Dos and Don'ts in Laos

If you are travelling to Laos, either for a short visit or for a longer stay, it is important to know what you should or shouldn’t do in this country. Indochina tours Laos
Foreigners can sometimes find it difficult to navigate the cultural norms of Lao culture, especially first time visitors. Knowing what might be considered offensive to the Lao people can help avoiding troubles and embarrassment.
Laotians are hospitable, friendly and soft people. They have a very relaxed attitude to life. You should have no troubles navigating Lao culture and interacting with locals as long as you use your head, eyes and your common sense. Laos travel packages
Compiled here are some tips I think might be useful. Some might be similar to those available elsewhere on the internet, and some are my own suggestions.

Dos:
- Practice a formal greeting for Lao people such as the “Nop” and handshakes
- Dress and behave modestly , especially in religious shrines or temples
- Keep you head lower than Buddha and monks.
- Take your shoes off and leave them outside the house or on stairs when entering a Lao person;s home
- Accept any water that Lao people serve you even if you don’t want to drink.
Don’ts
- Touch Lao people’s heads
- Expose too much skin
- Wear shoes in temple Buildings
- Touch the Buddha
- Turn your back on the Buddha
- Use plastic bags and return rubbish to towns or villages.
- Raise your voice to Lao people, especially in public.
- Expose the feet when sitting down, rest the feet on tables or chairs and gesture with the feet.
- Step over someone and food

Weddings in Cambodia

Weddings in Cambodia
Weddings are important events in Cambodia. Rural Cambodians often use matchmakers and have arranged marriages, while city kids increasingly choose love matches. Premarital sex is considered unacceptable — for women, at least — and divorce, while easy to obtain, is uncommon. Most Khmer young people marry before the age of 25, and women in the provinces often get married as teenagers. Travel Indochina Cambodia
A traditional wedding is a complicated and expensive affair that can go on for days, requiring multiple intricate outfits and lots of very early morning wake-up calls. A wedding usually lasts three days, with many different ceremonies relating to ancient mythical Khmer stories that are done in a specific order to join the bride and groom in matrimony. Some weddings can last a week while others are only a day long, determined usually by the wealth of the parties involved.
Even if you don’t know any Cambodians when you first arrive, you’ll find that you’re often invited to weddings. Unlike Western weddings, where the guest lists are closely monitored, Cambodians will often invite all and sundry to their weddings, hoping to make the affair as large and impressive as possible. When foreigners are invited to weddings they are usually only invited to certain portions that are meant for an audience, or to the final evening celebration. In the cities, these are often held in large halls or on the street under a canopy. Tours in Cambodia
Khmer Wedding
In Khmer wedding, it has a lot of ceremonies held in chronological orders. They show the historical roots related to the Buddha’s period which existed ages ago. According to a book “Khmer Wedding Rules” of Oknha Nov, it puts that in ancient Khmer wedding laws, people perform a song describing God Vesandor Borom Pothisat arranging the marriage between his children – Chealy and Kroesna. And some other songs are about the marriage arrangement of God Ream and Seda. Oknha Nov wrote that the current wedding preparations are arranged according to the rules drawn up by King Preah Chey Chesda Thebdey.
According to the king’s book, it puts that all ceremonies in Khmer wedding are related to mythical stories such as a story "Som Sla Kanseng". It is told that there were two men who went to feed their buffalos in the field would like to make friends with each other and wanted to be relative by marriage with each other because one had a son and the other had a daughter. In order to prove their words, they ask for betel nuts packed in krama from each other to show their promise that their children would marry to each other.
Another story is “the three betel flowers”. It describes that there were four men who had different skills – swimming, shooting, fortune telling, and magic. After completing their study, they returned home. Along the way back near a stream, the fortune teller said that day they were going to meet a girl and become their wife. Then a big bird swooped down on a girl, Khemry, who was having a bath. Right away the shooting man took his bow and shot the bird down back to the stream.
The swimmer then swam to bring her to the ground but she was just dead. After that the magic man helped her be alive again. All four men felt in love with the lad, so they were judged by the Buddha that she would become a wife of someone who swam to help her because he was able to touch her body first. And the fortune teller, magic man, and shooting man would become the father, mother, and brother respectively. Since then in all weddings, the bride and the groom must have three betel flowers in order to show gratitude towards their parents and brothers/sisters.
Setting-the-date ceremony and the groom holding the scarf are told that Prince Thaong was married to Princess Tevtey, a daughter of the sea dragon king. After setting the date already, Tevtey had to bring him to her father at dragon world, so the sea dragon’s daughter asked the prince to hold her scarf in order to dive into the dragon world. In the meanwhile, the dragon king commanded his man to kill the prince at the gate in order to test the prince’s ability. But the daughter had known this; hence, she disguised herself as the prince by changing her skirt and it was put on the prince instead so that the killer was not able to kill the prince. That is why in the current Khmer wedding it was seen that there is clothes change between the groom and the bride, and the groom holding the bride’s scarf in to the room, accompanied by “Phat Cheay and Neang Neak” songs, etc.

People in Mekong delta

LIFESTYLE OF PEOPLE IN MEKONG DELTA
Mekong Delta not only owns beautiful scenery of bright sunshine, blue sky and fresh air but also frenetic and exciting lifestyle of people here. Highlighted by the livelihood supported by the waterways of Mekong River, the lifestyle in Mekong Delta owns rustic appeal but dynamic and exotic beauty. Indochina tours Vietnam
People in Mekong Delta have various ways of living. Most of population live in the flat plains near the river and the other part live their floating lives. People living on land earn livings by farming and feeding. They gather to form villages or hamlets and keep close-connection between people in the same hamlet and among hamlets. These people live on planting wet rice, fruits or other agricultural products and feed the castles or making handicraft. Each province is famous for a particular product, for example, Ben Tre fames for its coconut candies and a variety made from coconut, Vinh Long becomes well-known with the making of conical leaf hats. Another traditional and unique way of living in Mekong Delta is floating lives. It has been clearly and vividly described in the famous movie “Floating lives”. These people accommodate on houseboats, moving their boats between fields to fish or feed castles in flood season of Mekong River.
MekongRiverattaches with many daily activities of people in Mekong Delta. The most beautiful and outstanding image of this lifestyle is floating market. Hundreds of boats gathering on the water surface, each sells a particular product: watermelon, pineapple, avocado, durian or plum, making the crowded and frenetic scenery. Mekong delta tours Vietnam

Under the influence of reclamation, people of Mekong Delta have some common and typical characteristics. First of all, people in Mekong Delta are very strong-determined and hard-working. In the process of improving the soil and forming fields or orchards, people have to fight against the harsh nature which made people here not only strong-determined but also creative and sensible. In addition, the wealth of this land produced generous and hospitable people who are always welcome guests with their all sincere heart. One of the evidences is that houses in Mekong Delta are often higher, wider and more open to the outside world as compared to ones in the North and the Central. Moreover, they are quite flexible in many fields of daily life. For example, people in Mekong Delta prefer wearing simple clothes which are convenient and comfortable.
People in Mekong Delta live friendly with the environment. In the early days of settling, natural conditions had strong influence on their lives. For survival, people had to learn the way to adapt and get on well with the new environment. As a result, they got experience to exploit properly and treat friendly with environment. The precious experience has been inherited from generations to generations.
COMMON AND OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE IN MEKONG DELTA
Mekong Delta - the meeting point of favorable natural conditions, international waterways and different cultures has built up a common and outstanding characteristic of people here - FORGIVENESS. This characteristic has lead to three main results that directly affect the culture, belief and values of people in Mekong Delta.
1. Forgiveness
First of all, forgiveness has lead to the multi-culture of Mekong Delta. During the reclaiming time, different ethnics with different culture and customs co-inhabit in a land; therefore, they had to accept and respect the others’ difference. Nowadays, ethnics live together in harmony; each has its own culture and lifestyle.
Secondly, different religions co-exist in the highest density in the country in Mekong Delta. There are at least four religions of Buddhism, Muslim, Christianity and Hindu in this land. Especially, there has been the interaction among different religions.
Thirdly, characteristic of people in Mekong Delta is the unity of extremely opposite characters. For example, people in Mekong Delta work extremely hard and then play excessively hard. Interestingly, when they love someone, they will show all their hearts and souls for the other; however, if they hate someone, they even do not want to look at or talk with that one. This characteristic of people in Mekong Delta conflicts with people in the north who favored harmony and equivocacy.
2. Dynamic
The dynamic in characteristic of people in Mekong Delta is a result of many factors.
First of all, Mekong Delta is a multi-cultural land, and the interaction between cultures is quite strong. Moreover, Mekong Delta has a long time under the governance of French colony and then the influence of American culture (in the 19th and 20th century). Secondly, the first immigrants into Mekong Delta are almost the unlucky ones (poor and low social status). Therefore, they had to struggle to survive: fight with harsh nature, find new ways to fish and farm. Due to the above reasons, almost people in Mekong Delta are dynamic which is reflected in their lifestyle.
Firstly, people in Mekong Delta are easily to change their places of living. They do not attach their whole life with a particular village like people in the north. If their current living place is not favorable, they will move to more fertile land to live and farm. It is also easy for people in Mekong Delta to change their jobs.
The dynamic in characteristic of people in Mekong Delta leads to many results. First of all, they are easily to adapt the new things (cuisine, costume, custom). The second result of the dynamic is the creativity. Their creativity is represented in innovations in fishing and farming as well as producing. Moreover, the dynamic is also the encouragement for the development of commerce and trading. While people in the north consider commerce as something bad, people in Mekong Delta. Last but not least, people in Mekong Delta have risk-taking spirit in doing business.
3. Emotional and righteous
The long history of reclamation has also formed the characteristics of emotional and righteous of people in Mekong Delta. People from difference lands came here, living and helping each other. As a result, people here respect relationship between them. They can make friend easily and promise to share happiness as well as sorrow. People in Mekong Delta are quite reckless but righteous. They are not afraid of the death; they are ready die for their brothers and friends. Especially, the way people here express their love is very drastic and direct which is reflected in folk-song: “Even if I die, I will never leave you behind” or “As this night is so nice, could you let me sleep beside?”
Emotional and righteous, people in Mekong Delta disregard for money because for them, strings attached people are the most important. They can give everything they have to others who are in need because they believe that property is easy come and easy go.
Emotional and righteous, people in Mekong Delta are amazingly hospitable. Any comes are also considered friend and warmly welcomed. People here will serve guests the best things they have because making guests happy and satisfied is their happiness.
Emotional and righteous, people in Mekong Delta are straightforward and blunt. They say what they think without considering about losing other’s face. For them, love or hate should be clearly expressed; there is no place for neutral attitude.

South Central Laos travel

South Central Laos travel
Perhaps, you don’t know that many travelers have returned to the South Central Laos several times, and each time is enjoyable. Why? Within this fascinating region, the two must-see destinations should always be Tham Khoun Xe Cave – the largest river cave in Laos, and Savannakhet. In particular, the Laos adventure tours to Tham Khoun Xe Cave amaze the visitors with the extraordinary rocky structures, magical river cave, and age-old tropical forest. Travel Indochina Laos

Set in the far-off land at the center of Laos, the Cave owns the unbeatable grandeur that makes you feel like you’re standing in a paradise cave. Remarkably, the boat trips to the Cave are appealing to all nature lovers who now can witness the magical interior of rocks that are in harmony with transparent water and green forest surrounding. Convincingly, during this kind of Laos adventure tours, the adventurers feel exciting to be the small parts of the giant paradise cave. Sightseeing and photographing herein are matchless. The naturally formed Cave is unrivaled and imposing enough to feast every eye and wow all of your senses.
How about the Laos package tours in Savannakhet? The town has many impressive temples, French-style buildings, scenic rice fields, and delicious Khmer cuisine, of course. Savannakhet is the idyllic shelter for everybody to rest and revive. Provided that you’re long for the inner peace of mind, just opt for the Laos package tours to the South Central Laos; and please, remember to see the majestic Tham Khoun Xe Cave as well as lively Savannakhet! They are all worth an exploration with the countless surprises to exhilarate you thoroughly. Let’s see them without delay! Laos travel packages

SAVANNAKHET
SAVANNAKHET (known locally as “Savan”) is Laos’s third-largest city after Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and the surrounding area that makes up Savannakhet province, stretching from the Mekong River to the Annamite Mountains, is Laos’s most populous region; for centuries the inhabitants fought off designs on their territory from both Vietnam and Thailand. The city is also southern Laos’s most visited provincial capital, its popularity with travellers due in part to its central location on the overland route between Vientiane and Pakse and between Thailand and Vietnam, the two countries linked to each other by a 240km-long road carved by the French. Aside from being an important junction, Savannakhet also possesses very impressive architecture, and is a major staging post for jungle treks and cycling tours.
Savannakhet’s inhabitants, as travellers who have recently arrived from Vietnam are quick to note, are much mellower than their neighbours east of the Annamite Mountains, despite the fact that a large percentage of the town’s population is ethnic Vietnamese, descendants of entrepreneurs who migrated to Laos during French rule. Most have been living here for generations and consider themselves to be more Lao than Vietnamese in habit and temperament.
THAKHEK
Less visited than Savannakhet to the south, THAKHEK, capital of Khammouane province, is gradually gaining popularity as the best base to explore the nearby Mahaxai Caves and karst formations, and the massive Khammouane Limestone NBCA. It is also an entry point into Laos from Nakhon Phanom in Thailand, as well as being a good place to break the long journey down Route 13 to Savannakhet.
Take a short walk out from Thakhek’s tiny town square and you’ll find crumbling French villas, overgrown gardens, and an almost haunted atmosphere pervading the too-wide streets. It’s hard to believe that during the Second Indochina War, Thakhek was a sort of Havana on the Mekong, with visiting Thais flocking to its riverbank casino; these days, it’s Nakhon Phanom on the opposite bank that’s the big metropolis. Separated only by the Mekong River, the two Lao peoples living on each bank couldn’t have a more different way of life.
For most visitors this lost-in-time atmosphere is the main draw. There are a few nice colonial-era buildings around the town square, and on Chao Anou Road, north of the square, is a fine row of 1920s shophouses featuring interlocking swastika designs of moulded stucco (although this Hindu motif appears in Lao weaving, it is rare in Lao architecture). Between Chao Anou and Setthathilat is a large temple, Wat Nabo.
Thakhek’s main attraction is 6km to the south and easily reached by tuk-tuk. Known locally as Muang Kao, Wat Pha That Sikhotabong is one of the country’s holiest pilgrimage sites and a great scenic spot, especially at sunset. The third lunar month, which usually falls in July, is the best time to visit, when the temple celebrates its annual bun and a carnival-like atmosphere prevails.
Thakhek’s roots date back to the Chenla and Funan empires. The name Thakhek, which means “Visitor’s Landing”, is relatively new, but is a reference to the town’s importance as far back as the eighth century. As Sikhotabong, and later Lakhon, Thakhek was a principality spanning both banks of the Mekong, and a hub for trade routes connecting civilizations in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. Its former spiritual centre, the shrine of That Phanom, is now in present-day Thailand and is still the holiest site in ethnically Lao northeastern Thailand. When the kingdom of Lane Xang was formed under the leadership of Fa Ngum in the fourteenth century, Sikhotabong’s governor oversaw the southern extent of the Lao empire. Under the French, the town became an administrative outpost with a bustling Vietnamese community: the colonial administration thought that an influx of Vietnamese workers was the key to finally turning a profit on their sparsely populated Lao territory. By the 1940s, the town was 85 percent Vietnamese. After the revolution, large numbers of these Vietnamese families fled across the Mekong to Nakhon Phanom on the opposite bank, with the result that Thakhek has slipped into being the sleepy Lao town it is today.

Travel to Nha Trang

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s favourite party town, but has many hidden charms for those who delve deeper and explore its museums, aquariums and rich ethnic culture. Within striking distance in the hinterland are several important sites where the ancient Cham culture has left its mark. What is more, Nha Trang is serviced by daily flights from Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, making a relaxing beach holiday within easy reach when the big cities start to grate on your nerves. Travel Indochina Vietnam
Forming a magnificent sweeping arc, Nha Trang's 6km-long golden sand beach is the city's trump card. Various sections are roped-off and designated for swimmers (where you won't be bothered by jetskis or boats). The turquoise water is fabulously inviting, and the promenade a delight to stroll.
Two popular lounging spots are the Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewhouse. If you head south of here, the beach gets quieter and it’s possible to find a stretch of sand to yourself.
The best beach weather is generally before 1pm, as the afternoon sea breezes can whip up the sand. Tours in Vietnam
During heavy rains, run-off from the rivers at each end of the beach flows into the bay, gradually turning it a murky brown. Most of the year, however, the sea is just like it appears in the brochures.
[caption id="attachment_179" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Beach Scene, Tropics, Pacific ocean[/caption]
Places to visit in Nha Trang and around
Po Nagar
On a hill above the Cai River, at the city’s northern entrance, stands the majestic temple of the famous Cham sanctuary, Po Nagar. The 25m (82ft) main tower is dedicated to the Cham goddess Po Yan Inu Nagar, the ‘Holy Mother’ of the Champa kingdom, and considered to be Shiva’s female form. Her statue resides in the main temple, but it was decapitated during French rule; the original head now resides in the Guimet Museum in Paris. Only four of the sanctuary’s original eight temples, all of which face east (symbolising life, renewal and purification with the sunrise), remain standing.
Dam Market
Some of Nha Trang’s most interesting French-colonial architecture and crumbling 19th-century Chinese houses can be seen around Dam Market (Cho Dam), near the Cai River. This former Chinese quarter is truly the most underrated part of town. The busy market sees surprisingly few foreign tourists, and is a welcome contrast to the rest of the modernised city – and a great place to snack on local food.
Alexandre Yersin Museum
The Pasteur Institute, on the seafront at 10D Tran Phu Street, was founded in 1895 by Dr Alexandre Yersin (1863–1943), a French microbiologist, military doctor, explorer and overall Renaissance man. Having discovered the link between rats, fleas and eventually the bacteria that cause bubonic plague (later renamed Yersinia pestis in his honour), Yersin built a laboratory to manufacture the serum for the disease, and the lab later became an official branch of the Pasteur Institute. The small Alexandre Yersin Museum attached to the institute displays many of his personal effects, furniture, documents and antique laboratory equipment (including an enormous telescope).
Khanh Hoa Museum
A few doors down from the Pasteur Institute is the small Khanh Hoa Museum (Bao Tang Khanh Hoa) at 16D Tran Phu Street. The museum’s left wing contains relics from the Xom Con (about 3,000 years old), the Dong Son (c.2,000 BC–AD 200) and Cham cultures. The most unusual item is the ancient musical instrument similar to a marimba which is estimated to be 3,000 years old.
Oceanographic Institute
Beside Cau Da Port, to the south of the city, is the Oceanographic Institute (Vien Hai Duong Hoc), founded in 1923 and housed in a large French-colonial complex. The institute has a dozen large, open tanks – most notable are the prowling sharks, inquisitive rays and the seemingly oblivious sea turtles.
Hon Tre
From Nha Trang Beach, the outline of large Hon Tre (Bamboo Island) in the distance is clearly visible. The island is dominated by the Vinpearl Land Amusement Park and Vinpearl Resort. A cable car departs from Phu Quy Port and delivers visitors 3,320m (10,892ft) across the bay to the centre of the amusement park. If you find the idea of a 10-minute cable-car ride daunting, take the ferry instead (20 minutes) from Phu Quy Port. The park contains a number of rides and a rollercoaster, games area, water park, shopping centre and restaurants. The crowning feature of the park is the modern Underwater World, with more than 20 tanks of varying sizes, including an impressive walk-through wraparound tank featuring sharks, rays and moray eels.

Places to visit in Myanmar

Places to visit in Myanmar
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is a rising star on the Southeast Asia travel circuit. Following government reforms and lifting of international sanctions in 2012, it’s become a favorite among travellers looking something a bit different, or perhaps seeking an escape from the busy tourist sights and crazy party crowds in neighbouring Thailand. Indochina travel Thailand
While it might not stay this way forever, Myanmar feels authentic and mostly unspoiled by mass tourism. Locals may greet you with friendly curiosity and, to the bewilderment of travellers used to having to drive a hard bargain elsewhere in Asia, taxi drivers might just charge you the normal local rate. It’s a low-key destination perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture, food, and nature, and don’t particularly need to be near any luxury beach resorts.
Yangon
The main attraction in Yangon is the Shwedagon Pagoda, a huge gold-roofed Buddhist temple. Sunset is an excellent time to go as the dome will be gleaming beautifully in the orange sun. Tours in Myanmar
Apart from the pagodas, some people might feel that Yangon is not particularly rich in major ‘sights’ or museums, but I think there’s plenty to experience. You can have a wander through the streets and markets, or sit down in a tea house and watch people go about their business. Chinatown is a great area for street photography or to sample some very yum street food.
Interestingly, motorbikes are outlawed in Yangon. According to rumor a well-placed individual in the army had once been in a motorbike related accident, and then decided the city could just as well do without them. I am not sure if this is exactly how this law came to be, though it has resulted in the streets of Yangon having a relatively quiet and pleasant character.

Mandalay
Mandalay is the second largest city, and it’s mainly a great base for daytrips to various sights in the area. You can take a taxi or rent a scooter and make your way to the U Bien Bridge, Myanmar’s iconic 2.5 km long teak bridge across a lake, which is also the cover image of many Myanmar guidebooks. Another popular sight is Mandalay Hill, which has some great viewpoints where you can see the entire city below.
With lots of motorbikes and many power generators set up outside of buildings (as backups for use during power cuts), Mandalay is not quite as walkable or as tranquil as Yangon. Still, there is a lot of interesting city life to see here, and you’ll find various markets with great Burmese street food.
BAGAN
Bagan Archaeological Museum, Bagan
The ancient city of Bagan is a must for amateur archeologists, but it’s also a winner if you’re a fan of shining temples and seriously beautiful sunsets, preferably at the same time. Bagan has the highest concentration of temples in the country; its spire-jagged skyline leaves visitors breathless.
Inle Lake
At an altitude of 880 meters (2,900 feet), this shallow freshwater lake in the Shan State is the highest in Myanmar. Its ecosystems and the traditional culture of its surrounding communities make it popular with tourists. The best time to visit is September/October, when the Hpaung Daw U and Thadingyug festivals take place.
Taung Kalat
Close to Bagan in central Myanmar, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano rising to over 1,500 meters (nearly 5,000 feet) above sea level. The nearby Taung Kalat monastery, which sits on its own vocanic plug outcrop, is also a big draw. Visitors climb barefoot up 700 steps to see shrines and a the monastery, often accompanied by monkeys en route.
KYAIKTIYO PAGODA (‘GOLDEN ROCK’)
The Golden Rock is a sight that draws, amazes, and even converts people on a regular basis. It’s a small pagoda perched on top of a huge boulder, which in turn is perched on the edge of a cliff in the far south of the country. The secret to its gravity-defying success? It’s secured by one of Buddha’s hairs. Jaw-dropping. A must-see.

Top Beaches Vietnam

The best time to visit Southern Vietnam is between the months of December and May, when the weather is hot and humid. Rain showers are frequent, but dark skies never last for long. The wet season, which runs from June to October, brings regular downpours and typhoons. Tours in Indochina
Vung Tau
Just a short trip from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is one of the most popular beach resorts in Vietnam and it tends to get very crowded during the months of December through to May. The beach doesn’t compare to other beaches in Vietnam, but its close proximity to HCMC makes it a popular summertime destination.
Mui Ne Beach, Mui Ne Bay
Any time of year, Mui Ne Bay in Southern Vietnam boasts hot, sunny weather, stunning landscape, and miles of fine white sand beaches. This beautiful resort area is famous for its gorgeous beach and sand dunes; world-class windsurfing and kite surfing.
Mui Ne, being in such close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, attracts a lot of attention from residents looking to escape the city for a weekend of fun in the sun. Local attractions include a golf course designed by Nick Faldo, fishing villages, remote sand dunes, and fresh seafood 24/7.
Mui Ne Bay is easily accessible by bus from Phan Thiet, while the bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City takes about three hours. South Vietnam travel packages
Hon Chong Beach, Ha Tien
Hon Chong Beach is a silky white sand beach with calm tropical water. The beach is located in Ha Tien, which is on the border with Cambodia. The entire area shelters some really nice beaches. Other nearby attractions include Tien Cave and its interesting rock formation
The Hai Tac islets are also a nice option, especially for scuba drivers. The islands are accessible by boat from Ha Tien, and the biggest of these islands, Ho Doc, also has some splendid white beaches.
Ho Coc
From the southern area of Vung Tau to south-central Phan Thiet, you can expect to see long stretches of beach. Unfortunately, most of it has remained inaccessible. If you’re interested in sampling some of the beach life here, head to Ho Co, a serene sandbar that is located about halfway along this stretch of property.
Nha Trang

Nha Trang Beach, Vietnam
Located in the Khanh Hoa province, Nha Trang is a busy beach area known for its endless days of sunshine. The beach is notably home to Rainbow Divers, Vietnam's first PADI-certified dive center. Divers explore hard and soft coral reefs, caves and walls for some of the best diving in the South China Sea. Adventures above water include wakeboarding, kite surfing and banana boat rides. Divers and aquatic athletes relax poolside and exchange stories over unique brews at the beach bar and pool at Louisiane Brewhouse. The luxurious Evason Ana Mandara and Six Senses Spa has a private beach and quick access to the countryside and nearby mountains. The Vinpearl Resort and Spa is a resort island that can be reached by motorboat or the Vinpearl cable car, the longest sea-crossing cable car system in the world. In addition to the 5-star resort, there's an amusement park, shopping mall and endless entertainment options both on the beach and off.
Danang Beach, Vietnam
Danang Beach, a central fighting area during the Vietnam War, is known locally for its great beaches with notable surfing, scuba diving and even a swanky resort. Furama Resort is the grand dame of Vietnam's hotel scene and is continually praised for its 5-star service, top-notch amenities and perfect location on one of the country's best beaches. My Khe beach, known as China Beach to foreigners, has a busy expat scene and was the former recreation base for the US military during the war. The white sands are framed by natural pines and coconut palms, the perfect backdrop for a morning tai chi class or just lounging on the beach.
Doc Let Beach, Vietnam
Doc Let is just 30 miles from the bustling beach town Nha Trang, but it offers a vastly different beach experience. There are few tourist facilities making this a popular choice with renegade travelers looking to forgo the crowds to settle into a beach paradise with lots of peace and quiet. The Paradise Resort Hotel has 25 simple but comfortable beach bungalows and a friendly proprietor. Prices include 3 meals a day so there's no reason to stray far from the beach. The White Sand Doc Let Resort and Spa brings 4-star luxury to the area with 54 luxurious rooms and villas overlooking the turquoise waters and private sandy white shores.
Phan Thiet
The fishing village Phan Thiet is a 3-hour drive from Saigon, making it a quick weekend escape from the city. Both Saigon's wealthy locals and expats flock to Cape Mui Ne, a 13-mile stretch of beach just east of the city. Head inland for a cool photo shoot at the unusual red sand dunes that rise above the village creating an exotic dessert vibe. The cozy and laidback Coco Beach Resort is a TV-free zone with thatched roof bungalows scattered around the manicured green lawn and overlooking a private strip of beach. The Novotel Coralia Ocean Dunes Resort is a more modern spot with 3 bars, 2 restaurants and a rare amenity in the area -- an on-site golf course designed by Nick Faldo.