Tourist Attractions in Vietnam
Explore places to visit in Vietnam with Ha Long Tour & Service. Most travelers to Vietnam are attracted by the country’s wonderful natural beauty: From the green rice fields in the north to the fascinating bustle of the Mekong Delta in the south. Vietnam however is also a country with a long history and ancient traditions. It has many historic attractions and old temples. An overview of the most amazing tourist attractions in Vietnam from North to South will help you find out where to go.
HANOI
With a population of seven million and long history, Hanoi is the cultural capital of Vietnam and its heart and soul. Vietnam's capital lies on the banks of the Red River, some 100 kilometers from its mouth. Human settlements here date back as far as the 3rd century BC. Previously known as Thang Long, it was renamed Hanoi in 1831 at a time when Hue was the capital.
There are many priceless cultural and historical legacies of which UNESCO registered Thang Long Royal Palace and Saint Giong Festival as World Cultural Heritages and the Doctor Steels in the Temple of Literature as a World Documentary Heritage. The ancient town with captivating history combine with the French’s architecture makes it a unique destination.
Overview and highlights:
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, hear the story of Vietnam’s greatest leader. This is more than a tourist attraction, it is a part of living history and a visit here stays long in the memory.
- See the Temple of Literature, a charming temple complex was originally built to be a center of learning.
- Experience Museum of Ethnology, it will offer a truly colorful introduction to 54 ethnic people in Vietnam
- Walking/ Cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, it brings to life what many people imagine Hanoi to be
- Enjoy water puppet show, the ancient art form of water puppetry has a long association with Hanoi.
- Sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or join in with local to feel the bustling life with some fresh beer
- Enjoy delicious fresh, Vietnamese cuisine, and learn to cook it yourself at one of Hanoi's wonderful cooking classes
To visit Hanoi, you will need around seven days. Most tourists do not stay for so long here. They stay a couple of days, visit the Old District, and go to Ha Long Bay, Sapa or the northern mountainous region (Ha Giang, Dong Van Stone Plateau, Ban Gioc waterfall, Ba Be National park, Mai Chau…). If you can, stay longer and explore the city and its lakes. If you want to do a tour of Vietnam, your next stop should be Hue. You can get there by plane, train or private car.
THE MIDLANDS AND NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION
This region has 14 provinces: Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Lang Son and Bac Giang, and has many important border gates close to China and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The unique characteristics of the region are its landscape on diversified topographic base, geographic uniqueness, climate, ecology and the traditional culture of ethnic minorities. The main attractive destinations of the region include:
Mai Chau
Mai Chau (in Hoa Binh province) is an immense green valley with villages of ethnic minority people living. In Mai Chau, tourists can visit the lakes and villages of Mong and Muong people, such as Hang Kia, Pa Co, Van Mai, by bicycle or on foot. Visitors can also enjoy popular music performances, the Thai special foods in Lac village, Van village, and Pom Coong, and the unique landscape of the mountainous area along to Da River. Staying overnight at Lac or Pom Coong village will help tourists to better understand the manners and customs of the Northwest ethnic minorities.
Moc Chau Highlands
Moc Chau Highlands (Son La province) is the home of the Mong ethnic people. Moc Chau is a green steppe, has cool and airy climate, in summer it is often around 20oC. Moc Chau is well-known for its tea farms, dairy and now flower farms. Tourists can visit Dai Yem waterfall, pine forests, caves as well as see immense grass fields, unbounded white-plum and yellow flower.
A cluster of Dien Bien Phu relics
The Dien Bien Phu battlefield, Dien Bien province, is 500km west of Hanoi. The valley of Dien Bien was the location of an extremely heroic flight between Vietnamese people and the expeditionary army of French colonialism. The battle lasted 55 days and nights (13/3/1954 – 7/5/1954) with the defeat of the French. The Dien Bien Phu victory created a great resound that forced France to enter into Geneve Agreement for recognition of independence and peace for Vietnam. Destinations of Dien Bien Phu include: Dien Bien Phu Historic Victory Museum, Dien Bien Martyrs’ Cemetery, the outstanding relics of Dien Bien battle_eld in the old days, hills A1, C1, C2, D1, entranced forti_cations Hong Cum, Him Lam, Independence Hill, Muong Thanh bridge and airport, commanding cellar of General De Castries... currently become the attractive destinations for tourists.
Mu Cang Chai terraced field
Visiting Mu Cang Chai, tourists will be surprised at amid the high mountains with full of obstacles and difficult of access; there are the gigantic and endless terraced fields of Mong people. In this region, there are approximately 90% Mong people, who had taken water rice to the high mountains and changed mountains and hills into layers of immense terraced fields curving round the mountain slope.
Mu Cang Chai terraced fields Mu Cang Chai yellow terraced fields (Yen Bai Province) in the Northwest highlands are 1.750m high compared with sea level, far 300km of mountain pass and slope road from Hanoi. Visiting Mu Cang Chai, tourists will be surprised at amid the high mountains with full of obstacles and difficult of access; there are the gigantic and endless terraced fields of Mong people. In this region, there are approximately 90% Mong people, who had taken water rice to the high mountains and changed mountains and hills into layers of immense terraced fields curving round the mountain slope. In Mu Cang Chai town, terraced fields are in everywhere and take account of approximately 2.200ha.
October is the month of yellow ripen rice, is the most beautiful month in Mu Cang Chai and the month at which quantity of tourists reaches the highest number. In three communes La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh, 500ha of terraced fields have been kept intact and is the relic of Mong, which was ranked to be the national level relic.
Sapa
Sapa is the vacation spot famous for the illusory beauty of the Northwest Mountains and forests. It’s a colorful destination with the cultural beauty of the ethnic. Sapa has natural and poetic beauty with the terraced fields curving around mountain slopes, May Bridge, Bac Fall and Heaven Gate... Ham Rong mountain is a beautiful site, from this position, tourists can see the whole of Sapa, Sapa’s famous church, the ancient stones in Muong Hoa valley, villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ban Ho… Sapa is also “the kingdom” of many kinds of fruits and flowers such as peach blossom, plum flowers, pear-tree flowers, immortal flowers and more.
Fansi pan peak – Hoang Lien Son
Fansipan, also known as “the Roof of Indochina,” is the highest mountain within the Hoang Lien Son Mountains with a height of 3,143m. It lies southwest of Sapa. Hoang Lien National Park is a gigantic national park with a vegetation cover and many endemic varieties.
Bac Ha
The town Bac Ha has long been famous for its Sunday market. At this place, tourists can visit villages of the Mong and Tay ethnic minority people as well as kermises in Can Cau, Coc Ly. Hoang A Tuong edi_ce is in the center of Bac Ha district (Lao Cai Province). It was built in 1914 and completed in 1921. Its owner is Hoang Yen Cha, a Tay ethnic minority person. His father is Hoang A Tuong. Hoang A Tuong edifice has been conserved, maintained and embellished so that tourists can learn about the history of mountainous semicolonial and semi-feudal society throughout time.
Dong Van Stone Plateau
Dong Van Stone Plateau is in the districts including Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac (Ha Giang Province) with area of 2.350km2 and an average height between 1400 - 1600m. In this region, scientists have discovered 45 geomorphologic relics, 33 tectonic relics and many fossils in layers of sedimentary rock. The diversified geology of Dong Van Stone Plateau is unique in Vietnam. In this region, there are many formations of more than 500 million of years old. Formations of limestone are especially prominent with approximately ten structures of limestone with total width of nearly 4.000m. Dong Van Stone Plateau has witnessed two of five related to global extermination of the world of creature; one nearly 250 years ago and the other 350 million years ago. Nearly 1,000 varieties of fossil flora including several endemic species of the region are found here. In the world, there is selfdom the style of stone mountains as the ranges of cone or pyramid shaped mountains on the peak of Ma Pi Leng in Dong Van. Particularly interesting is the stone forests and gardens in Khau Vai. Limestone bluffs with height of 700m in Nho Que ravine of more than 1000m depth was formed due to faults in the earth’s crust.
On October 3rd 2010, Global Geopark Network (GGN) recognized Dong Van Stone Plateau as the second Geopark in Southeast Asia for its the geographic, geomorphology values (landscape of weathered kaster in tens of millions of years and diversified geological base) and the traditional character and culture of ethnic minorities on Stone Plateau (UNESCO considered it as the special feature of Dong Van Stone Plateau Geopark in the global Geopark system). In the region of Dong Van Stone Plateau, tourists can visit villages of Mong people, Lo Lo people..., Lung Cu flagpole at the top of the North of Vietnam, Vuong Chi Sinh edifice, Dong Van market and ancient street and Khau Vai love market (held once a year in the night of 26th and 27th March of lunar calendar in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district).
Ba Be Lake
Ba Be is the unique natural beautiful site in Bac Kan Province 250km North of Hanoi. Ba Be is one of 20 largest freshwater lakes in the world. The natural reserve of Ba Be is nearly 500ha wide, 8km long and 145m above sea level. It has three main lakes sourced from three rivers including Nang river, Ta Han river and Nam Cuong river. Tourist destination: sitting in a dugout canoe on the lake, visiting Puong cave, Dau Dang fall, Tien pond, Room fall, Phya Khao, going to the kermises Nam Cuong, Quang Khe Villages, in which Tay people are living such as Pac Ngoi, Po Lu, are close to the lake and always welcome tourists at their home.
Ban Gioc fall – Pac Bo cave
Ban Gioc waterfall is considered as the most grandiose and beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. From a height of more than 30m, the water falls as clear as huge band of silk. The famous Nguom Ngao cave is close to the fall and has a length of 3km. Visiting Cao Bang, tourists cannot ignore Cac Mac Mountain, Lenin stream or Pac Bo relic (Ha Quang district). Passing a bendy stretch of mountainous roads, tourists will have the chance to understand the revolutionary life of President Ho Chi Minh much more, and visit the charming landscape.
THE RED RIVER DELTA AND THE NORTHEAST COASTAL REGION
This region includes the Hanoi capital and 10 provinces and cities namely: Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh associated with the Northern key economic zone. The value of the region derives from the culture, based on wet rice civilization, and history, combining values of geological – geomorphologic landscape, coastal ecology and Northeast Island.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long bay - one of new world seven wonders, has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO for aesthetic and geological - geomorphologic uniqueness. It lies on a total area of 1,553km2 with 1,969 lively and grandiose islands. Ha Long bay is part of the Gulf of Tonkin, located between Lan Ha bay and Bai Tu Long bay. It includes the coastal area of Ha Long City, Cam Pha Town and part of Van Don Island District. There are two types of islands in Ha Long: limestone islands and schist islands. The bay has been developed by various activities for hundreds of millions of years. Ha Long Bay has many wonderful caves such as Dau Go, Thien Cung, Bo Nau, Trong, Trinh Nu and Sung Sot. Each cave is associated with interesting legends. Coming there, tourists can travel by boat to visit islands, oating ‑shing village, discover natural beauties, visit historic and cultural relics (Bai Tho Mountain, Duc Ong temple, Long Tien pagoda), fish market to study cultural values and even kayak.
Cat Ba island
Cat Ba is an archipelago with 367 islands of various sizes, distributed mainly in Lan Ha bay succeeding Ha Long bay. The main island is Cat Ba covering about 100km2 and 30 nautical miles from Hai Phong port. Cat Ba archipelago is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Cat Ba National Park covers 15,200ha including 9,800ha forest and 5,400ha sea to create an ideal ecological environment. Coming to Cat Ba, you can bathe in Cat Co Beach 1, Cat Co Beach 2, Da Bang Beach, Ben Beo Beach and Co Tien Beach and more. Also, you can visit Trung Trang cave, Hoa Cuong cave or join in ecological tours in Cat Ba National Park and in Phu Long commune.
King Dinh temple and King Le temple
King Dinh Tien Hoang temple and King Le Dai Hanh temple are located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province. This area was once the ancient Hoa Lu capital city. King Dinh temple in Yen Thuong Hamlet (Thuong temple) is built on a land area covering 5ha. It is shielded by Ma Yen mountain and Du mountain, including three layers: Kowtow Palace, Celestial Perfume Palace and Seraglio. In the seraglio, there is a statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang and statues of Prince Dinh Lien, Prince Dinh Toan and Prince Hang Lang on the sides. King Le temple is situated in Yen Ha hamlet (also known as Ha temple) with smaller architectural scale than King Dinh temple. In the temple, there are statues of King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga and King Le Ngoa Trieu. Every year, the sacrifice festival is opened on the lunar 10th day of March, also known as Truong Yen festival.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong
Bich Dong is located in the Ngu Nhac Son mountain range in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province. In 1773, Nguyen Nhiem (father of the great poet Nguyen Du) visited the cave. The mountain, cave, river, rice fields and sky in this place are covered with a breath-taking green color, thus he gave the cave a very beautiful and romantic name “Bich Dong”. The beautiful scenery of Bich Dong is called “The second most beautiful cave in Vietnam.” From Bich Dong, tourists can continue by boat to visit Tam Coc. Tam Coc means three caves: First Cave, Second Cave and Third Cave. When the boat goes into the three caves, tourists will feel cool. Stalactites from the cave ceiling hang down unevenly and sparkly like magical pearls and gems.
Trang An - Bai Dinh relic site
Located 95km from Hanoi and mostly in Hoa Lu district (Ninh Binh Province), there is Trang An ecological tourist resort - “Ha Long bay on land”. It has a total area of 2.168ha and belongs to two main ecosystems, namely limestone mountain and submerged land. Surrounded by limestone mountain ranges, Trang An is a complex of 31 valleys, 48 trans-water caves and many lakes together with historic relic sites intercalated in forests and limestone mountains. The most popular big caves are Dia Linh, Sinh Duoc, May, Toi, Sang and Nau Ruou with diversi_ed beauty. This place still stores many relics of the prehistoric men from 5,000 to 30,000 years ago in Bui cave and Trong cave.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is located in Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh Province, on the border of Ninh Binh Province, Hoa Binh Province and Thanh Hoa Province, over 100km Southwest of Hanoi. It was the first National Park of Vietnam and was established in July 1962. The park covers 22,000ha, including a majority of limestone mountains with the height ranging from 300 to 600m above sea level. Cuc Phuong has a diversified flora and fauna with nearly 2000 species. Cuc Phuong is famous for parashrea stellata, ancient dracontomelum aged about 1000 years old, with the height ranging from 50 to 70m, trachypithecus delacouri and many species of rare and precious butterflies. Main attractions: environmental interpretation center, primate rescue center, ancient man cave, Con Moong cave.
Phat Diem stone cathedral
Phat Diem stone cathedral is located in the town Phat Diem, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh Province, 120km south of Hanoi. This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Vietnam and was built from 1875 - 1898. Phat Diem means the generation of beauty and was named by Nguyen Cong Tru. Phat Diem stone cathedral is a unique architectural complex bearing Oriental style. Phat Diem stone cathedral is the hallmark in the panorama of the historical and beautiful spots of the ancient capital.
THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION
This region includes 6 provinces: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue associated with the Central key economic zone and the East - West tourist corridor. Special about the region is its world heritage system combining values of history, coastal and island ecology.
Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is located in Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, about 50km Northwest of Dong Hoi City. This is part of the most ancient limestone mountain area in Asia, which was created more than 400 million years ago by various geological activities. In 2003, Phong Nha - Ke Bang was recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park are classified into 2 types: dry cave and water cave. Main caves include: Phong Nha, Tien Son, Thien Duong, Son Doong. Phong Nha cave is nearly 8km long with 14 small caves and a sparkling underground river nearly 14km in length. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is home to many archeological vestiges which show proof of human life from the Stone Age.
Vinh Moc tunnel
Vinh Moc tunnel (in Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province) is a special work of tunnels which accommodated a village of hundreds of people during the resistance war against American imperialists. The tunnel is nearly 2km long and includes 3 layers, at the depth of 12 - 23m. The tunnel is designed for nearly 100 families, with wells, meeting halls, maternity home, surgery room, kitchen, etc. Vinh Moc tunnel is nearly undamaged and an attractive sightseeing point for international tourists.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The DMZ is a collection of many war historic relics along Northern and Southern banks of Ben Hai river, associated with the 17th parallel, it has famous places such as Hien Luong bridge, Ben Hai river, Mieu slope, Tien Dune, Gio Linh, Khe Sanh, Ta Con, Vay village, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and Cam Lo. The road No. 9 from Dong Ha town to the Lao Bao border gate to Laos was one of the key traffic routes during the war. One of the important sightseeing locations is the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, a relic of the bloody 81-daynight war to protect the ancient citadel in the summer of 1972. Visiting the DMZ, tourists can go to other tourist locations such as Cua Tung, Cua Viet, Truong Son Martyr Cemetery and La Vang church.
Hue imperial city
Hue imperial city (in Thua Thien - Hue Province) was Vietnam’s capital for the reigns of 13 kings during the 143 years of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Located on the northern bank of Huong river, the imperial city is surrounded by walls 6.6m in height, 21m in thickness, nearly 9km in length and protecting an area of over 500ha. There is a protective deep moat outside the walls. Nearly 140 architectural works are contained by three imperial city grounds: Imperial city, Royal citadel and Purple Forbidden City.
Royal citadel and purple Forbidden City are collectively referred to as the Royal Palace. The Royal Citadel is home to the most important rites and political agencies of the court and temples. The Purple Forbidden City is the working and living place of the king and imperial family, which is strictly protected. The Royal Palace is includes the following architectural structures: the Southern Main Gate Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa temple and theater for ceremonies.
Relics in the imperial city: Ky Dai, Quoc Tu Giam, Long An temple, Fine Arts Museum of Hue Imperial Palace, Phu Xuan temple, Tinh Tam lake, library, Important and Secret Institute - Tam Tao, Dan Xa Tac.
Relics outside the imperial city: Mausoleums of Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh.
Other relics: Tran Binh Dai, Phu Van Lau, Thuong Bac Palace, Temple of Literature, Temple of Martial Arts, Dan Nam Giao, Ho Quyen, Hon Chen temple, Thien Mua pagoda, Bao Quoc pagoda, Tu Hieu pagoda, An Dinh Palace.
Hue was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO on 11/12/1993 for its architectural relics and beauty. To visit the city you need two days. Add another day to visit the surrounding temples (must see). If you are traveling South, your next stop should be Hoi An.You get there by private car. If you are traveling North, your next stop is Hanoi.
THE SOUTH CENTRAL COAST REGION
This region includes Da Nang City and 7 provinces: Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan associated with the Central key economic zone and the East - West tourist corridor. The region’s value includes its beautiful beaches combining world heritage values, ecology and landscape of the coastal and island area. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:
Da Nang City
Da Nang City is in the middle of the country. It is bounded by the beautiful Hai Van pass in the north, 1,487m high Ba Na mountain in the Northwest and the uninhabited Son Tra peninsula in the East. Da Nang is situated by Han River and Da Nang bay with beautiful beaches stretching over 30km from Son Tra peninsula to Non Nuoc beach. Da Nang is naturally endowed by its close proximity to three world cultural heritages: the ancient capital Hue, Hoi An’s ancient street and My Son relic site. In a farther distance, there is Phong Nha cave, a World Natural Heritage. Therefore, Da Nang is regarded as the important transit point on the central heritage way.
Da Nang beaches have wide unobstructed space, splendid seaside resorts, spotless white, deep blue sea water and very spacious roads.
THE MIDLANDS AND NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION
This region has 14 provinces: Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Lang Son and Bac Giang, and has many important border gates close to China and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The unique characteristics of the region are its landscape on diversified topographic base, geographic uniqueness, climate, ecology and the traditional culture of ethnic minorities. The main attractive destinations of the region include:
Mai Chau
Mai Chau (in Hoa Binh province) is an immense green valley with villages of ethnic minority people living. In Mai Chau, tourists can visit the lakes and villages of Mong and Muong people, such as Hang Kia, Pa Co, Van Mai, by bicycle or on foot. Visitors can also enjoy popular music performances, the Thai special foods in Lac village, Van village, and Pom Coong, and the unique landscape of the mountainous area along to Da River. Staying overnight at Lac or Pom Coong village will help tourists to better understand the manners and customs of the Northwest ethnic minorities.
Moc Chau Highlands
Moc Chau Highlands (Son La province) is the home of the Mong ethnic people. Moc Chau is a green steppe, has cool and airy climate, in summer it is often around 20oC. Moc Chau is well-known for its tea farms, dairy and now flower farms. Tourists can visit Dai Yem waterfall, pine forests, caves as well as see immense grass fields, unbounded white-plum and yellow flower.
A cluster of Dien Bien Phu relics
The Dien Bien Phu battlefield, Dien Bien province, is 500km west of Hanoi. The valley of Dien Bien was the location of an extremely heroic flight between Vietnamese people and the expeditionary army of French colonialism. The battle lasted 55 days and nights (13/3/1954 – 7/5/1954) with the defeat of the French. The Dien Bien Phu victory created a great resound that forced France to enter into Geneve Agreement for recognition of independence and peace for Vietnam. Destinations of Dien Bien Phu include: Dien Bien Phu Historic Victory Museum, Dien Bien Martyrs’ Cemetery, the outstanding relics of Dien Bien battle_eld in the old days, hills A1, C1, C2, D1, entranced forti_cations Hong Cum, Him Lam, Independence Hill, Muong Thanh bridge and airport, commanding cellar of General De Castries... currently become the attractive destinations for tourists.
Mu Cang Chai terraced field
Visiting Mu Cang Chai, tourists will be surprised at amid the high mountains with full of obstacles and difficult of access; there are the gigantic and endless terraced fields of Mong people. In this region, there are approximately 90% Mong people, who had taken water rice to the high mountains and changed mountains and hills into layers of immense terraced fields curving round the mountain slope.
Mu Cang Chai terraced fields Mu Cang Chai yellow terraced fields (Yen Bai Province) in the Northwest highlands are 1.750m high compared with sea level, far 300km of mountain pass and slope road from Hanoi. Visiting Mu Cang Chai, tourists will be surprised at amid the high mountains with full of obstacles and difficult of access; there are the gigantic and endless terraced fields of Mong people. In this region, there are approximately 90% Mong people, who had taken water rice to the high mountains and changed mountains and hills into layers of immense terraced fields curving round the mountain slope. In Mu Cang Chai town, terraced fields are in everywhere and take account of approximately 2.200ha.
October is the month of yellow ripen rice, is the most beautiful month in Mu Cang Chai and the month at which quantity of tourists reaches the highest number. In three communes La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh, 500ha of terraced fields have been kept intact and is the relic of Mong, which was ranked to be the national level relic.
Sapa
Sapa is the vacation spot famous for the illusory beauty of the Northwest Mountains and forests. It’s a colorful destination with the cultural beauty of the ethnic. Sapa has natural and poetic beauty with the terraced fields curving around mountain slopes, May Bridge, Bac Fall and Heaven Gate... Ham Rong mountain is a beautiful site, from this position, tourists can see the whole of Sapa, Sapa’s famous church, the ancient stones in Muong Hoa valley, villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ban Ho… Sapa is also “the kingdom” of many kinds of fruits and flowers such as peach blossom, plum flowers, pear-tree flowers, immortal flowers and more.
Fansi pan peak – Hoang Lien Son
Fansipan, also known as “the Roof of Indochina,” is the highest mountain within the Hoang Lien Son Mountains with a height of 3,143m. It lies southwest of Sapa. Hoang Lien National Park is a gigantic national park with a vegetation cover and many endemic varieties.
Bac Ha
The town Bac Ha has long been famous for its Sunday market. At this place, tourists can visit villages of the Mong and Tay ethnic minority people as well as kermises in Can Cau, Coc Ly. Hoang A Tuong edi_ce is in the center of Bac Ha district (Lao Cai Province). It was built in 1914 and completed in 1921. Its owner is Hoang Yen Cha, a Tay ethnic minority person. His father is Hoang A Tuong. Hoang A Tuong edifice has been conserved, maintained and embellished so that tourists can learn about the history of mountainous semicolonial and semi-feudal society throughout time.
Dong Van Stone Plateau
Dong Van Stone Plateau is in the districts including Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac (Ha Giang Province) with area of 2.350km2 and an average height between 1400 - 1600m. In this region, scientists have discovered 45 geomorphologic relics, 33 tectonic relics and many fossils in layers of sedimentary rock. The diversified geology of Dong Van Stone Plateau is unique in Vietnam. In this region, there are many formations of more than 500 million of years old. Formations of limestone are especially prominent with approximately ten structures of limestone with total width of nearly 4.000m. Dong Van Stone Plateau has witnessed two of five related to global extermination of the world of creature; one nearly 250 years ago and the other 350 million years ago. Nearly 1,000 varieties of fossil flora including several endemic species of the region are found here. In the world, there is selfdom the style of stone mountains as the ranges of cone or pyramid shaped mountains on the peak of Ma Pi Leng in Dong Van. Particularly interesting is the stone forests and gardens in Khau Vai. Limestone bluffs with height of 700m in Nho Que ravine of more than 1000m depth was formed due to faults in the earth’s crust.
On October 3rd 2010, Global Geopark Network (GGN) recognized Dong Van Stone Plateau as the second Geopark in Southeast Asia for its the geographic, geomorphology values (landscape of weathered kaster in tens of millions of years and diversified geological base) and the traditional character and culture of ethnic minorities on Stone Plateau (UNESCO considered it as the special feature of Dong Van Stone Plateau Geopark in the global Geopark system). In the region of Dong Van Stone Plateau, tourists can visit villages of Mong people, Lo Lo people..., Lung Cu flagpole at the top of the North of Vietnam, Vuong Chi Sinh edifice, Dong Van market and ancient street and Khau Vai love market (held once a year in the night of 26th and 27th March of lunar calendar in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district).
Ba Be Lake
Ba Be is the unique natural beautiful site in Bac Kan Province 250km North of Hanoi. Ba Be is one of 20 largest freshwater lakes in the world. The natural reserve of Ba Be is nearly 500ha wide, 8km long and 145m above sea level. It has three main lakes sourced from three rivers including Nang river, Ta Han river and Nam Cuong river. Tourist destination: sitting in a dugout canoe on the lake, visiting Puong cave, Dau Dang fall, Tien pond, Room fall, Phya Khao, going to the kermises Nam Cuong, Quang Khe Villages, in which Tay people are living such as Pac Ngoi, Po Lu, are close to the lake and always welcome tourists at their home.
Ban Gioc fall – Pac Bo cave
Ban Gioc waterfall is considered as the most grandiose and beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. From a height of more than 30m, the water falls as clear as huge band of silk. The famous Nguom Ngao cave is close to the fall and has a length of 3km. Visiting Cao Bang, tourists cannot ignore Cac Mac Mountain, Lenin stream or Pac Bo relic (Ha Quang district). Passing a bendy stretch of mountainous roads, tourists will have the chance to understand the revolutionary life of President Ho Chi Minh much more, and visit the charming landscape.
THE RED RIVER DELTA AND THE NORTHEAST COASTAL REGION
This region includes the Hanoi capital and 10 provinces and cities namely: Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh associated with the Northern key economic zone. The value of the region derives from the culture, based on wet rice civilization, and history, combining values of geological – geomorphologic landscape, coastal ecology and Northeast Island.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long bay - one of new world seven wonders, has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO for aesthetic and geological - geomorphologic uniqueness. It lies on a total area of 1,553km2 with 1,969 lively and grandiose islands. Ha Long bay is part of the Gulf of Tonkin, located between Lan Ha bay and Bai Tu Long bay. It includes the coastal area of Ha Long City, Cam Pha Town and part of Van Don Island District. There are two types of islands in Ha Long: limestone islands and schist islands. The bay has been developed by various activities for hundreds of millions of years. Ha Long Bay has many wonderful caves such as Dau Go, Thien Cung, Bo Nau, Trong, Trinh Nu and Sung Sot. Each cave is associated with interesting legends. Coming there, tourists can travel by boat to visit islands, oating ‑shing village, discover natural beauties, visit historic and cultural relics (Bai Tho Mountain, Duc Ong temple, Long Tien pagoda), fish market to study cultural values and even kayak.
Cat Ba island
Cat Ba is an archipelago with 367 islands of various sizes, distributed mainly in Lan Ha bay succeeding Ha Long bay. The main island is Cat Ba covering about 100km2 and 30 nautical miles from Hai Phong port. Cat Ba archipelago is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Cat Ba National Park covers 15,200ha including 9,800ha forest and 5,400ha sea to create an ideal ecological environment. Coming to Cat Ba, you can bathe in Cat Co Beach 1, Cat Co Beach 2, Da Bang Beach, Ben Beo Beach and Co Tien Beach and more. Also, you can visit Trung Trang cave, Hoa Cuong cave or join in ecological tours in Cat Ba National Park and in Phu Long commune.
King Dinh temple and King Le temple
King Dinh Tien Hoang temple and King Le Dai Hanh temple are located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province. This area was once the ancient Hoa Lu capital city. King Dinh temple in Yen Thuong Hamlet (Thuong temple) is built on a land area covering 5ha. It is shielded by Ma Yen mountain and Du mountain, including three layers: Kowtow Palace, Celestial Perfume Palace and Seraglio. In the seraglio, there is a statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang and statues of Prince Dinh Lien, Prince Dinh Toan and Prince Hang Lang on the sides. King Le temple is situated in Yen Ha hamlet (also known as Ha temple) with smaller architectural scale than King Dinh temple. In the temple, there are statues of King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga and King Le Ngoa Trieu. Every year, the sacrifice festival is opened on the lunar 10th day of March, also known as Truong Yen festival.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong
Bich Dong is located in the Ngu Nhac Son mountain range in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province. In 1773, Nguyen Nhiem (father of the great poet Nguyen Du) visited the cave. The mountain, cave, river, rice fields and sky in this place are covered with a breath-taking green color, thus he gave the cave a very beautiful and romantic name “Bich Dong”. The beautiful scenery of Bich Dong is called “The second most beautiful cave in Vietnam.” From Bich Dong, tourists can continue by boat to visit Tam Coc. Tam Coc means three caves: First Cave, Second Cave and Third Cave. When the boat goes into the three caves, tourists will feel cool. Stalactites from the cave ceiling hang down unevenly and sparkly like magical pearls and gems.
Trang An - Bai Dinh relic site
Located 95km from Hanoi and mostly in Hoa Lu district (Ninh Binh Province), there is Trang An ecological tourist resort - “Ha Long bay on land”. It has a total area of 2.168ha and belongs to two main ecosystems, namely limestone mountain and submerged land. Surrounded by limestone mountain ranges, Trang An is a complex of 31 valleys, 48 trans-water caves and many lakes together with historic relic sites intercalated in forests and limestone mountains. The most popular big caves are Dia Linh, Sinh Duoc, May, Toi, Sang and Nau Ruou with diversi_ed beauty. This place still stores many relics of the prehistoric men from 5,000 to 30,000 years ago in Bui cave and Trong cave.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is located in Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh Province, on the border of Ninh Binh Province, Hoa Binh Province and Thanh Hoa Province, over 100km Southwest of Hanoi. It was the first National Park of Vietnam and was established in July 1962. The park covers 22,000ha, including a majority of limestone mountains with the height ranging from 300 to 600m above sea level. Cuc Phuong has a diversified flora and fauna with nearly 2000 species. Cuc Phuong is famous for parashrea stellata, ancient dracontomelum aged about 1000 years old, with the height ranging from 50 to 70m, trachypithecus delacouri and many species of rare and precious butterflies. Main attractions: environmental interpretation center, primate rescue center, ancient man cave, Con Moong cave.
Phat Diem stone cathedral
Phat Diem stone cathedral is located in the town Phat Diem, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh Province, 120km south of Hanoi. This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Vietnam and was built from 1875 - 1898. Phat Diem means the generation of beauty and was named by Nguyen Cong Tru. Phat Diem stone cathedral is a unique architectural complex bearing Oriental style. Phat Diem stone cathedral is the hallmark in the panorama of the historical and beautiful spots of the ancient capital.
THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION
This region includes 6 provinces: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue associated with the Central key economic zone and the East - West tourist corridor. Special about the region is its world heritage system combining values of history, coastal and island ecology.
Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is located in Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, about 50km Northwest of Dong Hoi City. This is part of the most ancient limestone mountain area in Asia, which was created more than 400 million years ago by various geological activities. In 2003, Phong Nha - Ke Bang was recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park are classified into 2 types: dry cave and water cave. Main caves include: Phong Nha, Tien Son, Thien Duong, Son Doong. Phong Nha cave is nearly 8km long with 14 small caves and a sparkling underground river nearly 14km in length. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is home to many archeological vestiges which show proof of human life from the Stone Age.
Vinh Moc tunnel
Vinh Moc tunnel (in Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province) is a special work of tunnels which accommodated a village of hundreds of people during the resistance war against American imperialists. The tunnel is nearly 2km long and includes 3 layers, at the depth of 12 - 23m. The tunnel is designed for nearly 100 families, with wells, meeting halls, maternity home, surgery room, kitchen, etc. Vinh Moc tunnel is nearly undamaged and an attractive sightseeing point for international tourists.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The DMZ is a collection of many war historic relics along Northern and Southern banks of Ben Hai river, associated with the 17th parallel, it has famous places such as Hien Luong bridge, Ben Hai river, Mieu slope, Tien Dune, Gio Linh, Khe Sanh, Ta Con, Vay village, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and Cam Lo. The road No. 9 from Dong Ha town to the Lao Bao border gate to Laos was one of the key traffic routes during the war. One of the important sightseeing locations is the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, a relic of the bloody 81-daynight war to protect the ancient citadel in the summer of 1972. Visiting the DMZ, tourists can go to other tourist locations such as Cua Tung, Cua Viet, Truong Son Martyr Cemetery and La Vang church.
Hue imperial city
Hue imperial city (in Thua Thien - Hue Province) was Vietnam’s capital for the reigns of 13 kings during the 143 years of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Located on the northern bank of Huong river, the imperial city is surrounded by walls 6.6m in height, 21m in thickness, nearly 9km in length and protecting an area of over 500ha. There is a protective deep moat outside the walls. Nearly 140 architectural works are contained by three imperial city grounds: Imperial city, Royal citadel and Purple Forbidden City.
Royal citadel and purple Forbidden City are collectively referred to as the Royal Palace. The Royal Citadel is home to the most important rites and political agencies of the court and temples. The Purple Forbidden City is the working and living place of the king and imperial family, which is strictly protected. The Royal Palace is includes the following architectural structures: the Southern Main Gate Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa temple and theater for ceremonies.
Relics in the imperial city: Ky Dai, Quoc Tu Giam, Long An temple, Fine Arts Museum of Hue Imperial Palace, Phu Xuan temple, Tinh Tam lake, library, Important and Secret Institute - Tam Tao, Dan Xa Tac.
Relics outside the imperial city: Mausoleums of Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh.
Other relics: Tran Binh Dai, Phu Van Lau, Thuong Bac Palace, Temple of Literature, Temple of Martial Arts, Dan Nam Giao, Ho Quyen, Hon Chen temple, Thien Mua pagoda, Bao Quoc pagoda, Tu Hieu pagoda, An Dinh Palace.
Hue was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO on 11/12/1993 for its architectural relics and beauty. To visit the city you need two days. Add another day to visit the surrounding temples (must see). If you are traveling South, your next stop should be Hoi An.You get there by private car. If you are traveling North, your next stop is Hanoi.
THE SOUTH CENTRAL COAST REGION
This region includes Da Nang City and 7 provinces: Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan associated with the Central key economic zone and the East - West tourist corridor. The region’s value includes its beautiful beaches combining world heritage values, ecology and landscape of the coastal and island area. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:
Da Nang City
Da Nang City is in the middle of the country. It is bounded by the beautiful Hai Van pass in the north, 1,487m high Ba Na mountain in the Northwest and the uninhabited Son Tra peninsula in the East. Da Nang is situated by Han River and Da Nang bay with beautiful beaches stretching over 30km from Son Tra peninsula to Non Nuoc beach. Da Nang is naturally endowed by its close proximity to three world cultural heritages: the ancient capital Hue, Hoi An’s ancient street and My Son relic site. In a farther distance, there is Phong Nha cave, a World Natural Heritage. Therefore, Da Nang is regarded as the important transit point on the central heritage way.
Da Nang beaches have wide unobstructed space, splendid seaside resorts, spotless white, deep blue sea water and very spacious roads.
- My Khe beach: located right in the city is 900m long and is one of the busiest among the beaches of Da Nang.
- Seaside resorts in Son Tra peninsula: from city center through Han River Bridge, you will travel about 8km before reaching Son Tra. Its very beautiful beaches include Nam, Rang, But, Tien Sa, Con and Bac.
- Bac My An seaside resort: located about 7km Southeast of the city center, there are many beautiful seaside resorts such as Bac My An and Furama Resort.
- Non Nuoc seaside resort: Non Nuoc seaside resort stretches nearly 5km with clean wide sand banks and clean blue sea water. Non Nuoc seaside resort is close to the base of Ngu Hanh Son and beside Non Nuoc fine arts stone village with many famous stone sculpture works.
- Champa sculpture museum: (or the Cham museum) was built in 1915 under the sponsor of France Far East Research Institute in Vietnam and was officially opened in 1939. The Cham sculpture museum was adapted from the motif of Champa architecture and has a white showroom. At present, the museum displays hundreds of original sculpturesmade from sandstone, and some terra-cotta. Sculptures have been collected from Cham temples and towers dispersed in the Central region from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan.
Hoi An ancient town
Hoi An (in Quang Nam Province) is situated by Thu Bon river bank. In the 16th and the 17th centuries, the name Faifoo was famous for many Japanese, Chinese, Netherlands, Indian and Spanish traders. At that time, Hoi An’s trading port developed prosperously and was a big trading center of the Southeast Asia, and one of the main stops for trading boats to the Far East. Hoi An has ancient street rows that are preserved nearly to their original state. Ancient houses in Hoi An are characterized by wood and tubular male and female tiles throughout all streets, combining living space with the shops.
Main sightseeing points: Cau Pagoda, Quang Dong Club-house (Ong Pagoda), Phuc Kien Clubhouse, Trieu Chau Club-house, Hoi An Historic Museum, Hoi An Ceramic Museum, family churches, ancient houses including: Tan Ky, Diep Dong Nguyen, Phung Hung ancient house. Inside the ancient houses, there remain such items as altar, horizontal lacquered boards, pairs of wood panels and columns with sophisticatedly carved patterns. Hoi An is a living museum, an ancient city that was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and the place which preserves the lifestyle of the ancient capital in Vietnam.
Hoi An is surrounded by some craft villages such as Tra Que vegetable village, Kim Bong carpentry village and Thanh Ha ceramic village.
Cua Dai seaside resort is 5km from Hoi An. It’s beach extends with smooth white sand, clean blue water and small waves. There are many famous health resorts here. Coming to Hoi An, tourists may have quality clothes quickly tailored, buy decorative multi-colored lanterns and handmade souvenirs. Two hours offshore to the east of Hoi An is Cu Lao Cham, a World Biosphere Reserve.
Hoi An is another must see. Dedicate a couple of days to visit its picturesque streets. This is also the place to buy taylor clothes. There is also a nice beach, in case you want to stay longer. If you are traveling North, your next stop is Hue. If you are traveling South, your next stop can be Nha Trang, Muine or Saigon. To get to any of these destinations you should take the train, private car (in Da Nang) or the plane.
My Son cultural heritage
My Son is located in Duy Xuyen district (Quang Nam Province), 70km from Da Nang City and 45km from Hoi An. This is the My Son tower temple complex situated in a closed valley surrounded by mountains, where sacrifices and offering rites of many old Champa royal dynasties were conducted. This grandiose religious relic site bears the characteristics of Champa culture and was built continuously over a 1000 year period.
Commenced from the 4th century to the early 14th century, this relic complex has over 70 tower temples with Hindu influenced architectural and sculpture style typical of historic Champa kingdoms. Most tower temples face the East towards the sunrise where spirits reside. Due to hundreds of years of fierce war and severe natural conditions, My Son retains only about 20 relics in seriously downgraded condition. Recently, with the assistance of the governments, organizations and international specialists have restored some structures.
Main temples in My Son worship Linga - Yoni set, or the symbol of the spirit Siva - the Protector of Champa reigns. For important architectural, cultural and historic values, My Son Relic Site was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1999.
Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa
Nha Trang is the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province with all-year moderate climate, and accessible by waterway, roadway, airway, and railway. Nha Trang has many famous landscapes and is one of the biggest sea tourist centers for the whole country with many coastal health resorts.
Nha Trang’s location is quite beautiful facing the sea. It is surrounded by 5 mountains. Beaches stretch numerous kilometers and attract millions of tourist each year.
Nha Trang bay covers around 500km2 including 19 islands, forming an adjoining island cluster. The biggest island is Hon Tre covering 36km2, which shields the shore and makes Nha Trang’s beaches calm. Nha Trang bay is a home to underwater biodiversity. This place has many beautiful coral reefs that create favorable conditions for diving tourist development.
On Nha Trang bay, there are famous hotels and resorts that are managed by world famous groups such as Starwood, Mandara, Six Senses, Hyatt, Marriott, etc.
Vinpearl Land: situated on the beautiful Hon Tre island in the middle of the sea with a clean blue beach, Vinpearl Land resort is the leading 5-star resort in the region with a splendid garden, entertainment park and shopping street. It is possible to travel to the island by canoe, sailboat, motorized boat or the longest suspension cable in the Southeast Asia.
Nha Phu pond: situated at the foot of Hon Keo, it is one of the two largest ponds in Khanh Hoa and is about 15km from Nha Trang. Nha Phu pond is about 10km long and about 1,500 ha wide. This place has many ideal resorts: Hon Lao, Hon Thi, Hoa Lan spring and Ninh Van resort with wooden houses close to the water edge.
Van Phong bay: situated in Van Ninh district, about 60km north of Nha Trang. A sand hill with the length of 18km is located between the mainland and two islands, giving Van Phong Bay a splendid landscape.
Dai Lanh beach: located in Van Ninh district, by the National Road 1A, about 80km North of Nha Trang, Dai Lanh Beach is like a crystal white sand strip stretching in the shape of crescent moon with green willow ranges.
Doc Let: Situated in Ninh Hoa district, about 50km north of Nha Trang, this wonderful beach has smooth white sand banks stretching along the sea of clean blue water for nearly. It is called Doc Let because this place has long spotless sand dunes tens kilometers above the willow row, separating the mainland from the sea.
Hon Mun Marine Reserve: located in the South of Nha Trang bay. On the island, there are emerging rock tops with dangerous cliffs creating ebony caves. Every year swallows fly to the caves to make nests. The sea oor of Hon Mun region holds multi-colored coral reefs which are inhabited by many diverse marine creatures. It is the favorite place of marine creature researchers, oceanographers and tourists.
Nha Trang is also known as a city of festivals: Sea festival and the place to hold competitions: Miss Universe 2008, Miss World 2010.
Po Klong Garai tower
It is the common name for the most grandiose and beautiful Cham tower cluster in Vietnam located in the Northwest of Phan Rang. Cham tower (Ninh Thuan Province) is about 7km from the city center. Po Klong Garai tower is a complex of three towers: main tower (20.5m high), fire tower (9.31m high), gate tower (8.56m high). The towers worship King Poklong Garai (1151 - 1205) who had many merits in ruling the country. Po Klong Garai Tower was built from the late 13th century to the early 14th century under the guidance of King Che Man. This tower is the climax of architecture and sculpture of Cham people. Every year, Cham people organize Kate Festival in July in Cham calendar, which is the biggest festival in the year for Cham people.
Mui Ne
It is the name of a fishing village, 22km Northeast of the city Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan Province) along Nguyen Dinh Chieu road (road 706). Developing from a desolate beach strip with desert like red sand hills, far from trffic roads and only several poor fishing villages, Mui Ne now has hundreds of resorts and hotels. From Phan Thiet city to Mui Ne, there are many relics and famous landscapes for tourists to drop in such as Mui Ne fishing village, Ong Hoang Castle, Mui Ne sand hill, Poshanu tower, Duc Thanh School, Suoi Tien, Hon Rom. Over the past years, the sand hill has become a composition theme for many photographers
THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
This region includes 5 provinces: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong associated with the “Development triangle” Vietnam – Laos - Cambodia with natural area of 54,640.6km2, population of 5.21 million people and average population density of 95 people/km2. The tourism characteristics of the region include the culture of ethnic minorities in the “gong cultural space” that has been recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO ecological and landscape qualities of the central highland. Main tourist destinations of the region include:
Ba Na village
Ba Na ethnic minority is one of the most populated native ethnic minorities in the Central Highland. They live mostly in Kon Tum province. Visiting Ba Na village, tourists will see square or rectangular stilted houses with sophisticated wooden carved staircases. Ba Na people were the first ethnic minority in the Central Highland to learn to use writing and use bu_aloes and oxen to plough fields. Like many other ethnic minorities in the Central Highland, in the middle of the house floor of Ba Na people, there is a cooking fire that is always active; the cooking fire is the living center of the family.
Central Highland funeral house
Funeral houses and statues are typical characteristics of the traditional culture in the Central Highlands. The tradition of erecting funeral house and statues is seen only in the Ba Na, Ede, Gia rai, Mnong and Xo Dang ethnic minorities. Funeral houses are built over the grave and are the place of the grave-hut removal ceremony. There are many types of funeral houses which often use the 3 colors black, red and white for decoration. Funeral statues are unique sculptures to this land, especially the funeral statues of the Gia rai and Ba Na ethnic minorities. The grave-hut removal ceremony is a ritual that sees the dead off to another world.
To Nung Bien Ho
Located in Bien Ho commune, Pleiku city, Gia Lai, this fresh water lake provides water to the city. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Central Highland. To Nung Bien Ho is in a volcano that has been dormant for hundreds of million years. The oval shaped lake has depth of 20 - 30m and area of 230ha. The landscape around the lake is quite spectacular with trees, flowers, endless forests, rolling hills and dugout canoes surfing on the water.
Don Village
Don Village is located in Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak Province, 42km Northwest of Buon Ma Thuot City. This place has endless forests and the grandiose Serepok river. Don Village has been famous not only for the landscape of forests and mountains but also for the wild elephant hunting and taming tradition of the elephant hunter king Amakong. Coming to Don Village, tourists have a chance to ride elephants, climb mountains, cross streams and swim the river.
This place also has Yok Don, the Vietnam’s largest national park that covers 115,500ha with forest ecosystems and where preserves Asian elephants and rare grey brown oxen.
Dray Sap waterfall
Dray Sap waterfall is the downstream waterfall in the system of three waterfalls Gia Long – Dray Nur – Dray Sap of the Serepok river, Dak Nong Province, 30km South of Buon Ma Thuot City. The waterfall is nearly 20m high but 100m wide. In Ede language, Dray Sap means the smoke waterfall because the water stream falling from a high position creates a misty spray resembling smoke. All year round, the region resounds from waterfall and is flooded in the vaporous water smoke.
Da Lat
Da Lat is a healthy city on the mountain in Lam Dong Province with many natural distinctions in terms of climate and landscape. Located at 1,500m above the sea level, Da Lat has fresh and pleasant climate with the low average temperature of 15OC and the high average temperature around 24o C during the normal day. It also has year long sunshine. Da Lat is called the city of spring, flowers and pine forest. Da Lat Flower Festival is organized in December every year.
Xuan Huong lake: covers 5,000m, located in the center of Da Lat. The lake has crescent moon shape, surrounded by shaded roads, small flower gardens and romantic cafés.
Love Valley: beautiful and romantic, about 5km north of the center of Da Lat, Love Valley is as beautiful and lively with colorful _ower gardens, green pine forest and bending basalt roads.
Da Lat Railway Station: located 500m East of Xuan Huong lake. The railway connects Da Lat with Cham Tower (Tourcham). It was inaugurated in 1938 and was regarded as the most beautiful railway station in Indochina at that time. The railway covers a length of 84km including 16km of saw-toothed section (Crémailère) was designed by the Swedish. In 1991, the 7km section of railway connecting Trai Mat with Da Lat was restored. Coming to Trai Mat, tourists can visit miraculously changing natural sceneries and enjoy the fresh air of the Central Highlands.
Truc Lam monastery: located by Tuyen Lam lake on Phuong Hoang mountain, Da Lat City. The pagoda was created by the superior Buddhist monk Thich Thanh Tu in the early 1990s. The monastery covers 24.5ha and is divided into 3 separate areas. This is the biggest Zen research monastery in Vietnam. Apart from being a big pagoda and a monastery, Truc Lam is also an ideal tourist destination because its beautiful location – viewing Tuyen Lam lake and Voi Mountain.
Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park
Located in Lac Duong district (Lam Dong province) , about 25km from Da Lat, Bi Dup – Nui Ba National Park covers 64,800ha, including 50,000ha of primeval forest with pine forests, Fokiena hodginsii L. forests, green cypress forests, Cephalotaxaceae forests and many species of rare and precious animals and plants. Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park is one of 221 endemic bird centers of the world. Common birds include: shrike, black necked grackle, spotted dove, francolin, Moorcock, boucal, drong and woodpecker. Among them, there are three species of endemic birds: black-throated laughing, black-headed laughing and yellow sparrow.
Two famous mountain tops are Langbian and Bi Dup which like many rivers and waterfalls in the area, are part of national park.
Pongour waterfall, also known as seven-layer waterfall: located in Duc Trong district, Lam Dong Province, 50km from Da Lat city. Pongour waterfall is 30m high, hundreds of meters long and has a wide veranda. Pongour is a famously beautiful waterfall that was regarded by the French as the “most grandiose waterfall in Indochina”. The waterfall is surrounded by the primeval forest covering about 2.5ha a diversity of vegetation cover and many ancient trees and animals. Dambri waterfall: about 18km from the center of Bao Loc town, located in the middle of a secluded and beautiful primeval forest. Dambri waterfall is about 60m high. In the rainy season, upstream water flows violently and it is possible to hear the sound from several kilometers away. The waterfall is surrounded by a nearly untouched forest.
THE SOUTHEAST REGION
The region includes Ho Chi Minh City and 5 provinces: Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc and Tay Ninh associated with the Southern key economic zone and Trans-Asia tourist corridor. The natural area of the region is 23,605.2km2, population is 14,566.5 thousand people and average population density is 617 people/km2. Unique value of the region is the diversified landscape of the topography transitioning from the central highlands to the lowlands and coastal areas combining ecological and urban regions. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:
Nam Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien is the name of a the roughly 71,350ha of land located within a winding section of the Dong Nai river through three provinces: Dong Nam, Binh Phuoc and Lam Dong. It is a tropical primeval forest area with many ancient trees such as banaba, red wood as well as unique species of mammals and birds such as the red feather pheasant, ibis, one-horn rhino and elephants. Nam Cat Tien National Park often attracts researchers, archaeologists, explorers and tourists. At the head of Dong Nai river, archaeologists found a relic temple from Phu Nam culture. This is a valuable archaeological work that reveals origin of a forgotten kingdom. In November 2001, Cat Tien was recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Long Hai beach
Long Hai is a town in Long Dat district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 25km from Vung Tau City. The town is surrounded by many beautiful beaches stretching along the base of Minh Dam mountain. It is isolated, and an ideal location to relax and sunbathe. In the middle of the beaches Huong Bien and Hang Duong, lies Dinh Co temple. During the Dinh Co festival (lunar 12 February), people pilgrimage to this place to wish for peaceful travels at sea and great seafood.
Binh Chau - Ho Coc
Ecological Resort Binh Chau - Ho Coc Ecological Resort (Xuyen Moc district, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province) is located amid endless primeval forests. Its main attraction is the hot water spring with more than 70 open spray points, forming a stream and lake system that always radiates heat at temperatures from 37o C to 82o C. The water vein under this endemic cajuput forest contains high content of silicon, nitrogen, sulfur, natrium and chloride that are used to treat many diseases and said to be good for your health. Beside Binh Chau primeval forest, there is Ho Coc Sea with its long gentle sloping sand bank. Binh Chau together with Vam Sat mangrove forest (Ho Chi Minh City) was recognized as two of 65 “most sustainable ecological resorts in the world” by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Vung Tau
Vung Tau is a big tourist center located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Vung Tau’s attractiveness as a tourist
spot derives from the harmonious combination of the sea with mountains and urban architecture. It also has many cultural works such as monuments, pagodas and. Vung Tau has no winter, thus resorts can operate all the year round. There are 7 seaside resorts close to the city each resort has its own beauty such as Sau resort (Thuy Van), Truoc Resort (Tam Duong), Dau Resort (Phuong Thao), Dua Resort (Huong Phong), Hang Bang Resort (or Lang Du Resort), Vong Nguyet Resort (or O Quan). Vung Tau also has many sites and scenic spots such as Hai Dang on Nho Mountain and Lon Mountain, Bach Dinh, Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Thich Ca Phat Dai, Long Son Great House.
Con Dao
Located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 180km along the sea road from the city Vung Tau, there is an archipelago. The archipelago includes 14 islands with beautiful terrain, a diversity of natural resources, beautiful landscapes, beaches, the historic Con Dao and the famous Hang Duong cemetery. The biggest island is Con Son with the center being the town Con Dao located between Co Ong Airport and Ben Dam port. The town Con Dao has many residents, health resorts and administrative units of Con Dao District. Nowadays, Con Dao is regarded as a paradise for those who are interested in learning about history, and experiencing nature in a land that continues to have new findings on the sea biodiversity of Vietnam.
Cao Dai holy see
Cao Dai holy see is 4km Southeast of Tay Ninh. Cao Dai holy see is a famous art architectural work built in 1926. The holy see is located in a campus of about 1km2. Standing out in the architectural complex is Thanh Temple with typical features of a temple for the Cao Dai religion. The work shows a harmonious combination between Oriental and Western architectural fine arts with sophisticated domes and patterns.
HO CHI MINH CITY
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest economic center of Vietnam and also a key gateway from Vietnam to the outside world. Its natural area is 2095km2 and total population is over 7 million. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest urban area in Vietnam through its dynamic economic growth, modern structures, large commercial and department stores and recreational areas… Serving as an international gateway and a developed city, Ho Chi Minh City is determined to be a crucial tourist hub (up to 70% of foreign tourists to Vietnam visit Ho Chi Minh City). Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism is characterized by the city’s history, urban services on the basis of a dynamic economic center in combination with landscape and ecological values.
Overview and Highlights:
Hoi An (in Quang Nam Province) is situated by Thu Bon river bank. In the 16th and the 17th centuries, the name Faifoo was famous for many Japanese, Chinese, Netherlands, Indian and Spanish traders. At that time, Hoi An’s trading port developed prosperously and was a big trading center of the Southeast Asia, and one of the main stops for trading boats to the Far East. Hoi An has ancient street rows that are preserved nearly to their original state. Ancient houses in Hoi An are characterized by wood and tubular male and female tiles throughout all streets, combining living space with the shops.
Main sightseeing points: Cau Pagoda, Quang Dong Club-house (Ong Pagoda), Phuc Kien Clubhouse, Trieu Chau Club-house, Hoi An Historic Museum, Hoi An Ceramic Museum, family churches, ancient houses including: Tan Ky, Diep Dong Nguyen, Phung Hung ancient house. Inside the ancient houses, there remain such items as altar, horizontal lacquered boards, pairs of wood panels and columns with sophisticatedly carved patterns. Hoi An is a living museum, an ancient city that was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and the place which preserves the lifestyle of the ancient capital in Vietnam.
Hoi An is surrounded by some craft villages such as Tra Que vegetable village, Kim Bong carpentry village and Thanh Ha ceramic village.
Cua Dai seaside resort is 5km from Hoi An. It’s beach extends with smooth white sand, clean blue water and small waves. There are many famous health resorts here. Coming to Hoi An, tourists may have quality clothes quickly tailored, buy decorative multi-colored lanterns and handmade souvenirs. Two hours offshore to the east of Hoi An is Cu Lao Cham, a World Biosphere Reserve.
Hoi An is another must see. Dedicate a couple of days to visit its picturesque streets. This is also the place to buy taylor clothes. There is also a nice beach, in case you want to stay longer. If you are traveling North, your next stop is Hue. If you are traveling South, your next stop can be Nha Trang, Muine or Saigon. To get to any of these destinations you should take the train, private car (in Da Nang) or the plane.
My Son cultural heritage
My Son is located in Duy Xuyen district (Quang Nam Province), 70km from Da Nang City and 45km from Hoi An. This is the My Son tower temple complex situated in a closed valley surrounded by mountains, where sacrifices and offering rites of many old Champa royal dynasties were conducted. This grandiose religious relic site bears the characteristics of Champa culture and was built continuously over a 1000 year period.
Commenced from the 4th century to the early 14th century, this relic complex has over 70 tower temples with Hindu influenced architectural and sculpture style typical of historic Champa kingdoms. Most tower temples face the East towards the sunrise where spirits reside. Due to hundreds of years of fierce war and severe natural conditions, My Son retains only about 20 relics in seriously downgraded condition. Recently, with the assistance of the governments, organizations and international specialists have restored some structures.
Main temples in My Son worship Linga - Yoni set, or the symbol of the spirit Siva - the Protector of Champa reigns. For important architectural, cultural and historic values, My Son Relic Site was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1999.
Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa
Nha Trang is the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province with all-year moderate climate, and accessible by waterway, roadway, airway, and railway. Nha Trang has many famous landscapes and is one of the biggest sea tourist centers for the whole country with many coastal health resorts.
Nha Trang’s location is quite beautiful facing the sea. It is surrounded by 5 mountains. Beaches stretch numerous kilometers and attract millions of tourist each year.
Nha Trang bay covers around 500km2 including 19 islands, forming an adjoining island cluster. The biggest island is Hon Tre covering 36km2, which shields the shore and makes Nha Trang’s beaches calm. Nha Trang bay is a home to underwater biodiversity. This place has many beautiful coral reefs that create favorable conditions for diving tourist development.
On Nha Trang bay, there are famous hotels and resorts that are managed by world famous groups such as Starwood, Mandara, Six Senses, Hyatt, Marriott, etc.
Vinpearl Land: situated on the beautiful Hon Tre island in the middle of the sea with a clean blue beach, Vinpearl Land resort is the leading 5-star resort in the region with a splendid garden, entertainment park and shopping street. It is possible to travel to the island by canoe, sailboat, motorized boat or the longest suspension cable in the Southeast Asia.
Nha Phu pond: situated at the foot of Hon Keo, it is one of the two largest ponds in Khanh Hoa and is about 15km from Nha Trang. Nha Phu pond is about 10km long and about 1,500 ha wide. This place has many ideal resorts: Hon Lao, Hon Thi, Hoa Lan spring and Ninh Van resort with wooden houses close to the water edge.
Van Phong bay: situated in Van Ninh district, about 60km north of Nha Trang. A sand hill with the length of 18km is located between the mainland and two islands, giving Van Phong Bay a splendid landscape.
Dai Lanh beach: located in Van Ninh district, by the National Road 1A, about 80km North of Nha Trang, Dai Lanh Beach is like a crystal white sand strip stretching in the shape of crescent moon with green willow ranges.
Doc Let: Situated in Ninh Hoa district, about 50km north of Nha Trang, this wonderful beach has smooth white sand banks stretching along the sea of clean blue water for nearly. It is called Doc Let because this place has long spotless sand dunes tens kilometers above the willow row, separating the mainland from the sea.
Hon Mun Marine Reserve: located in the South of Nha Trang bay. On the island, there are emerging rock tops with dangerous cliffs creating ebony caves. Every year swallows fly to the caves to make nests. The sea oor of Hon Mun region holds multi-colored coral reefs which are inhabited by many diverse marine creatures. It is the favorite place of marine creature researchers, oceanographers and tourists.
Nha Trang is also known as a city of festivals: Sea festival and the place to hold competitions: Miss Universe 2008, Miss World 2010.
Po Klong Garai tower
It is the common name for the most grandiose and beautiful Cham tower cluster in Vietnam located in the Northwest of Phan Rang. Cham tower (Ninh Thuan Province) is about 7km from the city center. Po Klong Garai tower is a complex of three towers: main tower (20.5m high), fire tower (9.31m high), gate tower (8.56m high). The towers worship King Poklong Garai (1151 - 1205) who had many merits in ruling the country. Po Klong Garai Tower was built from the late 13th century to the early 14th century under the guidance of King Che Man. This tower is the climax of architecture and sculpture of Cham people. Every year, Cham people organize Kate Festival in July in Cham calendar, which is the biggest festival in the year for Cham people.
Mui Ne
It is the name of a fishing village, 22km Northeast of the city Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan Province) along Nguyen Dinh Chieu road (road 706). Developing from a desolate beach strip with desert like red sand hills, far from trffic roads and only several poor fishing villages, Mui Ne now has hundreds of resorts and hotels. From Phan Thiet city to Mui Ne, there are many relics and famous landscapes for tourists to drop in such as Mui Ne fishing village, Ong Hoang Castle, Mui Ne sand hill, Poshanu tower, Duc Thanh School, Suoi Tien, Hon Rom. Over the past years, the sand hill has become a composition theme for many photographers
THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
This region includes 5 provinces: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong associated with the “Development triangle” Vietnam – Laos - Cambodia with natural area of 54,640.6km2, population of 5.21 million people and average population density of 95 people/km2. The tourism characteristics of the region include the culture of ethnic minorities in the “gong cultural space” that has been recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO ecological and landscape qualities of the central highland. Main tourist destinations of the region include:
Ba Na village
Ba Na ethnic minority is one of the most populated native ethnic minorities in the Central Highland. They live mostly in Kon Tum province. Visiting Ba Na village, tourists will see square or rectangular stilted houses with sophisticated wooden carved staircases. Ba Na people were the first ethnic minority in the Central Highland to learn to use writing and use bu_aloes and oxen to plough fields. Like many other ethnic minorities in the Central Highland, in the middle of the house floor of Ba Na people, there is a cooking fire that is always active; the cooking fire is the living center of the family.
Central Highland funeral house
Funeral houses and statues are typical characteristics of the traditional culture in the Central Highlands. The tradition of erecting funeral house and statues is seen only in the Ba Na, Ede, Gia rai, Mnong and Xo Dang ethnic minorities. Funeral houses are built over the grave and are the place of the grave-hut removal ceremony. There are many types of funeral houses which often use the 3 colors black, red and white for decoration. Funeral statues are unique sculptures to this land, especially the funeral statues of the Gia rai and Ba Na ethnic minorities. The grave-hut removal ceremony is a ritual that sees the dead off to another world.
To Nung Bien Ho
Located in Bien Ho commune, Pleiku city, Gia Lai, this fresh water lake provides water to the city. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Central Highland. To Nung Bien Ho is in a volcano that has been dormant for hundreds of million years. The oval shaped lake has depth of 20 - 30m and area of 230ha. The landscape around the lake is quite spectacular with trees, flowers, endless forests, rolling hills and dugout canoes surfing on the water.
Don Village
Don Village is located in Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak Province, 42km Northwest of Buon Ma Thuot City. This place has endless forests and the grandiose Serepok river. Don Village has been famous not only for the landscape of forests and mountains but also for the wild elephant hunting and taming tradition of the elephant hunter king Amakong. Coming to Don Village, tourists have a chance to ride elephants, climb mountains, cross streams and swim the river.
This place also has Yok Don, the Vietnam’s largest national park that covers 115,500ha with forest ecosystems and where preserves Asian elephants and rare grey brown oxen.
Dray Sap waterfall
Dray Sap waterfall is the downstream waterfall in the system of three waterfalls Gia Long – Dray Nur – Dray Sap of the Serepok river, Dak Nong Province, 30km South of Buon Ma Thuot City. The waterfall is nearly 20m high but 100m wide. In Ede language, Dray Sap means the smoke waterfall because the water stream falling from a high position creates a misty spray resembling smoke. All year round, the region resounds from waterfall and is flooded in the vaporous water smoke.
Da Lat
Da Lat is a healthy city on the mountain in Lam Dong Province with many natural distinctions in terms of climate and landscape. Located at 1,500m above the sea level, Da Lat has fresh and pleasant climate with the low average temperature of 15OC and the high average temperature around 24o C during the normal day. It also has year long sunshine. Da Lat is called the city of spring, flowers and pine forest. Da Lat Flower Festival is organized in December every year.
Xuan Huong lake: covers 5,000m, located in the center of Da Lat. The lake has crescent moon shape, surrounded by shaded roads, small flower gardens and romantic cafés.
Love Valley: beautiful and romantic, about 5km north of the center of Da Lat, Love Valley is as beautiful and lively with colorful _ower gardens, green pine forest and bending basalt roads.
Da Lat Railway Station: located 500m East of Xuan Huong lake. The railway connects Da Lat with Cham Tower (Tourcham). It was inaugurated in 1938 and was regarded as the most beautiful railway station in Indochina at that time. The railway covers a length of 84km including 16km of saw-toothed section (Crémailère) was designed by the Swedish. In 1991, the 7km section of railway connecting Trai Mat with Da Lat was restored. Coming to Trai Mat, tourists can visit miraculously changing natural sceneries and enjoy the fresh air of the Central Highlands.
Truc Lam monastery: located by Tuyen Lam lake on Phuong Hoang mountain, Da Lat City. The pagoda was created by the superior Buddhist monk Thich Thanh Tu in the early 1990s. The monastery covers 24.5ha and is divided into 3 separate areas. This is the biggest Zen research monastery in Vietnam. Apart from being a big pagoda and a monastery, Truc Lam is also an ideal tourist destination because its beautiful location – viewing Tuyen Lam lake and Voi Mountain.
Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park
Located in Lac Duong district (Lam Dong province) , about 25km from Da Lat, Bi Dup – Nui Ba National Park covers 64,800ha, including 50,000ha of primeval forest with pine forests, Fokiena hodginsii L. forests, green cypress forests, Cephalotaxaceae forests and many species of rare and precious animals and plants. Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park is one of 221 endemic bird centers of the world. Common birds include: shrike, black necked grackle, spotted dove, francolin, Moorcock, boucal, drong and woodpecker. Among them, there are three species of endemic birds: black-throated laughing, black-headed laughing and yellow sparrow.
Two famous mountain tops are Langbian and Bi Dup which like many rivers and waterfalls in the area, are part of national park.
Pongour waterfall, also known as seven-layer waterfall: located in Duc Trong district, Lam Dong Province, 50km from Da Lat city. Pongour waterfall is 30m high, hundreds of meters long and has a wide veranda. Pongour is a famously beautiful waterfall that was regarded by the French as the “most grandiose waterfall in Indochina”. The waterfall is surrounded by the primeval forest covering about 2.5ha a diversity of vegetation cover and many ancient trees and animals. Dambri waterfall: about 18km from the center of Bao Loc town, located in the middle of a secluded and beautiful primeval forest. Dambri waterfall is about 60m high. In the rainy season, upstream water flows violently and it is possible to hear the sound from several kilometers away. The waterfall is surrounded by a nearly untouched forest.
THE SOUTHEAST REGION
The region includes Ho Chi Minh City and 5 provinces: Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc and Tay Ninh associated with the Southern key economic zone and Trans-Asia tourist corridor. The natural area of the region is 23,605.2km2, population is 14,566.5 thousand people and average population density is 617 people/km2. Unique value of the region is the diversified landscape of the topography transitioning from the central highlands to the lowlands and coastal areas combining ecological and urban regions. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:
Nam Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien is the name of a the roughly 71,350ha of land located within a winding section of the Dong Nai river through three provinces: Dong Nam, Binh Phuoc and Lam Dong. It is a tropical primeval forest area with many ancient trees such as banaba, red wood as well as unique species of mammals and birds such as the red feather pheasant, ibis, one-horn rhino and elephants. Nam Cat Tien National Park often attracts researchers, archaeologists, explorers and tourists. At the head of Dong Nai river, archaeologists found a relic temple from Phu Nam culture. This is a valuable archaeological work that reveals origin of a forgotten kingdom. In November 2001, Cat Tien was recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Long Hai beach
Long Hai is a town in Long Dat district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 25km from Vung Tau City. The town is surrounded by many beautiful beaches stretching along the base of Minh Dam mountain. It is isolated, and an ideal location to relax and sunbathe. In the middle of the beaches Huong Bien and Hang Duong, lies Dinh Co temple. During the Dinh Co festival (lunar 12 February), people pilgrimage to this place to wish for peaceful travels at sea and great seafood.
Binh Chau - Ho Coc
Ecological Resort Binh Chau - Ho Coc Ecological Resort (Xuyen Moc district, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province) is located amid endless primeval forests. Its main attraction is the hot water spring with more than 70 open spray points, forming a stream and lake system that always radiates heat at temperatures from 37o C to 82o C. The water vein under this endemic cajuput forest contains high content of silicon, nitrogen, sulfur, natrium and chloride that are used to treat many diseases and said to be good for your health. Beside Binh Chau primeval forest, there is Ho Coc Sea with its long gentle sloping sand bank. Binh Chau together with Vam Sat mangrove forest (Ho Chi Minh City) was recognized as two of 65 “most sustainable ecological resorts in the world” by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Vung Tau
Vung Tau is a big tourist center located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Vung Tau’s attractiveness as a tourist
spot derives from the harmonious combination of the sea with mountains and urban architecture. It also has many cultural works such as monuments, pagodas and. Vung Tau has no winter, thus resorts can operate all the year round. There are 7 seaside resorts close to the city each resort has its own beauty such as Sau resort (Thuy Van), Truoc Resort (Tam Duong), Dau Resort (Phuong Thao), Dua Resort (Huong Phong), Hang Bang Resort (or Lang Du Resort), Vong Nguyet Resort (or O Quan). Vung Tau also has many sites and scenic spots such as Hai Dang on Nho Mountain and Lon Mountain, Bach Dinh, Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Thich Ca Phat Dai, Long Son Great House.
Con Dao
Located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 180km along the sea road from the city Vung Tau, there is an archipelago. The archipelago includes 14 islands with beautiful terrain, a diversity of natural resources, beautiful landscapes, beaches, the historic Con Dao and the famous Hang Duong cemetery. The biggest island is Con Son with the center being the town Con Dao located between Co Ong Airport and Ben Dam port. The town Con Dao has many residents, health resorts and administrative units of Con Dao District. Nowadays, Con Dao is regarded as a paradise for those who are interested in learning about history, and experiencing nature in a land that continues to have new findings on the sea biodiversity of Vietnam.
Cao Dai holy see
Cao Dai holy see is 4km Southeast of Tay Ninh. Cao Dai holy see is a famous art architectural work built in 1926. The holy see is located in a campus of about 1km2. Standing out in the architectural complex is Thanh Temple with typical features of a temple for the Cao Dai religion. The work shows a harmonious combination between Oriental and Western architectural fine arts with sophisticated domes and patterns.
HO CHI MINH CITY
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest economic center of Vietnam and also a key gateway from Vietnam to the outside world. Its natural area is 2095km2 and total population is over 7 million. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest urban area in Vietnam through its dynamic economic growth, modern structures, large commercial and department stores and recreational areas… Serving as an international gateway and a developed city, Ho Chi Minh City is determined to be a crucial tourist hub (up to 70% of foreign tourists to Vietnam visit Ho Chi Minh City). Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism is characterized by the city’s history, urban services on the basis of a dynamic economic center in combination with landscape and ecological values.
Overview and Highlights:
- Explore Saigon as the locals do, riding pillion on a scooter.
- Venture to the mighty Mekong Delta and experience local life and food and a tranquil pace away from Ho Chi Minh City.
- Take your group to dinner in a cyclo parade!
- Shop for a bargain of lacquerware, silks, art, crafts, you name it - Saigon's shopping is hard to beat.
- As the sun sets on Saigon, board your beautiful junk boat for a dinner cruise on the river
- Enjoy delicious fresh, Vietnamese cuisine, and learn to cook it yourself at one of Saigon's wonderful cooking classes.
- Explore the fascinating warren of underground villages at the Cuchi Tunnels, just outside Saigon.
- Delve into the country's French heritage with a plethora of fine dining options serving beautiful French cuisine in a fusian setting.
THE MEKONG DELTA REGION
This region includes the Can Tho City and 12 provinces: Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Tien Giang and Hau Giang associated with Greater Mekong Sub-region with natural area of 40,518.5km2, population of 17,272.2 thousand people and average population density of 426 people/km2. The regions is characteristics for the delta river ecological landscape combining ecological attributes of coastal area with traditional community life activities and culture of Kho Me ethnic minority. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:
Group of 4 supernatural creature islands
Located in the middle of Tien river, within Tien Giang and Ben Tre Provinces, are 4 islands: Long (dragon), Lan (unicorn) (also known as Thoi Son - Tien Giang province), Qui (tortoise), and Phung (phoenix) (Dao Dua dune - Ben Tre province). Lan Island and Phung Island are the biggest and the most popular. Coming here, tourists can go by motorboat on Tien river and row boat in the canals to visit handicraft facilities. Alternatively tourists can orgo by horse-drawn carriage to visit fruit gardens, stop at the coconut leaf-roofed houses, sit on bamboo chairs drinking tea mixed with bee honey mandarin, eat tropical hick fruits, listen to amateur music and study the life activities of the people.
An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc island
Floating amid Tien river, opposite to the town Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province, the island includes 4 communes: An Binh, Binh Hoa Phuoc, Hoa Ninh and Dong Phu, in Long Ho District. The island covers around 60km2 with fertile land. The locals grow many fruit trees such as rambutant, mango, longan, durian and sapoche. Tourists to the island often visit families to see the Bonsai garden with hundreds of decorative plants such as: yellow apricot, wrightia religiosa, and also to visit the fruit garden and osphronemus goramy pond.
Thoi Son dune – Hick ecological tourism
Thoi Son Island (Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province) covers nearly 660ha with fertile soil for such fruits as mandarin, longan, jackfruit, mango and star apple. Tourists can freely walk freely at Thoi Son Island to visit handmade milk rice cake and coconut candy bake houses; try the products and buy them as souvenirs. Tourists also have the chance to enjoy tasteful bee honey or pollen wine, relax in the countryside setting and listen to live music in the local garden. Recently, there have been many new tours such as fishing or staying overnight on the dune. At the end of Thoi Son Island, many motorized boats are willing to take tourists to discover small trenches situated quite far in the coconut groves, and see typical houses amid numerous fruit gardens among the two sides of the trench.
Cai Rang floating market
Located in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, it is one of the famous river markets in the southwestern region. Although the present road traffic system has developed, the floating market still exists and gets busier. The market often opens from dawn to 8 or 9 am. The market usually sells fruits, agricultural and forest products of the region. To show what kind of goods are being sold, sellers often plant a pole on top of their boat with a sample of their goods. This cultural characteristic is only seen in the Mekong
River Delta.
Phung Hiep floating market
Located in the town Phung Hiep, Hau Giang Province, the market opens at Phung Hiep’s seven-corner conjunction. At this point, the river is vast and is pointed in 7 directions with boats and crowds. Formulated in 1915, Phung Hiep _oating market is regarded as the biggest wholesale and retail market in the region. What can be seen in inland market also can be found in this floating market. From needlework to clothes, food, alcohol and meats, innumerable fruits this market has everything. For people looking for unusual meats, Phung Hiep market also has snakes, tortoises, birds, squirrels and varan all the year round.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand in Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province. Duong Dong Township, is the district seat of the island, 120km from the town Rach Gia. The area includes 22 islands in which Phu Quoc is the biggest with area of about 590km2, length of 50km and the widest part (in the North) of 25km. Phu Quoc has mountains, lowlands and natural forest covering 37,000ha with many precious kinds of wood and birds. Phu Quoc is called Pearl Island because of the natural richness and ecological diversity, tourist potential, strange land with primeval forests, Dau waterfall, Tram Trench, and Vem Trench. It holds many many beautiful seaside resorts such as the Truong and Kem resorts. The specialty of the island is Phu Quoc fish sauce and pepper. In 2006, the coast and Kien Giang Island (including Phu Quoc) was recognized as a world biosphere.
This region includes the Can Tho City and 12 provinces: Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Tien Giang and Hau Giang associated with Greater Mekong Sub-region with natural area of 40,518.5km2, population of 17,272.2 thousand people and average population density of 426 people/km2. The regions is characteristics for the delta river ecological landscape combining ecological attributes of coastal area with traditional community life activities and culture of Kho Me ethnic minority. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:
Group of 4 supernatural creature islands
Located in the middle of Tien river, within Tien Giang and Ben Tre Provinces, are 4 islands: Long (dragon), Lan (unicorn) (also known as Thoi Son - Tien Giang province), Qui (tortoise), and Phung (phoenix) (Dao Dua dune - Ben Tre province). Lan Island and Phung Island are the biggest and the most popular. Coming here, tourists can go by motorboat on Tien river and row boat in the canals to visit handicraft facilities. Alternatively tourists can orgo by horse-drawn carriage to visit fruit gardens, stop at the coconut leaf-roofed houses, sit on bamboo chairs drinking tea mixed with bee honey mandarin, eat tropical hick fruits, listen to amateur music and study the life activities of the people.
An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc island
Floating amid Tien river, opposite to the town Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province, the island includes 4 communes: An Binh, Binh Hoa Phuoc, Hoa Ninh and Dong Phu, in Long Ho District. The island covers around 60km2 with fertile land. The locals grow many fruit trees such as rambutant, mango, longan, durian and sapoche. Tourists to the island often visit families to see the Bonsai garden with hundreds of decorative plants such as: yellow apricot, wrightia religiosa, and also to visit the fruit garden and osphronemus goramy pond.
Thoi Son dune – Hick ecological tourism
Thoi Son Island (Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province) covers nearly 660ha with fertile soil for such fruits as mandarin, longan, jackfruit, mango and star apple. Tourists can freely walk freely at Thoi Son Island to visit handmade milk rice cake and coconut candy bake houses; try the products and buy them as souvenirs. Tourists also have the chance to enjoy tasteful bee honey or pollen wine, relax in the countryside setting and listen to live music in the local garden. Recently, there have been many new tours such as fishing or staying overnight on the dune. At the end of Thoi Son Island, many motorized boats are willing to take tourists to discover small trenches situated quite far in the coconut groves, and see typical houses amid numerous fruit gardens among the two sides of the trench.
Cai Rang floating market
Located in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, it is one of the famous river markets in the southwestern region. Although the present road traffic system has developed, the floating market still exists and gets busier. The market often opens from dawn to 8 or 9 am. The market usually sells fruits, agricultural and forest products of the region. To show what kind of goods are being sold, sellers often plant a pole on top of their boat with a sample of their goods. This cultural characteristic is only seen in the Mekong
River Delta.
Phung Hiep floating market
Located in the town Phung Hiep, Hau Giang Province, the market opens at Phung Hiep’s seven-corner conjunction. At this point, the river is vast and is pointed in 7 directions with boats and crowds. Formulated in 1915, Phung Hiep _oating market is regarded as the biggest wholesale and retail market in the region. What can be seen in inland market also can be found in this floating market. From needlework to clothes, food, alcohol and meats, innumerable fruits this market has everything. For people looking for unusual meats, Phung Hiep market also has snakes, tortoises, birds, squirrels and varan all the year round.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand in Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province. Duong Dong Township, is the district seat of the island, 120km from the town Rach Gia. The area includes 22 islands in which Phu Quoc is the biggest with area of about 590km2, length of 50km and the widest part (in the North) of 25km. Phu Quoc has mountains, lowlands and natural forest covering 37,000ha with many precious kinds of wood and birds. Phu Quoc is called Pearl Island because of the natural richness and ecological diversity, tourist potential, strange land with primeval forests, Dau waterfall, Tram Trench, and Vem Trench. It holds many many beautiful seaside resorts such as the Truong and Kem resorts. The specialty of the island is Phu Quoc fish sauce and pepper. In 2006, the coast and Kien Giang Island (including Phu Quoc) was recognized as a world biosphere.
