Wednesday, 20 October 2010

2011 - the year in flights

  1. Cny – kinabalu BOOKED
  2. Good Friday – Haikou/Taipei/Guangzhou
  3. May day kuching BOOKED
  4. June holidays – Paris?
  5. September NO HOLIDAY
  6. November 7th Long Weekend – Haikou/Taipei/Guangzhou
  7. Dec holiday – UNSURE

Sunday, 17 October 2010

Nam

The thing I liked about Vietnam is the effort the people are making to haul themselves into the current age. Reading "the red queen"and juxtaposing the korean court culture with the similarily removed-from-my-existence communistic Vietnam, allowed me to glimpse the amazing amount of determination it takes to change. Not just oneself, but to drag the people you know with you, kicking and screaming.

I am changing. I see myself [de/e]volving this trip. I wonder what I will become. I see a growing sense of hate at the endless piranahpeople, crowding, eager, hungry, sharpening teeth. I long for a quiet peace. and safety. But Why do I long for safety when I dispise sluggish content? I am changing. sliding the weights and balences into place to become the final me


Let's go out and play in Vietnam!


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Mekong Delta Tour (Ben Tre)

HCMC tour?


Ho Chi Minh Tours & Excursions



Traditional Vietnamese lifestyle

Boat journey along the river

Leisurely stroll at a local village

Situated in the Mekong River Delta, Ben Tre is one of Vietnam’s major rice-producing provinces. Its fertile land, crisscrossed by a complex network of rivers and canals, abounds with agricultural farms and fruit plantations, particularly coconuts, which it produces up to 15,000 tonnes each year. Touring these lush plantations and the mangrove forests fringing the Mekong is a highlight not to miss.

Time:

08:00 – 17:00 hrs

Includes:

- Air-conditioned vehicle

- English-speaking guide

- Admission fee as mentioned in the program

- Transfers from/to hotels

Excludes:

- Personal expenses such as cell phone, drinks, tip, etc

- Other services not mentioned in this program

- Other languages on request; subject to availability (surcharges will apply).

The tours listed on this website are extremely popular. However, we understand that everybody has different expectations, schedules and even dreams so we encourage you to tell us what you expect your perfect day to be like, or let us advise you, based on your preferences. In most cases, we will be able to customise a tour or a package to match your expectations. Just click here and tell us about your request... don't be shy!


Mekong Delta Exploration



Ben Tre Tour (Mekong Delta)

08:00 – 17:00 hrs Hotel pickup and drive to the heart of the Mekong River Delta, famous for its vast rice fields and beautiful landscapes. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda en route, then step aboard a boat at the bank of the Tien Giang River. The boat journey will bring you to Phoenix Island, where local handicrafts and coconut sweets are produced. Here, you can sample fresh seasonal fruits, while watching live traditional music performances.

After enjoying a little break, you will embark on a horse carriage and ride to a local house where you can sample some homemade honey-tea. Proceed by a small sampan boat through the narrow canals and Mekong’s tributaries to observe the local way of life along the riverbanks, stopping briefly at Turtle Island for a short leisurely walk. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before driving back Ho Chi Minh City.

Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

dinner cruise link


Ho Chi Minh Tours & Excursions



Vietnamese set dinner

Spectacular scenery

Experience the city lights

The Saigon River encircles the eastern side of Ho Chi Minh City, running through a lively seaport and vibrant commercial neighbourhood. As the day winds down, the scenic riverbanks set the stage for a dinner cruise in a traditional Vietnamese junk – an ideal way to experience the beauty of Vietnam’s glittering capital at night.

Includes:

- Air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking guide

- Admission fee as mentioned in the program

- Transfers from/to hotels

- Vietnamese set dinner

Excludes:

- Personal expenses such as cell phone, drinks, tip, etc.

- Other services not mentioned in this programme

- Other languages on request; subject to availability (surcharges will apply)

The tours listed on this website are extremely popular. However, we understand that everybody has different expectations, schedules and even dreams so we encourage you to tell us what you expect your perfect day to be like, or let us advise you, based on your preferences. In most cases, we will be able to customise a tour or a package to match your expectations. Just click here and tell us about your request... don't be shy!


Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

3 hrs. The Saigon River encircles the eastern side of Ho Chi Minh City, running through a lively seaport and vibrant commercial neighbourhood. As the day winds down, the scenic riverbanks set the stage for a dinner cruise in a traditional Vietnamese junk – an ideal way to experience the beauty of Vietnam’s glittering capital at night.

Prices

01/11/09 - 31/10/10

Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

Rates per person in US Dollar

Private Groups Price

1 Pax 2 Pax 3-5 Pax 6-9 Pax 10-14 Pax 15-19 Pax 20-24 Pax 25+ Pax

69 56 55 48 44 47 44 43





HOTELS


book luan vu hotel

Luan Vu Hotel

35/2 Bui Vien Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam .

Previous Property | Next Property

Back to Ho Chi Minh City results

• Luan Vu Hotel

• Luan Vu Hotel Reviews

• Luan Vu Hotel Maps & Directions

________________________________________





89.4%

Overall Rating

306 out of 322 HostelBookers customers said that they would recommend 'Luan Vu Hotel'

Atmosphere

82.4%

Location

95.2%

Facilities

88.0%

Fun

73.6%

Staff

94.4%

Cleanliness

95.2%

Safety

92.8%

Value

93.6%

Latest review (25/09/2010)

Awesome staff, very friendly and helpful with good English. I will be staying here again when I fly out of Saigon


Read all Luan Vu Hotel reviews



________________________________________

Overview

Read this in

Welcome to Luan Vu Guesthouse, your home away from home in Vietnam.

My guesthouses located in the central district of Hochiminh city, it is the second home for travellers who come to Hochiminh city for pleasure or business. Around guesthouses have shops, bars, restaurants, tour bookings, banks, ATM's, parks, 20 minutes to Saigon river, 5 minutes to Ben Thank market all within walking distance.


We have standard room with A/C, hot shower, bar, cable TV with CNN, BBC, HBO, ESPN, NHK, TV5, DW, Discovery and much more. WI-FI internet and lounge and all rooms make you feel comfortable in your trip or business.


Our Luan Vu guesthouses have full range of services as tour bookings, postal services, air tickets reservation and confirmation, train and bus tickets, visa and extension visa, motorbike and bicycle for rents, currency exchanges, airport or train pick up, laundry services, store room can keep your luggage free while you are on your trip.

http://www.hostelbookers.com/property/index.cfm?fuseaction=accommodation.search&isdynamic=1&strsearchby=destination&straccommodationtype=hostels&intdestinationid=6393&strdestination=ho%20chi%20minh%20city&strdestinationparent=&intnights=2&intpeople=1&dtearrival=15%2f10%2f2010&intpropertyid=51512


Sai gon Sports 1 Hotel is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, close to many tourist attraction. Let us make your stay in Ho Chi Minh a memorable one!

Sai gon Sports Hotel is Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, right in the centre of the commercial and tourist area only a few minutes walk to Ben Thanh Market and overlook the spacious City Park .

Further more, the guests will find famous Shopping, Entertainment, Restaurant, Bar, Tour Company on our step door.

- Our restaurant has Asia – European foods, serve especially with fresh seafood’s

- Our friendly staff can assist you with any enquiries, from transport to sight-seeing.

always do the best to satisfy guests .

- We can not claim success with out your satisfaction

At the end of the day you can take a short stroll to many local nightspots.

1. Confirm Details

Booking details for Saigon Sports 1 Hotel

Date Room details People Cost per person Total


15/10/10 1 Superior Private Double Ensuite 2 USD 14.00 USD 28.00


16/10/10 1 Superior Private Double Ensuite 2 USD 14.00 USD 28.00



Total USD 56.00


1. Confirm Details

Booking details for Saigon Mini Hotel 5

Date Room details People Cost per person Total (USD) Total (VND)


15/10/10 1 Private Double Ensuite 2 USD 12.53 USD 25.06 VND 488000.66


16/10/10 1 Private Double Ensuite 2 USD 12.53 USD 25.06 VND 488000.66



Total USD 50.12 VND 976001.32


10% Deposit * USD 5.01 VND 97600.13







Booking Fee None None

We understand your need for a sophisticated, clean, modern and homely stay at a reasonable price. You deserve the best experience after your long, tiring day of traveling and business meetings.

Our courteous staff, who have been professionally trained, possess a passion to give you the best service tailored to your specific needs. We strive to constantly surpass your expectations since we understand that you stay with us because you choose to, not because you have to.


* Big promotion *

Applied for any room reservation made from 8th to 30th september2010

Each booking, we are pleased to offer a 5% discount on the balance due (payable at our hotel after confirmation by the HostelBookers


* Get more benefit * to make a reservation with us:

1. Promotion: laundry service (up to 1 set free per day per person including pressing)

2. Free luggage store

3. Free wi-fi

4. Free breakfast (set menu)

5. Free extra breakfast (limited set)

6. Free usage of computer with internet access at lobby

7. Free to take a shower after checking out

8. Free post card

9. Special voucher for next stay

10. Free to get more useful information during stay provided by our charming, friendly and helpful receptionist staff

11. No personal tips

12. Be upgraded to a higher class room (subject to the hotel availability)

13. Free check out late up to 15:30 pm (subject to the hotel availability)


We have 3 types of rooms as follow:


Deluxe room: spacious deluxe rooms at the front side with window; looking to the city view; private bath room with nice hot shower and bath-tub.


Superior room: well-appointed comfortably superior rooms in the middle of the building; with open windows; private bath room with nice hot shower room.


Standard room: comfortable, cosy and quiet standard rooms at the back side of the building; panel window to catch the sunlight; private bath room with nice hot shower room.

Accommodation Information

* One of the clauses of the Hotel Regulations:

- A room booked cannot be shared by a foreigner man and a Vietnamese lady, unless a valid marriage certificate or marital proof is presented.


Facilities:

- Elevator

- Comprehensive wooden furniture including comfortable double bed, working desks, wardrobe, luggage shelf

- Special 5 star bedding collection

- Electric safe box

- Cable flat screen TV with international channels (CNN, ESPN, star-sport, star- movie, HBO, NHK, TV5, FTV)

- Air-conditioning (individual remote controller)

- Mini bar/fridge

- Hair-dryer

- Electric kettle

- Free wi-fi

- IDD telephone

- Door guard

- Laundry bag

- Slipper

- Toiletries

- Clean private bath room

- Nice hot shower

- Bath-tub (in deluxe rooms)

- Shower room (in superior and standard rooms)

- Towels

- No carpet

- Daily breakfast

- Daily maid service

- Daily-changed linen

- Laundry and dry-cleaning service

- 24 hours reception

- 24 hours security

Location Information

With her back turned on a broad plain that stretches west across Cambodia, and with the rich Mekong Delta at her feet, Ho Chi Minh City sits regally on a giant bend in the Sài Gòn River.


Bulging with a population of nearly seven million, Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam’s largest and most exciting city. While Hanoi is the center of government, Ho Chi Minh City is the nation’s economic heart, and money is on the minds of everyone here. Taxi drivers can recite the latest joint venture regulations, and even shirt makers stay in touch with their foreign customers by e-mail. Time is precious, and people are in a hurry, although conversation often takes a small town tone as bakers and bankers compare their ‘‘inside’’ information at sidewalk cafés.


Sunday, 3 October 2010

Vietnam to do list

  1. change 500USD - transferred $ -- sorted
  2. book Hostel Saigon Mini Hotel 5 - sorted
  3. finalise packing list - sorted
  4. book dinner cruise
  5. book delta tour on Ben Tre
  6. eat Elephant Ear Fish (tai tuong)
  7. eat Cua Lot (Deep Fried Soft Shelled Crab) for 6 pieces at 40,000 VND ( $ 2.40)
  8. eat Tom' Hap Dua' (Steamed Tiger Prawns in Coconut Juice) at 30,000 VND ($ 1.85) for 9 pieces!
  9. eat Dui' Cha Gien' (Vietnamese Fried Chicken Leg) at only 14,000 VND ($ 0.81). Pho Mua Sam, Le Loi st. District 1, Saigon, Vn (Directions: Pho Mua Sam, Le Loi st. District 1 (Beside Benh Thanh Market) , Sai gon, Vn)
  10. eat snails # Pavement Thai Van Lung, D1
  11. eat won ton soup 176 Co Giang
    # Directions: It's at the end of Thai Van Lung D1
  12. Things to buy: SIlk skirts, big canvas tote bags, scarves, SILK pouches, long flowy pants, BOOKS!
  13. K things to buy - worky bagpack, metro sling bag, duffel for climb/gym, metro hat, underwear

Big Plans

  1. Monday I will start a Yoga Class
  2. Tuesday I will walk my dog
  3. Wednesday I will attend my Absculpt class early
  4. Thursday I will eat my multivitamins
  5. Friday I will get some Sun
  6. Saturday we will sleep in, can we? I'll figure it out....
  1. Monday go for my 2nd Yoga Class then work till morning
  2. Tuesday I will chunder through a day
  3. Wednesday I will finish my social context essay and give 3rd tuition to Z (Night PACK for viet and put it all in van)
  4. Thursday I will go for class then off to mechanic and A.L's house to catch up and swim
  5. Friday drive home - get some Sun and start individual assignment and leave for vietnam
  6. Saturday VIETNAM!!!
  7. Sunday back from vietnam
  1. Monday go from K's to school. go st for 3rd Yoga Class
  2. Tuesday I will start new tuition?
  3. Wednesday I will attend my Absculpt class early
  4. Thursday
  5. Friday I will get some Sun and finish up individual assignment
  6. Saturday tuition Z

Saturday, 2 October 2010

December Vacay



All the things to do in Bali

  1. Surf (go to Legian Beach and look for a surfer)
  2. Ride Horses (book self into a horse ride at
  3. Yoga Class
  4. Massage
  5. Contact driver for Tour NGURAH KETUT.P
    Mobile phone: +62 81 239 73417
    Email: ngurahketut2000@yahoo.com
    Location: In front of Kumala Pantai
  6. Whitewater Rafting (bargain from street)

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Friday, 22 December 2006

Being grateful


In the hurrying rush of life it's easy to forget to stop and tell someone you appreciate them. Or just remembering to be grateful. Not so much brown papaer packages wrapped up with string, but more the warm, luxe feeling of your worries sorted, the welcome feel of a hot shower after a ghastly day. The brillant luck of a bright shiny taxi turning the corner, stopping for you when you've given up hope.