Certain cities around the globe have cult followings built entirely around their street-food cultures. Below, a definitive guide to seeking out the best bites in the world’s most bountiful (and greasy-fingered) destinations.

1. Hanoi, Vietnam

The narrow alleyways of the city’s Old Quarter yield a treasure trove of breakfast delicacies for the jet-lagged traveler. Street vendors set up as early as 5:30 a.m. to prepare sweet green rice wrapped in banana leaves, sesame- and coconut-filled dumplings in ginger syrup, and rich coffee poured over sweetened condensed milk (but watch the ice).

2. Los Angeles, California

Near L.A.’s MacArthur Park (at South Park View Street between Wilshire Boulevard and West 7th Street) is old-school vendors trade with hundred of local feature food stores.

3. Ensenada, Mexico

It’s a rare city in Mexico that doesn’t have great street food, but the tacos de pescado in the Baja port town of Ensenada, demand a special pilgrimage. Join the masses at the city’s fish market for corn tortillas piled high with battered fried halibut, shredded cabbage, pickled onions, avocado, jalapeños, and sweet-tangy crema-mayonnaise sauce.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The nation’s first capital is also home to some of its oldest and most beloved portable fare: soft pretzels, Italian ices, and, of course, cheese steaks, now being reimagined in Vietnamese and Mexican versions. Locals get theirs at the century-old, seven-block-long Philadelphia’s 9th Street Italian Market.

5. Singapore

In its many hawker centers (or food courts), such as Chinatown’s Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore delivers a civilized street-food experience — complete with table service. Patrons can usually ditch their belongings at one of the marked tables, browse the offerings (ranging from Chinese fish ball soup to spicy Malaysian pork-rib prawn noodles), and give their table number at the counter.

6. Puerto Rico

The food stands along Piñones Road about 30 miles east of San Juan make some of the island’s best frituras, or fried snacks: coconut arepas, piononos (plantains stuffed with beef), and bacalaítos, a mixture of pancake dough and salted cod. If you hit the strip around sunset, you might even catch an impromptu salsa-thon.

7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Health-conscious Cariocas, as locals are known, hit up Ipanema’s Sunday market in Praça General Osório square, open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for grilled-shrimp skewers and the occasional dessert splurge: churros stuffed with dulce de leche. The less guilt-inducing alternative: a fresh coconut drink or an açaí shake from one of the stands along Copacabana Beach.

8. Marrakech, Morocco

In the city’s rambling medina, grilled-meat hawkers will cook to order any cut you bring from one of the many nearby butchers. In the evening, head to the night market at Jemaa el-Fna and settle in at the communal tables for chickpea stew, boiled snails, and strong mint tea poured the traditional way: from a pot held perilously high above the glass.

9. Brussels, Belgium

Art nouveau architecture, the European Union headquarters: Who cares? Brussels is all about the frites (which, we assume, account for the bulk of the nearly 250 pounds of potatoes a typical Belgian consumes annually). At the city’s standard-bearer, the Maison Antoine kiosk in Place Jourdan, the secret to success is in the sauces: pineapple ketchup, beer-flavored carbonnade, and mayonnaise so tasty it’s almost a dish unto itself.

10. Vienna, Austria

Stroll the city center and you’ll encounter numerous Imbisses, stands selling sausages and sliced Leberkäse (a baked loaf of ground beef and pork) topped with mustard and folded into Semmel rolls. And to try the local caffeine fix of choice, head to the cafés of the 18th-century riverside Naschmarkt for a Wiener Melange, an espresso drink with steamed milk and whipped cream.

11. Istanbul, Turkey

Happily for all the travelers who make their base in the Sultanahmet district (home to the Hagia Sophia), the stalls beside the nearby Grand Bazaar can compete with any in this food-rich city. Have your pick of mussel skewers in garlic sauce, grilled corn, roasted chestnuts, and permutations of kebab too plentiful to count. (Feeling adventurous? Try the kokoreç, chopped lamb intestines seasoned with hot pepper and oregano.)

12. Tel Aviv, Israel

Mouthwatering falafel abounds throughout the Middle East, but this waterfront city is also home to a unique treasure: the Iraqi Jewish specialty of sabich, a pita sandwich stuffed with fried eggplant, chopped hard-boiled egg, and pickled cabbage and beets. To get right to the source, head to the stands of neighboring Ramat Gan, where the dish was invented.

13. Bangkok, Thailand

For centuries, Thai food sellers operated out of boats along the canals that formed the city’s main transportation system. In recent years, roadside cafés have all but supplanted the custom, but at Taling Chan floating market on the western edge of the city, vendors still grill fish and steam crabs directly on their boats every weekend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

14. Portland, Oregon

With more than 400 carts selling everything from Korean tacos to Carolina-style barbecue, Portland is a microcosm of mobile meals. Lunchtime crowds gather near SW 10th Avenue and SW Alder Street; later on, night owls head across the river to SE 12th Avenue and SE Hawthorne Boulevard for deep-fried cherry pies and savory crepes, served until 2 a.m.

]]> http://www.vietnam-visa.com/blog/world%e2%80%99s-best-street-food-listed-by-cnn/feed/ http://www.vietnam-visa.com/blog/visa-exemption-for-foreigners-to-vn/ http://www.vietnam-visa.com/blog/visa-exemption-for-foreigners-to-vn/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:24:14 +0000 admin http://www.vietnam-visa.com/blog/?p=820

We do believe that what we have written here is not a complete list of mistakes, if you wish to share or add up something, you are welcome at feedback@vietnam-visa.com

Nha Trang is also known as the ideal site of big events as Sea Festival organized annually  and beauty Contest as Miss Universe 2008, Miss Global 2010 and Miss World 2010.

Attract tourist Sites:

Dam Market (Cho Dam): a central market of Nha Trang with original architect. Dam Market is the biggest one and commercial symbol of Nha Trang. This is also a shopping commercial centre and tourist site.

Long Son Pagoda: Locates at 22 October 23 Street, Phuong Son District, and sits at the foot of Trại Thuy mountain. This pagoda was built over one hundred years ago, and it is the most famous one in Khanh Hoa province. On the top of the hill, there is Kim Than Phat statue (known as White Buddha Statue)

Mountain Church (Chanh Toa Church): The church also arouses curiosity by its bronze bell that was cast in France and the bell-tower which is 32 meters high and striking with a large watch which has four faces toward the four directions

Nha Trang Oceanography Institute: It was established in 1922 by French. It is considered as one of the first centres for scientific research in Vietnam.

The Marine Animal Museum shows more than 20,000 sea and freshwater specimens, as well as living creatures that are kept in glass tanks.

Diamond Bay: (Wonderpark Resort): in Nguyen Tat Thanh Boulevard, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa opened on June 30, 2008 after 4 months construction. This is well-known as the site organizing Miss Universe 2008

Palace of Emperor (Lau Bao Dai): locates on the top of Chut mountain (Canh long mountain), is a famous historical monument, about 6km far from the centre. This original architect is famous for the blend between Western and Eastern Style.

During 1940s, Bao Dai King and Nam Phuong Queen often visited and relaxed at Xuong Rong and Bong Xu villas. Since then it was called Palace of Emperor then.

Other Tourist Attractions:

- Thap Ba Hot Spring

- Nha Phu Lagoon

- Hoa Lan Stream

- Monkey Island

- San Beach

- Hon Chong Island

- Hon Tam Island

- Hon Mun Island

- Hon Con Se Tre Island

- Dao Yen Island

- Hon Tre Island

- Suoi Do Stream

One of the best ways to travel across the Vietnam Country is by train. Vietnam’s rail network extends to most destinations allowing you to see the countryside at a leisurely pace. And maybe, safety, comfort and reasonable fee are what any passengers, foreign tourists and Vietnamese travelers can recognizes whenever experiencing.

Where do the trains go?

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

This is the main north-south running line referred to as “Reunification Express”. While there are over 100 stations on the line, the popular and fastest trains service around 20 stations, The stations include, Hanoi, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Dong Da, Hue, Da Nang (for Hoi An), Quang Ngai, Dieu Tri (for Qui Nhon), Nha Trang, Thap Cham, Muong Man (for Mui Ne) and  Saigon.

Train number lines: Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh city: SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, TN1

Ho Chi Minh city - Hanoi: SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, TN2

Hanoi to Lao Cai

This line, striking northwest from Hanoi, terminates at the border town of Lao Cai, for tourists wish to discover Sa Pa, one of northern Vietnam’s most popular spots. Most of the trains run at night.

Hanoi to Dong Dang

Dong Dang is the border town, in Lang Son province, on the Chinese frontier and this train, running northeast of Hanoi, is the most popular way to reach it.

What classes are available?

Hard seat
It is actually a wooden bench seat to be exact. The cheapest class on the train, hard seat is also the first to fill up and is invariably packed.

Soft seat
Next cheapest off the rack, soft seat are considerably more comfortable. Soft seat comes in three flavours — reclining air-con, air-con and non air-con.

Modern reclining seats on trains SE1-SE8

Hard sleeper

Hard sleeper comes in a six-berth configuration with both a fan-cooled and air-con option. The compartments do not have a door, so you need to be extra careful with your belongings.

Soft sleeper
This is the most comfortable class and comes with surprisingly soft beds in a four-bed configuration, with or without air-con. All soft sleeper bunks are priced the same.

A soft class 4-berth sleeper, SE1-SE8

How long do the trains take?

Rough trip times are (depending on the class of train and number of stops):

Hanoi to Vinh: 5-7 hours
Vinh to Dong Hoi: 3.5-5 hours
Dong Hoi to Dong Ha: 2-3 hours
Dong Ha to Hue: 1-2 hours
Hue to Da Nang: 3-4 hours
Da Nang to Nha Trang: 10-12 hours
Nha Trang to Muong Man: 4-7 hours
Muong Man to Saigon: 3.5-4.5 hours

1. Asiana Airlines

The second largest Airline of South Korea can satisfy any Passengers from all over the World in serving food of Kimchi’s Country, modern Entertainment Equipment and beautiful flight Attendants.

2. Singapore Airline

Flying with Singapore Airline can be a depressing experience with the most sumptuous aircraft, the best flight attendants, the memorable food, the best Business Class Lounge.

3. Qatar Airways

The noticeable improvement in Service and aircraft Interior, and this is the reason why Qatar Airways always keeps the high rank in the past years.  This year, this Airline is voted for the best food for Business Class.

4. Cathay Pacific

This is one of the most popular airline companies in the world and it flies across to 130 destinations across the world. Known for quality services and passenger care, Cathay Pacific is indeed one of the best airlines.

5. Air New Zealand

This airline began operation in 1940 operating flies across a number of destinations in the globe. It is well known for customer care and passenger safety together with their hospitable crew on board.

6. Etihad Airways

This airline was established in the year 2003 and is the National Airline of the UAE. Today, it operates to about 70 destinations cross the world with high quality services.

7. Qantas Airlines

This is the most famous, largest and long-term in Australia. It has earned a name for superiority in service, protection and maintenance. It has won awards for having the ‘Best First Class Lounge’.

8. Air Emirates

Emirates Airline of UAE is known with their luxury class, comfortable and modern. Any Passengers fly with this airline will see that no Airlines in the World is installed with the best Entertainment Equipment like Emirates.

9. Thai Airways

This airline company was established in the year 1960 operating to 34 countries across the world. It offers excellent passenger comfort, safety and has also won an award for having the best cabin staff.

10. Malaysia Airline

This airline began its operations in 1947 and it operates flights to 85 destinations across the globe.  This is Southeast Asia’s most popular airline and well known for offering excellent passenger care.

• Luggage exceeds duty free concessions
• Luggage sent before or after trips
• Professional equipment temporarily imported and re-exported or vice versa;
• Addictive medicines
• Other medicines exceed 30 USD in value
• Foreign currency exceeds 7,000 USD (seven thousand US dollars), or its equivalence other foreign currency, or over 15,000,000 VND (fifteen million Vietnam Dong), in cash.

• Goods prohibited to import: weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, drugs, toxic chemicals, debauched and reactionary products, firecrackers of all kinds, toys with negative impacts on the dignity education, social security and safety, cigarettes beyond the stipulated quantity, etc.
• Goods prohibited to export: weapons, ammunition, , military technical equipment, antiques, drugs, toxic chemicals, wild animals, rare and precious animals and plants, documents related to the national security by the State Bank.

• Duty free concessions for the baggage of arriving passengers

• For liquor: Liquor at 22^o and above: 1.5 litres; Liquor below 22^o: 2.0 litres; Alcoholic beverage: 3.0 litres.
• For cigarettes and cigars: Cigarettes: 400 pieces; Cigar: 100 pieces; Tobacco: 500 g
• For tea, coffee: Tea: 5 kg, Coffee: 3 kg
• For Clothes, personal belongings: With reasonable quantity in service of the trip’s purpose
• Articles other than those mentioned at item above (outside the list of goods banned from import): Total value exceeds 5,000,000 VND.

• Notes: Foreigners on entry carry luggage, which exceeds the duty-free quotas, presents and gifts with the total value not exceeding VND 1,000,000 (one million) shall be exempt from taxes.

(Source: VNAT)

Foreign nationals assigned to work in Vietnam are required to show a degree of proprietary knowledge. You may convert from visitor purpose to work purpose while staying in Vietnam or as the work permit application is in process.

Also, the Work Permit application has to be sponsored by a company or entity registered and recognized in Vietnam.

To obtain a Work Permit in Vietnam, applicants should satisfy the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Health in good condition to satisfy the specific demands and requirements of the job
• Free of any criminal record or a national security offence, not currently facing criminal prosecution, or not serving a criminal sentence during assignment.
• Must be a specialist, manager, or executive.

Some foreign nationals are exempt from getting the Work Permit and can work in Vietnam holding only business visas. These individuals are:

• Foreigners entering Vietnam to work for less than three (3) months or to resolve emergency cases are exempt. Foreign employees are required to submit their full name, passport number, nationality, job description and an employment contract copy indicating a period of no more than ninety (90) days to the Labor Department
• Members of a limited liability company having two or more members
• Members of the board of directors of a shareholding company
• Owners of a single-member limited Liability Company
• Employees that promote and market services belonging to Foreign Service suppliers
• Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice-certified practicing lawyers

A Work Permit may be terminated in the following:

• Expiration of work permit
• Termination of labor contract
• The content of labor contract is not consistent with the granted work permit
• Expiration or termination of the business, trade, finance, banking, insurance, science and technology, culture, sports, education, or medicine contracts
• When foreign employer announced the termination of the foreign national working in Vietnam
• Withdrawal of work permit by authorized state agencies
• Termination of operation of the company, organization, and partners in Vietnam

The Work Permit validity period lasts depending on the duration of assignment indicated in the employment contract, but no more than three years. Renewals are also dependent on the employment contract, with a maximum of three years for every renewal. Individuals can renew up to a maximum of three times.

Before leaving Vietnam, the Work Permit of employees needs to be cancelled with the assistance of the Labor Department. Foreign employees should return the permit to their employer within fifteen days from the date their employment ends. It is the employer’s responsibility to submit the permit with a notification letter to the Labor Department’s local office.

Southern Vietnam experiences very little seasonal temperature change. It has a tropical, hot and humid, climate, and has only two real seasons - the monsoon season and the dry season. The monsoon season brings lots of rain, heat, and regular floods. All of Vietnam is affected by monsoons from May until October or November. The average yearly temperature for this southern region is around 80 or 90 degrees F (27-32 degrees C). Northern Vietnam, along the Red River, has hot, wet summers (80-90 F, 27-32 C), similar to those in the south. Winters, lasting from November to April, are drier and much cooler, with temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s (F) (5-10 degrees C). Winters have scattered showers. The mountainous regions of Vietnam, between the two lowland deltas, and forming a northern border between Vietnam and China are generally cooler. They still get lots of rain, and jungle plants still abound. The mountains and the coastal areas are subject to seasonal typhoons. Average annual rainfall for Hanoi (north) is about 80 inches. For Ho Chi Minh City (south) it is about 60 inches. Hue, near the central coast gets about 120 inches per year.

Sapa - City in the mist

The climate in Southern Vietnam is excellent for growing rice. Rice is grown all over, but mainly in the northern and southern deltas. The mountains, with cooler temperatures, and poorer soil, are used to grow cash crops such as rubber, coffee and even a form of poppy used to make heroine. The people in Vietnam are prepared for all that the weather brings them. They expect and need the rains to supply water to their rice, and have built dikes to help protect their homes from flooding. To combat the sun and heat, most Vietnamese can be seen wearing conical hats, and staying indoors or in the shade during the hottest hours of the day.

by Argenta Price

(source: http://library.thinkquest.org/25734/data/climate/climate.html)