Thung Nai has a lot of attractions to explore and discover

Thung Nai impresses anyone who sees it from the very first time with the harmonious combination of mountains, lakes and charming houses nestled in between the high hills.

Thung Nai, Hoa Binh

Located in Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, just about 110km north-east of Hanoi center, Thung Nai is a popular destination for weekend retreat of both tourists and upper class Hanoians who can afford the time and cost.

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History

Once upon a time, Thung Nai was a great valley covered by the vast forest, which is home to numerous deer. Hence, the local people call it “Thung Nai” means “the Valley of deer”.

Since the 1980s when the Da River hydropower plant was constructed, Thung Nai has become a huge lake containing the water served for the operation of this hydropower plant. All initial surrounding high mountains become floating green islands and create poetic and magnificent scenery which can enchant any tourist. Thung Nai is called “the second Ha Long Bay on land” in the North of Vietnam (the first position was taken by Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh province).

Visitor Information

Most tourists traveling to Thung Nai choose the Windmill guesthouse, which is located on Friends Island as an ideal place for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The guesthouse area consists of a large two-storey redbrick house and a windmill offering visitors a breath-taking view of Thung Nai, a stilt house functioning as a communal dinning place, and a tennis court lying in the lush orchard. The Windmill itself is often regarded as an attraction of Thung Nai.

Activities

Staying in the Windmill, tourists will be served local specialties like grilled Muong pork, smoked or grilled Da River fish, or fish sour soup, and straw wine. After the dinner, tourists, especially the youngsters often gather for the campfire in front of the guesthouse, and watching the sparkling fishing canoe floating in the lake by night.

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Waking up in the morning, tourists can refresh themselves by breathing the fresh air and enjoying the natural beauty in early morning. A boat tour to discover sites around the lake in Thung Nai like Ba Chua Thac Bo temple, Thac Bo grotto (with a lot of stalactite in various shapes), Ngoi Hoa village of Muong people is also a good option. Especially, tourists who luckily come here on Sunday morning can drop by Thac Bo floating market, just 20 minutes by boat from the Windmill, where they can buy fresh fish, shrimp caught by local people.

Best time to visit Thung Nai

Thung Nai is said to be most beautiful in the autumn, when the water level reaches the highest and the valley is filled with the romantic lake water. Try visiting Thung Nai this time to best enjoy the landscape.

How to get there

From Hanoi, tourists can travel to Thung Nai easily by car or motorbike. After riding along the National Highway 6 and reaching Hoa Binh town, turn right and keep riding 20km toward the upstream of Da River then stop at Binh Thanh marina. From here, tourists will get on the boat and begin the trip to discover the beauty of Thung Nai.

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The Hanoi Opera House is the largest theatre in Vietnam

An essential part of Hanoi’s 000 year history, Hanoi Opera House is without doubt one of the most famous cultural and architectural monuments of Hanoi. Located on the famous August Revolution Square, Hanoi Opera House is just a few steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter and Vietnam History Museum. The Opera house was constructed for ten years from 1901 to 1911 and modeled on Palais Garnier – the older of Paris two opera houses, Hanoi opera house embraces the European architectural style under the Renaissance period with the Italian-made marble floor, copper chandeliers and exquisite French murals on the ceiling, thus making the place one of Hanoi’s singular architectural landmarks.

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Hanoi Opera House

In the past, the theater solely hosted performances by Western artists for French officials and wealthy Vietnamese. Nowadays, Hanoi Opera House is one of Hanoi’s cultural centers where art shows, concerts, dance performances and other events usually take place, with the scale ranging from national to international.

The theater is the place where the Vietnamese Orchestra chooses to perform on regular basis, occasionally along with famous artists from all over the world. In the past the place had invited the violinist Hilary Hahn, the cellist Yo-yo Ma, the pianist Wolfgang Glemser or the conductor Gudni Emilsson. The two remarkable classical concerts performed annually at Hanoi Opera House are Toyota Concert and Hennessy Classical Concert, which both are international-scale performances with renowned classical artists.

Moreover, there are a variety of art events ranging from the traditional Vietnamese music to the more trendy pop music by domestic singers with high reputation such as My Linh, Thanh Lam or Hong Nhung. The price also varies depending on the scale of the events, but normally ranging from 100.000 VND to 500.000 VND and up to 2 million VND for a VIP seat, which can be considered reasonable for Western standards.

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Monsoon tourism of Cao Pha Valley

Here it’s the season of rainbows and raindrops and a time when tourists flock to the region to enjoy the picturesque terraced rice paddies at their best, overflowing with water.

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The season is commonly referred to by local people as ‘the season of falling water’ referring to the torrential downpours that saturate the paddies sending the water cascading down the mountainside.

Vietnam’s highway 32 is infamous for its many attractive tourist destinations and exotic beauty stretching from Tu Le to Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai province.

Let’s enjoy a few images of the Cao Pha Valley in Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province this rainy season

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Free time for discovering Moon garden Homestay and Ky Son village

Hanoi Moon Garden is one of the main sights in Hanoi, it is just 40km from Hanoi center to this tourist destination. Visiting Moon Garden, you have a chance to take part in the traditional activities of Vietnamese as well as enjoy the Vietnamese food and learn to cook these food.

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There are many different activities once you stay in Hanoi Moon Garden such as cooking class, cycling around the beautiful fields, fishing….these activities are very useful and fun for the families whose have the children travel with. Arrival with Hanoi Moon Garden you will understand more about the daily life of Vietnamese people as well as the normal life of the locals whose live around Hanoi area.

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Travel to Hanoi Moon Garden you are met the local people as well as see them work their daily job. Specially, at here you are stayed in the traditional houses of Vietnamese, there is also a house on stilts for the big group who prefer to stay together in Hanoi Moon Garden, these houses will make the tourists feel more clearly about the daily life of Vietnamese farmers and ethnics.

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My Lai village in Son My, Quang Ngai is also a famous destination

My Lai is a small hamlet in Son My village, Quang Ngai Province where took place the massacre in March 16th, 1968 on Vietnam War, it killed the life of 503 people from the adults, women to children. Now a day, in the evidence’s precinct of My Lai it is reappeared the ragged and terrible framework of this war.

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Arrival to My Lai, you will are also seen some houses which were restored to show about a wicked war, it killed some whole families, there are some families having had until five persons to be killed at the same time, then the American army were burned down their houses, for example as the house of Mr. Do Ky, his whole family had five members to be killed together at the same time.

Now a day, everyday there are the hundred tourists to arrive here to burn incense in the massacre’s memorial. Outside the campus, it is reappeared a denuded village’s landscape after this massacre. Now, in My Lai there is also a famous museum where is kept the images about the American army who killed series the local people in this village at that time, beside these images there are also the models which are reappeared the terrible activities of the American army.

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It is far away around 12km from the center of Quang Ngai Province to My Lai, and it is around 130km from Hoi An to My Lai. Now a day, the roads lead to My Lai to be easy for tourists to visit and explore this historical famous site, so that if you are the tourists who prefer to find about the history of this destination, you should miss it on your trip to the central area of Vietnam.

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popular tourism destinations in Ha Long city

Quang Ninh is a province in the northeastern Vietnam, it is far away from Hanoi around 176km, it takes around 3.5hours by bus from Hanoi to Quang Ninh. Quang Ninh is considered as a Vietnam which is zoomed out because it has full points such as the beach, island, delta, midland border, hills and mountains.

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Specially, Quang Ninh has a very famous sight is Halong Bay where is accepted by UNESCO as one of seven natural heritage in the world, so that Halong Bay is a main destination of Quang Ninh as well as of the northeastern Vietnam.

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Beside Halong Bay where almost tourists in the world prefer to visit once they arrive to Hanoi or explore the northern Vietnam, Quang Ninh also has another famous attractions such as Bai Tu Long Bay, Co To Island, Tuan Chau Island… Quang Ninh also has many another famous destinations where attract a lot of the domestic tourists who live in Vietnam prefer to visit every year such as Ho Thien Temple, Yen Tu Mountain…

Travel to Quang Ninh, you also should not miss to try the local seafood at here, and Cha Muc is one of the most famous food in this province.

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Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park become never a boring destination

Belong to Ke Bang’s limestone mountainous area of Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. It takes around 50km from Dong Hoi City, Phong Nha Caves is considered as the most beautiful cave of Vietnam, it is protected by the tropical forest.

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From the Son River, the tourist take a boat around 30 minutes to cruise to Phong Nha Caves, arrival to the front of cave you will see the charming mountainous landscape and the mighty nature with a lot of the particularly interesting images to be appeared to excite the tourists’ imagination.

With 7.729m length, 83m deep, 50m high and there are a lot of the big and small caves’ limb, it makes Phong Nha Caves become a very special and impression landscape.

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Phong Nha Caves is the most typical ones about the aesthetics value and unique in Phong Nha – Ke Bang Heritage which is considered as one of the most beautiful cave in the world.

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The Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre has been opened to provide visitors with information

Situated in the heart of Hanoi, this delightful body of water also lies close to the hearts of the Vietnamese people. Legend has it that in the early 15th century, during the Minh Chinese occupation, General Le Loi was presented with a magical sword by a divine, golden turtle, which lived in the lake’s waters.

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With the help of this sword, Le Loi expelled the Chinese from Thang Long, present-day Hanoi, and established himself as Emperor Le Thai To. Some time later, when the emperor was sailing on the lake, the divine turtle once again rose to the surface and reclaimed the sword. Since then, the lake has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem, or the lake of Restored Sword.

In the mid-19th century, a small pagoda called Thap Rua or Turtle Tower was built to commemorate this supernatural event. Located on an islet in the center of the lake, the structure has since become a prominent city icon.

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On an island at the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake stands Den Ngoc Son or Jade Mountain temple, one of the most beautiful and revered religious buildings in the capital. The temple can be accessed by an attractive red-painted, arched wooden bridge. This is the celebrated The Huc or Sunbeam Bridge. Dating from the Nguyen Dynasty in the early 1800s, the temple’s building is exquisitely preserved. Decorated with upswept eaves and elaborate carved dragons, the predominant colors are red, gold, yellow and black. The temple was established by a mandarin named Nguyen Van Sieu. A stylized stone ink slab rests atop the temple’s gate, while nearby, a tapering stone pillar represents a traditional writing brush. The ideograms on the stele translate as “writing on a clear sky.” In the antechamber, a giant turtle that died in the lake in 1968 is preserved. Den Ngoc Son is dedicated to the spirits of the soil, medicine, and literature, as well as to Tran Hung Dao, the general who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century.

To the east of the lake is the large, bronze Statue of Ly Thai To, honoring the great founder of Thang Long. The statue, which has already become quite popular with pious Vietnamese, is venerated with incense and flowers.

Today, Hoan Kiem lake is one of the city’s most popular venues, generally packed with couples taking a stroll, people practicing Tai Chi, and old men playing chess. The lake also plays a major role during the city’s Tet celebrations, with stages for live music and a huge fireworks display.

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Ba Hầm Lake is one of the beauty spots of Ha Long Bay

Situated on the south-west side of Hạ Long Bay, Ba Hầm Lake is found on Ðầu Bhalong bay vietnam - baham lakeê Island (Calf Head Island) in Lan Hạ Bay. This island is part of the range of islands at the farthest end of Hạ Long Bay, bordering the immense zone Long Châu Sea. Ba Hầm Lake is situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs.

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The lake is a system comprising three wide and round pits, linked together by a narrow and meandering tunnel. Stalactites hang from the ceiling in a myriad of strange, colored forms. The silence is disturbed only by the sounds of the boat’s oars. On the island are many species of plants such as orchids, Benjamin figs, banyans and cycads, which blossom throughout the year. It is also the homhalong bay vietnam - baham lakee of yellow-haired monkeys, birds, flying squirrels and bats. Under the deep blue surface of the water are the animated lives of shrimp and fish.

Although 25 km from the shore, it has long been considered an ideal tourism zone. The entrance is a open semi-circular hole in the flat stone wall on the north-west side of the island, 4 to 5 m above the sea.

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Starting from the entrance, tourists enter the first tunnel, which boasts a forest of stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes and various colours. They fall down the water surface like the roots of banyan or ficus trees. The deeper one pushes into the tunnel, the darker it becomes. The river is deep yet so clear that one can see shoals of fish swimming. Some 100 m from the entrance one finds a shaft of light coming from the roof of the tunnel, which reveals different kindhalong bay vietnam - baham lakes of orchids clinging to the cliff, cycads growing here and there, trúc duôi gà (a kind of reed with cock’s tail-liked yellow leaves) flourishing in clumps. In the southeast cliff of the second tunnel there grows an old carambola tree, which bears fruits all year round. Tourists can find groups of monkeys, flying squirrels, or silver-headed parrots gathering in its branches. Lying one cliff away from the second one, the third tunnel is home to various species of bats and butterflies.

Amidst the tranquil atmosphere, you feel like boating in an abyssal well walled by mountains. Ba Hầm Lake is one of the beauty spots of Hạ Long Bay.

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, Thanh Hoa tourism industry has increasingly grown

Driving 16km from the center of Thanh Hoa and 170 km from Hanoi, tourists in Vietnam travel will reach Sam Son Beach in Thanh Hoa province. This place has been a famous spot for Vietnam tourism since the beginning of the previous century, when the French begun building facilities there to serve themselves and the courts of the Nguyen regime. In addition to the gifts that the nature presents, Sam Son also has many attractions for the travelers to explore.

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Sam Son Beach- One amongst the Most Beautiful in Northern Vietnam

This is a long and beautiful beach reaching more than 16km in length. Visitors will have some unforgettable moments when they wallow in the cool blue sea, listen to songs of the wave and the wind, and take a nap on the sunlight sandbanks or build sand castles. Also, this is a good place to try various local seafood varieties such as shrimps, crabs, fishes and also to bring back home some nice souvenirs. The very flat and gentle sandbank, combined with the clean and blue water makes the scenery of Sam Son beach magnificent and attractive.

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Sam Son attracts a larger number of tourists in Vietnam travel in summer vacation annually

Besides the beaches, Sam Son also has another fascinating destination with many natural attractions and historical relics: the Truong Le Mountain range. The part that is contiguous to the sea is called Co Giai Islet. On top of this islet, there is a small pagoda named “Doc Cuoc”, which means “One Leg”. The pagoda is the place for the local people to recall the epic legend of a giant that manages to slay a sea monster and to guard the sea in the past. Also, there is a special rock name “Trong Mai”, formed with two huge boulders on a flat rock. There is a story that these rocks represent a pair of husband and wife, who love each other passionately even when both have been transformed into birds.

Beautiful Landscape of Truong Le Mountain Range

If you are a lover of beach travel and making tours to Vietnam, Sam Son beach that is in top of beautiful beaches in the North Vietnam should be listed on your trip.

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Nha Trang Beach in Vietnam

With over 250 days of sunshine each year, some of the best hotels in Vietnam, miles of sandy beach and an ever increasing range of sports facilities, entertainment venues and nightlife, Nha Trang has plenty to offer all visitors.

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Beach: 

The 6km-long (4 miles) sandy beach, fringed by palms and casuarina trees, is one of the best in Vietnam with clean water, making it a perfect place for swimming. Visitors can rent a sunbed and vendors regularly pass by selling soft drinks and fresh fruit. The offshore islands and coral reefs are ideal for snorkelling and scuba-diving and watersports centres rent out windsurfers.

Beyond the beach: 

Pride of place are the Po Nagar Cham Towers (in the north of Nha Trang on Cu Lao overlooking the Cai River), built by the Cham people between the 7th and 12th centuries. They are still a place of worship, and Vietnamese come here to pray and make offerings. A gleaming white Buddha, visible from all over Nha Trang, sits on top of a hill reached from the Long Son Pagoda below. To the south of the town, on a promontory jutting out into the South China Sea, are Bao Dai's villas (just north of Cau Da Dock), a holiday retreat for Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, where you can explore the grounds. Once you have had enough culture, escape by boat to the islands for some cooling swimming and snorkelling in pristine seas or relax in the hot waters and mud baths of Thap Ba Hot Spring.

Family fun: 

If the kids find the beach too tame for them the Phu Dong Water and Amusement Park on Tran Phu Street can provide hours of entertainment. There is even a night market for souvenir shopping and food stalls to end the day with a delicious meal of fresh seafood and local specialities. Children will love the opportunity to see the colourful marine life in the South China Sea on a glass bottomed boat tour. For a thrill and a day of fun take the kids on the cable car across the sea to the Vinpearl Resort on Hon Tre Island where there is an amusement park, food village and shopping. Take a boat excursion to the aptly named Monkey Island and feed the resident troop of monkeys.

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Exploring further:

Two hours from Nha Trang is Whale Island, a resort where you can really get away from it all. Stay in beach bungalows and explore the unspoilt island with its impressive array of birdlife or you can sail, canoe, windsurf or go diving and see colourful fishes and coral and even whales and whale sharks on their annual visit from April to July. Explore the highland areas with an overnight excursion to Buon Ma Thuot passing rubber and coffee plantations en route and stopping at a waterfall for a refreshing swim. In Buon Ma Thuot visit an ethnic minority village and ride an elephant.

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Buon Ma Thuot is the capital of Dak Lak Province

Buon Ma Thuot lies about 190 km inland from Nha Trang and around 200km north of Dalat. A large town in a coffee plantation area, it’s the provincial capital of Dak Lak province but its main interest for visitors are the natural surroundings and the thirty or so ethnic groups in the area. Dak Lak is warmer and more humid than Dalat, with a rainy season from April to November.

The town itself is nondescript apart from the Kha Doan Pagoda, an unusual combination of the features of an Ede long house with a roof designed in accordance with Hue imperial architecture. It was built to commemorate the wife of Emperor Khai Dinh – her son was Emperor Bao Dai, the last of the dynasty.

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Gia Long WaterfallMost of Buon Ma Thuot’s attractions lie well away from the town. They include the excellent Gia Long and Dray Nur waterfalls, both little visited. Gia Long is adjacent to ancient forest – Emperor Bao Dai used to hunt there.

The forest is spectacular – enormous trees, vines, and a profusion of insects. Nearby is a natural swimming pool, an almost rectangular basin with a sandy bottom.

On the other bank are the remains of a bridge and lake built by Bao Dai, now being slowly strangled by the lush vegetation.

Dray Nur is a complete contrast. Set in dry, arid land, its waters thunder over black volcanic rock. Its comparatively barren surroundings enhance the impact of the falls – standing at the bottom among the swirling mist, the noise is deafening.

Serene Lak Lake offers travel in a dugout canoe across the lake to ride working elephants and meet their mahouts through ethnic villages, some with homestay facilities.

About thirteen miles from the town there is a settlement of Ede people who live in distinctive longhouses on stilts. It's a good starting point for a hike through Nam Kha Forest.

Further away to the northwest is Yok Don, Vietnam’s largest national park. Several ethnic groups live within it, notably the M’nong people who traditionally specialised in hunting and domesticating the wild elephants that roamed in the area.

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However, the effects of US bombing and defoliation, together with loss of habitat from agricultural encroachment have drastically reduced their numbers. The journey to Yok Don is quite taxing, but the forests are striking and there are many species of flora and fauna, some very rare.

Although depleted, there are still plenty left, both wild and domesticated. Elephant riding in Yok Don is the real McCoy rather than the gentler tourist version at Lak Lake. During the dry season, two-day safari-style forays into the deep forest can be arranged. Homestays are possible, and there’s a few bedrooms available in the park’s headquarters – either way, don’t expect anything other than the most basic accommodation.

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Da Nang named most attractive destinations in Asia

Originally known as Cua Han, it gradually developed into a commercial port replacing Hoi An in the early 18th century, when European shipbuilding was improved and large deep-draught vessels could easily enter Danang Bay. The city was associated with the French colonialists who, after establishing their domination of the whole of Vietnam in 1889, separated Danang from Quang Nam Province and renamed the city Tourane under the control of the Governor General of Indochina. After the defeat of the French in 1954, it was given its present name under the authority of the Saigon government.

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Its international fame arose from its role during the American War. In March 1965, American marine units landed and started to set up a major military complex to support the combat bases and operations in and near the De-Militarised Zone, about 220km to the north. American troops and the Saigon government expanded Danang into a political and military centre with an airport, ports, warehouses, roads, and other infrastructure. Industry flourished, and the population grew.

In March 1975, the advancing North Vietnam Army (NVA) captured Hue, and by the end of the month, panic spread through Danang and order collapsed. In early April, with NVA tanks advancing on the city, the chaotic evacuation and airlift began. The human story of the event was documented in the 1997 film ‘Daughter from Danang’ featuring a child and mother separated at that time.

Today, Danang is an important port and Vietnam’s fourth largest city but, despite its substantial business travel potential, there's a dearth of decent hotels with only the upmarket Furama Resort above a three-star standard.

Nevertheless, its a pleasant place but without a great deal of interest for the traveller apart from its ancient association with the Cham Kingdom, represented by its famous Cham Museum, and a Cao Dai temple second only to the Cao Dai Holy See in importance. However, not counting the DMZ, Hue, My Son and Hoi An, there are places worth visiting not far away.

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My Khe Beach

Made famous by the American War, the actual location of the GI’s rest and relaxation area is a small section of My Khe beach, part of the long stretch of sand that runs south alongside the coast for hundreds of kilometres. Nearby, is the Furama, Vietnam’s premier first class resort hotel, the only First Class hotel within reasonable reach of Hue.

My Khe Beach is down the sand from the Furama - it’s easy enough to spot. You can still see the old aircraft hangers at the back of the beach. The American forces used them to house bombers, unwittingly in full view of the Vietcong who maintained a spectacular network of tunnels in the Marble Mountains.

The Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are a popular spot for Vietnamese visitors, about ten kilometres from Danang.

Also known by their Vietnamese name of Ngu Hanh Son (Five Mountains Range), they face the East Sea and contain some of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. The colour of the marble in the five peaks differs: the Thuy Son mountain has pink marble, while the Moc Son mountain’s is white and the Hoa Son mountain’s is brown.

It’s a commercialised site, but the shrines and pagodas built into the caves in the limestone hills are interesting if not too crowded. At its base is Non Nuoc, a stone carving village with more than a thousand people involved in making fine art works and Buddha statues from high-grade limestone, mostly for export worldwide.

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Da Lat is one of Vietnam's premiere destination

The Facts

At the southern extremity of the Central Highlands is the city of Dalat. Originally built by the French colonists, Dalat still bears a passing resemblance to a French town, an impression that is diminishing as Vietnamese-style buildings proliferate.

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Dalat can be reached by air, but only from Ho Chi Minh City. However the drive from the south is quite satisfying, especially as you climb up through rubber, mulberry, coffee and tea plantations. The road from Dalat to Highway 1 and Nha Trang is also gratifying with plenty to see on way.

There are some good hotels, the crown going to the excellent Sofitel Dalat Palace, arguably one of Vietnam’s best, but there are very few restaurants serving anything other than Vietnamese food.

‘Discovered’ by Dr. Alexandre Yersin at the end of the 19th century, Dalat grew into a large hill station attracting French civil servants, administrators and military personnel seeking a refuge from the heat and humidity of the Mekong and the coastal plain.

Dalar marketLocated high in the mountains nearly 1500m above sea level, Dalat is now popular with Vietnamese visitors because it has a cool and equable climate usually remaining between 10º C and 20º C throughout the year. This ‘eternal spring’ is responsible for its increasing importance as a fruit and flower growing area. First class blooms, soft fruits and vegetables are grown for export and airlifted all over Asia.

The ‘Romantic City’ or a Mecca for eccentrics?

You’ll come across the first label quite frequently, but don’t be misled. It’s equable temperatures make Dalat a popular choice for Vietnamese summer newly-weds who don’t want to consummate their union in a pool of sweat. If you are hoping to find peaceful seclusion with tucked-away bijou restaurants, the gentle refrains of violins or classic guitar, and secluded strolls by the light of the moon – forget it!

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In reality, the most accurate description of Dalat’s ‘romantic’ features is ‘off the wall’. Forget about the much-touted, and mostly tacky and over-commercialised, attractions and look upon Dalat as an expedition in to the bizarre.

Dalat’s real attractions

Approached in a different way, Dalat has a lot to offer. Here’s a few examples, not in any particular order.

The Ugly Duckling

Most cities would yearn for a large water area with plenty of space as a central feature. Dalat has Xuan Huong, a splendid artificial lake with a seven kilometre perimeter. However, the local tourism authority has ‘enhanced’ it by the addition of a fleet of two person plastic ‘pedaloes’ shaped as huge swans. It’s an introduction the kitsch that is to come!

Welcome to wonderland.

The quintessence of counter-culture, Hang Nga’s ‘Crazy House’ is a truly memorable guest house if you don’t mind being uncomfortable. It defies description – seeing is believing!

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Vietnam tour destinations of Sapa

Getting there

Two main roads wend their way into the north western mountain area: the latter part of the trip offers good views, but the roads are poor and the twelve-hour journey is tiring. For most visitors, overnight train travel to Lao Cai and by road to Sapa is the best option.

The original Lao Cai town was destroyed during the 1979 invasion of Vietnam by the Chinese Army. As none of the present buildings predate the event, the only attractions for visitors is the road to Sapa and the border gate with China

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Sapa’s history

Sapa came into existence as a hill station during the French occupation. Previously a Black H’mong village, it was ‘discovered’ early in the twentieth century and developed as a resort for French military officers, civil servants and business people. Its marked similarity to alpine areas in France and its temperate climate made it a haven from Hanoi's clammy winter dampness and sultry humid summer. By 1940, it was a sizeable town populated almost entirely by French citizens.

As France’s grip on the country weakened, the buildings emptied. After their victory at Dien Bien Phu, the Viet Minh demolished most of the buildings. One that escaped was the summer residence of the Governor General of Indochina, which was commandeered by the Secretary General of the Vietnamese Communist Party as his holiday retreat. That was also flattened during the 1979 Chinese invasion.

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Sa Pa today

Today, a few buildings have been restored, notably the church, shelled by the French as the Viet Minh began to advance through the northern mountains. Several of the new buildings are vaguely based on the long gone French villas – the Auberge Hotel is a good example. Apart from that, the only enduring memento of the French presence is the inclusion of open fires and chimneys in many buildings – a welcome addition as the temperature often slips below zero in winter.

Sapa has several reasonable local hotels, and one of international standard. A recent arrival is a small four-room guest house owned and managed by the Hoa Sua organisation. It’s comfortable, friendly and puts money into the local economy.

The ethnic minority groups

The main attraction of this area, apart from its superlative natural beauty, is Vietnam’s largest concentration of ethnic groups. Many distinct groups live in this area and, apart from those living around the tourist centre of Sapa, their dress, buildings, traditions and lifestyles have changed little over the last hundred years.

Visiting markets

We always recommended visits to the more remote markets that have so far escaped the attention of the package tour companies. It’s usually a long drive, but what you see is far closer to the traditional culture than those in the tourist areas. However, they don't sell products designed for tourists, unless you want pigs, agricultural implements and so on.

For souvenirs, buy from the markets in Sapa or Bac Ha. Both are already commercialised, but by making your purchases there, you'll be dealing direct with the producer, not giving the profits to a wealthy shop owner. Bear in mind that very few of the souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels in the tourist areas are owned by local people.

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Da Nang Hotels And Travel Guide , Vietnam

Previously occupied by both the French and the Americans, Da Nang marks the halfway point between the capital in the north, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. It’s the fourth largest city in Vietnam. Apart from some shopping highlights and historical sights, the main reason for most travellers staying here is its proximity to the well-known China Beach, Lang Co Beach, Hoi An and My Son.

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Lang Co Beach is lined with palm trees, the water of the nearby ocean crystal-clear and enticing, lapping onto white sand. It is a peninsula with a sparkling lagoon on one side, and the beach on the other. The area is fairly under-developed, although recent years have seen many new hotels opening.

China Beach is more developed, since it was a popular spot for American soldiers seeking R&R during the Vietnam-US War. Water sport activities here are in abundance, and it can get very crowded over weekends and holidays. Da Nang’s coastline stretches 30 kilometres, renowned for calm, cool waters and also popular for fishing, water-skiing, diving, and yachting.

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With an airport with daily flights from across cities in Vietnam and a train station, Da Nang is easily accessible. It is just over 760km from Hanoi, and almost 950km from Ho Chi Minh City. There are many good hotels to choose from, no matter the type of accommodation you’re looking for. 

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When deciding the best time to visit Vietnam travel

In southern Vietnam the dry season lasts from December to late April or May, and the rains from May through to November. Since most rain falls in brief afternoon downpours, this need not be off-putting, though flooding at this time of year can cause problems in the Mekong Delta. Daytime temperatures in the region rarely drop below 20°C, occasionally hitting 40°C during the hottest months (March, April and May). The climate of the central highlands generally follows the same pattern, though temperatures are cooler, especially at night. Again, the monsoon rains of May to October can make transport more complicated, sometimes washing out roads and cutting off remoter villages.

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Along the central coast the rainfall pattern reverses under the influence of the northeast monsoon. Around Nha Trang the wet season starts with a flourish in November and continues through December. Further north, around Hué and Da Nang, the rains last a bit longer, from September to February, so it pays to visit these two cities in the spring (Feb–May). Temperatures reach their maximum (often in the upper 30s) from June to August, when it’s pleasant to escape into the hills. The northern stretches of this coastal region experience a more extreme climate, with a shorter rainy season (peaking in Sept and Oct) and a hot dry summer. The coast of central Vietnam is the zone most likely to be hit by typhoons, bringing torrential rain and hurricane-force winds. Though notoriously difficult to predict, in general the typhoon season lasts from August to November.

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Best time to visit Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is generally warm and sunny from October to December, after which cold winter weather sets in, accompanied by fine persistent mists which can last for several days. Temperatures begin to rise again in March, building to summer maximums that occasionally reach 40°C between May and August, though average temperatures in Hanoi Vietnam. hover around a more reasonable 30°C. However, summer is also the rainy season, when heavy downpours render the low-lying delta area almost unbearably hot and sticky, and flooding is a regular hazard. The northern mountains share the same basic regime, though temperatures are considerably cooler and higher regions see ground frosts, or even a rare snowfall, during the winter (Dec–Feb).

With such a complicated weather picture, there’s no one particular season to recommend as the best time for visiting Vietnam. Overall, autumn (Sept–Dec) and spring (March and April) are probably the most favourable seasons if you’re covering the whole country.

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PHONGNHA CAVE DESTINATION

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Climate

Like the North-central (or BacTrungBo) in general and QuangBinh Province in particular, the climate in this national park is tropical, hot, and humid. The annual mean temperature is 23 to 25°C, with a maximum of 41°C in the summer and a minimum of 6°C in the winter. Annual rainfall is 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm, and 88% of the rainfall is from July to December. With more than 160 rainy days per year, no month is without rain. Mean annual relative humidity is 84%. The typical tropical climate has helped build up a pure atmosphere of the green ecological environment, ideal for any visitor.

Formation History

Formation: The PhongNha–KeBang karst has evolved since the Paleozoic (some 400 million years ago) and so is the oldest major karst area in Asia. Like much of Vietnam, it has been subject to extensive tectonic changes, thus the limestones of PhongNha are inter-bedded with a number of other rocks. There is also strong evidence that sulphurous solution and hydrothermal action have played an important role in shaping the broad-scale landscape and the caves.

Historical name: The park deprives it name from PhongNha cave, the most beautiful of all, containing many fascinating rock formations, and KeBang forest. One has explained that PhongNha means “Wind and teeth” based on Chinese transcription, which expresses the blowing wind inside the cave and teeth-like rough stalagtites. There have been several other ways of explanation, yet none is more popular than this. 

People now flock to this National Park for contemplating the UNESCO-recognized world natural beauty, and also for directly witnessing the fabulous rock formations inside the caves.

A nature-gifted magnificient landscape: 7 best in one

PhongNha-KeBang park takes pride in the assessment of containing “7 best things” as a result of a National Science Conference held in QuangBinh in April, 1997. They are:

1. The longest water cave 

2. The highest and widest cave mouth

3. The widest and most beautiful sand & rock bank 

4. The most beautiful underground lake 

5. The most magnificient and miraculous stalactite 

6. The nation’s longest underground river (around 13,969 m)

7. The nicest and widest dry cave

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Rivers & Streams

PhongNha is such a beautiful landscape that you may have to hold your breath on contemplating. Here are the charming Son and Chay Rivers, (the two longest underground ones in the PhongNha - KeBang), gently flowing in the middle of the two sides’ reed and green bamboo rows. Most of the caves here have been shaped by those two rivers. The Son River flows into the mouth of the PhongNha cave, which is the only point where it emerges in around 20 kilometeres. Also, there are more than ten spectacular streams, springs and waterfalls in PhongNha - KeBang area, namely Gió waterfall, Madame Loan & Chài waterfall, Mọc stream erupting from a limestone mount range, and TraAng stream. Far far away can you see the enchanting pure BongLai Lake and Chai waterfall, adorned with a number of dark violet “bằng lăng” flower baskets blooming in the warm weather. Some tourists ever uttered: “Wow! Heaven!” since the scenery is so much romantic and marvellous!

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The best of Nha Trang , Vietnam

Nha Thrang is located about 450km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City in the south of Vietnam. It has an airport with daily flights from all major cities, and it’s also easy to travel here by either bus or train from Ho Chi Minh City. From the north, it is also possible to catch a bus or train from Da Nang. With its status as Vietnam’s most popular seaside retreat, comes a big choice of hotels – something for everyone.

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To the north of Nha Trang stands the Chong mount which looks like a wide open hand over the sea. Far offshore, the Yen (Swallow) Island appears with lush green colours where salangane nests have been harvested for years to make the traditional “bird's nest” tonic and food.
The 7km white sand beach of Nha Trang is often called Vietnam's Mediterranean Area, considered one of the jewel along Vietnam's long stretching coast line. Nha Trang is sunny all year round, with an average temperature of 23?C due to northern winds.
The rainfall is less than anywhere else in the country and the area is not threatened by storms since it is protected by the Truong Son Mountains and Ca Pass. From Ca Pass, one can see Ro Bay (Vung Ro), Hon Do…

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Hon Tre Island is 36km? and belongs to a group of islands located southwest of Nha Trang. It takes two hours to reach Hon Tre Island by rowboat and only 20 minutes by ferry.
Nha Trang benefits from topographical advantages of the sea, islands, mountains, and deltas. West of Nha Trang, there are endless mountain ranges where a wide variety of animals and birds live.
Nha Trang has many specialties. Especially, bird's nest soup, or swallow's nest soup is very famous in Nha Trang and round Vietnam. The magnificent coral seabed in Nha Trang makes it ideal for scubadiving and snorkeling.

Nha Trang Bay is recognised as one of 29 most beautiful bays in the world.

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Vietnam free travel guide

Vietnam tends to be a destination that travelers either love or hate. It’s extremely inexpensive and historically complex, but incredibly hot and humid almost year round. Thick, verdant jungles and high mountains mix with serene surfing beaches like China Beach — whether you decide it’s worth a second trip or not, it is most definitely worth visiting at least once.

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Insider's Guide to Travel in Vietnam

TRANSPORTATION

There are generally two ways of getting into the country: by international plane or by train from Beijing. Border crossing by bus from Laos, Cambodia, or China is available but, unless you’re with a pre-arranged and trusted tour group, the process can be very difficult. Make sure you have a visa ahead of time.

The Vietnamese love their motorcycles, but watch out for the traffic! (Read about my experience getting hit by a motorbike while crossing the street!) Watching the hectic dance of vehicles at an intersection is practically an attraction on its own. Getting from town to town is best served by getting passage via train or public bus. For inner city travel, either hire a driver to chauffer you around or walk — you do not want to try navigating the road on your own. The locals drive on both sides of the road — I’m not kidding!

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FOOD & CULTURE

Vietnam is a country that has an abundant history of war and colonialism. Vietnam was raided by the Mongols, invaded and ruled by several Chinese dynasties, colonized by the French, and split by a bloody civil war between the North and South which eventually featured heavy American military involvement. Despite its bloody history, the Vietnamese are usually quite friendly and excited to meet foreigners — but they might still try to overcharge you, and arguing about a higher price than expected may be seen as stingy behavior. Agree on all prices ahead of time.

Vietnamese cuisine is largely seafood and vegetable-based and it tends to be spicier in the south than the north. The large Buddhist influence means it’s also easy to find lots of fresh, delicious vegetarian food; the French influence means a Vietnamese twist on classics like the baguette sandwich. The national dish pho, a beef broth with thin-cut meat and fresh vegetables, is definitely worth a taste.

SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES

Ha Long Bay — A junk-boat tour can be a relaxing way to see this island-littered bay, as long as you don’t go during a busy holiday! With many hidden caves, coral groves, and hollow grottoes, the bay offers a picturesque cruise with many opportunities to swim and beautiful beaches.

My Son Temples — Pronounced “Mi Sun,” this collection of ancient temples strikes an inspiring and sobering image about the passage of time. What once were temples rivaling Angkor Wat have been reclaimed by the jungle and partially destroyed by bombings in the Vietnam War.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes — These white sand dunes are gorgeous at sunset! If you’re a fan of kiteboarding or sail-surfing, you’ll find ample opportunity to indulge on the nearby waves. Surfing down the dunes themselves is also an option, as there are often many children nearby ready and willing to rent plastic sand sleds to you for trips down the dunes.

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What to visit in Hoi An , Danang

How to get Hoi An

Assuming you’re staying Da Nang city (1 of bigest cities in Vietnam). From Da Nang to Hoi An is 30km, there are 3 ways that i went. 

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1. Going by bus

You can catch a bus from Da Nang bus statio, every 30 minutes have 1 ride, start from 5am to 5pm. Ngu Hanh Son mountain, a famous resort of Da Dang, is located on the road. If having more time, you should visit then catch an other bus to continue. Note, when catching bus from Ngu Hanh Son, you must stand at bus stop (100m from the resort) and hands up when see the bus, because drivers will not stop if he see no one. 

Ngu Hanh Son in Da Nang - Vietnam

Ngu Hanh Son mountain

2. Going by motor

This is my favorite way. You can rent a motor in Da Nang city and coast to Hoi An, the scene is very beautiful. 

Let’s visit post: Da Nang Vietnam travel guide to know places lease motor and car in Da Nang. 

3. Rent car from Da Nang to Hoi An

– You can contact Mr. Thanh (+8491 203 4117 ) to rent a 4-seater car to go from Da Nang city to Hoi An. Price: $12. 

– From Da Nang air port to Hoi An. Contact Mr. Ly +84914 064 446 or +84934 064 446. Prices: $13 / 4-seater car, $16 / 7-seater car. 

Motels and Hotels in Hoi An

1. Nam Ngai motel, 626 Hai Ba Trung street – Hoi An. Tel: +84 909.080836 or +84 510.3861166

2. Motel at 24 – La Hoi street. 15$/room, contact Mrs.Huong: +8490 589 2059

3. Homestay is very popular in Hoi An, you can contact Ms Chau at 9 – Nguyen Phu Nguyen, oposite Vinh Hung resort. Tel: +84510 386 3381 or +8493 253 3977.

4. Guest house of city, no.1 – Nguyen Hue, near the market, restaurants and Hoi An Old Quarter. Tel: +84510 3910 828.

5. Phuong Dong hotel, 42 – Ba Trieu street, +84510 3916 477 or +84510 3916 339. Rates: $15 to $20 / double room (room is very nice), include breakfast. 

Deluxe hotels

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6. Green Field hotel with rates are about $25 to $30. The hotel has pool, nice rooms, enthusiastic staffs. However, it’s located at 423 – Cua Dai street, 3 km from center of city. Tel: +84510 3863 484

7. Southern hotel & villa. The hotel was designed in garden style, beautiful pool, nice rooms, spacious campus. Add: 224 – Ly Thai To street. Tel: +84510 3923 401. Rates are slightly higher than Green Field hotel. 

8. A villa on the road Da Nang – Hoi An. This is a new villa, spacious, cool, homeowners are very good and friendly. You even can buy seafood and bake in the garden. Rate is about $40/room (4 people). Tel:  +84914 112 346 

>> Check over 200 hotels in Hoi An city at Agoda

What to visit in Hoi An

1. Hoi An Old Quarter (Khu phố cổ Hội An)

This is the main place that you should visit when come to Hoi An. Old Quarter has many ancient houses, historic sites where have been preserving beauties of Vietnamese culture. 

– Bridge temple (Chùa Cầu ), also known under the name Japan bridge (Cầu Nhật Bản ), is symbol of Hoi An city. The bridge was built by Japanese, who lived in Hoi An in 17th century. Add: located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu streets. 

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