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Travel Quang Nam and explore the beauty of remote places

Hello everybody, I moved from Hanoi to Hoi An to live since 2014. I work in the tourism industry and I'm quite nomadic, travel everywhere. And after many years living in Hoi An I have learnt more about Quang Nam province, I see that this province not only has Hoi An ancient town and My Son sanctuary but also many other tourist attractions stretching from the East Sea to the border with Laos in Tay Giang, Nam Giang…

Many Vietnamese people mistake that Hoi An belongs to Da Nang city and most of them come to Da Nang and then rush to Hoi An for a short time and take photos, so they think that tourism in Quang Nam province and Hoi An is not attractive. But actually we need more time to visit, enjoy and learn about the landscape, culture and people of Quang Nam province. It is truly a "Heritage Green Area" with not only world and Vietnamese heritage sites, diverse natural landscapes but also rich indigenous values of the Cham, Co Tu, Ca Dong ethnic groups… Whatever Vietnam tourism has, Quang Nam has it all. Every time I leave home, I have more interesting discoveries like Quang Nam is one of the cradles of the national language, is the hometown of former Hanoi governor Hoang Dieu, and is the land of Ngu Phung Te Phi (5 people who won the grand exam in 1898 Mau Tuat lunar year)…

Quang Nam beach tourism: 125km coastline from Thong Nhat/ Ha My/ An Bang/ Tan Thanh/ Cua Dai/ Cua Khe/ Binh Minh/ Tam Thanh/ Tam Hai beaches: In addition to beautiful beaches, there are many other tourist attractions: Cua Khe fish sauce village - Tam Thanh painting village - Tam Tien fish market, - Ban Than rock rapids - Phu Son tunnel pagoda in Nui Thanh district.

River tourism: Quang Nam especially has two rivers running close and parallel to the coast, Co Co and Truong Giang, with very beautiful landscapes. In addition, mother river Thu Bon flows from Hoi An up to Duy Xuyen, Nong Son to Kem Da Dung island and the basin at the foot of Ngoc Linh mountain range.

Route from Hoi An to Duy Xuyen district to Nong Son round way to Hoi An via Que Son: Tra hieu ecological village - Tra Ly lotus pond - Cham capital Tra Kieu (Sa Huynh museum, Champa/ Tra Kieu Holy Mother where the Virgin Mary appeared/My Son Sanctuary) - Vinh Trinh Massacre Remnants - Dai Binh fruit tree village - Kem Da Dung island - East Truong Son road/ elephant conservation area - An Viem hot water spring - Le pass - Hoi An. Go 1 or 2, 3 days, sleep in Dai Binh village.

Route from Hoi An to Tam Ky - Phu Ninh lake - Loc Yen ancient village: from Hoi An, cross Cua Dai bridge, follow Vo Chi Cong beach, the most beautiful road in the Central region connecting Hoi An - Tam Ky, across the Hoiana tourism complex (resort, golf, casino…), through Vinwonder, through vast white sand to visit Ky Anh Tunnel - Tam Thanh Painting Village - Monument of Mother Thu - Huong Tra Sua Village - Phu Ninh Lake, the largest lake in the Central region - Huynh Thuc Khang memorial area - Loc Yen ancient village, Tien river, Lo Thung (Tien Canh commune, Tien Phuoc district). If you have more time, you can explore the Bong Mieu gold mine from the French period and the scenic Ham Ho and White Waterfall in Tam Lanh commune, Phu Ninh district. From here, you can also continue to the Nam/Bac Tra My districts.

Route from Hoi An - Tam Ky - North Tra My - South Tra My districts along National Highway 40B: From the ancient village of Loc Yen, continue up to Bac Tra My district with tourist attractions of Hon Ba Mountain - Muong Village - Nuoc Oa tourist site, Song Tranh hydroelectric power plant. Going further, you will reach Nam Tra My highland district with 3-storey waterfall, 5-storey waterfall, Tay Du Ky waterfall - Tac Po cloud hunting spot - Ngoc Linh ginseng market - Long Tuc terraced fields - Ngoc Linh stopover bordering the Tu Mo Rong district, Kon Tum province at an altitude of more than 1500m. Ngoc Linh Mountain is the roof of the Central region, 2698m.

Route from Hoi An - Dong Giang - Tay Giang along National Highway 14G: From Hoi An through Than Tai Mountain, through Dong Giang tea hill, Bho Hoong Village, Co Tu Weaving Village - Dong Giang Heaven Gate Tourist Area - Ta Lang Ecotourism Village (close to HCM road) - Tay Giang district center - Po Ning community tourism village - Que peak - Po Mu heritage forest, Do Quyen forest, mysterious ironwood forest of the Co Tu people.

Route from Hoi An - Dai Loc - Nam Giang along National Highway 14D: Khe Lim ecological tourist area - Bang Am peak - Thanh My town - Ben Giang Bridge (2 famous places during the Vietnam war) - Zara weaving village - Hydroelectric lake Bung River - Thanh River National Park - Gran Waterfall - Dak Oc Nam Giang Border Gate. From here, continue to Laos or return to Giang port to go down Ho Chi Minh trail to Phuoc Son district - famous for red gemstones, Lang spring, Kham Duc wartime airport… then cross Lo Xo pass to Kon Tum.

Cu Lao Cham (Cham island) 1 day: Visit the island center with ancient Cham Well, Hai Tang Pagoda and beaches: Ong Beach, Lang Beach/ Xep Beach/ Chong Beach/ Huong Beach/ Diving to see coral. Stay overnight: Explore the way around the island/ Eo Gio/ Cu Lao Cham Lighthouse/ Yen Cave/ Experience fishing/ Picking wild vegetables… Vietnam family tours

TOURIST PLACES IN NAM TRA MY DISTRICT Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province is a vast land covered with primeval forests located at the foot of the 2,598 meter high Ngoc Linh mountain range. This is a pristine land with a cool climate all year round, with an average temperature of about 26 degrees Celsius. Particularly in Tra Linh commune, where Ngoc Linh ginseng is located, the average temperature is about 17 degrees Celsius. This is the settlement of Ca Dong, Mo Nong and Xe Dang ethnic people with unique cultural features. Nam Tra My district is located 95km southwest of Tam Ky city. It is the border between 3 provinces of Quang Nam - Quang Ngai - Kon Tum. Nam Tra My district has many historical landscapes as well as majestic natural landscapes, specifically as follows:

I. TRA MAI COMMUNE:

5-storey waterfall: Location: Village 1, Tra Mai commune, Nam Tra My district

Suoi Doi Waterfall: Location: Village 1, Tra Mai commune, Nam Tra My district

Nuoc La relic site: Location: Village 2, Tra Mai commune, Nam Tra My district Located right in the administrative center of Nam Tra My district, Nuoc La historical and cultural relic site is now preserved as a primeval forest.

Tac Chum cultural village: Location: Village 2, Tra Mai commune, Nam Tra My district

Ngoc Linh ginseng market and Ngoc Linh ginseng festival: Location: Village 1, Tra Mai commune, Nam Tra My district Every month from the 1st to the 3rd, the Nam Tra My highland ginseng market opens right in the Tac Po administrative center, attracting thousands of attendees. Visitors will feel the honesty and sincerity of the hilltribe people. Freely choose to buy precious highland medicinal plants in Ngoc Linh mountain for health and beauty care, clean agricultural products are picked by local people and brought to the market to sell, and most especially, you can buy Ngoc Linh ginseng with strict quality inspection.

More specifically, Ngoc Linh Ginseng Festival takes place from August 1 to 3 every year, to honor Ngoc Linh ginseng - a rare endemic medicinal plant of Vietnam and the world. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the unique and diverse cultural sounds of the festival, participate in folk games and enjoy the worship procession of the ginseng God from Ngoc Linh mountain to the district center.

Ngo Dong tree: Location: Village 1. Tra Mai commune, Nam Tra My district Around March to April every year and ending 1 month later, located below the 5-storey waterfall. This place is the ideal photo point for Bac Tra My - Nam Tra My route. Not only watching the trees but also watching the Tranh river flowing below with straight Cho wood trees'

Admiring the primeval forest along both sides of the road with large wooden trees:

TRA NAM COMMUNE:

Noong Lau Waterfall (Tay Du Ky Waterfall): Location: Village 4, Tra Nam Commune, Nam Tra My District

Long Tuc Terraced Fields: Location: Village 4, Tra Nam Commune, Nam Tra My District Located halfway up the majestic mountain slopes are the rice fields. The golden steps of a rich harvest season. This is the people's source of livelihood associated with extremely strange customs of worshiping the God of Agriculture. On the roads to Ngoc Linh ginseng area, visitors will have a panoramic view of vast terraced fields.

Giant bamboo garden on the roof of Long Rieu 3: Located in Long Rieu village 3, hamlet 4, Tra Nam commune and about 20 minutes walk from Highway 40B, the giant bamboo garden with tree trunks reaching over 30 meters high, perimeter up to 0.5 meters are a very endemic species of bamboo that has been preserved by people for thousands of generations. In particular, many people have tried to bring this giant bamboo tree to plant elsewhere but were unsuccessful, so this is considered an endemic bamboo species of Tra Nam land. Coming here, visitors will admire the stupendous and overwhelming beauty of the bamboo garden and its rich and diverse ecosystem.

TRA TAP COMMUNE:

Cloud hunting at Tac Po:

TRA LINH COMMUNE

Tak Ngo ginseng garden: Location: Village 2, Tra Linh commune, Nam Tra My district. Provincial level tourist destination Tak Ngo ginseng garden is about 28km from the district center by car in village 1, Tra Linh commune, Nam Tra My district. This is the place to preserve and develop the rare genetic resources of Ngoc Linh ginseng to provide plant varieties for people. Ngoc Linh Ginseng tree can only live in the core area of the primeval old forest, so it has the effect of protecting the forest and protecting the green environment friendly to human life. Coming to this tourist destination, visitors will enjoy the fresh natural atmosphere, see and touch the Ngoc Linh ginseng plant - the national treasure of Vietnam, and visit the Ngoc Linh ginseng exhibition house.

Lonely pine tree: Location: Village 3, Tra Linh commune, Nam Tra My district Located in the old village 4 of Tra Linh commune, now village 3, it is one of the most beautiful views of Tra Linh commune, standing here you can see a panoramic view of the majestic mountains. The pine tree, estimated to be nearly 100 years old, combined with the harmonious natural scenery, creates lifetime photos for anyone who wants to come here.

Nuoc Na Waterfall: Location: Village 3, Tra Linh commune, Nam Tra My district. A stream on the road from Tra Linh to Mang Lung, about 2km from the commune. Although located near the road, it still retains its wild character. Looking at the waterfall pouring from 20m high, cool steam comes out.

Konpin terraced fields: Location: village 2, Tra Linh commune, Nam Tra My district

TRA VAN COMMUNE:

Ancient Cinnamon garden on the roof of Ong Ni: Nam Tra My also has Cinnamon trees - a medicinal and aromatic plant famous in the world, known as Cao Son Ngoc Que. Cinnamon trees have been closely associated for generations with the people of Xe Dang, Ca Dong, MNong. This is one of the hundreds of years old cinnamon gardens dedicated to cultivating seeds to protect rare genetic resources.

White Waterfall: Location: Village 1, Tra Van commune, Nam Tra My district

TRA DON COMMUNE:

Hot spring: Location: Village 3, Tra Don commune, Nam Tra My district Located right next to National Highway Highway 40B and about 15km south of Nam Tra My district center is a hot spring flowing day and night from a giant rock. The water temperature always reaches from 70oC to 80oC. Here, visitors can bring eggs to boil and eat during their travel journey. Amid the coldness of the great Ngoc Linh mountain, the hot spring seems to warm visitors in a spreading steam.

TRA CANG COMMUNE:

Noc Lang Loan: Location: Village 2, Tra Cang commune, Nam Tra My district

Noc Tu Nac: Location: Village 5, Tra Cang commune, Nam Tra My district

Noc Cheng Tong: Location: Village 1 Tra Cang commune, Nam Tra My district

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS:

Water trough worshiping festival According to the customs of the Xe Dang and Ca Dong people on the first days of the new year, the water source comes from within. The forest is clean and fresh. They busily held a ceremony to worship the water trough leading back to the village. Tourists can happily drink Can wine, eat dried meat, grilled sticky rice in bamboo tubes and bless each other, swaying to the rhythm of gongs and folk songs over jars of Can wine all night long. The villages often hold water trough worshiping ceremonies: Le village, Tra Don commune, Cheng Tong village, Tra Cang commune

Festival to celebrate new rice: In November every year, people in Nam Tra My hold a new rice celebration to thank heaven and earth for good rain and wind, and full rice and corn warehouses. This ritual takes place sequentially every family in the village. Visitors will be welcomed by the villagers to enjoy traditional dishes, drink Can wine and join the boys and girls of Xe Dang and Cadong to dance with gongs.

ROADS TO NAM TRA MY DISTRICT: With an open transportation network, traveling to Nam Tra My is quite convenient. In particular, the winding roads between the mountains are interesting places to travel and take photos.

From Tam Ky City, follow Highway 40B, tourists go to Tien Phuoc district - Bac Tra My and to Nam Tra My. Along this journey, there are many stops for sightseeing such as Phu Ninh Lake Ecotourism Area (Phu Ninh district), Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang's memorial house, Loc Yen ancient village (Tien Canh commune, Tien Phuoc district), and Tranh River 2 Hydroelectric Dam (Tra Doc commune, Bac Tra My district).

From Quang Ngai, follow Truong Son Dong road to Son Tay district and through Khe Chu village, Tra Van commune, follow Truong Son Dong road and then turn to the district center through village road 3, Tra Mai commune

From Mang Den eco-tourism area (Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province) to Dak Nen commune, go through Tra Vinh commune to Tac Po administrative center (this road is a bit difficult for cars to go because there is about 1.5km that has not been expanded yet)

From the Ho Chi Minh road: go in the direction of Dak To district through Tu Mo Rong district to the tourist stop at the border of Quang Nam - Kon Tum. This is the ideal place to check in with rolling mountains, layer upon layer of clouds, and very cold temperatures. Po Ninh village

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO NAM TRA MY:

Tuan Tu bus tel 0979337719 Departure time at Tam Ky: 4:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Manh Tuong bus tel 0907123007 Departure time in Tam Ky: 5:00 a.m., 11 a.m.

Dinh Hieu bus tel 0985145189 Departure time at Tam Ky: 9:30 am

Song Trang bus tel 0988377445 Trip 1: Departure time at Da Nang: 5:30 am, at Tam Ky 7:00 am Trip 2: Departure time at Da Nang: 2:15 pm, at Tam Ky 3:30 am

SLEEPING IN NAM TRA MY: Trung Nhan Hotel: Tel: 0985 961819 Nam Tra My Guesthouse: Tel: 0913 073255 Minh Quan Guesthouse Tel: 0988 617542 Thanh Nga Guesthouse Tel: 0976 993203 Bao Tran Guesthouse - Tel: 0961279039

EATING AND DRINK IN NAM TRA MY: Ngoc Linh Restaurant: Tel: 0988 610682 Nhu Y Restaurant: Tel: 0976 100647 Tuan Quyen restaurant and many popular restaurants right in the center of the district.

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Quang Ninh to become a four-season destination

With many advantages in landscape and natural conditions, Quang Ninh has been gradually turning tourism into a key economic sector of the province. In particular, the province is implementing many solutions and tourism development plans with the goal of providing a four-season tourism experience, becoming a year-round destination that cannot be missed by domestic and international tourists. Halong bay tours

In the first 4 months of 2024, Quang Ninh has attracted more than 7 million tourists. In particular, during the 5-day holiday from April 30 to May 1, Quang Ninh welcomed more than 1 million visitors, ranking 4th in the country in terms of efficiency in tourism activities, with revenue reaching more than 2,210 billion VND.

With the goal of becoming a four-season destination for tourists, in 2024, the province plans to bring 62 new tourism products to tourists. To date, a number of products have been put into operation such as: Walking street in Bai Chay, Ha Long city; Lighthouse amusement and entertainment complex on the shore of Ha Long Bay; Sonasea Van Don Resort… It is expected that in May, the Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise ship of Viet Thuan Transportation Company Limited will officially come into operation. This is a super yacht that will pilot the operation of high-class sightseeing and accommodation services on Bai Tu Long bay. Along with that, the provincial authorities are also coordinating with units registering to open tourism products in 2024 to monitor and promote progress, and accompany businesses to remove difficulties and obstacles encountered during the product development process.

In order for Quang Ninh to become a "four-season year-round destination that cannot be missed", the Provincial Party Committee has assigned the Provincial People's Committee to direct and focus on completing the Project "Developing tourism in Quang Ninh province to 2030, with a vision to 2050." ”. There is a focus on developing cultural spaces associated with tourism spaces, expanding regional and intra-regional links with existing tourism key areas of the province. Along with that is building a civilized cultural environment in behavior, service business, and tourism, creating a breakthrough in environmental protection, tourism landscape, and developing tourism products associated with different values of Quang Ninh tourism, Ha Long Bay tourism, Bai Tu Long Bay, and the Yen Tu Special National Relic Area.

According to the direction of the province, localities will expand and develop focused tourism spaces associated with preserving and effectively exploiting the values of World Heritage Natural Wonders of Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Ba, Yen Tu historical and scenic area. At the same time, determine the capacity of tourist areas and destinations to establish standards and regulations for managing tourism development activities according to capacity to ensure sustainability. Mobilize all resources of all economic sectors, especially the people and business community, to improve the facilities of tourist sites, routes and destinations in the province and focus on attracting investment and development. Developing tourism products and services, especially investment projects to build golf courses to attract international tourists in the localities of Ha Long, Van Don, Mong Cai, Cam Pha, Uong Bi, Dong Trieu, Tien Yen, Dam Ha.

Currently, Quang Ninh is also asking localities to review and survey fresh water sources and domestic water sources in island communes; Wastewater and waste treatment systems of accommodation establishments, food service establishments at locations, tourist areas, emerging destinations… in order to have a synchronous solution, build a civilized tourism environment. At the same time, increase investment in rest stops and standard public restroom systems on road travel routes. In particular, to meet the needs of tourists and match the trend of digital transformation, the province requires relevant units to research, install and improve wifi systems, 4G and 5G mobile network coverage in the region of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and tourist areas in the province; Review port and wharf infrastructure of islands with tourism activities, ensuring safety for people and tourists. Along with that, research, review and shape reasonable scientific tour routes associated with building a plan to develop a cruise fleet to serve visitors in the Bai Tu Long Bay - Van Don - Co To area. following the criteria of high quality, luxury, novelty, ensuring quality and safety, not chasing mere quantity.

Particularly for the international tourist market, Quang Ninh will strengthen tourism promotion, research, and develop a strategy to develop the tourist market to Quang Ninh, focusing on China, Northeast Asia, Korea, India… In particular, innovate the methods and content of applying modern technology, ensuring consistent and professional implementation; proactively build information content and promote advertising in different languages to bring famous Quang Ninh brands to the world. At the same time, research media cooperation with famous international news agencies such as CNN, NHK, Google, TripAdvisor…

Along with that, Quang Ninh is also interested in investing in developing tourism human resources, especially human resources in remote areas, ethnic minority areas, mountainous areas, border areas, and islands, gradually strengthening participation capacity of local communities to develop sustainable tourism. Continue administrative reform, improve the business investment environment, create a healthy, transparent, equitable and competitive environment favorable for businesses and the community to develop tourism; Strengthen work to ensure the tourism environment, ensure security and safety for tourists, and ensure tourism security; Encourage businesses to innovate, create, digitally transform, and diversify types of tourism products; Support businesses to start up in the field of tourism, especially in remote localities.

cruise Halong bay According to the plan, in 2024, the province will complete the construction of the Quang Ninh tourism brand identity associated with the image of "Ha Long smile" and the local value system "Beautiful nature - unique culture - civilized society - transparent administration - economic development - happy people".

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Halong authorities address cave protection

The issue of cave dining in Halong bay is still hot then came the problem of many stalactites in the grottoes were destroyed.

Halong Bay was twice recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, it is one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. Tourists to Halong bay are attracted by the three elements of stone, water and sky. It has thousands of islands along with the blue of the sea make up the giant picture, However to attract more travelers we cannot but mention the abundant cave system that is focused in the heritage center.

Recently, the problem many caves in the heritage core zone of Halong bay such as Trong cave, Tien Ong Cave, Virgin grotto, Dong Tien lagoon being used as a dining place has drawn attention of public opinion and heated the social forums. Soon the authorities of Ha Long City and Quang Ninh provincial People's Committee had measures to terminate the dining services in the cave from the date of 30th October 2016.

However, once again the public opinion rose again about the disappearance of stalactites in caves in Ha Long Bay such as Tien Ong, Trong caves. In the small caves in the area of Cap La stalagmites have lost with signs of being cut out. The remaining stalactites had moss as an impact of man by the consequences of the use of the cave as a place to organize dining service is still left.

Cap Be cave is located at a height of 50 meters over sea level, the cave entrance is about 60 meters wide and about 50 meters long inside, the cave ceiling height of about 3m. Many stalactites here have signs of tips being cut, debris scattered on the cave floor.

Pham Dinh Huynh - Deputy Head of Halong Bay management - said, as soon as the information on stalactites in caves on Ha Long Bay are cut down, the inspection team was set up including Halong Bay Management Department, the Department of Culture and Sports of Quang Ninh province, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Ninh province, the Department of Information and Communications, police in Quang Ninh, Ha Long city People's Committee and press agencies went on examination of the places, however the results showed no stalactites being cut in the cave (?).

No one can be sure when the stalactites lost, there are many reasons that lead to the collapse in the caves, maybe due to geological development. Before Halong bay was recognized as a heritage there was not standing guards on the bay and the problem of destroying the stalactites still happened, however those are separate cases and not exploited and sold as bonsai, people just liked a stone shoot and broke it. Since the recognition of Halong bay we deployed the guards almost 24 hours on the bay and the problem no longer occurred.

Reporting on the results of examination, identifying the location of destroyed stalactites in the caves, Ha Long Bay Management Board stated: "The destruction of stalactites in caves on Ha Long Bay did occur, however, this problem had occurred before Halong Bay was recognized as a world natural heritage. Since 1995, the Ha Long Bay Management Board was established, under which 5 centers of heritage conservation were formed with a total of 130 staff working directly at the points at sea and in collaboration with some 80 collaborators who are organizations and individuals participating in economic activities on the bay to to perform administrative tasks, protecting the heritage value of Ha Long Bay, including protection of the caves. In addition, the team also handled violations on the bay with a total of 13 officers participating in patrolling all areas Halong Bay".

Currently Halong bay has discovered nearly 60 caves, in which 8 caves are put into tourism operation, other caves are closed to preserve value. During 20 years of implementing the tasks of managing, conserving and promoting the values ??of the World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, the Ha Long Bay Management Board has not detected any cases of abuse, destruction of stone shoots in the caves in the bay" the report stated.

Measures applied by Ha Long Bay Management Board in the conservation of stalactites in caves are also mentioned in the report: "For the caves being exploited for tourism: Based on detailed planning on conservation and promotion of the value of world natural heritage Ha Long Bay, the current regulation on implementing measures. Every year, Ha Long Bay management Board in collaboration with the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources deployed investigation, search, evaluate the current situation in the cave, from which propose solutions that manage, conserve and promote sustainable value for each cave, choose the cave with large scale, aesthetic value, scientific to gradually build the Profile management to serve the management, conservation and sustainable promotion of ??cave values".

Although Ha Long Bay Management Board has confirmed there has been no destruction of stalactites in the caves, but this also poses the problem of remediation, conservation of stalactites in caves in Halong Bay and effective measures to promote the value of preserving world heritage. Because, in order to promote conservation of the heritage value of Ha Long Bay there is no room for indifference.

[vietnamexcursions-blog]

Walking areas around Hoan Kiem lake closed in Tet

Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said the city will not organize walking areas around Hoan Kiem lake on the occasion of the Lunar New Year in 2017, and continue to organize this project until 30th June next year.

This morning, the Hanoi City People's committe had a meeting with Steering Board of walking space in Hoan Kiem Lake area and its vicinity to hear the statement of operations since the beginning of September with private tours to Vietnam.

The experiment of walking space around Hoan Kiem Lake and vicinity started on 1st September 2016 and is expected to last until the end of 2016. In order to serve the people, the city has installed 7 automatic water selling machines; 6 booths showcasing souvenirs, handicrafts; a car selling drinks and 27 free wifi stations

According to the Steering board, after 4 months of experiment, the walking area has attracted domestic and foreign tourists, gradually restricted motorized vehicles, contributing to promote the image of Hanoi - City for Peace.

Specifically, the amount of domestic and foreign tourists, local people in the capital to visit and participate in activities in the waling area during the day reached average flow of 3000 to 5000 people, the evening about 15000 people to 20000 people.

International visitors and overseas Vietnamese to stay in Hoan Kiem district increased quickly, reaching nearly 1.4 million, an increase of 13.7% over the same period in 2015.

However, besides the results achieved, there are still some limitations such as the lack of parking space for vehicles on Saturday evenings or holidays, thus arising the problem of illegal parking places, overcharging in the areas Hang Hanh Street, Lo Su Street intersection, some on the Hai Ba Trung and Ba Trieu streets...some people, agencies parked the cars on the road, motorcycles on the sidewalk and behind security fences.

After listening to the report of the Steering board and other comments, Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung said that the pilot project to organize walking space at Hoan Kiem Lake and its vicinity is the right decision to make cultural and entertaining space for people. Accordingly, the head of the city administration said that Hanoi will continue to experiment the waling area from 1st January to 30th June 2017. This plan is aimed to assess the impact of hot weather during summer time on the waling space.

Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee also pointed that on the holidays during the experimental project, Hanoi will organize walking streets in which directions. Especially on the occasions of 30th April and 1st May, if not on weekends Hanoi will organize walking streets. In the upcoming Lunar New Year, Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee decided not to organize walking areas around Hoan Kiem Lake area.

Tet lasts long, people go home and streets are deserted, moreover on New Year's eve all cars and motorbikes are forbidden that makes the walking space, so I think we are not going to organized walking streets during Tet, said Chung.

[vietnamexcursions-blog]

Pagodas associated with Sai Gon development

The land of Sai Gon - Gia Dinh has been over 300 years, most of the pagodas in Sai Gon were built under Nguyen dynasty, in this story we would like to introduce 5 oldest pagodas in Sai Gon, all of them are more than 200 years and are attached to the establishment and development of Sai Gon - Gia Dinh region.

1 - Hue Nghiem pagoda Hue Nghiem pagoda is located in Dang Van Bi street, Thu Duc district. Today, the temple is often called the Hue Nghiem Pagoda 1 to distinguish from Hue Nghiem 2 in District 2. The pagoda was started by Buddhist Monk Thiet Thuy (168 -1757) in 18th century. According to some documentation it was built in 1721. Hue Nghiem is the oldest pagoda in Sai Gon Hue Nghiem pagoda was initially built in the low land, about 100 meters from the current building. Then Ms Nguyen Thi Hien (1763-1821) religious name Lieu Dao, also known as Thanh Tam, donated the land to rebuild it. The pagoda was restored many times, major restoration was in the late nineteenth century by Master Dat Ly. Its architecture is changed in the restoration in 1960, 1969, 1990 and 2003 with tile curved knife blade shaped roof, decorated with stylized lotus flower. The precinct is pretty large, there are many ancient towers. The three way entrance and Quan Am tower in the font yard was built in 1990.

2 - Giac Lam pagoda (To Dinh Giac Lam) Giac Lam pagoda is also known as Cam Son pagoda, it is located in Lac Long Quan road of Tan Binh district, the pagoda was built in 1744 under Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat, this is home to the Zen Te Tong in south Vietnam with an architecture of Tam letter including 3 interconnecting horizontal blocks: ceremonial hall, chanting hall and the refectory. The pagoda's campus is rather large with big shady trees although it is still very crowded on weekdays. Famous literate Trinh Hoai Duc described the pagoda in the book Gia Dinh citadel as "Giac Lam pagoda is situated on Cam Son mound, 3 miles from Ban Bich rampart...dense trees as forest, blossoming like brocade", clouds of smoke floating by all day, the place is small but elegant" In front of the pagoda is a hexagonal stupa, the 7th floor is used to host Buddha relics, the pagoda courtyard is a statue of Bodhisattava in the shadow of a snowbell tree grown by Venerable Narada bought from Srilanka in 1953. Today Giac Lam pagoda has a small museum preserving many sculptures with skillful carvings, there are 113 ancient statues, mostly of wood, the main pillars in the temple are carved with parallel sentences, elaborately trimmed with gold.

3 - Giac Vien pagoda Also located in Lac Long Quan road but in district 11, the history of Giac Vien pagoda is associated with Giac Lam pagoda as the location of Giac Vien pagoda was the warehouse while Giac Lam pagoda was rebuilt in 1798. It was originally a small shrine, a few years later it was built as a pagoda. Giac Vien pagoda has been through some major restoration in 1899, 1908 and most recently was in 1991. Giac Vien pagoda's architecture consists of two combined four-pillar houses, the front house is ceremonial hall, dedicated to Buddha, the back room as chanting hall and lounge, the two sides have two corridors East and West connected to the main corridor. Giac Vien pagoda has 153 big and small statues, mostly made of wood, 57 fresco doors, 60 reliefs with many characteristics of belief, religion, contaning the values of culture, arts of Vietnam in late 18th and early 19th ceturries.

[vietnamexcursions-blog]

Tinh Tuc town in the northeast

Lying quietly in the northeast region, the old town with a variegated wall seems to have nothing to do with the surrounding mountain and forest of Nguyen Binh district (Cao Bang province).

Tinh Tuc townlet was formed with 2 rows of flats built in the 1970s, it was used as a living and working place of miners and foreign experts who worked in the Tinh Tuc tin mine. The workers came from different provinces along with a few locals were the first residents of this town.

The bustling prosperity of the town was associated with mining workforce. During the period around 1965 - 1973, the number of miners were up to 4,000 people, marking the height of the town.

Nearly 40 years of existence, the tin reserves declined, the workers left, Tinh Tuc townlet went against the trend and became deserted. There is no significant change from the past except the aging of the mine workers who are living inside the old blocks of difficult times

Tinh Tuc town was formed in 1976 by the tenement houses for tin mining workers located along the National Highway 34. This is the tin mine that has been exploited for a long time, until 1956 the former Soviet Union helped build and equipped with machinery in large scale. The sign expressing the Vietnam- Soviet friendship by the road leading into town.

The 2-storey tenement houses built simply from 1976 until now nearly intact. A plaque still reads: "Cong Trinh Dang Dang" meaning "An offer to Communist party". The common feature of these blocks is the stairs going up from the rear and common water tank. This small town is only about 800m along Highway 34.

Now, as the tin reserves have fallen, many of the workers and young people have left to work elsewhere leaving many apartments deserted, uninhabited. The workers in the tin mine said the workload is declining, the average monthly wage is only about 2 million vnd (90 usd).

A family with two generations working in the mine now lives in the house built 40 years ago, the two sons of the family still work in the mine. A man who worked at the mine since 1984 now has retired, his children have moved out instead of succeeding his job. The houses were later sold to the workers, each household were allotted one apartment, there was previously a 3 story building for the singles.

Tinh Tuc townlet are deserted all day, only a few times in the day when at the end of the shifts workers go home there are voices in the quiet space.

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Visit Con Co island in Quang Tri

The wild and beautiful destinations without mass tourism is always the choice for travelers, one of those places is Con Co island in Quang Tri, the holy eye in the middle of the northern sea. Visitors who have been to Con Co island say it is the wild life, tranquility of the island itself has made it an ideal travel destination for those who want to escape from the noisy, chaotic and crowded cities in Vietnam.

Best time to visit Con Co island. From our experience, best time to visit Con Co island is from April to June. This time the weather is beautiful, sun shines, the sea is blue and calm, very favorable for the plan to visit and explore Con Co island.

If you want to make the trip to Con Co island in other times, the most important thing you need to do is weather forecast on the island and contact the ships to see if they are running or not. Con Co island is about 2 hours from mainland and if the weather is bad the ships will not operate.

Transport to and from Con Co island: Con Co island is about 30km from Cua Tung beach in Quang Tri province, then the first destination you need to reach is Quang Tri town, you can go by train, car or plane from Hanoi or Sai Gon, arriving in Dong Ha town you need to catch a taxi to the Cua Tung sea port for the ship to Con Co island. One thing you need to remember when you catch a taxi to the port is agree on the price first or pay by meter, it costs around 140.000 vnd (6$) by motorbike from Dong Ha town to Cua Tung and 300.000 vnd (13$) by taxi. If you go in big group and want to visit some places in Quang Tri you are recommended to book private transfers just for your group, cost for private transfer in Dong Ha is pretty high and you can contact transport company Linh Linh 0942 083 739 to rent one.

Currently the high speed boat from mainland to Con Co island is not in operation so you have 2 ways: - Rent a fishing boat from local people in order to control your itinerary by yourself, if your group is less than 10 people cost is about 3.000.000 vnd (130 $) for a return trip, you can keep the cost down by asking for a ride from officials, business people or navy ships, it saves you a lot of money however you can't take initiative in timing and may thus affect your plan. - Book a tour from a travel agency in Quang Tri, the tours run almost every week however price is high as the tour company has to hire a private boat for passengers.

Accommodation on Con Co island Con Co island can even be more pristine and wild than Co To or Ly Son island, there is no hotel or resort and the only choice is Nha Khach Huyen Uy (Guesthouse of People's Committee). Our tips for you travelers if the guesthouse is full is to ask for a stay at a local family, the lighthouse or police station and one more choice is to set up a tent at a convenient and safe place

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Travel to northwest Vietnam

Spectacular scenery, peaceful hill tribe villages, magical rice terraces, smiling faces...all combine to make northwest Vietnam an attractive region. Travel northwest Vietnam in a wonderful loop from Hanoi to Yen Bai, continue to Bac Ha, up to Sapa, further to Lai Chau and Dien Bien Phu, cross Pha Din pass to Son La, down to the valley of Mai Chau and back to Hanoi for a full circle. Northwest Vietnam is most beautiful in Spring with Peach, Plum blossoming all the forest and mountain, the sounds of bird singing, flute coupled with passionate cups of wine make the Northwest bustling, brilliant. In addition to sightseeing, the northwest also offers you the unique highland culture.

Best time to visit the northwest Each season northwest has it's own charming, however there are 2 seasons the northwest region is most beautiful is Spring and Autumn, Spring time is from January to February on lunar calendar, this time all kinds of flower blossom and it is in this time ethnic minority groups in the northwest open their festivals with many activities such as singing, dancing... October is Autumn in the northwest, the rice terraces shine a picturesque yellow. Autumn sunshine in the northwest is bolder than other regions. The weekend markets usually take place on Saturdays or Sundays, it's a chance for you to have more memorable experiences, the sounds and colors of hill tribe markets is something travelers cannot ignore. If your time is limited you can follow the route Hanoi - Mai Chau - Moc Chau - Son La, if you have more than 7 days you can take an itinerary from Hanoi - Yen Bai - Thac Ba lake - Mu Cang Chai - Bac Ha - Sapa - Lai Chau - Dien Bien Phu - Son La - Moc Chau - Mai Chau and then back to Hanoi. This itinerary is strongly recommended as it brings you unforgettable experiences in the whole northwest area.

Transports: As a base, there are many public buses to northwestern provinces, however if you travel by bus you can visit the town centres while the most impressive part of the trip is the journeys between destinations, you will miss most of the beautiful places as the buses only travel on the main roads, away from inhabited areas where the villages are located. The best way to travel northwest is by car or motorbike, you can keep the cost down by traveling with friends or rent a private car for the whole trip.

If traveling by motorbike remember to make sure that your bike is in good condition, check the fuel, brake, engine carefully before the trip, note that there are few petrol stations in remote areas and you need to fill the tank anytime you see arrive at a place.

If traveling by car, you should not go more than 60 km / h while driving uphill. Best speed is 40-50 km / h, you can just might admire the scenery and ensure safety. For motorcycles, the speed should be kept from 30-40 km / h when up and down the pass. Every time getting on top of the pass you need to take a few minutes break before going down. Every day should not exceed 200 km. The last days will be more tired. Driving about 150 km and stop for overnight stay is the best. Travel northwest needs leisure to enjoy the scenery, discover life.

Every day should depart from early morning when your mind is fresh, excited, have enough time to get to the next destination, have accommodation before dark. Don't cross the mountain pass when it is dark or twilight, this is extremely important, to avoid the risks and ensure safety.

Sleeping and eating In the northwest, there is a small town almost every 50km, there are motels and guesthouses in these places however mostly basic and restricted facilities. We recommend that you calculate your itinerary to get to the centre of town on time, and you can always refer local people for accommodation, hotels of high standard are usually in big town or tourist centres such as Sapa, Dien Bien, Son La, in small town you can stay at motels or state guesthouses, another choice for backpackers is homestay in the village, this is a good way when you budget is tight, however remember that in some areas foreign travelers need to apply for permit to stay the night in the village.

Most motels and guesthouses are located in the central areas or near the market, it is also easy to find food and take a walk in the evening. Travelers can have a room at a guesthouse for about 200.000 Vietnam Dong (9 usd), the rooms are equipped with basic facilities such as air conditioner, en suite bathroom with hot water. It's a good idea to check the room before you pay.

There are not many choices for restaurant to eat in the northwest, especially when you are out of town, if you find a restaurant on the way just stop to eat, don't be too picky and wait or you will be hungry. Most restaurants have a few customers and the food is not always ready, only when you come and order they will cook for you, don't hesitate at a poor-looking restaurant, just ask what you want and you will have a good meal before continuing the trip.

Local specialties in the northwest is tofu in tomato sauce, beef with garlic, vegetables with pickles, these dishes are popular and they are fresh. In Moc Chau some restaurant also serve river fish, from Son La to Dien Bien you can try sour bamboo shoots or salty fried chicken...

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New tourist station port built in Tuan Chau island

Tuan Chau international tourist port has officially put the new station into operation.

The new station was built on the ground of the old station, which was invested, renovated and expanded with professional design, with the total floor area of over 8,000 m2, more than 1,000 seats and can receive about 3,000 visitors at the same time waiting for boarding the cruise to visit Halong Bay.

To meet the needs of tourists, as well as creating the best conditions for the implementation of service units working in the port, the port management unit has arranged the station according to functional areas. Specifically, the area for procedures are widely arranged with modern equipment, to meet the needs of the work force at ports such as inland waterway, Halong Bay travel news Management Board, Port management...

Besides, the new terminal also has a supermarket, children's play areas, health centers, tradition music performance, post office and travel information areas. To assist passengers about schedules to visit Ha Long Bay, the new station is equipped with large screen monitor, continuously posting information about services, provide drinking water machine, free cold towels for tourists.

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Explore the hill resort of Sapa

Sapa hiking tour has long been known as a popular hill resort, hiding so many things not only amazing natural scenery, but also people.

I came to Sapa on a misty morning in late autumn days of early October after an 8-hour overnight train ride and a half hour drive up the mountainside. Cold air of the beginning of winter days brings Sapa a romantic but gentle beauty. Due to the limited amount of time, I chosen the typical tourist sites and the most famous in the town of clouds for my trip.

First is the conquer Fanxipan peak by...cable car. From the church at the centre of Sapa town you can easily catch a bus to the foot of the cable. Perhaps for a long time when mentioning Fanxipan - Vietnam's highest mountain and also the highest peak in Indochina, people just sigh with disappointment. Because to conquer the "Roof of Indochina" before 2016 and earlier, the only way is trekking the path along the steep mountain.

This trekking trip requires at least 2 days and 1 night to reach the top, not only requires participants to be fit to overcome the slippery rocks, they also have to withstand the frostbitten cold when camping halfway up the mountain to stay overnight. So the conquest of this 3.143m peak is just for the younger people or professional active travelers.

However, since the cable car system in Fanxipan was officially put into operation in the early months of 2016 it has brought opportunities for everyone to conquer the mountain peak without strenous trekking. No matter what age you are, young or old, you can realize the dream of your conquest. Rates for children's service is VND 400,000 / ticket and adults is VND 600,000 / ticket.

Fanxipan cable car is indeed a new experience, well worth the money you spent. Sitting in the cabin and take a sweeping panoramic view at lovely scene, the terraced rice fields, the peaceful hill tribe villages. And nothing better than to be able to lay your hands on the 3.143m milestone, whether our young people or the previous generation, the elderly, all feel proud. Their country Vietnam is so majestic!

The second place that I visited in Sapa is Cat Cat village - a beautiful little village at the foot of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Cat Cat village attracts tourists not only by the unspoiled natural scenery, romantic beauty but also by the traditional culture, distinctive and unique of Black H'mong community living here.

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Online booking train tickets to Sapa

You are planning to visit Sapa by train and don't know how to buy train ticket? and what you should do to have the train tickets to Sapa at low cost? Below are some experiences we would like to share.

Before the new highway was built from Hanoi to Lao Cai, most tourists travel Sapa by train so there is always a need for train tickets to Sapa from Hanoi although the railways have run tens of train between Hanoi and Lao Cai everyday Lao Cai to Sapa by bus.

There are many train booking offices in Hanoi however most tourists are disappointed because only hard seats are available, no sleeper berths for both ways, the reason is sleeper trains to Sapa are always overloaded, and more inportantly all sleeper carriages were owned by travel companies, only a fewsleeper cars belong to the state railways company however most tickets are sold out very soon and travelers can hardly buy the tickets even if you go to railways station.

From my experience I want to give you some tips about how to buy train tickets Hanoi to Sapa at cheap price. 1 - Make up your mind about schedule: Once your trip date is set you know what you want. Avoid going to Sapa by train at weekend, especially on Fridays or Saturdays as people tend to go to Sapa at the end of the week, it would then be very difficult to obtain tickets or you have to pay much higher than normal to get the tickets, foreign travelers usually go to Halong bay at the beginning of the week and then to Sapa so it would be much cheaper if you go to Sapa from Monday to Thursday, there are markets in Sapa neighborhood almost everyday and you don't need to see the touristy weekend markets in Sapa.

2 - Check your budget and define the cabin type you want. There are many cabin types from dirt cheap hard seats to deluxe VIP 2 sleepers cabins and prices range from 10 usd - 40 usd. The most expensive train from Hanoi to Sapa is Victoria Express, it costs approx 100 usd for just one way however travelers can book Victoria train only if you stay at Victoria resort. From my point of view it is a waste of money to book Victoria train as there is not much difference between Victoria Express and other trains such as Sapaly, Fanxipan, Livitrans, Hoa Phuong express...Just consider your budget so that you have a good trip without paying too much.

As mentioned above most sleeper carriages are rented by travel companies , they invest and provide services, equipments and put up the standard of the cabins to meet requirements of tourists especially international visitors who want to have a bit of comfort in their trip, some trains such as: - Livitrans Express (SP7 - SP8) belongs to Vietnam Coal and Minerals Corporation, in terms of quality Livitrans is one of the best choice for high end class, and price is pretty reasonable, at the moment it is the hottest train for tourists. - Ratraco (SP1 - SP2) under management of Vietnam Railways Joint Stock Company, quality of cabins is pretty good with soft sleepers, pillows and blankets available, AC and lighting system inside cabin, fares is equal as Livitrans - Green train (SP3 - SP4) run by Vietnam Railway Corporation. This train departs at 22.00 everyday from Hanoi, it has probably the best interior decoration and facilities, the cars are new and in good condition, the problem is this train has only a few cabins and it is always booked up by travel companies.

Also in the age of information technology, there are a lot of websites offering train ticket booking service online, it is very convenient for travelers to booking train tickets to Sapa online, quick and easy, and travelers can find all information around the net. Our website SapaTrainTicket.com offered detailed information about how to arrange a trip to Sapa by train. Hope the above tips is helpful to you before arranging a wonderful holiday in Sapa

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Sapa tourism to solve problems

Public price listing and remove vendors clinging to tourists are two hot issues discussed by participants at a workshop on implementation and dissemination of travel service management organized by Sapa people's committee in coordination with Lao Cai department of Culture and Tourism.

According to the assessment, over recent time, the most tourist establishments in the district of Sapa Vietnam have conducted the listing of prices publicly, serving tourists to Sapa. However, the some businesses still increase service prices, no price list posted publicly, especially on holidays, new year, making it difficult for visitors and the management. At the workshop, businesses in accommodation were instructed on procedures for evaluating accommodation facilities, declaration and listing price and ensure hygiene and food safety. Representatives of accommodation businesses also discussed with the authorities, Sapa Tourism Association and industry agencies about price management, listing prices of accommodation services, aiming to improve the quality of service for tourists, ensuring harmony between the interests of tourists and businesses in the coming time. Earlier, Sapa  travel news district also has plans to mention the balance between the benefits of tourism development and increase income for local people. Which emphasizes the need to stop up propaganda, creating jobs, tackling the problem of cling tourists by giving local people the space for recreation, cultural and commercial activities at tourist sites. According to statistics of the Sapa Department of Culture and Information, there are over 500 vendors in the district. In most of the reports of the authorities in the area, when it comes to this issue the main reason is because hard life of a part of the population, lack of jobs, poor knowledge...However, there is a reason that is not mentioned is the vocational training for workers deployed locally in recent years still lack classes on trading knowledge. From 2010 - 2014, Sapa district opened 40 vocational training classes such as embroidery, sewing brocade, flax cultivation, vegetable growing, fruit growing, mechanical engineering...for over 1000 agricultural workers. However, the training courses only focused on how to make products without how to sell them. Therefore, In order to keep sustainable tourism development Sapa should have a binding mechanism to share benefits among service businesses with local people to address the root problem of clinging tourists in the coming years. Discuss this issue, some delegates said that Sapa would lack it's attractive color without local people wearing a brocade working at tourist sites. Just their presence alone is interesting, if they play flute, dance let's see them as street artists. It is essential for Sapa authorities to organize survey, specific planning at each tourist sites so that the activities go into order and benefit from legitimate income of the people.

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Unforgettable trekking Ta Nang to Phan Dung

Those who make a trekking trip from Ta Nang to Phan Dung through 3 provinces Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan would not hesitate to say: no more beautiful trekking route anywhere else in private tours in Vietnam

Total length of the journey is 55 km stretch of road through the jungle, streams, moving from a height of 1,100 m by 500 m above sea level. This is the transition land from highland to central coastal plateau.

The moment you walk in the first golden sunlight spread over the grass and the thin mist hanging over the hillside makes travelers feel like you are lost in paradise on earth.

A little green grass, a little golden sunshine through thin mist that one can touch the purity of nature.

Between the deep forest and mountains, everything seems to slow down. Only trees, flowers, birds in the harmony of earth and sky, time and space completely separate from the everyday hustle. In this region, mobile phone coverage is something luxury.

New day, we were woken by birds singing melodious songs. Outside the tent door wide opened, the green grass hill one after another like an eternity.

Sometimes we were overwhelmed by the grandeur of the rolling hills. The natural scene here is really different from other places in the central Highlands.

The trail leads to a high hill with a few scattered pine trees standing alone and thin mist makes the space more mysterious, adventurous.

Trekking the route Ta Nang - Phan Dung, you can go up 3 hills to watch the sunset, sunrise or the basaltic soil trails like a ribbon winding between hillsides.

A point not to be missed in the journey is a triangle milestone, the intersection of three provinces of Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan.

When the legs were tired, the sweat was beading on faces, the white water waterfall Yaly appear before our eyes, dispel the fatigue of the long journey. The imposing waterfall in the green of jungle. This is an ideal route for those who love trekking, looking for peaceful place, harmony with nature.

The trekking route Ta Nang - Phan Dung through 3 provinces Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan. Starting point is Ta Nang commune, Duc Trong district, Lam Dong, about 60km south of Da Lat city. Finish point is the mountainous commune of Phan Dung in Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan. What to bring: - Weather, clothes: This season, after 14.00 it usually rains, so be prepared for rain with poncho and backpack. It is sunny at midday. It is rather cold at night about 2-3.00 am. So you should wear long-sleeved jacket, scarf. - Food and drinks: For this 3 day trip you need to prepare enough food and water but lightweight. The 2nd day trekking on the bare hills without stream, you need to have adequate drinking water, at least 3 liters of water. - Tents: camping area is strong wind, prepare to set up tents - Medical bags: Dense forests have many reptiles such as snakes and scorpions; many insects - especially bumblebees, very poisonous This stretch of road is very difficult and requires travel experience, strength and careful preparation. You should contact the Forest rangers in the region Ta Nang, Phan Dung for information and documents needed before the trip.

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Visit Mu Cang Chai rice terraces

Every year when the harvest season comes, lovers of photography of travelers flock to the highland area where there ar bewitching terraced rice fields. And the best destination is Mu Cang Chai district in Yen Bai province. In this entry I will give you some information about how to travel Mu Cang Chai. In addition to beautiful paddy terraces, you can also learn the unique features of H'mong ethnic people in the region. A life of poverty but warm with friendliness, something difficult to find in today's modern life. The highlights of the trip to Mu Cang Chai include the terraced rice fields stretching up to the clouds, taste the famous sticky rice and enjoy hot spring bath at Tu Le, feel the life of H'mong people.

Best time to visit Mu Cang Chai: Harvest season in Mu Cang Chai is around mid September to the end of October. I recommend that you check information with hotels there before coming. Another time to visit Mu Cang Chai is May or June when H'mong people start planting rice. It's also very beautiful watching the rice terraces reflecting the sunshine. It would be a bit too rush if you travel 2 days with motorbike or 3 days by car.

Travel to Mu Cang Chai by car: The distance from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai is about 280 km, it takes almost a day if you travel by public bus, you can spend the night in Tu Le commune or Mu Cang Chai town, spend your evening at leisure or walking around, and on day 2 you will spend the whole day wandering the featiful paddy fields, I recommend that you rent a motorbike, beautiful places to take photo is from Tu Le to Mu Cang Chai, stop at La Pan Tan commune where there are many rice terraces, the main point of Mu Cang Chai area. If you like walking you can catch the bus to La Pan Tan and then keep walking pass the high mountains for sightseeing, return to Hanoi on day 3 of the trip.

Bike rental in Mu Cang Chai You can contact and book before hand with the number belows: 0296263064 or 01665684574.

A motorbiking adventure to Mu Cang Chai must be the first choice to behold the spectacular rice terraces, you can stop anywhere to take photos. Some highlights in your trip includes La Pan Tan rice terraces, Lim Mong valley, Khau Pha pass, especially you should go deep into La Pan Tan area, there is a dirt path along the valley, go deeper into the area you will find many wondeful corners to take beautiful photos.

If your time is limited you can take 2 and a half day with following options - Drive in the evening from Hanoi to Nghia Lo 190 km, you should start early as it may be dangerous to travel at night, especially if it is your first time traveling or those who have problems with eyes. Day 2 ride exploring the beautiful scenery at Khau Pha pass, the Lim Mong valley and La Pan Tan, sleeping in Mu Cang Chai. Day 3 back to Hanoi, visit some places on the way, lunch at Thu Cuc. If you have lunch at Nghia Lo you will arrive in Hanoi late. - Take the train to Sapa on the evening of Friday, next day ride the bike from Lao Cai to Mu Cang Chai about 200km, the train will arrve in Lao Cai about 5.00 am. If you start early you can arrive in Mu Cang Chai for lunch and spend the afternoon in Mu Cang Chai, day 3 sightseeing around in the morning before returning to Hanoi, arrive late in Hanoi about 10pm. This option will be harder and more tiring, please consider if you are not really healthy as it is difficult to sleep on train for some people and you will be tired the next day With option 3 days you will have more time to visit and take photos. Day 1 ride straight up to Mu Cang Chai, use your cameras in Khau Pha pass and Lim Mong valley, overnight in Mu Cang Chai. Day 2 focus on shooting and wandering in La Pan Tan, overnight in Nghia Lo, don't forget to try snake specialty. On day 3 you can travel to Suoi Giang, if you go to Ta Xi Lang you should start early. Afternoon drive to Hanoi.

Some motels and guesthouses in Mu Cang Chai:

- Suoi Mo hotel: Tel: 029 3878 643 - 0915 842 789 (1 vote for this guest house, with a lovely double rooms)

- Moon guesthouse, centre of Mu Cang Chai district, Tel: 0293 878929 - 0912 05 8899 - 016 5678 2888. The hostel has internet access, breakfast, and motorbike for rent

- Son Ca motel, tel 0293 878 185 - 0988 981 675

- Buu Dien guesthouse, contact Mr Thanh tel 0975644965 to book or you can ask him to contact people if you want a homestay.

Several other motels along the main road. Should contact soon if youu go in harvest season, ensure your booking by making a down payment.

Hotels in Nghia Lo - Yen Bai (A big town and should have more choices, if you go on holiday should book in advance). - Nghia Lo hotel, Tel: 029 3870 106 - 029 3870 428 - 0985 563 563 - Mien Tay hotel - Nghia Lo, Tel: 029 3870 698 - 029 3871 223 Prices range from 150.000 - 200.000 vnd a room for 2 people

Motels in Tu Le - Hoang Quan motel, this motel offers herbal bath, pretty good. Room rates between 150.000 - 180.000 vnd a room, group share available. Contact: 0293.897126 - Xom Vang guesthouse, located right at the beginning of Tu Le townlet, on the way Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai, small rooms, en suite bathroom, dining is available, rates 180.000 vnd a room with 2 single beds. Phone: 0293.897205 - 0918.177325 - 0982385440. - Chuyen Dung restaurant, pretty famous. Motels combined with restaurant, most expensive in Tu Le 220.000 - 250.000 vnd for a twin room. Dining room is just downstairs. Food is bought up very quickly, need to order in advance, this motel is famous for sticky rice with chicken - Pho Nui Hostel in Tu Le Tel: 029 3897 115 - 0986 308 761. - Suoi Tien motel, phone number: 029625512 - 0974357912 - Post Office motel, phone number: 01664851820.

Combine Mu Cang Chai trip with other places: You can make a long trip to Mu Cang Chai and Sapa. Arrange a trip for 4 to 6 days. In the north there are 4 places to see rice terraces is Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Bac Son valley and Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang).

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Visit Dong Cao plateau in Bac Giang

Located at the east end of Bac Giang province and adjacent to Lang Son. Son Dong is a mountainous district with many ethnic groups. It is a good idea to learn about ethnic culture private Vietnam tours

From Ha Noi you can travel along the new Highway 1A to Lang Son province. Arriving in Bac Giang town you turn left at Ke intersection to national way 31, continue the way about 90km to the centre of Thach Son commune, from here you can ask local people for the way to Dong Cao.

One thing is the way from the center of the commune to Dong Cao is quite difficult to drive and on rainy days it is extremely difficult to go. You'd better prepare a good pair of walking shoes, some people had to walk all the way.

Dong Cao is the destination between the valley covered by haze almost throughout the year, the mountains overlapping in the distance, sometimes a little house built with mud or earth situated on the hillside, but it's quite fun to come here. Last time when I was here there were no electricity as Son Dong is the poorest district in Bac Giang, therefore remember to charge your phone or camera battery full before coming to Dong Cao, otherwise you need to go to the district town to have it recharged.

Travel to Dong Cao, you need just 2 days and 1 night is enough, but remember that you need to bring along a camp to stay overnight, a light blanket is also handy although summer climate in this area is pretty cool in the day time and a bit cold at night, you don't need to bring firewood as you can buy here from local people. The best thing to do in Dong Cao is perhaps taking photo of sunset, don't miss it.

A vast land with big and small blocks of stone all look very catchy, the stone blocks stand next to each other with different shapes and sizes. This destination is not known to many people but very fascinating. Come on now, let's set up the program, Dong Cao is the place you can visit all year round but summer will be the most beautiful time.

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Discover the beauty of Lan Ha bay

It's easy to find information about Halong bay around the net, however there is little information about Halong's next door neighbor Lan Ha bay. In this article I would like to share some experience about how to rent a boat to Lan Ha bay when you have a chance to visit Cat Ba island.

Lan Ha bay is seen as a princess located in the south of Halong Bay with thousands of scattered islands. The special thing of Lan Ha Bay, you can take a boat to visit the mountains on the islands that have extremely beautiful sandy beaches at the foot.

Lan Ha bay is also famous for Van Gia fishing village about 15 minutes by boat from Cat Ba town, this is an old floating village over one hundred years with thousands of households living mainly by fishing. Also, when cruising on Lan Ha Bay, visitors can swim at beaches of Monkey Island or if you like walking in the forest you can take the boat to visit Viet Hai village, located deep in Cat Ba national park, separated from the outside world.

Price list to rent a boat to visi Lan Ha bay from Cat Ba island or from Monkey island resort (For 20-30 seater boat) - From the beach at Monkey island is 50 usd/boat in 2 hours - From Cat Ba to Lan Ha bay, beaching at Monkey island: 70 usd for 3 hours - From Cat Ba to Van Gia fishing village (Lan Ha bay) and beaching at Monkey island is 100 usd for 4 hours - From Cat Ba to Lan Ha bay and then to Viet Hai village: 90 usd for 3 hours - From Cat Ba to Long Chau lighthouse is 120 usd for 4 hours - From Cat Ba to Lan Ha bay, fishing in 3 hours: 90 usd.

You can rent a boat from Cat Ba to Halong bay, 120 usd - 150 usd depending on number of visitors.

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Some special weekly markets in northwest Vietnam

Those who have visited the hill tribe markets in northern mountainous region of Vietnam would never forget the special impressions of the markets in the area.

For a very long time, the weekly markets of ethnic minority groups in Vietnam have become an indispensable activity in the life of ethnic peoples. Besides trading the market is also a cultural activity for the ethnic groups.

Almost every district has a market day on a specified date of the month (on the lunar calendar) such as Quang Uyen market on 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th...Lung Phin market on the dates of the Tiger and the Monkey. Each time when the market day comes the streams of people from villages in the mountains and valleys flock to the market and make it a bustling place. The markets in the highlands have become the lifestyle of local people.

Coming to a district visitors would feel the special of each market, such as the colorful brocade clothes of H'mong people in Ha Giang, the iron knives and agricultural tools in Cao Bang markets or the buffaloes and dogs in Mu Cang Chai tours. Joining the market-goers one would feel the beauty and attractions hidden behind, it's not prominent and sophisticated but simple and rustic. Goods at the markets are the labor and hardworking products of highland people. Furthermore, these products also reflect the "breath of life", the traditional culture of each ethnic group, such as working tools (knives, hoes in Quang Uyen), traditional musical instruments (H'mong flutes)...

People go to market with different purposes, to buy and sell products, to meet friends...All have made a particular beauty of the hill tribe markets. Young girls wear the traditional colorful costumes with charming smiles on their faces, the H'mong boys play music and dance, many of them have become husbands and wives from the markets, they fell in love from the sounds of music and dances and the market days have become an expected time for young people.

In the old days when the traffic was difficult, people went to market on horseback or on foot, many had to walk overnight to go to market, people came to buy food for the whole week, now everything is much easier, from road condition, transportation and food, people can go shopping at cities but never miss a weekend market.

As the quality of life improves, the weekend markets also change, but the traditional beauty, the cultural identity of all ethnic groups are still very well preserved in the markets.

Some special hill tribe markets in north Vietnam travelers cannot miss:

Can Cau market in Si Ma Cai Located about 100 km from Lao Cai city, the narrow road is not easy to go with sharp curves and steep slopes. But it is the hard way that makes visitors more excited. Most people to Can Cau market are Flower H'mong and Dzay. Can Cau market opens on Saturday mornings. From early morning crowds of people in colorful clothes hurry to the bustling market by all means of transport, along with them are herds of cows, buffaloes, dogs...Although Can Cau is not as famous as the nearby Bac Ha market it still retains the characteristics of an authentic hill tribe market, not as touristy as the market in Bac Ha. Visitors to Can Cau market will also have a chance to enjoy local dishes such as Thang Co soup, Pho with different taste.

Muong Hum market in Lao Cai Muong Hum market opens on Sunday every week. This is the busiest day in the mountainous district Bat Xat of Lao Cai province, the market is located in a small valley just beside a stream, surrounded by sheer mountains, the Sunday market is a place to meet, exchange and purchase goods as well as a festival for ethnic people from Ha Nhi, H'mong, Dzay, Red Dzao...On market day the most attractive sight is the ground beside the stream where the horses are waiting with the hair of all colors, every now and then the neighing sounds can be heard all over the place making the painting of mountains and forest more lively, the stone bridges are busy with people walking up and down with horses. Inside the market is very noisy, the young boys and girls come here not only for trading but also to have fun, find partners and everyone wear their most beautiful clothes. Goods are displayed on the sheets of cloth on the ground, in the plastic bags or in the rattan baskets.

Dao San market in Lai Chau Dao San market is in Phong Tho district, about 60 km from Lai Chau town. Dao San market comes every six days, the market is located at an elevation of 1500m, this is a typical highland market in Lai Chau and northwest Vietnam. From dawn, on the paths hidden in the mist are the sounds of footsteps, horses and motorbikes, the mountains seem awake with groups of young people from Ha Nhi, Dzao, Black Thai, H'mong all heading to the market. Dao San is not merely a market where people buy and sell products from the forests as well as traditional crafts...The special thing in this market is the "market culture", this is where the cultural values of ethnic groups reveal, people go to market like in a festival or New Year, visitors can see H'mong boys walking by a horse with a flute on one hand and a radio set on the other hand, singing the folk songs in H'mong language and perform a flute dance, the Dzao women with their babies on the back walking and weaving brocade at the same time. Coming to Dao San market visitors can also admire the beauty of the mountains and forests, sparkling waterfalls, terraced rice fields, streams, suspension bridges, villages hidden in the cloud along the winding mountain road.

Tra Linh market in Cao Bang Tra Linh market is located in Hung Quoc township, Cao Bang province. Tra Linh market opens every five days on 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th and 29th of lunar months, the market is held on a large open ground in Hung Quoc commune. Tra Linh market is divided into three zones, one to sell local produce such as brocade, embroidery, clothes, vegetables, one zone to sell food and household tools and one zone for the cattle including cows, horses, this is really the unique feature of Tra Linh market.

On market day, from 4 am, around the paths, groups of people carrying goods and animals walking to market, each day about 60-70 buffaloes are sold, a male buffalo may cost 40 million Vietnam Dong (1800 US$) while a calf is worth 15-20 million VND, a beautiful female buffalo may cost up to 30 million. Tra Linh market attracts a lot of traders from other provinces, some of them come here to look for strong calves and train to be fighters to participate in buffalo fighting festivals, it is also where people exchange experience on how to choose and breed a buffalo, learn about market prices...Tra Linh market is a special cultural activity of ethnic people in the northern border areas.

Xin Man market in Ha Giang Xin Man market is also known as Coc Pai market, for a long time Xin Man market has become an indispensable cultural activity of H'mong people in Ha Giang. The market is located right in the centre of town and is held every Sunday morning. Perhaps the most interesting thing after a long and dangerous journey to Xin Man is the food zone with unique dishes, what could be more enjoyable than to taste the pork barbecue by a cup of corn wine in the cool weather of a highland region!. Like other markets in the remote north, Xin Man market sells agricultural products such as corn, rice, soya bean grown by the hands of local people. The market is rather simple with the feeling of a remote place, some people come to market with a pig or dog in hand, some bring chili, pepper and roots, some come to market just to enjoy a bowl of Thang Co or a cup of corn wine...

Ta Sin Thang market in Tua Chua district, Dien Bien province Ta Sin Thang market opens every six days on the dates of the Mouse and the Horse on lunar calendar, this is the place to exchange, trade goods, agricultural products of ethnic minorities in 5 communes of Tua Chua district. Ta Sin Thang market bears the typical features of ethnic minority groups in the northwest highland. The products for sale in the market are mostly local agricultural produce such as fruits, vegetables, young bamboo shoots, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, pigs, chickens...in addition there are traditional handicraft items like brocade, colored thread, dyes and other stuff made from very strong and beautiful fabrics. Like any other market in the northwest the pans of Thang Co soup can be seen at every corner and especially the famous Mong Pe wine made from corn. Besides the wine, Shan Tuyet tea is also a specialty of Ta Sin Thang market, this region is home to nearly 4000 ancient trees of Shan Tuyet tea, the cool climate makes the tea strong with very special taste.