Vietnam

  • Asia,  China,  Japan,  TDM,  Tips,  Vietnam

    October 2020 Favorites: Books to discover Asian Culture

    We aren’t (yet) confined to Italy but it is surely only a matter of weeks, considering the curve of positive coronavirus cases. I have a rather long list of books to read, but I will give you the books I have already read and loved, to accompany you during the evenings of confinement. This month, we will talk about books or films that help us better understand Asian (or Eastern) culture and beliefs. The list I give you isn’t mainstream. It’s not a list of Asian bestsellers, on the contrary. Journey to the East by Nguyên Phong (link): Since I am Vietnamese, I start with a Vietnamese author, whom I…

  • Around the world,  Asia,  Country Guides,  During the World Tour,  Preparations,  TDM,  Vietnam

    Which visa for Vietnam? Visa Exemption, Visa on Arrival, e-Visa

    Type of visa Duration Entries Cost Validity Possible extension ? Visa exemption 15 days 1 0€ All border crossings No e-visa 30 days 1 25$ Some border crossings Yes but expensive Visa to be applied for at theVietnameseembassy inFrance 30 days 1 60€ Yes 30 days Multiple 80€ Yes 90 days 1 80€ Yes 90 days Multiple 130€ Yes Visa on Invitation 30 days 1 50$ Yes 30 days Multiple 55$ Yes 90 days 1 70$ Yes 90 days Multiple 75$ Yes Visa exemption The visa waiver for a maximum of 15 days applies to citizens of the following countries: France, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Germany,…

  • Asia,  Storytime,  TDM,  Vietnam

    [story time] My family home in Hanoi in the 90’s

    I never met my maternal great-grandfather, but I was told his story last year. He was born into a poor family in the country. At that time, every village had a teacher, called Ông đồ. Only wealthy families could send their children to the village teacher. My great-grandfather worked for this teacher and while tending the garden, he was able to listen to some classes. He was very intelligent and was able to assimilate the lessons himself and learn to write. When the teacher noticed, he gave him some private lessons for free. His resourcefulness was such that years later he was able to buy his first piece of land…

  • Asia,  TDM,  Tips,  Vietnam

    News: Vietnam and Coronavirus: Drastic measures & Quarantine

    Updated : 16/03/2020 To give a bit of info about Vietnam, since I am Vietnamese and read the articles in Vietnamese. On the French forums, I am told about “drastic measures” in Vietnam at the moment – without knowing the reason. So I’m going to bring you more information because you won’t necessarily find it in French. On March 2, 2020, while the country was no longer registering new cases, a Vietnamese woman carrying the virus returned to Vietnam (case n°17) – after having travelled through Italy, France and England(source en fr). After trying to hide her itinerary and trying to hide at home, she had to be hospitalized on…

  • Around the world,  Asia,  Country Guides,  During the World Tour,  TDM,  Tips,  Vietnam

    A day in Hanoi (Vietnam) off the beaten track

    I was supposed to return to Ha Noi at the end of February and organize a day of accompanied visit for some digital nomads present at the same time in Ha Noi, but our flight was cancelled and we couldn’t find an economical alternative flight. So, here is the program that I was planning to organize in Ha Noi, off the beaten track:The idea is to discover the places frequented by the locals and not stay only around the 36 streets of the old neighborhood Morning Breakfast is very important for Vietnamese people. Instead of eating a Phở like all the other tourists, why not try other things. Vietnamese people…

  • Around the world,  Asia,  Country Guides,  During the World Tour,  Our Itinerary,  TDM,  Tips,  Vietnam

    Itinerary 19 days in Vietnam – North to Center: Ha Noi, Ha Long, Ha Giang, Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An

    Here is the program we have planned for the trip of a friend, who came to Vietnam for the first time. We chose to replace Sa Pa with Ha Giang, for a more authentic and wow experience. As Ha Long Bay is one of the priorities of his visit to Vietnam, we have chosen to incorporate a 3 day 2 night boat tour, allowing us to visit both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, which is also less known and less frequented. Ha Noi being my hometown, I chose to come back to Ha Noi between 2 big excursions. It is the ideal place to recharge your batteries, because…

  • Around the world,  Asia,  China,  Country Guides,  During the World Tour,  TDM,  Tips,  Vietnam

    [Travel Guide] Itinerary 19 days in China, from Beijing to Hanoi in Independent (Bus, Train, Plane) – from China to Vietnam

    Even if we were not interested in China during our 1st World Tour (in favor of the Philippines), we decided to go there anyway during our 2nd World Tour. Here is the 19 days itinerary that I recommend for China. The idea is to cross China from Beijing to Vietnam. Beijing (3 days) Datong (2 days) Xian (2 days) Zhangjiajie (4 days) Phoenix City (4 days) Yangshuo (2 days) Ghangzhou (1.5 days) Hanoi or Hong Kong & Macau, your choice Comments on the itinerary Everything can be done by train or bus, but I put a few trips by plane (if your finances allow) because I consider this particular train…

  • Asia,  Storytime,  TDM,  Travel Journal,  Vietnam

    [story time] My Experience as an Apprentice Seamstress in Vietnam

    Today, we continue the series [story time]. In the previous episode, I was on an exchange semester in Australia, in Sydney in 2009. At the end of this semester, I could no longer stay in Australia, not having found a job, nor could I return to France (no longer having a visa). So I went back to Vietnam in 2010, at my parents’ home in Hà Nội. Completely confused, not knowing what to do with my life. A Vietnamese girlfriend was in the same case as me, she who dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. And for that, she wanted to take sewing classes first and suggested that I go…

  • Asia,  TDM,  Travel Journal,  Vietnam

    Da Lat (Vietnam): The most romantic city in Vietnam

    In Vietnam, Da Lat is associated with romanticism. It is normal! Da Lat is the number one destination for honeymooners. It also evokes ghosts, it is also the most popular filming location for Vietnamese horror movies. Part 1: Travel Diary Part2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Diary In this travel diary that goes back in time, I tell you about our stay in this beautiful city, which JB and I visited in December 2013. This is only the 2nd time I visit Da Lat. The first time being in 2006 or 2007, with my family. I liked it very much, and I wanted to go back there with JB. What…

  • Asia,  TDM,  Travel Journal,  Vietnam

    Sapa (Vietnam): Rice Terraces and Minority Ethnic Groups (travel book + guide)

    We continue to discover Vietnam through the photos of my trip in 2010 with JB. With the Ha Long Bay, Sapa is a must-see destination in the North of Vietnam. For this trip of 3 days 3 nights (including two in the train), we went through one of the many tourist agencies. Part 1: Travel Diary Part 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Diary Day 1: Departure from Hanoi By reserving the tour, our agency gives us two train tickets and we manage to go to the station and take the SP3 train which leaves for Lao Cai at 9:55 pm. No meal is proposed, the train is comfortable (and…