Travel 24h

Kanchanaburi

2010-09-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Kanchanaburi, where the world famous bridge over the Khwae river become immortalized in books and movies. It's around 19.500 square kilometres Kanchanaburi is Thailand’s third largest province. Bordering Myanmar, the province is famed for its mountains and hills. Kanchanaburi featuring the beauty of wild nature, where mountains and river valleys have inspired development of hydro and many dams, reservoirs for additional scenic natural beauty of this province as passionate heart.

Kanchanaburi is home to the Erawan Waterfall, a 7 tier fall of astounding beauty, as well as Sai Yok Waterfalls - the focal point of the 500-square-kilometre Sai Yok National Park comprising evergreen, bamboo and teak forest against a mountainous backdrop. The area is famed for activities like trekking, cave exploration, elephant riding and canoeing.

There are many opportunities to enjoy life on the rafts, on the rivers and beautiful lakes , create special moments for memorable holidays for nature lovers who like to mix the natural environment but still enjoy the comfort standards.

Some attractions:

The Bridge Over the River Kwai, which was built next to the town of Kanchanaburi crossing the Mae Klong river. The Death Railway ran all the way from the Kwae river valley up to the Three Pagodas Pass. Mention the Bridge over the River Kwai almost people are reminded of the film; however, the film was based on a true story about the bridge which was the place where thousands of allied troops were kept in internment camps during the Second World War.

The Bridge Over the River Kwai

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak): which is located opposite the main Kanchanaburi train station. Almost 7.000 (POW) prisoner of war graves are laid out in straight lines amidst the neatly manicured lawns and gardens. After the end of World War II, the cemetery at Don Rak became the final resting place for many of those who had been forced to endure the brutal conditions imposed by the Japanese army during the construction of the Thailand to Burma railway. Historians calculate that 38 allied POWs died for each kilometre of track that was laid on the railway. Those who died were originally buried at makeshift gravesites at various locations along the railway line. After the war ended, Don Rak cemetery was designed as a more fitting resting place and memorial to the dead.

War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi

Prasat Muang Singh is a Khmer town about 45 kilometres from Kanchanaburi city. It was built around the 12th century on the Khwae Noi River, the site was most likely an outpost of the Khmer ‘Muang Singh’ empire that protected the Khmer frontier. Prasat Muang Singh is the main shrine and the central focal point of the site. This is a great place to wander around – the grounds are tidy and attractive with trees and flowers, and although there are restaurants and stalls, the site has a very authentic, non-commercial feel about it - worth a visit.

Prasat Muang Singh

Sai Yok National Park: about 98 km from Kanchanaburi, located in Amphur Thong Pha Phum and Sai Yok. The Park was designated on the 27th October 1980 as the 11th National Park of Thailand, with a total area of 500 km2. The park is mountainous, mostly limestone mountain runs on north-south axis. In the past, Sai Yok National Park is an area King Rama 5 used to visit and take a bath in a stream. Later, there was a composer, who composed a song describes the wonderful of Sai Yok Waterfall, the waterfall becoming famous.

Sai Yok Yai waterfall

Erawan National Park was designated in June 1975, as Thailand's 12th National Park. It covers an area of 550 Km2 of high mountains and attractive valleys. The eastern mountains rise to 996m with shear limestone cliffs. These mountains protect the park from the eastern monsoon resulting in a low average rainfall. In summer the weather is sweltering but it is wonderfully between November to February cool. The main feature of the Park is the stunning Erawan waterfall created by a profusion of small streams joining together before tumbling down the precipitous cliffs.

Erawan waterfall

Khuean Srinagarindra National Park: It was announced on 23 December, 1981, to be a national park with an area of 14.968 ha. Interesting tourist attractions include Tham Sawan, Tham Neramit, Tham Nam Mut, Tham Phra Prang, Namtok Huai Mae Khamin.

Huai Mae Khamin waterfall

Nakhon Ratchasima

2010-09-20T02:42:00.000-07:00

Nakhon Ratchasima usually referred to as Korat, is the largest city in the Isaan region of Thailand around 260 kilometres from Bangkok. This is a large province which is steeped in history, especially that which relates to the Khmer kingdom. As a result there are numerous sites covering all aspects of Khmer culture. The province is rich in nature with forests, mountains, waterfalls and reservoirs. The province also supports traditional ways of life, especially well reflected at Dan Kwian – a traditional community based around the production of clay pottery products. Nakhon Ratchasima’s museums are excellent, housing findings from a variety of archaeological digs that bear witness to the region’s pre-history and the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures that strongly influenced it. Attractions in the area include Khao Yai National Park – an especially good park protecting birds and animals (tigers, elephants ...) and Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park, one of the best in Thailand

Some attractions

Statue of Thao Suranaree: constructed in 1934, "Thao Suraneree" is called "Khun Ying Mo" by Korat peoples who are intimate with her. She was a wife of the Deputy Governor of Korat during the reign of King Rama III. She managed to save the city from the invasion of the Laotian army led by Prince Anuwong of Vientiane. This momument was erected to commemorate her heroic deed. Korat peoples are praying this momument as usual for asking things of her.

Statue of Thao Suranaree

Wat Phra Narai Maharat: is a one of the most famous temples in Korat. This one is notable for its lake and island temple. Within the building is an ancient sandstone staue of the Hindu god Vishnu. You can cross the bridge and walk around the island but can not enter the building which houses Vishnu. Also, you may see huge Water Monitor lizards amongst the undergrowth or in the water. These things are as big as crocodiles, but are generally safe, and provide a surprising photo opportunity in the centre of the city.

Wat Phra Narai Maharat

Wat Sala Loi: is a chapel shape of Chinese Junk. It was found in 1827 by Khun Ying Mo and the main chapel was built in 1967. It received many awards from various architectural associations as a modern leading design of religious building. There are various sizes of Buddha images in the main chapel. The wall of the old chapel which was built about 170 years ago is well kept. There are many Buddha image in this old chapel.

Wat Sala Loi

Prasat Phanom Wan is located 20 kilometers from town. This religious place was constructed in the 12th century. Its Khmer style resembles Prasat Hin Phimai but its size is smaller. Its main stupa facing the east was built of sandstone an connected the Mandapa by a square path of 25.5 meter length and 10.20 meter width. The Prasat is surrounded by laterite wall and has Gopuras (entrances) from four directions. Outside the walls, there are a lot of ponds.

Khmer architecture temples: Prasat Phanom Wan

Khao Yai National Park: consists of complicated mountains such as Khao Rom, the highest about 1,351 meters, Khao Lam about 1,326 meters, Khao Keaw about 1,292 meters, Khao Sam Yod about 1,142 meters, Khao Far Pha about 1,078 meters, Khao Kampang about 875 meters, Khao Samor Poon about 805 meters and Khao Kaew about 802 meters above sea level. Moreover, the area has vastly grassy field alternating with productive forest. The north and the east part are smoothly sloping down, while the south and the west part are rising up. The area is the source of five main rivers as follows.

Heo Suwat waterfall in Khao Yai National Park

Prasat Nang Rum is the Hospital in Jayavarman VII's construction, who is the last great king of the ancient Khmer 12th century. This place is under the auspices of Buddha Bhaishajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha (The Medicine Buddha), the healer who gives a good health and sickless to human beings. This sanctuary is big, but it is badly ruined by weather. The base and entrances are the only remaining. It is surrounded by a wall with two entrances on the east and west. The sanctuary consists of the main stupa an vihara surrounded by laterite walls. Outside the wall, there is a pond lined with stepped laterite. Far away 80 meters, surrounded by leterite walls and the U-shaped pond are other three stupas assumed to be the residence of medical men.

Prasat Nang Rum

Wat Ban Rai is an important temple for Isan people. It is located northwest of Nakhon Ratchasima close to the village of Dan Khun Thot. Many worshippers come here to pay their respect to Luang Phor Khoon Parisuttho, a well known monk in Thailand. He has helped many people directly and is using the donations from the temple for Universities and Schools. During our visit in 2006 we had to wait for Luang Phor Khoon Parisuttho to come out of his quarters and the following visit went rather quickly for the long line of worshippers.

Wat Ban Rai

Prasat Hin Phimai was the Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary situated at the centre of the city, symbolizes Sumeru Mountain, the center of the universe according to ancient beliefs. The town’s plan was systematically laid out; the main route starts from the south city gate, with a long path leading directly to the principal prasat. It is located at the center of Muang Phimai, an ancient city from the 16th century B.F, along the Mun river. Phimai was an important city on the communication routes among the different regions and with access to Angkor in Cambodia. Near the city is a structure know as the Rishi’s Kuti, which was, in fact the Arogayasala, or the infirmary mentioned in inscriptions.

Prasat Hin Phimai

Ayutthaya, a former capital

2010-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's travel highlights, just 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) from north of Bangkok. From its establishment in 1350 by King U Thong until its fall to the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was Thailand's capital, home to 33 kings and numerous dynasties. At its zenith and until the mid-18th century, Ayutthaya was a majestic city with three palaces and 400 temples on an island threaded by canals. The former capital rivaled European cities in splendor and was a source of marvel for foreigners.

Then, in 1767, after a 15-month siege, the town was destroyed by the Burmese. Today there is little left but ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair, and a visit here is memorable and a good starting point for those drawn to the relics of history.

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of styles. Tall, ornate spires called prangs point to ancient Khmer (Cambodian) influence (best seen in Bangkok at Wat Arun). These bear a resemblance to the architecture of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai style.

Attractions

Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre: With an area of 285 rai (or 14 acres), the Centre is located in Tambon Bung Yai, Amphoe Bang Sai. Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as from other provinces undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. At this centre, you will have a glimpes of how farmers in the four regions live and work ; how their products of arts and crafts are produced. The centre is under the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) which was established under Royal Patronage on the 21st July, 1976. Products and activities which can be seen here are Fern Vien Basketry, Weaving Basketry, Artificial Flowers, Hand - Woven Silk and Cotton, Silk Dyeing, Wood Carving, Miniature Hand - Modelled Thai Dolls, Furniture Making, Cloth - Made Products... All the products are sold at the Centre and in every branch of Chitralada Store.

Royal Folk Arts at BangSai

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a largest temple in Ayutthaya, known for its row of chedis (Thai-style stupas). Housed within the grounds of the former royal palace, the temple was used only for royal religious ceremonies. It once housed a 16-meter Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process. The royal palace can also be accessed from the same entrance at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, but it only has a few free standing buildings remaining.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit is an impressive building that houses a large bronze cast Buddha image. It was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east, but it was later transferred to the current location and covered with a Mondop. During the second fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire. The building currently seen was renovated but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as the previous ones. The open area east of the Sanctuary (Wihan) was formerly Sanam Luang, where the royal cremation ceremony took place.

Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit

Wat Phra Mahathat is a large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese, and it also is part of the World Heritage site in the old city. Apart from the famous Buddha head in the roots of a Bodhi Tree the site is somewhat disappointing. Most of the original chedi and brickwork are decayed and there are only a few Buddha statues that have survived the test of time. When taking pictures of you and the Buddha head, make sure you sit on your knees to show respect, as it is considered holy by Thais

Wat Phra Mahathat

Buddha head in tree

Wat Thammikarat: This temple is located in front of the royal palace of Ayutthaya. According to the chronicle of the north, this was founded by Phraya Thammikarat, a son of King Sainam Phung before the Ayutthaya period. Important monuments which may be found inside the temple are: the chapel which used to enshrine a huge bronze Buddha image (now on displayed at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum); a bell-shaped chedi; an ordination hall; and a hall housing a reclining Buddha image. All these monuments areof the Ayutthaya style of the 14th to the 17th century.

Bell-shaped chedi in Wat Thammikarat

Wat Thammikarat

Phra Chedi Suriyothai: is a white and gold coloured chedi built as a memorial to a previous queen. Set in a small, well-kept gardens, it is the memorial for the first heroine in Siamese history, is located in Ko Mueang to the west. Among various places of interest within the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, this ancient place is of much importance as a proof of honour that ancient Siamese society gave to Thai women.

Phra Chedi Suriyothai

Chiang Rai

2010-09-09T02:19:00.000-07:00

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more ’laid back’ now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

Some attractions in Chang Rai

Golden Triangle means that the boundaries between three countries, including Thailand, Chiang Rai, Road, Bo Kaeo Province, Lao PDR and Tachilek in Myanmar look like a triangle area meet. The Mekong River cuts through the border of Thailand and Laos. This is an important economic area in the region.

In 1970s this place was the general headquarters of Khun Sa who was boss notorious opium, but now no longer grow opium which became the ideal eco-tourism, according to which, the former poppy fields been replaced by fields of crops, green fruit trees.

Golden triangle landscape

Monument of King Mengrai the Great : It is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

Monument of King Mengrai

Ku Phra Chao Mengrai: This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in Chiang Rai Township area. It is the place where ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.

Stupa of Mengrai

Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong: This pagoda is located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of Mae Kok River near the city of Chiang Rai.

Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong

The Mae Kok River: 130 kms long, running through the heart of Chiang Rai, is said to be one of the most beautiful and unspoil rivers of the world. It flows gently along jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs. Along its route lie several hilltribes and jungle - tribes of Chiang Rai. The people are friendly and the life aboard the raft relaxing. There are regular well - organized rafting trips to and from Chiang Rai to many interesting destinations: A popular tours rafting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, or vice versa.

Rafting Along the Mae Kok River

Doi Luang National Park covers areas in Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao of Chiang Rai, and some part of Lampang and Phayao. To get to the park is by taking Chiang Rai - Phayao Highway for 58 kms. to Ban Pu Kaeng, turn right at km. 773 for another 9 kms. Main attraction is Namtok Pu Kaeng It is the largest waterfall in Chiang Rai, having strong current cascading all year round.

Namtok Pu Kaeng waterfall

Mae Sai is Thailand's northern most border district to Chiang Saen A small town about 30 kms. further from Mae Chan. Its lovely setting on the Mae Khong River strongly enchants the charm of its old temples ; Wat Pa Sak , Wat Phrathat Chom Kitti ...

Mae Sa pass gate

Doi Mae Salong located about 45 kms. to the north of Amphoe Mae Chan, is one of the places allowed by Thai Government for some of the Chinese refugees from Myanmar to settle in. The village founded is called Santi Khiri. It has become well-known among tourists both Thais and foreigners for its enchanting beautiful scenery, calm and placid nature. There are guest houses and tourist houses with recreation activities provided such as house riding and elephant riding.

Doi Mae Salong

Wat Phrathat Doi Tung: is the holy relic that draws devout Buddhists from as far as Laos and Myanmar for annual worshipping. The reliquary is atop the highest Chiang Rai mountain at Doi Tung, elevation 2,000 meters above sea-level. The shrine is reached by a torturous mountain road, winding its way up and down mountain sides for 17 kms. off Highway No. 110, 48 kms. from Chiang Rai township. The unmatched panoramic view reaches out to Myanmar and Laos on the horizon.

Wat Phrathat Doi Tung

Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is a beautiful royal residence is built for the Princess Mother on the way to Phrathat Doi Tung. The main attraction is Suan Mae Fa Luang , a very beautiful garden decorated with different kinds of plants and flowers. The garden is open to visitors daily from 06.00-18.00 hrs.

Mae Fa Luang garden

Mae Hong Son - stone age cultures

2010-09-09T01:27:00.000-07:00

Mae Hong Son, Thailand's northern border city, hiding itself in between the towering mountains with densely forested slopes, stretching to the Burmese border. Maehongson is known for its charm of scenery and culture. The people of Maehongson consists of the Shans who live in the city and the hilltribe people who live in remote villages on mountain tops where elements of lifestyle have changed little in hundreds of years.

The Shans' ancestors came from Shans region in Burma. The hilltribe people consist of Karen, Lisu, Mhong, Lahu, and Lua. Both the Shans and the hilltribemen have their own distinctive cultures. They have their own lilting dialect, their own architectural lifestyles, their own customs and traditions, and their own delicious cuisine. Throughout the year, Maehongson holds many festivals and events. Tourists can observe the distinction cultures from these events. There are different dances, rituals, and ceremonies for different events and festivals. Even the foods are different for each event.

The most remarkable tradition and also the most important event for the Shans is "Poy Sanglong Festival" which is the ordination ceremony for the Shans' boys. The event is held in March and there is one big celebration throughout the city.

The city is covered with the mist all year long. Mae Hong Son gains its nickname of "the City of Three Mists" from the fact that it has dewy mist in the winter, forest fire mist in the summer and rainy mist in the rainy season.

Thampla PhaSua National Park: This national park is in Mae Hong Son province, situated in an approximate area of 488 square kilometers or 305,000 rai, covering the areas of ThamPla-PhaSua Waterfall in the right hand side of Mae-pai National Conserved Forest, Muang District, and Pang Ma-pha Sub-district. The topography of the National Park consist of high mountains extending northwards, which are the sources of streams and rivers. The natural sightseeing spots at the National Park consist of ThamPla-PhaSua Waterfall, which are beautiful and very popular for recreational activities.

Thampla PhaSua Waterfall

Located at Tambon Huai Pha, 17 km away from Mae Hong Son city, on the way to the Pang Ma Pha district, is Tham Pla (Fish Cave). This hillside cave with flowing water throughout the year is home to a rare breed of blue-black fish, Soro Brooke Carp (Labeobarbus soroides) , which live in a water pool 2 m wide and 1.5 m deep. You can see the fish through the rock hole at the base of an outer wall of the cave. The fishes eat vegetables and insects such as crickets, although the locals believe them to be vegetarian and feed them only fruit and vegetables (which can be purchased at the park entrance).

Fish Cave in National Park

Fish (Pla pong) in Fish cave

The Hmong village hill tribe in Mae Hong Son were originally from Southern China and have been in Thailand for generations but do not have citizenship. Apparently the Hmong people are good businesspeople and quite wealthy but they are determined to preserve their culture and animist religion so they live very simply in basic huts with mud floors.

Hmong village in MaeHongSon

More pictures from Mea Hong Son

Phrathat Doi Gongmoo Temple is a Shan temple, built high up on the mountainside, on the west side of the town


Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang temples are situated on Jong Kham Lake and are oldest temples in Maehongson

Jong Kham Lake. In ancient times this lake was a natural water source in the center of the town

Wat Phra Non temple is located at the base of Gongmoo Mountain and houses a large Buddha statue. There is a museum of ancient tools, and the main hall has a roof decorated in the Shan style with galvanized iron


The Buddha statue in Hua Wieng temple was brought from Burma and is designed in the Mandalay style

Kamkoh temple is also situated at the foot of Gong Moo Mountain, across from Phra Non temple and has beautifully decorated galvanized iron roofs

Pha bong hot sping

Chiang Mai, Thailand's old capital

2010-09-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Chiang Mai was founded in the late 13th century and is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in Thailand. It was once the capital of Lanna, an independent Thai Kingdom and has preserved its unique cultural heritage to a marked degree.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second city, but in terms of quality of living, tourist attractions and development potential, it's second to none in Southeast-Asia.

More than 300 temples, among them some of the most beautiful and revered in the entire Buddhist world, give the city an atmosphere of calmness and timeless elegance.

Chiang Mai has a distinct international atmosphere with many foreign businesses and organizations (NGOs) locating in the city over the past decade due to her excellent infrastructure with international direct flight connections to all countries in the region including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Cambodia and Taiwan.

The quality of living is unsurpassed. Accommodation and food are of the highest standard at very low cost. Entertainment is plentiful with numerous festivals, outdoor activities and great nightlife.

Genuine adventure is to be found in the immediate vicinity of Chiang Mai with jungle tours, rafting, elephant riding and hill tribe villages to visit.

Some attractions

Wat Phra Borommathat is on Doi Suthep is a large golden pagoda in the center of the temple containing a part of the holy relics or the Lord Buddha. It's a holy spot visited throughout the year by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. This temple was built by King Gue-Na in 1383 A.D for the people who born in the Year of The Goat. Lanna People believe that to bring them highest prosperity, they should visit “Phra That” of their zodiac birth year, just event once in their lifetime.

Wat Phra Borommathat pagoda

Inside Wat Phra

Naga stairway 360 steps up to Wat Phra Borommathat

Phu phing Palace is on Doi Buak Ha, about 4 Kms from Doi Suthep. Phu Phing Palace is the Winter Royal Palace was build in 1962 and open to the public on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays as well as holidays, when the Thai Royal Family is not in residence.

Phuping Palace is a beautiful place full of flowers, a lot of trees and places to walk. Visitors can take pictures of the Palace from the outside and during December to January a lot of beautiful roses can be seen. In the area one can buy local handmade products, souvenirs at quite a reasonable price. This elegant little Palace is mainly used bythe Royal Family in January and February, when the cool season is at its best and the flowers at their most spectacular.

During this time there is a constant to-ing and fro-ing of helicopters as members of the Royal Family carry out their incredibly busy schedule, giving degrees to graduates, visiting royal projects and hilltribe villages and receiving a constant flow of visitors. Presidents, Kings and Queens from all over the world have relaxed in this beautiful Palace. The Palace is situated high up in the mountains, four kilometres above Wat Doi Suthep and it can not be seen from Chiang Mai. In the cool season the extensive gardens are a glorious display of temperate flowers.

Phu phing palace

Hmong Tribal Village - Doi Pui: it located in a valley just north-west of Doi Pui on Doi Suthep Pui National Park. The Hmong has make the village their home by selling Hmong crafts and other souvenirs. Hmong are only one of the hill tribes in northern Thailand. This village is home to more than 200 households of the Hmong people. Their livelihood depends not on the swiddening agriculture of the past, but merchandising.

Some people argue that the `traditional way of life' apparently being followed is simply an appearance, with commerce the hard reality that underwrites the continuing visits by paying tourists.

Be that as it may, the Hmong Village on Doi Pui is worth a visit. Apart from the colourfully-clad villagers, also of interest here are the Opium Museum and the Hilltribe Museum. For centuries, the tribe has been an opium grower of importance. The Opium Museum documents how the crop is cultivated and processed, and displays some of the implements used in opium production.


Hmong kid with her traditional dress on Doi Pui

Hmong crafts

Chiang Mai Zoo was established by the The Zoological Park Organization, Thailand in 1974. Situated on 531 Rai of verdant forest land at the foothill of Doi Suthep mountain, the zoo is surrounded by hilly terrain which is home to thousands of species of wild plants and flowers adorning the natural landscape of valleys, streams and waterfalls.

Chiang Mai Zoo is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can experience the excitement and intimacy of various species of animals in their natural habitat.

In ChiangMai zoo

Doi Inthanon National Park: is one of the best equipped to welcome visitors. It is Thailand's highest mountain and towers 2,565 metres above sea level. Doi Inthanon covers some 1,005 square kilometers. It offers marvellous natural scenery. There are beautiful waterfalls throughout the park. These include the Siriphum, Vajirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang, and, the largest of all, Mae Ya waterfalls. Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park. To get to Doi Inthanon take Highway 108 and turn to Highway No.1009 at km.57.

Visit the Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The best period for watch the birds or camp is November through March.

The Great Holy Relics Pagoda

Mae Ya Waterfall: The North of Thailand is famous for its many waterfalls and one of the most beautiful in Chiang Mai province is Nam Tok Mae Ya. This waterfall is thought to be the highest in Thailand and is well worth the extra effort to get there.

Nam Tok Mae Ya is a beautiful, fanning cascade, dropping down an ever-widening series of steps. The water tumbles down a 100 m cliff in a series of spectacular leaps and National Park officials estimate that the Mae Ya River plunges more than 250 m at this point. At the bottom is a cool pool where children can swim and enjoy the pleasant picnic area. It is without a doubt, a photographic favorite for most visitors.

MaeYa waterfall

Mae Klang Waterfall: The waterfall is reached via Highway 108 to km 57 (just 1 km before the village of Chom Thong). Turn right onto Highway 1009 and continue 8 km to where the road forks. Mae Klang is 300 m straight ahead. The summit road forks to the right, reaching Park Headquarters near km 31 and the summit of Doi Inthanon at km 48. Once there, the waterfall provides a picturesque setting for picnics and relaxation. The area is fast becoming popular with many international visitors as well as local Chiang Mai families who own homes along the riverside.

The rapids and waterfall spill over a wide exposure of granite and can be approached closely. Rocky paths climb up beside the 30 m high falls and if you reach the top there is a fine view. Visitors are asked to exercise caution around the waterfall area and while swimming either above or below the falls. There are food, drink and souvenir stalls at the entrance and below the main falls. Across the bridge are the beautifully laid out gardens of the northern branch of Wat Chai Monkon, a famous Bangkok temple. In the grounds is a spectacular chedi containing a lift. There is also an enormous Buddha statue made out of one piece of Canadian greenstone. A well-maintained trail leads up the side of the waterfall and continues to the Visitor Center and beyond.

Mae Klang Waterfall

Wachirathan Waterfall: Nam Tok Wachirathan waterfall is on the route to Doi Inthanon and is a thirty-minute drive from Nam Tok Mae Klang. It is a beautiful scenic spot for picnics and is reached by a short, easy trail from the parking area. Nam Tok Wachirathan tumbles down a granite escarpment, creating a misty veil of great beauty. Visitors should be very cautious, as three people have tragically fallen to their deaths while taking photographs.

Just a short distance on the main road beyond the waterfall is the small Karen hill tribe village of Ban Sop Had. If you turn right just past the bridge you will find the village a few hundred meters up the dirt access road.

Wachirathan Waterfall

Another attractions in ChiangMai


Wat Suan Dok has the largest temple royal was built in 14th century. It is a favourite spot for photographers


Wat Phra Singh a lagest temple was built by King Pha Yoo in 1345

Wat Phra Singh


Wat Chiang Man was build 1306 onward is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It enshrines the Crystal Buddha, one of the greatest treasures in Thailand


Wat Chedi Luang (Temple of the Big Stupa) was built in 1391 is an impressive ruined temple in the center of Chiang Mai

Sao Inta Kin or City Pillar is believed to house the guardian spirit of the city. It's situated in Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Kuta is situated in town, was built in 1613 A.D. in the shape of five guards of diminishing sizes and
beautifully decorated with colored porcelain, representing five lord Buddha's.

Wat Ched Yot is situated in town, was built in 1477 A.D. by King Thilokanat

The ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam was established by King Mengrai in 1286 AD as the first Capital of Lanna

The Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai's nocturnal zoo is one of the largest in Asia and considered by many to be the most beautiful night safari in the world

Chua Huong - Perfume Pagoda

2010-09-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Chua Huong (Perfume pagoda) is located in Huong Son (Perfume mountain) 70 km southwest of Hanoi. Chua Huong is not one temple but a cluster of temples and shrines in the general vicinity of Huong son. The pagoda(s) are located in My Duc hamlet in the province of Ha Tay. According to the book, Huong Son Thien Tru Pha, Huong Tich temple was built during the reign of Le Chinh Hoa (1680-1705), by a monk who happened on the site on his way to search for enlightenment. Other shrines and temples were later built in this area to take advantage of the beautiful scenery in this area.

Perfume pagoda has a long history in Vietnamese literature. This temple, its name, has been a theme of many songs, topic of poetry, used in literary works as well as backdrops for paintings. The uniqueness of Huong Son is that the mountains, river and forest appears like an oasis for buddhists in the middle of the great plains of northern Vietnam. This location truly incorporates all the elements of beauty that is often used in Eastern philosophy and arts.

Visitors to Perfume pagoda must drive through Ha Dong city, Van Dinh township to Ben Duc (pier Duc). The road is in poor condition so it can take more than 2 hours to travel the 50 miles from Hanoi to Ben Duc. Although there is a road from the pier to the base of Perfume mountain, most people choose to use row boats on Yen Vi river, which is by far the more romantic and scenic route to chua Huong.

Ben Duc

Yen river

There is an informal protocol when arriving to Chua Huong. The first stop must always be a visit to Den Trinh (Trinh Temple). Den Trinh means registration shrine. All visitors to Chua Huong must first "trinh" or register at the shrine and to announce their intentions.


Trinh Temple

The next point of interest would be a visit to Thien Tru temple (chua Ngoai - Outer Temple). The temple was built in the 18th century. Thien Tru means heavenly kitchen. This name was derived from the imagination of the locals in this region. Supposedly, the rock formations in this area look like chefs busily working in the kitchen. The name Thien Tru is also the name of a constellation - for the god of the kitchen.

Thien Tru temple

A visit to chua Huong is incomplete without going to Huong Tich grotto. Upon arriving to Huong Tich grotto, there is a 120 steps descend as the temple lies deep within the grotto. At the entrance to the grotto, there is "heaven's gate" (path to heaven) and "hell's gate" (descend to hell).

In the 18th century, Lord Trinh Sam had 5 words, "Nam Thien De Nhat Dong" meaning, "the most beautiful grotto under southern sky", carved onto the granite slab at the entrance to Huong Tich grotto. According to legend, the cave was discovered two thousand years ago. However, local people only began to place a shrine there in 1575, and later a larger temple was built.

There are many colorful stalagmites and stalactites within the cave. Each is given a name for their purported features. Some of the more famous ones are Cay Gao - Rice Stick, Cay Vang - Golden stick, Nui Co - the maiden and Nui Cau - the youth. Nui Co and Nui Cau supposedly look like the head of a young children. It is believed that couples who wish for children often pay homage to Huong Tich grotto and to especially visit Nui Co and Nui Cau to pray for their first born.

The path to Huong Tich grotto

Huong Tich grotto

Cape Cà Mau

2010-09-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

Ca Mau is southern point province of the country, has three sides with 307 km sea coast. Bounded by Kien Giang in the north, Bac Lieu in the eastern, eastern and southeastern in the East Sea, west and southwest is the Gulf of Thailand. Ca Mau is the new land, including alkaline soil, salty soil, peat land and alluvial soil makes fertile fields. Ca Mau has network of interlacing rivers, with 7 main rivers: Ông Đốc, Bảy Háp, Cái Lớn, Gành Hào, Dầm Dơi, Trèm Trẹm, Bạch Ngưu. Ca Mau has many rivers and canals network entangle so travel by small boats and transportation is very convenient...

To Ca Mau Cape, tourists to visit national landmark coordinates, watching the forest, the sea, to contemplate evening clouds try to hide out on the immense ocean airspace

From Ca Mau headland, tourists can see Hon Khoai group of islands in the sea, which is 20km far from mainland. This is a beautiful group of islands including Tuong Islet (Hòn Tượng), Sao Islet (Hòn Sao), Kho Islet (Hòn Khô), Lon Islet (Hòn Lớn), Doi Moi Islet (Hòn Đồi Mồi). The biggest and highest islet is Khoai Islet (Hòn Khoai), which is about 4km2 wide and its top is 318m high, where the important lighthouse peak of Eastern Sea belonging to Thai Lan Bay locates. Especially, Hon Khoai has many sources of freshwater and it often supplies thousands of fishing boats with this. The specialties of the Alluvial ground of Mui headland are blood arca and hair arca. The local people catch arcas when the tide is as low as a surfboard on the mud-yard.

Cu Lao Cham is home to a wide range of land and marine fauna and flora, with many the species listed as endangered

Cu Lao Cham

Ca Mau river

Trem river

U Minh Ha forest

Mekong Delta

2010-09-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Vietnam’s "rice basket", the Mekong Delta is a watery landscape of green fields and sleepy villages, everywhere crisscrossed by the brown canals and rivulets fed by the mighty Mekong River. Its inhabitants – stereotyped as friendly and easygoing – have long toiled on the life-sustaining river, with their labours marked by the same cycles governing the waterways.

The Mekong Delta was an ancient Khmer territory. The area was mostly marshland and forest. When the Nguyen Lords took control of this region, a series of canals were built and a system of transportation was implemented in the maze of water ways in the area.

The Mekong Delta is divided into 9 provinces: Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Dong Thap, An Giang, Vinh Long, Kien Giang, Hau Giang and Minh Hai. The people in this region are made up of Vietnamese and some people of Khmer, Chinese and Cham origin. This accounts for the variety of religions that add to the cultural diversity of this area. Among the religions practiced here are: Buddhism, Catholicism, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao and Islam.


Khmer people

Cham people

Khmer pagoda

The people living in the Mekong Delta make their living as farmers and fishermen. Often, they live right on the edge of the rivers or canals on various structures built from whatever materials found. Consequently, the architecture along the delta varies from place to place.

Floating markets are held every morning from 5:00 to about 11:00. Phung Hiep market is the biggest since it is located at the intersection of 7 major canals. It is also a photographer's delight because it can be seen above from a bridge. Cai Rang and Phong Dien are two other notable floating markets in the delta.

Boats loaded with produce from nearby orchards of the Mekong Delta converge to the floating market. They carry mostly fruits but also coconuts, vegetables and fishes.

Buyers are local traders with bigger boats snapping everything by the bushels and resell at local markets or to wholesale dealers from big cities, often for a handsome profit.


Cai Rang floating market

Phung Hiep floating market

Floating market is a specific characteristics cultural in the southern region

Ben Ninh Kieu (Ninh Kieu wharf) is probably the most well known landmark in Can Tho. The port lies on Hau Giang and crosses the city of Can Tho. The city opens to the water front where port Ninh Kieu is the focal point of all activities on the river. Frequent ferries carry passengers to Xom Chai island, just a short distance away and a beautiful sight at sunset.

Ninh Kieu wharf overview

floating market on Ninh Kieu wharf

Sapa -Town in fog

2010-09-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

Sapa district (or Sa Pa) is located in Lao Cai province, 350 km from Hanoi, close to the border with China. The Hoang Lien Son range of mountains dominates the district, which is at the eastern extremity of the Himalayas. This range includes Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan Mountain at 3,142m above sea level, and a vast area covered by thick forest, which is very rich in wildlife. The township of Sapa lies on a hill station at the attitude of about 1,600m and was built by the French into a famous summer resort with some hundred colonial villas which was well-known as “ Tonkin’s Alps” . The complicated terrain of Sapa including steeped high mountains with sharp cuts and large valleys, many streams of water in combination with sloped terraced paddies form magnificent scenery.

Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, Sapa is also an ideal inhabitation for a great diversity of ethnic minority peoples. It is likely that, Sapa was first inhabited by highland minorities of H’mong and Zao groups who immigrated from southern provinces of China, later came the Tay, Zay, and a small number of Xa Pho to form the 5 main ethnic groups which takes about 85% of the district’s population today. The Vietnamese, in small number, immigrated from lower land to the region, mainly living in town, working in government offices, schools, hospital or running their own mini hotels, shops, … while most other ethnic peoples live in small hamlets and villages scattering on the mountains and valleys throughout the district. Until middle of 20th Century, the H’mong and Zao, majority of Sapa’a population, still lived shifting style and practiced slash and burn agriculture which caused huge damages to the nature. Nowadays, most of them have changed into sedentary one basing on intensive farming and work their land on sloping terraces cultivating rice and corn, since the vast majority of the land is mountainous. However self subsidiary is still the main feature of their production and lifestyle with almost no contact to the out side world until 1990 when tourism started in the region. On the other hand, due to hard weather & climate condition, only one crop can be cultivated in a year and the productivity depends much on nature thus led to a fact that food shortage is quite common here.

For nearly two decade, thanks to the all aspect development of the region in an attempt to turning Sapa into one of the country’s premier tourist destination, the local ethnic peoples has experienced great changes and enjoy invaluable benefit. Road to remote villages is continuously built and upgraded, many schools were built…and the most important one is the revolution in agriculture and fast development of tourism which helps the majority ethnic peoples in Sapa improve their live dramatically.

Luckily that in spite of all fast changes taken place in recent years, the ethnic minority peoples in Sapa still maintain well their colorful and unique culture.

Sapa in fog

Sapa with colorful and unique culture

Sapa attractions

Sapa town

Nested under the shadow of Fansipan mountain, Sapa Town beautifully sits on a hill top at 1,600m above sea level, viewing over the Muong Hoa valley. Being unknown until 1880s when the French arrived Sapa town was quickly became well-known for its natural beauty, fresh and cool climate. As a result, in early decades of 20th Century, It was built into a summer resort by the French with some hundred villas to accommodate their colonials to escape away from summer heat of cities in lower regions.

The resistant war against the French (1945-1955), caused a lot of damages and Sapa was almost isolated and forgotten until 1990s when tourism started again in Vietnam. Sapa woke up to welcome the first tourists in early 1990s and be developing into a large town to serve the booming tourism. Although experiencing such fast growing, the town is well maintained its own charms and resisted its harmony to the surrounding nature. From the top of Ham Rong Mountains a perfect panorama view of the town open wide with lovely architectures and buildings under the shades of pine trees which centered around the Church and market place.

Cat Cat village

Cat Cat village is a village of the Black H’mong, about 5 Km west of Sapa Town. Located near the bottom of a deep valley right at the foot of Fansipan, the village is surrounded by high mountains and terraced rice paddies on hill slope. There is a waterfall near the village where the French built a hydraulic power station and It is really a beautiful sport. A short walk from Sapa Town to Cat Cat Village, especially in late afternoon to admire magnificent landscape is worthwhile.

Muong Hoa valley

Starting as a small stream of water from the foot of Silver Waterfall about 14 Km northwest of Sapa town, weaving its way along mountains’ feet southeast between the two mountain ranges. About eight kilometers southeast of Sapa town, the two mountain ranges open wider to form the Muong Hoa Valley which get wider and wider as it goes further south about 30 km. The Muong Hoa valley is famous for breathtaking scenery and is the largest farmland for rice growing in Sapa district.

Lao Chai village

About 8 – 9 Km southeast of Sapa town on the west bank of Muong Hoa River, Lao Chai village is a commune composed by three large villages with over 100 families of the Black H’mong ethnic. From a high point of the main road 8 Km from Sapa town, great view of the whole village open wide to offer the marvelous panorama of the village, backed by high mountains and facing the river. The H’mong people in this village experience rice intensive farming on the lower land near the bottom of the valley as main source of earning while growing corn on the mountain slopes at the back of the village.

Ta Van village

Next to Lao Chai on the same side of Muong Hoa River is Ta Van village where the Zay and H’mong ethnic people live together. This is one of the best places to see the different traditional ways of living as well as cultural assimilation. The Zay live a sedentary style and always choose the low land near valleys’ bottom and river for growing wet rice while the H’mong prefer higher elevation for corn farming. Especially some decade ago when poppy cultivation for opium was not forbidden. Recently, the H’mong changed from sifting into sedentary way of life they gradually move to lower land and learn many things from others. At this moment Ta Van can be reach by car, Jeep, mini van. However a trail up and downhill from Y Ling Ho through Lao Chai to Ta Van offers superb and romantic rout to hikers.

Ban Ho valley

At the end of the motor way about 25 Km from Sapa town lies a vast and flat valley, circled by mountains and hills. It is Ban Ho valley home to the Tay ethnic. The Muong Hoa River winds its way around the village provide fresh water for 2 crops of rice and bean every year and it make the scenery of the valley more romantic. The Tay people possesses high rice farming technique and live sedentary lifestyle. Their villages are often very large with hundred households. Their houses are impressively built on stilts in unique structure to form superb dwellings. It is also a very good village for experiencing home stay.

Siver waterfall

May bridge

Following the main road 4C 14km further north is the famous Silver Waterfall and 4 km more is the highest mountain pass of Vietnam which is called by locals Heaven Gate. The road ride offers great view of the magnificent Fansipan on the other side of the valley with immense lush forest. Tram Ton pass is also an ideal point for enjoying breathtaking scenery of the west side of Fansipan which is very different from the east side due to the different climate.

The path lead up Ham Rong mountain

Ham Rong Mountain is an attractive tourist area in the center of Sapa Townlet Legend has it that in the distance past, all animals lived together in a chaotic environment. One day, Jade Emperor gave an order that every species of animal had to find for them an area to live. Having heard the order, they scrambled for a place to reside.

The three brothers of dragon who were living in a large lake hurriedly ran to the east but could not find any place; they then ran to the west. The two older brothers ran fast and came to the destination first. The youngest brother ran slowly and strayed into the crowds of lions, tigers and big cats. Fearing that these animals would attack it, the dragon opened its mouth to defense itself. At that time, the order of Jade Emperor was no longer available, so the three dragons petrified. The two older dragons, which were waiting for their brother, face Lao Cai City, and the youngest one raising its head and opening mouth faces the Hoang Lien Mountain Range. So the mountain is named Ham Rong (Jaw of Dragon).

Visitors to Ham Rong have chances to climb up the San May (Cloud Yard) to enjoy the panorama of Sapa Townlet, visit the orchid gardens with beautiful and colorful flowers.

Sapa market

Bac Hà market: The biggest ethnic market in the Lao Cai province, where you will find buffaloes, horses, blacksmiths, saddlers, but also traditional medicine doctors, with their thousands of mountain herbs and plants, and lots of traditional clothes and local artefacts. Several groups of deep-coloured Hmong are found there, as well as Dao, Tay, Nung, and Phu La. Make sure to arrive before 9 a.m., the market ends at about 12 :30. Sleeping in Bac Hà, on the Saturday offers an opportunity to watch the preparations for the market and the successive waves of villagers going there. Tasting the local corn spirit is a must, but be prudent, it may be up to 55° proof!

Can Cau market: Every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 12, in the middle of the paddy fields and corn fields, the various hmong groups from the highland villages sell their farming products and buy fabrics, farming tools and kitchenware. The local Hmong wear traditional costumes that are so gaudy and heavily embroidered that the Chinese, the French and the Vietnamese have nicknamed them the « Flowery Hmong ». Numerous Hmong farmers travel back to their villages on horseback, the only way to carry heavy loads in these steep areas.

Tuesday Coc Ly market: still off the main roads. Several Hmong, Dao, Tay, Nung and Phu La groups are there. You may opt for a boat trip on the river Chay, in the middle of stunning landscapes and villages that have remained totally traditional.

Pha Long market: Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to twelve. Very rural seldom visited market, where you can meet ethnic groups that are only found in this particular district of Vietnam, mostly Hmong, Nung, Tou Zi, Pa Zi and Tou Lao. Along the road, in a landscape of mountain peaks, numerous Nung et Hmong villages. Lots of traditional houses with baked earth tiled roofs.

Muong Khuong Sunday market: Big market with a wide range of ethnic groups: Hmong, Dao, Nung, and merchants from other ethnic groups who come all the way from China to sell their products. Several Pa Zi women sell traditional incense made from the bark and resin of scented trees.

Muong Hum Sunday market: every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market, the biggest cardamom market in the area, was already there during the French colonial period and serves as a meeting place for the ethnic groups living in the mountains: Giay, Dao, White Hmong, Hani. Those living in the highlands, like the Hmong and the Zao (Dao) come down to sell their specific products such as cardamom and other spices and mountain plants.

In Mường Hum, you should taste the paddy rice brandy (made with unhusked rice) from the dao village of San Lung. Its fruity flavour and mildness have made it famous well beyond the limits of the Lào Cai province.

Bac Ha market

Muong Hum market

Can Cau market

Sapa market

Especially: Sapa Love Market: Sapa is also famous for its love market, which takes place on saturday evenings. The love market of Sapa used to be the place to find a partner to get married. With the tourism, the real love market does not take place anymore. Currently you can only see a representation of the love market. Do not miss it anyway if you are staying here a saturday night.Young Red Dzao hill tribe used to come to Sapa to sing songs to the opposite sex. Girls sang the songs hidden in the dark, when a boy found them, and if they matched together, they disappeared into the forest for three days. Some of them got married after that.

While Dao women are indeed highly industrious, the men, it seems, prefer to spend most of their time drinking, smoking opium or sleeping, only occasionally slapping the rump of a lethargic bovine moving more slowly than they are. Few of their songs, though, are about drinking, smoking opium, sleeping or slapping rumps.

Every Saturday, the picturesque mountain village of Sa Pa comes alive with shoppers who know what they want: love. They travel from near and far to size up the goods of the day, hoping something will tickle their fancy.

Dancing at love market

Ha Noi - Viet Nam's capital

2010-09-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Ha Noi become Vietnam’s capital since 1010, when the King Ly Thai To, Ly dynasty’s founder, transfer his capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh - 145 km from Hanoi) to Thang Long in the middle year of 1010.

Since then, Ha Noi is Ha Noi is the socical, cultural, and economic center of Vietnam. Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works including One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1042), the Temple of Literature (built in 1070), or the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas. Around Ha Noi, there are still many traditional handicrafts village. Feature with a delta region and many lakes located in the city, Ha Noi gives you special natural charm.

Ha Noi attractions

One Pillar Pagoda: The original name of the pagoda was Dien Huu pagoda which literally means long lasting happiness and and good luck. The pagoda is situated in the western part of the city. It was first built in 1049 in the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. legend has it that at time King Ly Thai Tong was very old and had no sons of his own. One night he had a dream that he was granted a private audience with Buddha with a male baby on his hands. Buddha seating on a lotus flower in a square-shaped lotus pond in the western side of Thang Long Citadel, gave the king the baby. Month later the queen got pregnant and she gave birth to a male. To repay the gift from Buddha, the king ordered the construction of a pagoda with was supported by only one pillar resembling a lotus seat on which Buddha had been seated. The pagoda was dedicated to Buddha.


One Pillar Pagoda

Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam: was the first university of Vietnam where many students graduated with high flying colors. Some became doctors of philosophy. In 1482 King Le Thanh Tong ordered the erection of steles with inscription of all the names, birth dates and birth places of doctors, and other excellent graduates who took part in examinations since 1442. At present there remain 82 steles standing in the premises of Van Mieu. Aprt from its cultural value, each stele presents an artistic project of stone carving. Each stele is placed on the back of a turtle representing the nation's longevity.

Temple of Literature

Sword Restored Lake: The lake which is not as large as Ho Tay to the northwest is situated in the center of the city. Because of its unique location Sword Restored Lake is billed as a basket of lower placed in the middle of Hanoi. The name of Sword Restored Lake is derived from a legend which has it that King Le Thai To had a precious sword. The sword. The sword had always been on his side during the 10-year resistance against the Ming aggressors. After he won over the foreign aggression and returned to Thang Long Citadel. One day he went out and boarded a royal boat to cruise in the lake. Suddenly he saw a giant turtle emerging and coming towards him. The king withdrew his sword and pinpointed with the sword the direction of the coming turtle for his soldiers' attention. All of a sudden, the turtle caught the sword between its teeth from the king's hand and submerged. The king thought that it might have been that during the resistance war against the Minh aggression, the king was offered sword by genie to help him defeat the enemy. Now when peace has returned the genie appeared and took back the sword. With that thought in mind, King Le Thai To named the lake after episode as Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of Restored Sword).

Sword Restored Lake

Ngoc Son Temple: Hoan Kiem lake which had been considered the most beautiful lake in the city was in the 19th century added with another object to make it more beautiful and famous. That was the construction of a temple on the Ngoc (Jade) islet in the lake. Initially the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda. Later it was renamed Ngoc Son Temple because in the temple is dedicated to saints. Saint Van Suong was a person considered the brightest star in Vietnam's literature and intellectual circles. Tran Hung Dao was worshipped because he was the national hero who led the Vietnamese people to a resounding victory over the Nguyen aggression. The temple as it is seen today was attributable to the restoration afforts of Nguyen Van Sieu in 1864. A great Hanoi literature writer, Nguyen Van Sieu himself had a large pen-shaped tower (Thap But) built in at the entrance to the temple. On the upper section of the Thap but there are three Chinese characters Ta Thanh Thien which means literally that to write on the blue sky is to imply the height of a genuine and righteous person's determination and will. Behind Thap But is Dai Nghien (Ink Stand). The ink stand is carved from stone resembling a peach, which is placed on the back of the three frogs on top of the gate to the temple. Passing through Dai Nghien visitors are to tread on the wooden bridge called The Huc. The Huc is literally understood as the place where beams of morning sunshine are touching.

On the long way that leads to the temple there are several cau doi (parallel sentences) written on the wall. These cau doi are considered part of a traditional ward puzzle entertainment, a lifestyle literally educated persons of ancient Thang Long used to follow.

The Huc bridge - Ngoc Son Temple

Quan Thanh Temple: The three ancient Chinese which are still seen today on the top of the entrance to the temple means Tran Vu Quan. That is literally the temple which is dedicated to Saint Tran Vu. A temple is a place for worshipping saints while a pagoda is dedicated to Buddha and faithful disciplines.

Saint Tran Vu was a legendary figure which was a combination between a legendary character in Vietnam's legend and a mystic character derived from China's legend. The legendary character in Vietnam's legend was a saint who had earned the merits of assisting King An Duong Vuong in getting rid of ghost spirit during the King's construction of his citadel at Co Loa.

The Chinese legendary figure was a saint who made great contributions in safeguarding the northern border. Quan Thanh Temple was built during the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010-1028). In 1893 the temple was given a grand facelift to have the shape as we can see it today. Special attention should be paid to a black bronze statute of Saint Tran Vu. The giant statute, formally placed in the main hall, was cast in 1677. Another special object is an ancient bronze bell, 1.5 meters high, which is hanged at the top of the three-gate entrance.

Another object of no less significant is a smaller black bronze statute of Old Trong, a chief artisan of the bronze casting team who had made the giant statute of Saint Tran Vu and the great bell on top of the tree-gate entrance. To commemorate the great contributions of the teacher Old Trong, his students of bronze casting cast his statute and placed in the temple for their for their younger generations to remember Old Trong for ever.

Quan Thanh Temple

West Lake and Truc Bach Lake: The Youth Road can be compared to a beautiful bridge spanning across the two large bodies of water - West Lake to the northwest and Truc Bach Lake to the southeast. This 992-metre-long road has been made into two-lane road with a line of big trees grown in between the lanes. On either side of the road is grown with flamboyant trees, weeping willow trees and Bang Lang trees. In summer the road looks colorful with the many flamboyant trees in blossom and Bang Lang trees with violet flowers.

The west lake area is estimated at 480 hectares, being the biggest lake in the city. A road that runs around the lake is as long as 12 kilometers. It passes several flower-growing villages such as flower Nghi Tam village, Tay Ho, and Peach tree planting Nhat Tan village. Situated nearby the lakeside road are several famous pagodas and temples such as Phu Tay Ho and Kim Lien Pagoda. In feudal regimes many royal palaces and rest houses have been built to used as resort places for kings and senior court officers. Now Ho Tay has been earmarked for the city's major tourism development center.

Truc Bach lake

West Lake to the northwest and Truc Bach Lake to the southeast

Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest of all pagodas in Hanoi. Located beside the dazzling West Lake in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism.

It is said that, the pagoda was built under the reign of King Ly Nam De (544-548) under its original name of Khai Quoc (National Founder). It was originally built on the bank of the Red River (then West Lake and the Red River met). In the time of King Le Kinh Tong (1600-1618), the pagoda was removed to the Kim Ngu (Golden Fish) Islet due to the river bank crumbling and was renamed Tran Quoc (National Defence).

Unlike other ordinary pagodas, the Tran Quoc Pagoda was built intriBehind the worshipping shrine is the Buddhist trinity followed by corridors, ten shrines and the belfry.

In the pagoda, there are many valuable statues, such as the red lacstatue trimmed with gold of Sakyamouni Buddha's Parinirvana and many ancient stele, with the old- one made in 1639 by Doctoral lau- Nguyen Xuan Chinh recording the Pagoda's history.

In 1959, on his visit to Vietnam, Indian Prime Minister Razendia Prasat offered the Pagoda a bodhi tree as a gift. The plant was grafted from the holy bodhi tree where Sakyamuni sat in zen (meditation) position 25 centuries ago. Now the bodhi tree is green and luxuriant, shading part of the pagoda's yard.

As a religious relic among spectacscenery, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a favourite stop-over of many foreign visitors and pilgrims.

Tran Quoc pagoda

Quan Su Pagada : Quan Su Pagoda was first built on the land of An Tap village, Tho Xuong district, on the southern gate of Thang Long capital.

Formerly, it was a small Buddhist pagoda, located near the Quan Su house which had been constructed during the Le dynasty in the 15th century to receive foreign envoys and ambassadors.

In 1934, the pagoda was the headquarter of the Tonkin Buddhist Association.

Since 1942, the pagoda has been restored and expanded many times, with a larger and better architectural structure. Nowadays, this place acts as the headquarters of the Vietnam Central Buddhist Congregation, at 73 Quan Su Street, Tran Hung Dao ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.

Quan Su pagoda

Duong Lam old village: If considered Hanoi old town and old town Hoi An is a museum urban lifestyle, the ancient village of Duong Lam is the museum of the lifestyle of rural, agricultural lifestyle. The first survey research, the scientists Vietnam property Department and cultural Japan, Showa University - Tokyo defined here as places carrying value characteristics of a Vietnamese village need to conserve .

Duong Lam including 9 villages, 5 villages in the Mong Phu, Dong Sang, Cam Thinh, Doai Giap and Cam Lam and close together. The village this link together into a unified the customs, habits, beliefs, and thousands of years does not change.

Today, Duong Lam village still keeps the road most of the features of a Vietnamese village with village gate, banian tree, water wharves, courtyard house, pagoda, temple, sentry box, water rice field, water well, field water, wood hills . Road system by Duong Lam is very special because they have pictures of fish bone. With this structure, if the self will never turn back on Taoist temple.

One particular road do is keep a port village of Mong Phu village. This is not a port of the village as other villages in the Northern with arch doom rolling that is a house of the two roof is right on the road to the village. Also at the Mong Phu village has Mong Phu communal house in the village - was built in 1684 (date Vinh To of the king Le Hy Tong) - one house is featured for the traditional Vietnamese home. Yard of communal house in the village is lower deck space around it when rain, water flows into the ground and then release the two at the image forming two dragon horn. Every year, communal house in the village organization festival from the first day of the month to the 10 th January lunar year with games such as worship of pigs, and chickens to worship ...

Duong Lam old village

The gate of O Quan Chuong suburb is one of the city gates of the Thang Long city. The gate was built in 1749 and then rebuilt in the third year of Gia Long dynasty. The main and two auxiliary gates of the structure are still preserved intact. Three Chinese letters “Dong Ha Mon” engraved on the main gate mean Dong Ha suburb’s gate. The gate is also called Quan Chuong suburb.

The name of the gate is told to be related to the event that the French attacked Ha Noi in November 1873. When arrived at the gate of Dong Ha suburb, they had a lot of damage caused by the resistance of the Vietnamese army. But since the French got reinforcements, the Vietnamese army of one hundred people died. The gate was named “Quan Chuong” – the title of the brave leader of the army - in order to show admiration for him. However, this event is still a supposition

O Quan Chuong gate

Da Lat

2010-09-03T00:35:00.000-07:00

The first person to explore this region was Mr. Nguyen Thong. Approximately 25 years later, in 1893, Dr. Yersin, a French immunologist discovered Dankia high lands while on an expedition to the Langbian high lands. Dankia is 10 km from the city of Da Lat. This region reminded Dr. Yersin of his homeland, and particularly the similarities between Da Lat's evergreen forests and those in the Swiss Alps. He made the recommendation to the government to form a resort town with health spas for government officials and foreign dignitaries in Dankia.

Not long after, Dr. Tardiff, also a French citizen, had an expedition through this region and visited Dankia and Da Lat. He recommended Da Lat to the government due to the favorable water source and locale. At the time, South Vietnam was under French rule, and was known as Cochinchina. The Governor of Cochinchina personally visited Dangkia and Da Lat and decided to take Dr. Tardiff's recommendation.

Da Lat has many homes built of wood much like the Swiss chalets found in the Alps. It also has many grand villas built by French officials during the early part of the century. Many more villas were built by the South Vietnamese officials in the 60s and 70s.

Xuan Huong lake is the most beautiful lake in Da Lat. It is approximately 5 km2. In 1919 a dam was formed on a branch of Camly river creating a small lake. In 1923, another dam was built further down stream to create yet another lake. During a severe storm in 1932, both dams were destroyed. Between 1934-35, a larger dam was built of boulders (site of Ong Dao bridge today) below the sites of the two previous dam creating one large lake named Ho Lon or Large lake. Ho Lon was later renamed after Ho Xuan Huong, a famous vietnamese poet in the 17th-century.


Xuan Huong lake

Thung Lung Tinh Yeu (Valley of Love) is now a park developed by the local government to attract tourists. The valley is approximately 5 km from the center of town. At the floor of the valley is Da Thien lake. To go to the lake there is a small dirt path used for horses. Recently the park attendants have built a series of steps leading to the bottom of the valley. Lake Da Thien is quite small and there are peddles and motorized boats for rent.


Valley of love

A small stream fed from Xuan Huong lake pours into CamLy fall leading to Suoi Vang (Gold Stream). Many people believe the name Camly has its origin in Han Viet. Cam means sweet and Ly means where the land absorbs the water. The river and fall was given the name Camly to signify a stream of cool fresh water leaving an impression (absorb) in the heart of the visitors. More probable however is the fact that Camly is the vietnamese pronunciation for K'Mly, name of the chief of Koho tribe who made their home in the Xuan Huong valley during the 19th century.

Camly fall

Prenn fall is located at the foot of Prenn pass and is about 10 km from Da Lat. Around the fall area was once a thriving wild life refuge. Visitors to the fall can visit the various habitat of the animals in this region. Today, Prenn fall is a destination to visit in Da Lat. A local compared the scenery at Prenn fall to those drawn in paintings. The water falling from the top of the fall creates a sheet of silver pouring into a pool of water at the bottom. Behind this sheet of water is a wooden and bamboo bridge where visitors can cross behind the water.

Prenn waterfall

About six kilometers from the center of Dalat City, Tuyen Lam Lake is a must-see destination with its tranquil environment and fresh air amidst such attractive landscapes as mountains, woods, other lakes, streams, waterfalls and many other attractive beauties that make it a popular tourist magnet suitable for tours of various types such as sightseeing, camping, convalescing, walking, fishing and climbing.

The lake looks poetic with a vast and tranquil surface that compares to a human being in meditation. It is amazing for tourists to hire a boats to drift around the lake under the shade of pine trees and many kinds of colorful flowers. Dropping a fishing rod and patiently waiting for a fish or sitting silently is a suggested way to reduce daily worries.

Tuyen Lam lake

The Da Lat railway station was built in 1932 and put into use in 1936. There were two trains Da Lat – Nha Trang and Da Lat - Sai Gon a day.

But this line was destroyed in the war and abandoned in the late 1960s. Seven kilometers of the track between Da Lat and Trai Mat has been reconstructed and operated for tourism purpose since 1997. Currently, the station is one of the attractive tourist destinations in Da Lat.

The Ministry of Culture and Information certified the Da Lat railway station as a national historical and cultural site in 2001. And it was also considered the nicest ancient railway station in all Indochina.

Da Lat railway station

Con Ga Church is one of the typical architecture of the oldest and Dalat. This is the largest church in the city of Da Lat, called the cathedral, or in addition to the name of the church because the chicken atop the bell tower is a big chicken.

The church was built from 1931 to 1942, is 65m long, 14m wide and 47m high. With that height, the church's bell tower can be seen from many places in the city. Upper part of the wall mounted 70 sheet bears the stamp of stained glass church architecture medieval Europe

Con ga Church

Truc Lam pagoda is the largest pagoda in Dalat now, it is located on Phung Hoang (Phoenic) mountain, 4km from Dalat, established by Thich Thanh Tu Monk in the 90s and it was opened on February 8th, 1994. The area is 24.5 hectares and it is divided into 3 zones: zone for the MonHotel , zone for the nuns, zone for visitors. The first outline design had the attendance of a famous architecture, Mr. Ngo Viet Thu (the architecture of Doc lap Palace-Thong Nhat Palace now in HCM city). This is the large Institute of Meditation in Vietnam. The aim of it is to cover the mediation in Vietnam (which existed in Tran period).

Truc Lam pagoda

Phong Nha Cave

2010-09-01T01:51:00.000-07:00

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is called the kingdom of grottoes. Since 1920, this area has been known as a famous cave system. Then the Phong Nha cave was organized for visiting by French since 1937. Nowadays the cave system here has been discovered and measured in detail by the British Royal Cave Association, the Science University of Ha Noi National University. They found and recorded the outstanding values of the cave system in Phong Nha – Ke Bang.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang grottoes are the oldest age in South-East Asia that the establishment concern to tectonics faults in third period (35 million years) at the same time with separation and stretching takes shape Chinese sea. The cave system is developed above the largest limestone area in South-east Asia with very ancient age from the late Devon period (377 million years) to the Permian period (250 million years).

The Phong Nha - Ke Bang Caves consist of the Phong Nha Cave system, with 9 caves of various sizes and the Vom Cave system, with 8 caves of various sizes. The total length of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang Caves is 86,839m (from 2005). In these caves, there are many underground rivers. In some places they appear on the ground and all the inlets of underground rivers flow down to the Chay and Son Rivers. Finally, they combine with the Gianh River and run to the sea.

At the present Phong Nha and Tien Son cave always open to welcome to visitors to discover marvelous beauty and hidden values here.

Hue - ancient capital

2010-08-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

iHue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam. Located 660 km from Ha Noi and 1080 km from Saigon, Hue has always been considered the fulcrum of Vietnam's two rice baskets, the Red river delta and the Mekong delta. Hue became the name of Vietnam's most well known ancient capital because of the local mispronunciation of the word Hoá in Thuân Hoá.

Since the 16th century, Thuan Hoa, due to its strategic location, has been a very prosperous area. The Nguyen Lord chose this area to be their headquarters. Nguyen Anh made it Vietnam's capital city in 1802 after he defeated the Tay Son and ascended to the throne with the name Gia Long. King Gia Long (1762-1819) was credited for building and fortifying Hue from the very beginning. Since then, successive king of the Nguyen Dynasty has added to the foundation set by his predecessors.

Although Hue has sustained much damage from natural disasters and wars, the city and most of the architecture remain. As a capital city, Hue is relatively young since the Nguyen dynasty only ended some 50 years ago (1802-1945). Of the ancient capitals in Vietnam, Hue is the only one that still has the intact appearance of a complex of the monarchic capital consisting of walls, palaces, and royal tombs. Consequently, Hue is among Vietnam's most valued national treasure in terms of history and heritage

In 1981, after visiting Hue, Mr. Amadou-Mahtar-M'Bow, then Director General of UNESCO proclaimed Hue to be "a masterpiece of urban poetry". On December 11, 1993, UNESCO's Director General, Federico Mayor acknowledged the Complex of Monuments of Hue to be a World Culture Heritage.

Some attractions in Hue

Thien Mu Pagoda

Built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest, the Thien Mu Pagoda ("Heavenly Lady Pagoda") in Hue is one of the oldest and prettiest religious buildings in the country. Among the many interesting artifacts housed at the complex is the car that took the monk Thich Quang Duc to his self-immolation in 1963 Saigon.

The Thien Mu Pagoda has its roots in a local legend: an old woman once appeared on the hill and said that a Lord would come and build a Buddhist pagoda for the country's prosperity. Hearing of this, Lord Nguyen Hoang ordered the construction of the pagoda of the "Heavenly Lady" (Thien Mu).

Construction began in 1601 under Lord Nguyen Hoang, and it was renovated by Lord Nguyen Phuc Tan in 1665. Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu contributed a great bell in 1710 and and a stele erected on the back of a marble tortoise in 1715. The Phuoc Dien Tower in front was added in 1864 by Emperor Thieu Tri.

Imperial City

The main reason to visit Hue is the citadel of the old capital, along with the royal tombs scattered around the countryside. In the early 19th century the Emperor Gia Long chose the present site at Hue. The Emperor wished to recreate, in abbreviated form, a replica of the Forbidden City in Beijing. This vast structure is an unusual hybrid, built according to the notions of Chinese geomancy but in the style of the noted French military architect Sebastien de Vauban.


Imperial city

The lower part of the gate is stone, while on top is the “Belvedere of the Five Phoenixes” where the emperor appeared on important occasions, and where the last emperor abdicated to Ho Chi Minh’s Revolutionary Government in 1945.

Thai Hoa Palace : (the Palace of Supreme Peace) was built in 1805 in the style of architectural designs made for the construction of the other structures like shrines, palaces and mausoleums in the imperial city of Hue in the 19th century. The size of the structure is about 1,300 sq. meters. The main hall is 43.3 meters long and 30.3 meters wide. The palace is made of two separate halls. The front hall is called ante-chamber and the other is billed as the main hall where is erected throne of the king.

This is the most significant place in the royal palace. It was used for the king's official receptions and other important court ceremonies such as anniversaries and coronations.

Thai Hoa Palace

The Royal's Tomb: The Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) is the last of Vietnam's Royal families. In all, there were 13 kings, however, due various reasons, only seven had tombs. The seven imperial tombs were planned and constructed in a hilly region southwest of the Citadel. Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Duc Duc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh all had a tomb built. All tombs were constructed during the reign of the respective kings for which they were named. Each tomb was laid out with statues and monuments in perfect harmony with one another to form a poetically natural setting. The following elements were incorporated in all the tombs: walls, triple gate (Tam Quan Gate), Salutation Court, Stele House, temples, lakes and ponds, pavilions, gardens, and finally the tomb.

In 1957, Les Merveilles du Monde (France) published a list which included the royal tombs of Hue as part of the World's Wonders. Unfortunately, most of the artifacts in the tombs have been stolen by the French and local bandits.

Khai Dinh's Tomb

Inside of Khai Dinh Tomb

Gia Long's tomb

Dong Khanh's tomb

Thieu Tri's tomb

Minh Mang's tomb

Tu Duc's tomb

Inside Tu Duc's tomb

Another attractions

Huong River (Perfume River)

Truong Tien bridge

Hoi An ancient town

2010-08-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

Located by the banks of the peaceful Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam province) is about 30 kilometers Southeast of Danang City. Hoi An shares the borders with Duy Xuyen district in th South, Dien Ban district in the West and North and the Pacific ocean (the East Sea) in the East. Hoi An Ancient Town consists of 10 wards and 3 villages, one of which is an 15 kilometer offshore island

Sunset in Hoi An

Hoi An is an enclave of beautifully preserved yellow and blue buildings that makes you feel like you just stepped back in time into an 18th-century trading post. Sapphire waters lie on the other side of a 10-minute bike ride north through stagnant rice paddies, old French colonial villas, and the occasional propaganda billboard. The beachfront of the famed China Beach — the beach where soldiers were sent for R&R during the war — makes up the southern stretch. Recently named one of the most luxurious beaches in the world by Forbes, this white sand beach is home to comfy resorts and secluded swaths of sand.

Hoi An, however, has much more to offer than just a beach. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999, this coastal village was once known as the premier trading post in Southeast Asia for the Chinese and Japanese.

Street in Hoi An

A bike ride around town takes you back to life in a small far-flung trading settlement. However, since the influx of visitors, shoppers are more likely to come across trinkets and “made-to-measure” one-day tailors than authentic goods.

Market life is still prevalent next to the river where you will find fishermen paddling along in their boats, stirring up their catch of the day. For a sense of life before modern times, head into select buildings in the Old Quarter where you can view 200-year-old interiors that have been preserved for public viewing.

Street in Hoi An

The streets in Hoi An are lined with ancient wooden houses with ancient wooden houses which possess both old and sophisticated styles. Visitors can recognize that these houses are always open to visitors so that visitors can look through to the back of houses with frames, pillars, rafters and collar beams. Long parallel streets have the wooden bridge with a low tiled roof and handrail for pedestrians. It is where Pagoda Bridge or Japanese Bridge - the symbol of Hoi An Ancient Town - is situated

This ancient town had been under impact of the old Chinese culture for ages; thus upon arrival in Hoi An, visitors might see colorfully-decorated and pagodas located here and there in the town with their high and wide gates, blue curved ceramic tile on roof, which are very distinctive and unique. Such temples, communal houses and assembly halls, etc had been deeply influenced by the Chinese architecture. Shops along the sidewalks have only enough space for arranging a few chairs and table sets to serve visitor’s food and beverage needs or give them room for reading books comfortably. Everything - houses, pagodas, temples etc in Hoi An are old-aged and ancient but affectionate, familiar and warmly-felt, with make travelers feel relaxed, unworried and unhurried.

Hoi An is most graceful when lanterns are lighted along old streets. Upon the sunset, hundreds of silk lanterns emit light which are sufficient enough for visitors’ walking on sidewalks. Here and there in the street corners or on the sidewalks sat old-aged women by their food-selling bamboo frames whose baskets containe food and are surrounded by clients eating and talking excitedly. Visitors can obtain a fantastic relaxation while walking on Hoi An streets by night. The ancient town seems to bring visitors back hundreds of years ago at a place where there were neither high-rise buildings nor advertising-neon-light supermarkets. The living pace pace appears to be slower so that visitors can get always from hertic life and daily concern. Hoi An has been preserving cultural values which fascinate visitors to come, to explore and discover. All the things in town has been waiting for visitors’footsteps, even once.

Hoai River


Hoi An by night


Bridge Pagoda in Hoi An

Inside Bridge Pagoda


Hoi An in the pass

Hoi An in the pass

Hai Van Pass

2010-08-31T03:03:00.000-07:00

Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam. When braving the steep winding roads of a paved mountain pass, you will have a chance to discover peace, quiet and history along the way...

Hai Van pass overview

On the north – south nation highway, Hai Van Pass is an impressive landscape. It is like a giant dragon, lying on Highway 1 on the border between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Danang City.This is the highest pass in Vietnam (500m above sea level). This rugged pass is the final section of the Truong Son Range stretching to the sea. Hai Van means "Sea Clouds", since the peak of the mountain is in the clouds while its foot is close to the sea. In the past, Hai Van Pass was known as the Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam frontier. In the early 14th century (11306), Che Man, a king from Cham Pa, offered two mountainous administrative units of O and Ri as engagement gifts to Princess Huyen Tran, daughter of King Tran Nhan Tong. On his way to see off the Princess in the Quang area in a Summer sunny noon, the King and his entourage were on horse back for almost half a day but could not reach the top of the pass. Facing upwards, the King saw a rampart of mountains in dim clouds, and at the foot of the pass, an immense ocean, of waves. Though sorry for his daughter's difficult journey, the king was comforted by the closer ties between the two nations.

View from top of the Hai Van pass

Whenever one goes through Hai Van Pass, two feelings are experienced: amazement at passing through the clouds and fear when seeing the dangerous bends of the road. After climbing through several hair-pin curves for close to an hour, you reach the crest of the Hai Van Pass. Here, if the weather affords it (which it often doesn't), there are views to both the North and the South. The pass forms an obvious boundary between North and South Vietnam, and if proof were needed, you need look no further than the fortifications built by the French and then later used by the South Vietnamese and the Americans. You will of course want to stop here if you make this trip, but be warned that you will have to fight off a large band of souvenir and snack sellers who are among the most aggressive I encountered during the whole trip.

With sudden curves and blind corners, Hai Van Pass is likened to an arrogant but beautiful girl challenging drivers' skills. Hai Van is considered to be the largest frontier post in Vietnam. The name “De Nhat Hung Quan”, meaning the most colossal frontier post, is engraved on an incense burner in Thai Temple.

On a journey through the land, Hai Van is always an attractive landscape, full of perilous obstacles and is the last spur of the Truong Son Range reaching to the sea. On the top of the pass are the vestiges of long ago, a fortified gateway. The gate facing to Thua Thien-Hue Province is inscribed with the three words “Hai Van Quan” and the other gate looking down on Quang Nam province is engraved “the most grandiose gateway in the world”. The entrance to Hai Van Quan looks like the entrance to an old citadel with its stone structures. Time, war, and neglect has taken its toll on Hai Van Quan, as it sits today in near ruins. he old story is only a memory, old vestiges covered with green moss, among vast spaces vast of plants and trees, tourists are filled with the emotions of the past.

Hai Van pass tunnel

The most impressive about the journey is the sense of isolation you feel as you move further along. There is a strange delight about the desolate conditions, a seemingly unbroken asphalt road that cuts through a mass of forest. Below you, the green trees contrast with the breaking waves in the blue sea. And herein lies the beauty of Hai Van. While many rave about the charm of the Bao Loc mountain pass, the road is crowded with people and villages nestled along the way. But just as civilisation characterises the allure of Bao Loc, Hai Van’s beauty is closely connected to nature and its lack of population.

Lining the peak of the mountain is the immense abyss dotted with the light and dark green colours of the trees. The scene is capped off with fanciful clouds flying across the sky. The area is a perfect place to have a cup of coffee and contemplate the scene, looking over Hai Van as if from the heavens as the trees blow with the wind.

Hai Van is well know for its dangerous roads, and accident warning boards carefully appear regularly along the side. It’s a surprising sight to see the animation and modernity at the peak as foreign visitors buzzed about buying souvenirs. Those who do not make it to the peak would have a hard time believing there was such a busy trading and modern scene, as foreign women made their way up the rough staircase at the Hai Van Quan ancient vestige to take photos.

Whatever endowed by nature, time by time and by hands of man will be something of humanitarian values. Coming to Hai Van is to come to the sanction of two land, to satisfy the peak-conquering philosophy, to mix ourselves in to echo of heroic songs of Vietnamese ancients when they went to find new lands to be emotional to prolong past of the Center region where suffering a lot of losses in the course of finding and protecting the nation.

Hai Van Pass will satisfy your desire to conquer high peaks and remind you of the glorious past of the Viet people. Moreover, from the pass, on nice days, visitors can enjoy the whole vista of Danang, the Tien Sa seaport, Son Tra Peninsula, Cu Lao Cham Island and long sandy beaches.

The 21km that stretch over the Hai Van mountain pass may sound like a challenging journey, but after having done, it is certainly that you will find it is one worth taking.

Halong Bay

2010-08-31T00:28:00.000-07:00

Halong Bay (Water Gulf where the dragon land) is an inlet of the western coast of the Gulf of Tonkin in northeastern sea area of Vietnam, including the sea islands of Ha Long City, Cam Pha Town and part of Van Don island district.

Is the center of a large area there are many factors at similarities in geology, geomorphology, landscape, climate and culture, with Bai Tu Long Bay northeast of Cat Ba Island and the southwest, Ha Long Bay is limited to an area of about 1.553km ² including 1960 islands, mostly limestone islands, which are the core of the Bay area of 334km ² clustered dense 775 islands. Tectonic history of the limestone geology of the Bay has undergone about 500 million years to the ancient geographical circumstances are very different; and Karst evolution fully experienced over 20 million years with a combination of factors such as thick limestone floors, hot and humid climate and tectonic processes improve the overall slow. The combination of environment, climate, geology, geomorphology, Ha Long Bay has made to become clustered biodiversity of forest ecosystems, including closed moist tropical evergreen rain and marine and coastal ecosystems banks with more sub-ecosystems. 14 plant species endemic and about 60 endemic species of animals have been detected in thousands of plant and animal populations in the Gulf residents.

In 1994 the core of Ha Long Bay was recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage with aesthetic value, and re-recognize the 2nd value Premier global geological-geomorphological in 2000. Together with Vietnam’s Nha Trang bay, Halong Bay is one of 29 Bay Club is the world’s most beautiful bays ratings and officially recognized in July 2003


Ha Long Bay overview

The Kissing Cocks

Dau Go Cave

Thien Cung

Sunrise in HaLong Bay

View from Dau Go cave

Nha Trang

2010-08-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

Nha Trang is well known for its pristine and beautiful beaches. This coastal city is becoming more and more a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers of backpackers as well Vietnamese tourists.

Nha Trang is also known as the ideal site of big events as Sea Festival organized annually and beauty Contest as Miss Universe 2008, Miss Global 2010 and Miss World 2010.

Attract tourist Sites:

Long son pagoda

Long Son Pagoda: Locates at 22 October 23 Street, Phuong Son District, and sits at the foot of Trại Thuy mountain. This pagoda was built over one hundred years ago, and it is the most famous one in Khanh Hoa province. On the top of the hill, there is Kim Than Phat statue (known as White Buddha Statue)

Chanh Toa Church

Mountain Church (Chanh Toa Church): The church also arouses curiosity by its bronze bell that was cast in France and the bell-tower which is 32 meters high and striking with a large watch which has four faces toward the four directions

Nha Trang Oceanography Institute

Nha Trang Oceanography Institute: It was established in 1922 by French. It is considered as one of the first centres for scientific research in Vietnam.

The Marine Animal Museum shows more than 20,000 sea and freshwater specimens, as well as living creatures that are kept in glass tanks.

A corner of Diamond Bay

Diamond Bay: (Wonderpark Resort): in Nguyen Tat Thanh Boulevard, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa opened on June 30, 2008 after 4 months construction. This is well-known as the site organizing Miss Universe 2008

View from Lau Bao Dai

Palace of Emperor (Lau Bao Dai): locates on the top of Chut mountain (Canh long mountain), is a famous historical monument, about 6km far from the centre. This original architect is famous for the blend between Western and Eastern Style.

During 1940s, Bao Dai King and Nam Phuong Queen often visited and relaxed at Xuong Rong and Bong Xu villas. Since then it was called Palace of Emperor then.

Con Se Tre island

After 15 minutes boating, you will find Con Se Tre Resort at 3 km from Nha Trang City. Con Se Tre was established from a stone island to a romantic resort with a peace asmosphere, clean coast, lovely scene, folf activities and perfect service

Tri Nguyen Water Palace

2 kilometers south of Nha Trang Port, Tri Nguyen Resort is located on Tri Nguyen Island. Here, you can discover the bottom of the ocean with a very abundant and varied botanical system as sharks, corals, sea tortoises, seahorses, sea anemones... From here, tourists can be also picked up to series of islands where they can camp, fish and to visit Nha Trang Fishing Village.

Coming to Tri Nguyen today, you will feel like being lost in a real Water Palace with an extremely attractive and abundant botanical system. You may never see and know some kinds of fish if you fail to set foot on this place. The seahorse, the unique species whose male bear eggs and give birth, Japanese carps in a noble gait, Napoleon butterfish, Picasso fish... look like a miniature ocean.

Ponagar Tower

Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang City in Vietnam was built by bricks with typical architecture of Cham People. Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang City in Vietnam has a lot of statues of human beings as well holy animals of Hinduism. The main tower in Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang City in Vietnam is prayed for Ponagar God, the symbol of beauty, art and creation. Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang City in Vietnam has 4 storeys and each storey of Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang City in Vietnam has its own door, statues of Hindu Gods and holy animals made of stone. Other towers in Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang City in Vietnam are used to pray for Siva, Sanhaka and Ganeca. The festival of Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang City in Vietnam is one of the most 16 important festivals in Vietnam. Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang City in Vietnam’s festival is taken place from 21 to 23 march every year

Nha Phu Lagoon

Nha Phu Lagoon, located 12 kilometers north of Nha Trang along the central coast in Khanh Hoa Province, has peaceful waters and breathtaking scenery and boasts a chain of islands, beautiful beaches and several resorts.

The biggest of these islands is Hon Lao, also called “Monkey Island” because of the thousand or so monkeys who inhabit the island.

Previously some of Hon Lao’s monkeys would end up as test subjects in vaccine laboratories, but since the island was given over to resort developers, the animals spend much of their time amusing the tourists.

There are three types of monkeys on Hon Lao, red-buttock with short tails, red-faced with yellow coats and long-tailed with gray coats.

They usually comb the forest for food during the day, although many feel trusting enough to enter Hon Lao Tourism Park to try to get fed by the visitors.

More images from Nha Trang:


Vinperland

Yangbay stream

Chanh Toa Church

Hon Chong

Sanest island (Hon Yen)

Top 5 adventure destinations in Vietnam

2010-08-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

According to Bootsnall travel network, there are 5 adventure destinations Vietnam recommended for tourists to travel.

Vietnam seems to be one of the new hotspots in Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s new slogan is “it’s a country, not a war”. Currently Vietnam is experiencing a massive influx of tourists not only interested in it war history, but also interested in the immense amount of soft adventure trips available throughout the country.

Below are a few of our favorites and recommendations:

HALONG BAY

Ha Long Bay

Often touted as Vietnam’s number one tourist destination, Halong Bay, literally means “where the dragon descends into the sea.” This is an area of more than 3000 islands, where tourist come to swim, explore, and visit a natural, scenic areas recognized in 1994 on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This is a scenic area not to be missed!

Many of the islands are uninhabited, but some have floating villages of fishermen. Most travelers rent boats and spend multiple days exploring the tiny islands. There are some great caves and inlets to explore. The great way to experience this is on sea kayak, and sleeping in a tent at night, instead of taking the main tourists boats like everybody else.

BACH MA MOUNTAIN

Bach Ma mountain

The highest point in Bach Ma National Park, the mountain is only 140 meters above sea level and about 18 miles from the coast. Although the mountain is steep and dense, it makes a good day hike to the top. There are great view on the way.

Bach Ma Mount also has many limpid brooks and picturesque waterfalls. At the 16th kilometer on Cau Hai - Bach Ma road, turning left and walk for 20 to 30 minutes, tourists will also find 400m high, 20m wide Do Quyen waterfall which suddenly appears as if it were suspended in the sky... In the summer, rhododendron flowers are blooming on both sides of the fall like two huge flowery silk carpets. In the centre of the resort is Bac (Silver) waterfall, only 10m high and 40m wide and look like a spotless white curtain swayed by the wind.

More than half a century ago, the French recognized the beauty of Bach Ma and began to develop it. Within 5 years (1942-1946), 139 villas were continuously built under the foliage of old trees and by sheer cliffs.

From the top of Bach Ma, people can view landscapes of Hai Van Pass, Tuy Van mount, Cau Hai lagoon with heaving fishing boats and even the shimmering electrical lights of Hue city at night as well as the huge and boundless Eastern Sea.

DA LAT

DaLat city

If you don’t have time, energy, or the will power to visit the Western Central Highlands, then the areas around Dalat are perfect for adventure. Dalat is a hill station in the central highland. There are mountain highlands with tiny villages scattered around throughout the area. It makes a fascinating area worth exploring.

There are a number of standard expensive tours you can arrange in the city, but it’s much better to hire your own guide, usually one that approaches you in the streets. Then, you hire a moped, and he will take you to little villages in the middle of bascially nowhere, staying a night or two and having a real cultural experience.

There are some villages in the area that is off limits to tourists – just look for the sign that has a C.

NHA TRANG

Nha Trang Bay

The coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province, Central Vietnam, lies on the trans-Vietnam highway, 1,278km from Hanoi, and 448km from Ho Chi Minh City.

Nha Trang is endowed by nature with deep, quiet and warm waters all the year round, surrounded by archipelagoes, islands, mountains and white sand beaches - a wonderful and attractive tourist resort. To the north of Nha Trang stands the Hong Chong Promontory which looks like a wide open hand over the sea (stack of large rocks in the ocean). Far offshore, the Yen (Swallow) Island appears with lush green colors where salangane nests have been harvested for years to make the traditional "bird’s nest" tonic and food. The 7 km white sand beach of Nha Trang is often called Vietnam’s Mediterranean Area, considered one of the jewel along Vietnam’s long stretching coast line. Nha Trang is sunny all year round, with an average temperature of 23°C due to northern winds. (November is rainy season) The rainfall is less than anywhere else in the country and the area is not threatened by storms since it is protected by the Truong Son Mountains and Ca Pass. From Ca Pass, one can see Ro Bay (Vung Ro), Hon Do Island

Nha Trang is home to many famous beautiful spots and landscapes and is a major tourist center in the country. Typical landscapes and beautiful sites in Nha Trang are Ponagar Tower Temples, Chong Rocks, Do Islet, Yen Islands, Noi Island, Ngoai Island, Mieu Island, Tre Island, Tam Island, Mun Island, Lao Island, Thị Island, Lo River, Tien Beach, Ngoc Thao isle, La-San Hill, Bao Dai Villas, Long Son Pagoda, the White Buddha Statue, Tri Nguyen Aquarium, the Water Palace, Da Hang Pagoda, etc.

MEKONG DELTA

Mekong Delta

In southern Vietnam near the border of Cambodia lies Mekong Delta. Known as “Vietnam’s Rice Belt,” the Mekong Delta is a huge system of canals of all sizes that flow into the Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia. This picturesque area is almost all under cultivation, and produces enough rice to feed the entire population of the south and the central regions of Vietnam. This is a great place to relax away from the big cities, taste good fruit and vegetables, and meet local people.

There are a number of interesting adventures through the Mekong Delta. You can take a boat through some of the rural waterways. Most people hire guides but you can also attempt it on your own. The Mekong Delta is also a fascinating place for cycling. You can get a true glimpse of rural life and interact with locals, although conversations are difficult.