Traditional Beauty of Vietnamese Culture Kept and Promoted in Tuong Binh Hiep Village

Tuong Binh Hiep Lacquer Village in Binh Duong province is well-known nationwide for many centuries. It is considered the cradle of local lacquer industry. In Vietnam travel, tourists coming there will not only enjoy beautiful lacquer paintings, but learn more about good traditional values of Vietnamese culture as well.

Tuong Binh Hiep Village is located in Tuong Binh Hiep Commune, Thu Dau Mot Town, Binh Duong Province, about 7km north of town centre. 

In early 18th century, the people in traditional lacquer trade migrated to Thu Dau Mot Town from the North, the Central and set up a village. After their life was rather stable, they made first lacquer paintings to commemorate homeland. Those lacquer paintings were known and bought by the richer in the village. There was more and more demand for this product and households gradually specialized in lacquer trade to set up Tuong Binh Hiep Lacquer Village. 

Each Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer product made scrupulously by artisans is an art work in high aesthetic value. In order to make a lacquer product on traditional mode, it must spend time and effort with 25 strict steps. There are some steps which must be made many times such as bamboo framing of painting. Painting step must spend 3 - 6 months to ensure quality for each product.  

After many generations, the Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer still keeps traditional beauty. It’s sophistication of Orient art. The Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer product has better quality and more multiform design than other ones. According to some experts, the Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer product can bear frigid climate of Europe, not be cracked, peeled off or deformed.  

 At present, lacquer workshops can produce many multiform products. Beside traditional lacquer products are still being loved, series of products made have modern design, suitable for different demand. In addition, new materials have been used to create unique feature for lacquer products here. The lacquer products inlaid with bamboo, tree skin... instead of oyster, snail, egg shell have been accepted by domestic and international tourists in Vietnam travel, especially from United State, France, Holland.  

It is obvious that Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer village has more and more developed. The Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer has stilled been had feature of traditional culture. It is not only the pride of the trade village, but also the cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Binh An Tourist Resort in Soc Trang

Binh An Tourist Resort is supposed to resemble Dam Sen Cultural Park in Ho Chi Minh City. When coming here, tourists in Vietnam travel get the chance to join many recreation and entertainment activities.

Situated at No. 71, Ward 2, Soc Trang Town, Soc Trang Province; by the Highway No. 1A, Binh An Tourist Resort resembles Dam Sen Cultural Park in Ho Chi Minh City, but in a smaller scale.

Coming here, tourists in Vietnam travel have opportunities to join many recreation and entertainment activities. The tree-lined road system, the network of swimming pools, fishponds and other facilities are well arranged. That is the reason why this resort is suitable to tourists, with their different tastes and hobbies.

Behind the gate lies a man-made mountain 30 to 40 meters high. Atop the mountain stands a big statue of Avalokitesvara. At the foot of the mountain there are fishponds and paths. Inside the mountain is a mini hotel. Next to the mountain stands a two-storey villa built in the mixed Russian and Chinese architectural style, where wedding ceremonies, parties or banquets can be held.

The Binh An Tourist Resort has stirred up the atmosphere of a peaceful town imbued with Khmer cultural identity in Soc Trang, a province of the western part of south Vietnam.

Phat Tich Pagoda - a Buddhist cultural center with ancient sculptural

Phat Tich Pagoda - a Buddhist cultural center contains cultural and sculptural values of the Ly Dynasty. it is ideal destination for you to visit and research about Ly Dynasty.

Phat Tich (Buddha’s Trace) Pagoda, located in Phat Tich Commune, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, is a cultural and historical relic in Vietnam which contains cultural and sculptural values of the Ly Dynasty.

Phat Tich Pagoda, was built between the 7th and 10th centuries, and underwent several transformations throughout the years. It was first renovated during the Ly Dynasty. In 1057, King Ly Thanh Tong had a tower erected and a golden statue made. Later in the 17th century, the pagoda was enlarged. Unfortunately, the pagoda was ravaged by the war in 1947 and was rebuilt again in a simpler style in 1958. And in 1991, the pagoda has been reconstructed following ancient architectural designs.

 Among the remains of the pagoda is the Amitabha Buddha stone statue dating back from the 10th-11th centuries, which is considered precious object. The columns of the pagoda are decorated with intricately carved lotus flowers and orchestra with artisans playing various types of traditional musical instruments.

The Amitabha Buddha stone statue dating back from the 10th-11th centuries

According to historical records, Phat Tich Pagoda was as an importance national pagoda, where the Kings of Ly Dynasty often come to hold the Buddhist ceremonies and pray peaceful and prosperous for the country and safety for people. This was not only a Buddhist cultural center but also the place where Buddhist monks were trained. With such special values, Phat Tich deserves as a national vestige where preserves national treasures.

 Phat Tich Pagoda was the place where exhibit the largest Buddha Gem statue in Viet Nam – weighing 4.5 tons and standing 3.5 meters high, engraved out of Nephrite stone block, from 16 to 22 of May 2009. The world itinerary of the Buddha Gem statute has been put together to promote world peace. Before arriving at Phat Tich Pagoda, the Buddha Gem statue had visited Da Nang, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Thap in Viet Nam. After leaving Phat Tich Pagoda, the statue traveled to other places in the world such as USA, Taiwan etc. before being settled at the Peace Tower in Bendigo, New South Wales, Australia.

 In 2010, the project of renovating and restoring the Historical Cultural Vestige of Phat Tich Pagoda has almost completed which cost 75 billion VND sourced from the State budget and donations from organizations, individuals and Buddhist followers nationwide. The Phat Tich pagoda has named project to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.

 

The giant Buddha statue has been placed on the Phat Tich Mountain.

Now coming to Phat Tich Pagoda, visitors will have chance to contemplate a new wonder of Bac Ninh Province. That is the statue - 27 metres high (including Buddha's throne and pedestal) and weighs more than 3,000 tonnes which considered as one of the largest stone statues in Southeast Asia and the first of its kind in Viet Nam. It has constructed since February 2007. The statue is shaped based on the model of Amitabha Buddha statue which was made of stone during the Ly Dynasty - a masterpiece of the national fine-art with skillful lines. Therefore, the making of pattern and clothing creases for the giant Buddha statue is a very painstaking work. This giant work is the achievements of tireless labor of many people. Hundreds of artisans from Ninh Van Stone Village (Ninh Binh Province) have worked hard for almost four years under the difficult construction conditions on the mountain. They had to use rail to transport tens-tonnes rocks up to the mountain to preserve the surroundings. The construction of the statue was referenced by many experts. This work was also strictly reviewed and approved.

 The giant Buddha statue has been placed on the Phat Tich Mountain at the 108 metres above sea-level with the inner wishes of natural potential as this is place of sacred mountain, Mount of Buddha, marking first place where the Buddhism rose up in Viet Nam.

If tourists in Vietnam Travel have chance to visit Bac Ninh Province, Phat Tich Pagoda is a must-see place that should not be missed!

Moc Quan Pho Cuon in Hanoi

I wrote some time ago about the pho-based dishes that are a specialty of the Truc Bach area of Hanoi; since then, a new place has opened up that makes pho cuon even more appealing. Based on Nguyen Khac Hieu street, on what is often referred to as Truc Bach island or Truc Bach village, Moc Quan is within a minute’s walk of numerous other pho cuon joints, about 100 metres from Truc Bach lake and just a short walk from Chau Long Market, and serves up delicious versions of pho — while offering some luxurious seating.

Who knew pho could look like this?

The menu is much the same as the nearby restaurants: pho cuon, pho chua, pho chien phong, khoai tay (chips/fries) and so on, plus a few additional items such as frogs’ legs, hotpot and squid.

The pho cuon has been consistently good here and is the best we’ve had in the area: the beef is tender, there’s no gristle and it comes with a good mix of herbs — we’ve noticed that some of the other places have started only putting lettuce in. Also, pho chua has always been one of our favourites but elsewhere it’s just been another combination of pho and beef. At Moc Quan it’s pork-based, with some unidentifiable substances which we think may be slices of an internal organ but we like nonetheless.

With a bia Hanoi to wash it all down.

As well as the quality food, the reason we like Moc Quan is the set-up. Pho Cuon Bao Minh, by the lake, is a lovely spot, and Pho Cuon Hung Ben is always lively, but Moc Quan offers something else: big tables and chairs. And not only are they big, but they’re bamboo, not plastic. It’s pure luxury. Seriously, small plastic stools have their place, but it makes for a far more comfortable and leisurely dining experience when your knees aren’t by your ears. But for those who prefer the more local set-up, there are small stools and tables too.

The restaurant is mostly outside and very spacious. The bamboo chairs are located under a covered area, but the roof’s high so you still feel like you’re outside, while you’re protected from Hanoi’s regular downpours. There’s also an inside area, but it looks a bit claustrophobic to us so we’ve not ventured in.

The familiar small stools.

Despite the size and comfort of Moc Quan, the prices are the same as elsewhere, with pho dishes 40,000 to 50,000 VND. Frogs legs are 150,000 to 200,000 VND a portion and hotpot is 250,000 VND up.

If you’re in Hanoi for a while and want a change from the street food available in Old Quarter, Moc Quan is definitely worth a visit. Combine it with a wander around Truc Bach Lake or a visit to the Bookworm or Chau Long Market.

Moc Quan
53 Nguyen Khac Hieu, Truc Bach, Hanoi
T: (046)  2073 7476/(0904) 989 804

Sources: Travelfish

Lang Son Province

Capital city:	Lang Son
Area (sq km):	8,187
Population:	715,300
Average temp:	21.5°C
Ethnic data:	Viet/Kinh, Chay, Dao, Mong, Ngai, Nung, San, Tay.
Districts/wards:	Bac Son, Binh Gia, Cao Loc, Chi Lang, Dinh Lap, Huu Lung, Loc Binh, Trang Dinh, Van Lang, Van Quan.
Description: Lang Son is located in the extreme north at the 0 mileage marker of National Highway 1A at the dubiously named, Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship Gate), an important transportation link between ViêtNam and China.     Lang Son Province is bordered by China to the north along with Cao Bang to the northwest, by Hac Bac  to the south, by  Quang Ninh to the south and ending along the eastern border, whilst Bac Thai is on the west.  Economy:  Agriculture. Natural beauty sights: Mau Son Mountain, Mau Son Resort, Nhat Thanh Cave, Nhi Thanh Cave, Tam Thanh Cave, Tien Pagoda, Tien Pond. Historic sights: Chi Lang border. Festivals: Ky Lua Fair.Markets: Dong Kinh Market (3-story and largest market in Lang Son), Ky Lua Market (open-air and old market in Lang Son) and Dong Dang Market in Dong Dang, Lang Son (+84-(0)-25-851-277). Transport: Lang Son city, the capital, is some 20 kilometres from the actual border point -  Huu Nghi Border Gate - is 3 kilometres from Dong Dang! Motorcycles (xe om) will willing take you over this last three kilometres. Ha Noi is 154 kilometres to the south. Lang Son is accessible to both road and rail. The twice daily rail connections between Ha Noi and Dong Dang stopover at Lang Son.Transport - Rail Lang Son Railway Station is located at Hung Vuong Street, Tam Thanh Ward (+84-(0)-25-873-452). The Dong Dang Railway Station is easy to locate in the diminutive town (+84-(0)-25-851-335).Transport - Road Buses for Lang Son depart in the early morning from Ha Noi’s Long Bien Bus Station.

Thac Ba lake

Thac Ba Lake is one of three Vietnam's largest artificial lakes and famoust for the first hydro power plant. Thac Ba Lake is known as an actractive eco-tourism site.

Thac Ba Lake was created in 1970 by the construction of a dam on the Chay River. Thac Ba reservoir covers a total area of 23.400 ha, of which 19.05 ha is water area and the remaining 4.35ha of islets on the Reservoir. The length of the Reservoir is 80km, maximum width is 10km, the average depth is 15 - 25m and maximum depth is 42m.

This artificial lake has 1,331 islands and hills with diverse ecological environments. The water in the lake is blue and clear, and imprinted with the reflections of the surrounding ancient forest.

Tourists in Vietnam tours can go to visit Thuy Tien cave, Xuan Long cave, Cao Bien and Chang Re mountain, Trinh Nam island ... Coming to Thac Ba, tourists can also discover the natural beauty of primitive forest and thousands of islands, rocky mountains.Thac Ba Lake is not only a beautiful landscape, but it is also a national vestige. In 1285, the Thu Vat Battle took place under the command of Tran Nhat Duat against Mongolian invaders. During the resistance war agaist the American, Thuy Tien cave is the revolutionary base of Yen Bai provincial committee.

Thac Ba is recognised a place of historical and cultural interest by the government. There are major plans to develop eco-tourism resorts in the surrounding area. For a long time Thac Ba Lake has become Yen Bai people's pride.

There are 12 ethnic minority groups such as Dao, Tay, Nung, Cao Lan, Phu La.surrounding Thac Ba reservoir. These ethnic minority groups feature their own special and colourful traditional festivals. Coming to Thac Ba lake, tourists will have chance to enjoy speciality fish dishes, such as ven (bream), lang (hemibagrus), qua (snake-head), bong tuong (goby) and thieu bac (culteralburnus). Visitors in Vietnam travel can also sample Dai Minh famous sweet mandarins and pomelos.

Yen Bai Province

Area: 6,899.5 sq. km.
Population: 740.7 habitants (2006)
Capital: Yen Bai City.
Administrative divisions:
- Town: Nghia Lo
- Districts: Luc Yen, Van Yen, Mu Cang Chai, Tran Yen, Yen Binh, Van Chan, Tram Tau.

Geography

Situated on the gateway to North-West Vietnam, Yen Bai Province borders Lao Cai, Ha Giang in the north, Son La Province in the west, Tuyen Quang in the east, and Phu Tho in the south.
Terrain includes mountain, hill and valley. The network of rivers is complex with many falls and waterfalls. Climate in lowland is different from highland. Annual average temperature is from 18ºC to 28ºC.

Tourism
Yen Bai's large forest ranges supply valuable pomu, lat hoa, cho chi wood. Van Yen cinnamon, Suoi Giang tea, Tu Le glutinous rice are special products. The province owns well-known stone-pit in Luc Yen, too.

Yen Bai has artificial Thac Ba Lake, a scenic spot as well as a historical place. The lake consists of 1,331 hill-islands, varies vegetation cover and a diverse ecological setting. In the middle of the lake stands the Mong Son Grotto, home of the Yen Bai Party Committee during the anti-American resistance. Coming to there, tourists are able to relax in the lake, climb the mountain and explore the forests.
Visitors are attracted to Dong Cuong and Dai Cai temples. Archaeologists have found many remains of the Son Vi culture in the Dong Cuong Temple area. Dai Cai Temple was built on a large area covered with many green trees and beautiful riverside roads.

Tourist attractions

Thac Ba Lake

Ethnic groups

Viet (Kinh), Tay, Dao, H?Mong...

Transportation

Yen Bai City is 180km from Hanoi. The province is on the railway from Hanoi to Yen Bai then Lao Cai. There is National Highway No.32 linking to Lao Cai and National Highway No.37 connecting to Tuyen Quang. Buses leave daily for Yen Bai from My Dinh Bus Station (Hanoi).

M'Nong ethnic group

Name of ethnic group: M'Nong (Bru Dang, Preh, Ger, Nong, Prang, PJam, Kuyenh, Chil Bu Nor, and M'Nong Bu Dang). 

Population: 92,451 people (Year 1999). 

Locality: Concentrated in the southern parts of Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces, and parts of Lam Dong and Binh Phuoc provinces.

Customs and habits

The M'Nong live in houses built on stilts or level with the ground. Each village usually has dozens of households. The village chief plays a major role in village life. They like to drink alcohol from jars with pipes and smoke tobacco threads rolled in leaves. Matriarchy is observed and the children take the family name of their mother. The wife holds the key position in the household.

The M'Nong like to have many children, especially daughters. One year after the birth of a child, the baby is given a name. At funerals, people sing, and beat gongs and drums at the side of the coffin. After placing the coffin in the grave, they cover it with plants, tree boughs, and leaves before filling the grave with earth. After seven days, the family holds a rite which completes the mourning process. The M'Nong believe in the existence of many spirits which are related to their life. One such spirit is Mother Rice who has a special role. 

Culture

M'Nong language belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group

Costumes

Men generally wear loincloths and leave their upper torsos naked. Women wear skirts which fall to their ankles. Dark indigo loincloths, skirts, and vests are decorated with red-colored designs. 

Economy

The M'Nong use the slash-and-burn method of farming. The M'Nong in Ban Don are well known for their elephant hunting and domestication. Women handle the weaving of cotton cloth, while the men work on basketry.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a seaside town, also the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province – on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. Nha Trang is becoming increasingly popular in recent years because of its pristine beach, best scuba diving center of Vietnam as well as lots of interesting places and delicious food to enjoy.

Nha Trang used to be no more than small fishing villages until the French colonization. The French recognized Nha Trang as a perfect place for bathing, so they invested in the transformation to turn Nha Trang into a resort town.

Today, Nha Trang attracts a large number of domestic as well as international tourists from all over the world, mostly in summer. If you plan to visit Nha Trang from June to August, it is advisable that you book your hotel well in advance.

Nha Trang is famous for its culinary specialties like fresh seafood and barbecued pork rolled in rice paper, which are available in many restaurants in Nha Trang. In addition, the swallow’s nest soup – with bird’s nests collected from the wild, is regarded as the best in Vietnam.

Pho cuon

The summer in Hanoi is extremly hot and often seems like a chore to face a bowl of steaming hot noodle soup (Pho) or a plate of rice. One cool and refreshing alternative is Pho Cuon, a food similars to fresh spring rolls, but basically different in a number of ways.

Many  people believe that such dishes, by inducing sweat, really help lower ones body temperature and help fight the heat. Not everyone feels that way. One cool and refreshing alternative is Pho Cuon, a food similars to fresh spring rolls, but basically different in a number of ways.

The most famous places to find the dish are located on Truc Bach lake,opposite West Lake, Hanoi's largest lake. There are lots of places that offer Pho Cuon around the lake, but the easiest way to find are on Trúc Bạch road, on the north end of the lake, or Tran Vu on the south end.

Pho Cuon consists of a slightly cooked rice paper shell the same thickness as a Pho noodle. Inside this soft shell is a selection of herbs and greens - mainly cilantro, lettuce and mustard leaf  - and thinly sliced beef that has been cooked with garlic and generous amounts of pepper. It is served cold with a bowl of fish sauce, boiled water, garlic, carrots, raddish, vinegar, chilli and some sugar for dipping.

Once dipped in the sauce the taste of Pho Cuon contains many of the fundamental elements of Vietnamese cuisine: slightly sweet and spicy but light and fresh. The dish is served cold and has the effect of a hearty salad on one's appetite leaving plenty of room for a few cheeky beers or to try some other delights that many of these restaurants offer like Pho Chien.

Pho Chien is similarily light summer fair; it uses the same rice noodle paper as Pho Cuon but is sliced into squares, stacked, and deep fried. It is topped with the same garlicky beef as well as field cabbage and recommended that one dip it in the Phở Cuốn sauce. 

Hours can easily slip by sitting cross legged on bamboo mats as one enjoys the cool breeze of the lake and a few plates of Pho Cuon with friends. Tourists with Vietnam travel guide see a different, more relaxed side of Hanoi, as old men fish and young couples paddle along leisurely in swan boats. It is the ideal place to wile away one's time under the shade of a tree and await the cooling relief of evening.

The Pho Cuon restaurants on Truc Bach are open from morning till about nine or ten at night. The cost for a plate of about ten Phở Cuốn, a plate of Pho Chien, and four beers is just around VND200,000 (US$10). For the relief it offers from the heat, it's a steal.

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Ten most tourist-attractive destinations in Sapa

Sapa, one of the most tourist-attractive destinations in Vietnam tourism, often makes any tourist who has ever come to Vietnam cannot miss the chance to visit. September to November is the best time to visit this marvelous town of the Northern mountainous province.

Followings are ten most attractive destinations in Sapa that you should not forget to fill in your trip:

1. Conquer the top of Fansipan Mountain-“The Roof of Indochina”

Fansipan Mountain- "The Roof of Indochina"

2. Ham Rong Mountain

Ham Rong Mountain

3. Old Cathedral in Sapa

Old Cathedral in Sapa

4. Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village

5. Ta Phin Village

Ta Phin Village

6. Lush Green Valley of Muong Hoa- Sapa ancient rockfield

Sapa ancient rockfield

7. Silver Waterfall

Silver Waterfall

8. Heaven’s Gate

Heaven's Gate in Sapa

9.Hang Tien Cave, "a small Halong Bay" in Sapa

Hang Tien Cave in Sapa

10. Coc San Grotto

Sunrise on Coc San Grotto

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TOP 5 FOOD TO EAT IN HOI AN

Many people come to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An for its well-preserved architecture. Walking around Hoi An, it's easy to get lost in time and be shuttled back to an age when the river-front city was the largest harbor in all of Southeast Asia. It's very easy to understand why Hoi An is such a top tourist destination in Vietnam.

I, however, came to Hoi An to eat. It just worked to my benefit that I had such lovely setting to do it! There are a number of local delicacies specific to Hoi An that can draw a traveler to and persuade them to stick around Hoi An for awhile. I know because I fell in love with Hoi An's specialties and ended up eating my way around town for almost two weeks (well, also because I was having clothes custom-made but more on that in a later post)! Although many restaurants serve up all the usual Hoi An dishes for a few dollars a plate, heading to the street stalls is really where you'll get the authentic taste and the local price! Com Ga Com ga is as ubiquitous in Hoi An as pho is in Saigon on so you'll be able to find it on nearly every street corner. It's a straightforward meal of seasoned rice and shredded chicken, served with a side of fresh onions, greens and mint leaves. Nothing about com ga will change your life but it certainly makes for a filling meal when you're in the mood for something simple and fast. The tastiest spot I found was away from the city center, near my hotel on Hai Ba Trung at the family-run Cafe 619. I'll let you in on a secret though, their com ga is good, but not half as good as their savory pork. Same meal, different meat, but trust me on the pork! Cau Lau Cau lau is a bowl of doughy flat noodles served with bean sprouts, green vegetables, slices of juicy pork and croutons. The secret to a good cau lau is said to come from the water from the Ban Le well in town. Whatever the secret ingredient may be, the taste is simply delicious! The best street cau lau can be found along the river, just outside the Citronella Restaurant near the old Japanese Bridge. They add sprigs of fresh mint into their bowl of cau lau, and it makes all the difference! White Rose With such a pretty name as White Rose, you can expect something as delicate and light as these steamed shrimp dumpling-like appetizers. Trust me, they're small and you'll need something more substantial for a full meal. In any case, no meal in Hoi An truly starts without a plate of White Rose on the table. Fried Won Tons Delicate and crispy fried won tons topped with fresh ingredients is another Hoi An specialty to help start a meal right. I'm typically not one to indulge in fried foods, but the fried won tons are light and tasty, not greasy and oily. With a number of toppings to choose from such as beef and duck, as well as vegetarian options, these friend won tons can win over anyone, no matter how picky an eater. Dessert at Cargo Perhaps the best surprise in all of Hoi An is the delightful bakery found at the wildly popular Cargo restaurant. The chocolate cheesecake literally changed my life! It's rich, creamy and the milk chocolate topping is absolutely divine. So good that I had to have a slice three days in a row! In fact, every dessert I tried at Cargo was fabulous, including the cinnamon waffle served hot off the grill with a scoop of ice cream. Magnificent! An evening is not complete in Hoi An without a stop in Cargo for dessert and once you try one, you'll find it hard to not keep going back.

View The Beautiful Coastal City of Danang with Sparkling Night Scene

Danang City is located in the middle of Central Vietnam, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you are in Vietnam travel and joining a north-south journey, you should not miss this beautiful coastal city. Surely, you will feel excited when taking a chance to admire the night Danang scene with sparkling lights.

If tourists in Vietnam travel take a journey from North to South Vietnam, the beautiful coastal city of Danang should not be missed to visit. The city is located in the middle of Central Vietnam, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Surely, tourists will feel excited when taking a chance to view the city with sparkling lights at night.

Please admire some impressive photos of sparkling Danang night scene followings:

New terminal at Danang International Airport was recently completed

Han River Bridge has just been redecorated new lighting system

Extended Nguyen Van Linh Street is adjacent to the Dragon Bridge (under construction). The lighting system here is sponsored by Heiniken and it will becomeflower street  on the occasion of 2012 Lunar New Year

Bach Dang street of Danang city is sparkling at night

Fields of pristine white flowers in Moc Chau Plateau

Moc Chau Plateau always attracts many tourists in Vietnam tourism by beautiful natural scenery whatever the season of the year is! But it must say that winter and spring are the most beautiful of the year when cherry and plum flowers blossom everywhere. Now, winter comes! And Moc Chau Plateau is covered in vast fields of pristine white flowers.

Located in Son La province, at a distance of 200 kilometers from Hanoi, Moc Chau Plateau is 1,050 meters above the sea level, with an area of about 80 kilometers in length and 25 kilometers in width.

Anyone who has ever come to Moc Chau all knows that  Moc Chau Plateau is famous for a large herd of milk cows, immense tea plantations, big gardens of plum and apricot trees, and large green grass field of about 1,600 hectares.

The winter of this year comes and its sign is vast fields of delicate white flowers covering this dreamlike plateau.The wildflowers are blossoming a lot, but pristine white flowers are still stunning in tourists’ eyes at all.

Please enjoy some nice photos of pristine white flowers taken in Ban Ang pine forest:

A poinsettia is shimmering among pristine white flowers.

Pristine white flowers stretch across dozens of hectares covered fields, hills with a smooth white.

Plateau point trails are surrounded with pristine white flowers.

Bending among pristine white flowers is some yellow mustard plants, these flowers are mixed together like a couple.

Main Cities in Vietnam

From the vertiginous rice valleys of Sapa in Vietnam's north stretching to the fascinating bustle of the Mekong Delta in the south, Vietnam is home to a wealth of attractions that will seduce both budget and top-range travellers.
Vietnam's war-torn history - both the French and Americans have left their own unique and not often positive stamps on the nation -- as well as its stunning and varied geography, delicious cuisine, hedonistic beaches and amazing shopping are all reasons to travel to the fast-paced Communist nation.

Welcoming foreign tourists and their dollars for well over a decade, enterprising Vietnam has rapidly developed a well-trodden trail of tourist attractions. Many travellers kick off their vacation in the former capital of Hanoi in the north, where smokey French-style cafes rub shoulders with traditional stores hawking most anything and internet cafes frequented by well-groomed teenagers who otherwise hang out on the streets on their sharply polished motorbikes.

From here, popular side trips for travellers include Ha Long Bay, where soaring limestone karsts boggle the mind, and the former French hill station of Sapa, where hilltribes in colourful dress who work the terraced rice paddies -- and now the masses of tourists -- combine with cool weather to make a must-see destination.

Travel by train, or bus, to take in the remainder of Vietnam. Remnants of the American War in Vietnam provide sobering viewing around the central region's demilitarised zone (DMZ), an essential stop for the many war veterans returning to this now-vibrant nation.

The nearby imperial capital of Hue offers a glimpse into yesteryear, while incredibly popular Hoi An offers an opportunity to get an entire new wardrobe-shoes included -stitched up for a song, as well as some great cafes and cuisine to while away a few days enjoying.

Adventurous travellers will want to head further south again and inland to the little-touristed Central Highlands region, where ethnic minorities scratch out livings for themselves - not always in harmony with the central government.

A trip to Vietnam would not be complete without a stop at one of the beach strips for some surf, sun and sand, and perhaps a sipped cocktail or two. Nha Trang and Mui Ne are popular vacation spots, offering backpacker accommodation as well as some remarkable luxury resorts these days.

The country's southern capital of Ho Chi Minh city, or Saigon, is a throbbing metropolis where some might be as enthralled with the mesmerising traffic as they are with the sights.

Below Saigon the Mekong Delta offers particular delights to the independent and intrepid traveller -think freshly caught crispy fish, eaten while sitting on a barge cruising the waterways. Be sure to palm off the organised tours and do this part of the country on your own.

Sublime Phu Quoc Island is another excellent retreat, lapped by turquoise waters and a wealth of sea life.

Backpackers could easily spend a few months taking in Vietnam at a leisurely pace, though Vietnam Airlines and burgeoning regional budget airlines with their cheap flights now make spending say a long weekend in Hanoi or a quick break in Nha Trang a viable prospect for short-term, luxury tourists - or those who just want a taste of a fast-developing country that was off limits for so long.
  

Hanoi & Around

Hanoi and surrounds

Hanoi, one of the most beautiful of the colonial Indochinese cities is often the start or end point of a trip to Vietnam, and what a great welcome or farewell it is. Simply oozing charm, Hanoi has gone through wholesale changes in the last decade since Vietnam swung open its doors to tourism, yet it remains an amazing city to experience.

Tree-lined boulevards slice through the up-market embassy district, while winding back-alleys littered with steaming street-side pho stalls are more the norm in the city's Old Quarter. It's a bustling capital with often heaving (mostly motorcycle) traffic intermingled with everything from pedestrians and cyclos to heavy trucks and buses. As with Saigon in the south, there's food just about everywhere and there's a developing scene meaning you'll need not eat at the same place twice.

Outside the capital there's the breathtaking Ha Long Bay - which is an absolute must see for any first time visitor to Vietnam. Don't make the mistake of opting for a single-day rushed tour - give Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island as much time as you can afford - there's nowhere else like it.

Closer to Hanoi, from the Perfume Pagoda to the Hill station at Tam Dao and the scenery of Hoa Binh there's enough to keep you busy for a week to ten days in this region of Vietnam, savouring the sights, food and experiences that make the northern capital such a comfortable contrast to bustling Saigon in the south.

Mekong River Delta

A glimpse of Mekong Delta River

Vietnam is famous for its two big areas of growing rice (one in the North, Red River Delta, and another in the South, Mekong River Delta). Both of them are known as the rice baskets among Vietnam.

Mekong River Delta is formed from the strong Mekong River which originated from Tibetan Highland plateau. The delta is always renewed by the silt every year and the weather is good nearly all year round. Generally, there are two main seasons here: dry and rainy season. Mekong river delta is the richest land in Vietnam which is very suitable for farming, fishing, gardening, and raising poultry. Tourism also plays an important role in the development of the area because of the attractive landscapes and cultural value.

Mekong River Delta’s culture is various but unique which create the specialty for Vietnamese’s culture, that people often call “Van hoa mien Tay Nam Bo”. Local people are known as the very broad-minded, good nature, and rustic whose lives are mainly attached to the Mekong River. 

The typical images of Mekong River Delta are the large gardens and fish ponds. Tropical fruits are grown everywhere. There are thousands of gardens: papayas, milk apples, mangoes, durians, longans, dragons, coconuts, etc. Thousands of bonsai and petoria gardens enhance the beauty of the delta life.

Visiting Mekong River Delta, tourists can stop at the major cities and towns such as, Bac Lieu, tra Vinh, Can Tho, An Giang, Chau Doc, My Tho, Ben Tre, etc. There are many beautiful landscapes for tourists to enjoy: Hon Trong, Nui Cam, Bird Yards, Oc Eo Cultural vestige, My Thuan Bridge, Phu Quoc Island.

 Moreover, if the tourists come to Mekong River Delta in the first months on the year (Lunar Month), they will have chance to take part in the traditional festivals of Cham and Khmer people such as: Sene Dolta Festival, Chol Chnam Thmay festival, Ba Chua xu festival, Ok Bom Boc Festival, et c. They reflect the lives of local ethnics living in this area.

  

Mekong River Delta

A glimpse of Mekong Delta River

Vietnam is famous for its two big areas of growing rice (one in the North, Red River Delta, and another in the South, Mekong River Delta). Both of them are known as the rice baskets among Vietnam.

Mekong River Delta is formed from the strong Mekong River which originated from Tibetan Highland plateau. The delta is always renewed by the silt every year and the weather is good nearly all year round. Generally, there are two main seasons here: dry and rainy season. Mekong river delta is the richest land in Vietnam which is very suitable for farming, fishing, gardening, and raising poultry. Tourism also plays an important role in the development of the area because of the attractive landscapes and cultural value.

Mekong River Delta’s culture is various but unique which create the specialty for Vietnamese’s culture, that people often call “Van hoa mien Tay Nam Bo”. Local people are known as the very broad-minded, good nature, and rustic whose lives are mainly attached to the Mekong River. 

The typical images of Mekong River Delta are the large gardens and fish ponds. Tropical fruits are grown everywhere. There are thousands of gardens: papayas, milk apples, mangoes, durians, longans, dragons, coconuts, etc. Thousands of bonsai and petoria gardens enhance the beauty of the delta life.

Visiting Mekong River Delta, tourists can stop at the major cities and towns such as, Bac Lieu, tra Vinh, Can Tho, An Giang, Chau Doc, My Tho, Ben Tre, etc. There are many beautiful landscapes for tourists to enjoy: Hon Trong, Nui Cam, Bird Yards, Oc Eo Cultural vestige, My Thuan Bridge, Phu Quoc Island.

 Moreover, if the tourists come to Mekong River Delta in the first months on the year (Lunar Month), they will have chance to take part in the traditional festivals of Cham and Khmer people such as: Sene Dolta Festival, Chol Chnam Thmay festival, Ba Chua xu festival, Ok Bom Boc Festival, et c. They reflect the lives of local ethnics living in this area.

  

Mekong River Delta, Vietnam Travel Company, Vietnam Travel Agency, Vietnam Tours, Vietnam Tour

Southeast Vietnam

Southeast is one of the eight main regions of Vietnam. The rich land comprises of 1 city and 5 provinces: Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc and Tay Ninh. The Southeast reminds us a rich and prosperous land with complex networks of rivers and canals, endless rice fields, beautiful beaches, vast fruit gardens bird yards, and colorful festivals attracting visitors from both inside and outside the country.

Talking about the Southeast is also talking about the people there. Most of them are open-minded, friendly, hospitality. They can easily adjust with different cultures: they like Khmer Pagodas with Persian architecture design do not hesitate to sing the Central or the North people’s songs. Let us start to explore the Southeast with 6 parts which make the region unique and interesting place:
Ho Chi Minh City
Dong Nai
Binh Duong
Ba Ria - Vung Tau
Binh Phuoc
Tay Ninh

North west Vietnam

North West (Tay Bac) contains four inland provinces in the west of Vietnam's  northern part. Two of them are along Vietnam's border with Laos, and one borders China.

Stunning scenery and remote villages

The remote north west of Vietnam appeals to those wanting to get off the beaten track in one of Vietnam's most beautiful, unaffected and untouristed areas.

The travellers who do venture to Mai Chau, Son La and Dien Bien Phu often do so by way of a hired jeep and driver or do it by motorbike, while those striking straight north to Vietnam's hilltribe capital of Sapa avail themselves of the comfortable and efficient overnight train to Sapa. Whichever way you're headed, prepare yourself for stunning scenery as you pass through spectacular ravines and over breathtaking passes.

Best known for the burgeoning trekking centre of Sapa, there is a lot more worth investigating in this part of the country. The remote French firebase of Dien Bien Phu remains a drawcard, but it's as much the attraction of the trip there as the town itself that is worth visiting. A trip to Dien Bien Phu is easily combined with an approach to Sapa via "the back way" over the Fansipan pass (Vietnam's highest), allowing for more stunning scenery and the opportunity to see some of the less touristed parts of the country.

Another popular destinations is Mai Chau whose day-trekking and stunning scenery have helped it develop into a small tourist centre en-route to Dien Bien Phu - many trips from Hanoi run out to Mai Chau -- and with good reason. It also forms a comfortable spot to rest those weary limbs before continuing onwards and up into the hills.

More and more travellers are now heading up into this part of the country, in part due to the long-awaited opening of the border crossing into Laos near Dien Bien Phu - yes, it's true, you really can cross here now.

This is a time consuming part of Vietnam to visit, but if you have the time, the north west is well worth adding into your trip plans.

Language in Vietnam

Vietnamese, Vietnam's official language, is a tonal language that can be compared to Cambodia's official language, Khmer.  With each syllable, there are six different tones that can be used, which change the definition and it often makes it difficult for foreigners to pick up the language.

There are other languages spoken as well such as Chinese, Khmer, Cham and other languages spoken by tribes inhabiting the mountainous regions.  Although there are some similarities to Southeast Asian languages, such as Chinese, Vietnamese is thought to be a separate language group, although a member of the Austro-Asiatic language family. 

In written form, Vietnamese uses the Roman alphabet and accent marks to show tones.  This system of writing called quoc ngu, was created by Catholic missionaries in the 17th century to translate the scriptures.  Eventually this system, particularly after World War I,  replaced one using.

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