Sapa - the amazing beauty

Sapa has long been renowned as one of the most attractive holiday destinations in Vietnam tourism. It is currently one of the rendezvous a great number of domestic and international tourists are seeking to explore, admire the amazing beauty of the nature. Sapa is a peaceful land but hides many wonders the Creator favorably bestowed. The mountains and hills endlessly stretching in the mist, deep valleys, the winding mountain passes, the golden terraced fields in the ripe season, the dazzling orchid and peach gardens will certainly attractive enough for tourists to explore the misty city. Sapa is the convergence of the fascinating natural scenery and peaceful life. 

Setting foot on Ham Rong Mountain admiring "roof of Indochina" - wonderful feelings 

the top of Nui Ham Rong

Going to SaPa in any Vietnam tour packages, tourists should not miss to visit Ham Rong Mountain tourist area - the scenic sight behind the ancient Stone Church. Here, tourists will have the opportunity to visit an orchid garden with nearly hundred specimens of orchids in Sapa successfully grown on the tourist area. Tourists will be also admire the panoramic view of Sapa tourist area floating in white clouds or contemplate the spectacular beauty of Fansipan Mountain, which is dubbed as the "roof of Indochina". Domestic tourists will find many exotic beautiful flowers of the temperate countries grown in the Europe garden on Ham Rong Mountain. In particular, the giant "SAPA" highlight created from the fresh flower pots attracts the large number of tourists to take photograph and film. Ham Rong Mountain is worth one of indispensable tourist sites in the journey of conquering Sapatour attracting tourists. San May, the highest point of Ham Rong tourist area (about 2,000 meters high above sea level), is the must-see tourist attraction alluring youth tourists when participating in Sapa travel. Here, tourists will much more clearly recognize the stunning beauty of the mountain that the Creator endowed Ham Rong millions of years ago. That perhaps is the reason why a large number of artists and tourists call it "Halong on land of Sapa". Looking down from Chan May, tourists will have a chance to admire the wonderful panorama of whole town in sight. The scenery appears as the Penglai land. Discovering Ham Rong Mountain is definitely one of the most unforgettable thingsto do in Sapa. 

Admiring Hoang Lien National Park - ASEAN heritage garden

Hoang Lien National Park

 Hoang Lien National Park (Sapa) has been recognized as ASEAN heritage garden by Association of South East Asian Nations thanks to the particular values of the garden in the relationships with other countries in the region. Located in the Hoang Lien mountain range, Sapa ASEAN heritage garden retains an area of about 30,000 hectares. The mountain range is the extension of Ai Lao Shan Mountain (in China) which is derived from the famous Himalayan Mountain Range over the world. Hoang Lien Mountain Range is home to many peaks over 1,000 meters including Fansipan peak, the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina (3143 meters). It deserves one of the indispensable tourist addresses in the journey of discovering Vietnamtours to charming Sapa attracting the great number of both domestic and international tourists. Hoang Lien is the convergence of the 2 climate sub-regions, namely temperate climate and subtropical climate. Therefore, ASEAN Hoang Lien heritage garden is identified as one of centers retaining the biological diversity most in Vietnam. The garden is home to 2,024 species under 771 genera, 200 families of plants including 113 species of especially rare listed in Vietnam Red Book and World Red Book. Especially, the garden houses species of plant appearing only in ASEAN heritage garden such as Himalayan cypress, Calocedrus macrolepis, northern red pine, Fansipan Picea, Assam Cycas... Discovering Hoang Lien National Park surely gives tourists unforgettable experiences. The national park is also considered as the center of Rhododendron (Do Quyen) flowers of northwest mountainous region with more than 30 different species including rare species. Especially, on the way to the top of Fansipan peak, tourists will find it easy to catch rhododendron flowering forests hundreds of hectares wide with the great number of ancient rhododendrons. In particular, when the spring comes, the flowers blooming create brilliant Hoang Lien Mountainous region. The most enjoyable feelings of comfortably taking a stroll in the garden all day to admire trees in the forest hundreds of years old on the altitude of more than 2000 meters as beautiful as on the film will be actually unforgettable.

Experiencing O Quy Ho Pass - Vietnam's highest pass 

Sapa always a great destinaion

O Quy Ho Pass, also known as Hoang Lien Heaven Gate is located on the National Highway 4D connecting Sapa tourist area with Binh Lu (Lai Chau). The pass owns 2,070 meters high above sea level and is regarded as the highest pass in Vietnam retaining the road for cars. The peak of pass is the border of administrative boundary between Lao Cai province and Lai Chau province. Adjacent the position of former meteorological stations is a beautiful guest house welcoming tourists from Sapa. O Quy Ho Pass has been the appealing tourist Sapa attractions so far alluring the great number of tourists, especially European tourists thanks to the fascinating scenery of "Hoang Lien Heaven Gate". From the top of the pass, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic view of the path running through the majestic forest to Binh Lu or Sapa. They also contemplate glorious views of Fansipan peak from Lai Chau direction on sunny days. On the foot of the pass towards Sapa is Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall), one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Lao Cai province strongly attracting young people to explore. The beauty of O Quy Ho Pass has long been attracting international tourists to admire; simultaneously, it is also the source of creative expressions of many well-known Vietnamese artists. O Quy Ho Pass deserves an indispensable tourist sight in the journey of exploring Sapa travel. Sapa is always put on its particular charm throughout 4 seasons around the year. It is paradise of blooming flowers in the warm spring looking like a charming natural silk, is untouched rice terraces in the warmth of autumn, and is hills covered with snow in the cold of winter or is the fresh and tranquil atmosphere in the unique summer. Sapa is the home of many natural magics and spectacular landscapes with terrain of mountains, hills and lush green forests, which creates a beautiful picture in the harmony with the poetic and fascinating nature in Northwest Vietnam. These unique tourists significantly contribute to promote Sapa tourism in particular and Vietnam tourism in general closer to tourists at home and internationally.

Tile roofed bridges in Vietnam - the everlasting beauty

Not much popular as iron bridges, stone bridges or wooden bridges in Vietnam, the tile roofed bridges are unique architectural forms which have been rarely seen in Vietnam. The bridges curved like the rainbows hundreds of years old with ancient tile roofs leaning in the blue waters have brought Vietnamese countryside landscapes the extraordinary and unforgettable beauty. Moreover, the architecture of the tile roofed bridges in Vietnam is extremely unique strongly appealing tourists who prefer to learn and discover new experiences. The journey of exploring Vietnam travel will certainly much more memorable and meaningful when tourists set foot on these unique sights. Not only admiring the architecture and unique landscapes, tourists also have the opportunity to find out the stories associated with the famous bridges.
Phat Diem tile roofed bridge, Ninh Binh

tile roofed bridge in Ninh Binh

Along with Stone Cathedral, Phat Diem tile roofed bridge is one of unique folk architectural works in Kim Son, Ninh Binh. This is both the bridge undertaking the function of transportation and the ancient communal house close to the locals here. Far about 30km from Ninh Binh city center, the bridge is situated in the center of Phat Diem town across An River. Phat Diem tile roofed bridge is made of wood consisting of three spans with 4 compartments in each span. The bridge retains the total length of 36m and 3m wide. Two sides of the bridge are 2 rows of handrails and pillars made of ironwood. The bridge is covered with traditional red tiled roof. There are also flights of steps leading down the road and the river at both bridgeheads. Along with Phat Diem Stone Cathedral and Trang An tourist complex, Phat Diem tile roofed bridge is gradually becoming one of the indispensable tourist sites in Vietnam tour packages.
From a coastal swampy region, Kim Son district was listed on the map of Vietnam in 1829. Together with the establishment of the village, Nguyen Cong Tru constructed irrigation works. First of all, he allowed digging An River connecting Vac River with Can River to get fresh water. Digging the canals was conducted in parallel with building roads and dividing the boundaries. The tile roofed bridge was born in that situation. The bridge was built entirely with wood and tile roof in 1876. The floors of the bridge at that time were sheets of plywood 10 meters long which was connected with the bridge beams thanks to nails used on the boats. The bridge has been constantly reinforced and renovated to serve the needs of the locals as well as the main road to the sea... Over time, the wood floor of the bridge has been replaced. The 2 sides of the roads are pretty solidly concreted, yet the bridge with ancient and tranquil tile roofs is always the pride of the people in Kim Son. Phat Diem tile roofed bridge is worth one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Ninh Binh alluring tourists.
Thanh Toan tile roofed bridge, Hue

Thanh Toan Bridge

Far about 8km from Hue city center by road to the east, the tile roofed bridge is cross the ditch flowing from the beginning to the end of Thanh Toan Village, Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy district, Thua Thien - Hue province. Thanh Toan village was founded in the 16th century. The wooden bridge was built for the convenient transportation of the locals in the village. It is also home to temporary stop for tourists participating Hue travel. Thanh Toan tile roofed bridge was built under the architecture style of "house on the bridge" with 17m long and 4m wide. The bridge was covered with glazed tubular tiles and divided into 7 compartments.
Thanh Toan tile roofed bridge is the ancient architectural monuments retaining great values in terms of history, culture; simultaneously, it is an indispensable scenic sight in the journey of discovering Vietnamtours to Hue. The bridge was built over 2 centuries ago. Undergoing storms, floods and the juggernaut of war, the bridge still retains its unique form and architecture. In the spirit of "eating a fruit, thinking of the man who planted the tree" and respecting cultural heritages, many generations of villagers in Thanh Toan have preserved the unique architectural works in Hue. In particular, the bridge was greatly restored in original scale and officially recognized as a National Monument by Ministry of Culture - Information in September 1991. It has become a precious scenic sight in Hue tourism in particular and the country in general so far.
Japanese Covered Bridge - symbol of Hoi An

Japanese Bridge

Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as Cau Pagoda - the common name for the architectural complex consists of a small pagoda mounting in the northern slopes of the ancient bridge in the urban area of Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam province. The 18m long bridge with 7 wooden compartments crossing Hoai River (a tributary of Thu Bon River) connects Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street with Tran Phu Street, Hoi An. The bridge retains the soft curved shape with the large number of beautiful motifs. Both bridge and pagoda are carved lacquer extremely meticulously. The pagoda overlooks towards the riverside. The pagoda is covered with yin-yang tiled roof covering whole bridge. It deserves one of the indispensable tourist addresses in the journey of discovering Hoi An travel attracting the great number of both domestic and international tourists.
Cau Pagoda is an architectural works constructed by Japanese traders in Hoi An in the early 17th century. The bridge is also called Lai Vien Kieu by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu in his visit to Hoi An in 1719 with the implications willing to welcome tourists from over the world. The bridge is associated with the legend of mamazu - a kind of sea monster whose head was in India, body was in Vietnam and tail was in Japan. Whenever bestirring, the monster caused floods, earthquakes... Japanese Covered Bridge is considered as the sword astride on the back of the monster to keep the peaceful life. Not only retaining significance in terms of trading, Japanese Covered Bridge also owns architecture extremely unique strongly attracting tourists.
Although called the pagoda, inside the temple has no statue of Buddha. In the sanctum of the pagoda is home to worship the wooden statue of God Xuan Wu - Gods protecting the country, bestowing joy and happiness to people. With Hoi An people, Japanese Covered Bridge is the soul, the Hoi An symbol existing more than four centuries. Even though having gone at least six times of the restoration, Cau Pagoda still retains its original ancient features. It was recognized as a national level cultural historical relics in 1990. It is always the indispensable tourist attraction in Da Nang - Hoi An tour in Vietnam. Tourists going to Hoi An without visiting Japanese Covered Bridge are considered not setting foot on the beautiful and peaceful land. Along with other Vietnam tile roofed bridges, Japanese Covered Bridge displays its contribution in promoting Vietnamtourism closer to both domestic and international tourists.

Top 10 most famous architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City

Architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City have long been well-known throughout Vietnam and over the world. Strongly influenced by the famous French architect, Gothic or Roman architectural style, these works not only retain great values in terms of architecture but also deserve one of the unique tourist attractions when tourists participate in Vietnam travel to this famous dynamic city. Its impressive design harmonizing with the natural landscapes has turned these architectural works into the symbols of the city annually attracting both domestic and international tourists. Tourists will be definitely surprised and impressed when admiring this unique design. 

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace Reunification Palace, formerly known as Norodom Palace was started its constructions on 23rd February 1868 and completed in 1871 under the sketches of architect Hermite. The palace was built on an area of 12 hectares including a large mansion with its frontage 80 meters wide, a living room containing 800 people inside and a large campus with the great number of trees and lawns. In particular, most of construction materials were transported from France. In 1962, a new palace was rebuilt on the old land under the design blueprints of architect Ngo Viet Thu. Reunification Palace is nowadays the appealing tourist site attracting tourists at home and abroad in the journey of discovering Vietnam travel to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Saigon Opera House 

Opera House Situated in the city center, Opera House is situated on Dong Khoi Street, district I. It is considered the versatile theater of the city organizing art performances and hosts numerous major events as well. Completed on 1st January 1900, Opera House belongs to the oldest types inspired by architecture in Western Europe and is considered as one of enchanting tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cathedral Saigon

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica The church was built from 1877 to 1880 with a width of 35m and 93m long. It was designed by the French architect Bonard imitated the architecture of Notre Dame de Paris. It used to be one of the most beautiful churches in the colonies of France at that time. In 1895, the church built 2 bell towers with the height of 57,6m each. These 2 towers retain 6 large bronze bells weighing 25,850 tons, which is now the largest bell set in Vietnam. Standing in front of the church is the 8.5 ton statue of Our Lady of Peace made of Italian marble with 4.2 m high designed in Rome and built in 1959. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the bewitching attractions alluring the great number of both domestic and international tourists in Vietnam tour packages toSaigon travel. 

Vietnam Pagoda 

Vietnam National Pagoda The pagoda was started its construction under the supervision of architect Ngo Viet Thu on 26th April 1964. It was designed with a 7-storey tower curved roofs and delicate carvings in the natural airy space. The pagoda's architecture harmonizing with excellent scenery was deeply inspired of Vietnamese architectural style. Vietnam National Pagoda has been the convergence of numerous Buddhists and tourists when participating in Ho Chi Minh City travel so far. 

Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office Saigon Central Post Office is located at No. 2 Cong Xa Paris Street, district I. Being a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and French influences, the building fascinates tourists by its typical colonial French features, from exterior to interior decorations. It was built around 1886 – 1891, based on the design of Gustave Eiffel – a famous French architect along with Foulhoux, his assistant. Located adjacent Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Diamond Plaza shopping center, the architectural works creates the vivid and beautiful interaction and becomes the highlight of Saigon in Vietnam tourism alluring tourists. The facade of Post Office is decorated with names of famous French celebrities such as Laplace, Voltaire, Arage together with the large number of eye-catching decorative squares. There is also a big clock on the dome of the building. Setting foot on inside, tourists will have a chance to admire the unique Gothic architecture and more than 35 customer service desks. In addition, there are stalls selling souvenirs and Vietnamese handmade products. 

Ben Thanh Market 

Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh Market has long been considered as the symbol of the city. After many changes in construction positions and its name, the market was started its construction in 1912 and completed with the name of Ben Thanh Market as today in March 1914. Ben Thanh Market retains 4 doorways and 4 towers mounted clocks overlooking 4 central streets in District 1, namely Le Loi street, Phan Boi Chau street, Phan Chu Trinh street respectively in the north, south and east and the main gate with the high tower overlooking Quach Thi Trang Square. Currently, there are over 3,000 wholesale and retail stalls in the market with the wide range of goods from food, daily supplies to luxury commodities. The market starts its operations from 4 am and closes at 6 pm daily. Apart from serving the trading of the citizens, the market also yearly welcomes millions of tourists at home and abroad to visit and go shopping. Ben Thanh Market is also one of the most the impressive tourist Ho Chi Minh attractions. 

Thu Thiem Bridge

Thu Thiem Tunnel Thu Thiem Tunnel is the most modern underwater tunnel in South East Asia. After nearly 7 years of construction, Thu Thiem Tunnel was officially opened to traffic on 21st November 2011. The tunnel plays an important role in connecting 2 riverbanks and reducing the load of Saigon Bridge; simultaneously, it motivates the development of the dynamic city. 

City Hall

Ho Chi Minh City People' Committee Ho Chi Minh City People' Committee, also known as Ho Chi Minh City Hall situated on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, district 1 was built from 1898 to 1909 under the design of architect Gardes imitating bell tower architecture in North France. Before becoming the workplace of Ho Chi Minh City People' Committee, the building was Dinh Xa Tay and then renamed as Saigon City Hall. It is considered as one of the most beautiful architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Nha Rong Wharf

Nha Rong Wharf - Dragon House Wharf Nha Rong Wharf started its construction on 3rd April 1863 for the purpose of the accommodation for General Management and selling the train tickets. Right here, on 6th May 1911, Nguyen Tat Thanh, a patriot young person set foot on ship naming Amiral Latouche Tréville to seek the ways to save his country. Nha Rong Wharf is now Ho Chi Minh Museum - one of the branches of Ho Chi Minh Museum and memorial monuments of President Ho Chi Minh in the country annually attracting the large number of tourists. 

Vietnam History Museum 

Museum of Vietnamese History As one of the unique tourist sight of Ho Chi Minh City tourism, Museum of Vietnamese History is home to preserve and display tens of thousands of precious artifacts collected throughout the country and foreign countries. The museum was officially built under the design of architect Delaval with "innovation Indochina" architectural style. After 30th April 1975, the museum has been intactly transited under the takeover of Revolutionary Government. The museum was renamed into Ho Chi Minh City History Museum on 26th August 1979. It has been then given a new name as Museum of Vietnamese History Ho Chi Minh City and existed so far.

Imposing architecture of St. Joseph's Cathedral

Situated at 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, St. Joseph's Cathedral, also known as Hanoi Cathedral is now considered to be one of the symbols of the city and is a must-see tourist spot for those who love to explore impressive architecture in Vietnam travel. Looking at the history of any structures, it can be easy to recognize the culture and civilization at that period. In Ly Dynasty, with the strong development of Buddhism, temples were built all over Vietnam country. To Nguyen Dynasty, Catholicism is widely developed. Especially, when the French came to Vietnam, they left the mark of their civilization by building numerous churches. The typical architectural works was St. Joseph's Cathedral, which has retained its intact values so far. It also becomes one of the appealing attractions in Hanoi.

St. Joseph Cathedral

Viewed from outside, St. Joseph's Cathedral is ancient with unique architectural features and moss on the walls. Yet stepping through the big entrance gate inside the church, tourists will witness a modern architectural works which seems not to change with the time. Built in the late nineteenth century, St. Joseph's Cathedral is simulated architecture of Notre-Dame de Paris in France. It can be considered as one of the outstanding architectural works of Catholicism. This is also the product of the intercultural between Buddhist and Catholicism, between the East and the West. The Cathedral now becomes an indispensable tourist spot in Vietnam tour packages for tourists who are interested in exploring unique architectural features. 

Back alley of St. Joseph Cathedral

Most tourists taking part in Hanoi travel do not ignore the impressive attraction. Like numerous other churches in Vietnam, St. Joseph's Cathedral was localized thanks to the carvings and gilded lacquer deeply inspired by Vietnam folklore. Building materials of the Cathedral was terracotta tiles, the walls were plastered with pasteboard. Yet the structural elements were still built in the medieval Gothic architectural style. The Cathedral was designed and under construction by the Bishop Puginier. This was a typical church strongly affected by Gothic architecture with wide curved arches pointing at the sky. This style was most strongly developed in Europe in the 13th century. Gothic architectural style was seen as a gigantic step and the pinnacle of construction science and technology at that time. 

Stained glass in St. Joseph 

St. Joseph's Cathedral was clearly characterized of this architecture with high walls and arches retaining the large number of windows. There are a large entrance door in the middle of the church and two smaller doorways on either sides of the bell tower. The doors and windows were domed arches in combination with the pictures of saints in eye-catching and harmonious stained glasses create the natural light right inside the Cathedral. The chancel was decorated in a traditional folk art and carved with sophisticated and unique wooden motifs. Right at the center of the sanctuary area is a terracotta statue of St. Joseph with the height of more than 2m. The chancel is one of special highlights in the overall architecture of St. Joseph Cathedral which strongly attracts tourists when participating in Hanoi travel. The Cathedral also owns a set of Western bells including four small bells and a big one. Especially, the most prominent feature is the big clock mounted at the front of the Cathedral. The alarm system of the clock is linked with 5 bells hung on two towers. 

Inside St. Joseph

The center of Square in front of the Cathedral is the statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help made of metal. Surroundings of the Cathedral is procession route, parterre and a small stone cave behind. Overall architecture built in harmony with the landscapes makes the Cathedral have strong appeal for tourists participating in Vietnam tours to Hanoi. Over time, Hanoi citizens have been familiar and considered St. Joseph Cathedral as a new cultural symbol of the city. It will be a deficiency if not mentioning the influence of French culture reflected in Hanoi culture today, nor ignore the ancient French villas when referring the architecture of the capital. Immersing in the flow, St. Joseph has become an inseparable part of Hanoi. It has become a familiar address not only with Hanoi citizens but all tourists wishing to explore the typical architectural features in Vietnam culture. St.Joseph Cathedral thus contributes to promote Vietnam tourism in general and Hanoi tourism in particular to international friends.

Chung Cake – soul of Vietnamese Tet holiday

For all globetrotters, traveling is not simply just going sightseeing, but also is enjoying unique local cuisine of places where they come to. Recently, Vietnam is appealing more tourists to pop in. In Vietnam travel, tourists are attracted not just by its wonderful landscapes and seascapes, but also profound cultural identity and diverse cuisine. One of the most unique and outstanding dishes of Vietnamese cuisine is Bánh Chưng or Chung Cake.

Boiled Chung Cake

Chung Cake is a traditional cake of Vietnam. The cake implies gratitude of later generations to their forefather and hometown. Ingredients of Chung Cake include sticky rice, green bean, pork, dong leaves, and other additional spices as salt and pepper. Chung Cake is often made on traditional Tet Holiday of Vietnamese people and Hung King Festival (on the 10th day of the third lunar month). Chung Cake has the oldest history in traditional Vietnam cuisine. It is mentioned regularly in historical documents. The traditional cake has a significant position in the heart of Vietnamese people. The cake originated from a legend relating to Lang Lieu Prince, son of the 6th Hung King. The legend recalls the next generation about the national tradition. It is also a meaningful explanation and origin of Chung Cake, Day Cake in Vietnam culture, simultaneously, the importance of rice and nature in Wet Rice Civilization. According to today popular opinions, along with Giay Cake, Chung Cake reflects the ancient Vietnamese people's opinion about the universe. The cake is in green and square shape, which reflects the image of earth in the religion of ancient Vietnamese people and other ethnic groups in Asia.

Chung cake

Existing since the 6th Hung King's Empire, Chung Cake has been going with national history and become the soul of Tet Holiday in Northern Vietnam. Once visiting Vietnam during Vietnam Lunar New Year, tourists will see on the feast of local people, there are Chung Cake laid on. These cakes seem to recall Vietnamese people about the legend of Banh Chung and Banh Giay which symbolize the opinion bout the universe of ancient Vietnamese people. 

Definitely, in cultural Vietnam tours, travelers have a chance to discover many interesting things about the traditional food. Old Vietnamese people, who underwent Tet holidays between 40s and 50s of the last century, often pine for traditional Tet with Chung Cakes carefully made. Their ingredients were chosen from dong leaves and sticky rice to green bean, thin and small bamboo strips. During war time in Vietnam, to raise troops to fight the enemy, northern people spend out of food for front line. Thus, Banh Chung was simpler, but more valuable than any thing. Those who underwent Tet during war time and subsidy period, Chung Cake evoked unforgettable memories.

Making Chung Cake

Todays, young generations still inherit and bring the traditional custom into play. Although the young live in big and modern cities, they try to spend time on sitting and waiting for boiling these Chung Cakes, along with chatting with their family. In spite of being sold at supermarkets, stores or other services, in the countryside, the taste Chung Cake is also felt somewhat over the pot of Chung Cake. The present-day atmosphere of Tet still sees the image of Vietnamese women busy during Tet with works of washing the dong leaves, soaking rice, wrapping cakes, while, the children are sitting around a large pot of rice cakes and look after it overnight. For many generations, Banh Chung is the joy of the New Year's reunion. Beautiful thick and square cakes are displayed on the altar dedicated to worship ancestors. There are small cakes made for children as a New Year gift. Yet, today, the method of cooking the cake in somewhere is modernized. Yet, when New Year and spring come, Banh Chung still reminds Vietnamese people about traditional national values.

Chung Cake

Today, ingredients of making Chung Cake remain unchanged: sticky rice, green bean, pork and dong leave. Chung Cake will be more delicious if its ingredients are prepared carefully. Traditional Vietnamese Tet Holiday and images of green Chung Cakes are long-lasting traditional Vietnam culture. Chung Cake evokes Tet Holiday and vice versa. Perhaps, the combination becomes a cultural symbol of Vietnam. Therefore, the work of making Chung Cake when New Year comes is a fine cultural custom of Vietnam. The website National Geographic recently released top 10 unique traditional dishes in the world, including Chung Cake and Giay Cake of Vietnam. The site also described about traditional Tet in Vietnam. Tet Holiday is the most important occasion in Vietnam. It marks the appearance of spring and new hopes. Vietnamese traditional Tet is also the occasion to reunite family members. Everyone often eat melon seeds, marmalade and rice cakes during Tet.

Binh Thuan – A charming princess of beaches

As one of the pristine and romantic destinations of Vietnam tourism, Binh Thuan owns the relatively favorable geographical location and is the intersection connecting the major tourist centers such as Nha Trang, Dalat, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Thanks to the stretching coastline of 192km long from Ca Na to Binh Chau with the average temperature of 26-27C, Binh Thuan is worth a great resort destination for those who would like to immerse in the peaceful natural scenery and romantic landscapes. Golden sunshine and gentle sea breezes make Binh Thuan always soothing blue along with white sand beaches endlessly stretching... It has truly captivated the hearts of any tourists when experiencing Vietnam travel here.

Fairy Spring

Referring to Binh Thuan, it will be a big deficiency if Mui Ne, one of the must-see tourist attractions in any Vietnam tour packages on beach, is not mentioned. It is considered as a gentle charming princess being awakened after a long sleep. Mui Ne actually attracts domestic and foreign tourists by the graceful curve of sandy shores and gorgeous apparel of the sea water, of the sun, of the wind, and of the lush green trees here. Thanks to such beauty, Mui Ne Beach was appreciated as the world's best location in Asia to host International Sailing Festival in 2010 by the International Sailing Federation. In addition, the beach here is the exciting challenge for numerous famous windsurfing racing and kite surfing athletes from Britain, France, Russia...

White Sand Dunes

Along with the leisure activities on waters, tourists also have a chance to soak up the peaceful relaxing moments thanks to hundreds of multi-scale and modern resorts with full-service health care or hot mineral mud bathing... and enjoy delicious culinary of the natural waters. From Mui Ne, tourists can take a boat to explore the famous beauty of popular tourist attractions in Binh Thuan, namely Cu Lao Cau, Hon Ba, Khe Ga Cape, Nghe Lake... Especially, Phu Quy Island is considered as the appealing rendezvous with eco-resorts combined with diving, fishing, doing sports and ascertaining about local culture.

Not only does it have the advantages of the waters, Binh Thuan is home to a wealth of scenic spots, historical architectural monuments and the system of traditional and contemporary cultural festivals of ethnic minority such as Kinh, Cham, Hoa...  The most prominent festivals should be named: Kate Festival of Cham ethnic people, The Fisherman’s Festival of Hoa people, Dinh Thay Thim Festival of the ancient Vietnamese people...These festivals are organized in chain with distinctive folklore features. Besides, there are also some modern festivals such as boat racing festival welcoming the spring, street lantern parade festival in Mid-Autumn, and Hoi Tu Xanh (Green Convergence) - an international festival which is considered as one of the major events promoting BinhThuan tourism.

In terms of the traditional elements, it must be named Phan Thiet Water Tower - the architectural works which is regarded as the symbol of Binh Thuan province and Phan Rang city. Located in downtown of Phan Thiet City adjacent the north side of Ca Ty River, the image of the tower has become the official symbol of Binh Thuan province, the publications of books and magazine, and symbolized numerous enterprises in Binh Thuan. Besides, the Cham Towers (Po Dam, Poshanu) are the typical architectural works for the existence of Champa Kingdom. In particular, the province is also home to numerous unique works such as Van Thuy Tu, Khe Ga Lighthouse, Buddha statue located on Ta Cu Mountain, Duc Thanh School...

Cham Tower 

Realizing the diverse potential of the local, Binh Thuan now retains over 400 multi-scale tourism projects which have been completed their investment. These projects yearly attracts over 2 million tourist arrivals to visit and relax, including more than 240,000 international tourists from countries around the world such as Russia, Germany, Sweden, Holland, France, England, Korea, Japan... Numerous hotels are located right on Nguyen Tat Thanh Boulevard, Le Loi, namely Diamond Hotel, 3-star Doi Duong Hotel, Binh Minh Hotel... The system of hotels in Binh Thuan fully equipped along with friendly staff welcoming tourists forms a long profestional hotel chain overlooking South China Sea.

Beach in Phan Thiet

Gentle and friendly Binh Thuan people, Binh Thuan land harmonizing colors of the waters, the sun, the wind, and the mountains have actually deeply left impression for tourists once setting foot on to visit and relax here. Binh Thuan tourism is increasingly developing and worth an appealing destination attracting tourists to explore Vietnam travel.

Da Nang – an ideal destination for 2014 winter

AloTrip is a new leading travel website in Vietnam (alotrip.com) and a reliable companion in all Vietnam tours of vacationers. Acknowledging a new tendency of tourists – traveling overseas in winter, AloTrip recommends tourists to pay a visit to Da Nang, a wonderful beach city in Central Vietnam. The city is also seen as the worthiest city to live in the country. The following useful information may support tourists in planning Vietnam trips.

Vietnam travel in winter becomes a popular tendency of globetrotters. Specifically, in recent years, travelers from all over the world visit Vietnam more, especially on winter holiday. They often draft their travel plan to Vietnam early. During the season, airlines, resorts and hotels in Vietnam offer a wide range of special discounts for tourists, especially in Da Nang City, one of the most favorite Vietnam destinations all year round. The city fascinates tourists not just by its wonderful beaches but also a profound and various culture, and hospitable local people. Beaches in Da Nang are chosen by most of tourists since its convenient transportation, favorable climatic conditions, wonderful seascapes and landscapes, and professional tourism services.

Da Nang is one of the most best-loved destinations inVietnam all year round. The hot period in Da Nang does not witness too high temperature, ranging around from 28-30 degree Celsius. Winter months from December to February are thought to be a good period to travel Da Nang, the temperature is about 18-23°C. Such places as Ba Na Hills and Han River are ideal sites in the city suitable for popping in during winter time. With the latitude of nearly 1500m, Ba Na Hills has the average temperature of about 20°C, which makes tourists feel comfortable. Here can be seen as a new heaven of Vietnam tourism. Da Nang – the city by Han River attracts tourists not just by its fresh and green atmosphere, turquoise water, majestic landscapes, but also diverse cuisine and high-quality service. In addition, in winter months, the temperature in Da Nang is relatively comfortable with a little cold, which is warm enough for tourists from the North, and brings new experiences to those from the South when coming to Da Nang.

Danang beach at night

Situated on the Central strip of Vietnam, Da Nang possesses many outstanding attractions. The city is very near other famous Vietnam destinations as Hue, My Son Sanctuary, Hoi AN, etc. Tourists will be overwhelmed by top Da Nang attractions such as Linh Ung Pagoda, Ngu Hanh Son Mountain (Marble Mountains), Non Nuoc Beach, Ba Na Hills, Son Tra Peninsula, Hai Van Pass, and Cham Sculpture Museum, etc. During winter days, these tourist sites are covered by a new and colorful coat, which appeals tourists to explore. In Vietnam tour packages to these attractions during winter months, tourists will not worry about their bodies always sweaty like in summer. They will feel relaxed and comfortable with cool breezes from the sea and fresh air on trekking mountains.

Cable car in Ba Na

In autumn and winter days, strolling around craft villages as Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village brings a different feeling to tourists. Exploring the village existing for about 200 years ago brings tourists a new and exciting experience. When visiting here, tourists have a chance to choose valuable and unique souvenirs carved sophisticatedly from small stones, or decorative items made from huge stone blocks. All of these items are created by skillful artisans. In Vietnam, there are many traditional stone carving villages, but only Non Nuoc Village beneath the foot of Marble Mountains can connect the traditional handicraft to tourists, and expand its reputation to the whole world. In addition, Ba Na Hills is a should-not-miss place in Da Nang. The area is famous for majestic landscapes and owning one of the longest cable car systems in the world. Ba Na Hills cable car is constructed to replace the rough and craggy road to the area. The system has 86 open-design cabins with a speed of 6m/s, which helps tourist have experiences on outside weather at the latitude of over 1000m. From the the foot to the top of Ba Na Hilll, it takes about 30 minutes along with many services of entertainment and resort in Ba Na Hills.

Fireworks Competition in Danang

What an amazing holiday if tourists come to Vietnam in winter, but still feel a bit of hot wave of summer, leading them to immerse in cool seawater and soak in the beautiful sunlight on beaches. All features of Da Nang weather in winter make beaches here indispensable in Vietnam holidays. The city owns many marvelous and charming beaches as Non Nuoc Beach, My Khe Beach and My An Beach, and Son Tra Peninsula. Among beaches in Da Nang, My Khe Beach is well-known as one of the ideal destinations for relaxation in Asia. Forbes, the American travel magazine voted My Khe Beach as one of six most beautiful beaches in the world. Continuing Vietnam tourism journey in Da Nang, tourists will drop by Museum of Cham Sculpture, the largest museum of Cham culture in Vietnam and in Southeast Asia. Constructed by the French, it specializes in collecting, storing, and displaying relics on sculpture of the Champa kingdom found in Cham towers and ramparts in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands. Visiting the museum will recall tourists a heroic and wealthy history of Cham Kingdom.

Cham Museum in Danang

Besides, cheap travel cost in Da Nang is an advantage of the city. Only with about 500 thousand dong, you can easily find a comfortable middle-standard double room near Han River, or My Khe Beach. Coming to Da Nang in winter, tourists should not miss to taste delicious and cheap street food and local specialties which are famous throughout the country, such as fresh spring roll (boiled pork and vegetables wrapped by rice paper), noodle with fish pies, jellyfish mannequin, Quang noodle, and many other delicious local dishes. It will be a mistake if Da Nang cuisine is not explored in this journey. Obviously, Da Nang cuisine is not as sophisticated as Hanoi cuisine, or not as diverse as that of Saigon, but it has unique culinary features of Central Vietnam. All appear in Da Nang, from chicken rice in Hoi An to complicated cakes of Hue. Tourists can easily meet these dishes on streets of Da Nang. If having more time in the city, they can drop by Con Market and Han Market to explore the street culinary world in Da Nang. Go strolling in Da Nang at night also gives tourists a chance to enjoy fresh seafood parties. However, things make tourists always want to visit Da Nang again is the friendly and professional attitudes of local people, from taxi drivers, seafood sellers at the seashore to hotel staff. There will not be unsettled situation making tourists uncomfortable. With above mentioned ideal characteristics, Da Nang will be an exciting and perfect destination in this winter. Have a good travel plan, pick up your pack and come to the city, many interesting things of Da Nang are looking forward to your discovery.