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Vietnam Overview |
Vietnam is a Southeast – Asian nation which is only a little larger than Italy, but it has immense geographic and cultural diversity. Its varied climate and landscape range from four seasons of the mountainous north to year-round tropical temperatures of the lush south. The country shares 1150 km northern border with China, 1650 km with Laos at upper west and 930 km with Cambodia at lower west; and it has 3260 km shorelines along South China sea from north to south, that is called “the East sea” by the Vietnamese as it is located at the east of their country.
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Vietnam most important festivals and events |
The festivals and events are calendared in Lunar month. Normally, a lunar month stays later than western month of around 30 days. JANUARY/FEBRUARY January and February are the most interesting festival months in the year in Vietnam. Plenty of the festivals and special events would be organized throughout Vietnam.
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Overview of the capital city of Hanoi - a mixture of discrete charm and excitement |
Vietnam's most charming city, Hanoi is home to about 5 million people. Less vibrant and more reserved than its cousin to the south, Hanoi is a great place to explore on foot. If Ho Chi Minh City is defined by hustle and bustle and people on the move, Hanoi's trademark is green parks and tranquil lakes.
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Overview of craft villages in Hanoi and Vietnam |
In Vietnam craft villages have been developed based on culture and civilization which formulated during thousand years of country’s history. Craft villages are not only places where happens production process of cultural products but also the focal point of other culture – economic – social factors including traditional technology and knowledge, inherited through generations. Their environment is characterized with countryside landscape; with thatch roof behind bamboo range, temples, pagodas, communal houses; with traditional customs and festival activities.
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Thay & Tay Phuong Pagodas |
From Hanoi travel to two different pagodas, Thay and Tay Phuong are very often combined in a day trip or half-day trip from Hanoi since their neighboring locations. Thay pagoda, located 40km west of Hanoi in a tranquil and beautiful village, is combination of Buddhist pagodas and a Taoist Temple, which is dedicated to Tu Dao Hanh, a Taoist hermit lived in 12th century who was considered one of the karmas of king Ly Than Tong.
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Chua Huong or the Perfume Pagoda |
Best combination of boat trip, sightseeing, mountain climbing and religious pilgrimage"Chua Huong" - the Perfume Pagoda is the name of a collection of Buddhist temples which are very sacred to Vietnamese people of Buddhist faith, and an annual visit up here in springtime is a must to a lot of believers.
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Hoa Lu - Tam Coc – Bich Dong, the most remarkable sights of Ninh Binh Province |
Hoa Lu used to be one of the many old capitals of Vietnam before Thang Long – presently Hanoi – take its historical role. From an exciting town and centre of cultural and military activities of the Dai Co Viet Kingdom in 10th century, the area now is more well-known for its landscape since almost relics of the urban excitement had been collapsed, except in the Temples of King Dinh and King Le.
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Van Long Natural Reserve |
From Gian T-Junction (10 km from Ninh Binh city), drive West 5km, then turn right for 2km further, tourists will reach Van Long, the largest wetland reserve in the North of Vietnam with an area of 2,643 ha located in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province.
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Kenh Ga Hotspring |
From Ninh Binh city, head North 10km, then drive left at Gian’s three ways intersection for Me township and turn left from the town and proceed to a typical tourist attraction of Ninh Binh, about 2km away, arriving at Dong Chua pier where visitors are hosted and take motor boat going along Hoang Long river to Kenh Ga resort.
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Cuc Phuong National Park |
Cuc Phuong, opened in 1962, is the first National Park established in Vietnam. It is 140 km South of Hanoi and 55km from Ninh Binh town. It covers roughly 25,000 hectares. The botanical richness of the forest is impressive as it supports a wide variety of flora species and patches of primeval forest, including ancient trees with thick clusters of roots, and parasitic plants and ligneous creepers.
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Phat Diem – Amazing Catholic Cathedral |
Coming from an American or European environment, at first you may say that you're not interested in visiting a church in a far Eastern country. That is a mistake as you will miss one of the most remarkable religious architectures in Vietnam. Phat Diem Cathedral is really a group of different churches made of stone and wood, and is the centre of Catholicism in Northern Vietnam.
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Hai Phong – the old charm within an exciting seaport |
Unlike its two neighboring sites of Halong and Cat Ba, Hai Phong attracts fewer tourists unless, of course, they arrive in Northern Vietnam by sea. Nonetheless, this seaport city has many charming architectural buildings which were evidently influenced by the early 20th century French colonial style. The old French regime invested a lot of money to build this seaport attraction.
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Cat Ba Island |
A trip to Cat Ba island can be done separately or in combination with a visit to Halong Bay.In here, tourists would rest in beautiful hotels by the sea, enjoy special seafood surf on the waves in blue and clear water.
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Halong Bay – 1969 limestone islets and rocks in 1,553 square km, the World Heritage |
Halong Overview
Halong Bay attracts approximately 90% of the tourists who come to Vietnam. It's a beautiful bay comprising 1,553 square km, which is situated on the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea. Though it forms part of the ocean, its waters are calm and unusually emerald. It has nearly 2,000 islands.
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Sapa and the Northwest |
In the Northwest of Hanoi toward the Chinese border lies the Hoang Lien Son Range, with Mount Fansipan, the highest peak of Vietnam (3,143m). This range was christened the Tonkinese Alps by the French, who took a liking to the cool climate. Limestone largely comprises this Northwest frontier where dramatic hills rise from the plains. From Hanoi to the Northwest several routes will get you there, the most spectacular via Dien Bien Phu to Sapa. At Lao Cai, close by, you can cross into China and continue by rail to Kunming.
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The Northeast |
The trip to the Far North Parts of the Far North are particularly isolated and difficult to visit. However, this isolation adds to the region's beauty as many areas are still extremely unspoiled and distant from the popular tourist trails. To reach Ba Be lakes in Bac Can province is a challenge but one well worth pursuing. The road between That Khe and Lang Son, whose beautiful plunging ravines and is riddled with caves, hides a grim and bloody past and is also worth the effort to visit.
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DMZ (the Demilitarized Zone) |
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) From 1954 until the defeat of the Americans in 1975, Ben Hai River marked the division of Vietnam. 5km either side of the river was declared a DMZ - a stark contrast to what really took place in this region. In fact, the surrounding region experienced some of the heaviest fighting during the Vietnam War.
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Hue and its surroundings |
Prior to WWII, Hue had been the capital of Vietnam and the residents of this city act as if Hue still is. The city has a long and distinguished history. During the Tet Offensive in 1968 the North Vietnamese flag flew from the citadel flag pole for 25 days.
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Danang and its surroundings |
Da Nang was the landing point of both the French and the Americans during their stints in Vietnam. When the French established a garrison in Da Nang (then called Tourane), more soldiers died from disease than the associated fighting in establishing the garrison. There is now a small cemetery dedicated to them.
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The ancient town of HOI AN |
Hoi An town is small and peaceful, the kind of place where you may get stuck for a few days, whether it is intentional or not. Originally known as Faifo, this antique town is bordered on its southern side by the Thu Bon River, along which there's a number of small cafes. Despite the fact that it is now a tourist haven, the artistic atmosphere and local friendly people create an inviting environment.
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The Central Coastline of Vietnam |
Central and the coast line of Vietnam ( includes Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Phan Rang, My Lai, central highland...) is featured by lots of lovely beaches. With 3,260km-long coastline, Vietnam has numerous pristine beaches, of which those in the Centre are highly recommended for their amazingly crystal water, rich of sunlight, less of river mouths, and flat shore dotted by fishing villages; few of them have been developed as comfortable resorts like China Beach, Nha Trang or Phan Thiet.
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The Central Hignland of Vietnam |
The Central Highland encompasses beautiful natural features such as relatively untouched forests, waterfalls and spectacular scenery. These do contrast with some sites in the area that exhibit some savage scars of the War. The Central Highland’s population comprises a large number of ethnic minority groups who still live in their traditional lifestyles.
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Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City |
Saigon, officially re-named Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis with an unavoidable western flavor or influence offering quite a different experience than Hanoi.
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Cu Chi Tunnels |
These tunnels are a symbol of Vietnam's continual fight against foreign incursions. The tunnel system covers close to 200 km including under what was once a US air base. The tunnels once spanned an area stretching from close to the Cambodian border to the city limits of Ho Chi Minh City.
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Tay Ninh and its Cao Dai Temple |
Tay Ninh is situated 95 km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City and is the original home of the Cao Dai religious sect. It is from here that Caodaism has spread its influence onto surrounding provinces. In the years gone by, this sect had its own army and they were ruthlessly oppressed by the Diem regime. The Cao Dais did not support the Viet Cong either.
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The Mekong Delta |
The far south of Vietnam is one of the two main rice bowls of the country. Dominated by the Mekong Delta, the surrounding lands are comprised of low lying rice paddies and the rivers are bordered by dense mangroves and palms. The tributaries of the hectic Mekong River highway provide a comprehensive network of canals and channels. The rivers are the best methods to explore the region at a leisurely pace and offer an opportunity to experience the truly unique Mekong River lifestyle
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About Laos |
Laos’ history is one of colonization and occupation. Some of the earliest conquerors were the mighty Khmer Empire. The nation of’ Lane Xang’, or the Land of a Million Elephants was born with Luang Prabang as its capital. Khmer power yielded to that of the neighboring Thais until towards the end of the 19th century the Thais were forced to give up large parts of their territory to France.
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Vientiane - the capital of Laos |
Once the capital of Lane Xang in the latter years of that empire's greatness, Vientiane was devastated many times by foreign invaders, before finally being leveled by the Siamese in 1828. The only original monument to remain from before that time is Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 by Chao Anou - the very king responsible for incurring the wrath of the Siamese and causing his capital's obliteration.
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About Attapeu |
Attapeu, the most southeastern tip province of Laos Province, is also the best known for the Bolaven Plateau, sharing borders with Sekong in the north, Champassack in the west, Vietnam in the East and Cambodia in the South. The Bolaven Plateau is covered in the Champassak section and easily accessed from Pakse, in Champassak province.
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Borikhamsay Province |
Borikhamsay (or Bolikhamsai) province is located in the central Laos in the narrow "neck" with moderately high mountains sloping south west into the Mekong River valley. Vientiane and Xieng Khouang province lie to the north, Khammouane province to the south. Paksan the capital town is a commercial centre, can be reached from Vietntiane by bus in about three hours.
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Bokeo (Houei Xai) Province |
Bokeo, the smallest province in the country, is located along the three-border intersection of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. This is the Lao side of the 'Golden Triangle'. The province has 34 ethnic groups, the second most ethnically diverse province in Laos.
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Champasak Province |
Champasak (or Champassack) as once, 1400 years ago, the centre of power in the lower Mekong basin, later a revered outpost of the Khmer Angkor empire and, later still, one of the three kingdoms to rule over the remains of Lane Xang.
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About Khammouane |
Khammouane is situated in the central part of Lao PDR with an area of moderately high mountains sloping down to the Mekong valley. Fertile land here is well suited to plantations of rice, cabbage, sugar cane, bananas etc.
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Luang Nam Tha |
Located in the northern part of Laos, Luang Namtha shares its northwestern border with Myanmar and its northeastern border with China. It is the wonderful place for the travel purpose of environment, social, cultural, historical and development factors, which make the site an excellent location to, evaluated the potential for sustainable cultural and ecotourism in and around a protected area. The forests are dense, and cover near 99% of the protected area.
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Luang prabang |
Even though often referred to as the Land of a Million Elephants, Laos borrowed this title from the translation of Lane Xang - the kingdom that, over six hundred years ago, spread throughout present day Laos, southern China and northeastern Thailand. The capital of Lane Xang was Luang Prabang, a name derived from the kingdom's palladium - the gold Phra Bang Buddha. The Phra Bang, an 83cm, gold image of Buddha dispelling fear, was cast in Sri Lanka between the 1st and 9th centuries.
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Oudomsay Province |
Located in the northern part of Laos, Oudomsay (or Oudamxai), the mountainous province, wedged between Luang Prabang in the east, Phongsaly in the northeast, Sayabouri in the south and a little bit with China, Most of the province population of 283,000 is a mixture of 23 ethnic groups such as Hmong, Iko, Khamu, Lamet etc, each with it own distinct culture, religion, language and colorful style of dress. They are nonetheless hospitable and welcome visitors to their singular cultures which are mostly untouched by 20th century. The provincial capital, Muang Xay lays between two strings of Hmong villages.
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Phong Sa Ly Province |
Phongsaly province, the most remote in northern Laos, is enclosed three sides by China and Vietnam and cut off to overland travel from Oudomsay to the south. It consists of six districts: Phongsaly, Muangmai, Muangkhua, Samphan, Sombounxay and Yot Ou.
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Saravane Province |
Saravane (or Salavan), a southeastern province situated on the Bolavens Plateau is devoted to agriculture and nature offering idyllic scenery. A prehistoric site exists not far from the cascades where a wonderful scene can be seen.
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Sayabouri Province |
Sayabouri is situated in the north west of Lao; sharing borders with Vientiane and Luang Prabang in the east and with six Thailand provinces in the West. Sayabouri is the most attractive destinations with sights and charms peculiar to itself and picturesque North-west region. There are many beautiful things to see in Sayabouri. The principal town in commonly called Muang Sayabouri, where many impressive temples such as Wat Ban Thin, Wat Ban Phapoun and Wat Ban Natonoy are located
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Cambodia Overview |
The name Cambodia is derived from the word Kambuja –meaning the sons of Kambu. According to legend Kambu, an ascetic, married a celestial nymph named Mera and founded the kingdom of Chenla. The neighboring Funan kingdom, the first Hindu State in Southeast Asia gained the kingdom of Chenla in the 6th century. This in effect was the precursor to the great Khmer Empire – the creators of the Angkor temple complex.
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Angkor Mystery |
The story of finding Angkor is a long sequence. With a retinue of bearers, eccentric French naturalist Henri Mouhot hacked his way through the Cambodian jungle in January 1860, in search of beetles and butterflies. Though his interest lay more in insects than antiquities, he spent three weeks exploring the ruins of Angkor. He arrived by way of Lake Tonle Sap, where, he noted, fish were so abundant that they impeded the progress of his boat.
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Siem Reap City |
Siem reap is the small gateway town to ruins of Angkor, located 250 northwest of Phnom Penh and 15 km north of Tonle Sap. Running through the centre of town is the polluted Siem Reap River. Traces of French presence have survived in a small quarter of colonial buildings to the southwest side, the rest of Siem Reap was badly damaged by boming and civil war.
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About Phnom Penh |
Phnom Penh does have an eccentric charm. Seen from the river, palm trees and the pagoda-like spires of Khmer royal buildings rise over French-era shophouses and villas. In the 1950s and 1960s this was one of the finest cities in Southeast Asia. The riverine city’s yellow-ocher buildings, squares and cafes, and frangipani-lined boulevards give it the atmosphere of a French provincial town.
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Cities Around Tonle Sap |
About Kampong Thom
Located 162km, north of Phnom Penh Capital on the way of RN6 to Siem Reap Angkor, Kompong Thom is one of the five provinces surrounding Tonle Sap Lake.
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Northwest Cambodia to Thailand |
Northwest Cambodia includes three provinces along border with Thailand. Battambang province used to be a very dangerous, heavily mined Khmer Rouge stronghold. On the Thai border is Pailin, a Khmer Rouge operated gem mining and logging center. Sales to Thailand of resources pulled from this area finance Khmer Rouge military activity.
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Central Cambodia |
Kampong Cham City
Phnom Pros & Phnom Srei: The name of the two hills translates as “Male hill” and “Female hill” respectively. Local legend has it that two teams, one of men and the other of women, toiled by night to be the first to construct a stupa on their summit by day-break. The women built a big fire, which the men took to be the rising sun and gave up work. The women, having won, no longer had to ask for the man’s hand in marriage. Phnom Srei has good views of the countryside during the wet season.
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East Cambodia to Vietnam |
Mondulkiri Province Boo Sra Waterfall Locates at Pich Chinda District in 43 kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil road, Boo Sra is the most Beautiful waterfall in Modulkiri and shared into three stages:
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Northeast Cambodia to Laos |
Ratanakiri ProvinceBordering Vietnam’s central Highlands and Laos are the remote provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, both with thickly forested hilly terrain, hilltribe people, and abundant wildlife. Commercial enterprises in the region include logging gem mining and rubber plantations. A fertile basalt plateau with red dusty soil lies between the Sesan and Srepok rivers.
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South Coastline Cambodia |
Because the Mekong was long Cambodia’s major thoroughfare, the coastal region never developed as a trade center. With the Vietnam War, however, Cambodia was forced to look for alternate routes. A sleepy fishing village and almost forgotten container port on Cambodia's short coastline, Sihanoukville became of enormous interest to the government in Phnom Penh in the sixties, when the usual trade routes up the Mekong were suddenly cut because of the Second Indochina War.
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Kep City |
The background of Kep City: Kep is the seaside-tourist city locating at Southwest of Phnom Penh; the city can be accessible by the National Road No 3 from Phnom Penh via Kampot province in 173-kilometer distance or by the National Road No 2 from Phnom Penh via Takeo province. It also can be accessible by rail from Phnom Penh to stop at Dam Nak Cham Eu station. Then continue more seven Kilometers by a road to Kep City.
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