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THE EXTREMELY BEAUTY OF HA GIANG (North Vietnam): Awesome beauty of the land and people of Ha Giang Plateau

Visiting Ha Giang province at this time, visitors will be overwhelmed by the imposing and picturesque scenery with the fields full of beautiful ‘Tam giac mach’ (buckwheat flowers) as well as the unique daily life and traditional culture of the ethnic minority people of this land. Covering a total of more than 2,300 kilometres, Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang province is located at an altitude of over 1,000 metres and belongs to four districts - Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yen Minh and Quan Ba. There are now over 17 ethnic minority groups with 250,000 residents, of which Mong ethnic people account for 70% of the population. One of the most famous destinations in Ha Giang is Nho Que river passing through the plot of the legendary Ma Pi Leng mountain pass. With an emerald green colour, the river creates a picturesque beauty. The story of Ha Giang is in many ways the story of the proud and independent Hmong who, following the Tay and other ethnic groups, began migratin...

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE (North Vietnam): The most important monument of the Vietnamese heritage

The Temple of Literature is definitely a must-see for any tourist desiring to explore Hanoi’s ancient beauty and culture. Below are the reasons why a trip to Hanoi’s Quoc Tu Giam is worth spending Have you ever noticed that what an ancient complex used as the symbol of Hanoi as well as printed on one side of the 100,000 VND note? The answer is Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s oldest Imperial Academy under the feudal courts and the first national university. The temple was built in dedication to Confucian philosophy and still holds a spiritual significance to each generation of students and educators in Vietnam at present. The temple was first built in 1070 in Ly dynasty the reconstructed during 1225 – 1400 under the command of Tran Kings. Having strongly stood through centuries of wars, disasters and major restorations, the temple still maintains its solemnly ancient look reflecting the architectural styles of various feudal dynasties and histories. In 1070, according to the ...

TRAN QUOC PAGODA (North Vietnam): The oldest pagoda in Hanoi, a striking symbol of the Vietnamese Buddhism

Being one of the most spiritual pagodas in Vietnam, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a renowned attraction for its deep cultural and Buddhist values. Coming to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi (over 1500 years old), you will enjoy a delightful and antiquated picturesqueness in the center of the crowded and fast-pacing city. Built in the sixth century during the reign of King Ly Nam De, the pagoda was first named Khai Quoc, which means “founding the country”. Since then it has undergone a move, refurbishment and numerous name changes, but it remains a serene place to visit. It was first constructed on the other side of the dyke road, by the river, but was moved in the 17th century to its current location on West Lake. Clearly the builders recognised what a prime piece of real estate Duong Thanh Nien was and that the lakeside location would add to the beauty to the pagoda. The Buddhist pagoda is accessed via a short causeway lined with palm trees. The causeway leading to the temple...

THE FAMOUS AND HISTORICAL PAUL DOUMER BRIDGE (North Vietnam): “A Misshapen but Essential Component of Ha Noi’s Heritage”

The Long Bien bridge, formerly known as Paul Doumer bridge was built by the French company Daydé & Pille between 1898 and 1902. It is 1680 m long. In 1902, it was the longest bridge in Indochina. The Long Biên Bridge was conceived primarily as part of the government-run (Chemins de fer de l’Indochine, CFI) railway line from Hà Nội to Đồng Đăng (built 1899-1902), but from the outset it was also intended as a means of connecting the capital with a second railway line then under construction. The line from Hải Phòng to Lào Cai and Yunnan (built 1901-1910), operated as a franchise by the Compagnie française des Chemins de fer de l’Indochine et du Yunnan (CIY), did not enter the capital, so a connecting service had to be provided across the river from Hà Nội to Gia Lâm. Because of its dual function, the bridge became part of a “communal” railway line administered jointly by both CFI and CIY. The bridge was originally named after Paul Doumer, the French Governor General who champion...

FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE (Vietnam): personal safety, the fact we must know; Vietnam is the 43rd safest country in the world...

Vietnam is a relatively safe country for visitors, including solo female travellers. In fact, given the country’s recent history, many tourists, particularly Americans, are pleasantly surprised at the warm reception that foreign travellers receive. That said, petty crime is on the rise – though it’s still relatively small-scale and shouldn’t be a problem if you take common-sense precautions. Generally, the hassles you’ll encounter will be the milder sort of coping with pushy vendors and over-enthusiastic touts and beggars. At street level it’s best not to be ostentatious: forego eye-catching jewellery and flashy watches, try to be discreet when taking out your cash, and be particularly wary in crowds and on public transport. If your pack is on the top of the bus, make sure it’s attached securely (usually everything is tied down with ropes) and keep an eye on it during the most vulnerable times – before departure, at meal stops and on arrival at your destination. On trains, e...

THE IMPRESSIVE LADY BUDDHA (Center Vietnam): It's the Vietnam's largest Buddha statue depicts a female sage, Stunning beach views and a giant Lady Buddha...

There’s something different about Vietnam's tallest Buddha statue. It isn’t your typical male Buddha effigy—this enormous structure depicts a woman. Buddhists the world over have built plenty of tall statues of Buddha. But “Buddha” does not just mean the man born Siddhartha Gautama. “Buddha” also means “Enlightened One,” and there’s no reason why a great sage can’t be a woman. The Linh Ung Pagoda , just outside Da Nang , Vietnam, decided to build the world’s largest statue of an indisputably feminine Buddha. The resulting Lady Buddha towers 220 feet (67 meters) tall and is perched atop of a lotus-shaped temple. Be careful, book before because the pagoda is a bit over six miles (10 kilometers) from downtown. The statue has 17 floors, with each floor dedicated to a different Buddha. Though the multi-level trek is tough, it’s worth it for the spectacular views of the city. There’s more to see at the temple in addition to the Buddha. The grounds display an imp...