Da Lat is famous for its rich colonial atmosphere as well as for having many great natural sites. It might, however, be lacking slightly in its nightlife but if visitors really want to enjoy themselves they can definitely find quite a few interesting establishments at the more up-market venues. Among them are Larry's Bar and Le Rabelais Bar, both are located in the Da Lat Palace Hotel. For a choice of drinks here, there are imported beers, whiskies, cocktails and wine. Many new arrivals in Vietnam are surprised to discover locally produced wine. Thanks to the French, who introduced this beverage to the country, there is a young but growing wine industry in and around Da Lat with Vang Da Lat (aka Wine Da Lat) and Da Lat Beco the two main producers. Customers can find interesting local-made drinks on Dalat’s restaurant menus including Bordeaux-style wines, sparkling white wines, peach coolers and wine coolers. Give them a try!

Though there are limited options for shopping in Halong Bay, what is actually available can be very interesting. Try the night market at Bai Chay Town. It is set up with many small open-air stalls with good collections of Vietnamese products includes the famous traditional Vietnamese silk dress (ao dai), lacquerware, chopsticks, trinkets, ceramic tea sets, Vietnamese conical hats (nón lá) and dolls. Experienced shoppers recommend bargaining hard to 30-50% of the original offered price. Most shops accept US Dollars as well as the local currency, Dong. Another fun way of shopping is from small floating shops. Local people row boats filled with goods such as beer, vodka, cigarettes, potato chips, cookies and other snacks. Their small boats are usually laden with goods in a very organised way and even if you're not buying anything these vessels are fascinating to see and photograph. It is important for shoppers not to encourage vendors selling stalagmites and stalactites as they should stay where they belong – inside Halong’s caves and grottos.