Best Tour To Vietnam

30/08/2019

28/08/2017

These shots from north to south will take your breath away.

An aerial tour that brings you to some iconic places around Vietnam - from photo contest 'Vietnam from above'.

15/02/2017

If you're in the mood for love, you won't have far to look.

1. Cheap hotels

Nothing says romance like a free toothbrush and a pink bar of soap. Lovers can reliably find their own private heavens here for a lean $2.50 (per hour). So you never have to worry about waking up your parents.

2. The traffic

Hear us out. The gridlock, frustration and danger of trying to push a personal vehicle through a wall of 250,000 motorized Vietnamese people will teach you a thing or two about patience. And patience is the most essential virtue for anyone considering a romantic relationship, buster.

3. The weather

It’s pretty much always too hot or too rainy to ever go outside or stand still. That means lots of time spent indoors or on a motorbike—even with people you’re just getting to know. Love happens fast out here, boyeeeee.

4. Aphrodisiacs are everywhere

Seafood. Goat t**s. Durian. (Psst. Durian works, dude.)

5. Matchmakers

They’re everywhere! Literally every person you meet will want to know, right away, if you’re taken. If not, they’ll run you through a list of eligible partners. If you're lonely in Vietnam, it’s probably because you refuse to leave your apartment.

25/06/2016

HOW TO DETECT FAKE COPS IN VIETNAM? TIPS TO HELP YOU AVOID BEING ROBBED

Foreign tourists are a prime target for criminals in Vietnam, and various scams to part them from their property are becoming more and more sophisticated.

Some of the more brazen thieves have been dressing up as police and robbing people in public with little or no resistance from foreign tourists, so here's how to avoid being the next victim.

It is high time that foreign tourists are made aware of what is becoming a common trick used by small-time criminals. When you are stopped by someone claiming to be a cop who asks you to hand over your documents or possessions, here's what to do.

1. Keep calm and gradually slow down: If you are driving a bike or a car, stop at a safe area to park with people around and wait for the police to come to you. Do not forget to take the key from your vehicle and put it in your pocket.

Do not follow police to empty lots with no-one around because it would be an ideal place for a robbery.

2. Observe the police:

Watch how they behave! Do they seem to be in a rush and appear threatening? Real police do not usually behave like that. They are supposed to say hello to you, introduce themselves and treat you politely, unless you have committed a serious crime!

how-to-detect-fake-cops-in-vietnam-tips-to-help-you-avoid-being-robbed
A police officer says hello to a civilian. Photo by NLD

3. Do not hand over anything: Do not hand over your possessions or documents until you are 100 percent sure they are real police.

4. Check for ID: Ask to see an official police badge and see if they are wearing a name tag. If they do not have either of these, they are either fake or do not have the right to stop you.

5. Ask locals to help: Fake police would immediately run away if other residents intervene.

6. Shout for help or call the police: If you think someone is impersonating a police officer or you see signs of threatening behavior, call in the real guys.

Numbers to remember:

Emergency: 113

Hanoi: 043 9396886

Ho Chi Minh City: 083.9200377

Da Nang:05113 821306

Hai Phong: 0313 895827

Or you can search for the number of local district police and add it to your contact list for safety.

18/06/2016

A regular Monday night and ‘bun cha’ with Obama

Low, plastic, cheap, delicious and cold are the adjectives the celebrity chef used to give the world a sense of his ‘bun cha’ experience with U.S. President Barack Obama during his night out in Hanoi.

A tweet that reads “Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer” by Bourdain went viral this morning when the chef shared his experience from last night. Seemingly awed by Vietnam's street food culture, our chef footed the bill, which came to a whopping $6, much to the relief of American taxpayers.

Obama’s celebrity dining outing attracted a large crowd of onlookers, who watched his motorcade travel from his hotel to the destination.

Hundreds of others gathered on the streets outside the modest-looking restaurant, trying to catch a glimpse of the president, according to a pool reporter.

The interview was part of the White House’s strategy to reach new audiences through non-traditional outlets.

During a trip to Alaska last September, Obama appeared on Bear Grylls’ NBC outdoor survival show.

The outspoken Bourdain has often criticized Republicans but has also expressed disappointment with Obama.

18/06/2016

Obama’s ‘bun cha’ goes official

The ‘bun cha’ combo Obama ordered during his trip in Vietnam has gone down in history, marked by a whole page in the menu of the street food place he dined in.

What Obama ordered during his days, actually night, in Hanoi takes up the entire first page of the place’s menu. The combo stands at VND85,000 ($4), comprising a ‘bun cha’ portion, a seafood fried roll and a Hanoi Beer.

A combo usually comes at a discount to encourage people to order more, but here, it serves only one purpose: to let you know that the man ate there and how he left with a smile.

Eating like a king has always been the dream of humans since we started dreaming, and it still lives well in a time where most kings are no more.

09/11/2015

22/09/2015

‘Welcome to Vietnam’ clip aims to present a comprehensive image of Vietnam via the country’s beautiful landscapes, as well as the unique culture in various regions of the country, the people of Vietnam, and the achievements made in all aspects of society after 30 years of reform.

The 7-minute footage, which has been contributed to by a number of videographers from both home and abroad, introduces highlights of Vietnam’s landscape, history, culture, cuisine, and people.

The video features famous destinations across Vietnam such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Ninh Binh, Thua Thien – Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Nam.

11/09/2015

Pu Peo people preserve traditional clothes

The Pu Peo are an ethnic minority group in the mountainous province of Ha Giang. Their costumes exhibit beautiful color combinations.

Pu Peo men usually wear an indigo shirt and pants. Women wear long dresses and two shirts with the outside shirt open in the front and the inside shirt buttoned on the right side.

The Pu Peo don’t embroider their clothes but decorate them with pieces of colorful cloth. They sew colorful stripes on sleeves, hems of dresses, and headscarves.

Cloth pieces with triangle, diamond, and rectangle shapes are collaged to create images of the sun and the c***scomb, their religious symbols.

Trang Thi Mai, a Pu Peo, said, “The Pu Peo’s costumes look plain but they are sophisticatedly made. Making the fringe of the dress is the most difficult. In the past men wore long dresses, but now they wear shirts and pants. Women wear black headscarves with red, green, purple, and yellow patterns.”

Pu Peo women tie their hair with a wooden comb and cover it with a headscarf.

Cung Thi Xuan, who lives in Pho Moi hamlet, Pho Bang town, shared, “A set of women’s clothes consists of two dresses, two shirts, two brassieres, a comb, and two headscarves. The highlight of the black dress is its colorful fringe. They sew colorful patterns on the dress instead of weaving or embroidering like other groups.”

Red and blue are the two main colors of the Pu Peo’s clothes. Red symbolizes the man and the woman’s respect for the man, the pillar of the family. Blue symbolizes the woman.

Luc Thi Hue who lives in Pho Moi hamlet stressed, “The most difficult part is to sew the fringe of the dress and the stripes on the sleeves. It takes a lot of time to arrange and sew small patterns.”

In recent years Pu Peo women cut flowers and other shapes from printed textiles and sew them on their clothes. While diversifying the decorations, they have kept all the typical designs and features of their traditional costumes.

09/09/2015

Phuoc Tich ancient village embodies Hue beauty

40km north of the central city of Hue is the small village of Phuoc Tich, which has changed very little in hundreds of years. The modest, peaceful village is a popular destination in Hue.

Visitors are charmed by the village’s gardens of centuries-old trees, which have been preserved by the locals as a precious heritage. The village spreads out beside the poetic O Lau River and has all the typical features of a traditional Vietnamese village.

Bui Thi Hai Quyen of the Que Huong Service Company said,“Walking around the village, tourists enjoy unaccustomed peacefulness, the rustic sound of c***s crowing and birds singing in the early morning and the smell of wood burning. They like walking around the village, admiring the ancient architecture and feeling their lives slow down. They visit ceramic furnaces and enjoy local specialties prepared by local female cooks in ancient houses".

Visitors to Phuoc Tich are amazed at its ancient houses. More than 30 houses in the village are up to a century old. A dozen of the village’s clan worshipping houses and temples remain intact.

They are so well preserved as to astonish cultural anthropologists, architects, and historians. The village’s ancient houses are nha ruong, a kind of residence built with artfully carved wooden pillars and beams. They are held together with wooden pegs so they can be easily dismantled.

Phuoc Tich houses are made principally of jackfruit wood and are adorned with exquisite carvings, most of which remain undamaged despite having gone through many wars throughout the years. Most of the ancient houses in the village have large yards full of old trees and separated by rows of tea trees, creating an exotic green space.

Le Trong Dien, the owner of an ancient house in Phuoc Tich, said both the ancient houses and their gardens attract tourists. “Phuoc Tich people are hospitable and they want to introduce their houses to others. Phuoc Tich ceramics, trees, and lifestyles are different from elsewhere,” he noted.

Visitors are introduced to a unique way of producing ceramic products and may try to work as a ceramic craftsman, just one of the many unforgettable experiences Phuoc Tich provides. Local people treasure their ceramic making craft and devote a separate area, known as Treng Islet, to preserving ancient ceramic pieces.

Luong Thi Be is a ceramic artisan in Phuoc Tich. He shared, “In the old days, we made various ceramic items. They were very expensive and very sought-after. At that time, our village was rich with many houses. All children went to school. Phuoc Tich people began making ceramic products in 1940. At that time, I was small. In 1975, I began making ceramic products. Ruong houses in Phuoc Tich were built with revenues from selling ceramic items”.

Visitors to Phuoc Tich also like the local food specialties, especially the rice cakes made by local women. Ms Nguyen Thi Thuy, who lives in the village, said local women set up a cooking club to introduce local food to visitors. “Here we serve pickles, pork with shrimp sauce, and a variety of rice cakes. Our club has 16 members. By joining the club, local women can earn extra income.” she added.

Tourists to Phuoc Tich often arrange to stay in local houses living with the local people and learning something about their lives.

31/08/2015

Dray Nur Waterfall - symbol of beauty in the Central Highlands

With its romantic mysterious beauty, Dray Nur Waterfall in Dak Lak Province is closely associated with many legends of the Central Highlands. The waterfall has become a popular tourist destination.

Dray Nur waterfall in Kuop Village is about 25km south of Buon Ma Thuot City. The waterfall, which is 250m long and 30m high, is the most beautiful and largest of the three waterfalls on the Serepok River.

From afar, Dray Nur offers a spectacular panorama. Dray Nur is renowned for its purity and for its incredible legends. Dray Nur in the local language, means Female or Wife Waterfall. According to one legend, a beautiful E De girl and her boyfriend were sitting on a big rock, when a monster appeared in a column of water and drove the young man away.

When he returned, he discovered that his girlfriend had been taken by the monster. The rocky bank beside the waterfall is the place where the young couple sat and the waterfall is the column of water where the monster appeared.

The sound of the waterfall, according to the locals, is the sound of whispers telling the story. The mysterious beauty of the waterfall inspires all visitors, who are usually curious about the legend behind it.

22/08/2015

Endless sand dunes offer moments of tranquility on Ninh Thuan coast

It is impossible to leave footprints on sand dunes, as the wind quickly blows them away. Standing atop the Nam Cuong sand dunes, I felt the wind blow my worries away just as easily.

Some 20km southeast of Phan Rang-Thap Cham City in the central province of Ninh Thuan, the Nam Cuong sand dunes stretch out like a golden silk carpet next to the East Sea, the colour of the landscape vibrant under the heat of the sun.

As the driest province in the country, with annual rainfall of 700-1,100mm, Ninh Thuan is endowed with a beautiful coastline, deltas, mountains, rivers and sand dunes, including Nam Cuong, which remains in its natural state.

En route to the sand dunes, one can see cacti with red and yellow flowers, which are hardy enough to survive in this otherwise barren environment.

Visiting the dunes on windy days like today allows one to see how the landscape changes form within the blink of an eye, as the incoming sea breeze gently nudges and reshapes the graceful slopes of these undulating hills of sand that seem to almost match the movement of the sea's own waves.

The 700ha of sand dunes hold the ethnic Cham people's Tuan Tu Village in Ninh Phuoc District.

Hidden behind some of the dunes are oases that provide fresh water for herdsmen to water, feed and rest their goats or sheep.

Charming young Cham women, dressed traditionally in a long skirt covering their heels and a colourful head scarf minus a veil, walk here, silhouetted against the soft sand.

Tourists and photographers flock to the area to capture images of the women carrying jars of water on their heads at dawn and herdsmen gathering their cattle to return home at dusk.

From the tops of these dunes, tourists have a panoramic view of the imposing Cha Bang mountain range, which is typically described as a giant hammer.

There is also a shrimp farming village nearby where tourists can observe and learn about the daily life of the local villagers, local tour guide Nguyen Van Lai said.

"At Nam Cuong, visitors can watch the colours of the sand change as the sun sets," he said. "It's very impressive to see the sand changing from white to yellow to red. It's the perfect time for admiring the sand dunes.

"Another interesting thing about Nam Cuong's sand dunes is the way (the landscape's) face changes every hour of every day because the wind never stops blowing."

Sandboarding is a popular game amongst both tourists and the local children. All you need is a flat plastic board to join in the fun.

Catching the d**g (sand lizard) is another activity popular in the area. Although this animal is shaped like a chameleon, its skin is not lumpy but smooth and green with yellow spots.

They run very fast and live in holes in the sand, hiding from the sun and the hunters.

The locals use hoes to dig up these holes and capture the lizards, which are then bound with string.

Lizards are considered a speciality as the meat is very tasty. They can be added to a mixed salad, grilled, roasted with peppers and lemongrass, steamed or cooked in porridge. Lizard eggs are considered a luxury food by gourmands and are always in demand.

Lai is a skilled lizard hunter. He shows us a lizard's tracks in the sand and finds its hole. Such searches must take place quickly before the tracks are erased by the wind.

The Nam Cuong sand dunes are still relatively untouched because they haven't been exploited for tourism, unlike similar dunes in the coastal provinces of Binh Thuan, Quang Binh and Khanh Hoa.

Ninh Thuan Province houses many ancient architectural works and traditional handicraft villages of the Cham people. After stopping to admire the splendid scenery of Nam Cuong, tourists can visit areas inhabited by the Cham people to learn more about the local culture.

Destinations of note include the Poklong Garai Towers, where the gods of the Cham people are worshipped; Bau Truc Pottery Village; the green vineyard with inviting clusters of red fruit; Vinh Hy Bay and Ninh Chu Beach.

Tourists visiting in April will have the chance to attend the Po Nai festival on Cha Bang Mountain, which features folk music and special dance programmes by the Cham people, reflecting the farmers' wishes for good weather.

Nam Cuong is a wonderful place to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.

My feet sink into the soft, warm sand as I walk in the light of the setting sun. It almost feels as if the dunes want to cling onto me, leaving me with an indelible memory of this moment.

Source: VNS

20/08/2015

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19/08/2015

Hue - a romantic city

From 1558 to 1945, Hue was the imperial capital city of 9 Nguyen Lords, the Tay Son regime and 13 Nguyen dynasties.

During those 4 centuries, Hue became an extensive complex of unique architectural and cultural relics. In 1993, the Hue imperial complex was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The city has become a mecca of Vietnamese tourism.

On the northern bank of the Huong river in the middle of the city, the magnificent imperial citadel emerges, exhibiting the power of the Nguyen dynasty. The citadel’s royal palaces, monuments and beautiful landscaping retain their imperial solemnity.

The Hue imperial city comprises the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City which are surrounded by wide moats. Several buildings were the headquarters of the monarchy and shrines dedicated to kings.

The Forbidden Purple City was reserved exclusively for the royal family and concubines. Only eunuchs could enter. The Imperial Citadel’s design was inspired by Oriental philosophy and Vietnamese tradition. All the structures were built around a main axis. The citadel has four main gates, the south door (Ngo Mon) was exclusively reserved for the emperor.

When you're in Hue, you should also visit the majestic tombs of the Nguyen Kings that lie west of the Imperial Citadel. Located on hills, along the Perfume River, these tombs are typical of Vietnamese architecture, but each reflects the personality and taste of the Emperor.

A large part of Hue’s attractiveness is owed to its beautiful Perfume River and Ngu Binh mountain. Nguyen Xuan Hoa, a Hue resident, said “The Perfume River is a natural wonder of Hue city. It has rare a romantic beauty. Its green waters meander across the plains, through forests and villages like a silk band before entering the Tam Giang Lagoon".

Touring the Perfume River by boat is a wonderful experience. You will enjoy the beautiful sights of the city while listening to royal court music and local folk songs. Truong Tien Bridge over the Perfume River is another iconic landmark of Hue.

Built between 1897 and 1899, it was one of the first bridges built by the French in Indochina. This beautiful bridge and the Perfume River have been a great source of inspiration for poets and songwriters.

Phan Thuan An who has researched Hue culture for several years said for Hue people, Truong Tien Bridge is the primary architectural site of the city and the most beautiful one. The bridge is strongly imprinted in Hue people’s hearts.

Today, the Hue imperial city is also known as a festival city because of its biennial festival which attracts top Vietnamese and foreign performing artists. Authentic architecture, romantic landscapes, and delicate gastronomy make Hue city worth a visit!

18/08/2015

Morning dew, floating trees instil a sense of calm at Noong Lake

Waking up in the fresh air near Noong Lake, located on the Tay Con Linh Mountain Range in Phu Linh commune, in the northern mountainous Ha Giang province's Vi Xuyen district, backpacker Tran Trung Dung felt very comfortable.

Noong Lake is a freshwater lake, spread across Noong 1 and Noong 2 mountain villages. It is fed by the groundwater from two mountains where the lake bends and the waters of the River Lo in the rainy season.

The lake has several kinds of fish such as carp, pimelode, catfish and bitterfish.

The lake has abundant flora and fauna, ranging from the plants and animals living in the water and beneath it, to the crops and livestock of the local people living near the lake, contributing to its diversity.

16/08/2015

Many species at Tram Chim National Park are endangered

Tram Chim National Park in Tam Nong District of the Mekong Delta province of D**g Thap is currently putting on top priority the reservation of 57 plant species, fisheries and waterfowl, in which 17 species are in the Red Book of Vietnam and facing the threat of extinction in the near future.

Those 17 endangered species include the giant freshwater carp known as Ho, or Catlocarpio siamensis, white-winged geese, spoonbills, large adjutant, otis; and some extremely threatened species that could cease to exist in the near future such as snakehead fish, common carp, seven-spot archer fish, red-headed crane, black eagle, and gray-legged pelican among others.

Nguyen Van Hung, director of Tram Chim National Park, said that the increased threat of extinction on endangered species of animals and plants is the result of changing climate, which caused flood, drought, wildfires, erosions, landslides, diseases, and other invading species. All of those factors combined together are threatening the biodiversity of those species’ habitat, which leads to the extinction of rare genes and the emergence of new diseases.

To address this situation, D**g Thap Province has made feasible solutions to reduce the impact of climate change, along with the policies, schemes and residential development projects aimed at improving life qualities for the people at the buffer zone, reduce the intrusion and illegal exploitation of natural resources, and hunting of wild animals.

The provincial government has approved a plan to invest VND208 billion towards the conservation and sustainable development of Tram Chim National Park for the 2013-2020 period.
Accordingly, the objectives and critical tasks of planning are the protection and conservation of the special landscapes, ecosystems, unique wetlands, rare animals and plants of D**g Thap Muoi, as a form of national standard wetlands with international importance compared to that of an international Ramsar.

13/08/2015

Food specialty of Thai ethnic minority group in Yen Chau

Bananas and food made from bananas are popular among the Thai ethnic people of Yen Chau district, Son La province. They are an indispensable part of their major ceremonies and special occasions.

Thai elders in Yen Chau say that the so-called “nguon” bananas appeared in the locality long ago. Local people called this kind of bananas “lonely banana” because they are planted with seeds and they don’t have baby trees. Their flowers are yellow-green and when the bananas ripen, the trees wither and die. The banana seeds then fall and sprout into new trees.

Lu Van Banh, a Thai ethnic minority person in Na Va village, Vieng Lan commune, Yen Chau district, said “We call it the “nguon” tree. Long ago, local people brought the tree from the forest to plant it in their gardens and fields. Now, everyone in the village plants this kind of tree and bananas have become an indispensable part of their daily meal, weddings, and house warming ceremonies… Each household has at least 5 to 10 banana trees while some have more than 40 trees”.

The Thai’s often go to the forest to collect bamboo, vegetables and “nguon” bananas for their daily meals.

Banh added that “In weddings, house warming ceremonies and funerals, in addition to the preparing of feasts of meat, vegetables and fruits, we always have “nguon” banana soup. This soup is also very popular at other parties and in restaurants. It is a specialty of the Thai people of Yen Chau”.

To make this soup, in addition to bananas, the also prepare other ingredients and seasonings. They first peel off the banana tree, cut it into small pieces, put all of it into bone broth, and then add salt fish sauce, seasonings and sour leaves.

“To make nguon soup, we need to cut the banana tree appropriately. For wedding feasts, we often prepare buffalo meat, beef, and pork, so we can use bone broth to make soup. We must cook the soup for a long time and add sour leaves or tamarinds. We have to stir the soup while cooking”, Banh said.

“Nguon” bananas and “nguon” soup are popular not only among the Thai people but also other local people in Yen Chau.

Lo Thi Mon from Tum village, Chieng Khoi commune said“ For the Thai people of Yen Chau, there’s no party if there are no “nguon” bananas or “nguon” soup. In wedding or funeral parties, the soup is the main dish. It’s very delicious. Both Thai and Kinh people like it”.

Visitors to Yen Chau are always invited to taste “nguon” bananas and “nguon” soup which has a buttery taste as well as the bananas, meaty taste of the bone broth and sour forest leaves.

12/08/2015

Bamboo tree as a symbol of Vietnam

Bamboo tree is a significant symbol in both Vietnamese culture and daily life. It exists almost everywhere in Vietnam, though mainly in rural areas.

The solid, straight and high bamboo trees represent the resilience, indomitability and bravery of the Vietnamese people. Also, as the bamboo trees often grow in clusters with a strong vitality, it represents the solidarity of Vietnamese people as well as their diligence and loyalty to their homeland.

Bamboo tree clusters are also popularly known as the emblem of Vietnam's rural areas, together with banyan trees, rice paddy field or village pond. These symbols always recall a peaceful, rustic village in the mind of Vietnamese wherever they are.

Bamboo tree is also used widely in Vietnamese everyday life. The body of the tree is often treated as a valuable material to build houses and make household equipments such as table, chair, bookshelves or agricultural tools such as shovels, hoes or plows. It has also become a material for interior decorations such as lamps, plates, chopstick and other souvenirs.

In the resistance against invaders, the body of the bamboo tree was sharpened to make bamboo thorns and traps. In addition, bamboo tree has nutritional values as bamboo shoots are commonly found in Vietnamese kitchen.

Bamboo trees position themselves in the mind of Vietnamese people as an inspiration for cultural and artistic works.

Vietnamese children are familiar with many fairy tales involved a bamboo tree like “Cay tre tram dot” (The hundred portion bamboo) or “Thanh Giong” (The story of Giong). Bamboo tree is also used to create many traditional instruments likes flutes, T' Rưng. The famous bamboo dance is well known both in Vietnam and internationally.

Until today, bamboo tree remains closely connected to Vietnam's culture.

11/08/2015

Tea and Vietnamese

Tea is essential to Vietnamese culture.

In Vietnam, tea is said to appear in almost every social activities: from wedding, birthday to anniversary and ritual ceremonies. A cup of hot tea in the early morning after breakfast, some iced tea at “quán cóc” - the roadside-make-shift shop while waiting for a friend, or a whole day chilling out in a teahouse; that is the way tea penetrates into Vietnamese’ daily life.

Drinking tea with the old Vietnamese

Let’s spend a few minutes on the time machine travelling back to the past, to observe Vietnamese’ tea drinking habits and apprehend the first days of tea appreciation’s art.
Vietnam tea

In the period of 13th to 15th century, Vietnamese believed that tea assumed many philosophical values, since it was a source of spiritual purity. Reading book and consuming tea had been chosen by many Vietnamese scholars as a means to escape from the petty concerns of chaotic life, to achieve enlightenment and peace of mind.

Drinking tea was thought to help improving one’s character, polishing one’s manner, and assessing one’s personality. People who drank concentrated tea were regarded to have fine manners, while tea artisans with the ability to pour tea into bowls arranged in a circle without spilling a drop were admired by their peers.

Vietnamese tea drinking style is very diverse with no fixed standard and creatively conveys the depth of language among people. Through times, tea gradually has its own place in everyday lives of people, aristocrats and the ordinary, living in the city and in the countryside alike.

11/08/2015

Van Long Lagoon – A stunning destination

A tour to the northern province of Ninh Binh may include trips to popular places like Tam Coc - B**h D**g and Trang An tourist area. However, a silent beauty, often unnoticed, sits in this part of the country that is truly worth the stop: the Van Long Lagoon.

Located about 80km from Hanoi, in Gia Vien district, this quiet body of water is surrounded by limestone mountains and several spectacular caves, each with a unique beauty and mystery.

Many of its large caves are valuable in the region’s tourism development such as the Ca Cave, B**g Cave, Rua Cave, Chanh Cave.

During dry season, tourists can go by boat to visit caves such as B**g Cave, which is known to have the most attractive stalactites.
Van Long Lagoon is also the largest wetland reserve in northern Vietnam which serves as home to thousands of fauna and flora.

Van Long is not only a submerged nature reserve but also a site of historical heritage because of the many relics. It is a mecca for eco-tourism but also a place to study for researchers, students and Vietnamese and foreign students.

A boat ride to explore the area will acquaint one with spectacular scenery that is both peaceful and wild.

A tour here begins on a deserted wharf and on small basket boats made of bamboo which can accommodate only two to three persons at a time.

The boat ride takes around two hours to complete and ends in Kem Tram.

This is the water area passing through two high large cliffs; one side of the cliff is upright like being cut from above by a stab with a sword. Just about enough time to be alone with nature and get yourself the peace and quiet anyone deserves.