>> World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

1.Ha Long Bay

In 1994, Ha Long Bay was recognized as a world natural heritage site in the first time. Next, in 2000, it was recognized as a world geological heritage site and as one of new seven wonders of nature in 2011.

Ha Long Bay is a small bay belonging to the west of Bac Bo bay in the area of north-east sea in Vietnam, including a part belonging to Ha Long city, Cam Pha town and another in Van Don island district.It has the area of 1,553km² including 1,960 islands; most of them are limestone islands. The centre of the bay has the area of 334km² consisting of 775 islands.



Ha Long Bay - Quang Ninh province - Vietnam (Source:: http://getvietnamvisa.org)


The combination of environment, climate and geologic makes Ha Long Bay become aggregation of biodiversity including tropical evergreen bio-system, (o to dieu khien tu xa) costal and sea bio-system with a lot of sub-biosystem. In which, 14 endemic flora species and 60 endemic fauna species are discovered among millions of animals and plants in Ha Long Bay.

2.Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park

In 2003, Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park was recognized as a world natural heritage.Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park is located at Bo Trach and Minh Hoa districts, Quang Binh province, about 50km at the northwest from Dong Hoi city and 500km at the south from Hanoi city.

It’s in the area of limestone mountain with 200,000ha wide. The core of the park has the area of 85,754ha. This national park is found to protect one of two largest carxto in the world with about 300 caves and north Truong Son bio-system reservation.
The characteristic of this national park is the limestone creation, 300 caves, underground rivers and endangered flora and fauna in Vietnam Red Book and World Red Book. Caves here have the total length of more than 80km.

3.Hue


Old capital, Hue, was recognized as a world cultural heritage in 1993. The historical relics of Hue consist of historical – cultural relics since Nguyen dynasty built during earlier 19th century and half beginning of 20th century in old capital Hue (Hue city now).

Relics of Hue can divide into construction system including outside construction of Hue and inside ones. In which, inside ones consist of Old capital Hue, Hue Citadel, Imperial Citadel, outside ones have system of kings’ tombs and other relics.

4.Hoi An Ancient Town.

Hoi An Old Quarter was recognized as a world cultural heritage site in 1999. Located on the banks of poetic Thu Bon river, Quang Nam province, it was ever a busy international trading port during 17th and 18th century.

Nowadays, Hoi An old town becomes a special sample about a traditional port in Southeast Asia which is well-preserved. Most of house here is built following the traditional architecture from 17th to 19th century. Parallel with old houses, religious structure proved for formation, development and decline of the town.

Hoi An is also a place of cultural exchange. Today, the town is an attractive destination for local and international tourists because of its history, traditional architecture and crafts, especially textiles and ceramics. Many bars, hotels, and resorts are built in Hội An and the surroundings. The port mouth and boats are still used for both fishing and tourism.

5.My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary was declared as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. Located at Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, it is a combination of Champa temples in a 2km valley, surrounded by hills and mountains.

Most of the temples were made of red brick except from one named B1 which was made of stone. Until now, the construction techniques of Sanctuary have not been found completely. This is the place of worship for Champa kingdom as well as tombs of Champa kings. Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is regarded one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam.

6.Citadel of Ho Dynasty

Citadel of Ho Dynasty was recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2011. It was constructed in 1397, this was a great construction built of unique stone blocks.

In its underground area, there are still relics of castle, roads, decoration art, old villages and total sights of mountains, lakes. Citadel of Ho Dynasty is the cultural exchange between Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia.

Besides, other world heritage sites are recognized by UNESCO include, Complex of Hue Monuments, central sector of the imperial Citadel of Thanh Long – Hanoi, Ba Be lake, Cat Ba archipelago, Con Moong cave, Huong Son Complex of natural beauty and historial monuments, the area of old carved stone in Sapa, Trang An scenic landscape Complex, the cultural space of Gong in the Central Highlands, Nha Nhac or the Royal Refined Music of Hue, etc.

>> How can travel in Vietnam within a week?

If you wish to travel in Vietnam someday, you wonder that how long is enough to travel around Vietnam. The answer is that to explore the potential beauty of a nation, even the residents there cannot discover all in the whole life. However if you have time to visit Vietnam, you can spend from one month to three months traveling all the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam.

But if you have only a week to travel, I advise you to choose some special places to enjoy your holiday. I will give some suggestions you can choose depending on your interests.

1.If you want to visit big cities with many attractive destinations and amusement parks

Firstly, you shouldn’t miss visiting Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Hanoi attracts a large number of tourists annually by its wonderful destinations and the special cuisine. No travelers can forget the flavor of ‘pho’, ‘bun cha’, spring rolls, etc. You can find more information about Hanoi food from www.virtualvietnam.org. Beside delicious dishes, Hanoi is famous for many landscapes such as, Old Quarter, Opera House, Temple of Literature, lakes, and museums and so on.

Secondly, Ho Chi Minh city is known as a modern and big city with many historical sites and amusement parks. Some places you can visit here are Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Dam Sen park, Ben Thanh market, night market. Besides, you can spend time traveling in Mekong Delta, Cu Chi tunnels, etc.

2.If you like the natural beauty of mountains,

You can choose some destinations in the north. Sapa is the first choice for the amazing natural beauty and cultural diversity. Ham Rong mountain is covered by many various flower species, fruits and a lot of fresh vegetables. Sapa is famous for Silver waterfall, paddy terraces, the gate of heaven and ethnic minorities living here. Specially, locals here speak English quite well so you will feel comfortable when asking the way or the history of sightseeing spots. If you don’t have much time, you can spend 2-3 days to visit here.

Secondly, if you’re really exciting with the adventures, you can come to north-west region in order to experience 4 biggest passes: Pha Din, O Quy Ho, Khau Pha, Ma Pi Leng. With the fresh atmosphere and the majestic beauty, you will be attracted at the first sight and have many beautiful shots. You can spend whole week here or only 4-5 days or just 1-2 days for your favorite pass.

Third is coming to Cao Bang province to enjoy the fourth biggest waterfall named Ban Gioc waterfall in the world, you will surprise with the splendid beauty here. You can visit here for 2-3 days, after that you travel other famous landscapes in Cao Bang such as, Nguom Ngao, Thang Hen lake, Thang Luong lake or some historical sites like Pac Po.



Ban Gioc waterfall - Cao Bang province


Finally, you can spend 2-3 days in Moc Chau plateau with picturesque destinations and cultural diversity of ethnic minority groups and don’t miss to visit famous cow farm here.

3.If you want to have a week holiday in beaches,

Vietnam is well-known for long coastline, so you don’t need to wonder if Vietnam has beautiful beaches or not, but the thing makes you wonder is that which beaches you should go within a week. I will give you some suggestions.

Ha Long Bay, a famous heritage site, is the ideal travel destination. If you don’t have much time, you can live here for 2-3 days. Ha Long is one of seven new natural wonders in the world, so there are a lot of wonderful sites you can visit such as, Tuan Chau beach, Bai Chay beach, etc. Beside beaches, you should spend time traveling in some grottoes like Thien Cung, Me Cung, Trinh Nu, Tam Cung and so on.

Moreover, you shouldn’t miss to visit Da Nang. It is a beautiful city with friendly and hospitable locals. Some special places here are Lang Co beach, Hai Van pass and Ba Na hill. Besides, you should spend time traveling in Hoi An, Mi Son.

In addition, you can spend a week in Nha Trang, Da Lat. Nha Trang attracts a lot of international tourists with excellent scuba diving and backpacking here. Nha Trang Bay is considered as one of most beautiful bays in the world. Some destinations you can visit are Vinpearl Land like a traveling heaven, Tri Nguyen aquarium, centre Thap Ba hot spring, Hon Sam, etc. After that you should spend some days in Da Nang, a land covered by many various kinds of flower.

Coming to Da Nang, you can visit three palaces and summer home of the colonial-era and last emperor of Vietnam Bao Dai, Crazy House- a striking, not-quite-finished fantasy house designed by the daughter of an independence war hero, the hill-top pagoda coupled with a brief cable car ride over the pine forest, flower gardens, Xuan Huong lake, love valley and so on.

(Source :: http://getvietnamvisa.org)

>> 3 Most Romantic Destinations In Vietnam

1. Dalat


 Dalat - Vietnam


With irresistible classic beauty, Dalat is well known as the city of love in Vietnam. Only after not more than an hour of flying can you escape from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and the scotching hot of the south to land on this honeymooner’s heaven. Coming to Dalat, tourists would be charmed immediately by its superb cool weather and pure atmosphere. The city gracefully nestles against immense pine forests and rolling hills. The mild climate creates favorable conditions for flowers flourishing colorfully in the green city.

It is definitely an ideal place for couples to stroll hand in hand on streets lined with trees, contemplating classic attractiveness of French colonial villas and poetic beauty of the valley of Love. Taking a walk along romantic lakes and surveying the beauty of shinning waterfall are also not bad ideas. To have an unforgettable night with your lover in the city of flowers, of mystery and of love is something that is not far away.

2. Sapa


 Sapa - Vietnam


Just by taking an overnight train leaving from Hanoi and heading to Lao Cai and another hour bus ride to Sapa, you and your beloved are able to experience more than just a nice trip to the most charming highland town. No matter what season tourists come to visit Sapa, they are bound to savor the great weather here. As being located on the mountain, Sapa and the local people have the opportunity to live in the cool fresh air all the time. Thus, it is certainly an ideal destination for tourists who wish to run away from the hot weather of summer.

Should tourists come here in the winter, they may stand a chance to admire a dreamy town covered with snow, as Sapa is almost the only place of the country that has snow falling. Getting up in a stilt house, contemplating an attractive Sapa in morning dew, trekking around mountains under colorful sunshine and immersing in Sapa lively nightlife should be on a must-to-do list of every couple.

3. Nha Trang


 Nha Trang - Vietnam


For lovely couples longing to find their own romance by enjoying a dinner full of candle light on a sandy beach, Nha Trang would be exactly their promising destination. With spectacular mountains dimly looming in the late afternoon sunshine, the turquoise waters tinged with sparkling sunset yellow and the white sandy beach stretching into the distance, the setting is so stunning that hardly anyone could hold back their excitement.

The eventful nightlife in Nha Trang is waiting for you to let your hair down. Savoring the best seafood, being part of night parties and forgetting about the time, you are likely to define how fanatic Nha Trang is. For couples looking for a luxurious holiday, Nha Trang high quality resorts would certainly serve you well. A memorable holiday is coming !

>> The uniquely international yacht festival in Nha Trang

From 11 to 15 july, Nha Trang will organize an international yacht Festival 2012 with the theme "Five continents gather on Nha Trang - Vietnam.






It is expected that from 11 to 15 july, in the Nha Trang city (Khanh Hoa), Khanh Hoa Province People's Committee will organize an international yacht Festival 2012 with the theme "Five continents gather on Nha Trang - Vietnam."

The festival will have the participation of 33 yacht clubs from 22 countries worldwide, the yacht business owners, the yacht manufacturing companies.. There will be 28 cultural activities, vibrant and attractive tourism events at commercial centers, major streets and the famous tourist destinations of Nha Trang such as: The photos competition "Sea Myth", Sailing, water festival, water cycling, wine festivals, Five continents food festivals, beer festival, street art performances, fire art dance, Luxury Cars Exhibitions and parade, a mass wedding ceremony in the water, music and dance program "So Dear Truong Sa", yacht exhibition and parade around the Hon Tre island (Vinpearlland ) ...

Currently, the organizers are rushing to complete the construction of International Marina Park (Nha Trang Ana Marina) with an area of ​​89.3 ha, of which 86ha is of water surface to organize tourism related events as well as for Nha Trang Yacht Club to join the World Association of Yacht Clubs, to promote investment in the local economy.

Khanh Hoa is the famous site with beautiful islands, attractive smooth white-sand beaches, the magical coral reefs under the ocean, the ancient Cham temples on the mountains or crowded fishing villages along the coast. With these advantages, in recent years, Khanh Hoa has built more new tourism products for tourists. In 2011, Khanh Hoa had welcomed about 2.18 millions visitors (increased 19% compared to 2010), of which more than 440,000 are international passengers (increased 12.03%).

The International Yacht Festival 2012 is an opportunity for Khanh Hoa to continue the international cooperation, to develop Khanh Hoa to a famous tourism brand of Vietnam and in the region.

Vietnam travel news for Vietnam tour packages and tours to Vietnam by Vietnam tour operatorsand Vietnam travel agencies

(Source: Vietnam Tourism)

>> Cat Co Beach

Visiting the large beach of Cat Co, which is separated by a small range of mountain, you can swim in the blue and warm water, so clear that you can see the golden sand bneath.




Cat Co Beach - Viet Nam


The white-sand Cat Co beach make a great place to lounge around for the day. They are about 1 km southeast from Cat Ba town over a steep headland; and can be reached on foot or by motorbike.

Cat Ba is the biggest island (100 sq. km) out of the 366 islands on the Lan Ha Bay. It is a tourist spot, attractive for its natural beauty and wonders endowed by nature. Right from the moment you set foot on Cat Ba gangway, looking afar to contemplate the enchanting scenery of immense sky and magnificent mountains and breathing the fresh air from the sea, you will feel comfortable and your tiredness after a long trip will disappear. Surely, you want to go on with your journey at once.

Cat Co Beach is separated by a small hillock that can be climbed over in about 20 minutes. However, you can take the easier route along a new wooden seaside walkway around the mountain. The beach offers simple accommodation and camping.

The mountain adjacent to Cat Co Beach has a tunnel and fascinating caves and grottoes, such as Hang Luon, Khe Sau, Trung Trang, Gia Luan and Kim Cuong. Visiting these caves and grottoes you will get the feeling of the explorers, discovering the wonders and mysteries endowed by nature.

The fauna living on the Cat Ba National Park is diverse: 20 kinds of animals, 69 kinds of birds, 20 kinds of reptiles, rare wild white - headed langurs. Coming out of the caves and grottoes you should spend a little time to contemplate the sunset over Lan Ha Bay. On the golden background of the horizon and the dark blue of the sea, the heaving islets become multiform, the white sea-gulls hover and sea-eagles make circles in the sky, all beautifying the immense and fascinating space, and enchanting the visitors.

Cat Co Beach is a tourist spot, attractive for its natural beauty and wonders endowed by nature.

>> Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

"I have only 5 days to spare for Vietnam. Now ... Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?"


This puzzle has hassled numerous visitors to Vietnam, many of whom write to us hoping to get some advice. If only Vietnam Online staff were not so diverse in perspective, style and places of origins. So the debates start spreading into our lunch times, phone conversations, emails and even into our heads while we prepare other parts of this website.

Enough rivalry and competition said - here we present to you the debates between Duong Nguyen - one of our Hanoi senior editors and Thu Ngo - our most recent addition to the Ho Chi Minh City team. Expect some heaps of aggression underlain by love and pride.

The motion is clear enough: Ho Chi Minh City deserves your precious holiday more than Hanoi.
Thu Ngo - the proposer of the motion - tells you why it is so.

1. Favourable Weather:


Ho Chi Minh City 

Adjacent to the Mekong Delta in the South, the Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has much more comfortable weather in comparison with Hanoi’s. Unlike Hanoi with the extreme four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter), Ho Chi Minh City has only 2 seasons: dry season and rainy season. And on the side note, Hanoi summer is unbearable while its winter is, well, notorious even for those from Northern Europe or North America. In Ho Chi Minh City, dry season starts in December and lasts till April and rainy season is from May to November. The average temperature all year round is just 32 degree Celsius (90 degree Fahrenheit) much lower than Hanoi’s.

2. Convenient Transportation:

Ho Chi Minh City has better transportation system of which new roads are being built and put into operation, such as Vo Van Kiet Boulevard and Dong Tay Boulevard that shortens time and effort travelling among district 1, 5,8 and outer districts like Binh Chanh). This is not to mention the fact that Tan Son Nhat Airport welcomes a lot more international flights than Noi Bai. Traffic jam is not uncommon in Hanoi, neither is Ho Chi Minh City. However, due to the bigger roads, traffic jams in Ho Chi Minh City are somehow less severe than in Hanoi. Beside, public transportation, bus, is so convenient and affordable that you can reach almost anywhere you want. With only 20-25 cents, you can travel over 70 km (43.5 miles) from the city center to outer districts like Cu Chi.

3. Various kinds of entertainment:

Influenced by French culture during the French occupation and American culture from 1960s-1970s, Ho Chi Minh City has much to offer in terms of entertainment, from live concerts to latest movies. All of the entertainment facilities are modern and well-equipped with the advent of technology which surely brings visitors relaxing time at affordable price.
There are also a lot of amusement parks where family and friends can take a thrilling ride or have a picnic together. Three largest theme parks are Dam Sen Park (District 11), Suoi Tien ( Thu Duc District) and Dai Nam (Binh Duong Province), which do not have a single equivalence in Hanoi. From Ben Thanh Market, you can take bus no.11 to Dam Sen Park, no. 19 to Suoi Tien Park or no. 616 to Dai Nam Park. If you want something active and sporty, you can try ice-skating at the Youth Cultural House (04 Pham Ngoc Thach, District 1) or check out one of the major basket ball courts in the city stadiums.

4. International food and restaurants:


 Ha Noi City


Nowhere in Vietnam can you find such a diverse range of food from all over the world like Ho Chi Minh City. Italian, German, English, Hungarian, Indian, Chinese restaurants are omnipresent, serving authentic and quality meals that can meet the needs of any craving. Just stop by a restaurant without any booking in advance needed.
If you want a combination of food from many countries, you can visit food courts at some shopping malls such as: Diamond Plaza ( Le Duan, District 1), Vincom Center (Le Thanh Ton, District 1). You can have a pizza, sushi or Chinese dishes all at the same time.

5. Active and direct lifestyles:

One of the youngest cities (over 300 years ago) and affected by foreign culture from French and American troops, Ho Chi Minh City has more modern and active lifestyle than any other places in Vietnam, including Hanoi. People are so friendly and willing to help you. They are outgoing, frank and direct. Therefore, it will be easy for you to make friends and be close friends with them. This is extremely beneficial if you are doing business, or, well, dating, a Vietnamese partner. If they invite you out for dinner, they really mean so. Be ready to go if invited or else you make them upset of not coming.

>> "Cám ơn" Hue and goodbye Vietnam

Time to say goodbye. As so many times in the last years I will have to move on once more. This time my goodbye goes to Hue city, the former imperial capital of Vietnam where I have spent more than a year working for a local university.

Hue Citadel

When I first came here I did not know that my girlfriend (at the time working here) would have to leave soon for a PhD in Hong Kong and was quite suprised when she did, but now I will join her for the same reason in the Special Administrative Region. When she left another good friend of mine joined me here from India and, all in all I did not have difficulties with the place.




Of course the Vietnamese culture is almost impossible for a Westerner to comprehend. The total inexistence of privacy, very basic levels of politeness, obsession for football at 5am, karaoke in the evening, weddings all year long, over-the-top noise level of everything around you and ongoing struggle for a fair price can be exhausting and frustrating at times. A language which thanks to 7 different tones takes years to master does not help with adapting. Anyway, Vietnam has also given me lots and lots of great experiences.

Around Hué citadel

I know I will miss the amazing food, long coffee brakes, mayhem motorbike tours, endless green rice paddies and amazing coastline of this still relatively unknown country. Furthermore, THH has helped me a lot with getting used to the place. Our study friend from Brazil moved to Hue shortly after and so we temporarily reunited in our Master Study friends group from the times in the Netherlands. Even if I have not been the most social person during this year (I am quite tired of expat communities after years in these circles), I have met a few people which I will for sure keep in my life.




When you conclude an experience, I guess you should have learned something from it. It is not always easy to summarize what Vietnam has meant to me and what it has added to my life. Some of the things which I have learned I might discover only when I move to another context, but I am sure Hue has given me a lot.

The splendor of the ancient tombs and citadel of Hue, the insanity of the Big C Shopping Mall, smells, sounds, lights, colours of Vietnam, the madness of driving a scooter in knee-deep water during the rainy season, the feeling that time is standing still when you watch your coffee slowly dropping from the filter, the self-control required to handle classes of almost 100 students at the time, the amazing moments I have shared with my girlfriend, the endless nights playing pool with my friends and most of all… the feeling that in the hustle and bustle the whole country runs anyway in slow-motion.

Truong Tien bridge


 Truong Tien bridge

Whenever I leave a place it gives me a little feeling of sadness while also a new inspiration to move on and discover more. Vietnam for sure has left a deep impression in my mind and I have learned a lot during this year.

Now it is time to go back to my hometown for a month and then move on to Hong Kong for my PhD… where I will reunite with my girl and will start all over again… with a little bit of Vietnam in my heart.

>> Nhi Thanh Grotto

Visitors from far always regard Lang Son as home to some grotesque grottoes, of which Nhi Thanh is one of the most beautiful grottoes...


Nhi Thanh Grotto


Lang Son has for long had national repute as a year round entertainment centre. Attractions such as Dong Dang Town, Ky Lua Market, Vong Phu Mountain, Tam Thanh Grotto, Nhi Thanh Grotto are said to be very attractive to visitors who are seeking scenic beauty...

Situated in Nhi Thanh Street, approximately 1km from the Lang Son City, Nhi Thanh Grotto houses the Pagoda of Triple Regions (Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism). The grotto was closely related to the celebrity Ngo Thi Si when he was the chief of province between 1777 and 1780. He gave, in a short span of time, a new look to Lang Son in term of politics, economy and national defense. Especially in the domain of culture, he had the merit to discover 8 beautiful landscapes of Lang country including Nhi Thanh Grotto. He hired workers to start the renovation of this grotto in 1779. The right side area, being on a relatively more elevated land and the configuration of terrain better, was chosen to be the place for the building of the Pagoda of Triple Regions (in honour of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism).

Being a natural cave, Nhi Thanh Grotto lies beneath the Pagoda of Triple Regions, with the depth of 600 meters. On the cliffs at the entrance are 20 inscriptions that are precious historical and literary documents, including autographs of famous scholars. The statue of scholar Ngo Thi Sy on the cliff engraved in 1779 is a precious work of art. The length of a corridor from front entrance to back entrance is over 500 metres with many beautiful and picturesque landscapes. Inscriptions can be seen today on grotto, which were engraved by famous personalities and poets over different epochs.

Moreover, the grotto has numerous stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes, making the grotto look more grotesque and mystical. The entrance to the grotto is almost obscured from sunlight, because it is covered with a dense foliage of trees. High on the wall to the right side of the entrance, there remains a poem carved deep into the stone. The poem was written by Ngo Thi Si (1726- 1780) when he was stationed in Lang Son as the commander of the Lang Son military post. Ngo Thi Si praised the beauty of the magnificent mountain and landscapes possessed by Lang Son.

Ngo Thi Si was the person who discovered Nhi Thanh Grotto. The name Nhi Thanh was chosen by Ngo Thi Si to commemorate his birth place in Ta Thanh Oai village in Thanh Oai district, Hanoi. To commemorate his great contributions to the grotto, Ngo Thi Si had his portrait carved on an interior wall.

"Flows of clean pure white stream water run over hundreds of pieces of marble as if it is talking. Turn one's back to the stream and look up to a high mountain peak in the from can see the Vong Phu peak". Ngo Thi Si’s verses make you feel like to visit Lang Son’s beauty spots, and Nhi Thanh Grotto is one of the eight sites that attract a large number of visitors to Lang Son...

>> Mỹ Sơn Holyland – a masterpiece of Cham Architecture

Mỹ Sơn Holy land - a unique beautiful sanctuary world of the ancient Chăm religion, is day by day attracting thousands of tourists elsewhere!









Chăm Pa culture had great influences on Vietnam’s cultural values of significance. The once capital of Chăm Pa Kingdom from 4th to 15th century was “Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn”, called “Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary" or "Valley of Kings" by French historians.

In those days, Mỹ Sơn became centre for spirituality and worship during the reign of the Chămpa Kingdom. Exemplifying the height of Chăm architectural achievement, The Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is a large complex of religious monuments originally consisting of more than 70 structures; the vestiges of 25 of which remain today. The builders of Mỹ Sơn were the nobility of the Chămpa Kingdom who derived their cultural and spiritual influences almost exclusively from India.

Location

Mỹ Sơn is located inside the valley complex of Quang Nam Province, southern Vietnam around 69 kilometers southwest of Da Nang city. From the 4th to 15th centuries, it was an imperial city during the Chăm dynasty. Besides Hoi An old town, an ancient destination of historical value in Da Nang, My Son in Quang Nam is also a place of historical and culture-oriented tourism.

History

If you are enjoying a tour to My Son Holy Land, what can not be missed is the historical story of the sanctuary to be told to you by guides. The Chăm people (người Chăm or người Chàm in Vietnamese) belong to an ethnic group in Southeast Asia. They formed the core of the Muslim communities in both Cambodia and Vietnam. Chăm is remnant of the Chăm Pa Kingdom (7th to 15th centuries), closely related to the Malay race.

From the 4th to 15th centuries, a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism of Cham developed on the coast of contemporary Viet Nam. This is graphically illustrated by the remains of a series of impressive tower-temples located in a dramatic site of My Son, which was the religious and political capital of the Chăm Pa Kingdom for most of its existence.

According to records on the stone stele, the prime foundation of the ancient Mỹ Sơn architectural complex was a wooden temple to worship the Siva Bhadresvera genie. In the late 16th century, a big fire destroyed the temple. Step by step, historical mysteries were unveiled by scientists. Through stone stele and royal dynasties, they proved Mỹ Sơn to be the most important Holy Land of the Chăm people during the mentioned centuries, reflecting the style and history of Chăm People.

Cultural values


Religion
It is the religious role of Mỹ Sơn Holy land that draws people’s curiosity. This archeological site represents the longest continuous occupation for religious purposes, not only of the Chăm Kingdom, but also within Southeast Asia as a whole.

Situated inside the 2-kilometer wide valley in Quang Nam province, the My Son Sanctuary temple complex was ever the central praying and worship ceremony place of Cham Pa reigns. My Son is also a tool to assist the reigns to contact with God and Saints. The land accordingly become the significant religious and cultural center of Cham Pa reigns.

The site was inhabited from the 4th to the 15th century AD, far longer than any of the other Indian-influenced sites in the region including the famous sites of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Borobudur in Indonesia, Pagan in Myanmar, or Ayutthaya in Thailand.

Chăm-style Architecture

The other foremost absorbing element of My Son, besides religious element, is its unique Cham-style Art of Architecture, which was comprehensively affected by Indian style. Each historical period has its own identity, so that each temple worshipping a genie or a king of a different dynasty has its own architectural style of different impression. All of the Chăm towers were built on a quadrate foundations and each comprises three parts: a solid tower base, representing the world of human beings, the mysterious and sacred tower body, representing the world of spirits, and the tower top built in the shape of a man offering flowers and fruits or of trees, birds, animals, etc., representing things that are close to the spirits and human beings.

According to many researchers of the ancient Chăm towers, the architectural art of the Chăm towers at Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is the convergence of different styles, including the continuity of the ancient style in the 7th-8th centuries, the Hoa Lai style of the 8th-9th centuries, the Dong Duong style from the mid-9th century, the Mỹ Sơn and Mỹ Sơn-Binh Dinh styles, etc. Among the remnants of many architectural sites excavated in 1898, a 24 metres high tower was found in the Thap Chua area and coded AI by archaeologists and researchers on Mỹ Sơn. This tower is a masterpiece of ancient Chăm architecture. It has two doors, one in the east and the other in the west. The tower body is high and delicate with a system of paved pillars; six sub-towers surrounding the tower. This two-storey tower looks like a lotus flower. The top of the upper layer is made of sandstone and carved with elephant and I ion designs. In the lower layer, the walls are carved with fairies, water evils and men riding elephants. Unfortunately, the tower was destroyed by US bombs in 1969.

The sanctuary comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect to each other with complicated red brick designs. The main component of the Chăm architectural design is the tower, built to reflect the divinity of the king. Bricks are main material for the construction of the Cham Towers. However, it has yet been unable to figure out the reasonable explanation for the linking material, brick baking method, and construction method of the Cham Pa. Even these days, this still remains as an attractive secret to contemporary people.

Although there are not many remnants left, those that remain display the typical sculptural works of cultural value of the Chăm nationality.They are also vivid proof, confirming the history of a nationality living within the Vietnamese community boasting of a rich cultural tradition.

Why is it worth a visit?




Honorably recognized as a World Heritage in 1999, My Son Holy Land is captivating in various cultural values. Therefore, it is extremely useful and meaningful for those interested in Southeast Ahsian culture, which owes its core to ancient Cham culture, to drop off the land. Although time and the wars have destroyed some towers, the remaining sculptural and architectural remnants still reflect the style and history of the art of the Chăco\m people. Their masterpieces mark a glorious time for the architecture and culture of the Chăm, as well as of Southeast Asia.

Are you a Cham culture reseacher? Are you an architect? Are you an archeologist? Or are you just a normal tourist? Well, whichever of those you are, you should soon pay a visit to this holy land to have understanding of a Vietnam’s ancient cultural element of unique sacred and mysterious beauty.

How to get there?

Every hotel and travel agency in Hoi An is selling excursions to Mỹ Sơn for unbelievably cheap prices. For a more rewarding experience it would be a good idea to get there before the tour buses arrive. You can hire a car and driver in Hoi An for around $20 and aim to be there at sunrise (truly atmospheric).

Close to Hoi An town, Cu Lao Cham really cherishes high potential for tourism development.

>> Son Tra Peninsula of Vietnam

Quite pretty and with a good bit of naturalness, Son Tra Peninsula is a good place for visitors to Da Nang and get away for the day.






Son Tra Peninsula is 10km from the center of Da Nang City to the North-east and is 693m high above sea level. Son Tra Mountain can be seen from every places of the city. Son Tra looks like a mushroom of which cap is Son Tra Mountain and stalk is a beautiful sandy beach that affords an ideal area for bathing, playing sports, fishing and swimming.

With its sea-oriented appearance, Son Tra acts as a giant screen protecting Da Nang from storms and cyclones coming from the sea. Son Tra is put under the national protected forest regulation since it is a natural preservation area. The Peninsula is famous for its plentiful plants and fauna as well as the attractive scenery. It is said that fairies used to come here for singing, dancing and playing chess so Son Tra is also called Tien Sa (Fairies’ landing place). On this mountain, there still remain more than 30km² of natural forests, nearly 300 types of plants and several hundred kinds of fauna, including rare animal. From the top of the mountain, you can see the overall view of Da Nang City, Marble Mountains, Ba Na – Mount Chua, so interesting!

Suoi Da (Stone Stream) lies by the side of the foot of the mountain, fine sandy surfaces run round the peninsula, several breaks of waves are running steadily up and down and washing up on the stones heaped up around the seaside. All are attractive spots for tourists. It is so majestic and it is so romantic, it is so wide and it is really beautiful. In one-day stay at Son Tra, visitors can enjoy living in the resplendent flow of dawn and the quietness of twilight on this fascinating landscape. And that is a time for them to realize the value of each and every moment and the true calling of the hearts.

You can also swim in the cool sea and enjoy the fine view of the sandy banks run round the peninsula. The quiet Bai But offers you relaxing times sitting in small nice houses to hear the sound of waves and look swallows fly to the mount cliffs. The colorful coral reefs at the foot of the mountain are an ideal condition for the development of diving tourism.

Son Tra is a special gift of the god to Danang. It can be seen from every places of the city. And from the top of the mountain, the vista is so enjoyable and peaceful...

>> Sapa, the fanciful town in fog

“Well, Sapa brings in peace in a fine, rugged scenery and cultural diversity… a very sweet time for us!” remarked a young couple after their honeymoon in Sa Pa.






Location

Sa Pa District is located in Lao Cai Province, north-west Vietnam, and 350 km north-west of Hanoi, close to the border with China. Sapa is famous both for its fine, rugged scenery and for its rich cultural diversity. French used to consider Sapa as Summer Capital of Northern Vietnam in the early decades of the 20th century. Its naturally gifted beauty keeps attracting more and more people to spend their vacation there since then. Particularly, the place is the foremost choice for honeymoon couples!

Geography & Weather


Geographically, Sapa is exactly a mountainous area of Northwest Vietnam. The whole Sapa District is dominated by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range which is at the Eastern extremity of the Himalayas, being famous with the Vietnam’s highest mountain of Fa si pan at a height of 3,142 m above sea level. The town of Sa Pa lies at an altitude of about 1,600 m, bringing in a cool and foggy site of Sa Pa.

Let’s join a fancy trip to this romantic town!

Taking a night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, and then 45 minutes more from Lao Cai City by bus, Sapa appears in fanciful fog. Thanks to the height of 1,600 m above the sea level, the average temperature of the area is always 15-18°C, cool in summer, but a bit cold in winter.

Sapa takes its pride in its unique climate in Vietnam. It is highly seasonal, with a subtropical climate in the summer and a temperate climate during the winter. Mean annual temperature for Sa Pa town is 15.4°C, with a maximum of 29.4°C and a minimum of 1°C. The warmest months are July and August, and the coldest months are December and January. Snow falls in some years on the highest peaks. In the morning and afternoon, it is as cool as in spring and autumn. Yet, at noon, it is as sunny and cloudless as in summer. In the evening, it drastically changes into coldness just as in winter. This is actually a unique advantage, making Sapa different from anywhere else in the nation. However, travelers should be noticed that there might be sudden thunderstorm and heavy rains at noon in summer. Yet, subsequently, a rainbow appears turning Sapa into a beautifully magic land with seven colors! So, remember to bring your best camera so as not to miss this magnificent view!

April and May are the best time for tourists to watch the most scenic beauties of Sapa, or else it might be cold and foggy before that and rainy after that. During these two peak months, the town is blossoming with pink and white flowers, and green pastures in valleys. The clouds that settle in the valley in early morning would quickly disappear.

Beauty Spots and Resorts

The scenery of the Sapa region in large part reflects the relationship between the ethnic minority people and nature. This is seen especially in the paddy fields carpeting the rolling lower slopes of the Hoang Lien Mountains. The impressive physical landscape, which underlies this, has resulted from the work of the elements over thousands of years, wearing away the underlying rock.

Most tourists agree that it would be regretful if the leisure and relaxation time in cool and fresh weather is not accompanied by visiting trips to Sapa’s prideful natural beauty spots, such as Ham Rong Mountain, Silver Waterfall, Rattan Bridge, Bamboo Forest and Ta Phin Cave. The town is also the starting point for many mountain climbers and scientists who would like to discover the Fansipan Mount, the highest mountain in Vietnam with 3,143 m height. Can you imagine that Hoang Lien Mountain Range is called “the Alps of the North Sea area” since Fansipan Mount also marks its greatest height among others in the Indochina Peninsula as well. The pyramid-shaped mountain is covered with clouds all the year round. On top of the mountain is filled with frequent below zero temperature, especially at high altitudes.

On approaching the town, the very first thing tourists may find is the detached wooden mansions and villas perched on top or side of the hills, behind thick pine forests, hided by fog in the morning. Old and new villas with red roofs now appear and then disappear in the green rows of pomu trees, bringing in the beauty of European towns.

Flowers



Sapa-the land of love
Sapa is home to various families of flowers of captivating colours, unique in the vast country. When Tet, the Lunar New Year Festival, comes, the whole township of Sapa is filled with the pink colour of peach blossom brought from the vast forests of peach just outside the town. Sapa is regarded as the kingdom of orchids. Here, orchid lovers are even amazed by the choice, when trekking in the forest filled with several hundred kinds of orchids of brilliant colours and fantastic shapes, such as Orchid Princess, Orchid of My Fair Lady's Shoe. Some orchids are named after lovely singing birds such as the canary, salangane's nest, and more.

Specialties

Foreign tourists are actually fond of scarce and precious specialties of Sapa, such as forest’s product, handicrafts, delicacies (smoked meat, “thang co”, “cai meo”, san lung wine, corn wine, etc.), typical of ethnic minority people.

Most travellers do like to bring some of the local fresh vegetables back home for presents. Thanks to the fresh and cool air, Sapa is the ideal land for fresh temperate vegetables such as cabbage, chayote, precious medical herbs, fruit trees (plum, pear), and so on.

Cultural diversity



Sapa is famous for its special cultural diversity in a combination of ethnic minority groups’ culture. Visitors to Sapa will have opportunities to discover the unique customs of the local residents. Local markets are the town’s typically cultural element, which are always crowded and joyful, attracting hundreds of visitors. This is the common place for minority groups to gather and exchange goods.

Market sessions are also a chance for local people to promenade. No foreign visitor could help joining such a market session, a typical cultural element of Sapa. What is more, tourists coming to Sapa at weekends have the great chance to learn about local ethnic people's courtship and martial life, through the Sapa love market and wife kidnapping ceremony of the H’Mong group. The ceremony will begin on April 29th. This is part of a five-day festival, titled Festival on the Cloud, to mark the beginning of the Sapa 2006 tourism year, in the northern mountain township of Sapa, in Lao Cai Province.

If ever asked to drop a quick comment, even the toughest person must admit the romance and peace of a magnificently cool and beautiful Sapa! I hope you should spend a short summer here, and you will soon share the idea!

Close to Hoi An town, Cu Lao Cham really cherishes high potential for tourism development.

>> “South second nicest grotto” : Tam Coc-Bich Dong

Tam Coc – Bich Dong is also called “A terrestrial Ha Long Bay”, or the “Vietnam’s second nicest grotto” (to Huong Tich) for its poetic and inspirational natural scenery.



Briefings

Located in the Ngu Nhac Son Mountains, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, it is a grandiose complex of Bich Dong pagoda and Tam Coc grotto which is one among the 21 crucial tourism destinations of Vietnam.

The zone is featured with a tropical climate, with 2 seasons. The cold and rainy season lasts from May to October, and the dry and hot season from Novermber to April. Its annual average temperature is 23.5oC. As situated at the base side of the Red River Delta Triangle, it is a half-mountain half-plain area, with a coastline of 18 kilometers.

King Le Canh Hung ever said: “This is Vietnam’s second nicest grotto, after the Huong Tich Grotto in Ha Tay province”. Its pristine natural beauty together with a simple but nice countryside landscape, and a sacred spiritual life have converged into a fascinating and attractive Tam Coc-Bich Dong to numerous tourists.
These days, more and more people in the world have been coming here in various types of tours: ecological tours, culture, history, and festival tours. No one could deny that Tam Coc-Bich Dong has become a legend of rivers and mountains, a green, pure, and safe destination for every traveler.

Historical name

Bich Dong is a beautiful pagoda on the nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain dated to 1428 under the Le Dynasty, comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order. In 1773, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (the father of the great writer Nguyen Du) visited this cave. He was much impressed by the whole magnificent scenery of mountains, waterways, fields, and sky covered in green mist. Thus he gave it a very beautiful and romantic name, Bich Dong, which literally means “Green Pearl Grotto”. This picturesque landscape is added by Tam Coc portion. It derives its name from its consisting of 3 caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba); “Tam” means 3, “Coc” means cave. Tam Coc or “Three Caves” portion is of great enchanting charm and mystery, inviting tourists to come and explore!

Join a round trip!

Tam Coc Wharf – starting point of journeys

To begin the journey, tourists have to queue at Tam Coc Wharf to take a boat to travel along rivers. The pier is crowded with tourists from morning till afternoon. People coming here share the same pleasant feeling about such a nice picture with the classical communal house, ancient banian tree, mossgrown well, marble rock, and friendly locals.

Tam Coc – a mysterious grotto

Visiting Tam Coc Grotto, tourists may feel like they had just disappeared from the real world to get lost in such a hidden fairy site, which is located approximately 2km from the pagoda. Tam Coc is 3 kilometers from Van Lam Wharf. Now just take a boat from Van Lam Wharf to reach the Tam Coc Grotto, which consists of the Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba caves. This might take you three hours on your small boat along the Ngo Dong river, beginning at the village of Van Lam and proceeding through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst towers. The largest of the grotto is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. This grotto is adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colours that sparkle like gemstones. Now when drifting along the gentle Ngo Dong River under the Grotto, you can feel the deeply pure atmosphere with special smell of fresh rivers water and cool air from karst mountains when reaching each of the 3 caves in turns.

Among the three caves, Hang Ca is considered the most picturesque one since it is the longest and contains most fascinating natural arts deep inside. It is around 127m long, with a cave mouth of 20m wide. When leaving Hang Ca, just turn back to see it once again, you will feel that it were like a very old white-haired man sitting down for fishing. A Vietnamese legendary tells that this was a Heaven Land where that fishing man – a considered fairy one – lived, and flying above within the Heaven was a flock of fairies in graceful white dresses! You may be so much seduced by the beautiful fairy landscape that you do not even think of coming back at that time!

Hang Hai is nearly 1 kilometers far from Hang Ca. This is the second stop-over on your waterway journey, where can be found a series of colorful sparkling stalactites falling from the cave ceiling. This cave is about 60m long. The last but not least cave is Hang Ba, just nearby, is about 50m long, with lower ceiling than the above two, looking like a plutonic cupola.

Now getting out the whole grotto, looking out the vast landscape, you can see that a mighty mountainous and waterways are covering the limitless land. If moving further 4 kilometers, there comes “Fairy Stream”, a pure mirror-like stream where you can even see through to the stream-bed to contemplate flocks of fish swimming and looming in the moss layers. It is said in a fairy tale that fairies used to land on here to swim, thus it was named “Fairy Stream”.



Bich Dong

Bich Dong Grotto

Now turning in the opposite position, you will soon reach Bich Dong pagoda, which is situated at the grandiose Ngu Nhac Mountain. The Pagoda is divided into three levels: Ha Pagoda (lower pagoda), Trung Pagoda (middle pagoda), and Thuong Pagoda (upper pagoda). On the mountain peak stands the statue of a scholar Mandarin looking at the horizon with the hope of viewing the spectacular landscapes of Hoa Lu. Visiting Bich Dong grotto, tourists have a great chance to turn back to the Post Le Dynasty’s legends.
From the upper pagoda, one has the most magnificent view of Bich Dong, which is romantically charming in terms of architecture and history. The location for this pagoda was chosen in 1428 after two monks were charmed by the view of the river and the mountains. Later, King Le Canh Hung wrote a poem in honour of the beautiful pagoda and landscape.

Bich Dong means “Green Grotto” or “Pearl Grotto”, which reveals its magnificient natural beauties. Colors, shapes, and sounds of the shining stalactites converges in such a captivating miracle that no one could refuse to touch, knock and contemplate them in deed. Honorably, amongst the most fascinating caves in Vietnam, “Fairy Grotto”, part of Bich Dong, is regarded as an “Elysium on Earth”.

"Surrounding mountains full of water during 4 seasons,
Rattan boat lightly drifting,
Covered with mist and clouds, is Pagoda landscape”
are beautiful lines of verse offered to Bich Dong pagoda grotto, a rare natural work of Art.

”Sun Valley” – attractive ecological tourism

Here comes the final destination in your meaningful waterway journey – “Sun Valley” (Thung Nắng), an ideal ecological tourism spot for lovers of nature. Inside the valley, there is an ancient limestone temple with rock-style architecture shown in delicate carvings. Visiting this valley, you can relax in your small boat, with sun-bathing and sun playing in a quiet and pure atmosphere.

“Marvellous landscape, considerate service!”, said Ms Mery Luit, a German tourist, “if possible, I will soon come back to Tam Coc-Bich Dong”.

Tourist activities

Taking a boat journey to: Tam Coc (from Van Lam Wharf on Ngo Dong River), Crossing Thuy Dong (through Ngu Nhac Sown Mountain range), Thach Bich-Thung Nang, Thung Nham-Vuon Chim, Linh Coc-Hai Nham, etc.
Walking and mountain climbing: Bich Dong Mount and Pagoda, Tien Grotto, Thien Huong Grotto, Co Vien Lau ancient houses

Close to Hoi An town, Cu Lao Cham really cherishes high potential for tourism development.

>> Ghenh Da Dia

With natural stones, strangely structured rocks, columns or obliques of frozen mineral flows, Ghenh Da Dia (Rapids of Stone Plates) is considered as a masterpiece of stone gifted by the nature.






Located in An Ninh Dong Commune , Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province, Ghenh Da Dia is strangely structured rocks include large upright stones equally arranged in a star pattern. Being a riddle of nature, like a giant jigsaw, the rapids is irritatingly made of the same shaped pieces, and forms a solidified structure that has proved more than just a curiosity for thousands.

A strange geological phenomenon

Millions of years ago, during volcano eruption, mineral flows melting will be frozen when they encounter water and then the solid breaks into columns or obliques. That created the beautiful landscape of Ghenh Da Dia for the present time. Time over time, the landscape is rearranged as an artistic work by the hand of nature. Ghenh Da Dia is about 1km2 large, half in the sea and half above sea level.

Looking down on it, visitors often liken it to a gigantic beehive, others as a pile of stone plates. For despite a lengthy series of historical, archeological and scientific probes of the cliff’s square kilometer, its formation remains a mystery.

The stones in Ghenh Da Dia are bazan stones of dark black and light yellow. There exists large stones of tons and small stones with different shapes: round, pentagon, polygon and so on. The stones take the right column or a settlement close to each other like disks arranged on couples together. Even counting the stone columns has failed to yield an exact figure as exhausted researchers usually call a halt at around 35,000. The stones are 60-80cm in visible height and 20-30cm across and cluster round a small fresh water pond that is fed by underground rivers and never dries up.

And a wild beauty...

In Ghenh Da Dia, there only remains the unique scenery of the sea and stones, so everything is still primary, environment is so pure, air is fresh and comfortable.





Besides Ghenh Da Dia is Bang beach, with rocks “lie” quiet under the shadow of trees. This is quite ideal for relaxation, camping and extra activities. Ghenh Da Dia and the beach are closed with a famous tourist attraction which is "Hòn đá lực lượng" - a deep and wide grotto that saves the legendary people in a war period. In the war, our main force sheltered in the cave at night, waiting to the day to go on a sortie and dealt enemy thunderstruck blows.

Visiting Ghenh Da Dia, you have a chance to view many species of marine creatures, especially “Mứt” seaweed - a type of kelp which is salty and sticks to the stones, looking like a network.

Have been listed as a National Heritage Site by the Ministry of Culture and Information, Ghenh Da Dia is a potential tourist attraction to both domestic and foreign visitors. And a visit to the rapids, you will be certainly worth it...
Close to Hoi An town, Cu Lao Cham really cherishes high potential for tourism development.

>> Son Dong, the world's largest cave

Son Dong, a cave belongs to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang grotto system in central Quang Binh Province, has been discovered to be the biggest in the world.






Son Doong cave, discovered by a local 18 years ago, is more than 200 meters wide, 150 meters high, and at least 6.5 kilometers long, though the explorers said they were unable to explore it fully. Bristish explorers have recently discovered that So Dong is much larger than the world’s biggest known cave.

The biggest section of Son Dong is five kilometers in length, 200 meters high and 150 meters wide, said Howard Limbirt of the British Cave Research Association team searching the area April 10-14, 2009.

Son Dong is much larger than Deer Cave in Malaysia, currently considered the world’s largest, an explorer said (Deer is 90 meters wide, 100 meters high and 2 kilometers long). The Son Doong cave has replaced to take pole position as the world’s largest cave.

The Son Dong is situated below another cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, though its entry passage is very difficult to traverse. The exploration team said they had set foot on just 6.5 kilometers along the cave, as there is a large amount of fast flowing water inside Son Dong. It takes explorers six hours of walking through a 10 kilometer long forest path from Truong Son Highway to reach the mouth of Son Dong cave. The explorer added that the Quang Binh cave has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that are not seen anywhere else.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang grotto system belongs to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It is a limestone region of 2,000 square kilometers in Vietnam and borders another limestone area in Hin Nammo in Laos. When describing the newly-discovered cave, the team’s spokesman, Haward Limbirt, said that it was a thing of overwhelming beauty and grandeur.

He added that each grotto has its own beauty, but he is impressed by Ca Xai. This cave is near the Vietnam-Laos border. It is very deep and has a big lake inside. Explorers measured the depth of this lake, but they had only 200m of rope and the end didn’t reach the lake bed.

The British team suggested to the local authorities not to develop Son Doong Cave as a tourism site immediately to preserve its natural beauty.

>> Ha Long Bay – a magnificent magical destination

Ha Long Bay is said to be a magic land of natural sea bay beauty, attracting more and more tourists ever since UNESCO’s recognition of its nature !







Location & Climate

Halong Bay is located in the Northeast of Vietnam, belonging to Ha Long city, Quang Ninh Province, in the Gulf of Tonkin. On the world map, it has borders to China in the North and adjacent to the East Sea in the East .

The Bay has a medium size of 1,553 square kilometers. It is accomodation of many fishing communities, including the 4 communes of Cua Van, Cong Tau, Vong Vieng and Ba Hang with a population of more than 1,600 people. The residents live on floating houses and boats, making their own lives by fishing and aquaculture.

The bay is a sea islands in tropical wet with 2 seasons: hot and moist summer, dry and cold winter. Average temperature is from 15°C- 25°C. Annual rainfall is between 2,000mm and 2,200mm. Halong Bay has the typical diurnal tide system (tide amplitude ranges from 3.5-4m). The salinity is from 31 to 34.5MT in dry season and lower in rainy season.

Historical name

Literally, “Ha Long” means "Bay of Descending Dragons." Before the 19th century, this name was not recorded in any document or archive. In this term, there is a mysteriously legendary tale as follows
“Long ago, in the first founding days, the Viet people were attacked by foreign aggressors. The Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her band of Child Dragons to help the Viet people fight the invaders. While the enemy vessels were launching massive attacks against the mainland, the dragons descended in flocks from the sky.

They spat out innumerable pearls which changed into jade stone islands the moment they touched the water. These islands linked together to form firm citadels that checked the enemy’s advance and smashed their vessels to pieces. After the invaders were driven out, Mother Dragon and her Child Dragons did not return to Heaven but stayed on earth, right at the place where the battle occurred. The spot where the Mother Dragon landed was Ha Long, and where the Child Dragons came down was Bai Tu Long. The place where their tails violently wagged was called Long Vi, the today’s Tra Co Peninsula with its soft sandy beach stretching a series of kilometers.”

Gifted Beauty & top sightseeings

In 1962, the Ministry of Culture and Information classified Halong Bay as a National Landscape Site, covering an area of 1,553 km2 with 1,969 islands. Halong Bay has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area for its universal values of landscape, geology and geomorphology, respectively in 1994 and 2000, an area of 434 sq. km. including 775 islands.

The dense cluster of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands within the bay is topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Most of the islands were formed over 500 million years ago, and massed in the Southeast and Southwest. Those in the Southeast have an average height of 50-200m, covering lots of flora. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest grotto in the Ha Long area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles.

Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuan Chau and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants. Both of them have tourist facilities, including hotels and beaches. There are a number of wonderful beaches on the smaller islands. The others are Bai Chay, Ti Top, Minh Chau, Quan Lan and so forth.

Viewed from above, Ha Long Bay looks like an extremely vivid huge drawing, and sailing beneath the bay is like leisuring in between a huge valey on water. Ha Long bay is exactly a wonderfully skillful masterpiece of Nature that turns thousands of dumb soulless stone islands into fantastic sculptural and artistic works of various graceful shapes, both familiar and strange to human beings. Thousands of islands emerging in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands tourists may feel as if they were astrayed in a petrified legendary world.

The names given to the islands were based on their shapes and forms, such as, Human head Island, Sail island, Fighting cocks islands… Inside the stone islands are various breath-taking caves like Thien Cung, Dau Go, Sung Sot, and others. These are really magnificent palace of many huge stalactites hanging poised in mid air and stalagmites growing majestically upwards. Ha Long’s sea is always the same, blue, smooth and still.







What is more, the bay has its own seasoned beauty. In Spring, buds of trees burst on limestone islands. In Summer, it is cool and clean with many sparkling sun rays reflecting from the sea’s surface. In Autumn, especially at night, moonlight illuminates the mountains, making them like gold, inlaid into the earth. In Winter, with pervasive frost, Ha Long is glamorous as “a floating flower basket on smooth wave” (by writer Nguyen Tuan). All of them, stone, water and sky, make the Aesthetic value of Ha Long Bay.

The Bay’s Geological value is evaluated in two ways: by the history of its formation and its karst geomorphology. It is also home to the ancient Viet people beginning from 7,000 to 18,000 years ago, Ha Long’s Cultural − Historical value. Besides, Bio-diversity is an important natural resource, to be well-conserved so as to maintain the ecological balance of the whole region.

Ha Long Bay is undoubtedly not only a national but also a world nature, a magnificient work of Natural Creator. People who are admirers of natural beauty should stand up, pack their luggages, and right away pick up a flight to Ha Long, or else they will soon feel regretful !

>> Cu Lao Cham, the beautiful offshore island

Cu Lao Cham is known as a beautiful island with various wild animals and legendary landscapes.





The large island consists of eight islets, 20 kilometres off the coast from Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province. Cu Lao Cham Island has wonderful sand beaches, forested hills and the sea. With primitive landscape, the island is ideal for camping, swimming and scuba diving to enjoy the corals and beautiful marine life.

At the summer, if you reach for the island by normal boat, it takes 2 and half hour, but only 30 minutes by speed boat. There are 10 guesthouses for tourists who don’t want to spend the night in a tent on the beach. Transport from the mainland to the islet is quite comfortable.

History

Cham islands are supposed to be the first place where Cham people landed, coming to Quang Nam Province from Indonesia (small monuments, dikes and basin to grow up rice on terraces are hidden in the forest, 17th century pagodas and small temples in the two villages). Therefore, being well-known since earlier Cham domination (from 4th to 14th century), the island became one of the main port of Champa Kingdom. Situated some eight miles offshore Hoi An, it was also part of Hoi An historical international trading. From 15th century till the beginning of 20th century, the old city was a meeting point for international vessels and junks.

According to archaeologists, Cu Lao Cham first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. Up to now, Cu Lao Cham has preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th and 20th century. They include the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao. Still, Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. After a three-hour canoe trip, one may hop over to the famed Well of the Cham people.

Topography

The island comprises an archipelago of one large island and seven smaller islands. The largest island - Hon Lao, covering 1,317 ha, is circle shape at the high of 500m. There are nice beaches at Bim and Ong beach. The topography of Cu Lao Cham Island is dominated by two peaks: a 517m peak in the centre of the island and a 326m peak at the western end. Natural forest here covers 532 ha of the nature reserve, equivalent to 35% of the total area, while plantation forest covers a further 30 ha.

Biodiversity values

The island is a place where shelter for value swallow birds. The natural vegetation of the islands is lowland evergreen forest, that is natural with a lot of woods and rare animals.

Scientists report the occurrence of macaques Macaca sp., monitor lizards Varanus sp. and pythons Python sp. To date, 265 vascular plant species have been reported from the nature reserve. Furthermore, a species of swiftlet Collocalia sp. is reported to nest on Hon Kho within the nature reserve.

Cu Lao Cham is also home to salanganes, birds whose nests have long been considered a delicacy by aristocrats and the wealthy. The nests may cost as much as US $4,000 per kilogram. In a beautiful day, tourists are able to see cliffs where salanganes build their nests and talk with salangane-nest takers.

Around the island has a lots of color corals under the water. Situated in a salty-water area, this square-bottom well, amazingly, provides clear fresh water all year round. Enjoyable extras include white-sand, pristine beaches and captivating attractions evocatively named Bai Ong, Bai Bim, Bai Chong, Bai Bac, Suoi Tinh, Cau Mo, Suoi Ong and so on, where tourists can relax, go hunting, fishing even fishing octopuses.

Visiting Cu Lao Cham, you also have chances to view the sea swallows' nests clinging to the towering cliff. Cu Lao Cham wins kudos for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish's fin, abalone, kaki, hind, cholonia's eggs, bird's nests) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-shells).

Moreover, you can take a tour to Lang beach for seeing some interest places as such Au Thuyen-a shelter for boats at bad weather, a 100-year Tay Tang Pagoda remarking the Puddhism that came here for long time ago, Ong temple - a place worshipping a big fish burried here.

Close to Hoi An town, Cu Lao Cham really cherishes high potential for tourism development.

>> Phu Quoc – the largest island of Vietnam

Phu Quoc Island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand. Located off the southern coast of Vietnam and Cambodia, it is the largest island in Vietnam.

The 48 km long and 28 km wide island is closer to the Cambodian mainland than Vietnam. Phu Quoc Island forms a triangular shape and to the west of it is the Long Beach, the longest beach of the island. Most of the accommodations in the island are along this beach. There are other varied accommodations available throughout the island ranging from cheap bungalows to beach resorts. Duong Dong is the largest town in Phu Quoc Island situated to the north of the Long Beach. Even a few years back Phu Quoc was known for its fish sauce. Today it is known as one of the major Vietnam popular destinations.

During the colonial rule of the French and the war with America Phu Quoc Island was used as a prison. Ruins of the prison are visible even today. After Vietnam gained independence in 1975 this island was used as a re-education camp.

Nearly half the island lets you view the unspoilt beauty of nature. Phu Quoc Island is covered with forests and the beaches are deserted creating an enchanting environment in the island. It provides a spectacular view with the perfect fusion of its blue waters, sandy beaches, and beautiful landscapes. In a visit to the island do not forget to view the magical sunset from the beach. The famous beaches in the island, other than the Long Beach, are Bai Dan and Bai Sao. Away from the beaches are the pepper fields, the rain forest, and the Suoi Da Ban river with its waterfalls.

How to get there?


Phu Quoc Island, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, can be reached by both air and boat. It is less than an hour’s journey by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Duong Dong. Vietnam Airlines make nearly four trips to the island everyday. Flights are available from Mekong Delta, Vietnam as well.

A ferry ride can be taken from the Rach Gia to the island. It takes around two and a half hours though it is better to avoid the ferry in rainy seasons.

>> More about Viet Nam country and people

Before a plan to VietNam, to getting Vietnam visa or Vietnam visa on Arrival, this information will be useful for you: 

Vietnam is located on the Eastern part of the Indochina peninsula, bordering China to the North, Laos and Cambodia to the West with a long land border of 4,550 km and facing the Eastern Sea (South China Sea) and the Pacific to the East and the South. Territorial map of mainland Vietnam resembles an S shape, stretching from 23°23' to 8°27' North latitude. Territorial area is estimated to be 331.689 square kilometers and its total length is 1,650 km from the northernmost point to the southernmost point. Its width, stretching from the East coast to the Western border, is about 500 km at the widest part and about 50 km at the narrowest part.




Vietnam is capped by two delta regions at either end of the country - the Red River in the North and Mekong (Cuu Long) in the South, connected by a fertile strip of Central Highlands and the extensive Truong Son Range. Its capital, Hanoi, is situated on the Red River delta. The second largest administrative city, Ho Chi Minh City, is located on the banks of Saigon River in the south.

The total population of Vietnam is over 83 million (as of 2005), of which Vietnamese (Kinh) ethnicity makes up more than 85 per cent, along with 53 ethnic minority groups. Buddhism and Catholicism are Vietnam’s dominant religions, along with other religions, such as Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Protestantism and Muslim.

Climate and Resources

The climate is characterized by strong monsoons, a considerable number of sunny days, high level of rainfall, and high humidity. Although the country lies in the tropics and subtropics, its varying altitudes and latitudes create a diversity of climates. Winter can be quite cold in the north, while the south has equatorial climate all year-round. Vietnam is rich with a variety of mineral resources. Located beneath the subsoil are precious stones, coal, and valuable minerals such as tin, zinc, silver, gold, and antimony. Large deposits of oil and gas are found on both the mainland and offshore islands.

Economy

The important Doi moi (reform) of 1986 provided for major success and significant improvements in our economy. Economic growth and quality of life of the Vietnamese people has been noticeably enhanced. In July 1995 Vietnam was officially admitted to the Association of the South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The country is also a member of many international organizations - the UN, ARF, ASEM, APEC and the Non-Aligned Movement. Vietnam had gained full membership of World Trade Organization (WTO) on Jan. 11, 2007, and became a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on Oct. 16, 2007. The new role of Vietnam has brought about an important opportunity for economic development and integration into the region and the world.

 Performing Art 

The Vietnamese performing arts include various types, such as Cheo (popular theatre), Tuong (classical theatre), Cai Luong (reformed theatre), Water Puppet, court music and dancing, Quan Ho (Folk-song or Love duet of Bac Ninh), Chau Van (Worshipping Ceremonial Songs), Ca Tru (literally "singing for reward"), "Then" singing of the Thai, "Ly" singing of the Southern region people, etc. Among them, the most commonly performed are Cheo, Cai Luong, Water Puppet, "ly" singing and Nha Nhac (refined music), one kind of Court Music.





Fine-art handicraft

Traditional Vietnamese handicraft has a long history and a diverse range of products, which have become well-known at home and abroad. Today, some handicraft industries are still preserved and developed, offering jobs and incomes to many laborers and contributing to exports, like ceramics, silk weaving, lacquer making, rattan & bamboo weaving, conical hat making, bronze casting and woodworking etc.

Amongst traditional crafts, the most salient are Ceramics, Silk, Rattan and bamboo weaving. Vietnam is especially renowned for its finely crafted lacquer objects. Both beautiful and durable, they include wall paintings, vases, jewelry boxes, trays, chessboards, and folding screens. Along with our fine ceramics and delicately embroidered fabrics, these products have captured the imagination of our visitors from abroad.



Tourism

Travel opportunities within Vietnam are plentiful.
Within Hanoi itself, cultural and historical remnants reveal a rich past replete with heroic legacies. World famous Halong Bay in Quang Ninh province is a short 2 hours from the city; its jade-like waters hold 1,969 islands. Halong Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam province have each been declared by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage sites. Nha nhac (the Royal Refined Music) of Hue and the Central Highland gong culture were recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.