Ho Citadel

Location: Thanh Hoa province (about 150km to the South of Hanoi) Feature: The citadel was the capital of Vietnam from 1397 to 1407 (it was also called Tay Do castle or Tay Giai castle). It consists of three sections: a bamboo hedge, a moat, and a citadel wall. The Ho dynasty built it according to the Fengshui principles: sited in a landscape of great scenic beauty on an axis joining the Tuong Son and Don Son mountains in a plain between the Ma and Buoi Rivers. This represents the new style of South-East Asian imperial city. Tay Do castle is rectangular in shape. There are four gates facing four orients. The castle was constructed from the stone blocks. However, the main part of the citadel has been ruined except for its gates. The outstanding feature of Ho Dynasty Citadel is that its stone walls were built to bear earhquakes with an average height of five meteres. It is strange that the stones were laid without cement, each of them weighed up to 20 tonnes. Besides four gates covered Ho citadel, there was a canal surrounding the citadel as an extra layer of protection. Witnessing the ups and downs of over six-century history, some parts of the citadel are still kept its origins. Ho Dynasty Citadel is stated to be the symbol of power and military fortress. It was also built to represent both royalty and divine powers. It helped to link natural and human space. Especially, time and weather can not damage the major stone sections because of the citadel’s unique construction techniques. The Citadel of the Ho dynasty in the northern province of Thanh Hoa has entered the UNESCO’s World Heritage List at the 35th session of the organization’s World Heritage Committee on June 27, 2011 in Paris. The International Council on monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has included the 2-km royal entry into the listing. This is the pride for not only Thanh Hoa people but also Vietnam people all over the country. Presently local authorities are trying their best to protect and preserve this site for its unique stone structure and identify it as an important site on the tourist map of all travelers.

Ben En National Park

About 45km to the South West of Thanh Hoa city, belongs to the area of Nhu Xuan anh Nhu Thanh districts, Ben En national park system (established in 1920) is known as the ecological complex of mountain, river, lake with more than 16,000ha of area and the plentiful plants and animals system. This is the homeland of the famous green ironwood in Vietnam. Ben En is the residence of many rare and precious animals and plants. According to the statistics of the scientists, there are more than 1000 types of animals, 68 types of fish, 210 types of birds, 31 types of frog, etc. There are many animals in the Red Books like elephants, bull, horse bear, fire cheetah, red face monkey, etc. Coming to Ben En, visitors would feel like being in the fairy land with the illusory sky, mountain, and river, and with the romantic scene of Song Muc Lake. Being created by four springs and the Muc River, the lake is green all year round, and it is quiet and contains mysterious legends. It is said that when the earth and heaven were chaotic, there was a giant squid, which was the child of the King of the Sea coming here and played until she forgot about time. When the water receded, the squid tried to get out but she was trapped and the left point is available until now. Place of the dead squid created the Lake Muc Ben En and the tentacle of the squid are the springs around. That is why the lake is named Song Muc with 4,000ha wide, tens of meters deep, with 21 islands to created the fascinating landscape. Being in the middle of the nature complex with mountain, river, forest and lake, Ben En has pulled back the visitors and they would love to have more time to discover and enjoy the subtle beauty of a “Halong on Mountain”/ Being on the boat on the lake to see the beauty of natural creation which was said to be the “miniature Halong” with impressive names: Me island, Island of Love, Future Island, etc, many peninsulas of mixed forest, the rocks with strange shapes creating an nice combining of water and mountain. Visitors can choose among 8 routes of tour to visit the islands in which the shortest one is 1.5km and the longest is 8.5km. They can visit the island of fauna, island of flora, scenic caves with strange shapes, which are arranged by the hand of the Creator, etc. Coming to Ben En, tourists could come to the land of traditions and festivals of the ethnic Tho, Muong, Thai etc that are enclosed to the temples as Phu Sung, Khe Rong, Phu Na, etc. All the beauty of nature and people here have given Ben En and Nhu Thanh in general a unique natural ecosystem that can be offered by few placed. Wild beauty of Ben En has captivated people’s hearts, leaving a deep impression in the visitors.

Bach Long Vi Island

The Bach Long vi (White dragon tails) island is 130km far from the Hai Phong northern province by sea. With the area is 3km square, Bach Long Vi is a triangle shape with the perimeter of 8 km. In the middle of island is the hillock with the figure of tortoise shells with the height of 60 m. From this very peak, there is a observatory which is like a tireless eye which witnessing the sea land of Vietnam. There is a village in the island which named Phu Thuy Chau (village floating on the water). This village is established since 1920s, due to the foundation of sweet water resource. Bach Long Vi was formerly the reside temporarily place of fishermen from Co To or Cat Ba. Now there is also people from Hai Nan (China) island coming to live and they earn a living mainly by catching abalone. Apart from abalone, Bach Long Vi also has phosphate, mange, and alfatite, which is the prospect of natural oil in the Gulf of Tonkin. In American war, the enemy destroyed the island 142 times with the total bomb released were hundreds ton. The army in this island was bravely raised against the enemy which deserved the title of “never sink battleship”.

Do Quyen waterfall

Down the Yen Stream, crossing the Ngu Ho magical land of Bach Ma National Park, walk for 45 or 50 minutes to the top of the fall which is named after a very beautiful and rare flower species: Rhododendron (Do Quyen). The track is quite bumpy and winding, sometimes it needs crossing the stream, and sometimes it needs climb up the falls. Along the way, every tree, every stream segment are expressing a very personal beauty. However, more noteworthy is the Bach Ma pine trees, palms trees, sau sau tree, wood fern. With different shape of leaves, these trees can not be mixed although they grow much room in between many other broadleaf trees. Wading through the water flowed on the surface of the enormous smooth and slippery stones; we will reach the top of Do Quyen waterfall. Stream suddenly disappears; the rock has disappeared to make room for a space of clouds. Looking to the other side, we could see only a blue opaque because water vapor rises from the leaf surface under sunlight in a day without wind. Sign with lines necessary for instructions for travelers interested in exploring: “… Do Quyen waterfall is 300 meters high, very steep down path of 689 steps… should not go down too late and only for those with strong health …”. Directly to the left, under forest canopy like being sucked into it is a small path leading down to the foot waterfall. Lower height quickly as the concrete steps to bring tourists down toward the bottom. The slope of the path increases rapidly with high and narrow the difference of each level also increased. It is time to have hand rails on either side edge of the iron railing to ensure safety. Rop road cool because forest canopy. In the windy day, going down the pace remains how to keep the phase and no-footed ferrets, but on sunny days with no wind, it often takes a few minutes rest to help tired feet after about 80 to 100 steps (equivalent to 20 to 25 meters high difference). The final step will take you to a noisy but fanciful space. From this position at the other side, green forests gradually dropped down deep valleys, but also keep up the trunk revealed with many colors of white mold of wood between the colorful foliage. Looking up high on the right suddenly turn out brightly with water, splashed droplets glistening in the sun. Water rushing violently as high as 250m down the steep cliffs. In the process of moving, sometimes having the protruding ledge, water line blew create small crystals such as flower light falling into line, then turned out to meet the other ledge. Continuingly, there were tens of times like that to make long flying water lines from top to foot of waterfall. In the deep interior, power flushing it down the water shoot up with much space because water vapor dimmed. Being called the foot of waterfall but in fact these large stones inclined slope is extended by a few dozen meters lower then make the difference between 60 and 70m high to another new place to soak up great water flow. At this phase, taking a new panoramic view could recognize the charm of the Do Quyen waterfall. Cliffs is 150m wide, flanked by vegetation consists of broadleaf trees. These protrusions are often cliffs shrubs that grow in abundance with the most notable is rhododendron. Maybe that is how Do Quyen waterfall be called. In the season of March and April, red rhododendron is blooming in a virtual space of the steam dim as to embellish a beautiful and majestic than just a flowing waterfall.

Nhi Ho Waterfall

Nhi Ho Waterfall (two lakes waterfall) is in Hoa Mau village, Loc Tri Commune, Phu Loc district. It is about 42 km to the south of Hue city center. Waterfall is marvel of nature, beautiful as a watercolor picture, with a waterfall pouring down from the cliff that floated gently to form two fresh green pools as its name. However, not too steep, the slope of extraction Nhi Ho waterfall just enough for tourists to climb to the top. You could soak in the water below the waterfalls and enjoy the water poured down the line as doing the “massage” for you. Coming to Nhi Ho waterfall pool from April to September is ideal. During this time, you will have the opportunity to admire the numerous wild flowers bloom, which creates the purple line along the two sides of the stream. Enjoy the tomentose rose myrtle fruit and wild cornflower will bring you the very different experience. After enjoy swimming in the spring, you can choose the tent hovering over a cliff of the ornament mountain in the lake to relax and enjoy chicken milling, a sip of white wine and save the power for fishing session on the evening.

Dong Chau Beach

Location: Đông Minh Commune, Tiền Hải District, 30 Km away from Thái Bình city Feature: Dong Chau beach area is endowed with many picturesque landscapes and today it is becoming a attractive tourism area to many tourists. Coming to Dong Chau beach on summer days, tourists will be able to enjoy cool fresh sea climate and escape from the heat and stuffiness of the busy life. This tourist area includes the coast of Dong Minh commune, Cua Lan, two islets Con Thu and Con Vanh. Dong Chau beach, which stretches over 5 km, is the center of this tourist area. Along the coast is a system of guest houses and high-rise hotels. From Dong Chau Beach, visitors can travel about 7 km by ships or motor boats to Con Thu and Con Vanh, which are compared to “two green waves in the windy sea”. In Con Thu, it can be found not only an expanse of white sand beach, picturesque pine forests, emerald casuarinas swaying in the wind but also romantic small beaches which are the ideal place for travelers to swim, go picnics or excursions on boat or enjoy fishing, surfing, volleyball and soccer on the beach Of about 15km2, Con Vanh has a flooded forest reserve which is the destination for many species of rare birds such as spoonbills, pelicans, gulls,.. Every year this place attracted many researchers, tourists to visit. Here there are pine forests, blue casuarinas forests, with quiet and romantic small beaches, with white sand and pure sea water. Coming to Con Vanh, visitors will indulge in nature, explore the salt flooded forests of aegiceras and mangrove plants, enjoy fresh sea breezes well as visit the aquaculture area and catch fish by themselves… Currently, the road linking the mainland to Con Vanh is under construction. When the route is completed, this place will be the ideal destination for all visitors. In autumn, visitors will enjoy the chilly weather, unlike in any other beach in the Northern part of Vietnam. Then, whenever the tide rises, the waves slap with its enchanted song, tourists are like in the harmony with the infinite sky and sea. Neighboring Dong Chau are many famous historical sights such as King Temple, Tran vestige, Tienla temple, Keo Pagoda, Dong Xam Silver Engraving Village, Bach Thuan Garden Village and so on. Therefore, coming to Dong Chau, travelers will not only enjoy the beauty of the sea but also discover the unique and originalities of landscape, architecture and daily life of native people here.

Mai Waterfall

Natural, wild, majestic and charming, Mai waterfall appears full of mystical, awe-inspiring to those who still think Dong Nai only has the rubber forests. The Ma people, one local ethnic group in mountainous area of Dong Nai, called the waterfall Lieng Dur, which means the large majestic waterfalls. From the junction of Tan Phu Forest plantation, you feel like you are lost in pristine cool Amazon jungle. Winding trails are quieter in deep with the random appearance of the house. If you go in rainy season, the journey would be more interesting with an 8km path being plowed into the mud trench. Mai waterfall resort is about 2km long; the name is explained simply like there was once vast apricot forest on both sides of waterfall. Mai waterfall is so much like a free poem by nature with thousands of strange stone, located in the heart of murmuring streams. There are many stone caves with unsteady stones that create the wild scene in both sides of the river. The white mop grass is full in the shore, forest apricot blooming, birds and wild animals making the sounds days and night. The combination of improvisation creates a captivating beauty of Mai waterfall. From Ho Chi Minh City, following the National Road No.1, crossing Vung Tau to the Dau Giay junction then turn left to Da Lat. From km112 on national road no. 20, you turn right at the road winding between Tan Phu forest areas for about 20 to reach Mai waterfall. Derived from the Langbiang plateau, the La Nga River winding through many hills and mountains, including whirlpools yard pass, then mix into the water to major rivers of Dong Nai. Mai waterfall is one of the attractions of the La Nga River on the arduous path of that line. Looking up from the foot, Mai waterfall is like a giant dragon struggling to touch the whole forest area. Crowded trees on cliffs, rock lines in the stream exposed as the buffalo group that are basking in the sunshine hour with the rough spots. Many continuous stone cluster and undulating form of natural dams prevent river, causing water flow for the spectacular look. The best part is when the sun is beyond the tree level, sunshines on the pristine waterfall. The whole majestic waterfall is bathed in sunshine. In the rainy season, the volume of water pouring down from high above, and the roaring water lines up as angry boiled water. Mai waterfall has a majestic terrain but less rugged. Cliffs on both sides are on the up direction. In the heart of waterfall, rock chains are inlaid as if from the very open natural terrain, the debris of mountains falling into the river, creating a pile of rough stone, forming a whirlpool, dunes and waves, and the slots. Perhaps the most idyllic area would be above the top of waterfall. The water here is not deep, gentle flows smoothly between the rounded rocks. There is also a place opened with rugged rock and white water foam, which is an ideal place for tourists to camp and swimming in whirlpool.

Lang Co Beach

Location: Situated in Thua Thien-Hue Province, bordering a section of the National Highway No1A, near Hai Van Pass, and 24km from Bach Ma Area. Features: Lang co is situated in the middle of the zone of three World Heritage Conservation Centers (Hue ancient citadel, Hoi An old town, and My Son holy land), and only 30 kilometers from Da Nang, and 70 kilometers from Hue. For a long time, Lang Co has been famous for its magnificent natural landscapes with white sand stretching over 10km, the boundless blue sea, vast tropical jungles of the surrounding mountains and the mysterious lagoon Lap An. Compared to a fairy land, Lang Co looks like a beautiful picture with high mountain, crystal clear sea water and white sand. Especially in the autumn the fog covers the beach like in a paradise. Considered an ideal place for vacation for decades, Lang Co beach is actually a good choice for sea sports and entertainment thanks to the gradually sloping sea, fine and clean sand, great moderate waves. Tourists can enjoy sea diving, mountain climbing, forest exploring and fishing with local fishermen. Lang Co beach bordered by Hai Van Mountain, a famous tourist attraction of Vietnam. Along the mountain foot and Lang Co sea is filled with coral, king shrimps, and numerous seafood of high values. There is also a majestically captivating island – Son Tra peninsula, where wild species and flora are preserved. Near the beach is Chan May with peaceful scenery of wide flat beaches border by blue sea, and poplar forests singing in the wind. Lang Co has a monsoon tropical climate, with two main wind directions, northeast one in winter and southwest one in summer. The annual average temperature is 25oC. The hottest months are June and July (41oC), and the coldest is December (8.8oC). For hundreds of years, Lang Co is still the fishing village is still peaceful, quiet and mostly untouched. In Lang Co, there are various kind of shrimps, lobster, sea shrimp, crab, butter-fish, mackerel fish, oysters… Coming here, tourists can enjoy the original cuisines of local people, such as Banh Canh Cha Cua, red boiled crab, crab noodle, spicy Lang Co red oysters, Lang Co oyster sauce….

Sung Sot cave

Sung Sot cave (Surprised cave in Quang Ninh province) is just voted to be one of the ten most beautiful cavees in the world by the Czech travel agent association for its mysterious beauty of stalactites. Sung Sot cave was discovered in Bo Hon Island in the centre of the heritage group of Halong in 1991 by the French. With the special beauty and always giving surprise to the visitors, French people gave it the name “grotte de la surprise”. The cave is about 10,000sq m and 30m high, and it is separated into two main parts. The first part is quite large with many stalactites and in different shapes of elephant, seal, leaves, etc. There are also stalactites hanging from the ceiling, which are like the cluster of bowls. From the first part to the second part, you would have to cross a small path. Beside the entrance to the second part, there are shapes of elephant and sword. It is said that Giong God before coming to the heaven have been in this place and helped people to beat evils and ghosts, and he left the sword and horse to calm people’s nerve. There are still signs of that battle for the footprints of horse, etc. In the dome, there is no water dropping from the stalactites. Instead of that, there are concaves like the ceiling of the theatre. The sound in this place is able to hear in echoes back, which are clearer. This is one of the typical karts caves with high value of science. Coming deeper, the landscape is more beautiful with the shape of a royal garden with the shapes of stones like cycad tree, ancient banyan trees, etc. From the Bai Chay port, sitting on a ship to the South of 14 km, visitors would reach Bo Hon Island. From this point, you could cross 50 high staircases and go down for 10 more steps to come to the entrance cave. Following the long stone path for 800m from the beginning to the end of the cave, you would see the mysterious and magnificent beauty of this cave.

Cua Tung beach

Cua Tung Beach is located in Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province. From Hien Luong bridge, crossing more 10km to the North East, you would see the nice Cua Tung which is said to be the “Queen of the beaches.” Located in the North of the sea mouth, Cua Tung is a small tapering long sand bank beside the blue water. Being different from other beaches in Central region, there is no big storm but only harmony place for the ships parking. Embracing the Cua Tung beach, the bazan red soil with the long stone to the sea with smooth sand. The two underneath rocky grounds from the two sides are Mui Si and Mui Lai creating a small private bay with no whirl rolling sea current. Standing in the small hill looking down, you could see the completely nice view in front of the eyes. A French said: Cua Tung is the most beautiful beach in his mind with the special features of the green plateau land with the height of 20m beside the gentle gliding sea, etc.” The special of Cua Tung is the gentleness of the beach. You could go far from the sea shore to jump in the hand of the sea until nearly half of kilometer and the water level is still right at your chest. This is a fantastic interest. There are many precious and famous delicious seafoods like squid, lobster, fish, with the special cooking types of local. In the morning time, Cua Tung is like a lively picture, which changes the color according to the time and the sunlight. The night time is for wind and sea music. The rumble waves along with the whistling of the casuarinas forests create the endless song of the Cua Tung nature. Coming to Cua Tung, you would also have chance to visit Vinh Moc tunnels, Hien Luong Bridge, etc, the famous historical places of the America war. You could visit the holiday house of King Duy Tan since 1896, the houses of Catholic priest, and the fishing village of Cat Son, etc. Come to Cua Tung, you could come to the nice waves, come to the white sand along the fingers and the casuarinas forest rustling in the wind, with the honest and upright people who are hospitable to feel the beauty of this land.