoon is an ideal time to rent a cyclo and go around the lake with a handy camera. Once the sun goes down, it is easy to watch couples sitting on long benches to have sweet conversations or going for a stroll hand in hand along the lake.

Drop by the Temple of Literature

Just about a 10-minute walk away from Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature is another must-see destination you should not miss. It is considered the first university in Vietnam, which also serves as a monument to dozens of high-rank scholars. Visiting this temple gives you a chance to not only admire its classic architecture, but also learn more about its cultural and historic values. The opening time ranges from 8.00 AM to 5 PM with admission fee about 20,000 VND for adults and 10,000 VND for kids.

Watch a show of Water Puppet

A trip to the Northern Vietnam will not be complete without watching a performance of water puppetry. It is actually a traditional Vietnamese art form, dating back many centuries. A show tends to be performed in a pool of water, where the wooden puppets are manually controlled by skillful and talented artists. It basically displays the daily life of farmers (cultivating, catching fishes, harvesting, etc.), historical legends, or even communal festivals (dragon dancing, swimming contest, etc..).

You are able to buy tickets and enjoy water puppet performances in 2 main theatres, including Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Vietnam Puppet Theatre. Going with children is also a good way to help them enhance their knowledge and bring them excitement.

Haggle at one of Dong Xuan night market

If your hotel or guest house is within the Old Quarter, and you would like to discover how nightlife in the city is, then head towards Dong Xuan night market now! You can find anything in this market, from sweets, salted dry fruit (ô mai), to clothes, stationeries, decorations, and toys. Even shopping is not your main purpose, roaming around to feel the atmosphere, savoring some snack, and chatting with other friends are highly recommended.

Halong Bay is one of the places that have the greatest number of magnificent and mysterious caves in Vietnam. Thanks to the pristine feature of those caves, they have attracted a wide range of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Here is the list of top most beautiful caves in Halong bay that you should not miss when paying a visit to this beautiful place.

1. Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave)

Trinh Nu Cave, along with other caves in the same cave system such as Sung Sot Cave, Dong Tien Lake, Luon Cave, is located on Bo Hon Island, which is about 15 kilometers from Bai Chay of Halong Bay.

In the past, the French came here and called this cave as La Vierge (Virgin Cave). On the other hand, this cave is called “Trinh Nu Cave” by the Vietnamese.
For the fishermen, Trinh Nu Cave is always their cozy home but for the lovers, this cave is even a symbol of their love.
On entering this cave, you can easily see a stone statue of a girl lying in the center of the cave. The girl statue is very lively with long hair and the hoping, miserable look in her eyes.

Opposite of Trinh Nu Cave is Trong Cave (or Male Cave). Inside Trong Cave is a stone statue of a man looking at the girl statue. You can even feel the despairing scream of the man and the sound of his knocking the stone wall for endless times.

2. Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave is one of the most beautiful caves of Halong Bay. This cave is located on Bo Hon Island, which is in the center of Halong Bay. Every year, Sung Sot Cave attracts a great number of visitors, who come here to contemplate its spectacular and magnificent beauty.
Before entering the cave, you must pass the long stone staircases to pass the luxuriant forests. Tourists will have an interesting opportunity of climbing the mountain.

The total area of Sung Sot Cave is 10 000 kilometer square. Inside the cave is a wide range of stalagmites and stalactites in mysterious and weird shapes. You may be overwhelmed when contemplating the pristine beauty of this fairy-tale-cave.

The French used to call this cave as “Grotte Des Surprises” (The cave of surprises) thanks to its unique feature. When visiting caves in Halong Bay, you should not forget to explore and contemplate the marvelous beauty of this cave.

3. Dau Go Cave

It can be said that Dau Go Cave is the center of ancient architecture and little stalagmites and stalactites. It is such a wonderful experience to admire the picturesque beauty of Halong Bay in this spectacular cave.

From the far away, you can see the blue entrance of Dau Go Cave, which looks like the blue jellyfish in the center of Halong Bay. You must pass 90 stone staircases to enter the cave entrance.

On standing at Dau Go Cave’s entrance, you will feel as if standing in front of a magnificent and luxurious castle with marvelous architecture.

4. Hanh Cave

5. Luon Cave

Luon Cave is located on Bo Hon Island, which is about 14 kilometers to the South of Bai Chay. The location of this cave is a steep rock with quiet crystalized water.

The total length of Luon Cave is about 60 meters, and the cave’s ceiling is between 2.5 meters and 4 meters, depending on the water level. On entering the cave, if the level of water is high, you must lower your head to pass it. This must be the reason why the cave is called “Luon” in Vietnamese. The cave’s ceiling has so many beautiful and magnificent stalactites that you will surprise and amaze by the talent of Mother Nature.

After passing the entrance, you will see a large lake surrounded by luxuriant forest and spectacular mountains. It can be said that the beauty of Luon Cave is such a masterpiece of nature.

6. Tam Cung Cave

7. Thien Cung Cave

8. Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave)

Halong Bay is situated in the Northeastern part of Vietnam, its weather is different in 4 seasons but it can be mainly divided into cold dry winter and hot humid summer. If you are looking for the best time to visit Halong Bay, you are on the right page.

Winter in Halong Bay lasts from November to March which lead to cold weather, getting colder in Jan, Feb… not ideal for swimming. The foggy days or strong monsoon are also visible this time. Despite of this season feature, this time rises as high season of Halong Bay tourism. The temperature is from 12ºC to 20ºC

Summer time lasts from May to early September, as other part of Northern Vietnam, the Bay is sunny and hot for swimming under clear blue sky. There is light rain in some days and even unexpected typhoon that might cancel your trip. Temperature rises from 25ºC. Summer promotion rate can be found during this time.

Spring (March, April) and Fall ( September, October) seems to be the best time to visit Halong bay, the weather is cool and you enjoy the best time of the year.

It is fine to visit Halong Bay all year around. Even though there are some unexpected cases leading to trip cancellation. Each season will bring you a different feeling that you will never forget.  The best time to visit Halong Bay really depends on your own definition of a perfect trip.

It’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly based on your preferences for weather conditions. Keep in mind that Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination, and certain times of the year may be busier with tourists.

Peak Season in Halong Bay :

Anytime is the best time to visit Halong Bay but some months receive more visitors than the others. The peak season falls on December and January – the months that coincide with Christmas and New Year break. Other months that also see busy lines of travellers include October, November, February, March and April. During these months, the weather is also most suitable to visit Halong Bay.

Halong Bay, does not have a distinct peak season, as it is a popular destination throughout the year. However, the weather can vary, and different times of the year may offer slightly different experiences.

Low season in Halong Bay :

The period from May to September is often considered as low season for international travellers in Halong Bay. Besides the glowing sun – which makes it perfect for water based activities, the uncrowded beach and various cruise promotions are all attractive reasons for you to plan your holiday around this time of the year.

What is the best time to visit Halong Bay ?

The best time to visit Halong Bay is generally from October to April. During this period, Halong Bay experiences milder temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

1. October to November: This is the beginning of the dry and cool season. The weather is generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures and clear skies. It’s a great time for cruising and exploring the bay.
2. December to February: Winter months in Halong Bay bring cooler temperatures, but it’s still a good time to visit. While it can be misty and cool, the scenery is often dramatic, and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak season.
3. March to April: Spring is another excellent time to visit Halong Bay. The weather starts to warm up, and nature comes alive with blossoming flowers. The skies are often clear, providing ideal conditions for enjoying the bay’s beauty.

Keep in mind that Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination, so the number of visitors may increase during holidays and special events. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April). However, even during the busier months, Halong Bay’s breathtaking scenery is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Book your cruise with the best service :

Jacky Vietnam Travel will give you advice to book the best cruise on Halong Bay with the best service. We have also the lowest prices for Halong Bay cruise with good quality service. We will take care of you like our own family.

Please, take a look at our Halong Bay Cruises :

Halong Bay Cruises

New experience : catching fish in Tam Coc

With our new guests, we went to Tam Coc for a new experience in the Ninh Binh province. There, after discovering the beautiful landscapes of this part of Vietnam, our guets could try to learn how to fish in the rivers of Tam Coc. Our guide brought them to the river and told them how they had to fish with smal wooden baskets. It is a traditionnal way to fish in Vietnam.

Our guests enjoyed a lot catching fish in the river ! They were wet but happy !

Our guests were very good fishermen or very lucky because they catched a lot of fish ! This was impressive !

Staying overnight at bungalow

After fishing party, our guest went to the bungalow near the mountains of Ninh Binh. These confortable bungalows provided a peaceful experience. Staying overnight in the middle of the vietnamese nature is wonderful. Our guests were glad to stay there and enjoyed a lot the local food of Ninh Binh. For dinner, they could taste the fish they catched in the river !

If you want to have the same new experience in Tam Coc as our guests, please contact us and we will give you more details.

Alisa Silversea Cruise – named of Princess of the Sea, features 21 modern and luxury cabins with spectacular Ocean view, will offer a highest standard level of staffs, services as well as material bases. Our responsibility is to provide luxury cruising with various kind of cabins located at three floors: Double/Twin Suite Ocean View – Triple Suite Ocean View and Family connecting, maximum comforts and services to not only passengers but also partners in the long term business relationships.

Silversea cruise and Halong Bay from Flycam

This is the view from the Silversea Cruise at Halong Bay :

Booking a 2 days / 1 night tour with the Alisa Silversea Cruise is the best way to enjoy the beautiful view of Halong Bay. You will enjoy the sunset and the sunrise.

Boat Cabins :

This boat has 18 cabins. 40 passengers can sleep on board in confortables cabins. Here are some photos of the cabins :

#2298

#2297

#2296

#2295

If you want to book a 2 days / 1 night tour with us, please contact us by Facebook or by e-mail.