-
Indochina’s biggest ancient artillery station in Vung Tau, Viet Nam
Built by French Army more than 100 years ago, the biggest cannon station of the region at the time now turns the National Historic Site, which is reminiscent of the colonial era and attracts dozen of curious travelers to explore. Located 100m above sea level on the slope of Nui Lon (The Big Mountain, aka Tuong Ky – a 245m high mountain located in Vung Tau city, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province), the military complex was built in the late 19th century and completed in 1905, along with other “big gun” stations like Nui Nho (Small Mountain) and Cau Da. It is noted that the construction of the total…
-
A visit to Thac Ba – the first Vietnam-built hydropower plant
You also have an opportunity to take a cruise discovering one of three largest artificial lakes in S-shaped country. Constructed on Chay River (sông Chảy), Yen Binh district, Yen Bai province, this is the very first Vietnam-built hydropower plant, which was assisted by the former USSR, now the Russian Federation. The plant commenced construction on August 19th 1964 and inaugurated on October 5th 1971, when the first unit was commissioned. Thereafter, the second and third units were commissioned on March 10th 1972 and May 19th 1972, respectively. The construction of this hydrodam also gave birth to Thac Ba Lake, one of three largest artificial lakes in Vietnam and well-known for its diverse…
-
A Guide to “town on the cloud” Tam Dao
A weekend getaway selected by French, just 80km from Hanoi. Tam Dao is such a well-known destination thanks to its poetic scenery and spectacular cool climate all year round. Its name means three highest mountains (or “islands” on the cloud) named as Thien Thi, Thach Ban and Phu Nghia, which constitutes a basin where the cloudy town is situated, just a stone’s throw away from the borderline of two provinces Vinh Phuc and Thai Nguyen. People in the capital usually seek to travel here for leisure experience on the weekends, especially during the summertime and occasional hot days since the average temperature in Tao Dao is approximately 18 degrees at any season.…
-
A Journey to Mau Son Resort, Lang Son
A memorable ride can fool you in the mysterious mist even in daylight, en route to the resort from the French colonial era with dozens of old houses now abandoned. For me, traveling by motorbike to the resort area of Mau Son mountain range (dãy núi Mẫu Sơn) was a tough, rough but irresistible ride, especially when wheels were rolling on a small road side by majestic cliffs. Read more: Top Tips to Make a Roadtrip Around Sapa by Motorbike Turning my head and I admired a panoramic vista towards green slopes dotted by local terrace fields with one or two lodges nearby sometime. The area is said to comprise up to 80 mountains…
-
Trekking on Hon Son island: A Guide to Ma Thiên Lãnh
An extremely compelling experience awaits you on Hòn Sơn. One of my favorites during trip on Hòn Sơn is to enjoy swimming in turquoise sea with diverse marine world and also take part in continually trekking on steep trails through dense forests with giant and ancient trees to reach the top of the mountains and enjoy panoramic vista towards the coastal road bending like a snake, clusters of coconut, emerald sea ornate with rocks like eggs in various sizes, all under such a blue clear sky. In Hòn Sơn, these activities are possible to be experienced within one day. Fantastic! My typical schedule with a trekking option in mind: wake up…
-
Hon Son Island Travel Guide
Tons of amazing things to see and do on this tropical paradise and this Hon Son island travel guide dare get you through the jungle of spectacular spots! Why Hon Son island, Vietnam? At the first sight, I was knocked down by its dramatically majestic beauty: pristine beach lined with coconuts, well, there’s indeed a forest of coconuts on the island. Disembarking from the express ferry of the Superdong operator, I was spontaneously feeling the dynamic life of the island while walking on the bridge toward the crowded central residence. The islanders and tourists moving fast back and forth the backbone of the boat dock. Not so far, the platoon…
-
Travel Review: H’mong Homestay Village in Meo Vac, Ha Giang
Beside the majestic natural landscape that could take your breath away, Ha Giang is also the home of various ethnic minorities with their indigenous tradition and culture that await to explore in a homestay experience like nights in this H’mong village in Meo Vac. Slow-travelling coupled with homestay experience is a fantastic idea: you wake up early in the morning and take a deep breath and stroll around to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, before sipping hot coffee to get ready for a new day coming. Working. Travelling. Reading new books at leisure. It depends on your plan for a few days there. You may even request a seat to join the local’s meal, everyday, along with informative…
-
Lan Ha bay Cruise Tour for One-day: The review
Lan Ha bay cruise tour for one day is such a must-try experience in Cat Ba island. I did it, and these are some reasons why you should do the same. I add some tips in case you give it a try. 1. Schedule This is a full day trip. The tour starts from 8:00 and you disembark at 17:00 so, except for the sunrise at dawn, you will experience the bay in mostly every hours on day with so many colors and themes of landscape and sun. Tips: There’re transit minivan coming to pick you up at the booking agent office. No hassle! There’s no breakfast included but usually free-breakfast of hostels served after 8:00, so if you feel hungry,…
-
Nam Du archipelago travel guide
1. Get in A. Sai Gon – Kien Giang It’s better to take a sleeper bus, starting at 23:00 so that you would wake up in the next day at the harbour and take the earliest speed boat trip to the island. I prefer Phuong Trang open bus due to the wide range of departure time and a flexible transit directly to the harbor. The cost is 150,000 vnd/ person. There are two speed boat operators: Superdong and Ngoc Thanh. Superdong service: departs at 6:15 and it takes 2,5-3 hours to Nam Du with 210,000 vnd/ person (2018). All bus and boat are required to book in advance and receive the ticket 30 minutes beforehand. 2. Get out The last speed…
-
A guide to Di Linh
Just a stop enrouting to Dalat, Di Linh somehow, has its own identity of unique landscape and food. Get in The best relaxation way is to take an open bus of Phuong Trang or Thanh Buoi for around 200,000 dong. Bike trip is good for adventure, the highway 20 condition is very good, flat and smooth, frequent bike service, so you have no trouble riding to Di Linh. Best local food I had a wonderful meal at a small food stall at 368 Hung Vuong. They cook very well, the dishes are cheap and tasty. I had yougurt with red artichoke flower, Xiu mai and chicken soup for only 32,000…
