Travel Oven

Vietnam is emerging from decades of war and economic hardship as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, yielding prosperity and stability in a region that still remains off-the-radar of many international travelers.

While manufacturing and technology represent the backbone of this economic surge, Vietnam’s natural beauty, exotic appeal, and enchanting attractions have increasingly made Vietnam an alluring tourist destination.

Tours provide a great way to see an array of out-of-the-way and lesser known sights and attractions that you would likely miss if exploring on your own, and tours in Vietnam provide a particularly efficient and cost-effective means to see this beautiful and rugged country. To get a jump start on planning your own trip, consider joining or taking one or more tours in Vietnam that include our 10 favorite attractions.

1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Vietnam’s largest and most populous city will be the jumping off point for most visitors, but make sure you spend some time in and around the city. If considering an organized tour of Ho Chi Minh City, look for tours that include the Reunification palace, the Vietnam War museum (“War Remnants Museum”), Ben Thanh Market, Xa Loi Pagoda, a water puppet show, and the Dai Nam Tourist Park which is chock full sites and activities.

2. Mekong Delta – The Mekong River is the twelfth longest river in the world and supports human activity and a tremendous variety of wildlife. Check out Phung Hiep’s colorful floating market, situated at the intersection of seven canals.

3. Hue – The former capital of Vietnam has a long history and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Visit the Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace, and the numerous temples, pagodas, and museums.

4. Hoi An – A small coastal town rich with history and culture combing Japanese, Chinese and European influence. See the Japanese covered bridge, the ruins of the My Son sanctuary, and Cham Islands.

5. Tay Ninh – Visit the Cao Dai Temple, an astonishing cathedral and the Cao Dai Holy See, a religion blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

6. The Tunnels of Cu Chi – Started after World War II, this remarkable network of tunnels spans 155 miles and gave the Vietnamese a base to fight French and then American forces.

7. Hanoi – The capital and second largest city of Vietnam is home to numerous museums, cultural sites, and natural marvels. Be sure to see Colonial Hanoi, the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoa Lo Prison, and the Hanoi Opera House.

8. Ha Long Bay – Some of the most recognizable and remarkable natural features in Vietnam ring the Ha Long Bay. Be sure to take a bay cruise and visit the Caves as well as Cat Ba national park.

9. Marble Mountains – Explore the numerous caves and tunnels throughout the five mountains and visit the Buddhist sanctuaries housed within the mountains. Also, stop by the market where you can purchase the wares of world-famous stone sculptors.

10. Cuc Phuong National Park – Off the beaten path from Hanoi, this national park offers untouched natural beauty and is widely considered to be one of the best spots in Vietnam for wildlife and bird watching.

India is an exotic and beautiful country filled with stunning landmarks and attractions. Every corner of this vast nation harbors spectacular and unforgettable sights to see. Cheap flights to Mumbai and other cities are available for Indian vacations and sightseeing tours. No matter how you get to India, you’re sure to see some truly memorable landmarks and sites of interest. Here are just 10 of them.

Taj Mahal

India’s premier landmark, the Taj Mahal is known for its breathtaking architecture and unforgettable beauty. Built in the 1600’s as a mausoleum by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is the crown jewel of India and a global icon renowned throughout the world.

Gateway of India

This impressive stone arch, dedicated in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V, is Mumbai’s most recognizable landmark and icon. A must-see monument, the Gateway of India is one of the world’s most famous arches. Cheap flights to Mumbai are available year round to see it and other landmarks throughout the city.

Taj Mahal Hotel

Another famed landmark of Mumbai, the Taj Mahal Hotel is noted for its long history and beautiful architecture.

Red Fort

One of Delhi’s most impressive and historic monuments, the Red Fort dates back to 1648 and has played a major role in the city’s history and heritage. The fort is known for its imposing architecture and vast scale. A must-see landmark in India’s capital, the Red Fort is one of the country’s most culturally and historically significant monuments.

Humayaun’s Tomb

An architectural masterpiece, this Delhi icon was built in the 1500’s, and its design served as a predecessor to the famed Taj Mahal. The massive structure contains the tomb of Iza Khan, the tomb of Humayun and Barber’s Tomb, all of which boast rich interior designs and impressive scale.

Qutub Complex

An UNESCO World Heritage Site, this complex of architecturally magnificent buildings dates back to the 1200’s. A top landmark of the complex is the towering Qutub Minar, a beautiful minaret that soars over 200 feet into the sky. Located in Delhi, this landmark is one of India’s most fascinating and historic.

India Gate

Another gem of Delhi, the India Gate was constructed as a war memorial for Indian soldiers who gave their lives during World War I. Renowned for its stunning height and impressive design, the India Gate is one of the country’s most iconic attractions.

Tughlaqabad Fort

The impressive ruins of the Tughlaqabad Fort date back to the 14th century. A must-see landmark for anyone in Delhi.

Golden Temple

Located in the historic city of Amritsar, the breathtaking Golden Temple is truly one of the world’s most spectacular sites. The most important site in the Sikh faith, the Golden Temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture and design in addition to its cultural and religious significance. A true masterpiece, this stunning temple is one of India’s most renowned landmarks and is definitely worth a visit.

Himalayan Mountains

India’s most impressive natural landmark remains the mighty Himalayan Mountains. Located in the far north of the nation, the Himalayan Mountains are renowned for their massive height and beautiful snow-capped peaks.

Thailand is a beautiful and fascinating country located in Southeast Asia. Popular with tourists from around the world, the nation is home to stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine and a rich history. There is no shortage of things to do and see while visiting Thailand, whether you have an interest in surfing, nightclubs or ancient temples. Here are 5 of the top fun things to do while visiting Thailand. With affordable Thailand accommodation and frequent flights to Bangkok, what is stopping you from making it your next vacation destination?

1. Take a Boat Tour in Phang Nga Bay: This bay is a popular destination in the southwestern portion of Thailand. The islands surrounding Phang Nga Bay may be beautiful and popular with tourists, but the real attraction is the stunning limestone formations in the bay which protrude from the water. These breathtaking rock structures are best seen by a boat tour, of which there are many in the area. Hire a private boat or join a charter and spend the day snorkeling or even diving around the base of the limestone formations. There is plenty of Thailand accommodation in the surrounding areas of the bay.

2. Party in Ko Pha Ngan: There are several places in Thailand known for a vibrant nightlife, but none can compete with Ko Pha Ngan during a full moon. The small island gets inundated with visitors from around the world who travel to the beaches for a 24 hour party to enjoy the makeshift bars and dance floors that pop up when the moon is full. Take a boat out the next day or stay and enjoy the rest of what the island has to offer, including saunas and snorkeling.

3. Ride an Elephant in Chiang Mai: This larger city in Northern Thailand is known best for the plethora of elephants surrounding the area, as well as for the several elephant parks within the province. Visitors can see the elephants up close in their natural habitats, feed them by hand, watch they play football or even hop on their backs for a short ride through the jungle. This is undoubtedly the best place in the world to enjoy the company of elephants and learn more about these large and majestic creatures.

4. Khao Sok National Park: Although many visitors think of Thailand either as an urban destination or one filled with beaches, there is also a large rainforest in the South. Khao Sok National Park has countless activities for visitors, and it is recommended for tourists to spend a day or two there to take it all in. Start with a hike through the elephant park, admire countless waterfalls, paddle in a canoe, ride on a bamboo raft or explore ancient caves.

5. Watch Muay Thai: This boxing sport famed in Thailand is almost a national pastime. If possible, get tickets to see the sport up close during your trip to the country. Most matches are held in large cities like Bangkok. Sit with the locals and feel the excitement while you sip on a cold local beer.

There are a number of aspects to consider when comparing flights. The route taken by different airlines or flights along with the in-flight amenities offered as part of the airfare are among the important details to pay close attention to. If your goal is to find an affordable flight, you may also want to compare departure dates and times.

Before booking a flight – or even scheduling a trip – check if there are low and high seasons related to the travel destination. If you are traveling to holiday destinations such as Hawaii, for example, the airfare will be substantially higher during peak season.

The day you plan on embarking is also worth considering, especially when you are comparing flights to larger cities. Flying in the middle of the week – usually on Wednesday or Thursday – is often cheaper than flying on the weekend.

The time of day that you embark on your air travel influences the amount of money you need to pay for the flight. Depending on when you are traveling, flights scheduled at certain times can be substantially more affordable.

By paying close attention to these simple details, you will be able to spot the most affordable flight to take rather easily.