Sao Beach is one of the most beautiful tropical sandy beaches in Phu Quoc that is very famous for swimming, sunbathing, and doing other activities as well. The beach attracts many tourists due to its wonderful natural scenery, crystal clear waters, and white-sand shores. It is truly a must-visit place for tourists when coming to Phu Quoc Island. WHERE IS BAI SAO BEACH? Bai Sao Beach is nestled on the coast of An Thoi Town, which is about 25 km from the center of Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province in the southwestern region of Vietnam. This is one of the most worth-visit beaches in Phu Quoc, with a smooth sandy shore and clear blue seawater. Setting foot on Bai Sao Beach, you will be amazed by the unspoiled beauty of the beach and the gorgeous landscape around. The beach stretches over 7 km with a white smooth sandy shore where it is defined as the whitest and cleanest sand on the island. Unfortunately, due to its reputation, there is a lot of trash in the southern part of Sao Beach. The seawater is calm, warm, and extremely blue. The further you go, the bluer the ocean becomes. [gap height="40px"] [ux_image id="4220" image_size="original"] [gap height="40px"] WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BAI SAO BEACH? Of course, the best thing to see here is the beauty of the beach. According to local people, the origin of the name Bai Sao is that there are tens of thousands of starfishes moving into the shores and under the water surface every night when dusk falls. Bai Sao Beach promises to bring the most memorable things to do in Phu Quoc. Coming to the beach, you can wander around the beach on the white smooth sandy shore and look for the crabs, snails, and other crustaceans. In the northern and southern tip of the beach, the local people created some small trails to get into the pristine forests. It is not a bad idea to explore the tropical jungle to admire the huge trees and listen to the songs of many kinds of wild birds. If you want to snorkel or dive, you can go to the sea area near the rocks in the Long Beach resort. It is the best place to see the heart of the ocean, where the reef is very flourished and home to many fish and shellfish. If you are having a day trip to Sao beach, you can relax on one of the many beach chairs and high-quality loungers which are available at the Parasido Restaurant, ordering a cup of soft drink or wine and viewing the seascape is such a fancy moment Sao Beach brings to you. [gap height="40px"] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4227" image_size="large" height="141.5%"] [/col] [col span="8" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4219"] [/col] [/row] Besides the beach bars made of palm leaves scattered on the beach, you can go for a meal at the open restaurants. The beach restaurants around the beach are quite more expensive than anywhere else because of their prominent location. You can order a lime soda which is very sweet and cool, but the price is only 32,000 VND. It would help if you also tried sugarcane juice 'nuoc mia' for only 10,000 VND / glass. Hiring a jet ski to ride is a good thing we highly recommend; it costs 450,000 VND for 10 minutes. You can ride one of these inflatable bananas that get pulled by a motorboat or try water skiing at the cost of 700,000 VND for 10 minutes. Moreover, near the cape, you can see anchoring fishing boats of the fishermen that combine with the gorgeous view of the sunrise to create a picturesque painting seducing your eyes. [gap height="40px"] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4240"] [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4242"] [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4241" height="125.5%"] [/col] [/row] FEELINGS OF TOURISTS ABOUT SAO BEACH Bai Sao beach leaves in the heart of tourists a lot of impressions. Stanislava Kunovska, a Russian tourist, said that: “Such a nice white sandy beach! Bai Sao beach is sheltered, with not many waves, clear water, but it is fairly shallow for quite a way out. Beware, they charge for everything here. It was 20,000 VND for a shower, 30,000 VND for a locker, 80,000 VND for a lounge chair, and the food here is also quite expensive. Bring your lunch if you can”. It shows a case that the quality of service here is not too good. The garbage is a problem on the beach, because of many tourists rushing onto the beach, they fairly throw out the rubbish on the ground. That causes the pollution and loss score in tourist’s mind.

Vietnam’s tropical monsoon climate plays a significant role in determining the best time to visit the country.  From May to September, the south and south-western monsoons lash the region, bringing rain to the west-facing slopes and the two deltas, while the northern monsoon picks up moisture over the Tonkin Gulf and carries it along the eastern side of the central highlands, between October and April. Given the variations that could take place due to differences in latitude and altitude, one can only feel puzzled as to which season is best to travel to Vietnam. This guide will provide an in-depth overview of the weather in the country, as well as provide information about the high-tourist and off-seasons, so you can make an informed decision, whether you are coming here to spend some quality time with the family or your partner or have fun and party with your friends. The Climate Per Region Southern Vietnam The dry season here lasts from December through late April or early May. Then, it starts to rain, which is dosed as brief downpours in the afternoon hours; and rain continues to be a familiar pattern until November, sometimes cutting off remote villages and making transport more complicated. However, this is hardly off-putting as the temperatures seldom drop below 20oC, so it is quite pleasurable being around and exploring the southern areas at this time of the year. For maximum sunshine and warm weather, coming between March and May will give you up to 40oC to enjoy the sun, the seas, and the sugary sandy shores. As for the central highlands, they also follow the same climate conditions, but do expect cooler temperatures, especially after sunset and deep into the night. Central Coast The northeast monsoon reverses the rainfall patterns along the central coast. In the far northern part of the central coast (around Had Nang and Hue), the rains last from September to February but if you move more towards the heart of the coast you skip a good 2-month rainfall (around Nha Trang) as the wet season usually starts in November and lasts about 2 months until December. So spring is probably the best season to visit these areas. Now, the northern stretches of the central coast have relatively shorter rainy seasons while their summers are dry and hot. Again, the temperatures are close to 30oC (or even higher) from June to August, which makes a trip to the surrounding hills and mountains a pleasant escape. Northern Vietnam If you visit the northern part of the country, expect sunny and warm weather from October to December. Afterward, the landscape changes, bringing cold and persistent mist that can linger on for several days. From March and onwards the temperatures start rising again, peaking between May and August, when they can climb to 40oC. For less heat and more comfortable days and nights, Hanoi is an excellent option as the temps there range in the 30oC neighbourhood. For even cooler experiences, the northern mountains comprise a superb getaway (during the winter, it may snow a bit here too, which is pleasant enough for a winter vacation). Note, though, that the summer in the northern parts of the country also comes with heavy downpours that often cause the delta area to flood. So, if one had to make a decision based solely on the weather conditions in Vietnam, they would probably choose to visit the country either during spring or autumn, when the seasons are more favourable. However, the complicated weather picture does not leave much room for sound recommendations. At the end of the day, it is what you want to experience coming here. Beaches in Vietnam One of the reasons travellers, families, couples, students, and groups of friends alike, choose Vietnam for their holidays is the beautiful beaches with the sandy shores and crystal clear waters. The great thing about Vietnam is that there are beaches for every season, from Southern to Central Vietnam down to the east coast. When exactly you visit the country (if coming here to enjoy the shores, of course) basically depends on which beach(es) you want to visit. The beaches of the south do boast warm temps year-round (about 30oC) but if you had to pick a season, better steer clear from September-January (monsoon season) visits because occasional typhoons hit the southern regions. Phu Quoc, on the other hand, experiences wet season from June to September so any time before or after that is ideal for a relaxing time by the beach. Most of the tourists prefer to fly to Pearl Island around February, though, when they admit enjoying the shores much more than any other season due to the great weather. The same applies to Mui Ne in regards to the wet season, although its microclimate includes less rain. Autumn and winter is an excellent time to savour kitesurfing and other water sports.  Finally, Con Dao is humid and hot almost throughout the year, with a wet season that stretches from the month of May to late autumn (November). Lastly, the central coastline around Hoi An and Danang is a much welcoming place with year-round warm weather and temps peaking at 38oC between July and August. If you like it hot, go towards the end of the dry season. For milder temps, better visit around January. Rainfall increases after August and until November while there are high chances an occasional typhoon hits the area during this season. Tourist Seasons Tourism-wise, the high-season is between October and April, roughly speaking, while the summertime is mostly a rainy season (from May to September). Nevertheless, there are different low and high seasons for different travellers, depending on their country of origin. For example, the majority of western visitors prefer to fly to the country outside the low season months, which, by the way, is high-season for short-haul and domestic Asian and Vietnamese visitors. But, if you are after the most cost-effective accommodation rates and a chance away from rubbing shoulders with flocks of tourists, the low season will serve you well, provided you are okay with the sticky hot weather and rainfall. At this time of the year, travel agencies and hotels offer, probably, their lowest rates and also launch special promotional campaign perks that you could benefit from. Besides, most places are not that busy during low-season, which can be a deal maker or breaker, depending on whether you are after a vibrant night scene or more relaxed holidays. Finally, the heat is manageable and the rare (usually short-lived) afternoon rainstorms may even feel romantic. For more “noise” and a party feel (also more crowds), the high season (for Westerners, that is) will please you much if you are ready to pay the heftier price tag. Important Dates to Bear in Mind During festivities, holidays, and other important dates in the Vietnamese calendar, things could change significantly around here and create an unexpected high season, which will demand more organising and pre-booking on your side. Some of these holidays to take note of are: Tet – It marks the beginning of the New Year in Vietnam (usually falls between January and mid-February) and is, as one would expect, one of the most important celebrations of the nation. Expect large crowds flooding the streets and having fun, and a wide range of local festivities to take place at this time. The celebrations could last up to 7 days! Hung Kings Temple Festival – Celebrated on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month or early April, it sees crowds gathering at the Hung Temple to honour the first emperors and the traditional founders of the country. Processions start at the foot of the Nghia Lin Mountain and continue until people reach the Hung Temple, some 150 steps to the top of the hill while stopping at every temple along their way. If you fancy the idea of becoming part of a local spiritual ritual, this is an excellent time to visit Vietnam. Vietnam’s National Day – This celebration takes place on the 2nd of September and signifies the Vietnamese’s independence from France. You will see it celebrated with grandeur, including parades (the Ba Dinh Square march in Hanoi is the most significant one), fireworks, and many more activities. Reunification Day (Ngay Thong Nhat) – This national holiday (aka Liberation Day or Victory Day) is typically commemorated on the 30th of every April (if it falls on a weekend, it is transferred on the Monday after it) and is a remembrance of the 1975 fall of Saigon and marks the end of the Vietnam war. You will most likely see many Vietnamese visiting attractions and beaches at this time, as it is either preceded or followed by May Day, which allows for extended holidays for the locals. May Day or International Labour Day – A public holiday falling on the 1st of May, as in many countries over the globe, and is usually combined with Reunification Day, creating further day offs for the Vietnamese; hence, increasing traffic volume and crowds in popular hot spots. What to Consider About the Festivities During the celebrations mentioned above, there may be a shortage in international and/or domestic train and plane tickets, as well as limited availability in hotel rooms, especially in luxury resorts, and reduced food supplies at shores. Therefore, if you wish to live the thrill and immense in the local flair of national traditions and celebration, better come prepared (i.e., pre-book your plane tickets and hotel room). Best Time to Visit Popular Vietnam Hubs If you are planning to see the whole country, you will need to take into consideration its huge regional diversity (it is over 1,000km in length, after all), which will probably complicate things. But, deciding on the most suitable time to visit Vietnam is much less complicated if you know which cities or villages you want to include in your itinerary. Vietnam is an exceptional year-round tourist destination for those that make the right calls! Here is a small guide to help you be prepared as to what to expect, when, and where. Sapa Sapa’s climate is quite seasonal as is the weather in the mountains of northern Vietnam. The temps do not usually go above 30oC in the summertime (humidity between 75%-90% peaking July-August), but it could be freezing in winter. The best time to come here is May and April to have nice, warm and dry weather of, for cooler climes, October and November. Hanoi Humidity and heat distinguish summer in Hanoi (May to September) while the average temperature is around 32oC, which is manageable, especially considering the rejuvenating short downpours of heavy rain, which generally come in the evenings. Nevertheless, this is the time of the year with the most sunshine hours. Winters bring clouds, fog and cold (17oC average) so better come October or November when it is much warmer (around 21oC) with lots of sunshine and little rain. Halong Bay The visibility here is often reduced due to the mist but definitely adds a mystical ambiance. The skies are blue, and the weather is warm from March to May. It gets even more temperate (and wetter, at the same time) from May to November, with some light afternoon showers that are more than welcome. The winters are rather cold so better not visit from December to February if you are not a fan of wintry weather. Therefore, autumn and spring are definitely the best picks. Saigon The closer we move to the equator, the warmer the temperatures throughout the year. Saigon offers balmy days and a pleasant tropical climate marked by dry and wet season (May-November). However, it is highly unlikely travel will ever be affected by the afternoon downpours here. Phu Quoc Island Most of the rainfall comes between July and September in Phu Quoc Island and the clearer, sunnier skies are most often viewed between November and March. Consistent warm temperatures and a low humidity level (average at 27.5oC) are what you can expect during the dry season when you can freely enjoy the sub, swim, snorkel or go sightseeing, bird-watching or camping. Just make sure you pre-book your hotel, as the island gets packed with tourists and locals, especially the luxury resorts at Duong Dong, such as La Veranda, during public holidays, national celebrations, and not only. Traveling to Vietnam is an adventure on its own. Once you have decided how you want to experience it, things will find their way when the time comes to determine when is the best time to travel here. Soon, you will join the millions of travellers who say that any time is a good time to visit Vietnam!

1. MUST-TRY DISHES IN VIETNAM Along with the breath-taking landscapes and valuable heritage sites, the cuisine is a distinctive feature of Vietnam. Followings are some distinctive delicacies of Vietnam that visitors should try. Pho, Bun Obviously, no one can ignore that famous dish when visiting Vietnam. “Pho” has been widely known as Vietnamese specialty. There are many of kinds of “Pho”, depending on which ingredients are added into. Travelers can find “Pho” anywhere, from street vendors to luxury restaurants. Just a small tip, the ones where locals gather the most are the places to sit down and take a try. The three most famous regions for “Pho” and “Bun” are Hanoi, Nam Dinh, Hue, and Saigon. The dishes from these places have different tastes, which will leave the customers in awe! Bun Cha This is absolutely a must-eat dish when taking a Vietnam street food tour. “Bun Cha” is the Vietnamese name of “grilled pork”, which contains two types of meat: minced pork patties and strips of meat. They are soaked into dipping soup made from fish sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and chilies. You can dress it up by adding whatever you want. There are also rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. The best way to eat is to dip all these things into the soup and take a full mouth of it. You can order some more spring rolls to make the dish better. “Bun Cha” is even more delicious when you eat at restaurants along the streets. Do not try to find a luxury restaurant, just stop where you can smell the smoky hazes from the grilling. The place with the best “Bun Cha” is Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can get a heavenly tasty dish with a reasonable price. Banh Cuon “Banh Cuon” is popular as a dish for breakfast and a midday snack. The dish is made of an exceptionally thin rolled rice sheet, filled with minced mushroom and ground pork meat. Fried onion and cilantro are added as toppings. Dipping it into light fish sauce can make it much tastier. “Banh Cuon” restaurants are easily found in every street or market in different parts of the country. Find where steams are coming up to get the fresh and hot dish, as the chefs usually make it right in front of the restaurants. Banh Mi Voted as one of the most delicious sandwiches in the world, “Banh Mi” is absolutely a cannot-miss dish for Vietnam Food Tour. “Banh Mi” first appeared during the French colonization. The French people made baguette and sandwiches for their own uses, then the Vietnamese created a new variant. It is a cluster of traditional and Western culture. “Banh Mi” is actually the baguette combined with pork, pate, and various vegetables. These things are put together, then creating a great flavor. Each region has its variant of Banh Mi. The two most famous ones are “Banh Mi Ha Noi” and “Banh Mi Hoi An”. In addition to the distinct flavor in each region, travelers can also vary their “banh mi” by adding different toppings. I’m sure that you cannot stand yourself from eating once you have tried it. Banh Xeo “Banh Xeo” is a crispy cake made of rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. The cake is pan-fried with several ingredients such as pork slices, shrimps, sliced onions, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. The best taste can be achieved when you eat it with lettuce, herbs and sweet fermented peanut butter sauce. Sometimes people use rice paper to wrap “banh xeo” and all other additional ingredients to make it easier to eat. It is absolutely a great appetizer that visitors should try when having food tours in Vietnam. Xoi Xeo “Xoi Xeo” is a mouth-watering street food that can be easily found in outdoor markets. The dish includes sticky rice and toppings of fried onion and “mung” bean. There are also other ingredients you can add to your dish such as “Cha Lua”, steamed chicken, “ruoc” – smashed and fried salted pork, eggs, and pork belly. It is not only a dish to eat at the restaurant but travelers can also take it away for their long journey. Almost every region has “Xoi Xeo”. It is a popular breakfast for all ages, hence the price is very cheap. You can buy one with only 5,000 VND. For the dishes with more toppings and ingredients, it may cost you about 15,000 – 25,000 VND. So cheap for a good dish, right? 2. VIETNAM SPECIALTIES AND PRODUCTS. In addition to the unique cuisine, Vietnam is also well-known as a country with lots of specialties and export products. Followings are some outstanding products of the S-shaped country. Rice Vietnam is an agricultural country with more than 70% of its people making their living by growing rice. The Red River Delta in the North and the Mekong Delta in the South is considered the two rice baskets placed at two ends of a pole. Not only growing rice for daily uses, Vietnamese farmers also export rice to other countries. Following Thailand, Vietnam is the 2nd largest rice-exporting country in the world. Coffee First introduced by the French in 1857, the coffee industry has increasingly developed and become a major economic product in Vietnam. Vietnam is the second largest producer in the world after Brazil, and most of the coffee comes from the plantations in Highland regions of Central Vietnam. Vietnamese coffee are renowned for its high-end quality. Two most famous brands of Vietnamese coffee are Trung Nguyen Coffee and VinaCafe. Pepper Vietnam is the World’s largest producer and exporter of peppers. Introduced by the French in the 17th century, pepper trees have now been planted in large scale in the South, especially in Central Highland provinces. Phu Quoc Island is another famous plantation of black pepper. Pepper is regarded as the “King of Spices” and used in daily dishes worldwide. Tea Northern Vietnam is home to the famous brand of tea: Thai Nguyen Tea. Enormous tea plantations are found in the northwest regions, mostly concentrating in Thai Nguyen and Moc Chau. Not only do tea plantations bring about a high volume of products, these are also interesting tourist attractions. Fish Seafood industry plays an important role in Vietnam’s economy. Fisheries exports account for a large proportion of the overall revenue. The main markets of Vietnam fish are the United States and Western countries. Textile Textile is a key economic sector of Vietnam. Though a small country, Vietnam is a big player in the textile industry. This sector provides jobs to more than 2 million employees. As Vietnam’s labor is very cheap, the textile products are also affordable, thus enabling the industry to gradually continue even in the struggling economic situation.