For all you Durbanites or for those visiting King Shaka’s home terrain, don’t miss out on all the incredible, scenic attractions in the area. You can visit the Durban Botanical Gardens, which have been highly praised. You can also visit the Durban North Japanese Gardens and Durban Art Gallery. Plus you’ll get to partake in Durban’s City Walking Tour, Durban safaris or even join the Durban Ramblers Hiking Club if you are an outdoor enthusiast.

Events are just as popular as attractions in Durban and visitors flock from all corners of South Africa to enjoy these happenings. Durban also hosts arts and ‘kulcha’ events – you won’t be disappointed in these. The city also boasts major sporting events such as the Arthur Creswell Memorial Marathon, Exxaro uMhlathuze Marathon and Half Marathon and the Mr Price Karkloof Classic. Durban celebrates Africa Bike Week, hosts the Sustainable Living and Indigenous Plant Fair as well as supports the Freedom Day Regatta! You can’t say that there is a shortage of things to do, can you?

Love markets? Pop down to the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market or the Bangladesh Marketin Durban for a myriad for delectable treats.

Durban coupons allow you the freedom and flexibility of attending events, visiting restaurants and wining and dining at the most popular of restaurants. So if you want to be in the ‘in-crowd’, and be seen, purchase the best bargain vouchers from us at Groupon.

If you are not so keen on Durban, you can always try the Mother City for massive deals that will seem too good to be true! Groupon aims to bring you the deals that indeed seem too good to be true! Enjoy them while they last!

How to Avoid Pick Pocketing
When visiting Vietnam, visitors should be alert at all times. Petty theft and pick pocketing occurs almost everywhere. Unlike most other places, pick pocketing is not confined to certain areas, but also occurs in the main shopping areas, which means travelers should never let their guard down. In order to prevent against theft, travelers should make sure they don’t carry a purse or bag that can be pulled off their shoulder. Passports should be left in the hotel at all times. Instead of carrying around a passport, make a copy of it and carry that around. Never flash a large wad of cash, but instead keep it in small amounts in order to avoid drawing attention. When withdrawing money from the ATM, do not count the money at the machine, but instead count it when in a safe place. All of these precautions should help reduce the chances of robbery.
The Safest Way to Travel
Although violent crimes and sexual assault are rare in Vietnam, travelers should still exercise a certain level of caution when traveling. At no times should a traveler walk alone or with individuals he or she does not know. Instead, travel with friends or well-known acquaintances at all time. When guests leave the hotel or hostel, they should let someone know. Should something occur when they are out and about that prevents them from returning to the hotel, there will be someone that can notify the authorities.
Vehicle Travel
Travelers need to be aware that traffic accidents can result in serious repercussions even if the injuries are only minor. It isn’t uncommon for large compensations to be paid even when injuries are minimal, so travelers should exercise serious caution when driving. If travelers decide they don’t want to assume the responsibility of driving their own vehicle, there are plenty of taxis available. However, there have been many incidents reported as a result of taxi scams where the drivers have attempted to overcharge. To avoid this situation, only use large metered taxis. Do not get into an unmarked vehicle that claims to be a taxi, as these vehicles will usually lack the proper equipment to meter the ride and can result in a confrontation when it is time to pay.

Traveling in Vietnam is like traveling in any foreign country. Travelers should become well acquainted with the culture prior to visiting it avoid offending the local people accidentally. While traveling should be an enjoyable experience, it cannot be carefree, as this is what leads to mishaps and setbacks. So, enjoy Vietnam and the wonderful experience it provides but don’t forget that each traveler is a guest and should act as such.

Tony LaSarge has been a freelance writer for the past couple years and is currently a contributing writer to Kanetix.ca where he discusses topics related to saving money.

One of the most interesting historical sites in Vietnam commemorate one of the most tragic periods in the county’s history. The memorial site in Quang Ngai commemorates the victims of the horrific My Lai massacre, wherein almost 400 unarmed civilians were ruthlessly killed by United States soldiers in an attempt to contain elements of the communist guerrillas known as the Viet Cong. Until now, the memorial site draws in many pilgrims who wish to see for themselves one of the most brutal effects of US intervention in the Vietnam War.

Another top historical site in Vietnam is the famous Ho Chi Minh mausoleum which contains the grave of Vietnamese writer and revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. For the more adventurous souls who want to experience life during the Vietnam War, why not head on over to the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon? This extensive network of underground tunnels used by the communist guerrillas during the war is now one of the most popular tourist spots in Vietnam, drawing in millions of visitors year after year.

If you are planning to get a travel insurance, make sure to only obtain one from a reliable and reputable travel insurance company. Shopping around and comparing price quotes will also allow you to find the most suited travel insurance for you.

Mini bus hire is best suitable for those travelers who are traveling in a group. You can enjoy your group travel with great comfort while traveling in a rented mini bus. The rental company will help you in every possible way to find the best attractions and to reach your destinations safely and comfortably.

A good minibus hire service can give you an economical journey too. There are many car rental enterprises that offer mini bus hire too. You need to contact with some of the leading mini bus hire agencies and discuss about your plan of traveling. Just tell them your needs or expectations for a car rental and they will surely try their best to meet the same. However, you should select the right provider for getting a fantastic minibus hire service. To reach some of the top mini bus rental providers you can search online and then you should communicate with the agencies to discuss the deal in details. Happy travel with mini bus hire service.

Ho Chi Minh, aside from housing great attractions, also offers a number of dining options that are sure to delight anyone’s palate. Some of the must-visit restaurants in the city include:

• Lemon Grass – Located on Nguyen Thiep Street, this dining location offers an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners. Be sure to try the deep-fried prawn in coconut butter, which is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. You can dine in the restaurant to eat lunch with friends or to simply taste authentic Vietnamese cuisines.
• Sushi Bar – Those craving Japanese will love dining at this traditional sushi place in Ho Chi Minh. Main dishes are affordably priced starting at $4  to $10.
• Xu – Found right at the heart of Ho Chi Minh’s entertainment and fashion district, this modern restaurant set on an old building serves the best and excellent Vietnamese fares in the city. Cold and refreshing drinks are also served in Xu. If you want to get a taste of modern Vietnamese dishes, be sure to drop by Hai Bat Trung, District 1 and dine in at Xu.

Some of the good b&b accommodations that you should check out are the following:

• Pencarrow – Winner of many distinctive awards, this estate can be found in Queenstown. Nestled right within four acres of land offering stunning and breath taking views of Remarkable Mountains and the Wakatipu Lake. The 4 guest suites available showcase the incredible mountain and lake views. They also come with a sitting room, mini bar, television, iron, ironing board and direct dial phone. You will feel like you are staying in a  regular hotel when you choose Pencarrow.
• The Lilac Rose – Found in the Merivale Village, this b&b new zealand accommodation is situated near the airport and many local attractions. The century old villa is owned be warm and hospitable hosts.
• Dry Paddocks Country Retreat – Situated in the Waipara Valley (right at North Canterbury), this beautiful cottage aims to provide guests with utmost comfort and privacy. It is equipped with a swimming pool, a spacious living room, a kitchen, dining area, sunny decks, and outdoor courtyards with shelters.

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

This hotel is perfectly situated right at the heart of Hanoi’s diplomatic and business district. Hanoi Daewoo Hotel is known as Vietnam’s finest hotel. It offers guests with a wide range of modern facilities as well as diverse services. This 411-room hotel has thirty-three suites providing the best panoramic view of Hanoi. The hotel is also built and designed to the highest architectural standards and it also contains 4 excellent restaurants managed by top chefs showcasing superb culinary arts. Hanoi Daewoo Hotel is equipped with a fully-functional business center, a spacious grand ballroom, a large swimming pool (about 80 meters) and an attractive garden.

Ana Mandara Resort

Found in the most beautiful beach in Vietnam, Nha Trang, this resort is located in Khan Hoa Province. Ana Mandara Resort is equipped with many functional amenities such as an on-site tennis court, fitness center, on-site dining, business center, meeting rooms, banquets, spa, outdoor pool, and high speed internet access. The resort also offers its guests with tons of fun and exciting activities which include biking, fly fishing, sailing, hiking, diving, water skiing, wind surfing, scuba diving and shopping.

Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay

Offering classic luxury accommodations, this beautiful hotel is set on the dramatic and scenic Ninh Van Bay. Build on an exclusive property, Six Senses Hideaway is only accessible by water. It features fifty-eight beautiful and spacious villas providing great views of magnificent rock formations, with white sand beaches and towering mountains serving as their backdrop.

Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon

Situated right at the city center of Ho Chi Minh, Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon is just a short walk from the Reunification Palace as well as Notre Dame Cathedral, and is thirty minutes away from the airport. The hotel offers 275 well-appointed guestrooms and eleven suites which are tastefully ornamented to suit the taste of discerning guests. It also has a fitness center and a swimming pool. Two on-site restaurants serve the hotel offering sumptuous international cuisines ranging from Mediterranean and French specialties.

Rice is the staple food and it’s also made into noodles and cakes. Vietnamese people enjoy dishes that combine a variety of meats, vegetables and herbs. Lemon grass, kaffir and lime are just a few of the most commonly used herbs. On the other hand, prawn, fish, pork, beef and chicken are popular meats in the area. Soy sauce and fish sauce can be found on every kitchen and these are used as flavorings and dipping sauces. You can also find peanuts in most dishes. Food choices in Vietnam are just as diverse as the options for the policies offered by Sovereign Insurance.

As for the styles of cooking, the most popular methods are steaming, boiling, stir frying and deep-frying. The Vietnamese use a small amount of oil while cooking as compared with the Chinese because they want to preserve the natural taste and freshness of food as much as possible, hence, Vietnamese foods are considered as one of the healthiest in the world. So whether you have acquired a life insurance or not, since Vietnamese foods are known to be the healthiest, you can add more years into your life by switching to the consumption of healthy Vietnamese cuisines.

When to Visit

Basically, because of its geography, there is no one specific time to visit Vietnam. Because it spreads out from north to south, the country basically has three distinct climatic zones. What you should consider is the specific place in Vietnam that you intend to visit. It is ideal to visit when the tropical monsoons have passed, and that is in the months of May to September (in the country’s northern and southern areas) and October to April in central Vietnam. So the rest of the year will be typically sunny.

Clothing

In relation to the weather, you should also choose the right clothing to wear. If you intend to visit in the summer and lounge in the beaches in central Vietnam, loose fabrics that are of cotton or other natural fabrics is advisable as it can get as warm as 40 degrees centigrade. But if you are visiting the country during the rainy season, raingear is advisable, but you should also bring along some cool and loose clothing as it still can get warm even during the rainy season.  Your phlebotomy training classes can wait for a while if your visiting this beautiful spot. The only areas that would need warm clothing would be the northern part of the country.

Restrictions

You should keep in mind that Vietnam has a different culture than the western countries, and their religion and beliefs are also different. Remember to observe the different restrictions dictated by their religions. When it comes to clothing, shorts are not advisable, and you should consider clothing that is simple, and discreet. When visiting Buddhist temples and pagodas, you have to remember to remove your footwear as a sign of respect. The locals also consider it rude when you touch their heads, so be sure not to do that. When giving gifts or business cards, it is proper to use two hands – Vietnamese people consider that polite.

When you intend to document your trip and take pictures, make sure to always ask if it is allowed as some harbors, ports, and airports restrict picture-taking. Vietnamese people also find it rude to take their picture without their permission.

Now that you have read the aforementioned information about Vietnam travelling in and about the country should be easy breezy. Do not forget to bring a handy dandy Vietnam map and an English-Vietnamese dictionary which will help you greatly when exploring the area and talking with the local. Moreover, it is highly advisable that you book your accommodations in Vietnam way ahead of time so that you will be able to get the best room available that your money can afford.

Cultural Influences

Vietnam is considered to be one of the countries that belong to the East Asian Cultural Sphere, mainly because of its Chinese influence evident in almost all aspects of the country. In the 10^th century, when they gained their independence from China, Vietnam expanded to include the territories that used to be part of the Champa civilization and some parts of the Khmer empire.

The Chinese were not the only influence in the country, as they were also occupied for a time by the French, who brought Catholicism and the Latin alphabet to the Vietnam. Until now, Vietnam is the only Indochinese nation that uses the Latin alphabet to write their national language. Other cultural influence include Cuba, and the Soviet Union, hence the traces of communism.

Religion and Philosophy

The popular religion in Vietnam is typically an East Asia mix of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, or otherwise referred to as Tam Giáo (“triple religion”). Other religions include Catholicism and Vietnamese Buddhism. But whatever religious practice they choose, most Vietnamese have ancestor altars in their homes to practice ancestor worship and native animism. This plays a crucial role in their culture where family and kinship is of utmost importance.

Kinship, marriage, and family dynamics

As mentioned above, the importance of kinship and family is evident in the Vietnamese culture. But unlike what most would expect, the Vietnamese culture values the clan over family. But most inhabitants of each clan in a village are also related by blood. There is then a complex web of hierarchy within a village, and this is where the clan is considered more important than family, meaning a clan member’s hierarchal position in his family will not be considered important than his actual position in the clan.

Marriage in modern Vietnam is already considered to be influenced by both traditional and western cultures, but tradition is pretty much predominant in most Vietnamese families. They are expected to be married at a young age and most marriages are arranged by the parents.