Thứ Sáu, 25 tháng 12, 2020

Top 5 Must experiences for New Year in Vietnam

The new year is coming, a different experience far away from home may bring you unforgettable memories. Why not? Try to create your new experiences in new places with some ideas from Luxury Travel.

1. Exploring The beauty of Moc Chau Plateau in Spring

About 200km away from Hanoi capital, Moc Chau (in Son La) is known as the plateau with cool temperature, tea hills, and ethnic villages.
Thanks to the impressive nature, the plateau stands out as one of the most beautiful destinations for springtime. At this time, the white plum blossom is covering valleys and hills. That makes Moc Chau Plateau extremely attractive and charming. Early January is a great milestone when Moc Chau is beautifully covered with white plum flower/ sakura flowers on a vast terrace. Visitors can eagerly capture the background of the unique flower and enjoy the atmosphere of spring among immense nature.

How to get to Moc Chau, Vietnam:

By national highway 6, you can get both motorbiking and taking bus. Bus ticket ranges from 130,000 VND – 160,000 VND, take about 4 – 5 hours to Moc Chau.

2. Experience “wellness on the cruise” on Halong bay

With the pandemic impacting physical and mental wellbeing, global travellers are craving restorative and health-fortifying escapes – Wellness Tourism will be on the rising trend in 2021. This will be a very special experience for you and your friends. The package has the name “Inside flow, wellness travel on the cruise”, which is shown as one of the series of wellness on crusie” by the Lux Group. ” The journey will be the combination of exploring world-class natural World Heritage Halong bay on a 5-star luxurious Emperor Cruise with health care activities physically, mentally, and spiritually. Visitors will have more time to spend with themselves and participate in caring activities such as Yoga, Meditation, wellness classes on the theme, a traditional Indian oil detox massage experience, networking, and social networking sessions, activities relieve emotions … with the companionship of experienced psychotherapists throughout the journey.

About Emperor cruises: Emperor Cruises introduces the first-ever exclusive all-inclusive Vietnamese cruise experience, a world where everything is included in the price. Emperor Cruises’ fleet of vessels will combine classic elegance with modern comfort. The newly built, custom-designed, the traditional imperial cruise ship will feature three decks that house 02 smart restaurants, two bars, a small library, a gym, a kid corner, 02 massage rooms plus 10 luxurious en-suite cabins with private balconies.

3. Visting pagodas to experience the local culture

Pagodas are one of the popular attractions in Vietnam where travellers can marvel at intricate carvings and well-preserved architecture as well as experience the local culture during their holiday. At the beginning of the year, the local people trend to go to the pagoda with parying the best things in the new year for their families.
There are many more pagodas you can visit. Surroundings Hanoi, you can visit the biggest pagoda in Southeast Asia Tam Chuc (Ha Nam), Perfume pagoda. In Vietnam Central, Thien Mu pagoda (Hue), Linh Ung pagoda (Danang). Tet is coming around here, pagodas in Vietnam are also decorated splendidly. The pagodas tend to be crowded at this time but you get to interact with the locals, watch them make offerings, pray and feel all set to make a fresh start, now that the past year has gone by. This is will be a great experience as you celebrate New Year in Vietnam 2021.

All about Sung Hung Pagoda, the oldest pagoda on Phu Quoc island

Source: Flickr @kevints_photos

4. Take photos at Sadec flower village

Sa Dec flower village is located in Dong Thap province (in the south of Vietnam). This garden occupies 60 hectares with 600 households – 3,600 laborers specialized in growing flowers and ornamental plants. Unlike several other flower cities nationwide, Sa Dec’s fields yield flowers all year round. However, the best time to visit Sa Dec village is in spring when all flowers are blooming and Sa Dec becomes the world of colorful flowers.

Cars from everywhere come in crowds. All types of flowers and bonsai hasten to go to Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces to boast their beauty in Tet Holiday. The most typical feature of Sa Dec, which is different from other flower villages, is that Sa Dec farmers plant flowers on shelves. According to some old farmers, owners of flower gardens, in the past during flood season they had to move flower pots to higher positions or shelves to avoid being destroyed by water then they changed to plant flowers on shelves

How to get to Sadec, Dong Thap

Around 145km from Ho Chi Minh to Sa Dec. It takes around 3 hours. It’s easy for you to take the bus or private car to transfer between two places.

5. Relaxing at hidden paradise Con Dao

Located off the southern coast of Vietnam, just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, untouched by the rapid development of the mainland, Con Dao archipelago remains a pristine gem. The island life is as tranquil as the surrounding water. Comprising 16 mostly uninhabited islands and islets, this is an ideal destination for those who expect an ultimate serenity and seclusion. 80 percent of the land area of the islands is National Park, offering sublime and magnificent landscapes, all set in natural splendor. Imagine losing yourself in Con Dao’s nature while hiking through the rain forest. Try to spot the endemic animal species such as Giant Black Squirrel, Macaque, and the Curved-toe Gecko and listen to the multitude of birdsong and chatter of wildlife. What a moment to remember!

con dao - vietnam

Source: Luxury Travel Vietnam

Apart from striking nature, the island rewards travelers with some of the most beautiful and idyllic beaches in Vietnam. Con Dao islands are well-known for soft sandy beaches, clear alluring water with shades ranging from light turquoise to deep blue, and healthy coral reefs. One thing is for sure: the beaches here will never be crowded. The well-preserved condition and the absolute seclusion make this hidden gem stand out from the other nine popular spots on the list. The lesser-known element now becomes the island’s advantage as it arouses the curiosity in travelers who want to discover one of a few untouched paradises left in Asia. This might also be the reason why the Con Dao archipelago has won the top-pick by Forbes Magazine.

How to get to Con Dao:

Now you can get direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao island.
Hanoi – Con Dao: 2 hours by air
Ho Chi Minh city – Con Dao: 45 minutes hour by air
 
About Luxury Travel
Having been around for 15 years since 2004, we are the first luxury operator and DMC in the country. We design a tour plan based on customer’s needs, duration, and even culinary restrictions. If you are looking for either a private honeymoon holiday, a 4-day celebration for a group of 100 people or a food tour, we can do them all.
We offer the most deluxe accommodations, services, and vehicles. It can be reflected by a 99% satisfaction rate and good reviews on TripAdvisor.
To plan your trip, contact Luxury Travel now!
Click to know more about us on the Luxury Travel official website.

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Thứ Năm, 17 tháng 12, 2020

Everything you need to know when Thailand reopening for visitors

From now, travellers are allowed to visit Thailand but undergo a 14-days quarantine on arrival.

Last months, Thailand had already reopened its borders to foreigners with work permits, residency, or family there. Currently, the country’s government has announced that travellers of all nationalities can apply for new ‘tourist visas’ lasting up to 60 days.

Thailand tours

Thailand tours

Under the scheme, international visitors from all countries will be able to stay for up to 60 days – as long as they self-isolate for 14 days at an ‘alternative state quarantine’ hotel on arrival. If they are looking to stay longer, a ‘special tourist visa’ will also be available to those coming from ‘low-risk’ countries including Australia, China, and Vietnam. It will allow stays of up to 90 days and can be extended twice, to a maximum of just under nine months.
All travellers must provide a negative test result within 72 hours of arrival, then take a second test once they land. If they test positive, they will have to quarantine for 14 days in a state hospital (rather than a state-approved hotel, if the result is negative). You must also provide evidence of medical and travel insurance that will cover Covid-19 for at least the length of your stay.

laos-tour

Source: :Luxury Travel Vietnam

Both of the new visa plans are aimed at reviving Thailand’s tourism industry, which contributes 20 percent of the country’s GDP, employing more than four million people in regular years.

So if you’re looking for your fix of street food and tropical islands, Thailand could be back on the agenda – as long as you’re in it for the long haul. Here are seven reasons why Thailand should be on your 2021 travel list.

Remember, many countries are still warning against all non-essential travel and some are quarantining all overseas arrivals, including their own returning citizens. Check all the relevant restrictions before you think about travelling.

A Quick Guide to Apply visa to Thailand
  1. Tourist Visas (TR Visa)

To apply for the certificate of entry travelers must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Approved Visa
  • Approved COE
  • Copy of recent bank statement ($700 per person and $1,500 per family). The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly), In case of submitting a family bank statement, proof of relationship (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate)
  • Must be provided 14-day‘ state quarantine’ upon arrival
  • All countries may apply for Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least $100,000 USD in coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
  • Proof of alternative state quarantine reservation (ASQ)
    How to Apply:

1. Travelers must apply for a visa at the Thai embassy/consulate in their home country

2. Travelers then can apply for the COE on the official Thai Government website.

2. Long Stay Tourists: STV Visa (Special Tourist Visa)
Thailand announced a 90-day visa for long-stay tourists on September 15th, 2020. The visa is called the ‘Special Tourist Visa’ (STV). Once approved, then travelers can apply for the certificate of entry (COE).

Entry Requirements:

  • Approved Visa
  • Approved COE
  • Proof of payment for 90-day accommodation booking
  • Copy of recent bank statement ($700 per person and $1,500 per family). The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly), In case of submitting a family bank statement, proof of relationship (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate) must be provided.
  • 14-day‘ state quarantine’ upon arrival
  • All countries may apply for Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least $100,000 USD in coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
  • Proof of alternative state quarantine reservation (ASQ)
    How to Apply:

1. Travelers must apply for a visa at the Thai embassy/consulate in their home country

2. Travelers then can apply for the COE on the official Thai Government website.

A General Guide to Thailand Luxury Travel & HolidaysLength of Stay and Renewals

The Special Tourist Visa will allow approved travelers to stay in Thailand for 90 days. It can be renewed twice, for 90 days each time.

3. Travelers that fall into the above categories must also follow Thailand’s health protocols including:
  • Travel health insurance that also covers covid
  • All travelers arriving in Thailand must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab test taken within 72 hours prior to the flight
  • A pre-screening health declaration card filled out before the departure
  • The wearing of masks mandatory on in-bound flights and in the airport
  • Thermal scans and temperature checks upon arrival

 

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Thứ Tư, 9 tháng 12, 2020

A Different Christmas 2020 around the World during Covid-19 Pandemic

How families should celebrate Christmas and New Year while the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic rages on. Governments fear that relaxing rules and restrictions might usher in another spike in the number of cases when many countries are already witnessing a second wave, each country has their different ways to prepare for the Christmas holiday.
In Itay, the Government banned midnight mass and halted inter-town movements. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the majority of the lockdown measures will be eased from December 15 for the festive break. Shops, cinemas, and theatres will reopen just in time for Christmas. The German government has imposed travel restrictions during the festive period, and limited indoor gatherings over the Christmas holidays to 10 people Christmas markets and New Year’s firework displays both have been cancelled. Currently, 22 states have imposed travel restrictions, with Alaska, California, Hawaii, Connecticut asking travellers to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Surely, this will a different Christmas during Covid-19 Pandemic but that does not mean that it cannot be a merry one. Seeing the pictures of happy people on a different Christmas 2020 (source: the Guardian)

Santas have their temperature taken as they attend a socially distanced Santa school training at Southwark Cathedral in London, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Stan Thompson, dressed as Santa Claus, talks to children in a car during a physically distant drive-through visit in Indianola, Iowa.
Photograph: Jack Kurtz/Zuma Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

Skaters and cyclists dressed in Santa Claus outfits make their way along the Kurfürstendamm boulevard in Berlin on 6 December.
Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

A chocolate Santa Claus prepared by patisserie owner Tassos Vazakas in Lykovrysi, Athens. Patisseries remain open during Greece’s second lockdown.
Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

A man dressed as Santa Claus hands out surgical masks in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Photograph: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images

Penguins walk with a trainer in a Santa costume as part of a Christmas event at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, Japan.
Photograph: Yoshio Tsunoda/AFLO/Rex/Shutterstock

Santa lies on a fake coffin in Lyon, France as shop owners call for the reopening of their stores that were closed as part of government measures to curb the spread of Covid.
Photograph: Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images

Santa Claus greets Jaythan Corbacho with an elbow bump at the Selfridges store in London.
Photograph: Eamonn M McCormack/Getty Images

Children visit with Santa in a snow globe at Automobile Alley’s Lights on Broadway display in Oklahoma City.
Photograph: Doug Hoke/AP

Santa Larry speaks with a virtual visitor at the Santa Experience in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The owners had initially set up a socially distanced set, featuring a cabin with a plexiglass window, but moved completely online after new Covid restrictions were put in place.
Photograph: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Children visit with Santa in a snow globe at Automobile Alley’s Lights on Broadway display in Oklahoma City.
Photograph: Doug Hoke/AP

A child in a mask visits a Santa Clause behind plexiglass at Cabela’s retail store in Hudson, Massachusetts.
Photograph: Allison Dinner/Zuma Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

 

A child visits Santa Claus inside an old cable car near Sugar Loaf Mountain during a Christmas event in Rio de Janeiro.
Photograph: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

Matt Quagliotto and Bridie Jabour pose at a distance from Santa with their children Hamish (toddler) and Cormac (baby) in Sydney, Australia.

 

 

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