Tien Giang tourism awakening potential of cultural and historical values

Tien Giang focuses on exploiting the value of cultural, historical and ecological relics to create unique tourism products, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists to visit, research, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the locality. Tailor-made Vietnam tours

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tien Giang province, the locality currently has over 2,100 historical and cultural relics, including archaeological relics, revolutionary history relics, religious relics and architectural and artistic relics. Of these, 21 historical and cultural relics have been ranked at the national level and 86 historical and cultural relics at the provincial level, creating a colorful picture of the country and people of Tien Giang with long-standing traditional cultural beauty crystallized over thousands of years. Most of the historical and cultural relics are places for religious, spiritual activities, honoring cultural values, being a rich source of materials in the study of regional and ethnic cultures, and at the same time being attractive destinations for tourists.

Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tien Giang province Vo Pham Tan informed: The strength of Tien Giang tourism is associated with historical and ecological cultural relics such as: Oc Eo and Go Thanh cultural relics from the 1st to 6th centuries in Cho Gao district; Rach Gam - Xoai Mut historical relic in Chau Thanh district, Ap Bac victory relic in Cai Lay district, Phao Dai rampart in Tan Phu Dong district; many tombs and temples such as Truong Dinh tomb, Hoang Gia tomb, Vinh Trang pagoda, Sac Tu pagoda...

For the freshwater ecosystem tourism area in the West, an attractive destination is the cultural heritage of Dong Hoa Hiep ancient village in Dong Hoa Hiep commune, Cai Be district. Along with Duong Lam village in Hanoi and Phuoc Tich village in Hue, Dong Hoa Hiep village is one of three ancient villages in Vietnam that have been selected by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to implement the Project "Supporting the Promotion of the Role of the Community in Sustainable Development in Vietnam, through Heritage Tourism" since 2003.

Vice Chairman of Cai Be District People's Committee Le Van Y said: Dong Hoa Hiep ancient village attracts tourists to explore the ancient architecture and patterns of the South, expressed through the wooden panels, the elaborately carved columns and beams, imbued with the cultural architecture of the Southern garden houses, which are over 100 years old. The ancient houses are interspersed with fruit gardens, creating a rustic yet poetic beauty.

Coming to the mangrove ecosystem tourism area in the East of Tien Giang, tourists can visit the national historical and cultural relic Royal Tomb in Long Hung ward (Go Cong town) to learn and know more about the birthplace of a virtuous Queen Mother - Tu Du. The Royal Tomb was built in 1826, including the tomb and temple of Pham Dang Hung, the maternal grandfather of King Tu Duc, the father of Queen Mother Tu Du, the wife of King Thieu Tri, the tomb is located about 2 km from the city center.

In addition, visitors cannot miss a special national relic, the Truong Dinh Uprising sites in Tien Giang province, including: Truong Dinh Tomb and Temple (Go Cong town); Truong Dinh Temple, Dark Leaf Field (Gia Thuan commune), Dinh Pond (Tan Phuoc commune), Go Cong Dong district; Phao Dai Rampart (Phu Tan commune, Tan Phu Dong district). Visitors can learn about the life and career of National Hero Truong Dinh, a shining highlight that adds to the heroic history of the nation's fight against foreign invaders...

Go Cong town also attracts tourists with dozens of ancient houses over 100 years old with unique East-West architecture such as Governor Nguyen Van Hai's house (at 9 Hai Ba Trung street) built in 1860; Trung communal house built in the late 19th century...

To develop the potential of cultural and historical tourism, Tien Giang has focused on introducing and promoting local tourism products and images, paying attention to exploiting new tours to attract tourists; cooperation and linkage activities are increasingly expanded and more practical. Travel businesses proactively build tours, routes and expand the tourism market between Tien Giang and other regions.

In the first 5 months of 2025, the number of tourists to Tien Giang was 679,000, reaching 32.3% of the plan. International visitors were 234,000, reaching 33.4% of the plan. Total revenue from accommodation, food and beverage services, travel services and tourism support activities, and other consumer services reached 9,143 billion VND.

Vo Pham Tan said: With rich and diverse potential and advantages in natural resources and a long history and culture, Tien Giang is becoming an attractive destination for tourists. Exploiting tourism potential reasonably, combining visits to historical and cultural relics will create conditions for sustainable development of Tien Giang tourism to meet the needs of tourists in the integration period.

Tien Giang currently has nearly 20 operating travel agencies, over 200 passenger transport boats, nearly 100 restaurants and hotels constantly improving the quality of services and products to meet the needs of domestic and international tourists.

In 2025, Tien Giang aims to welcome about 2.1 million tourists, including 700,000 international visitors, and tourism revenue of VND1,507 billion.

Source: Cultural and historical tourism in Tien Giang land

Presstrip becomes a bridge connecting Lao Cai Tourism

Not simply an experiential trip, the press trip within the framework of the Lao Cai International Tourism Fair 2025 has become a bridge connecting the media and the tourism industry. The press trip is a “golden” opportunity for Lao Cai’s typical tourism products to be more widely communicated on the Vietnamese and international tourism map. Private Sapa tours

Participating in the presstrip within the framework of the Lao Cai International Tourism Fair 2025, Vu Mai - reporter of Vietnam Travel Magazine said that this was the second time she set foot in Sapa. During this trip, she had many good impressions of the people, landscapes and local tourism services. Since the beginning of the journey, Mai has continuously recorded videos and taken photos at the destinations and could not hide her surprise and delight at the dramatic changes of the Sapa National Tourist Area.

Mai excitedly said: “Right after the trip, I will share the images and clips recorded during this journey. The pristine and majestic scenery of Sapa combined with its unique cultural identity will certainly attract the attention of readers.”

As for journalist Ho Sy Luc, although he has been to Lao Cai many times, this trip still brought him many surprises. "I see that the number of tourists coming to Sapa is higher now, but the work of preserving and conserving the natural landscape is still being done well. I went to the Cat Cat community tourism site and was impressed by the wooden steps that were simply designed for tourists to walk, both convenient and minimizing the impact on nature. The waterfalls, flowers, and ornamental plants are cleverly preserved. I see that Sapa is moving towards the image of green tourism and sustainable development," said journalist Ho Sy Luc.

Luc also said: During this trip, I recorded many images and had the opportunity to meet tourism managers, representatives of accommodation facilities and destinations. As someone interested in topics such as ecotourism, environmental protection, and preservation of ethnic cultures, this will be valuable material for me to write many in-depth articles in the future.

Within the framework of the Lao Cai International Tourism Fair 2025, the Provincial Tourism Information and Promotion Center (Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism) organized a survey program for the press delegation in Sapa town with the participation of 20 press agencies inside and outside the province. The delegation surveyed many typical tourist destinations such as Lan Rung brocade craft village cluster, Cat Cat community tourism site, Hotel de la Coupole, Sapa Jade Hill, Topas Ecolodge. At each destination, in addition to the experience, reporters and journalists also directly discussed with representatives of tourist establishments about the orientation of developing green and sustainable tourism; learning about issues related to protecting the ecological environment, applying renewable energy in operations; the role of the community in tourism activities, especially the use of local labor to improve service quality and create sustainable livelihoods for people.

At the Lan Rung brocade craft village cluster and the Cat Cat community tourism site, reporters and journalists had the opportunity to talk with artisans to understand their efforts to preserve indigenous cultural values in the context of rapidly developing tourism. Many reporters were interested and excited to listen to people sharing their traditional embroidery and weaving techniques. Vo Van Tai, Director of Lan Rung said: “Through this survey trip, I hope that journalists and reporters will further spread the image of traditional brocade made by the hands of ethnic minorities, bringing the products closer to domestic and international tourists. That is also a way to preserve culture, increase the value of local products and create long-term livelihoods for people in the highlands”.

In the context of global tourism shifting strongly towards sustainability, the role of the media is not only to promote destinations, but also to contribute to shaping awareness and changing tourists' behavior. The media becomes an important bridge to help convey the message of a Sapa that is not only beautiful, but also green, humane and responsible. Images of wooden stairs, streams that still retain their wild beauty, or stories about ethnic artisans embroidering brocade at the Lan Rung brocade village cluster... when honestly and vividly reported by the press will not only touch the emotions of readers, but also create social consensus, helping tourists choose destinations more responsibly.

In the tourism development strategy of Lao Cai province, the tourism industry clearly identifies the role of the media in promotion, destination image building and brand development.

Tran Son Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: “We attach great importance to communication work, because only with the support of the press, will Lao Cai destinations have the opportunity to reach closer to the people and tourists. Through press activities within the framework of the Lao Cai International Tourism Fair 2025, we hope that the image of Lao Cai destination and its unique tourism products will spread more widely.”

This presstrip is not only an opportunity to experience, film or write articles, but also a journey of connection, companionship and development between journalists and tourism workers. Through the media, the cultural values, nature and people of Lao Cai continue to shine, contributing to enhancing the local tourism brand on the journey of integration and sustainable development.

Source: Presstrip creates opportunities to promote Lao Cai tourism

Travel to Halong bay 2025 - How much does it cost

The latest updated Halong Bay entrance fees in 2025 offers visitors many options to suit budget and schedule. Before choosing a suitable journey, visitors need to understand the basic costs when traveling to Halong Bay. Currently, ticket prices are divided into many different categories such as entrance tickets, sightseeing boat tickets, service tickets... Currently, Halong Bay has 8 main routes as follows: Private charter cruises in Halong bay

Day trips:

- VHL1 route: Port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Hon Cho Da - Hang Ba Hang - Hon Dinh Huong - Hon Trong Mai, ticket price: 250,000 VND/person.

- VHL2 route: Port - Soi Sim Beach - Ti Top Island - Sung Sot Cave - Vung Tung Sau - Me Cung Cave - Bo Nau Cave - Luon Cave - Trong Cave - Trinh Nu Cave - Dong Tien Lake, ticket price: 250,000 VND/person.

- VHL3 route: Port - Cua Van Floating Cultural Center - Tien Ong Cave - Ba Ham Lake - Ba Men Temple - Ang Du - Bamboo Forest, ticket price: 200,000 VND/person.

- VHL4 route: Port - Hang Co - Hang Thay - Hang Cap La - Vong Vieng - Tung Ang Ecological Area - Cong Do Island - Hon Xep Park, ticket price: 200,000 VND/person.

- VHL5 route: Port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Hon Cho Da - Ba Hang - Hon Dinh Huong - Hon Trong Mai - Gia Luan Wharf, ticket price: 250,000 VND/person.

In addition, there is a promotion program applicable from May 1, 2025 for the following routes:

- VHL6 route: Port - Hon Chan Voi - Vung Ba Cua - Tung Lam Island - Hon Cap Bai, ticket price: 150,000 VND/person.

- VHL7 route: Combines VHL1, VHL2, VHL3, VHL4 itineraries - only applicable to luxury cruises, ticket price: 600,000 VND/person.

- VHL8 Coastal route: Tuan Chau Port - Halong Port - Nam Cau Trang Port, ticket price: 70,000 VND/person.

Overnight stay on Halong Bay: (Maximum stay for 1 night is 24 hours, 2 nights is 48 hours from the time of departure).

- Route 2: Stay 1 night: Visit Trong cave, Trinh Nu cave, Dong Tien lake, Lat island 690, Ti Top island 587, ticket price: 550,000 VND/person, stay 2 nights: Same as 1 night stay, ticket price: 750,000 VND/person.

- Route 3: Stay 1 night in Tien Ong cave area, ticket price: 500,000 VND/person, stay 2 nights in Tien Ong cave area, ticket price: 650,000 VND/person.

- Route 4: Stay 1 night in Cong Do area, ticket price: 500,000 VND/person, stay 2 nights in Cong Do area, ticket price: 650,000 VND/person.

Sightseeing cruise to visit Halong Bay

Boat rental costs account for most of the budget for a tour of Halong Bay and depend on private boat or shared boat:

- Shared boat: 150,000 - 250,000 VND/person, private boat: 1,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/trip.

However, there will be additional service such as:

Kayaking or bamboo boat: 50,000 VND/person. Lunch on the boat: About 150,000 - 250,000 VND/person. Private tour guide: 300,000 - 500,000 VND/day.

Depending on time and preferences, visitors can choose the appropriate type of Halong Bay cruise tour.

- 4 hour cruise tour

The 4-hour Halong Bay cruise tour is an ideal choice for travelers with limited time. Time frame: Morning (8am-12pm) or Afternoon (1pm-5pm). 

Popular itinerary: Hon Ga Choi - Hon Dinh Huong - Thien Cung Cave or Dau Go Cave. Tour price: 600,000 - 750,000 VND/person.

- 6 hour cruise tour

The 6-hour tour offers a valuable experience of exploring Halong in one day. Time frame: 8am-2pm or 12pm-6pm.

Itinerary: Sung Sot Cave - Luon Cave - Ti Top Island - kayaking or swimming. Tour price: 750,000 - 850,000 VND/person.

- Deluxe 8-hour cruise tour

The 8-hour deluxe cruise tour for tourists who want to enjoy luxury and classy service. Time frame: 8am-4pm. 

Services: Lunch buffet, bar, sightseeing deck, relaxing chairs. Tour price: 890,000 - 1,200,000 VND/person.

- 2 days 1 night cruise tour

If visitors want to enjoy the unique feeling of sleeping overnight in the middle of the bay, the 2-day 1-night tour is the right choice.

General itinerary

Day 1: Visit cave, Soi Sim island, swim, dinner on boat. 

Day 2: Explore Bright Cave - Dark Cave, kayak, finish about 11.00 am

Tour price ranges from: 2,500,000 - 4,000,000 VND/person.

- 3 days 2 nights cruise tour

If you really want to get away from the city and enjoy pristine nature, don't miss the 3-day, 2-night tour that promises to bring extremely interesting and memorable experiences. 

General itinerary

Day 1: Check in, visit the famous cave, dinner on board. 

Day 2: Visit the distant bay with activities such as kayaking, swimming...

Day 3: Rest, return guests to the pier by 11.00 am

Tour price: 4,500,000 - 6,500,000 VND/person.

Source: Updated entrance fees to Halong Bay in 2025

Con Dao tourism focuses on preserving environment and local culture

Con Dao, or Con Lon island, a cultural, historical and spiritual tourist destination of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, is undergoing dramatic changes in its pursuit of the goal of building and developing a green, circular economic model based on the promotion of natural resources and a system of special national historical relics. Private tours to Vietnam

One of the most impressive points for tourists, especially those who have been to Con Dao in previous years, is the movement to respond to the "Green Gift Basket" campaign that has spread strongly, contributing to significantly reducing the amount of plastic waste as well as discouraging the burning of votive paper at destinations in Con Dao.

Many environmental protection programs

For a long time, most tourists coming to Con Dao mainly came to pay their respects to the tomb of Miss Sau - Hero of the People's Armed Forces Vo Thi Sau. In previous years, in addition to fruits and flowers, there were also items such as clothes, shoes, votive paper money, etc. decorated on the offerings to Miss Sau. However, Con Dao has now undergone many changes in its campaign to build a green, clean and beautiful Con Dao environment.

A tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said that every year, she goes to Con Dao to make offerings to Co Sau. This year, when she went to buy offerings, she was quite surprised to see that the offerings did not include votive paper, but instead contained real items. Explaining this change, the sales staff said that currently, cemeteries and relics in Con Dao implement "Green Offering Baskets" on all days of the year. Accordingly, pilgrims are not allowed to make offerings of votive paper, write petitions, burn votive paper, use disposable plastic items, and the offering trays are not allowed to use floral foam. Customers making offerings are only allowed to offer fresh flowers with fruit, the "Green Offering Basket" models: do not use floral foam or the offering trays use 100% real offerings.

Many tourists commented that Con Dao still retains its pristine natural forests, and in particular, its awareness of environmental hygiene is very good. Con Dao is made up of 16 large and small islands, of which the main central island concentrates administrative agencies, residents and the entire infrastructure system serving the lives of the people and tourists. This change will contribute to raising awareness and environmental quality.

In fact, since 2023, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province has had a Project on Research and Application of Circular Economic Model to Serve Sustainable Socio-Economic Development of Con Dao District in the period of 2022-2025, with a vision to 2030. The tasks and strategies set out are to address existing environmental and energy challenges in Con Dao, thereby building the foundation, infrastructure and social resources, aiming at the goal of sustainable economic development for Con Dao.

On that basis, environmental protection programs in Con Dao were implemented such as: developing a plan to Say No to the burning of votive offerings, the "Green Offering Basket" campaign, minimizing plastic waste... to focus on the goal of greening Con Dao.

Along with environmental protection programs, Con Dao also invests in building self-managed roads and sections of roads for environmental sanitation, ensuring urban beauty and order, planting flowers and trees along the roads, cleaning the environment, equipping 3-color trash cans to classify waste at source, replacing disposable plastic materials with long-lasting, environmentally friendly items... These programs have contributed to gradually greening Con Dao.

For a green Con Dao

Most tourists are increasingly interested in civilized tourism, sustainable tourism, minimizing environmental impacts and respecting local culture. Besides spiritual tourism, experiences and natural exploration in Con Dao are popular with tourists.

In 2024, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province organized a Famtrip Program to survey and connect tourist destinations in Con Dao and provinces and cities in the Southeast region in Con Dao district. Delegates attending the program conducted a survey and assessment of the potential and advantages of tourism development and proposed and introduced tours linking the Southeast region with Con Dao. Through the famtrip program, a number of new tourism programs have been formed such as: a program to visit Con Dao by speedboat; coordinating to provide a list and information of 10 beautiful and unique destinations in the province to promote to localities in the Southeast region.

Source: Green tourism in Con Dao island

מהו האוכל הפופולרי ביותר בווייטנאם?

חופשה זולה לווייטנאם - וייטנאם היא גן עדן לאוהבי אוכל! המדינה ידועה במטבח המגוון, הטרי ובעל הטעמים שלה, המשתנה מאזור לאזור. הנה כמה מהדברים הטובים ביותר לאכול כשאתה בוייטנאם:

1. פו (Phở)

• מה זה: זהו המנה הכי מפורסמת של וייטנאם, מרק נודלס עם בשר בקר (pho bò) או עוף (pho gà), עשבי תיבול טריים, נבטים ולימון. ציר המרק מבושל במשך שעות כדי להשיג טעמים עמוקים.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: פו אפשר למצוא בכל מקום, אבל בהאנוי הפו בשר בקר מאוד פופולרי, בעוד שבסייגון הפו עם עוף מאוד נפוץ.

2. באן מִי (Bánh Mì)

• מה זה: סנדוויץ' וייטנאמי טעים שמורכב מבאגט פריך עם מגוון מילויים כמו בשר צלוי, פטה, נקניקים, ירקות כבושים, כוסברה ופלפל חריף. זהו פיוז'ן מושלם בין המטבח הצרפתי לוייטנאמי.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: אפשר למצוא ברחוב בכל רחבי וייטנאם, אך במיוחד כדאי לנסות את באן מִי פוונג בהוי אן, שהיא מפורסמת בזכות חומרי הגלם האיכותיים שלה.

3. באן סאו (Bánh Xèo)

• מה זה: פנקייקים וייטנאמיים מלוחים עשויים מקמח אורז, כורכום וחלב קוקוס, ממולאים בחזיר, שרימפס, נבטים ועשבי תיבול. הם מטוגנים עד שהם פריכים ונהוג לאכול אותם עם חסה ורוטב טבילה.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: מנה פופולרית בדרום וייטנאם, במיוחד בסייגון ובדלתא של המקונג.

4. גוי קואן (Gỏi Cuốn) – רולים טריים

• מה זה: רולים טריים עשויים מדפי אורז, ממולאים בשרימפס, חזיר, עשבי תיבול טריים, אטריות אורז וחסה. הם מוגשים עם רוטב טבילה של חמאת בוטנים או רוטב הויסין. זהו מאכל קל ורענן, מושלם לאקלים חמים.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: אפשר למצוא ברחוב בכל רחבי וייטנאם, במיוחד בדרום, בסייגון.

5. קאו לאו (Cao Lầu)

• מה זה: מנה מיוחדת מהוי אן, המורכבת מאטריות עבות וצ'ייביות, עם פרוסות חזיר, עשבי תיבול טריים, וקריספי חזיר. הציר עשיר אך לא נוזלי מדי, וזה שונה מפו.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: המנה פופולרית בהוי אן.

6. קום טאם (Cơm Tấm) – אורז שבור

• מה זה: קום טאם הוא מנה של אורז שבור, שמוגש עם חזיר צלוי, בדרך כלל עם ביצה מטוגנת, ירקות כבושים ורוטב דגים. זהו מאכל דרום-וייטנאמי קלאסי.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: פופולרי בסייגון, במיוחד במסעדות המתמחות במנה.

7. בּוּן צ'ה (Bún Chả)

• מה זה: מאכל המיוחס להאנוי, המורכב מחזיר צלוי (כולל גם בשר חזיר שומן וקציצות חזיר) המוגש בציר חמוץ-מתוק עם אטריות אורז ועשבי תיבול טריים. לרוב מוגש עם רולים מטוגנים.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: כדאי לנסות בהאנוי! בּוּן צ'ה הוא מאכל פופולרי מאוד בעיר, ואם תגיעו ל-Bún Chả Hương Liên (שם אובמה אכל), זה יהיה חוויה.

8. הוּ טִיו (Hu Tieu)

• מה זה: מרק אטריות עם ציר עשיר, לרוב מוגש עם סוגים שונים של בשר, מהחזיר ועד לפירות ים. זהו מאכל פופולרי במיוחד באזור דלתת המקונג, אבל גם בסייגון.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: בסייגון או באזור דלתת המקונג.

9. מי קוואנג (Mì Quảng)

• מה זה: מנה אטריות מתערובת כורכום עם ציר עשיר, עשבי תיבול, בוטנים קלויים ומבחר של בשר (חזיר, עוף, שרימפס).

• איפה כדאי לנסות: בעיקר במרכז וייטנאם, במיוחד בדא נאנג ובקוונג נאם.

10. צ'ה (Chè)

• מה זה: קינוח וייטנאמי מתוק, שמגיע במגוון גרסאות – ממנות על בסיס חלב קוקוס ועד למנות עם שעועית מונג, זרעי לוטוס וג'לי. המנה לרוב מוגשת קרה, מה שהופך אותה למתאימה במיוחד בימים חמים.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: אפשר למצוא צ'ה ברחובות בערים רבות, במיוחד בהאנוי.

11. באן בהו (Bánh Bèo)

• מה זה: עוגות אורז קטנות, המוגשות עם שרימפס, בצל פריך, ומלוות ברוטב דגים. זהו חטיף או מנת פתיחה נהדרת.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: במיוחד בהוי, במרכז וייטנאם.

12. קפה וייטנאמי (Cà Phê)

• מה זה: וייטנאם ידועה בתרבות הקפה שלה. הגרסה הכי איקונית היא קפה עם חלב ממותק וקוביות קרח (Cà Phê Sữa Đá), שהיא חזקה, עשירה וממכרת. יש גם קפה ביצה (Cà Phê Trứng), שהוא קפה קרמי עם חלמון ביצה מוקצף, סוכר וחלב ממותק.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: קפה אפשר למצוא בכל מקום בוייטנאם, אבל בהאנוי קפה ביצה הוא מאכל חובה (נסו את Giang Cafe).

13. נמ (Nem) – רולים מטוגנים

• מה זה: רולים מטוגנים פריכים, ממולאים בחזיר, פטריות ואטריות. נהוג לאכול אותם עם חסה ועשבי תיבול ולטבול ברוטב.

• איפה כדאי לנסות: פופולרי בצפון ובמרכז וייטנאם.

טיפ: וייטנאם היא גן עדן לאוכל רחוב, אז אל תפחדו לנסות מנות מקומיות בדוכנים. האוכל הכי טעים נמצא פעמים רבות ברחוב. רק כדאי לוודא שהדוכן מלא במקומיים – בדרך כלל סימן איכות.

איזו מנה נראה לך שתרצה לנסות? או שאולי כבר טסת לוייטנאם וטעמת חלק מהמנות הללו?

Source: מהם הדברים הכי טובים לאכול בוייטנאם?

Peaceful villages attract tourists in Sapa

Besides the bustling city center or town, peaceful villages with fresh nature and many unique ethnic cultures such as Ta Van, Lao Chai, Ta Phin or Y Ty are also ideal choices for tourists. Private Sapa tours

At this time, the villages of Sapa are as beautiful as a picture, the weather is cool, the sky is clear and the trekking routes are beautiful, making them ideal destinations for tourists to experience. Ms. Wednesday, a tourist from London, England, had her first day of vacation with her friends in Sapa. Ta Van village was the stop that she and her friends chose for their trip. Ms. Wednesday said: I find the scenery around here very beautiful, very different from my feelings when I was in the city. So I plan to stay here for a few more days to experience the activities and understand more about the culture and people here.

Walking around the roads in Lao Chai and Ta Van, it is not difficult to see groups of tourists trekking and learning about local brocade products. Not only foreign tourists, but the trend of walking and experiencing the culture of the villages is also popular with many Vietnamese tourists. Binh from Hanoi said: I spent 2 days here and had interesting experiences such as: walking, bathing in medicinal leaves of the Red Dzao people, enjoying ethnic cuisine. I am very satisfied with this trip.

According to records, on this occasion, many homestays in Ta Van and Lao Chai were full of guests, some households had a booking rate of over 80%. Identifying the increasing demand for accommodation, relaxation and service experiences of tourists, service and accommodation establishments have enhanced and upgraded their services. In particular, they have trained a team of staff who are both knowledgeable about ethnic culture and have professional skills to serve tourists.

Mr. Lo A Pho, manager of La Dao Spa & Coffee, Ta Van said: During the holidays, the number of guests experiencing the services increases from 30 - 50%. To meet the needs of tourists, 2 months ago, the facility invited experts to train and educate the staff, ensuring the best response to the resort services here.

To enhance the experience for visitors, in addition to culinary and resort services, some establishments also organize activities such as weaving, beeswax painting, brocade embroidery... Unique handicrafts help visitors understand more about the culture and people of the highlands.

Not only the villages in Sapa have many tourists to experience, the community tourism site of Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district is also expected to attract tourists at the end of the holiday. Currently, in Y Ty commune, there are nearly 30 homestays. All families have prepared the best facilities, ensuring environmental hygiene, food safety and hygiene, ready to bring interesting experiences to tourists.

During this year's Labour holiday, the weather in Y Ty tourist area is quite favorable, with only light rain in the morning, sunny at noon and in the afternoon, with a sea of clouds, but in Y Ty, many homestays are still empty. According to some homestays, this year's Labour holiday is quite long, many tourists choose to go to the South to witness the parade and historical tourist attractions, some establishments have guests booked since May 2, so the first 2 days of the Y Ty holiday are still empty. It is predicted that the number of visitors will increase in the last days of the holiday.

Y Ty promises to be crowded with tourists at the end of the holiday season, there are many interesting options with attractive experiences for tourists when coming to Sapa.

Source: The attraction of village tourism

Ta Xua - paradise on earth of Son La

Like most visitors, we came to Ta Xua - known as "Heaven on Earth of Son La" - from Moc Chau. This is considered the shortest route, only 100km away; from Son La town to Ta Xua is 115km and from Hanoi is 240km away. private tours to Vietnam

From Bac Yen, passing through a winding and dangerous road, only seeing a few small villages of the H'Mong people nestled on the mountainside, we arrived at Ta Xua in the cool weather. Before our eyes was a bustling urban area with all kinds of shops, motels, tourist services, cloud hunting facilities... looking like a part of Sa Pa, or a miniature town in an European country. We were all surprised at the rapid change of a highland that was just a deserted H'Mong village 5 years ago, but is now a colorful tourist town.

Ta Xua is at the end of the cloud hunting season (from October to March of the following year), but tourists and backpackers are still bustling and accommodation establishments, restaurants, cafes... are busy with construction. Unlike Sa Pa, which has many family tourists, Ta Xua is almost exclusively young visitors. The signs of the shops are all associated with clouds, both in Vietnamese and English. Funny enough, there is a restaurant named Chi Bau, related to a backpacker anecdote. The story goes that once a group of backpackers went to the highlands and saw a beautiful flower growing wildly on the mountainside, so they asked a H'Mong man who was herding horses nearby. The ethnic minority guy replied: "chi bau"! (in Mong language it means... "don't know"). Thinking that this was the name of a beautiful and strange flower, the backpacker group happily posted online the image of the newly discovered chi bau flower. Many people flocked to take pictures of the strange flower and it turned out that "chi bau" was not the name of this flower.

Ta Xua’s development potential and tourism appeal are still huge. This highland region has advantages that no other place has.

Located in a primeval forest of 17,650 hectares on the southeastern slope of the Hoang Lien Son range, the terrain is strongly divided, forming many high peaks along the Phu Sa Phin range; of which Ta Xua peak is one of the 15 highest peaks in Vietnam and is a place that is very popular with mountaineering enthusiasts. Many mountain climbing awards have been held here. Quite uniquely, Ta Xua peak is not a single peak but is composed of 3 peaks. Of which, the highest peak of 2,850m is where the Vietnamese flagpole is erected, with a stainless steel top; the second peak still has a flagpole erected by the French; the third peak is lower, located in the middle.

In particular, Ta Xua is also chosen as one of the three “cloud paradises” in the Northwest region, including Lao Than peak and Bach Moc Luong Tu peak in Lao Cai, but Ta Xua is more popular with cloud hunters. Besides, camping and trekking in the forest in Ta Xua are also very interesting. In this primeval forest located in the highlands, there is a very mysterious vegetation with “ancient moss forests” with magical shapes and landscapes.

In addition to Pu Ta Leng, Pusilung (Lai Chau) and Fanxipan (Lao Cai) known as the "kingdom of rhododendron flowers", recently, Ta Xua primeval forest has also been discovered as a place with ancient rhododendron flowers of all colors blooming in February and March, captivating art photographers and flower lovers.

So, checking in Ta Xua along with cloud hunting, you can also climb mountains, trek to see moss and ancient rhododendrons, camp amidst majestic landscapes, fresh air.

Experience the thrill

Backpackers and mountain climbers all agree that conquering Ta Xua peak is never easy, because the terrain of this mountain is complex with steep, undulating, long stretches, and extremely winding climbing routes... But the biggest challenge in the Ta Xua climbing route is... the dinosaur's spine. This is the third peak located among the three peaks of the Pu Sa Phin range, commonly known as Ta Xua. This climbing section is narrow on steep rocky terrain, with deep abysses on both sides. One of the most dangerous but also attractive climbing routes for adventure lovers. Experienced tourist guides here all advise people with a fear of heights or weak hearts... not to take the risk.

The car carrying a group of people into Hang Dong commune just stopped when dozens of Mong youths on motorbikes rushed to offer their services. From the commune center to Chong Tra village, where the 2,500m high mountain range looks like the back of a giant sleeping dinosaur, about 5km away, of which the "back" section is 3km long, said to be a trail, thin as a knife's edge, and when you walk on it, you feel like you are walking on a precarious wall, with deep abysses on both sides.

Although in 2019, to ensure the safety of tourists, the local authorities and people had erected iron stakes and stretched steel wires in difficult climbing sections, sitting on a motorbike hugging a H'Mong boy in first gear while climbing uphill through these sections, my heart skipped a beat and my whole body turned cold every time the two motorbikes kept the same speed and ran in opposite directions to avoid each other; if the wheels deviated by just 10cm, the motorbike would fly into the abyss, and both the person and the motorbike would be lost. There was a section, about 500m long, I had to walk, I had to crawl step by step; my body was sweating, just one careless step and I would fall into the abyss that awaited both sides.

Returning safely to Hang Dong, we breathed a sigh of relief and praised the motorbike taxi drivers here for being as good as circus performers. The “driver” who took me to the dinosaur’s back was Mua A Trung, a second-year student at the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment at Son La University. He said that there were more than 50 motorbike taxi drivers here, all of whom were H'Mong youth, and were most active during weekends and tourist seasons. Trung took advantage of his days off from school to drive a motorbike taxi to earn money, taking 2-3 trips a day. Each round trip was 60,000 VND.

Source: A memorable adventure to Ta Xua

5 Best beaches in Quy Nhon that you should visit

Quy Nhon - a famous island paradise in Central Vietnam with many beautiful clear blue beaches, coming to Quy Nhon - Binh Dinh, visitors not only enjoy diverse local cuisine, the long-standing historical culture of the land of martial arts and literature, but also immerse themselves in the cool, blue water of the wonderful beaches beautiful right in the peaceful coastal city of Quy Nhon. Tailor-made Vietnam tours

Let's check out the top 5 most beautiful beaches in Quy Nhon today, the beaches that are highly appreciated by tourists and also the beaches that welcome the most tourists in Quy Nhon at present.

1. Ky Co Beach

+ Address: Nhon Ly Commune, Quy Nhon town

+ Distance from Quy Nhon: 25 km

+ Entrance fee: 100,000 VND/person

Ky Co Beach is currently the beach that welcomes the most tourists in Quy Nhon. Known as the Maldives paradise of Vietnam, Ky Co owns a beautiful long beach with clear blue water that can be seen all the way to the bottom, the majestic caves that create highlights have turned Ky Co Beach into the most beautiful beach in Quy Nhon - Binh Dinh today.

If you come to Ky Co Beach, you should not miss diving to see coral at Bai Dua - the most beautiful coral diving site in Quy Nhon and visit Eo Gio - the most beautiful place to watch the sunset in Vietnam.

2. Hon Kho Island Beach

+ Address: Nhon Hai Commune, Quy Nhon town, Binh Dinh

+ Distance from Quy Nhon: 20 km

+ Means of transport: Car, Speedboat, Wooden boat of fishermen

Hon Kho is one of the ideal places for swimming and snorkeling. The scenery here is still wild, the water in Hon Kho is very clear and clean, in some places the coral reefs are only 1-2m from the water surface, very suitable for snorkeling.

Here, there are also activities such as jet skiing and kayaking. A special feature of Hon Kho that attracts young people is the extremely beautiful white wooden road along the mountainside. In addition, it is impossible not to mention the unique cross-sea road that is enough to make visitors' hearts flutter.

3. Cu Lao Xanh Beach

+ Address: Nhon Chau Commune, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh

+ Distance from Quy Nhon: 24 km (30 minutes by canoe and 2 hours by wooden boat)

+ Means of transport: Speedboat, Fisherman's wooden boat

Cu Lao Xanh is a beautiful piece of nature that nature has bestowed upon the land of martial arts Binh Dinh. Often called the "Sleeping Pearl", Cu Lao Xanh is located in the middle of a vast, clear sea, covered by green trees and smooth white sand. Visitors will feel the atmosphere of heaven and earth, simplicity and nature when coming here.

Nearly 2 hours by wooden boat or 30 minutes by canoe from Quy Nhon city center, Cu Lao Xanh has emerged as a tourist destination not to be missed when coming to Quy Nhon - Binh Dinh. Currently, Nhon Chau island commune has electricity, which partly promotes the development of local tourism here, many Homestays and hotels have sprung up to serve tourists staying overnight, experiencing the most authentic daily life of fishermen on remote islands.

+ Note: Cu Lao Xanh is still a military island so it does not accept foreign visitors

4. Hoang Hau Beach

+ Address: Ghenh Rang Ward, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh

Located about 3 km southeast of Quy Nhon city center, in Ghenh Rang - Tien Sa tourist area. This is a small beach with a view towards the city center, fresh and airy. When traveling to Quy Nhon, visitors can combine visiting Thi Nhan hill and visiting the poet Han Mac Tu in the Ghenh Rang tourist area.

Hoang Hau Beach is also known as the White Bird Beach, because here there are large, round, smooth rocks that look like giant bird eggs from afar. What could be more exciting than stepping on those rocks with your bare feet? Although a bit risky, it will really be an interesting experience for you.

+ Note: Hoang Hau Beach is only for sightseeing, taking photos, visitors should not swim as it is dangerous

5. Quy Nhon Beach

Located right in the heart of Quy Nhon city, endowed with a golden sand beach running along the cool blue coast, since 2014, Binh Dinh province has relocated the aquaculture activities of the people to renovate and develop Quy Nhon beach into a tourist beach.

The 5km long crescent-shaped beach runs from Mui Tan to Ghenh Rang, deserted with sweet golden sand and murmuring waves. The beach is very close to Xuan Dieu seafood culinary street. Tourists can combine sightseeing in the city with a relaxing beach experience as well as enjoying fresh seafood right here.

Source: Top 5 most beautiful beaches in Quy Nhon visitors should know

How to plan the perfect visit to Can Gio, Saigon

Can Gio is one of the famous tourist destinations of Ho Chi Minh City, with beautiful beaches and pristine nature. If you are looking for an exciting and adventurous trip, Can Gio is a great choice. Saigon travel

Can Gio Beach is a suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City, 50 km from the city center and takes only about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there. With a quiet space and no high-rise buildings, this is an ideal destination for those who want to get away from the noise of the inner city.

Can Gio District is divided by canals and has no fresh water source, but has many beaches and islands with rare species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book. This unique feature has helped Can Gio become a unique and more attractive destination than anywhere else in Saigon.

Can Gio has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's leading biosphere reserves and is known as the "Green Oasis". It is also an important destination in Vietnam.

Places to visit in Can Gio

Thanh An Island

Thanh An Island is a place you should visit when traveling in Can Gio sea area. Although the island area is quite small, tourism services are not yet developed and there are not many entertainment activities, this is still an ideal place to enjoy the fresh air of the sea, explore the simple life of the people of the fishing village and enjoy delicious dishes made from seafood.

When arriving at Thanh An Island, you can travel by ferry from the mainland to the island with the following travel schedules: 6:30, 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00 and 17:00. The fares is only 10,000 VND/person and the travel time is about 45 minutes.

Although it does not have the splendor of the sunset in Phu Quoc or the pride of the sunset on Nha Trang beach, the sunset on Thanh An island still has its own unique beauty, very gentle and rustic, captivating visitors. If possible, you should spend a night on the island to watch the sunset and feel the peaceful beauty of a small fishing village.

Thieng Lieng Island

Thieng Lieng Island Hamlet is located in Thanh An Island Commune, about 70 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. This is a small island surrounded by rivers and canals, creating a difficult place for tourists to visit.

Thieng Lieng Island is quite small, only about 2,000 hectares and surrounded by water. However, this is one of the ideal places to explore and learn about the simple life of the people here. With more than 200 households living on the island, visitors can chat and learn interesting things about the activities and culture of the local people.

In addition to enjoying the fresh air of the sea, visitors can also participate in activities to experience the life of local people such as: raking salt, carrying salt, fishing, feeding crabs, catching crabs, releasing buoys to raise oysters, setting nets for star goby, setting traps for mudskippers, looking for three-sided crabs at midnight, catching snails in the coconut forest, picking water coconuts... All of these activities are great experiences for you to explore and enjoy the nature here.

Vam Sat forest

Vam Sat forest is a famous eco-tourism destination located in the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, about 60 km from the coast. With an area of over 75,000 hectares, Vam Sat forest is the habitat of many rare and precious species of animals and plants, which are preserved and protected.

Vam Sat forest is a special eco-tourism destination that attracts visitors with the immense green of the forest land and the richness of terrestrial animals, birds, reptiles, etc. Here, visitors can visit, take photos and explore the diverse animal world, and enjoy typical rustic dishes.

In addition, the resort also offers many interesting recreational activities, including boating, camping, cycling, mangrove planting, crocodile fishing and many other activities, bringing unforgettable experiences.

Hang Duong Seafood Market

Hang Duong market is located in Can Gio, where fishermen gather fresh seafood after a day of fishing. The market is characterized by hundreds of seafood pots lined up along the market, giving the first impression of the richness and diversity of seafood.

Different from the quietness of other tourist attractions, Hang Duong market is bustling with the cries and bargaining of buyers and sellers, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. Visitors can freely choose seafood such as snails, squid, octopus... with prices depending on the type.

In addition to buying seafood to bring home to cook, visitors can also enjoy pre-prepared seafood dishes at the market, or go to the nearby beach to sip and enjoy fresh seafood. Hang Duong Market will bring visitors an interesting and unique experience during their trip.

Monkey Island

Monkey Island is a destination not to be missed when traveling to Can Gio, especially for those who love animals and want to explore nature. Called an "island", this tourist area is located right next to the road, motorbikes and cars can enter and exit comfortably and conveniently, you do not have to travel by boat at all.

There are more than 1,000 monkeys of many different species living here. The entrance fee is very affordable, only 30,000 VND/person on weekdays and 35,000 VND/person on holidays.

However, you need to pay attention to your belongings such as phones and bags because the monkeys here are very naughty and often snatch tourists' belongings and run away. In addition to visiting Monkey Island, visitors can also enjoy monkey circus shows, visit the crocodile reserve and experience recreational crocodile fishing.

Sleeping in Can Gio

If you only have half a day to visit Can Gio, you can return to Saigon in the evening of the same day. However, if you want to stay overnight, there are many accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs, from luxury resorts to budget hotels. Here are some places to stay that you can refer to:

Eco Homestay Can Gio

Address: Tac Xuan, Can Thanh Town, Can Gio

Rates: 500,000 - 800,000 VND/night

Hoa Vien Cat Tuong Hotel

Address: Duyen Hai, Can Thanh Town, Can Gio

Rates: 300,000 - 500,000 VND/night

Thai Duong Guesthouse

Address: No. 1, Street No. 1, Long Hoa, Can Gio

Reference price: 300,000 - 500,000 VND/night

How to get there

From Ho Chi Minh City to Can Gio, you can use the following means of transport:

- Bus: You can take bus route 75 from 23/9 Park or bus route 20 from Ben Thanh to Binh Khanh ferry. Here, you buy a ferry ticket and continue to take bus route 90 to the center of Can Thanh commune. You should pay attention to the time to catch the last bus back to the city.

- Motorbike: This is the most convenient means of transport. You just need to go straight on Huynh Tan Phat Street, Nha Be to Binh Khanh Ferry, then buy a ferry ticket for 4,500 VND for motorbikes. After crossing the ferry, you continue straight on the Sat forest road about 40 km to reach the center of Can Thanh commune.

Best time to travel to Can Gio

You can visit Can Gio at any time of the year. Because Can Gio is located in a tropical monsoon climate near the equator, there are only two seasons: rainy season and dry season like other southern provinces. Usually, the rainy season here starts from May to October every year, and from November to April is the hot dry season with an average temperature of 25 - 29 degrees Celsius. The weather here is often sunny, very convenient for sightseeing and entertainment activities.

Although the rainy season in Can Gio does not last long, you should avoid going on rainy days. Rainy days make it difficult to move around and the sea can be rough with strong winds. Therefore, choosing to go on sunny days is the best.

Can Gio beach is a favorite destination for tourists. Usually on weekends, holidays or Tet, this is a crowded place for tourists. If you choose to go during the peak season, you need to accept the crowding and increased fees for some services.

Expenses to visit Can Gio

Transport: 200,000 VND including petrol, fares...

Food and drinks: 500,000 VND depending on dietary needs

Hotel: 250,000 – 500,000 VND/person, depends on accommodation 

Entertainment: 300,000 – 500,000 VND/person, including entrance fees, services at the destination...

Shopping: 200,000 - 500,000 VND/person

Other services such as parking fee...: 20.000 VND/person

TOTAL: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND/person

Some notes when traveling to Can Gio

- To get the freshest seafood, you should choose it yourself and bargain with the seller.

- To ensure safety when driving back from Can Gio, you should return before 5 pm because many roads do not have street lights. It is best to depart from Can Gio around 4 pm.

- If you travel to Can Gio by motorbike, save the phone number of a tire repairman in advance to be ready to handle problems on the road.

Above are the experiences to travel to Can Gio that we want to share with you. Hopefully the above information will help you have the most interesting and complete trip in Can Gio. Wish you a wonderful trip!

Source: https://saigontraveltour.com/sai-gon-travel-blog/useful-information-about-visiting-can-gio-saigon/

Experience journey on Chay River from Trung Do to Coc Ly

Traveling on Chay River from Trung Do village - where there is a national cultural and historical relic - Tien Cave, Bao Nhai commune to Coc Ly Hydroelectric Lake, Bac Ha district used to be an activity that attracted a lot of tourists. Private Sapa tours

Since the Bac Ha hydropower plant filled the water, the Chay River dried up, making it difficult to travel by boat, and there were no more visitors, and this river tourism route almost stopped. But now, it is attracting and welcoming many visitors again when the Bao Nhai 1 hydropower plant filled the dam.

Chay River in Bac Ha District (Lao Cai province) stretches and winds along the winding terrain of the mountain ranges. On both sides of the river, there are vertical cliffs, while other parts are wide open with far-reaching views. Tourists can start their cruise on Chay River from Bao Nhai Commune up to Coc Ly Commune or vice versa.

Since Bao Nhai 1 hydropower plant has stored water, boating on the Chay River is no longer difficult. Especially in the summer, on weekends, when the weather is hot and humid, many tourists from the lowlands or Lao Cai City come to the countryside or highlands with beautiful and peaceful landscapes and rivers, streams, where there are cool waterfalls or peaceful blue hydropower lakes, becoming attractive "hot escapes" for local people and tourists.

That is why the Chay River boat trip from Trung Do village to Hang Tien, Bao Nhai commune to Coc Ly hydroelectric lake, Bac Ha district has revived and in the early summer of 2023, the experience of cruising on the Chay River on the poetic white plateau of Bac Ha has been chosen by many people.

After many years of having to stop working or operate at a low level, now there are many tourists, some households in Bao Nhai commune who used to work as boat drivers, budget motels and some homestays are happy and excited. Mr. Ha Quang Chanh, Tay ethnic, Trung Do village, Bao Nhai commune said that his family has lived in Trung Do village for generations, attached to the river and rice farming.

Previously, the village invested in developing community tourism, creating jobs for homestays and boatmen who transported us tourists. Then the dam was built to make Coc Ly hydroelectric lake, losing water and flow, no one came anymore, we lost our jobs, only knowing how to farm. Now, the Bao Nhai hydroelectric dam has been built, the flow is stable, the scenery of Hang Tien and Trung Do village on the Chay river is beautiful, many visitors have come, the people are very happy because they can return to their jobs.

Currently, in Bao Nhai and Coc Ly communes, there are 20 boats operating to pick up and drop off tourists, each boat can accommodate up to 10 passengers. All boats are equipped with life jackets. Tourists will experience sitting on a boat to enjoy the river about 3km, the travel time is about 30 minutes. The price of each boat is 500,000 VND (including round trip). After the experience of watching the river on the boat, tourists can bathe in the cool water; prepare their own lunch with snacks right on the riverbank.

A homestay owner in Trung Do village, Bao Nhai commune said that before the dam was built, the beautiful mountain scenery, the gentle river flow, the Trung Do - Hang Tien Bao Nhai tour and upstream to Coc Ly to go to the market attracted many visitors. Then, the dam was built to make Coc Ly hydropower plant for many years, causing this tour to disappear. People working in homestays and river transport services lost their jobs, some went to Bac Ha to do tourism, others stayed in their hometowns to farm, life was difficult. Now that Bao Nhai 1 hydropower plant has dammed water, this tour is operating again and we have jobs and income again. Hopefully there will be more visitors and the homestay will try to ensure good service for visitors.

With beautiful poetic scenery, clear and cool water of Chay River, the experience of cruising on Chay River is becoming an attractive destination for locals and tourists. To protect the tourism environment, tourism workers also recommend that locals and tourists when visiting and experiencing need to be aware of maintaining public hygiene, not throwing waste into the river; always wear a life jacket when the boat is moving to prevent drowning.

Currently at Bac Ha Hydropower Plant, the water rises to form a large lake, boats can travel easily, attracting more and more tourists, especially on Tuesdays and weekends where people visit Coc Ly market. Therefore, Bao Nhai Commune has a plan to restore this tourist route.

To restore this once famous tourist route, Bao Nhai commune also has a policy and plan to establish a new boat dock starting at Trung Do village, organize a number of local traditional festivals associated with Trung Do temple, combined with the landscape and national cultural identity to create highlights to attract tourists such as: the army celebration ceremony in July every year, the festival "Going to the fields" at the beginning of the first month of the year, the boat racing festival... This will be an opportunity for Bao Nhai to exploit its inherent potential strengths to develop the economy, when the tourist route on Chay River is restored.

Source: https://privatesapatours.com/news/conquering-chay-river-from-trung-do-to-coc-ly-market.php

Vietnam train travel - a journey connecting heritage regions

With over 100 years of history, Vietnam Railways has accompanied many ups and downs of Vietnam history. Entering a new stage of development, the mission of the railway industry is now not only a means of transportation, but also brings special experiences, helping visitors explore the natural beauty, culture and history of each land, becoming a journey to discover the beauty of the country's heritage. tailor-made Vietnam tours

Coming to Da Lat city, a place that tourists cannot miss in their journey to explore this land is Da Lat station - the starting point of the Da Lat - Trai Mat railway line with a length of 6.7km, the remaining part of the 84km Thap Cham - Da Lat line, connecting Ninh Thuan province with Lam Dong, put into operation in 1932, built by the French.

This is the only unique cog railway in Vietnam and one of the two most beautiful cog railways in the world (along with the Swiss railway).

With a train journey of about 1 hour (30 minutes on the way there and 30 minutes on the way back), the train speed is slow, during the day, visitors can comfortably relax and admire the poetic beauty of Da Lat, and at night, the beauty of the city of flowers is really magical and different.

The main building of Da Lat station is built with three stylized pyramidal roofs symbolizing the three peaks of Langbiang mountain, the middle peak has a large clock, the building was recognized as a special national monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2001.

Mr. Dang Hieu Dan, who has many years of experience in teaching in the railway field, said: "Along with Da Lat station with its mountain-shaped architecture and the communal house roof of the Central Highlands people, Thap Tram - Da Lat railway has a sawtooth-shaped track to be able to cross the mountain ranges. This project has a unique design similar to the railway line in Switzerland crossing the Alps."

Different from the bustling and crowded Da Lat, when coming to Trai Mat, visitors can feel the gentle, peaceful atmosphere with pine hills rustling in the wind, the poetic scenery captivates people.

Before boarding the train, visitors can freely visit and check-in at Da Lat station - a unique ancient architectural work inspired by the legendary Langbiang mountain and the traditional Central Highlands communal house roof or check-in at ancient train cars in Indochina style.

On "Da Lat Night Journey", in addition to enjoying music, visitors can also enjoy a dinner party upon request.

A tourist from Ho Chi Minh City said: "The experience of the Da Lat - Trai Mat tourist train reminded me of a historical period. Listening to songs praising the poetic land of peach blossoms and enjoying unique cuisine gave me an interesting feeling."

Another tourist from Can Tho, said: "Da Lat Station is more than beautiful. I hope that services like this will continue to be experienced by many tourists to feel the beauty of the country."

Da Lat night journey is a tourism product that the railway industry has put into operation to continue to bring passengers new experiences, feel the beauty of Da Lat at night, contribute to diversifying services and developing local tourism.

Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province said: "Da Lat Station is associated with a historical story, the train station system of Da Lat City is currently an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Therefore, this is the lever and premise contributing to the economic development of the city, in line with the policy of the Provincial Party Committee and the City Party Committee in developing high-quality tourism".

Train connecting central heritage

If "Da Lat Night Journey" allows visitors to visit Da Lat city by the only unique cog railway in Vietnam, the tourist train connecting Hue - Da Nang named "Connecting Central Heritage" helps visitors have more interesting experiences on the journey to visit and experience heritage destinations and tourist attractions in the central region.

The train "Connecting Central Heritage" was put into operation on March 26, 2024, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Thua Thien Hue. This is a transport business product combined with the exploitation of tourism, history and culture services.

With a travel time of about 3 hours, the train will take visitors through Hai Van Pass - known as "The most majestic pass in Vietnam" to Da Nang - a city with many beautiful beaches.

Train number HD1 consists of 10 carriages, including 2 community carriages serving Hue cuisine and Hue folk songs. The two carriages are decorated by Vietnam Railways in the traditional style of ancient royal courts.

The train is equipped with soft, air-conditioned seats, placed next to the windows for visitors to enjoy the scenery along the railway line considered the most beautiful in Vietnam, connecting Hue - Da Nang.

On this train, Hue singing artists will perform Nam Binh, Phu Luc, Co Ban… to serve tourists. Next to this carriage is the culinary carriage, with a series of Hue cakes and fruits such as: Banh It, Cha Lua, Nem Hue… along with drinks for tourists to freely choose on this heritage journey.

Source: https://tailormadevietnamholidays.com/travel_news/vietnam-railways-opens-unique-tourism-products.htm

Attending cherry blossom festival in Halong

On March 22, the Cherry Blossom Festival was held in Ky Thuong Commune, Halong City (Quang Ninh Province). This is the first festival organized by the Halong City People's Committee, aiming to contribute to maintaining and promoting the nation's fine traditional cultural values, creating unique products to promote, promote and attract tourists to Halong City in general and Ky Thuong Commune in particular. Halong cruise tours

The festival will take place over 2 days, including outstanding activities such as: Planting cherry blossom trees; visiting cherry blossom displays and exhibitions, booths displaying and selling OCOP products and some booths displaying and selling products of typical households and businesses in the city; cultural and sports exchange activities taking place during the festival; experiencing Kimono costumes (Japan) and costumes of ethnic groups in Halong city; bamboo dancing exchange; crossbow shooting, stick pushing, stilt walking performance, and traditional costume embroidery.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ky Thuong Commune, Halong City said: "The festival is organized to concretize the project of Halong - the city of flowers and festivals. To develop tourism in Ky Thuong Commune associated with exploiting the cherry blossom landscape, the People's Committee of Halong City has approved 2 detailed plans with a total expected area of  planting landscape forests and cherry blossom trees of about 30.8 hectares (at Dong Cut Hamlet Tourism Service Area, Khe Tre Village about 8.86 hectares and Khe Tre Hamlet Tourism Service Area, Khe Tre Village about 22 hectares). The future orientation is to create a flower forest in Ky Thuong Commune, aiming to exploit this area to become a large landscape park typical of the area associated with experiential activities, such as: sightseeing, adventure sports activities, camping activities, festivals, conferences, film studios, and nature museums.

Ky Thuong cherry blossom area is a new and promising eco-tourism project in Halong, accompanied by leading Japanese companies specializing in cherry blossom planting. About 100 cherry blossom trees have been planted and are growing well.

By organizing the cherry blossom festival, Halong city hopes that Ky Thuong will become an attractive destination, attracting tourists, enriching resources and unique tourism products; contributing to introducing to tourists from all over the world, besides Halong Bay - a heritage and natural wonder of the world, the city is also very attractive because of the pristine and majestic beauty of the mountainous area in the North of the city. Through the festival, it contributes to bringing the image and culture of the Dao ethnic group to many tourists, bringing the beauty of Japan to the majority of people in Halong city. At the same time, it strengthens the great solidarity of ethnic groups, creates a joyful and exciting atmosphere, enriching the spiritual life of the people.

Ky Thuong is located in the highest area of the highland communes of Halong city, with a population of nearly 900 people, of which over 98% are Dzao people. In addition to its biodiversity value, Ky Thuong commune is also considered a locality with natural tourism resources, with many high mountain ranges, many systems of rivers, lakes, streams, and vertical waterfalls, interspersed with vast green forests, creating a natural landscape of "beautiful mountains and rivers", with a cool climate all year round.

Source: https://halong-tour.com/travelnews/cherry-blossom-festival-in-halong-city.php

Hospital over 150 years old associated with Saigon history

Within the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Hospital, there exists a prison over a hundred years old, which used to detain many revolutionary soldiers during the American war. Saigon travel

Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Hospital has a long and tumultuous history. Established in 1862, this place is not only a medical facility but also a witness to many historical changes. Few people know that before becoming the center for treating infectious diseases in the City, this place used to be a mental hospital, called "Cho Quan Hospital".

Not only that, the hospital also preserves traces of a prison camp that is more than 150 years old, built by the French to detain political prisoners during the war time such as Tran Phu.

According to historical records, the prison was built in 1875 and was used as a place to detain and treat mental patients. Later, in order to serve the purpose of interrogating revolutionary information, the French brought prisoners to the mental hospital to both treat them temporarily and continue to interrogate them.

The prison is designed in a U shape. The horizontal row is 32m long and 12m wide. The two vertical rows are equal, each row is 14m long and 7.5m wide. The building has colonial architecture with a yin-yang roof; the walls are 4m high and 0.4m thick; the windows have two layers of iron mesh.

The prison area is divided into two separate areas for male and female prisoners. Each area is divided into individual and group cells, connected by long, deep corridors. Some areas cannot receive sunlight, causing the walls to be covered with moss, and a few shoots of plants to sprout from the cracks.

In the individual cells, each cell has an area of only about 2 square meters, small and damp; the collective detention area alone has an area of more than 30 square meters with a capacity of about 20 people. Each cell has a platform to lie on. During the French colonial period, this platform was made of wood, but when the American came, it was replaced with cement and tiled with terracotta. The cold platform that penetrates the skin still retains traces of shackles and chains under the colonial regime, making the space even more gloomy and ghostly.

The most notable point here is the cell where Tran Phu was detained. He was arrested by the French colonialists at 66 Champagne Street (now Ly Chinh Thang Street, District 3) and then detained and subjected to many tortures in many different prisons, causing his health to deteriorate. The French colonialists wanted to keep Tran Phu alive to exploit secrets, so on August 26, 1931, they took him to the prison camp in Cho Quan Hospital for treatment. However, due to his tuberculosis becoming severe, Tran Phu passed away in September 1931.

In the damp, dark prison, the chains tightened his body, the whips tore his flesh. The miserable meals, the long days within the four walls of confinement, seemed to be able to crush his will, although his body was tortured, his spirit remained indomitable.

Today, in this room there is still a portrait photo of him, and occasionally the caretakers place a vase of flowers here to remind future generations.

In contrast to the space inside, the outside of the prison has now become a small garden providing shade for patients being treated at the Tropical Hospital. And perhaps they do not know that behind those bricks, porches, and door frames are "witnesses" to a painful period of the nation.

In 1988, this prison complex was recognized as a national historical relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The upgrading and improvement of space, architecture and landscape at the relic site aims to promote the value of the relic with a space to preserve and display fine arts, meeting the needs of visiting, researching and learning about the history of the people of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and the whole country in general.

Source: https://saigontraveltour.com/sai-gon-travel-blog/explore-the-150-year-old-historical-prison-at-ho-chi-minh-city-tropical-hospital/

Direct flight Bangkok to Hai Phong to start in July

Last year, while many international tourist markets grew, Thai visitors to Vietnam unexpectedly decreased by 15% compared to 2023. The new Bangkok - Hai Phong route from July 2025 is expected to attract Thai visitors with the appeal of the heritage bay of Halong - Cat Ba archipelago. Halong charter cruises

Thailand has always been an important market for Vietnam's tourism industry, ranking 8th in terms of arrivals in 2019 with 509.8 thousand arrivals. After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Thai market recovered quickly, reaching 489.1 thousand arrivals in 2023, ranking 6th in terms of international arrivals to Vietnam. In 2024, while many markets grew strongly, Thai visitors to Vietnam only reached 418 thousand arrivals, down more than 15% compared to 2023.

"The number of Thai tourists to Vietnam is suffering from negative signs from tourism attraction policies from other countries. In 2024, the number of visitors decreased significantly, falling in the ranking of Vietnam's top tourist sources. Therefore, Vietnam needs to increase activities to stimulate this important source market to ensure recovery in the coming time," said Mr Thuy - Director of Travel Indochina.

A positive signal for Vietnam - Thailand tourism cooperation is that AirAsia will start operating a new route from Bangkok to Hai Phong from July 16, 2025, with a frequency of 4 flights per week. Thus, AirAsia will become the airline with the most routes from Vietnam to Thailand, including from destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hai Phong to Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) and Hanoi - Chiang Mai.

This route helps directly connect a major economic and tourism center of Vietnam with the capital of Thailand, promoting trade, culture and tourism between the two regions. From Bangkok, international tourists can easily access Halong Bay - the top famous destination in Vietnam. In the opposite direction, with AirAsia's large flight network, Vietnamese tourists can also connect to many destinations across Thailand such as Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Rai...

Thuy commented that the Cat Bi route creates more favorable conditions for Thai tourists and international tourists in general from Bangkok to Cat Ba, Ha Long. Instead of having to transfer at Noi Bai airport, the direct flight to Cat Bi airport with a good time frame, creates convenience for the travel itinerary in Ha Long, Cat Ba. Tourists have more time to visit natural heritage sites and stay, explore this area more.

"Cat Ba is a new and attractive destination for international visitors, recently invested heavily in infrastructure such as cable cars, shows, new accommodation areas, luxury cruises on the bay... and many other beautiful landscapes are the strengths of this tourist route. We are researching the construction of tourism products associated with heritage, connecting tourism products in the Hai Phong, Cat Ba and Ha Long areas. Extending the length of stay of international visitors, expanding new sightseeing and experience spots, attracting many types of tourism in this area", said Thuy.

Promote two-way customer exchange

Before the direct flight from Hai Phong to Bangkok, tourists joining Thailand tours from Quang Ninh and Hai Phong often had to spend time traveling to other airports, which was costly, time-consuming and laborious. The new flight will solve these problems, providing a better and more convenient travel experience.

BKT Tourist Thailand Company said that the Cat Bi - Bangkok direct flight brings significant benefits to the tourism industry: "Previously, passengers from Hai Phong, Quang Ninh... who wanted to go to Bangkok often had to travel to Noi Bai airport. The new flight route helps save a lot of travel time, making the journey faster and more convenient. This is a favorable condition for both independent travelers and travel companies in organizing package tours from Hai Phong, Quang Ninh to an attractive tourist destination like Bangkok.

According to BKT Bangkok Tourist, tourists from Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and neighboring provinces will be suitable for basic Thailand tours (visiting famous tourist attractions such as temples, palaces, shopping, exploring street food in Bangkok...) and tours combining Bangkok with neighboring destinations such as Pattaya, Huahin, Khauyai, Nakhon Nayok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya...

BKT believes that the number of tourists from Thailand to the Northeast region of Vietnam and vice versa will rapidly increase, due to the convenience and reasonable price that the direct flight brings: "Thailand is still an attractive destination for Vietnamese tourists thanks to its unique culture, rich cuisine, reasonable costs and good tourism services. The new flight route will further increase this attractiveness. In addition, the new flight route will create opportunities for many travel companies to exploit this market, leading to competition in price and service quality. It is expected that BKT Bangkok Tourist will welcome an average of more than 1,000 visitors to Bangkok from Cat Bi Airport - Hai Phong each month".

Source: https://privatehalongtours.com/news/new-flight-route-brings-international-visitors-to-halong-bay.php

Opening luxury train on Hanoi - Hai Phong route

In May, tourists will have the opportunity to experience a luxury journey on the Hanoi - Hai Phong railway with the Hoa Phuong Do train. Private Vietnam tour

The "Hoa Phuong Do" train, consisting of 20 new, luxuriously designed carriages, is expected to be put into passenger service by the Railway Joint Stock Company in May.

The special highlight of the "Hoa Phuong Do" train is the two VIP cars designed in an aristocratic interior style, inspired by French architecture. The interior is covered with natural wood, creating a cozy and sophisticated feeling. The VIP car is arranged with 16 single sofas and 5 long sofas with a capacity of up to 20 seats, helping passengers enjoy a comfortable space.

According to the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong, this luxury train is expected to open before May 13 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hai Phong city.

Not only comfort, the VIP car also offers unique experiences with a luxurious bar, live musicians, and free WiFi so passengers can surf the web, check-in and share memorable moments.

In addition to the two VIP cars, the train also has 18 other cars, each with 56 seats that can rotate 180 degrees, creating flexibility for passengers when they want to admire the scenery along the journey. These cars are designed with a typical blue-red color scheme, combined with the "Red Flamboyant Flower" symbol, bearing the mark of the port city of Hai Phong.

The floors of the carriages are covered with anti-slip plastic carpets, the ceilings are equipped with modern LED lighting systems, creating a warm and sophisticated space. In particular, passengers can enjoy coffee on the spot, listen to melodious tunes from musicians performing right on the train, turning the two-hour trip into a classy entertainment experience.

Currently, the ticket prices for these trains have not been announced. However, it is expected that the prices will be adjusted to suit each ticket class, from economy seats to high-class VIP cars, ensuring to meet the diverse needs of tourists.

Not only providing a high-class railway travel experience, the Hoa Phuong Do train also perfectly combines with the famous food tour of Hai Phong. Right on the train, passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy the specialties of the port city, from crab noodles, spicy fish noodles to fresh seafood dishes.

Moreover, when getting off at Hai Phong station, tourists will continue their culinary journey with many attractive offers. Those who own tourist train tickets will also receive discounts at restaurants, eateries, and entertainment venues, making the trip more complete.

In particular, from May 9 to 14, the Hai Phong Food Festival 2025 will be held at Hai Phong Station, 75 Luong Khanh Thien Street, Ngo Quyen. With 40 booths displaying and introducing Hai Phong's typical delicacies as well as specialties from other localities in the city.

Source: https://privatevietnamtour.com/travel-news/travel-news/experience-the-luxury-train-hanoi-hai-phong.php

Halong Carnival creates more products for summer tourism 2025

Halong Carnival 2025 with the theme "Connecting Heritage, Pioneering Shining" will take place on May 1 in Quang Ninh, bringing a vibrant grand ball, DJ performances and brilliant high-altitude fireworks. Halong cruise tours

On March 13, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province informed that Ha Long Carnival 2025 will take place on May 1, 2025 at Sun Carnival Square and Vo Nguyen Giap Street (Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City), with the theme "Connecting Heritage, Pioneering Shining".

The event promises to bring a vibrant atmosphere with the Ha Long Carnival , DJ performances and high-altitude fireworks display. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in many attractive sideline activities such as masquerade balls, flashmob performances, costume experiences, body painting or creating masks in their own style.

The most anticipated activity of the Ha Long Carnival is the brilliant fireworks display. Although it only lasts for 15 minutes, this is still the most popular experience of the festival.

The opening art program is expected to last 90 minutes and will be broadcast live at 8:10 p.m. on May 1 on channels of the Quang Ninh provincial media center , and simultaneously broadcast on a number of provincial and municipal television stations across the country. Halong Papaya Cruise

Ha Long Carnival is an annual event held since 2007, becoming a cultural and tourist highlight of Quang Ninh every summer. The festival not only contributes to promoting the beauty of local culture but also creates a driving force to promote tourism, attracting domestic and foreign tourists.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province, in 2025, the locality plans to organize 24 international, national and provincial-level events, along with 146 local-level programs and events. The province aims to welcome 20 million visitors this year, including 4.5 million international visitors, with total tourism revenue estimated at VND 55,000 billion.

In the first two months of 2025 alone, Quang Ninh welcomed more than 3.7 million visitors, up 27% over the same period last year. The number of international visitors reached 740,000, contributing to total tourism revenue of more than VND 8,300 billion, up 8% over the same period in 2024.

Source: https://halong-tour.com/travelnews/halong-carnival-2025-a-night-of-lights-and-colors.php

Discover Lac Thuy, a poetic land in Hoa Binh

Hoa Binh, the gateway to the Northwest, 80-140 km from Hanoi, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and indigenous culture. This land not only has famous landscapes but also preserves unique cultural values that attract tourists to explore… Vietnam budget travel

In 2025, a new and attractive destination has appeared on the tourist map of young people who love to explore - Lac Thuy, a land possessing pristine natural landscapes combined with ancient and sacred spiritual destinations.

Located in the Southeast of Hoa Binh province, just over 80 km from the center of Hanoi, Lac Thuy not only has poetic natural scenery but is also a place where unique cultural and religious values converge. This land is a harmonious combination of Buddhism and Mother Goddess worship - two spiritual cultural streams that have a profound influence on the spiritual life of Vietnamese people.

The most prominent place here is the scenic complex of Tien Pagoda - Mau Dam Da, which is associated with the legends and sacred stories of Trinh Temple, Mau Au Co Temple, Tien Pagoda... Local people tell each other that if you make a pilgrimage here with sincerity, praying for wealth, fortune or love, all will be answered. This is also the reason why every early spring, tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country come to Tien Pagoda to pray for luck, peace and success in the new year.

Not only having spiritual value, the Tien Pagoda complex also owns more than 20 caves along Tung Xe and Huong Tich mountains with natural stalactites of various shapes, creating a mysterious and magical space. Ong Hoang Bay Cave, Co Chin Cave, Suoi Vang Suoi Bac Cave, Cau Be Cave, Ong Hoang Muoi Cave, Cung Tien Cave... are all destinations not to be missed, giving visitors the opportunity to admire the masterpieces bestowed by nature.

For those who love adventure and exploration, Lac Thuy is also an ideal destination with mountain climbing routes, steep stairs along the cliffs to reach mysterious caves. Coming here, visitors not only have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the majestic natural space but also have time to calm down, contemplate spiritual values and find peace of mind.

The journey to explore Lac Thuy will not be complete if visitors do not try to experience the unique cultural features of the Muong people - an ethnic group with a long-standing culture in Hoa Binh. The bustling bamboo dances, folk games such as stilt walking, swinging, throwing cones... are not only entertainment activities but also an opportunity for each person to understand and appreciate the traditional cultural identity of the nation.

Coming to Lac Thuy, visitors cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy famous specialties such as Muong pork, buffalo meat with lom leaves, hill chicken, Hoa Binh wine... The rustic but rich flavors will leave an unforgettable impression, making each trip more memorable than ever.

The special highlight of Lac Thuy in 2025 is the Huong Binh cable car - the first cable car line in Hoa Binh, connecting two scenic areas of Chua Tien - Dam Da (Hoa Binh) and Chua Huong (Hanoi).

This cable car route not only shortens travel time but also opens up an exciting experience: In just over 10 minutes, visitors can cross the white clouds, admire the green valleys and majestic mountain peaks. Without spending hours walking in the forest or climbing mountains, visitors can still easily set foot on sacred lands, fully enjoying the beauty of the Northwest nature from a completely new perspective.

The Huong Binh cable car route not only helps connect two large spiritual tourism complexes but also opens up a complete journey - from the wild, peaceful beauty of Lac Thuy to the magnificence of the Huong Pagoda complex, known as one of the most beautiful Buddhist landscapes in Vietnam.

With its wild natural beauty, the harmonious combination of spiritual culture and folk beliefs, along with the appearance of a modern cable car, Lac Thuy is the perfect choice that you are looking for and longing to conquer. Try to set foot in Lac Thuy once, try to experience the feeling of flying in the sky on the first cable car line of Hoa Binh, to fully feel the peaceful, majestic beauty and pure spirit that this land brings.

Source: https://cheapvietnamtour.com/blog/lac-thuy-new-tourist-destination-in-hoa-binh.php