Dia Tang pagoda where nature meets spirituality

Tailor-made Vietnam tours - Ha Nam, a low-lying area at the southern gateway to Hanoi capital city, boasts a pleasant climate and abundant natural beauty. Not only famous for its long-standing cultural heritage, Ha Nam is also frequently mentioned for its spiritual system, with four renowned temples: Tam Chuc, Ba Danh, Phat Quang, and Dia Tang Phi Lai. Seemingly forgotten by time, the Dia Tang temple has now donned a new look, attracting numerous visitors from all over to worship and admire the scenery. The serene atmosphere at the temple, the peaceful and simple beauty, brings a sense of peace to the heart, as if untouched by worldly concerns.

Dia Tang Phi Lai pagoda, also known colloquially as Dung Pagoda, derives its name from the ancient name Dung of Ninh Trung village in Liêm Son commune, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province. Locals still recount that the pagoda was built in the 11th century with over 100 rooms. In the past, King Tran Nghe Tong chose the pagoda as his retreat, and King Tu Duc also visited it to pray for a son.

To date, the temple is nearly a thousand years old, gradually deteriorating and wearing down over time. It wasn't until the end of 2015 that Venerable Thich Minh Quang took over, renovated it, and renamed it Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva), implying that Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha came to this place, attained Buddhahood, and will not return. The ancient temple is situated on a hill overlooking vast rice fields, with its back against a pine forest, surrounded by nature on all four sides. Perhaps this is part of the reason why the temple was abandoned for a long time, remaining isolated and overgrown before being renovated and becoming known to tourists today.

How to get there

Dia Tang Phi Lai pagoda in Ha Nam is located 16km from Phu Ly city, the center of Ha Nam province, and 72.5km from Hanoi, a 1 hour and 21 minute drive south. Therefore, I suggest two convenient routes for both cars and motorbikes as follows:

Getting to Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda by car: Starting from Hanoi, take the Cau Gie - Ninh Binh expressway to Phu Ly, Ha Nam via National Highway 1A. From there, drive straight for another 12km to reach the pagoda; the journey takes about 1.5 hours. 

To get to Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda by motorbike: Hanoi -> Nuoc Ngam Bus Station -> drive straight on the old National Highway 1A -> Van Dien -> Thuong Tin -> Van Diem Train Station -> Phu Xuyen -> Cau Gie -> Phu Ly city towards Provincial Road 495 to reach the pagoda -> Dia Tang Pagoda.

Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is a surprisingly harmonious blend of structures and nature. Behind it lies a forest, beside it a small, calm pond, and within the temple grounds are flowers and trees commonly planted in sacred spaces. Not ancient and moss-covered, the temple, with its deep brown hue, evokes a sense of serenity and transcendence in this earthly realm. Free from noise and dust, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, devotees and travelers alike have the opportunity to find peace, immersing themselves in nature and the beauty of the landscape. All that remains is the scent of incense carried on the breeze, the sound of the temple bells, and the rhythmic chanting of prayers, all of which bring a sense of inner peace. 

The Sea of Suffering and the Twelve Circles: Passing through the gate into the temple courtyard, visitors will be surprised by the pristine white expanse before their eyes. Instead of the red brick paving found in most temples, the ground at Dia Tang Temple is covered ith white pebbles. Beside the courtyard stands a sign that reads "Sea of Suffering". Twelve circles drawn on the pebbles in front of the main hall symbolize the twelve links of dependent origination, with the pebbles representing meditation. All of this is evidence of and closely connected to Buddhism.

The temple complex: Like most temples and pagodas in the Northern Delta region, Dia Tang Pagoda is built in the traditional column and gable roof style, with intricately carved details. The main hall (Tam Bao) is the largest structure in the temple, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha. To the right is the Ancestral Hall, where the 42 founding abbots of the pagoda are worshipped. Next to it are a small shrine dedicated to the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the Venerable Master, and the Holy Sages; living quarters for monks, nuns, and lay Buddhists; a lecture hall for daily sermons by the abbot and for meditation retreats; and finally, a guesthouse for visitors and those participating in retreats and other experiences at the pagoda. 

Admire the artifacts of the Ly-Tran dynasties: The pagoda currently preserves nearly 100 earthenware, porcelain, and terracotta artifacts with diverse colors and patterns, identified as artifacts from the Tran dynasty, with a few patterns from the Ly and Le dynasties. Among them are many types of bricks and tiles carved with lotus flower, dragon, and phoenix motifs, along with two sets of mythical creatures recreating historical events from the Ly-Tran dynasties. 

The path to the mountaintop: conquering the temple's peaks along the stream requires great perseverance from the traveler. Sections are climbed using ropes, others involve crouching and crawling through caves, and there are nearly 20 rest stops along the way. The meditation gardens are paved with white stones or covered in green grass, offering spaces for enjoying tea, relaxing in hammocks, or sitting on benches to admire the temple from above. At the summit of Phi Lai Mountain stands the Pho Dong Tower, erected during the Ly-Tran dynasties, the resting place of 40 generations of abbots.

Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, a sacred place, has become an integral part of the lives of the people of Ninh Trung and Liem Son, and a spiritual destination for visitors from all over. Every first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, as well as on Buddhist holidays, people come to the temple to offer incense and pray for peace and health, a habit and tradition that has lasted for many years.

Source: https://tailormadevietnamholidays.com/travel_news/dia-tang-phi-lai-pagoda-a-thousand-year-legacy.htm

Vibrant highland culture celebrated in Sapa during Lunar New Year

Sapa Tours - The Spring Festival of Opening the Heavenly Gate 2026 at Sun World Fansipan Legend (Sapa, Lao Cai) attracted thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over to the Thanh Van Dac Lo area to participate in meaningful spiritual rituals.

In a solemn atmosphere, visitors respectfully perform the rituals of offering flowers, bathing the Buddha statue, and chanting prayers for national peace and prosperity, and for a new year filled with good fortune and success.

All visitors and Buddhists attending the opening ceremony received bags of lucky salt from the monks and nuns as a gift for good fortune at the beginning of the new year.

Numerous Buddhists and tourists participated in the ceremony praying for national peace and prosperity to express their wishes for well-being and good fortune for themselves, their families, and the country in the new year.

The main attraction for tourists at the "Opening the Heavenly Gate 2026" Spring Festival is May village, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Northwest Vietnam with a series of elaborately recreated traditional festivals.

The Gau Tao Festival of the H'Mong people (from the 3rd to the 5th day of the Lunar New Year) kicks off a series of festivities with the unique ritual of erecting a ceremonial pole and solemn prayers for a bountiful harvest.

The festival's appeal also lies in its folk games filled with laughter, such as blindfolded duck catching, stilt walking, or climbing a greasy pole, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshing moments of relaxation amidst the majestic nature.

Despite the early morning drizzle and fog, the festive atmosphere remained vibrant, attracting a large number of visitors from all over. The radiant smiles and lively atmosphere at Ban May created an energetic and exciting start to the Year of the Horse at Sun World Fansipan Legend.

A tourist from Hanoi, said: "This is the third time my family has chosen Fansipan to start the new year. Not only do we come to worship and pray for peace amidst the magnificent spiritual space, but we also really enjoy immersing ourselves in the local festivals at Ban May. The feeling of touching the highland culture and participating in folk games is truly very emotional and exciting."

In particular, during this Lunar New Year of the Horse, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the Flag Raising Ceremony, marking the proud and sacred moment of the new year on the "Roof of Indochina".

It is known that, following the Gau Tao Festival, the Xen Ban Xen Muong Festival of the Thai people will take place from February 28th to March 1st 2026, opening up a colorful festive atmosphere with a ceremony reenacting the ritual of the shaman offering gifts to respectfully thank the river and mountain gods and praying for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.

Source: https://sapaadventure.com/traveller_reviews/thousands-flock-to-sapa-for-spring-festival-rituals.html

Ho Chi Minh City affirms position as regional megacity destination

Saigon Tours - From the beginning of January 2026, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry has been working with the local travel business community to plan for welcoming tourists during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.

In particular, many businesses in the industry have prepared their product and service supply chains well in advance and expect to take advantage of the opportunity to increase revenue during the holiday season.

Prioritize key markets

Market observations show that travel businesses in Ho Chi Minh City have proactively developed and introduced a diverse range of short-day tours, city tours, night experience tours, culinary tours, and tours connecting Ho Chi Minh City with neighboring localities. These businesses not only design tour itineraries suitable for the domestic market but also focus on key international markets such as Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe, which tend to have shorter stays, combining urban sightseeing, culinary experiences, shopping, and participation in activities celebrating the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse 2026).

Speaking with reporters, Mr. Dung from Viet Lux Travel said that from very early on, Viet Lux has worked with its network of domestic and international suppliers to prepare a wide range of products and services, as well as build stimulus packages for customers. In particular, for Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Lux will launch several distinctive tourism products in late 2025 and early 2026.

For the international market, the company has developed many products to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. Among them is the "Foreigners Celebrating Tet in the Mekong Delta" product line, and it is expected that in January 2026, Viet Lux will welcome 6 groups of tourists to participate in the Mekong Delta region. The program for foreign tourists to experience the Lunar New Year has been maintained and developed annually for many years, but this year's "Foreigners Celebrating Tet in the Mekong Delta" has received much positive feedback and tour bookings from the international market.

In the restaurant and hotel sector, Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Hien of Kim Do Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the hotel is busy and excitedly preparing products and services to welcome guests to Ho Chi Minh City before, during, and after the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. Kim Do Hotel's advantage lies in its location right on Nguyen Hue Street, so every year during the Lunar New Year, it welcomes a large number of guests who come to experience its products and services after visiting the Nguyen Hue Flower Street in the city.

"With the aim of ensuring excellent service for the number of guests staying at Kim Do Hotel in particular, as well as for groups visiting Ho Chi Minh City in general, the hotel is currently actively developing additional accommodation and culinary services. For example, in front of the hotel, Kim Do Hotel is permitted to operate a food service to offer an increasing variety of local dishes to not only international tourists, but also overseas Vietnamese and domestic guests. In addition, Kim Do also has entertainment programs such as lion and dragon dances, and a festival celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, showcasing the rich Vietnamese identity for guests", said Hien.

To date, travel agencies and accommodation establishments in Ho Chi Minh City have implemented measures to improve the quality of their products and services to ensure effective tourism stimulus during this year's Tet holiday and to guarantee safety in the tourism sector. Simultaneously, these businesses are also focusing their product and service development on two main fronts: ensuring product and service quality development, along with effective communication and promotion in key markets.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, the tourism industry never takes a break during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), and preparations are always underway to serve the potential surge in tourist numbers during peak periods. Travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City are preparing new products and the best tour programs to meet the demand for the upcoming Tet holiday in 2026. A quick report from several travel agencies indicates that booking airline tickets is currently difficult, demonstrating the high demand for travel during this year's Tet holiday.

Advantages of a "megacity" tourism space

According to experts, 2026 marks a significant milestone as Ho Chi Minh City affirms its position as a "megacity" after the consolidation process, transforming itself into a key economic, cultural, and tourism center of the region. The city has the advantage of attracting large groups of tourists. Besides its urban tourism space, Ho Chi Minh City currently possesses areas for industrial park investment, high-end beach and resort tourism… In this new space, the city can fully accommodate large groups of tourists, and one of the key goals of the tourism industry this year is MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

Recently, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism organized a ceremony to welcome the first group of tourists to Ho Chi Minh City in early 2026. This was both an annual welcoming event and a commitment to being a "safe, friendly, and attractive" destination. Through this, the city's tourism industry aims to fully convey the spirit of "openness, youthfulness, vibrancy, enthusiasm, and a forward-looking perspective" to international friends, creating momentum to boost domestic and international tourism growth from the very beginning of the year.

Statistics show that during the 2026 New Year holiday, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism revenue reached VND 2,632 billion. The number of visitors to tourist areas and attractions reached 1,240,000; international visitors reached 75,726; and hotel occupancy reached approximately 75%. In addition, revenue from food, shopping, and entertainment activities increased significantly, contributing to a favorable start for tourism in 2026. These positive signs motivate businesses to prepare and be ready to serve during the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse); and allow Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry to strive for high revenue.

Regarding the plan for the Lunar New Year (Tet) celebration in 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said that, as in previous years, the department will continue to implement previous programs. However, with a new space and a new status, Ho Chi Minh City will develop higher quality and more distinctive programs. Programs spearheaded by the City's Department of Tourism will have fixed dates so that not only domestic but also international tourists are aware of and participate in the city's activities during the annual Lunar New Year.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism organizes tourist information booths, providing visitors with publications introducing unique inner-city tours and routes, "Culinary Passports," and souvenir gifts. The Department also promotes tourism by displaying souvenir products that reflect Vietnamese cultural values; and providing information on promotional programs and discount vouchers from airlines and partner businesses.

Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry hopes to collaborate with the travel business community to welcome visitors, especially international tourists, with friendliness and a memorable experience; contributing to making the city a top favorite destination and a vibrant, unmissable journey for all tourists in 2026.

Source: https://saigontraveltour.com/sai-gon-travel-blog/megacity-hcmc-targets-horse-year-visitors/

Cruise ships flood Quang Ninh peak season

Halong cruise tours - Quang Ninh is entering the peak season for cruise tourism. With proactive efforts in connecting with partners and a synchronized transportation infrastructure, this year's cruise tourism season in Quang Ninh is receiving positive signals as a series of new luxury cruise ships arrive at the port.

In early February, Quang Ninh welcomed several new luxury cruise ships bringing high-end tourists for sightseeing and experiences. Notably, on February 6th, the luxury cruise ship Luminara docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port, carrying nearly 600 passengers and crew. Tourists from the Luminara visited famous Quang Ninh destinations such as Ha Long Bay, the Provincial Museum, and Ha Long Market; experiencing and exploring local culture and cuisine. Ha Long International Cruise Port is expected to welcome eight Luminara cruises this year.

Representatives of the cruise liner highly appreciated Quang Ninh's comprehensive and well-developed transportation and tourism infrastructure, along with its diverse experiences that meet all the needs of tourists. The active coordination of Quang Ninh province and relevant units in ensuring all conditions for welcoming the ships created a positive impression on tourists. This serves as a foundation for the shipping company to strengthen connections and bring more cruise ships to Quang Ninh in the future.

According to the Ha Long International Cruise Port, the arrival of the super cruise ship Luminara at the port not only increases the diversity of international cruise ship passengers visiting Quang Ninh, but also affirms the capacity of Ha Long International Cruise Port in welcoming high-end cruise ships in the ultra-luxury tourism segment.

Previously, the AIDAdiva cruise ship also made its first visit to Quang Ninh, carrying approximately 2,000 passengers, mostly German (98%) and other European nationalities. The AIDAdiva belongs to AIDA Cruises, a leading German cruise line known for its modern, friendly fleet and distinctive kissing-lips design on the bow. Ha Long International Cruise Port had previously welcomed two AIDA Cruises ships: AIDAbella and AIDAvita (now renamed Blue Dream Melody).

Towards the end of 2025, Ha Long International Cruise Port was bustling with international cruise ships. Notably, for three consecutive years (2023-2025), the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship chose to dock here at the sacred moment of transition between the old and new year. It is known that 2025 was a "bumper year" for cruise tourism in Quang Ninh, with Ha Long International Cruise Port welcoming nearly 70 international cruise ships, carrying over 97,000 tourists.

Continuing the growth momentum during the peak cruise season of 2025-2026, from February 17th to 25th (the 1st to 9th day of the Lunar New Year), Ha Long International Cruise Port welcomed 6 luxury cruise ships carrying thousands of tourists from Europe and Hong Kong (China). This further affirms Quang Ninh's position as an attractive destination on the world cruise tourism map.

Recognizing cruise tourism as a key development direction, Quang Ninh has focused on innovating its products and services to suit high-spending tourists. Short-day tours, such as Ha Long City tours, visits to the Provincial Museum and Library, experiences of local cuisine, and cultural and spiritual sites, are designed with flexibility. The province is also promoting linkages between destinations such as Tuan Chau, Van Don, and 5-star resorts to form a chain of comprehensive, multi-layered experiential packages.

With two World Heritage sites, Ha Long Bay and Yen Tu, travel agencies are developing tour routes connecting the two sites, while also introducing them to cruise lines to maximize access to the tourist market. Owning two World Heritage sites is a huge advantage for Quang Ninh in attracting international tourists. With just one destination, visitors can experience two heritage sites simultaneously. Therefore, the company has proactively developed tour itineraries to suit the needs of tourists, combining and maximizing the tourism products of these two sites. Saigontourist is researching and developing a plan to develop Bai Tu Long Bay tours combined with unique tourism products of Van Don to offer new, high-class options for luxury cruise passengers.

It is clear that investing in synchronized port infrastructure and standardizing professional reception procedures are key factors in making Quang Ninh an attractive "anchoring point" on international shipping routes. This will help realize the goal of attracting 22 million tourists in 2026, including approximately 5.2 million international visitors; and generating at least 65,000 billion VND in tourism revenue.

Source: https://halong-tour.com/travelnews/cruise-liners-bring-high-end-travelers-to-quang-ninh.php

From ancient pagodas to hero temples Hung Yen beckons spiritual travelers

Private Vietnam Tour - With over 3,700 historical sites and thousands of festivals, Hung Yen is asserting its position as a leading cultural and spiritual destination, transforming its heritage into a driving force for sustainable growth.

Hung Yen, a region located in the heart of the Red River Delta, is becoming a focal point for cultural and spiritual tourism in Northern Vietnam. Benefiting from its proximity to Hanoi and a high density of historical sites, the province attracts visitors not only with its ancient structures but also with its rich cultural heritage preserved over centuries.

Chuong Pagoda: "The most famous scenic spot in Pho Hien"

The first unmissable stop on a spring trip to Hung Yen is Chuong Pagoda. Dubbed the most beautiful pagoda in the Pho Hien area, it boasts a unique "inner courtyard, outer enclosure" architecture and a harmonious "four waters converging" layout. The entire grounds, from the main gate to the Mother Goddess house, exude a serene and ancient atmosphere.

The history of Chuong Pagoda is intertwined with the legend of a golden bell that drifted ashore on a wooden raft in Nhan Duc village during a great flood. Local people worked together to retrieve the bell and build a pagoda to worship it. To this day, Chuong Pagoda is an important link in the Pho Hien Special National Monument complex.

A Sao Temple and the legend of loyalty and righteousness

Located about 50km from Chuong Pagoda, A Sao Temple (A Sao commune) is a place of worship for National Hero Tran Quoc Tuan (Hung Dao Dai Vuong) and his two famous generals Yet Kieu and Da Tuong. This area also preserves a touching story about the war elephants of Saint Tran in the Battle of Bach Dang River in 1288.

When the war elephants became bogged down on the banks of the Hoa River, despite the soldiers' efforts to rescue them, they were unsuccessful. Hung Dao Dai Vuong, with tears in his eyes, had to leave the sacred elephants behind to continue his march. Before departing, he pointed his sword to the river and swore to defeat the Mongol invaders. Today, the A Sao Temple is not only a place of spiritual worship but also a significant site for educating the younger generation about traditions through festivals, calligraphy demonstrations, and folk competitions.

The vitality of a vast heritage system

Hung Yen currently boasts an impressive 3,716 historical sites, including 6 special national historical site clusters, 284 national-level historical sites, and 10 national treasures. In addition, there are over 1,100 traditional festivals and 257 craft villages, creating a diverse tourism ecosystem ranging from spiritual and craft-related experiences to riverine adventures.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hung Yen province, the cultural and spiritual tourism remains the core product of the locality. However, the province is promoting the diversification of other products such as community tourism, eco-tourism, and river tourism to enhance the experience for tourists.

Recognizing culture as a driving force for economic development, Hung Yen province has invested heavily in the preservation of historical relics. During the period 2021-2025, the province allocated 1,158 billion VND to restore 210 relics. Notably, the budget of the former Thai Binh province also contributed over 88.5 billion VND to the restoration of many communal houses and temples in the relevant area.

According to the People's Committee of Hung Yen province, cultural industries linked with spiritual tourism will be a new growth driver for the province from 2026. With its location bordering Hanoi and modern urban areas, Hung Yen aims to connect cultural values into a chain of products, transforming tourist traffic into revenue, creating sustainable economic momentum for the locality.

Source: https://privatevietnamtour.com/travel-news/travel-news/hung-yen-emerges-as-northern-vietnam-cultural-tourism-hub.php

Protecting Lan Ha Bay through collective action

Cruise Lan Ha Bay - In the Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay complex, alongside support from the local government, those who are directly benefiting from this natural beauty have taken the lead in taking action through the movement to collect garbage and protect the environment.

Since 2023, several foreign news sites and magazines have conducted online surveys and included the Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay complex in the "No list" due to warnings about indiscriminate littering causing environmental pollution in the bay.

This has somewhat reduced the number of foreign tourists visiting Hai Phong and Quang Ninh. Meanwhile, Typhoon Yagi in 2024 caused quite serious environmental consequences in these two bays.

Despite this, both localities, from the government apparatus, businesses and people... have made great efforts in collecting and processing waste to restore the landscape and tourism environment.

In recent days, what makes Lan Ha Bay special and unique is the strong environmental awareness of local tourism businesses.

An owner of a cruise ship business in Lan Ha Bay, said: "We understand that Lan Ha Bay is our livelihood. If we don't protect it ourselves, no one else can. Initially, it was just small-scale activities by individual boats and businesses, but gradually, it has become a general movement".

The voluntary garbage collection movement by businesses takes place regularly, usually in the early morning or late afternoon. Businesses, from large travel companies to individual business owners, all encourage their employees to participate.

They use small boats or kayaks to access difficult-to-reach areas, secluded beaches, rocky crevices within the heritage site, and even dive to the seabed to collect waste, especially plastic waste. After collection, the waste is consolidated and transferred to specialized garbage trucks of the Bay Management Board.

Mr. Nguyen Cong, an employee of a cruise on Lan Ha Bay, said: "Many tourists are surprised to see us doing this. They often express admiration and some even volunteer to join us. This shows that our work not only cleans the bay but also spreads the message of environmental protection to tourists".

Thanks to this movement, the amount of waste in Lan Ha Bay has decreased significantly, especially plastic waste, making it cleaner and more beautiful, attracting more environmentally conscious tourists. This not only enhances Lan Ha Bay's tourism image but also contributes to the preservation of its precious marine ecosystem.

"We not only collect trash but also actively educate tourists about not littering," shared Mr. Le Van Thao, a representative of a local tourism association. "Right on the tourist boats, we organize a professional waste sorting process that clearly distinguishes between organic and inorganic waste. In addition, we install air conditioning and disinfection systems that meet standards to prevent environmental damage before transferring the trash to the mainland for processing".

Thao believes that, "with the joint efforts of the business community and support from the government, Lan Ha Bay will forever retain its pristine beauty".

It can be said that the voluntary garbage collection movement in Lan Ha Bay is a prime example of the proactive and responsible approach of the business community and local people in protecting tourism resources.

This is not only an act of environmental cleanup but also a testament to a philosophy of sustainable development, where natural beauty and human consciousness blend together, creating a Lan Ha Bay that is not only beautiful but also leaves a lasting impression on foreign tourists.

Source: https://cruiselanhabay.com/news/community-efforts-restore-beauty-of-lan-ha-bay/

Ninh Binh's top attractions open during Tet holiday

Vietnam Travel - The Ninh Binh Department of Tourism has announced the operating schedule of tourist areas and attractions in the province during the Lunar New Year 2026, in which some places will temporarily stop receiving visitors on the last day of the year and the first day of the Lunar New Year...

On February 12th, the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism announced the operational plan for tourist areas, attractions, and services in the province during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, aiming to facilitate residents and tourists in proactively planning their sightseeing itineraries.

Accordingly, many tourist areas will be closed for two days, February 16-17 (the 29th day of the 12th lunar month and the 1st day of the Lunar New Year ). Specifically, these include: Trang An tourist area, Van Long lagoon, Tuyet Tinh Coc, and Ngam Mountain ecological tourist area.

The Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area has adjusted its visitor hours to be more flexible. On February 16th (the 29th day of the 12th lunar month), the area will be closed from 7 AM to 11 AM. On February 17th (the 1st day of Tet), it will be closed from 1 PM to 5 PM. Outside of these hours, Tam Coc - Bich Dong will continue to serve tourists as usual.

Other tourist areas and attractions in the region will remain open throughout the Tet holiday to serve the needs of locals and tourists. These include: Bai Dinh tourist area , Thung Ui, Tam Chuc, Thung Nham bird garden, Mua cave, Hoa Lu ancient capital, Hoa Lu old town, Cuc Phuong National Park and Xuan Thuy National Park.

Following the merger of Nam Dinh, Ha Nam, and Ninh Binh provinces, Ninh Binh has become one of the regions with the highest density of historical sites and scenic spots in the country. According to statistics, the province currently has 5,071 inventoried historical sites; including 10 sites classified as special national-level sites, 264 sites classified as national-level sites, and 832 sites classified as provincial-level sites.

According to the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism, 2025 saw a strong breakthrough in the local tourism industry. The province welcomed 19.42 million visitors, including over 2.2 million international tourists. Total tourism revenue reached 21,278 billion VND, demonstrating the increasing attractiveness of this destination on the domestic and international tourism map.

Source: https://vietnamspirittravel.com/travel-news/visitor-guidelines-for-ninh-binh-attractions-during-tet.asp

Thanh Hoa beckons travelers to its cultural treasures

Cheap Vietnam Tour - Exploring spiritual tourism routes from the sacred site of Am Tien to the Lam Kinh Palace and the ancient Ho Dynasty Citadel... is a journey chosen by many people to visit and pray for peace during the Lunar New Year.

Over the years, Thanh Hoa province has identified spiritual tourism as its strength to attract tourists throughout all four seasons. The province has focused on investing in and restoring historical sites to be clean and beautiful, contributing to enhancing their value and creating attractive cultural and historical destinations.

Many activities are organized to highlight the development of spiritual tourism, such as cultural events, traditional festivals combined with arts and folk games... This enriches and elevates tourism products and increases their attractiveness to tourists.

Community-based ecotourism in Pu Luong and its highland villages is a popular choice for international tourists.

In Thanh Hoa province, from the mountainous regions to the midlands, plains, and coastal areas, there are numerous major spring festivals associated with famous historical sites and scenic spots. After the Lunar New Year , a series of cultural and tourism events take place, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the joyful and vibrant atmosphere of the festival season.

With a route exploring the western region from the Pu Luong community-based ecotourism area and highland villages, this journey offers a vibrant cultural experience of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups, especially during the Lunar New Year season, and is a popular choice for international tourists.

Descending from the mountains, this route takes visitors through attractive destinations such as Cam Luong Fish Stream, Ho Dynasty Citadel Cultural Heritage Site, Lam Kinh Historical Site, Am Tien National Historical Monument Complex... This route is preferred by many tourists due to its long-standing cultural and historical value, along with a convenient transportation system that easily connects these destinations.

The Lam Kinh National Special Historical Site, with its beautiful natural scenery, has become an ideal destination in early spring. Having weathered many historical ups and downs, after restoration, the site boasts not only tombs and temples honoring the ancestors of the Le dynasty, but also lush green landscapes and harmonious architecture, attracting visitors from far and wide to pay their respects.

At the Phu Na historical and scenic site, which usually welcomes a large number of visitors offering incense during Tet (Lunar New Year), preparations are underway with a focus on preserving cultural beauty and religious civility. The Phu Na Historical Site Management Board has issued a plan for organizing the 2026 festival, deploying inspection teams to monitor service activities, security, and folk games to ensure safety. Regarding traffic flow management, the Management Board is deploying personnel to provide guidance in an orderly manner, helping people perform rituals in an orderly manner and avoiding crowding and pushing during peak periods.

In the journey of "going to the mountains and down to the sea", the complex of historical relics including the Doc Cuoc Temple, Co Tien Temple, and To Hien Thanh Temple (Sam Son ward) is an unmissable destination. Preparations for welcoming visitors are focused on building an image of a civilized and friendly tourist city. The creation of a cultural environment is implemented harmoniously, balancing spiritual elements with urban order, highlighting the value of the relics associated with the unique coastal landscape.

In addition, the Management Board of Ho Citadel Heritage Site and other key relics such as Nua Mountain - Nua Temple - Am Tien are also making efforts to beautify the landscape and arrange the space in a way that is appropriate to its sacred nature. The installation of signs promoting civilized behavior is being implemented synchronously at sites such as Lam Kinh, Ho Citadel, Ba Trieu Temple... aiming to raise awareness among tourists and build a safe and sustainable tourism environment.

To ensure the best service for tourists, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thanh Hoa province requests that localities proactively review and prepare the necessary conditions, organize festivals in accordance with the law and respect traditional customs, and fully meet the cultural and religious needs of the people.

Source: https://cheapvietnamtour.com/news/exploring-sacred-sites-and-spring-festivals-in-thanh-hoa.php

Hung Ngan waterfall - A hidden gem in Vietnam Central Highlands

Tailor-made Vietnam tours - Hung Ngan Waterfall in Quang Ngai is a hidden gem of Vietnam's central highlands, offering pristine beauty, adventurous trekking, and a serene escape into untouched nature.

Nestled deep within the forests of Kon Plong district, Quang Ngai province, Hung Ngan Waterfall (thac Hung Ngan) is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and trekkers. With its towering cascades, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere, the waterfall remains one of the most unspoiled treasures of Vietnam's central region.

Hung Ngan lies in Kon Plong commune, about 50km from Mang Den town and 20km from Hieu commune center in Quang Ngai province. It sits within the Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve near Dak Re Hydropower Lake, amid ancient forests along the upper Dak Re River.

The waterfall plunges from high rocky cliffs in a white torrent, surrounded by dense ferns, towering trees, and misty air. Below, clear sequential pools invite refreshing swims amid untouched greenery, creating a symphony of water and wilderness.

Trekking Adventure

Access requires a moderate trek starting from Dak Re dam: park vehicles, then hike narrow forest trails with lush vegetation. Expect 1-2 hours of challenging paths suited for fit adventurers; local guides are essential due to the site's remoteness.

Hung Ngan Waterfall is not just a scenic spot-it's an adventurous journey into the heart of Quang Ngai's wilderness. For those who crave raw nature, cultural immersion, and a break from tourist crowds, Hung Ngan is a destination worth discovering.

Travel guide about Hung Ngan waterfall

How to get there

• Where it is: Hung Ngan lies in Kon Pling village, Kon Plong commune, once part of Hi?u commune.

• Distance: About 50 km from Mang Den town and 20 km from the old Hi?u commune center.

• Route: The journey involves paved roads for most of the way, with the final stretch being rocky terrain. High-clearance vehicles or off-road motorbikes are recommended.

• Nearby landmark: The Ðak Rve hydropower plant serves as a common stop before trekking into the forest.

Travel activities

• Trekking trails: The approach to Hung Ngan involves forest paths, streams, and rocky slopes, perfect for adventure seekers.

• Camping potential: The area around the waterfall provides natural clearings for camping, though facilities are minimal.

• Photography haven: Misty cascades, towering trees, and vibrant moss-covered rocks make Hung Ngan a paradise for photographers.

Cultural & Local Context

• Kon Pling village: The waterfall is part of the cultural landscape of ethnic minority communities in Kon Plong, adding depth to the experience.

• Connection to Mang Den: Often combined with trips to the pine forests and spiritual sites of Mang Den, Hung Ngan offers a more rugged counterpart to the region's serene attractions.

Useful Tips & Considerations

• Best time to visit: The rainy season enhances the waterfall's volume but makes trekking slippery; the dry season offers safer paths.

• Safety: Prepare for remote conditions-bring food, water, and trekking gear.

• Eco-responsibility: As Hung Ngan is still pristine, visitors should minimize impact by avoiding litter and respecting local customs.

• Pack trekking gear like sturdy shoes, trekking poles, long clothes, hat, water, and snacks for a full-day outing. As an undeveloped spot with few tours, visit in dry seasons for safety; enjoy picnics by the pools but respect the fragile ecosystem.

Source: https://tailormadevietnamholidays.com/travel_news/discover-pristine-nature-at-hung-ngan-waterfall-in-quang-ngai.htm

Sapa crowned Asia’s fastest-growing destination in 2025

Sapa Tours - According to data recently released by the online travel platform Agoda, Sapa (Lao Cai) has become the fastest-growing destination in Asia in 2025, based on international tourist bookings in the first 11 months of the year compared to the same period in 2024.

Thanks to its outstanding growth, Sapa has climbed 15 places in Agoda's ranking of the top 100 destinations in Asia, from position 66 to 51. This achievement helps the highland town in Northwest Vietnam surpass a number of famous destinations in the region such as Okayama, Matsuyama, Takamatsu (Japan) or Bandung (Indonesia), confirming its growing appeal to international tourists.

Notably, Sapa's ranking increase was significantly higher than that of the other destinations in Asia's fast-growing group, which only fluctuated between 6 and 13 places. It also had the strongest increase in Vietnam's ranking this year.

Besides Sapa, Vietnam has seven other representatives in the top 100 leading destinations in Asia. Among them, Phu Quoc rose 6 places, Hanoi rose 3 places, Ho Chi Minh City rose 2 places, Da Nang rose 1 place, Hoi An maintained its ranking, while Nha Trang dropped 2 places and Da Lat dropped 5 places. This data shows a positive outlook for Vietnamese tourism in 2025, but Sapa remains the most prominent name in terms of growth.

According to Agoda's assessment, Sapa scored highly at the beginning of the year thanks to its pleasant, cool highland climate, majestic natural landscapes, and diverse flowering seasons. Experiences steeped in local character, such as the peaceful Ta Van valley shrouded in early morning mist, the vibrant Bac Ha market showcasing the cultural colors of ethnic minorities, or the terraced rice fields during the rainy and harvest seasons, have created a special appeal for international tourists.

Not only is Sapa leading in growth rate, but in 2025, Agoda also ranked it among the top 8 most attractive mountain and small town destinations in Asia, making it the only Vietnamese representative on this list. This shows that Sapa attracts not only tourists due to its rapidly increasing number, but also due to the quality of the experience and the increasingly well-established image of the destination in the international market.

In terms of actual results, in 2025, Sapa welcomed over 4.3 million visitors, achieving total revenue of approximately 19,000 billion VND, exceeding the set plan. Looking ahead to 2026, the locality aims to welcome 5 million visitors, achieving revenue of 31,000 billion VND, with the goal of building Sapa into a green, culturally rich, sustainably developed, smart, and internationally-recognized tourist city.

Experts believe that Sapa's success in Agoda's rankings reflects the growing trend among international tourists favoring destinations with natural beauty, local culture, and sustainable experiences. With continued investment in infrastructure, preservation of cultural identity, and improvement of service quality, Sapa has the potential to become one of Asia's leading mountain tourism icons in the coming years.

Source: https://privatesapatours.com/news/sapa-tourism-triumph-from-misty-valleys-to-global-rankings.php

Ho Chi Minh City on a Path to Sustainable Development

Saigon travel - Fields, forests, streams, craft villages, orchards… are gradually becoming the new 'destinations' for tourists visiting the eastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. Rural tourism has now opened up opportunities for sustainable development for communities and revitalized the countryside.

The countryside is changing.

Suoi Rao Ecolodge (Xuan Son commune, Ho Chi Minh City ) is situated on a gentle hillside, connected to the lush green Xuan Son protective forest. Few can imagine that nearly 20 years ago, this area was just a barren, rocky wasteland, where only short-term crops like beans, corn, and cassava were grown seasonally.

Ms. Le Thi Nga, owner of Suoi Rao Ecolodge, said: “Initially, I only thought of transforming my 5-hectare plot of barren, rocky land in Suoi Rao into a biodiversity forest to satisfy my passion. To date, the garden has over 1 million trees of various kinds, turning the desolate land into an ecological forest with hills, native trees, medicinal plants, vegetables, flowers, birds, and animals…”

After establishing a diverse ecosystem, I aimed for green tourism”. And the green tourism journey began from there. Suoi Rao Ecolodge now has a restaurant, a tea room, and dozens of villas ranging from 30-140m2, built entirely with environmentally friendly materials such as natural fired bricks, tile roofs, bamboo, and wood… with architecture inspired by the traditional three-compartment houses of Northern and Central Vietnam, as well as the stilt houses of the Central Highlands.

Since September 2024, Suoi Rao Ecolodge has been recognized by the Institute for Applied Research and Business Innovation (3AI) as the first Net Zero Station in the eastern part of the city. Tourists from all over the world have flocked to Suoi Rao Ecolodge to enjoy the fresh air and immerse themselves in the rural nature.

Singh Sukhmandeep, a tourist from Hong Kong, said after a two-week stay at Suoi Rao Ecolodge: “I truly escaped the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoyed the peaceful countryside atmosphere in the eastern part of Ho Chi Minh City.”

Similarly, in recent years, farmers have transformed cocoa-growing areas in eastern Ho Chi Minh City into parks and experiential destinations for tourists. Binon Cacao Park, located in Chau Duc commune (Ho Chi Minh City), covers an area of ??46 hectares, showcasing cocoa cultivation and production, becoming a unique agricultural tourism and experiential destination in the locality.

Here, visitors can not only admire the scenery but also tour the cocoa orchards laden with fruit, taste the sweet and sour flavor of fresh cocoa beans, and observe the entire process from planting, harvesting, fermentation, drying, shelling, etc., to producing cocoa beans.

According to the leaders of Chau Duc commune, Binon Cacao is a model of clean agriculture combined with tourism. This can be considered one of the unique tourism products, making an important contribution to the economic development of the locality.

Also capitalizing on the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, the ecotourism model at Tu Phuong That Dao (Tam Long ward, Ho Chi Minh City) aims to help people harmonize with nature to discover the sustainable values ??of life.

The Tu Phuong That Dao eco-tourism area was completed in 2016 on an area of ??3 hectares. After several renovations, the area now features structures with a distinctly rustic countryside feel; three sides are surrounded by vast rice fields, and the remaining side by orchards and livestock pens. Thatched huts are built on seven rectangular artificial islands, surrounded by a system of canals and waterways...

Developing agriculture in conjunction with tourism.

Recently, in rural communes in the eastern part of Ho Chi Minh City such as Xuan Son, Chau Duc, Xuyen Moc, Dat Do, Ho Tram, and Long Son, community-based ecotourism and agricultural tourism combined with experiential activities have been developing strongly...

These models have opened up great opportunities for economic development, transforming many purely agricultural areas into attractive tourist destinations; combining agricultural production and serving tourists. This, in turn, extends the length of tourist stays, increases spending, and boosts income for local people…

Mr. Trinh Van Thanh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Binon Cacao Joint Stock Company (the investor and manager of Binon Cacao Park), said that Binon Cacao officially opened in May 2019. Each year, Binon Cacao attracts more than 10,000 visitors, including many international tourists from South Korea, Japan, Canada, and the United States.

"In the future, we will coordinate with the local authorities to expand the area, connect with farmers growing agricultural crops and fruit trees around the region, especially cocoa trees, following sustainable organic farming practices to expand the agricultural tourism experience. At the same time, we will build a chain of clean, standardized products to serve locals and tourists who want to enjoy and purchase them right at the farm," said Thanh.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, the eastern part of the city has favorable natural conditions and climate, along with tens of kilometers of coastline, a system of lakes, rivers, streams, and fields… These are ideal conditions for the locality to diversify its tourism products.

The city's tourism industry is focusing on developing high-quality tourism products and community-based tourism in rural areas. However, depending on the geographical location and natural conditions of each region, the development direction will vary.

Source: https://saigontraveltour.com/sai-gon-travel-blog/rural-tourism-transforms-eastern-ho-chi-minh-city/

Cua Van Floating Center on Journey Back to Life

Halong cruise tours - Amidst the vast expanse of Halong Bay, the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center – a unique aquatic "museum" – is receiving renewed attention following the recent storms, opening up opportunities to continue and spread the distinctive maritime cultural values of the heritage site.

Located in Cua Van, one of the most representative fishing villages in the bay, the Center serves as both an exhibition space and a repository of centuries-old memories of the aquatic communities in Halong Bay. According to research on aquatic culture, Cua Van was formed from the settlement of many ancient fishing villages, most notably Giang Vong and Truc Vong.

With the restoration of the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center, visitors will have a unique destination within the heritage site of Halong Bay.

From around the 17th-18th centuries, fishermen from these villages settled in Halong Bay, building floating houses and traveling by small boats, forming a lifestyle closely connected to the sea. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, residents of Giang Vong, Truc Vong, and other nearby water-dwelling groups gradually converged on the Cua Van area – a sheltered location ideal for anchoring boats – creating a large, bustling fishing village that also became the cultural and social center of the Halong Bay fishing community.

In that historical context, the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center was inaugurated in 2006, within the framework of the Halong Ecological Museum Project funded by the Norwegian Government. It became the first floating cultural center in Vietnam for fishermen and a pioneering ecological museum model connecting heritage with the original living space. According to experts on sustainable tourism development from the UNESCO World Heritage Center, this center not only displays artifacts and tells the story of maritime culture in a vivid and profound way, but also contributes to the development of the local community, raises conservation awareness, and spreads indigenous values.

Accordingly, in nearly two decades of operation, the Center has affirmed its special role in introducing the maritime culture of Halong Bay. Six exhibition themes comprehensively reflect the material and spiritual life of the aquatic inhabitants, from the natural environment, livelihoods, folk knowledge to maritime beliefs and traditional love songs and call-and-response songs. The floating space in the bay allows visitors not only to "see" the culture, but also to "feel" it, through direct experience with the landscape, people, and the rhythm of life that once existed on the water. Therefore, the Center is considered a "special museum," adding humanistic depth to the Halong Bay World Natural Heritage site. It is also a learning and research destination for many scientists and students, both domestic and international, when studying aquatic culture, a unique form of habitation.

However, after nearly 20 years of operation in harsh marine conditions, especially Typhoon Yagi in September 2024 with its strong winds and large waves, the Center suffered serious damage, forcing all operations to temporarily cease. This impact not only caused material losses but also posed a risk of disrupting an important space of memory for the fishing community's culture.

Given this situation, the renovation and upgrading project was proposed by the managing agency and received attention from the Provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry assessed the necessity of the project, affirming that it is a project of outstanding value in preserving and promoting cultural heritage associated with the World Natural Heritage site. The Provincial People's Committee has directed specialized agencies to research and propose a project for the renovation, repair, and upgrading of the Center.

Cua Van is both a vibrant living museum and a place that recreates many beautiful and unique cultural features of the coastal inhabitants.

The project is expected to be implemented in 2026. The center will be relocated ashore for repairs, then returned to its original location in the bay, ensuring structural safety, landscape harmony, and minimizing the impact on the heritage environment. More importantly, after its restoration, the center will not only be upgraded technically but also repositioned to serve as a space showcasing the unique maritime and island culture, while also becoming a highlight for heritage education and sustainable cultural tourism.

From ruins after Typhoon Yagi, the revival of the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center is not just about repairing a structure, but about affirming the commitment to preserving and continuing the aquatic culture of Halong Bay as a vibrant part of today's heritage.

Source: https://halong-tour.com/travelnews/halong-bay-restoring-cua-van-floating-cultural-center.php