halongbay map
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Ha Long tourist week will kick off on April 25 with the theme “Ha Long – A world natural wonder”, the authorities of Quang Ninh province announced on March 11.
The festival, which will last until May 1, is expected to welcome international delegations from China ’s Guang xi, Hainan and Yunnan provinces, Laos’ Luang Prabang province and the Republic of Korea’s Gangwon province.
The opening ceremony on April 26 will feature a floating stage on the sea and a procession of boats and ships.
During the festival, there will be national and international music and dance performances, an international trade fair, a food fair and a beauty contest to find Miss Ha Long 2008.
Ha Long Bay is now one of the top ten areas being voted to be among the “seven new wonders of the world”.
Votes are recorded on website http://www.new7wonders.com launched by the NewOpenWorld.
(Source: VNA)
The festival, which will last until May 1, is expected to welcome international delegations from China ’s Guang xi, Hainan and Yunnan provinces, Laos’ Luang Prabang province and the Republic of Korea’s Gangwon province.
The opening ceremony on April 26 will feature a floating stage on the sea and a procession of boats and ships.
During the festival, there will be national and international music and dance performances, an international trade fair, a food fair and a beauty contest to find Miss Ha Long 2008.
Ha Long Bay is now one of the top ten areas being voted to be among the “seven new wonders of the world”.
Votes are recorded on website http://www.new7wonders.com launched by the NewOpenWorld.
(Source: VNA)
Nearly 5,000 cruise passengers visit Vietnam within a week
On March 10, Costa Allegra carrying 1,150 tourists from Italy, Spain, the UK, France and Belgium docked in Saigon Port to visit Saigon and Danang. Also on the same day, 1,200 passengers of the Superstar Libra spent a day visiting Ha Long Bay under the fixed route of Star Cruises.
On March 11 and 12, the Sage Rose is bringing 800 passengers from the UK on its first voyage to Vietnam visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, and South Western provinces. 9,000 passengers from Germany and Australia will travel from Ha Long Bay on the trans-Vietnam Ha Long – Danang – HCM City route from March 12 to 16.
On March 15 and 17, Saigon Travel Company (Saigontourist) will welcome 8,000 German passengers of Columbus cruises to travel from Nha Trang to Saigon. The passengers will spend two days in HCM City visiting tourist sites such as historical and war museums, Duc Ba Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, Giac Lam Pagoda, My Tho waterway region and Cu Chi historical tunnels.
Within only a week, Saigontourist has greeted five international cruises with about 4,850 tourists. The tourists are mainly from China, the UK, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany and Australia.
(Source: CPV)
On March 11 and 12, the Sage Rose is bringing 800 passengers from the UK on its first voyage to Vietnam visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, and South Western provinces. 9,000 passengers from Germany and Australia will travel from Ha Long Bay on the trans-Vietnam Ha Long – Danang – HCM City route from March 12 to 16.
On March 15 and 17, Saigon Travel Company (Saigontourist) will welcome 8,000 German passengers of Columbus cruises to travel from Nha Trang to Saigon. The passengers will spend two days in HCM City visiting tourist sites such as historical and war museums, Duc Ba Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, Giac Lam Pagoda, My Tho waterway region and Cu Chi historical tunnels.
Within only a week, Saigontourist has greeted five international cruises with about 4,850 tourists. The tourists are mainly from China, the UK, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany and Australia.
(Source: CPV)
250 million USD to build new luxury hotel in Ha Noi
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Ha Noi People’s Committee on March 11 granted a lisence for a new luxury hotel project worth 250 million USD. Under the lisence, CRD Pte Company of Riviera Group and CSK Finance of Japan, will set up the Hoa Sen Hotel Ltd. Co, the five-star hotel complex in Ha Noi’s Tu Liem outlying district.
The complex will include a 15-storey building with 769 hotel rooms, restaurants, sports and recreation areas and a trading centre.
The construction work will start in June and the hotel is expected to be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2010.
(Source: CPV/VNA)
Over 330,000 foreign tourists visit Ha Long
Friday, 14 March 2008
The northern province of Quang Ninh, known for its UNESCO-recognised world heritage site Ha Long Bay, has so far this year welcomed more than 330,000 international tourists, a year-on-year increase of 46 percent.
The strong increase in the number of visitors to the province was attributed to the improvement of services, simplification of official procedures, and efforts to promote the Ha Long Bay, which is in the race to become one of the new seven natural wonders of the world.
In addition, the resumption of a sea route linking China ’s Beihai city and Ha Long city along with regular visits by Star Cruises’ ships to Ha Long Bay have helped bring new prosperity to the province’s tourist industry.
Many large international cruises have made fixed schedules for their ships to carry visitors to Ha Long Bay. For example, the Costa Cruise’s Costa Allegra ship runs a trip to Ha Long every 4-5 days.
Travel agencies this year are preparing to open more tours focusing on local cultural diversity.
(Source: VNA)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Phu Quoc tops list of beautiful and clean beaches
Bai Dai (Long Beach ) in Phu Quoc island district, Viet Nam ’s southern Kien Giang province, has been chosen to top a list of five beautiful and clean beaches, but rarely known in the world. The list of “Hidden Beaches” was completed by the ABC News.
According to the News, From October to March is the best time for a visit to Bai Dai Beach on Phu Quoc island.
The four other Hidden Beaches include Wildcat Beach in California, the US; Pink Beach on Barbuda island in Atlantic Ocean; Cayo Costa State Park on an island off Florida ’s southern Gulf Coast; and Majahuitas Cove in Mexico.
(Source: VNA)
Travel agencies’ tours to Festival Hue 2008
Some 30 local travel agencies have launched tours to the central province of Thua Thieu-Hue to coincide with the Festival Hue 2008 from June 3 to 11.
The tours were developed after the provincial tourism authority and travel agencies surveyed tourists about the province’s attractions and discovered the most popular are Duyet Thi Duong Theatre, singing Hue folk music on the Perfume River, My Khanh Cham Tower, Le Ba Dang Arts Centre, and the ancient village of Phuoc Tich.
According to figures from the province’s Tourism Department, tourist arrivals in the first two months this year hit a record high, despite bad weather, of nearly 200,000, including 124,000 foreign visitors, a year-on-year increase of 43 percent. The largest numbers have been from Thailand, China, Japan and France.
(Source: VNA)
The tours were developed after the provincial tourism authority and travel agencies surveyed tourists about the province’s attractions and discovered the most popular are Duyet Thi Duong Theatre, singing Hue folk music on the Perfume River, My Khanh Cham Tower, Le Ba Dang Arts Centre, and the ancient village of Phuoc Tich.
According to figures from the province’s Tourism Department, tourist arrivals in the first two months this year hit a record high, despite bad weather, of nearly 200,000, including 124,000 foreign visitors, a year-on-year increase of 43 percent. The largest numbers have been from Thailand, China, Japan and France.
(Source: VNA)
Nha Trang launches a campaign to vote for Ha Long Bay as one of new seven wonders
Hundreds of foreign tourists and nearly 400 students from the Nha Trang Teachers College and Khanh Hoa College of Culture, Art and Tourism arrived at the Yasaka-Sai Gon-Nha Trang Hotel on March 8 to vote for Ha Long Bay as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
The hotel has installed 20 computers with Internet connections for tourists and local residents to join the vote till March 10. This is the first tourism agency, which has launched a campaign to vote for Ha Long Bay.
The same day, to mark the International Women’s Day (March 8), Nha Trang entertainment tourism site in central Khanh
Hoa province welcomed more than 7,000 visitors including those from Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan and HCM City. Apart from different kinds of games, the entertainment site will also have a tram and carriage service which was put into operation to meet the tourist’ demand.(Source: VOVNews)
“Vote-for-Ha Long” booth opened
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Embassy in Vietnam opened the “Vote-for-Ha Long” booth at Daewoo Hotel, Hanoi. This was part of a series of activities to help Ha Long to become a new world wonder, supported by the Korean Kumho Asiana Corporation.
Accordingly, a number of programmes with the media will be launched until the end of this year. A promotional program for Ha Long Bay will be organised by Asiana Airline on its planes for Korean tourists.
At the ceremony, Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh called on Vietnamese and foreigners to campaign for the programme to vote for Ha Long, which was twice recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, to become a New World Wonder.
“Ha Long Bay currently ranks first among various nominated wonders, reflecting the Bay’s attractiveness, as well as the efforts to campaign for the Bay to domestic and foreigners alike. This ceremony is a part of such precious efforts.” said the Minister.
Korean Ambassador to Vietnam, Im Hong-Jae said Korea is happy to contribute to efforts to advertise for Ha Long Bay. The success of the campaign will not only help raise the pride of Vietnamese people for the Bay, but can also attract more tourists to Vietnam, bringing in economic benefits.
From February 16th, the Embassy has run a banner on its website in Vietnamese, http://www.hanquocngaynay.com/ to advertise for the Bay, and to help people vote for Ha Long Bay. In the future, the embassy will seek more activities to advertise for Vietnam’s campaign for the bay among the Korean businesses and people living in Vietnam.
(Source: Nhan Dan Online)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Ha Long tourist week to launch in April
Ha Long tourist week will kick off on April 25 with the theme “Ha Long – A world natural wonder”, the authorities of Quang Ninh province announced on March 11.
The festival, which will last until May 1, is expected to welcome international delegations from China ’s Guang xi, Hainan and Yunnan provinces, Laos’ Luang Prabang province and the Republic of Korea’s Gangwon province.
The opening ceremony on April 26 will feature a floating stage on the sea and a procession of boats and ships.
During the festival, there will be national and international music and dance performances, an international trade fair, a food fair and a beauty contest to find Miss Ha Long 2008.
Ha Long Bay is now one of the top ten areas being voted to be among the “seven new wonders of the world”.
Votes are recorded on website “www.new7wonders.com” launched by the NewOpenWorld.
(Source: VNA)
The festival, which will last until May 1, is expected to welcome international delegations from China ’s Guang xi, Hainan and Yunnan provinces, Laos’ Luang Prabang province and the Republic of Korea’s Gangwon province.
The opening ceremony on April 26 will feature a floating stage on the sea and a procession of boats and ships.
During the festival, there will be national and international music and dance performances, an international trade fair, a food fair and a beauty contest to find Miss Ha Long 2008.
Ha Long Bay is now one of the top ten areas being voted to be among the “seven new wonders of the world”.
Votes are recorded on website “www.new7wonders.com” launched by the NewOpenWorld.
(Source: VNA)
Au Lac Resort Reservation
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Au Lac resort hotel is located in the Tuan Chau island, 12 km from Halong bay is the ideal place for you both to visit Halong bay and sea bathing in a special beach.
Parts of MEGA Tuan Chau project has finished are White sandy beach, Au lac resort, Vietnam food garden, and Dolphin showing club, and Crocodile theatre..
Tuan Chau beach with man-made sandbank will bring you excellent felling while sea bathing & admiring a mankind. We also wonder how long and how work had been done to deliver white sand from Tra co - 300 km far from Halong to made a man made beach.
Rooms
The resort consist of 10 villas, at which there are 10 deluxe rooms in two floors plus one guide room. At each villa, there also receptionist, 2 lounges. All rooms feature: AC, mini bar, TV in-house movie, IDD phones, Bathroom, Hair dryer, Tea/coffee making facilities, In-room safe, Control panel, well-apointed furniture and amenities qualify for a five star international resort, magnificent views of Halong Bay.
Superior Garden view: 36 rooms at 32 m2 with garden view only.
Superior Sea view: 16 rooms with balcony viewing Halong bay
Deluxe Sea view: 2 deluxe rooms with team bath in room.
Part of Au lac resort consist of 49 villas on Romantic hill will be open in late 2004. The Hill Villas include Superior and deluxe guestrooms, apartments for family and executive suites comfortably furnished to the concept of traditional house will represent a reminiscence of Old An Nam dating back to the 17th and 18th century.
Facilities & services
Restaurants: The Vietnamese food area was established with original architecture style in rich of national identity. It was reproduced in the imperial palace style during the 17 & 18 centuries. The food area in the total amount of 20,000 square meters with 14 apartments that can satisfy 5,000 guests at a time.The food area was divided into 3 sections: Ngoc Chau area - where you can enjoy food while also enjoy traditional dances and olk music songs. Thuy Dinh - where five layer waterfall that likes a silk ribbon is your place. Among food area, Peach garden is the only area equipped with AC system. Although it is completed construction, the restaurants still close at this moment, only small restaurant is served at Au lac resort.
Entertainment: Dolphin show club and Crocodile theatre near by, is the most attractive for your children. The Dolphin is showed 3 times per day at 9.30, 15.00, 20.00 at every day in a week, except Monday.
Facilities: Out door swimming pool, Massage center; Sauna/Steam bath; Fitness room; Karaoke, Tennis court, Parking place, Tour operation office.
Email & Internet service
Visa/Master card accepted
Add: Tuan Chau Island - Quang Ninh - VietNam
Tel: (+84-4) - 7164132
Email: info@hotelvietnamonline.com
Tuan Chau beach with man-made sandbank will bring you excellent felling while sea bathing & admiring a mankind. We also wonder how long and how work had been done to deliver white sand from Tra co - 300 km far from Halong to made a man made beach.
Rooms
The resort consist of 10 villas, at which there are 10 deluxe rooms in two floors plus one guide room. At each villa, there also receptionist, 2 lounges. All rooms feature: AC, mini bar, TV in-house movie, IDD phones, Bathroom, Hair dryer, Tea/coffee making facilities, In-room safe, Control panel, well-apointed furniture and amenities qualify for a five star international resort, magnificent views of Halong Bay.
Superior Garden view: 36 rooms at 32 m2 with garden view only. Superior Sea view: 16 rooms with balcony viewing Halong bay
Deluxe Sea view: 2 deluxe rooms with team bath in room.
Part of Au lac resort consist of 49 villas on Romantic hill will be open in late 2004. The Hill Villas include Superior and deluxe guestrooms, apartments for family and executive suites comfortably furnished to the concept of traditional house will represent a reminiscence of Old An Nam dating back to the 17th and 18th century.
Facilities & services
Restaurants: The Vietnamese food area was established with original architecture style in rich of national identity. It was reproduced in the imperial palace style during the 17 & 18 centuries. The food area in the total amount of 20,000 square meters with 14 apartments that can satisfy 5,000 guests at a time.The food area was divided into 3 sections: Ngoc Chau area - where you can enjoy food while also enjoy traditional dances and olk music songs. Thuy Dinh - where five layer waterfall that likes a silk ribbon is your place. Among food area, Peach garden is the only area equipped with AC system. Although it is completed construction, the restaurants still close at this moment, only small restaurant is served at Au lac resort.
Entertainment: Dolphin show club and Crocodile theatre near by, is the most attractive for your children. The Dolphin is showed 3 times per day at 9.30, 15.00, 20.00 at every day in a week, except Monday.Facilities: Out door swimming pool, Massage center; Sauna/Steam bath; Fitness room; Karaoke, Tennis court, Parking place, Tour operation office.
Email & Internet service
Visa/Master card accepted
Add: Tuan Chau Island - Quang Ninh - VietNam
Tel: (+84-4) - 7164132
Email: info@hotelvietnamonline.com
Author: vietnamtravelguide
Halong Dream Hotel
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Halong Dream Hotel is overlooking the magnificient view of Halong Bay, two times acclaimed as the World Heritage by the UNESCO. The hotel is situated right in the center of culture, socio-economic and entertainmant of Halong City.
Number of rooms : 184
Struturally, the 15 floor building of Halong Dream Hotel was designed with the characteristic of the traditional French architectural style and well furnished with the wooden interior which create a cozy atmosphere. Here you will be satisfied with modern facilities and excellent service.
Rooms
184 guest rooms and suites are equipped with coffee and tea facilities, control panel, refrigerator, multi-channel satellite television reception, mini-bar, IDD, individual controlled air conditioning and safe deposit... ..
Superior : (34m2)
Deluxe : (38m2)
Junior Suite: (49m2)
Executive Suite : (72m2)
Facilities & services
Restaurants and Bars
Hanoi Restaurant (open from 6a.m to midnight) serves an array of international cuisines and daily buffet with the capacity of up to 400 seats. The VIP rooms are for groups from 10 to 30 people.
The cozy Trang An Bar Cafe located at the mezzanine floor is the place for entertainment and enjoying different style of cocktails. Open from 10.00a.m to midnight.
The Lobby Lounge is also a nice place to enjoy coffee or tea with fresh baked parties.
In the Poolside area, selected international snack and popular fastfood are available. It is also an ideal place for open air parties.
Business Center
The Halong Dream Hotel Business Center, operated by our professional and dedicated staff, offers complete communication facilities include computers with ADSL internet connection, fax machine, photocopy machine, telephone, etc. Customers also can find information of tours, air fairs or excecutive meeting room.
Banquet and Function
Halong Dream Hotel's meeting and banquet facilities provide a choice of rooms for small or large groups.
The ball room is ideal for conferences, banquet or exhibitions with the capacity of up to 300 seats. Banquet and Function rooms located in the function floor is perfect for groups from 30 to 200 persons.
Besides, the executive meeting room located at the lobby is ideal for board meetings or interviews with the convenient space for 12 people.
Recreation
Relaxing and keeping fitness while staying in the Halong Dream Hotel are always regarded as chief aspects. Here in the hotel, we offer a system for fitness: the outdoor swimming pool, the gymnasium, another for leisure such as:sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, foot and body massage, etc.
Some other types of entertainment are available when required
Add: Halong Road, Bai Chay Beach Halong City, Quang Ninh Vietnam
Tel: (+84-4) - 7164132
Email: info@hotelvietnamonline.com
184 guest rooms and suites are equipped with coffee and tea facilities, control panel, refrigerator, multi-channel satellite television reception, mini-bar, IDD, individual controlled air conditioning and safe deposit... ..Superior : (34m2)
Deluxe : (38m2)
Junior Suite: (49m2)
Executive Suite : (72m2)
Facilities & services
Restaurants and Bars
Hanoi Restaurant (open from 6a.m to midnight) serves an array of international cuisines and daily buffet with the capacity of up to 400 seats. The VIP rooms are for groups from 10 to 30 people.
The cozy Trang An Bar Cafe located at the mezzanine floor is the place for entertainment and enjoying different style of cocktails. Open from 10.00a.m to midnight.
The Lobby Lounge is also a nice place to enjoy coffee or tea with fresh baked parties.
In the Poolside area, selected international snack and popular fastfood are available. It is also an ideal place for open air parties.
Business Center
The Halong Dream Hotel Business Center, operated by our professional and dedicated staff, offers complete communication facilities include computers with ADSL internet connection, fax machine, photocopy machine, telephone, etc. Customers also can find information of tours, air fairs or excecutive meeting room.
Banquet and Function
Halong Dream Hotel's meeting and banquet facilities provide a choice of rooms for small or large groups.The ball room is ideal for conferences, banquet or exhibitions with the capacity of up to 300 seats. Banquet and Function rooms located in the function floor is perfect for groups from 30 to 200 persons.
Besides, the executive meeting room located at the lobby is ideal for board meetings or interviews with the convenient space for 12 people.
Recreation
Relaxing and keeping fitness while staying in the Halong Dream Hotel are always regarded as chief aspects. Here in the hotel, we offer a system for fitness: the outdoor swimming pool, the gymnasium, another for leisure such as:sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, foot and body massage, etc.
Some other types of entertainment are available when required
Add: Halong Road, Bai Chay Beach Halong City, Quang Ninh Vietnam
Tel: (+84-4) - 7164132
Email: info@hotelvietnamonline.com
Author: vietnamtravelguide
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Bach Dang Halong Hotel
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Bach Dang Hotel is located by Ha Long Bay which is famous beauty spot recognized as the world heritage by UNESCO twice.
Bach Dang Hotel consists of 82 international standard rooms are housed in a new 7 story building and an adjacent, older building.
The hotel is located opposite Halong Ferry Station, past a channel to Halong city. About 1.5 km to Bai Chay Post Office and 15 minutes drive to Halong Jetty. Only 100 m to the bus station and 2 km to the Halong Royal Park and the Halong Casino.
Rooms
1 Bach Dang hotel is a three star, seven storey hotel consisting of 82 rooms with their overall view over Ha Long Bay.
* air conditioning
* IDD telephone
* Tivi
* Ensuite toillets
* In - house internet access
* Satellite TV with International channels
*Individual controlled air-conditioning
* Private bathroom with bath-tub or shower
* Hair-dryer (on request)
* Coffee/tea making facilities
* Mini-bar and refrigerator
* Non-smoking room available
Standard: twin and double rooms with an area of 22m2. All rooms are carpeted and have a big window overlooking Halong Bay. The rooms are clean and airy.
Deluxe: feature double and twin bed rooms. There are 22 rooms with private bathroom with shower and 38 rooms with bathtub. All the rooms have a big window or balcony facing either the sea or the town. Triple occupancy is available.
Facilities & Services
Bach Dang hotel has two elevators, meeting rooms, bars, service centers, souvenir shops, spacious, convenient and safe parking lots under shady century-old trees rows.
Bach Dang Hotel's Amenities
24-hour room service
Restaurant and Bar service
Banquet facilities
Sauna and Massage service
Internet access in hotel
Souvenir/Gift shop
Business Center
Travel tour arrangement
Foreign currency exchange
Laundry & dry-cleaning service
Car/Motor/Bicycle rental service
Restaurent :
Rich menu of Asean - European food.
Vietnamese traditional taste.
Bach Dang Hotel has small and big sized up to 200 - seated restaurants serving various delicious dishes which suit with customer's different tastes and appetites.
Add: 2 Ha Long Road - Ha Long City - Quang Ninh
Tel: (+84-4) - 7164132
Rooms
1 Bach Dang hotel is a three star, seven storey hotel consisting of 82 rooms with their overall view over Ha Long Bay.* air conditioning
* IDD telephone
* Tivi
* Ensuite toillets
* In - house internet access
* Satellite TV with International channels
*Individual controlled air-conditioning
* Private bathroom with bath-tub or shower
* Hair-dryer (on request)
* Coffee/tea making facilities
* Mini-bar and refrigerator
* Non-smoking room available
Standard: twin and double rooms with an area of 22m2. All rooms are carpeted and have a big window overlooking Halong Bay. The rooms are clean and airy.
Deluxe: feature double and twin bed rooms. There are 22 rooms with private bathroom with shower and 38 rooms with bathtub. All the rooms have a big window or balcony facing either the sea or the town. Triple occupancy is available.
Facilities & Services
Bach Dang hotel has two elevators, meeting rooms, bars, service centers, souvenir shops, spacious, convenient and safe parking lots under shady century-old trees rows.Bach Dang Hotel's Amenities
24-hour room service
Restaurant and Bar service
Banquet facilities
Sauna and Massage service
Internet access in hotel
Souvenir/Gift shop
Business Center
Travel tour arrangement
Foreign currency exchange
Laundry & dry-cleaning service
Car/Motor/Bicycle rental service
Restaurent :
Rich menu of Asean - European food.Vietnamese traditional taste.
Bach Dang Hotel has small and big sized up to 200 - seated restaurants serving various delicious dishes which suit with customer's different tastes and appetites.
Add: 2 Ha Long Road - Ha Long City - Quang Ninh
Tel: (+84-4) - 7164132
Author: vietnamtravelguide.com
Monday, March 10, 2008
Village Life: Vietnam's Hill Tribes
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| Children of the Black Hmong tribe greet visitors |
Traversing the northern slopes of the immense valley, we could see our next destination below, along the swiftly flowing river. Ban Ho village was tucked away in lush tropical vegetation of bamboo and palms. Homes were simple, square or rectangular one-room structures constructed of a mix of strong thatch and wood, stilted to protect farm animals that lived below.
We were entertained by a mama pig wandering, her piglets in tow, below one of these homes. Nearby, a young woman bent over an immense caldron of steaming white rice, preparing the midday meal for the small community of family homes, while the piglets maneuvered their way through the cooking area.
Mid-afternoon, after a leisurely lunch along the banks of the Muong Hoa, we continued our hike. A long, beige, dust-covered concrete building drew us from the winding trail. Deep within its walls, we could faintly hear young voices reciting the ABCs. Thang noted that mastering English is a prized accomplishment for the youth of Vietnam today, as they seek a secure future. Reaching the building, we cautiously peered through one of several open doorways.
Worn wooden desks lined the small room, with two children per desk huddled over books. We counted 10 children who couldn’t be much more than six years of age. A young woman who looked no older than 20 stood in front of the room as the children intently read aloud. We stood quietly in the doorway as we watched.
Then we were discovered. The grins of the children gave way to a round of giggles as they shyly peered up from their books. Without missing a beat, they continued repeating the words of their teacher. “DOG.” “Dog.” “BALL.” “Ball.” A bell rang and their recitation stopped. The children were instantly on their feet, hurriedly making their way outside through open doorways.
It was their midday break, and now the children could follow us, at least for a little way, as we continued on the path to the next village. Hand in hand, the children walked at a safe distance behind us. The giggle of innocent excitement serenaded our journey.
Up ahead a group of women dressed in the bright reds of the Red Zhao village awaited our arrival to display their wares. The most assertive of all the hill-tribe villagers, these women had a mission: To sell us the fruits of their labors. With friendly smiles, the women invited us into their homes to view their crafts.
The dark, wooden huts with dirt floors were simply laid out. A mattress on the floor in one corner, a cooking pit in another, and a sitting area with just enough small wooden chairs for the family was at the center of the home. Here is where the negotiations began.
Brightly woven purses and shawls suddenly appeared. Several of the Red Zhao women begged for our attention. “Good price for you” they said, in English. Asking what that price might be, we learned that $1 US was the special for that day. Banter back and forth, many friendly smiles and an occasional word from Thang helped us to our final negotiation of two beautiful needlepoint purses for $1.
All of us were happy with the exchange. We gathered our things and went on our way. As we looked back along the trail, the village women and children waved at us with big smiles.
Each turn of the trail brought us to yet to another wonder of this region. The spirit of this culture, deep within the valley, touched our hearts. It was only the first day, and our journey had just begun.
If You Go
Vietnam Travel Tips
November through February is the best time to visit Vietnam. The northern cities of Sapa and Hanoi are clear and cool during this time. The central cities of Danang and Hoi An are pleasantly warm, while the southern cities of Saigon and Can Tho are warming up, but are not yet the steamy temperatures of the spring and summer season.
Soul Adventures offers two-week adventure tours for small groups spanning the entire country of Vietnam in December and January, as well as custom tours, upon request. Prices include 4- to 5-star accommodations, all in-country transportation, meals and fees for activities. Pre-and post-trip excursions to Cambodia can also be arranged. Small-group travel and meticulously planned details ensure a quality experience.
Mid-afternoon, after a leisurely lunch along the banks of the Muong Hoa, we continued our hike. A long, beige, dust-covered concrete building drew us from the winding trail. Deep within its walls, we could faintly hear young voices reciting the ABCs. Thang noted that mastering English is a prized accomplishment for the youth of Vietnam today, as they seek a secure future. Reaching the building, we cautiously peered through one of several open doorways.
Worn wooden desks lined the small room, with two children per desk huddled over books. We counted 10 children who couldn’t be much more than six years of age. A young woman who looked no older than 20 stood in front of the room as the children intently read aloud. We stood quietly in the doorway as we watched.
Then we were discovered. The grins of the children gave way to a round of giggles as they shyly peered up from their books. Without missing a beat, they continued repeating the words of their teacher. “DOG.” “Dog.” “BALL.” “Ball.” A bell rang and their recitation stopped. The children were instantly on their feet, hurriedly making their way outside through open doorways.
It was their midday break, and now the children could follow us, at least for a little way, as we continued on the path to the next village. Hand in hand, the children walked at a safe distance behind us. The giggle of innocent excitement serenaded our journey.
Up ahead a group of women dressed in the bright reds of the Red Zhao village awaited our arrival to display their wares. The most assertive of all the hill-tribe villagers, these women had a mission: To sell us the fruits of their labors. With friendly smiles, the women invited us into their homes to view their crafts.
The dark, wooden huts with dirt floors were simply laid out. A mattress on the floor in one corner, a cooking pit in another, and a sitting area with just enough small wooden chairs for the family was at the center of the home. Here is where the negotiations began.
Brightly woven purses and shawls suddenly appeared. Several of the Red Zhao women begged for our attention. “Good price for you” they said, in English. Asking what that price might be, we learned that $1 US was the special for that day. Banter back and forth, many friendly smiles and an occasional word from Thang helped us to our final negotiation of two beautiful needlepoint purses for $1.
All of us were happy with the exchange. We gathered our things and went on our way. As we looked back along the trail, the village women and children waved at us with big smiles.
Each turn of the trail brought us to yet to another wonder of this region. The spirit of this culture, deep within the valley, touched our hearts. It was only the first day, and our journey had just begun.
If You Go
Vietnam Travel Tips
November through February is the best time to visit Vietnam. The northern cities of Sapa and Hanoi are clear and cool during this time. The central cities of Danang and Hoi An are pleasantly warm, while the southern cities of Saigon and Can Tho are warming up, but are not yet the steamy temperatures of the spring and summer season.
Soul Adventures offers two-week adventure tours for small groups spanning the entire country of Vietnam in December and January, as well as custom tours, upon request. Prices include 4- to 5-star accommodations, all in-country transportation, meals and fees for activities. Pre-and post-trip excursions to Cambodia can also be arranged. Small-group travel and meticulously planned details ensure a quality experience.
Author: www.goworldtravel.com
Tuan Chau Resort
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As a World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay is famous for its natural beauty and warm hospitality. And like a heart of the Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau island has opened its doors to travelers looking for all of the most beautiful scenes here. And in purpose to get a best serve to travelers from all the countries in the world, Tuan chau Resort has been built on the most beautiful area of the island, offers 238 rooms and suites overlooking the breathtaking view of the Bay and providing guests with excellent services and facilities.
After having a hard day looking at the beauty of Ha Long Bay, the visitors can enjoy dinners with Vietnamese traditional dances and folk songs performed by artists from all over the country in the Culinary Garden Restaurant - the one can accommodate up to 2.500 guests and is an ideal place for special events.
Please contact us right now for unforgettable time of your life staying at Tuan Chau Resort at:
Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long City - Quang Ninh Province
Tel: (84 33)842 999
Fax: (84 33)842 333
Hanoi Office: Unit 301, Hanoi Tung Shing Square, 2 Ngo Quyen Str.
Tel: (84 4) 9351380
Fax: (84 4) 9351381
And you can find more information in our website:www.tuanchauresort.com.vn
source from www.vietnamtravelguide.com
Charming Bai Tu Long Bay
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Ha Long has long been famous for its picturesque natural landscapes and has been one of the most attractive destinations of Vietnam's tourism. When visiting Ha Long, visitors should not miss the chance to admire the charming Bai Tu Long Bay.
With long and smooth sand banks and clear water waves, Bai Tu Long Bay is associated with the graceful and sweet beauty of a teen-aged girl.
The bay also attracts a growing number of domestic and foreign visitors to its historical and cultural sites, rare and precious specialties, and the archipelago's unspoiled beauty.
There is a legend about the archipelago that in the old days when the Vietnam was attacked by foreign invaders, the God sent a mother dragon and its babies to support the Vietnamese people. The dragons immediately blew out myriad pearls and gems that turned into grand rock mountains as a solid citadel to protect the Vietnam. After the foreign invaders were pushed away, the mother dragon and its babies did not return to the heaven but stayed in the lower world. The land where the mother dragon landed was then called Ha Long, and where the baby dragons landed called Bai Tu Long. The area where the dragon tails lashed was called Long Vi, nowadays Tra Co Peninsula, which consists of many long and smooth sand banks.
There are hundreds of islets rising from the water and many quirkily shaped rock mountains on Bai Tu Long Bay's site. Touring Bai Tu Long Bay, a day is not enough for visitors to discover these mysterious islets. Bai Tu Long National Park can also bring great surprises, and is one of the most desirable stopovers for visitors making a trip to Bai Tu Long Bay.
The Bai Tu Long National Park was formerly the 20km long and 1.5km wide Ba Mun Island. That island is part of Van Don District, some 60km away from Bai Chay Beach. The long island serves as a solid breakwater, preserving peaceful life for the whole region. The island is in fact a thick primitive forest consisting of two vegetation layers. The primeval layer consists of rare and precious woods like ironwood, teakwood, and canary-wood, while the second layer includes valuable herbs like araliaceous bark and rhubarb plant.
The Ba Mun primitive forest is the habitat of a variety of fauna. Spotted deer with their smooth fur are the most famous species. After showers when the weather turns fine, spotted deer often go to the forest edge to pick fresh buds that were washed by rainwater. The view from afar is excellent.
Visitors can reach the Bai Tu Long National Park by road from Bai Chay Beach or more romantically by speedboat. After tours, visitors can relax at stilt-houses near the water offering a wide range of food and drink.
Visitors can also call on a fishing village at Minh Chau Island or drop in on Cai Lang, the oldest village in the island with its clear-water Nang Tien (Fairy) Well. People once said that the girls' hair would grow longer and blacker if they used water from the well to wash it.
Taking advantage of Bai Tu Long Bay's attractions, many domestic travel companies both at home and abroad offer tours to the site. One of the best-selling tours brings visitors to the Bai Tu Long National Park, a fishing village at Minh Chau Island, Cai Lang, Thong Thien Cave, Phat Co Island, and finally returns to the shore to call at Cua Ong Temple and Van Hoa Port. Visitors can also go through thick forests to reach the habitat of ethnic minority groups (Dao Do, Tay, and San Diu minorities) and enjoy authentic local dishes.
source from www.vietnamtravelguide.com
The bay also attracts a growing number of domestic and foreign visitors to its historical and cultural sites, rare and precious specialties, and the archipelago's unspoiled beauty.
There is a legend about the archipelago that in the old days when the Vietnam was attacked by foreign invaders, the God sent a mother dragon and its babies to support the Vietnamese people. The dragons immediately blew out myriad pearls and gems that turned into grand rock mountains as a solid citadel to protect the Vietnam. After the foreign invaders were pushed away, the mother dragon and its babies did not return to the heaven but stayed in the lower world. The land where the mother dragon landed was then called Ha Long, and where the baby dragons landed called Bai Tu Long. The area where the dragon tails lashed was called Long Vi, nowadays Tra Co Peninsula, which consists of many long and smooth sand banks.
There are hundreds of islets rising from the water and many quirkily shaped rock mountains on Bai Tu Long Bay's site. Touring Bai Tu Long Bay, a day is not enough for visitors to discover these mysterious islets. Bai Tu Long National Park can also bring great surprises, and is one of the most desirable stopovers for visitors making a trip to Bai Tu Long Bay.
The Bai Tu Long National Park was formerly the 20km long and 1.5km wide Ba Mun Island. That island is part of Van Don District, some 60km away from Bai Chay Beach. The long island serves as a solid breakwater, preserving peaceful life for the whole region. The island is in fact a thick primitive forest consisting of two vegetation layers. The primeval layer consists of rare and precious woods like ironwood, teakwood, and canary-wood, while the second layer includes valuable herbs like araliaceous bark and rhubarb plant.
The Ba Mun primitive forest is the habitat of a variety of fauna. Spotted deer with their smooth fur are the most famous species. After showers when the weather turns fine, spotted deer often go to the forest edge to pick fresh buds that were washed by rainwater. The view from afar is excellent.
Visitors can reach the Bai Tu Long National Park by road from Bai Chay Beach or more romantically by speedboat. After tours, visitors can relax at stilt-houses near the water offering a wide range of food and drink.
Visitors can also call on a fishing village at Minh Chau Island or drop in on Cai Lang, the oldest village in the island with its clear-water Nang Tien (Fairy) Well. People once said that the girls' hair would grow longer and blacker if they used water from the well to wash it.
Taking advantage of Bai Tu Long Bay's attractions, many domestic travel companies both at home and abroad offer tours to the site. One of the best-selling tours brings visitors to the Bai Tu Long National Park, a fishing village at Minh Chau Island, Cai Lang, Thong Thien Cave, Phat Co Island, and finally returns to the shore to call at Cua Ong Temple and Van Hoa Port. Visitors can also go through thick forests to reach the habitat of ethnic minority groups (Dao Do, Tay, and San Diu minorities) and enjoy authentic local dishes.
source from www.vietnamtravelguide.com
a few introductory halongbay
One of the world’s natural wonders, (and a common backdrop for films set in Vietnam), Halong Bay features more than one thousand awesome limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes along the 120-km coastline of Bai Chay Beach.
Its waters are host to a great diversity of ecosystems including offshore coral reefs, freshwater swamp forests, mangrove forests, small freshwater lakes, and sandy beaches. The folk tale has it that the dragons descended from heaven to help locals by spitting jewels and jade to the sea, forming a natural fortress against invaders; these precious stones are represented by the lush green outcrops. Several islands boast beautiful grottos and caves with contiguous chambers, hidden ponds and peculiar stone formations.
The bay is about 160 kilometers northeast of Hanoi and accessed by road. Several travel agents in Hanoi offer overnight packages that include a selection of boating excursions from Chinese junks to kayaks.
Baichay Beach
Baichay Beach may not be the nicest beach but it is certainly the busiest one in Halong Bay. This is mainly because it has a pier where travelers board a boat for a leisure cruise along the bay. Local hotels and shops spread along its beach road.
Caves and grottos in Halong Bay
In Vietnam and many parts in Asia, it is common that some natural wonders and attractions are attached with folk stories and fables. In Halong Bay, many grottos, caves, stalagmites and stalactites have their own stories that explain how they got eccentric shapes and structures.
Hang Trinh Nu (Virgin Cave)
Hang Trinh Nu is known as the Mid Gate cave. It is also known as the Virgin Cave. The name comes from a stone statue lying atop a flat surface of the cave. The story has it that a poor but beautiful young woman was forced to marry an old mandarin who captured her from her family. She managed to escape but did not want to go home because of the fear of retaliation. Finally, she went to the cave and committed suicide. Her body then turned into the stone statue in that cave
The Virgin cave has tunnels that crisscross the island for approximately 2 kilometres. There are many chambers along the tunnels. All are unique in their beauty.
Hang Sung sot Cave
Located on the same island as the Virgin cave, Sung Sot cave is said to be the most beautiful - Sung Sot means astonishment or awe in Vietnamese. The path to Sung Sot is quite steep and flanked with trees. The cave is comprised of 2 chambers. The outer chamber, which is referred to as the waiting room, is square and approximately 30 metres high. The walls of the chamber are very smooth and generate a range of colors that blend with its surroundings.
The inner chamber is known as the serene castle. Inside the chamber are stalactites and stalagmites that come in a variety of forms from conversing sentries to animals in varying poses. It is up to your imagination. Many visitors are impressed by the reflection of the water that caused the formation of images inside the chamber.
Hang Dau Go (Flowers on Stone)
Dau Go Cave is not only known for its beauty but also famed for its historical tie to the Vietnamese history. The most famous of all grottoes in Ha Long Bay, Hang Dau Go Cave has been visited by many high rank local officials or even a Vietnamese king.
The history of the cave dates back to 1288 when a Vietnamese general Tran Hung Dao fought against the Mongolian troops. He dispatched a convoy to cut wood from this region to make wooden stakes and hid them in Dau Go cave. The stakes were then embedded in Bach Dang River to form a barrier. The Mongolian soldiers were then tricked into the river. They got stuck in these wooden stakes and drowned. The cave was also used as a base where the general hid his force during the war.
Indeed, Dau Go Cave is a part of a huge limestone islet 8 kilometres south of Baichay Beach. It has 90 rocky steps that lead to the entrance. The cave’s outer chamber is the largest one that can accommodate up to 400 people. It has the most impressive stalagmites and stalactites - some are as tall as 20 metres.
The cave’s middle chamber has a round crystal like structure on the path that, when struck by light, emits a kaleidoscope of light that is both remarkable and unique. The inner chamber- the smallest one - has colorful stalagmites, stalactites and water filled stone wells.
Author: circleofasia.com
The bay is about 160 kilometers northeast of Hanoi and accessed by road. Several travel agents in Hanoi offer overnight packages that include a selection of boating excursions from Chinese junks to kayaks.
Baichay Beach
Baichay Beach may not be the nicest beach but it is certainly the busiest one in Halong Bay. This is mainly because it has a pier where travelers board a boat for a leisure cruise along the bay. Local hotels and shops spread along its beach road.
Caves and grottos in Halong Bay
In Vietnam and many parts in Asia, it is common that some natural wonders and attractions are attached with folk stories and fables. In Halong Bay, many grottos, caves, stalagmites and stalactites have their own stories that explain how they got eccentric shapes and structures.
Hang Trinh Nu (Virgin Cave)
Hang Trinh Nu is known as the Mid Gate cave. It is also known as the Virgin Cave. The name comes from a stone statue lying atop a flat surface of the cave. The story has it that a poor but beautiful young woman was forced to marry an old mandarin who captured her from her family. She managed to escape but did not want to go home because of the fear of retaliation. Finally, she went to the cave and committed suicide. Her body then turned into the stone statue in that cave
The Virgin cave has tunnels that crisscross the island for approximately 2 kilometres. There are many chambers along the tunnels. All are unique in their beauty.
Hang Sung sot Cave
Located on the same island as the Virgin cave, Sung Sot cave is said to be the most beautiful - Sung Sot means astonishment or awe in Vietnamese. The path to Sung Sot is quite steep and flanked with trees. The cave is comprised of 2 chambers. The outer chamber, which is referred to as the waiting room, is square and approximately 30 metres high. The walls of the chamber are very smooth and generate a range of colors that blend with its surroundings.
The inner chamber is known as the serene castle. Inside the chamber are stalactites and stalagmites that come in a variety of forms from conversing sentries to animals in varying poses. It is up to your imagination. Many visitors are impressed by the reflection of the water that caused the formation of images inside the chamber.
Hang Dau Go (Flowers on Stone)
Dau Go Cave is not only known for its beauty but also famed for its historical tie to the Vietnamese history. The most famous of all grottoes in Ha Long Bay, Hang Dau Go Cave has been visited by many high rank local officials or even a Vietnamese king.
The history of the cave dates back to 1288 when a Vietnamese general Tran Hung Dao fought against the Mongolian troops. He dispatched a convoy to cut wood from this region to make wooden stakes and hid them in Dau Go cave. The stakes were then embedded in Bach Dang River to form a barrier. The Mongolian soldiers were then tricked into the river. They got stuck in these wooden stakes and drowned. The cave was also used as a base where the general hid his force during the war.
Indeed, Dau Go Cave is a part of a huge limestone islet 8 kilometres south of Baichay Beach. It has 90 rocky steps that lead to the entrance. The cave’s outer chamber is the largest one that can accommodate up to 400 people. It has the most impressive stalagmites and stalactites - some are as tall as 20 metres.
The cave’s middle chamber has a round crystal like structure on the path that, when struck by light, emits a kaleidoscope of light that is both remarkable and unique. The inner chamber- the smallest one - has colorful stalagmites, stalactites and water filled stone wells.
Author: circleofasia.com
Lim Festival
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Time: The 13th day of the first lunar month.
Place: Lim Hill, Lim Town, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province.
Objects of worship: Lady King and Hieu Trung Hau, the two legendary patriarchs of quan ho tunes.
Characteristics: Quan ho singing on the hills, boats or at home.
"Quan Ho" is a special folk song of Kinh Bac Province, now called Bac Ninh Province. The festival takes place on Lim Hill where the Lim Pagoda is located. This pagoda is
where Mr. Hieu Trung Hau, the man who invented Quan Ho, is worshipped. The Lim Festival takes place every year on 13th day of the first lunar month. Visitors come to enjoy the festival and see the performances of "lien anh" and "lien chi". These are male and female farmers who sing different types of songs in the pagodas, on the hills, and in the boats.
Besides this, visitors can come to the Lim Festival to enjoy the weaving competition of the Noi Due girls. They weave and sing Quan Ho songs at the same time. Like other religious festivals, the Lim Festival goes through all the ritual stages, from the procession to the worshipping ceremony, and includes other activities. The Lim Festival is a special cultural activity in the North. The festival celebrates the "Quan Ho" folk song which has become a part of the national culture and a typical folk song that is well loved in the Red River Delta region.
Author: vietnamtourism.com
where Mr. Hieu Trung Hau, the man who invented Quan Ho, is worshipped. The Lim Festival takes place every year on 13th day of the first lunar month. Visitors come to enjoy the festival and see the performances of "lien anh" and "lien chi". These are male and female farmers who sing different types of songs in the pagodas, on the hills, and in the boats.Besides this, visitors can come to the Lim Festival to enjoy the weaving competition of the Noi Due girls. They weave and sing Quan Ho songs at the same time. Like other religious festivals, the Lim Festival goes through all the ritual stages, from the procession to the worshipping ceremony, and includes other activities. The Lim Festival is a special cultural activity in the North. The festival celebrates the "Quan Ho" folk song which has become a part of the national culture and a typical folk song that is well loved in the Red River Delta region.
Author: vietnamtourism.com
Long Tong Festival
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Time: Early in spring, often from the 5th to the 15th day of the first lunar month.
Place: In the village, in the field, near the stream.
Objects of worship: Village gods, Mountain and Stream gods.
Characteristics: Traditional belief and the cult of fecundity.
Participators: The Tay people and other ethnic groups.
Contents: Praying for all the good things, con throwing, xoe dancing.
The villagers erect an U-shaped altar from bamboo. The bottom of the letter U faces the east. The altar is one meter high and 40 centimeter wide.
The offerings of the village are placed on the altar, which include a bowl of water, a plate of red sticky rice, a plate of yellow sticky rice (the red one symbolizes the sun and the yellow one symbolizes the moon), a boiled chicken, grilled fish, a bowl of boiled chicken blood, a sharp knife, a roll of newly-woven cloth, two yellow paper fish, two red paper owls, two racemes of flowers made from parched rice and fruits. The offerings of the families and of the newcomers are also put on the altar. These offerings only include food without a bowl of water, a knife and a dish of chicken's blood.
The opening ceremony begins as a roll of gong beats resounds. The sorcerer performs the rituals to pray for lushly green rice with firm grains, good animal husbandry and good health to everybody. The sorcerer holds the bowl of water in one hand, and the knife in the other hand. He moves the knife four times above the water bowl and draw horizontal and vertical lines according to four directions of the east, west, south and north. When the sorcerer finishes the rites at the altar, he continues to conduct the rituals at con tree (a tall bamboo pole). After he says his prayers, he tosses two con balls into the air so that young men compete to catch them. Anyone who catches a ball first will be the first to take part in the game. Participants have to throw the ball through the bamboo ring. Successful competitor is the one whose ball pierces through the sheet paper covering the bamboo ring. The winner receives a prize. The sorcerer slashes the ball open, and mixes the seeds inside the ball with a basket of paddy and distributes them to everybody.
After the con throwing game are tug of war and xoe dance, which lasts until the afternoon.
Long Tong Festival is a unique cultural activity of the Tay ethnic group in North Vietnam.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Fansipan Mountain
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| Fansipan Mountain - vietnamtourism.com |
Location: Fansipan Mountain is located 9km south-west of Sapa Townlet in the Hoang Lien Mountain Range.
Characteristics: Fansipan is branded "the Roof of Indochina" at the height of 3,143m; Fansipan is to be approved as one of the very few eco-tourist spots of Vietnam, with about 2,024 floral varieties and 327 faunal species.
The topography of Fansipan is varied. Muong Hoa Valley, at the lowest altitude (950-1,000m), is created by a narrow strip of land at the base on the east side of the mountain.
Geologists say the Hoang Lien Mountain Range, with Fansipan as its highest peak, did not emerge in the mountainous North West of Vietnam until the neozoic period (circ. 100 million years ago). Fansipan, a rough pronunciation of the local name “Hua Xi Pan” means “the tottery giant rock”. The French came to Vietnam and in 1905 planted a landmark telling Fansipan’s height of 3,143m and branded it “the Roof of Indochina”. Very few people climbed to the top of Fansipan at the time. Then came the long years of war and Fansipan was left deserted for hunting and savaging. The trail blazed by the French was quickly overgrown by the underbrush.
It takes six or seven days to reach the 3,143m summit, the highest peak of the Indochina Peninsula.
In 1991, Nguyen Thien Hung, an army man returned to the district town and decided to conquer Fansipan. Only on the 13th attempt did Hung, with a H’Mong boy as his guide, conquer the high peak by following the foot steps of the mountain goats. Scaling the height was meant to satisfy his eager will and aspiration to conquer the mountain without expecting that his name would be put down in the travel guidebook. After that the Sapa Tourism Agency started a new package tour there. It seemed the Fansipan Tour was meant only for those who wished to test their muscular power.
The summit of Fansipan is accessible all year round, but the best time to make the ascent is from mid-October to mid-November, and again in March.
Foreigners like best to book Fansipan tours between October and December, as this period is more often than not free from the heavy rains that obstruct the jaunt. But the Vietnamese prefer their tours to the peak of the mountain from February to April, as it is not so cold then. However, the best time for the trek to the mountain is from the end of February to the start of March, when the flowers all flourish and the climbers may behold the carpets of brilliant blossoms, violets and orchids, rhododendrons and aglaias.
Author: vietnamtourism.com
Geologists say the Hoang Lien Mountain Range, with Fansipan as its highest peak, did not emerge in the mountainous North West of Vietnam until the neozoic period (circ. 100 million years ago). Fansipan, a rough pronunciation of the local name “Hua Xi Pan” means “the tottery giant rock”. The French came to Vietnam and in 1905 planted a landmark telling Fansipan’s height of 3,143m and branded it “the Roof of Indochina”. Very few people climbed to the top of Fansipan at the time. Then came the long years of war and Fansipan was left deserted for hunting and savaging. The trail blazed by the French was quickly overgrown by the underbrush.
It takes six or seven days to reach the 3,143m summit, the highest peak of the Indochina Peninsula.
In 1991, Nguyen Thien Hung, an army man returned to the district town and decided to conquer Fansipan. Only on the 13th attempt did Hung, with a H’Mong boy as his guide, conquer the high peak by following the foot steps of the mountain goats. Scaling the height was meant to satisfy his eager will and aspiration to conquer the mountain without expecting that his name would be put down in the travel guidebook. After that the Sapa Tourism Agency started a new package tour there. It seemed the Fansipan Tour was meant only for those who wished to test their muscular power.
The summit of Fansipan is accessible all year round, but the best time to make the ascent is from mid-October to mid-November, and again in March.
Foreigners like best to book Fansipan tours between October and December, as this period is more often than not free from the heavy rains that obstruct the jaunt. But the Vietnamese prefer their tours to the peak of the mountain from February to April, as it is not so cold then. However, the best time for the trek to the mountain is from the end of February to the start of March, when the flowers all flourish and the climbers may behold the carpets of brilliant blossoms, violets and orchids, rhododendrons and aglaias.
Author: vietnamtourism.com
Overview
After the victory, Mother Dragon and Child Dragons didn’t return Heaven but stayed on earth at the place where the battle had occurred. The location Mother Dragon landed is nowadays Hạ Long Bay and where Child Dragons descended is now Bái Tử Long. The dragons’ tails waving the water created Long Vĩ (present Trà Cổ peninsula) and formed a fine sand beach over ten kilometers long”.
Hạ Long Bay is located in the northeastern part of Vietnam and constitutes part of the western bank of Bắc Bộ Gulf, including the sea area of Hạ Long City and Cẩm Phả Town and part of Vân Ðồn island district. It abuts Cát Bà Island in the southwest. Toward the west is the shore with a 120 km-long coastline. It is located within 106o58’-107o22’ east longitude and within 20o45’- 20o50’ north latitude. The site is 1553 sq. km with 1969 islands of various sizes, of which 989 have been named.
The islands in Hạ Long Bay are mainly limestone and schist islands most lying in the two main areas: the southeastern part of Bái Tử Long Bay and southwestern part of Hạ Long Bay. These islands represent the most ancient images of a geographical site having a tectonic age of from 250 million to 280 million years. They are the result of many times of rising and lowering processes of the continent to form a karst. The process of nearly full erosion and weathering of the karst created the unique Hạ Long Bay in the world. In a not very large area, thousands of islands with different forms look like glittering emeralds attached to the blue scarf of a virgin. The area where many stone islands concentrate has spectacular scenes and world-famous caves and is the center of Hạ Long Bay Natural Heritage, including Ha Long Bay and a part of Bái Tu Long Bay.
The area is recognized as the World Natural Heritage that is the area of 434 sq. km with 775 islands. It looks like a giant triangle with Ðầu Gỗ Island (in the west), Ba Hầm Lake (in the south) and Cống Tây Island (in the east) as its three angle points. The nearby area is the buffer area and areas classified as national beauty spots in 1962 by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
Inside the stone islands are various breath-taking caves, such as Thiên Cung, Ðầu Gỗ, Sửng Sốt, Trinh Nữ, Tam Cung and others. These are really magnificent palaces of the Creation on earth. Long ago, Hạ Long Bay has been called by the great national poet Nguyễn Trãi:“a wonder of the earth erected towards the high sky”. Many men of letters from all over the world have been taken aback at the grandiose scenery of Hạ Long. They seem to get puzzled and incompetent as their treasure of vocabulary is not rich enough to depict the splendor of this place.
Hạ Long Bay is also attached to glorious pages of Vietnamese history, with famous sites such as Vân Ðồn, a bustling trade port in the 12th century, charming Bài Thơ Mountain, and not very far away from here is the Bạch Đằng River which witnessed two famous naval battles of the Viêt’s ancestors against invaders. Also, Hạ Long is one of the cradles of human kind with the glorious Hạ Long culture in the late Neolithic age, discovered at such archeological sites as Ðộng Mang, Xích Thổ, Soi Nhụ and Thoi Giếng.
Hạ Long is also home to great biodiversity with typical eco-systems like mangrove forest, coral and tropical forest. It is also home to thousands of plants and animals of numerous species, for example shrimp, fish and squid. Some species are particularly rare and can be found no where else.
With such special values, at the 18th Session of UNESCO’s Council of World Heritage held on 17 December 1994 in Thailand, Hạ Long Bay was officially placed on the list of the World Natural Heritage. In 2000, UNESCO recognized it as the World Heritage for the second time for its geographical and geomorphologic values. This confirms the global premier value of Hạ Long Bay.
Wherever you come from, whosoever you are and however old you are, you will certainly experience the same emotion and feeling when admiring this wonder of stone and water. And great experiences will always remain even when you leave the place. The legend of Mother Dragon and Child Dragons sending out pearls to form thousands of stone islands to stop invaders still serve as the soul of this invaluable heritage of the world.
Have you ever come to Hạ Long, the unique wonder of the world of its kind, to admire and explore secretes implicit in the place?
(Source Tourism Information Technology Center & Quảng Ninh Tourism)
Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, world heritage
Viet Nam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park has been recognised as a world natural heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at its 27th general assembly session being held in Paris from June 30-July 5.
At the session, delegates from over 160 member countries of UNESCO World Heritage Convention agreed to include Phong Nha-Ke Bang park and 30 others worldwide to the list of world heritage sites.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang park is now the fifth UNESCO recognised site in Viet Nam after Ha Long Bay, the imperial city of Hue, the ancient quarter of Hoi An and the My Son historical site.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, located to the north of the majestic Truong Son range in central Quang Binh province, is one of the world's two largest limestone regions.
The over 200,000 ha of parkland includes beautiful limestone formations, grottoes and caves, and boasts lush forestland covering 95 percent of the park area.
The area is considered a paradise for researchers and explorers of grottoes and caves, and Vietnamese and British scientists have so far surveyed 20 with a total length of 70km. Of them, 17 are in the Phong Nha area and three in the Ke Bang area.
The Phong Nha cave itself which lends its name to the whole system is probably the most beautiful of all, containing many fascinating rock formations, enchanting visitors with evocative names such as Lion, Fairy Caves, Royal Court and Buddha.
Besides the grotto and cave systems, Phong Nha has the longest underground rivers, the largest caverns and passageways, the widest and prettiest sand banks, and the most astonishing rock formations in the world.
According to initial statistics, the primitive tropical forest in Phong Nha-Ke Bang houses 140 families, 427 branches, and 751 species of high-rated plants, of which 36 species are endangered and listed in the Viet Nam Red Book. The forest is also home to 32 sets, 98 families, 256 races and 381 species of four land backboned animals. Sixty-six animal species are listed in the Viet Nam Red Book and 23 other species in the World Red Book. In general, Phong Nha-Ke Bang's animals are more diverse than in other natural reserves and national parks.
In addition to the diversity in the ecosystem, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to archeological and historical relics, such as an ancient hieroglyphic script of the Cham ethnic minority, King Ham Nghi's base built for the resistance war against French colonialists in the late 19th century, and the Xuan Son ferry station, Ho Chi Minh Trail and Road 20 used during the US resistance war.
Central Quang Binh province has poured heavy investment into upgrading the Phong Nha-Ke Bang visitor site to turn it into the country's major tourist destination.
a few introduce hue
THUA THIEN - HUE
Area: 5 009 km2
Population (2001): 1 078 900
source from www.vietnamtourism.com
Area: 5 009 km2
Population (2001): 1 078 900
Districts: Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Huong Tra, Phu Vang, Huong Thuy, Phu Loc, Nam Dong, A Luoi and Hue City.
Hue is one of places, which has many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no places like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City.
On the Northern bank of Perfume River has relics consisting of palaces, which were constructed as arc defensive ramparts with 11km length. This valuable construction includes more than 100 arichectural works which were extremely reflected the life of Emperors and mandarins under Nguyen’ reign. Situated in the middle of hills on the Southern bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Nguyen Kings. Among these tombs are the four famous ones with the name and the arrangements of the tomb reflected each Emperor’s points of view, personality, and tastes. This is majestic Gia Long tomb, imposing Minh Mang tomb, poetic Tu Duc tomb and magnificent Khai Dinh tomb.
Hue is also an important center of Buddhism. In Hue and its surrounding still exist tens of pagodas constructed more 300 years ago, and a hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early century.
Besides, Hue is a place where the royal music is originated, and a place with traditional famous dishes and sophisticated handicraft.
As a unique city of Vietnam still remains its form of City under Middle Age and the constructions of monarchic, Hue has become a big and an invaluable museum. Therefore, vestiges in Hue ancient capital have been classified by the government as a very precious property and on December 1993 Hue has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.source from www.vietnamtourism.com
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