Sam Son beach

Visiting Sam Son beach,  tourists are not only strongly impressed by a long coastline of white sand beach, beautiful scenery, and historical relics, but also always welcomed by friendly and generous people here. Here you can have the chance to enjoy the delicious specialties of the northern region of Vietnam.\

Driving 16km from the center of Thanh Hoa or 170 km from Hanoi, tourists will reach Sam Son Beach in Thanh Hoa province. This place has been a famous destination since the beginning of the last century, when the French begun building amenities here to serve themselves and the courts of the Nguyen regime. Apart from the gifts that the nature presents, Sam Son also has many exciting sites for travelers to explore.

Sam Son is a long and beautiful beach covering more than 16km in length. Visitors will have some memorable moments when wallowing in the cool blue sea, listening to the sound of the wave and the wind, taking a nap on the sunlight sandbanks, or building sand castles. Besides, this is a good place to try various local seafood assortments such as shrimps, fish, or crabs and also to bring back home some pretty souvenirs. The very smooth and gentle sandbank, combined with clean and azure water makes the scenery of Sam Son beach glorious and gorgeous.

Sam Son also has another captivating destination with many natural attractions and historical vestiges: the Truong Le Mountain range. The part that is adjoining to the sea is called Co Giai Islet. On top of this islet, there is a small pagoda named “Doc Cuoc”, which means “One Leg”. The pagoda reminds local people of a heroic legend of a giant that manages to slay a sea monster and guard the sea. Futhermore, there is a special rock name “Trong Mai”, created with two huge boulders on a flat rock. There is a story that these rocks represent a pair of husband and wife, who love each other so passionately that both have been transformed into birds and lived forever together.

Read More

Hoi An travel

Hoi An Old Town is located 30km south of Da Nang City, and 60 kms northeast of Tam Ky. Hoi An used to be an international trade center by sea on the east-west area in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was the busiest trading port in Dang Trong region of Vietnam under the reign of Nguyen as merchants from Japan, China, Portugal, Spain, Holland...often landed for exchanging, purchasing commodities. In the historical progress of establishment and development, Hoi An was known by foreign merchants as Faifo, Haisfo, Hoai pho. Based on archeological relics and architecture documents, Hoi An was not only a place of converge and exchanging of many cultures such as: Champa, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese, especially impacted most by Vietnamese and Chinese civilization

Location:
Hoi An district and town is on the lower section of the Thu Bon River system. It is in the coastal plain of Quang Nam province, just 28 km to the Southeast of Da Nang City.
Hoi An is located at latitudes 15o15’26’’ - 15o55’15’’ North and longitudes 108o17’08’’ - 108o23’10’’ East and shares the boarders with Duy Xuyen district in the South, Dien Ban district in the West and North and the Pacific ocean (the East Sea) in the East.

Climate:
The climate in Hoi An is rather mild. The annual average temperature is 25.6o, the percentage of humidity is 82%, rainfall reaches up to 2066mm and sunshine of 2158 hours.

Area and Population:
Hoi An has a natural area of 6027.25 Ha (60sq.km) inhabited by 81.021 people.

Major Potentials:
As a coast of 7 km with many nice beaches that are favorable for tourism development. Hoi An also has a large fishery plentiful with sea products. About 15km from the Cua Dai beach lays the Cham archipelago (of 1,591 ha) where there are many famous sea swallow nests (bird nests) and good conditions to promote ecological tourism.

Getting there and around
By plane
The nearest airport is in Da Nang, which has domestic connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city and Hue and some international flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Siem Reap.
Taxi cost from Da Nang airport to Hoi An ancient town about 25 $, plenty of taxis are parking around the arrival entrance.
Generally in Vietnam call by telephone and book a taxi with Mai Linh taxi as they are the most reliable and honest (this is their mission) - and pay meter charge.
A word of caution about flying Jet star: they are frequently up to 8 hours late, many times arriving at Da Nang from Saigon at 2am. If you arrive late, you should arrange an airport transfer in advance if you don't want the taxi haggling hassles.

By train
There is no railway station in Hoi An. The nearest is in Da Nang, which receives several trains a day from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang etc. Most travel agents and hotels can book a train ticket for you.
Da Nang Railway Station: 202 Hai Phong, Tan Chinh Ward, Thanh Khe District, TP Da Nang, Phone: (+ 84 511) 3750666.

By bus
There are two different bus stations in Hoi An now (older guide books just show the one on D Hung Vuong) But the public buses to Da Nang leave from the station about 2km north west from the center on Le Hong Phong. A xe om from Hoi An bus station to the old town should be around 15,000 dong.
There is a public bus from Da Nang bus station to Hoi An bus station (15,000 dong, the fare is written on the side of the bus (June 2012), they try to charge foreigners 50,000 dong, just grab all your stuff and stay in the bus, they can be very aggressive... same goes for Hoi An - Da Nang). The bus passes through downtown Da Nang as well. If you come from Da Nang airport, the closest bus stop of the same route to Hoi An is at the roundabout where the streets Nguyễn Tri Phương and Điện Biên Phủ meet (a nice 10-15 minutes walk, since you can walk along the lake). This bus stop is clearly marked with a road sign.
There are no shortage of travel companies and private buses traveling to and from from Hoi An to destinations such as Hue, Hanoi, Saigon, Dalat and Nha Trang.
Open-tour buses run daily up and down the coast from Da Nang, Hue (3.5-4 hours, 60,000-100,000 dong as of March 2012) and Nha Trang (9-10 hours).

By motorbike or taxi
It is easy to take a motorbike or taxi to and from Da Nang via the Marble Mountains (see below), from where you can catch a train onwards. This trip cost vnd 460.000 from Da Nang  bus station, by the meter. Mai ling taxi in Jan 2012.

Read More

Ha Long bay

Geographical position
Situated in the north-east region of Viet Nam, Halong Bay is a part of Bac Bo Gulf and comprises the sea area of Halong City, Cam Pha Town and a part of Van Don island district, Quang Ninh Province. It borders Cat Ba Island to the south-west, the mainland to the west with a 120km-long coasNatural Beauty

Halong Bay covers a total area of 1,553km², including 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the south-east (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay) and the south-west (belonging to Halong Bay). The average geological age of the islands is between 250 and 280 million years old.

Halong Bay has been called by the great national poet Nguyen Trai: "a marvel of the earth erected towards the high skies". While exploring the bay, tourists will feel lost in a legendary world of stone islands which shapes change depending on the angle and the light. There are many names given to islands according to their shapes and forms such as Hon Dau Nguoi (Human Head Islet), Hon Rong (Dragon Islet), Hon Canh Buom (Sail Islet), Hon Trong Mai (Cock and Hen Islet)… But the beauty of Halong Bay does not consist only in the forms of its mountains, islands and the colour of its waters, but also in its infinitely rich system of grottoes and caves such as: Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto), Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto), Trinh Nu (Virgin Grotto)…. Each is a grandiose and refined natural architectural creation.

Geological value

The most remarkable geological events of Halong Bay’s history in the last 1,000 years include the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay area and the strong erosion that has formed coral and pure blue and heavily-salted water. This process of erosion by sea water has deeply engraved the stone, contributing to its fantastic beauty. Present-day Halong Bay is the result of this long process of geological evolution that has been influenced by so many factors. It is because of all these factors that the tourists now visiting Halong Bay are not only treated to one of the true wonders of the world, but also to a precious geological museum that has been naturally preserved in the open air for the last 300 million years.

Value of biological diversity
Results of scientific research show that Halong Bay features ecosystems of a tropical ocean region such as ecosystem of coral reefs with 232 species of coral distributed mainly in the areas of Cong Do and Bo Hung. It is also home to 81 species of gastropoda, 130 species of bivalvia, 55 species of polycheta and 57 species of crab. The ecosystem of salt water-flooded forests chiefly concentrated in the zones of Tuan Chau, Cua Luc and Ba Che has the most diversified collection of species of salt water-flooded plant in North Vietnam. Also living in this ecosystem are a great many species of animals: migrating birds (200 species), polycheta (169 species), seaweed (91 species), reptile (10 species). Halong Bay also has ecosystem of tropical rain forests with various rare and precious creatures: deer, weasels, squirrels and in particular, white-tabby and red-haired monkeys. In addition, there is a system of small caves along the sea, which are the living and development places for many animals and plants: seaweed, water plant, algae, fish and shrimp. Deeper into the water, there are also many species of shrimp, fish, abalone and other sea-specialities.


Historical and cultural value
Halong is a place closely linked to Vietnam’s history with such famous geographical names as: Van Don (site of an ancient commercial port); Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems by emperors and other famous people of the past); and Bach Dang River (the location of two fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors). This is not all, Halong has been proven by scientists to be one of the first cradles of human existence in the area, with such archaeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu and Thoi Gie

On December 17, 1994, Halong Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for its natural beauty at the 18th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Thailand. On December 12, 2000, Halong Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for the second time based on its geological value at the 24th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Cairns, Australia. The recognised site covers an area of 434km², comprises 775 islands and forms a triangle: with Dau Go Island (Driftwood Grotto) to the west; Ba Ham Lake (Three Shelter Lake) to the south and Cong Tay Island to the east.

Read More

Sapa travel

Sapa is among the highest places in Vietnam and among the most recent additions to the Vietnam tourist trail. Sapa's commercialization began in earnest in the early part of the 2000s, according to Footprint Vietnam, a Vietnam travel and tour company. Compared to other small-town tourist stops -- most notably Hoi An on the Central Coast -- Sapa is still relatively undeveloped and rough around the edges, which is particularly refreshing when travelling in Vietnam.

Getting to Sapa
Sapa is in North Vietnam, close to the Chinese border. Travel to Sapa begins in Lao Cai, which has train and bus service to and from Hanoi. The train takes about 10 hours, so booking an overnight ticket on a soft sleeper may be more comfortable than sitting upright in the hard, though cheap, seats. From Lao Cai, air-conditioned mini-buses run frequent trips to Sapa. This trip takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. Book tickets for all travel from tour companies in Hanoi to save hassle, though separate arrangements can be made at each step of the trip.

Sapa Tourist Information Center
The developing tourist trade in Sapa has made getting around the city easier. The Sapa Tourist Information Center is adjacent to the mini-bus station in the north of town. The Tourist Center has free Internet access, and can help you arrange local tours and return travel to Hanoi or Lao Cai. You can also rent bicycles and motorbikes from the center, the two preferred means of getting around in this mountain town.

What to See
The Sapa area is highlighted by its natural beauty and its ethnic history. Sapa is nestled in the mountains, in regions known for rice production, and sunrise and sunset trips to layered rice fields will make any photographer's mouth water. Vietnam's famed karst formations -- ancient limestone cliffs and mountains eroded by millennia of inclement weather -- can be found near Sapa too, most notably a Ham Rong mountain. The nearby villages of Ta Phin, Lao Chai and Cat-Cat are sometimes described as "crumbling" centers, as modernization and spreading urbanization threaten the traditional way of life in the mountains, but these villages remain Hmong minority centers. Visits to each of these towns and stops to their local markets help local economies immensely.

Organized Tours
A handful of tour companies operate trips to and out of Sapa, offering trips that try to highlight the natural wonder and cultural heritage of the area. Sapa Mountain Trail Travel (sapamountaintrail.com) has tours departing from Hanoi or Sapa, ranging from mountain trekking adventures to homestay tours. First Choice Travel's Sapa tours (travelsapa.com) often depart Hanoi and include overnight train rides. First Choice's tours are upscale compared to Mountain Trail Travel, and focus more on comfortable hotels and sight-seeing than deep cultural interaction, though not exclusively. Footprint Vietnam (footprintsvietnam.com) focuses exclusively on trekking and backpacking trips to remote areas around Sapa.

Read More

Da Lat travel

Dalat is a mountain resort town that has attracted visitors seeking a luxury vacation since the colonial period. Former colonial estates and upscale resorts sit near rural villages and peaceful lakes, creating a romantic environment that has made Dalat one of Vietnam's main honeymoon destinations. The area is also a destination for European and North American backpackers and Dalat offers many cafes, restaurants and hotels to accommodate the budget traveler as well.

Nature
Two stunning waterfalls are located in the region around Dalat. Prenn Falls is approximately 6 km from Dalat and has a bamboo bridge that allows visitors to walk across the back of the falls. Gougah Falls is located 25 miles from Dalat and features a split waterfall. Thung Lung Tinh Yu, also known as the Valley of Love, is a park surrounding a lake; visitors can take advantage of boat rentals and trails for horseback riding. Xuan Huong Lake and Ho Than Tho Lake are used by locals and visitors for leisurely strolls, boat rides and relaxing on the shore.

Historic Locations
Bao Dai's Palace is one of three palaces built in Dalat by Vietnam's last emperor. The palace is open to the public and retains the original furnishings. Vietnam was once a French colony and the French Quarter contains the former summer homes of the colonial elite. More colonial architecture is available to view at the defunct Dalat Railway Station, which features an old steam train that visitors can tour.

Religious Sites
Truc Lam Zen Monastery gives visitors the chance to see a working monastery and catch a glimpse of the daily lives of Yen Tu Zen monks. The monastery has a scenic setting that offers views of Tuyen Lam Lake. Thien Vuong Pagoda features three 16th-century Buddhist statues carved of sandalwood that stand 13 feet high. Linh Phuoc Pagoda has a golden statue of Buddha in the main building and a 10-foot dragon statue in the garden. Lam Ty Ni Pagoda is known less for its structure than for its resident -- Thay Vien Thuc, known locally as the "crazy monk." Visitors to his temple will find him drawing and painting in his quest for spiritual enlightenment. Although there is some controversy surrounding his official religious status, some local tours stop at his home and visitors are welcome.

Dining
Located in the Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel, Le Rabelais offers a romantic, fine dining experience for lunch and dinner. The menu consists of French cuisine and the restaurant offers an extensive wine list. Le Café de la Poste serves continental cuisine, lighter fare, such as sandwiches and even cheesecake from its location at the Dalat Palace Hotel. Local cuisine is, of course, readily available in Dalat and the town's many cafes and restaurants offer reasonably priced meals. Ngyuen Chi Than Street is full of cafes and Phan Dinh Phung Street has a selection of good restaurants.

Read More