Đờn ca tài tử singing in Southern Vietnam

Đờn ca tài tử singing, a kind of traditional music in Southern Vietnam, formed and developed from the late 19th century, derives from the Hue’s Royal court music and folklore. Đờn ca tài tử singing appeared over 100 years ago. It is typical folk art form of the South and is sung by rural young men and women after hardworking hours. Besides, friends and neighborhoods also gather to sing Đờn ca tài tử; they are willing to share the elegant pleasure together so they do not care about costume problem.

Đờn ca tài tử singing in Southern Vietnam.

On 12th May 2013, Đờn ca tài tử of Vietnam was recognized as World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO at the eighth meeting of Intergovernmental Committee for protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage took place at Baku City, Republic of Azerbaijan.

Currently, Đờn ca tài tử singing is developing at 21 provinces and cities of Southern Vietnam, including An Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Ho Chi Minh City, Kien Giang, Long An, Ninh Thuan, Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long. In particular, Bac Lieu, Binh Duong, Tien Giang and Ho Chi Minh City have the most number of Đờn ca tài tử singers.

To know more about the unique culture of Vietnamese through video; you can refer to "Videos about Vietnam".

Discover the best things in Vietnam with ilovetravelingvietnam blogspot.

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Dalat opens 6 new rail routes to develop tourism

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - Dalat opens 6 new rail routes to develop tourism, to attract more and more domestic and international visitors.

The provincial people committee of Lam Dong has approved a new scheme to upgrade the local transportation system, which is expected to complete in between 2020 and 2030.

In details, Dalat City is developing 6 city monorail routes (a transportation system based on single rail), with the main purpose to support the traveling demand of tourists in Dalat.

Dalat opens 6 new rail routes to develop tourism

The main station of this new monorail system is located in the centre of Dalat City which helps connecting Da Lat with several tourist attractions such as Suoi Vang, Tuyen Lam Lake, Love Valley, Tung Lam Junction, Lien Khuong Airport and Langbian highland.

Besides new monorail routes, Dalat also focus on re-building old railroad. One of the most important routes is Cham Temple – Da Lat, which is 84km in length that leads through impressive mountain passes. However, this route may only serve tourists with 7km only at the current state.

Da Lat is considered as one of the most beautiful and wonderful destinations in Vietnam as well as in Southeast Asia. To know more, you can refer to "traveling to famous and attractive places in Dalat".

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Source: VNO

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6 must-visit places in the center of Hanoi

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - Hanoi is one of two largest city in Vietnam, famous for many attractive destinations that captures thousand hearts of visitors. In this article, I will introduce 6 must-visit places in the center of Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake - one of 6 must-visit places in the center of Hanoi

A fresh atmosphere in the morning and sparkling beauty at night are the very first impressions of tourists about the “Lake of the Restored Sword”. You could easily grasp a stunning view through your lens when walking around the poetic lake. It is also the place in which daily entertaining activities of Hanoians take place, including doing exercises, playing chess and the likes. Having a seat at a bench to contemplate people walking back and forth is one of best way to savor the peaceful atmosphere in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - 6 must-visit places in the center of Hanoi

It is unusual attraction and somewhat surreal, but interesting indeed. It is a pretty quiet place compared to the hustling and bustling of the city. It is solemn with strict atmosphere. Coming here, you definitely know more about Uncle Ho and how Vietnamese love him. A chance to see the hero of Vietnam in your eyes is worth your time. Most of tourists recommend this place as an absolute must see attraction. Just believe them and the mausoleum will not let you down.

Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam)

Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam)

Apart from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the temple is another place for tourists to get out of all the maddening buzz of the traffic for a while and find the peace in your soul. It is the first university of Vietnam and in the world, perhaps. However, if you have been to a Confucius Temple before, it becomes not as interesting as you expected. Otherwise, it is a nice stop on your city tour of Hanoi worth a visit.

Hanoi's Old Quarter

Hanoi's Old Quarter is one of 6 must-visit places in the center of Hanoi.

As a rule, any tourist coming to Hanoi flocks to The Old quarter right away. The 36 old streets are full of vitality both days and nights. Wandering around the streets seems like losing your way in a maze; the more you discover the streets, the more you find it interesting.

Vietnam museum of Ethnology

Vietnam museum of Ethnology - one of 6 must-visit places in the center of Hanoi

The museum is totally different from other museums in Vietnam, and thus you are supposed not to miss a chance to explore it. More than just a boring museum with symbolic objects exhibited inside large buildings, the museum opens a spacious ambiance full of sunshine and full of vitality. Coming here, you have a golden chance to have a comprehensive knowledge about 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. More interestingly, their houses, their living space as well as their way of living are featured so animated that it comes as no surprise when you feel as if you are part of their community.

One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda is one of 6 must-visit places in the center of Hanoi that tourists cannot miss

One Pillar Pagoda or Mat Pagoda or Lien Hoa Dai, located in the center of Hanoi, one of many pagodas that has the most unique architecture in Vietnam. One Pillar Pagoda is considered as a witness of Vientamese history.

The pagoda was made of wood, to worship Guanyin Buddha statue. In 1105, Ly Nha Tong King extended extended architecture of  pagoda, added Linh Chieu Lake. But now, the pagoda only remains a small pagoda lied on a stone column.

One Pillar Pagoda plays an improtant role in culture and history of Vietnam, the pagoda has been selected as one of the symbols of the capital and carved on the back of copper coins of VND 5000.

 In short, there are many attractive destinations in Hanoi that all visitors cannot miss. Hanoi is considered as one of the best places to visit Vietnam to the North.

To discover more woderful places in the country, you can refer to "Destinations in Vietnam".

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Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang - tourism paradise for tourists

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - Located on Hon Tre beautiful Island, in the center of Nha Trang bay with blue sea water, Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang is known as a tourism paradise of Vietnam and an ideal place for all domestic and international visitors.

Vinpearl resort is a 5 star international-class resort equipped by modern facilities in western style. But the resort still remains the pristine and stunning beauty of “a Pearl Island”; the amazing beauty of modern pools along with green coconut tree range and sound of sea wave make Vinpearl become more charming.

Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang - tourism paradise for tourists.

Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang 

When coming here, visitors will have a chance to rest at a 5 star resort that has 485 rooms with stunning architecture and 17 suites and 2 Presidential Suites. Vinpearl can please the grumpiest guests by giving them the comfort, privacy, amenities and perfect services. In addition to Vinpearl also has a long natural beach that is considered as the most beautiful beach in Nha Trang and modern outdoor pool system with an area of 5,700 m2 (the largest in Southeast Asia) that is located among coconut trees, lawns and garden.

Mordern outdoor pool system in Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang

Luxurious rooms of Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang

Elegant facilities in Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang

Conference room of Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang.

Furthermore, Vinpearl resort also has many modern and convenient such as health care, beauty service, recreation programs, tourism combined sports for all ages. The diversity restaurants here will serve all culinary demands including Vietnamese’s food, Asian’s food, and European’s food. Besides, you can go shopping at Vinpearl shopping center and visit Vinpearl amusement Park, Vinpearl waterpark, Vinpearl Water music stage and explore the beauty of Vinpearl aquarium. Besides, Vinpearl resort has an adequate system of conference and event rooms with 1500 seats and outdoor stage with 5000 seats. These conference and event rooms are an ideal place for held forums, events and conference so you can travel, rest and work at the same time.

To explore more about attractive destinations in Nha Trang, you can refer to "Exploring the beauty of Nha Trang". Besides, Nha Trang is famous a lot of stunning beaches; you can refer to "Wonderful beaches in Nha Trang" to find out.

Discover the best things in Vietnam with ilovetravelvietnam blogspot.

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Wonderful beaches in Da Nang

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - Da Nang Sea extends 60 kilometers with many beautiful beaches, is one of the most ideal destinations for relaxing in Asia. Here are wonderful beaches in Da Nang that tourists cannot miss.

Non Nuoc Beach

Non Nuoc Beach - one of the most wonderful beaches in Da Nang

About 8 kilometers from Da Nang City, Non Nuoc Beach stretches with white, clean sandy beach, blue clear sea water, gentle waves and fresh air. There are many kinds of sea sports for to tourists explore and conquer. At here, there are always security guards to ensure for visitors.

From Non Nuoc Beach, it only takes 5 minutes to walk to Ngu Hanh Son Mount. Besides, you will have a chance to visit Non Nuoc stone carving village (a traditional village). This is an opportunity for tourists buying unique souvenirs.

Bac My An Beach

Bac My An Beach - one of the most wonderful beaches in Da Nang

About 7 kilometers from Da Nang City to the Southeast, Bac My An Beach is rated as one of the cleanest beaches in Da Nang. Here has comfortable atmosphere, white sandy beach, blue clean and warm sea water all year roud. Around this beach, there are a lot of famous and luxurious resorts such as Pullman Danang Beach Resort, Rurama resort, Fusion Maia…

My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach - one of the most wonderful beaches in Da Nang

Only 2 kilometers from the City, My Khe Beach is familiar with tourists and local people. My Khe Beach is quite large so travelers can swim or lie on the beach to sunbathing. The beach is also famous for diversity marine life; there are many types of coral, algae… Furthermore, My Khe Beach is an ideal place for tourists to participate in interesting activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing and fishing.

To understand more about Da Nang, you can refer to "Exploring the beauty of Da Nang".

Discover the best things in Vietnam with ilovetravelingvietnam Blogspot.

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Explore Phu Quoc Pearl Island

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has been endowed with wild and natural beauty. Phu Quoc has always attracted a large number of domestic and international visitors.

Explore Phu Quoc Pearl Island

This 574sq.km heart-shaped island, along with 22 other islands, forms Phu Quoc island district, in the southern province of Kien Giang. Phu Quoc features a monsoon tropical climate. It has two seasons, the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. The average temperature on Phu Quoc is 28 degrees Celsius, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s beauty at any time of the year. 

In 2004, Phu Quoc was approved by the Government to develop into a tourism centre of regional and international stature. 

In December 2012, Phu Quoc International Airport officially became operational, replacing the local airport in Duong Dong town on Phu Quoc Island. Built on 900 hectares in Duong To commune with a total investment of 3 trillion VND (144 million USD), Phu Quoc Airport can accommodate 2.65 million passengers a year. The opening of the airport is considered a significant move towards the development of Phu Quoc Island. 

Explore the beauty of Phu Quoc Pearl Island

Although a growing number of people now visit Phu Quoc Island, it still offers its wild beauty with attractive destinations such as Sao Beach, Khem Beach, Ganh Dau Cape, Dinh Cau, Tranh Stream and Da Ban Stream. Pristine beaches here are wholly captivating to those fond of wild beauty. One of thee beaches, Dai (Long) Beach, has been continuously placed among ‘The Cleanest and Most Beautiful Beaches of the World’ by ABC News since the start of 2008. 

Phu Quoc Pearl Island

Phu Quoc National Park is one of most the attractive places in the district. The park is covered with lush green foliage and tropical flowers, and boasts the natural resources of both jungle and sea. Thanks to the favourable tropical climate, Phu Quoc has great potential for developing ecological tourism. The park is a part of the Kien Giang biosphere reserve, which was recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2006. 

Phu Quoc National Park is home to 929 plant species, of which 42 are listed in the Vietnamese and world red books of endangered species. The buffer and development zones also have a diverse marine ecosystem. The 10,000ha area is home to nine species of seaweed that are staples of the indigenous dugong. 

Coral reefs at Phu Quoc Pearl Island

Coral reefs that are home to around 260 species cover an area of more than 470ha stretching the length of Phu Quoc Island on its north-south axis, including more than 360ha in the southern area of the An Thoi archipelago. The coral reefs are home to more than 150 species of tropical fish, including many of commercial value. There are also 48 species of mollusk, 25 species of echinoderm and more than 50 species of seaweed. 

Visitors can take part in many activities such as snorkeling and diving, and also have the opportunity to discover the local life of fishing communities by visiting Ham Ninh village, pearl farms and fish sauce production workshops or pepper tree farms. 

“The island is an ideal destination for visitors around the world”, said Brian Adam, an American visitor after a week-long holiday in Phu Quoc. “My family will come back here many times, if conditions allow.” 

By 2020, the island is expected to gross 771 million USD from providing hospitality to 2-3 million tourists annually, 40 percent of them foreigners.

Source: VNA

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Sapa Tourism Week to launch this month

Sapa Tourism Week will launch from April 29 to May 4 to celebrate everything about the traditional culture of ethnic minority groups from the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai.

A wide array of festivities, including traditional music and dance performances and folk games of ethnic minority groups, are set to get underway at the Ham Rong mountain eco-tourism site.

Sapa Tourism Week to launch this month

Other events dotting the hamlets, villages and small towns in the region, include numerous cultural festivals of the Mong, Dao and Giay ethnic minority peoples, a bonsai exhibition, and a trade fair introducing novelty items produced by local residents in the region.

The Lao Cai provincial People’s Committee has launched a tourism e-portal translated into the Vietnamese, English and Chinese languages to attract more international visitors.

Trinh Xuan Truong, Chairman of Sapa District People’s Committee, said preparatory work for the week has been completed, adding that hotels and guesthouses have been fully booked.

Truong stressed the need to ensure food hygiene and safety and increase the quality of tourism services to meet the increasing demand of both local and foreign tourists during the peak season.

Last year, Lao Cai welcomed more than one million visitors, or over 20% higher than the yearly set target. The province is expected to receive 1.2 million arrivals as the Noi Bai-Lao Cai Highway is scheduled to open to traffic in June 2014.

To find out the best and intersting things in Sapa, you can refer "Most wonderful tourist destinations in Sapa".

Source: VietNamNet

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Most wonderful tourist attractions in Sapa

(ilovetravelingtovietnam) - Sapa in Lao Cai province is one of the most beautiful and amazing places Vietnam as well as the world. In this article, I will introduce to you most wonderful Tourist attractions in Sapa that you cannot miss when coming here.

Fansipan – the roof of Indochina

Fansipan is the highest mountain in Indochina peninsula (3,143 meters), located in the center of Hoang Lien Son range. Fansipan is only 9 kilometers from Sapa town in the southwest but travelers have to take 6 to 7 days to conquer this mountain. Currently, there are many climbers including professional and amateur people find the way to conquer Fanispan.

 Fansipan - Most wonderful tourist attractions in Sapa

On the way up the mount, travelers will have a chance to discover the rich flora and fauna system, interesting and attractive nature of Hoang Lien Son range. Here has many precious woods, herbs and species of animals such as bear, monkey, birds, antelope…

Ham Rong Mount.

Ham Rong mount - Most wonderful tourist attractions in Sapa

Ham Rong Mount is located adjacent to Sapa town (about 3 kilometers) so visitors can walk to come it. Standing on top of Ham Rong Mountain, tourists can see a panoramic view of Sapa, Muong Hoa valley, Sa Pa, Ta Phin hidden in smog.

Recently, because of artificiality, Ham Rong is indispensable place of tourists when visiting Sapa. Up to Ham Rong mount, travelers will be lost in the amazing garden and in colorful flowers.

Sapa stone church 

Sapa stone church in Sapa

Located in the heart of Sapa town, Sapa stone church was built in 1890 by French; the church is considered as the most integrity hallmark ancient architecture that French left. The church has been restored and preserved carefully; it becomes an indispensable image when talking about Sapa.

Cat Cat commune

Cat Cat commune - Most wonderful tourist attractions in Sapa

Cat Cat is the oldest commune of Mong people, about 2 kilometers from Sapa town. It preserves many traditional crafts such as woven fabrics and growing cotton. Cat Cat commune is close to Sapa town so there are a lot of tourists come to visit. Currently, it has become Cat Cat tourit destination.

Muong Hoa valley

Muong Hoa valley - one of the most wonderful tourist attractions in Sapa

Muong Hoa valley is situated in Hau Thao commune, about 8 kilometers from Sapa town in the southeast. At here, there is an ancient rocky area that a lot of different animal shapes are carved on it. Now, this ancient rocky area has been recognized as a national monuments and the unique heritage of ancient Vietnamese. Besides, there are plenty of small stream stretching about 15 kilometers through Lao Cai and Hau Thao commune and ending at Ban Ho.

Silver waterfall.

Silver waterfall - one of the most wonderful tourist attractions in Sapa

From Sapa town, travel about 12 kilometers to the West on the way to Lai Chau, we will see Silver waterfall. Silver waterfall is over 200 meters in height, flows down from high to the stream at O Quy Ho valley that makes a special sound of jungle. Sliver waterfall is an unforgettable destination that travelers cannot miss.

To understand more about Sapa in Lao Cao province, you can refer to "Sapa - a must-visit destination for tourists".

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Sapa - a must-visit destination for visitors

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - Located to the Northern Vietnam, at the height of 1,900m above the sea level, Sapa, the capital city of Lao Cai province is the gift which Mother Nature dedicates to Vietnam.

This frontier town becomes one of the most attractive destinations to domestic and international tourists.

Sapa’s weather is moderate and drizzly in summer while there is chill and fog in winter. When the temperature drops to minus, Sapa may have snow.  This town is surrounded with mountains and considered as the best trekking place in Vietnam.

Phanxipang mountain on Hoang Lien Son range

Coming to Sapa, tourist will have chance to meet and learn more about the culture of many ethnic minorities such as Hmong, Yao, Zay or Xa Pho. They appear in brocade clothes, live on the valleys and do  terraced rice fields.

Sapa has a lot of tourist attractions such as colorful terraced rice fields with 200m in height, May Bridge – the relic site of the ethnic minorities , Heaven Gate – the highest place to contemplate Phanxipang, Truc Forest, Ta Phi Cave, Ham Rong, old church. Ham Rong is famous for colorful flowers, including orchid garden with many types of rare flowers.

Sapa - a must-visit destination for visitors

Sapa has the Phanxipang mountain on Hoang Lien Son range. The mountain peak is about 3.143m in height, which makes Phanxipang become the highest mountain in Vietnam.

Especially, Muong Hoa valley has 196 carved stones with strange shapes created by local people thousands of thousands of years ago. This ancient carved area was recognised as a national relic and is being recommended as world heritage.

Sapa market - a must-visit destination for visitors

Some activities that tourists to Sapa are interested in are trekking, visiting Sapa market, experiencing Yao Herbal Bath, enjoying street foods, learning about the culture of ethnic minorities….

To go to Sapa, tourists can travel by car or by train, however, train seems to be the better way for you.

Source: vietnamtravelnews.org

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Hanoi in top 10 best worldwide travel destination

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - According to TripAdvisor, Hanoi is one of the best worldwide travel destination for the year that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Hanoi was .listed in the top Southeast Asian destination followed by Siem Reap of Cambodia, and Shanghai of China.

Hanoi in top 10 best worldwide travel destination

Rounding out the top 10 choices are Istanbul of Turkey, Rome of Italy, London of the United Kingdom, Beijing of China, Prague of the Czech Republic, Marrakech of Morocco.

According to a post on its website, Hanoi is described as a charming city, with a well preserved Old Quarter, monuments and colonial architecture, while making room for modern developments alongside, which hasn’t forgotten its past, as sites such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison attest.

Lakes, parks, shady boulevards and more than 600 temples and pagodas add to the appeal of this city, which is easily explored by taxi, the post concludes.

TripAdvisor is a travel website for customers to gather information, and opinions on travel-related issues and engage in interactive travel forums.

The website is free to users and supported by an advertising business model.

Established in 2000 by businessman Stephen Kaufer, TripAdvisor has been used by more than 32 million people in 30 countries.

To explore more about the beauty of Hanoi, you can refer to "Hanoi - an attractive destination in Vietnam".

Source: VOV

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Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

Vietnam is filled with beautiful and exotic sights ranging from rural countryside to ancient Temples and tombs. Petal Mashraki, a freelance travel writer, has suggested 10 stunning must-visit places in Vietnam in an article published on globalgrasshopper.com

1. Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

Close to Da Nang the peninsula landscape includes white beaches, crystal clear water, forest covered mountains and coral reefs just beneath the sea surface. The numerous beaches include North, South and Buddha beach. Also known as Monkey Island the best views can be had from the mountain top as you look down on Da Nang City, the turquoise sea and clean beaches below.

2. The Nguyen Dynasty Tombs

The Nguyen Dynasty Tombs - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

The tombs are not far from Hue and are spread out along the banks of the Perfume River. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam and I personally think the most beautiful of the tombs are Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Doc, Thieu Tri and Dong Kanh.

The tombs were built according to religious outlines including symmetrically balanced geometrical angles and symbolic motifs. Each tomb has its own character with surrounding gardens, small bridges and walkways. In the Khai Dinh tomb you can see intricate ceramic and glass work and it is perhaps the most beautiful of the tombs.

3. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

The beautiful beaches of Vietnam deserve a place on this list. A few years ago Nha Trang was one of the most popular beaches in the country, but for a more pristine and tourist free beach try Phu Quoc Island.

Apart from the dense inland forests the coast of Phu Quoc has long stretches of white sandy beaches and translucent water. The beauty continues under the water in the surrounding coral reefs.

The 99 Peaks mountain range covered with unique plants, trees, waterfalls and inhabited by seldom seen indigenous animals are the best place to see the island from.

4. Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

The fertile land around the delta has allowed plant life to run wild, apart from the agricultural opportunities the delta offers untouched nature reserves. Explore the river life of floating markets and small villages as well as the islands close to the delta mouth. The beautiful landscape includes rice paddies, small rivulets and water channels meandering through the countryside towards the sea.

5. Tram Ton Pass

Tram Ton Pass - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

Sapa is a mountain town in the northwest of Vietnam known for its picturesque mountain scenery, green valleys, quaint traditional tribal villages inhabited by the ethnic minorities, bamboo forests, rice terraces and breathtaking views. The best view of Sapa can be had from the Tram Ton Pass or Heaven’s Gate, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam.

Also in the area is the Bac (silver) Water fall, if you have the energy continue up the Fanispan Mountain for a truly magnificent view. As yet unspoiled by tourism this is one of the beautiful hidden gems in Vietnam.

6. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

This nature reserve is recognized by UNESCO and is the location of Son Dong, the largest cave in the world as well as another 300 caves and grottos. Within Son Dong is a 13 meter long underground river and beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. Other significant and beautiful caves in the park include Tien Son Cave, Thien Duong Cave and the Von cave system.

The unusual and beautiful rock formations are due to the area being in a 2000km square limestone zone. Enjoy the tropical vegetation and evergreen forests with 500 year old trees.

7. Halong Bay – Bay of Descending Dragons

Halong Bay - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

Within the still waters rise up out of the water 3000 island limestone formations in all manner of shapes and sizes. The water is often covered in mist giving it an eerie atmosphere. The Karst limestone formations can be seen by taking a cruise in a traditional wooden junk, you can also canoe or swim here. There are some beautiful caves in the small islands which are lit making the area even more mysterious.

8. The One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

In the heart of the capital city of Hanoi the One Pillar Pagoda was built in 1049 to resemble one seen in Emperor LyThai Tong’s dream, this dream like Buddhist temple appears to float above a lotus pond. It is built of wood and stands on a small single pillar, the temple is designed to look like a lotus blossom and has ornate beautifully painted carvings. The One Pillar Pagoda we see today is a reconstruction of the original which was destroyed in war.

9. Ghenh Da Dia

Ghenh Da Dia - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

Not as often visited as other beautiful places in Vietnam this hidden gem is a natural wonder formed from volcanic basalt rocks which appear to be sculptured columns of different heights. As if created by an artist millions of years ago the volcanic eruption met with the water and cooled forming these unique naturally made sculptures. The phenomenon has remained untainted by tourists as it’s a little out of the way in An Ninh Dong Commune in Phu Yen Province.

10. Hue Imperial City

Hue Imperial City - Top ten stunning must-visit places in Vietnam

Once the hub of the Nguyen Dynasty the tranquil collection of temples, ceremonial gates, streams, moats, pavilions, bridges, gardens and pagodas make this a beautiful site with plenty to see. The Thai Hoa Palaces and the Truong Sanh Residence are two of the most beautiful structures here as well as the ornate Thien Mu Pagoda isolated over the river. The beautiful city displays the essences of Vietnamese artistry.

To explore more wonderful and stunning places in Vietnam, you can refer  to "Most beautiful beaches in Vietnam".

Source: VOV

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Conquer Tien Son Cave in Quang Binh

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - Conquer Tien Son Cave in Quang Binh is one of the greatest things that adventurous travelers like the most.

Forming part of the UNESCO-recognised Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Tien Son cave is currently reckoned the most attractive destination in central Quang Binh province. 

Conquer Tien Son Cave in Quang Binh

Over the past three months, over 35,000 people, including 7,000 foreigners, explored the cave, a 2.2-fold increase from the same period last year. 

Tien Son cave in Quang Binh, which is a few hundred metres away from Phong Nha cave, is a preferred destination due to its easy connection with other tours during visitors’ journey aimed to discover the national park, namely Chay river-Toi (park) cave, Sinh Ton valley-Thuy Cung cave, Mooc stream-Thien Duong cave. 

Conquer Tien Son Cave in Quang Binh

A contingent of proficient tour guides and a new light system installed recently made it easier for visitors to the cave, Director of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang Tourism Centre Le Thanh Loi said. 

Covering 123,326 ha, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site on geological and geomorphological criteria in July, 2003. 

The park is home to a large number of faunal and floral species, including threatened species such as tiger, Asiatic black bear, Asian elephant, giant muntjac, Asian wild dog and the recently discovered sao la. 

The beauty of Tien Son Cave in Quang Binh.

Recently, a group of locals in the province believe they have discovered a new cave, adding to the province’s already extensive network of caverns. 

The group, who was on a trip to do wood work from the province's Phuc Trach commune, said the cave's entrance is covered by forest trees in the territory of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. 

The newly discovered cave is said to be 3km east of Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave and 300m above sea level. 

Conquer Tien Son Cave in Quang Binh, Vietnam 

According to initial accounts, the new cave is said to be on the same grand scale as Paradise, is very long and has an inner stream. 

The discovery comes as Quang Binh has been catapulted onto world travel lists as one of the most coveted destinations for cave explorers. 

The province has four caves with tours running daily, Son Doong, Tu Lan, Paradise and Phong Nha. 

Son Doong, which was discovered in 2009, is said to be the world's largest cave, according to the British Cave Research Association.

To explore more wonderful and stunning places in Vietnam, you can refer  to "Contemplate the beauty of terraced fields in Ha Giang".

Source: vietnamplus

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Explore Nui Coc Lake in Thai Nguyen

(ilovetravelingvietnam) - Explore Nui Coc Lake in Thai Nguyen is one of the most interesting things that almost tourists cannot forget when coming here.

Nui Coc Lake, which was created from a dam built in Cong river in Dai Tu district, northern Thai Nguyen province, is famous for its spectacular and legendary beauty and the romantic love story of a young couple. 

Heading along the windy roads from Thai Nguyen city’s centre to Tan Cuong commune where there are immense terraced tea fields, tourists arrive in Nui Coc Lake Tourism Area that was built in a total area of 19,000ha. 

Explore Nui Coc Lake in Thai Nguyen

The lake, covering 25sq.km, was built in 1993 on the Cong river, a tributary of the Red River with a main dam, 480m long, and six supporting dams. It is surrounded by mountains and green tea hills. 

Visiting the area, tourists not only explore the natural beauty of the lake, amazing islets, and giant mountains, enjoy entertainment activities and the region’s specialties, but also learn about a romantic love story of a girl named Cong and a man named Coc. 

Explore Nui Coc Lake beauty

The love story provided the source of inspiration for musician Pho Duc Phuong to create the famous song entitled “The Legend of Nui Coc Lake”. The song’s beautiful lyrics tell the legend of Nui Coc Lake in Thai Nguyen and many people learn it by heart and dream of travelling to the place. 

Legend has it that there was a couple who loved each other very much, but their families did not allow them to get married. Coc returned to his homeland and waited for his sweetheart until he turned into the present Coc mountain. Receiving the bad news, Cong was broken-hearted and bewailed her lover until she died. Her tears flowed and changed into a river, the present Cong river, soaking deep into the soil to raise tea plants, thereby creating a specialty of Thai Nguyen-Tan Cuong tea. 

Sunset in Nui Coc Lake 

Coming to the tourism area, tourists will enjoy travelling by boat on the lake for a panorama of the whole lake and discover the wild beauty of the islets. The water surface is like a giant mirror reflecting mountains and trees. All create marvelous and splendid scenery, charming any visitor. 

After finishing the boat trip, visitors can take another to the amusement park in the tourism area. One of the highlights of the park is the complex of “Thuyet Nhan Qua” (causality) which was built according to the style of “Thieng Thac Vang Pagoda in the Buddha’s Heart”. 

Visiting the pagoda, tourists are amazed by the sculptural art of relievoes on the walls, each showing the Buddhist philosophy of the causality. The whole area of the pagoda, including the central chamber, three-door gate, the hall worshiping Three Refuges (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and the ancestor worshipping hall in the pagoda, was built under the Buddha’s throne that faces the lake and looks magnificent amidst the forests and mountains. The Buddha statue is 45m high and the Buddha’s throne has a horizontal diameter of 37m. 

Explore Nui Coc Lake is a favourite activity of the youth.

Visitors to Nui Coc Lake in Thai Nguyen can take a trip to other favourite stops, including Huyen Thoai Cung (Palace of Legends), an animal reservation, a fairy tale house, an artificial cave system and a light music stage that was built in an area of 1ha with a 40m-high water fountain. It is one of the most modern ones in Vietnam. 

The impressive performance on the legend of Nui Coc Lake in Thai Nguyen and the love story of the young couple brought us relaxing moments before ending the trip to discover the beauty of the Nui Coc Lake Tourism Area.

If you want to conquer more attractive places in Vietnam, you can refer to "Most beautiful beaches in Vietnam".

Source: vietnamplus

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