Visiting Churches in Hanoi on Christmas holidays

Streets and shops in Hanoi on Christmas holidays have been colorfully decorated.

Hanoi Cathedral

The cathedral in the city center  was built on the land of the famous Bao Thien tower in Thang Long citadel under the Ly destiny (the 11^th and 12^th century).

Originally, this church called St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Saint Joseph) due in 1678, Pope Innocent XI canonized St. Joseph (foster father of Jesus) as the patron saint of Vietnam and neighboring countries . Therefore, the largest cathedral in Hanoi was enthroned as the “Cathedral of St. Joseph”.

The church was designed in the Gothic style of medieval Europe, was popular in the 12th century and the Renaissance in Europe, made ​​in the form of the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris with curved arches, wide, oriented sky. Materials of construction of the church is terracotta tiles, walls plastered with paper mulch. The church has a length of 64.5 m, 20.5 m wide and 31.5 m high bell tower two with four corner pillars to severe. Atop the stone is the crucifix.

Ham Long Church

This is a church of the Roman Catholic Church in archdiocese of Hanoi, Vietnam. This is the place of religious activities of Hanoi Catholics and is the main parish church of Ham Long.

Designed by Vietnamese architect who was born in Ha Hoi, Thuong Tin. Church was completed in December 1934, with the height of 17 m.

Ham Long Church with two fronts overlooking Ham Long, Ngo Thi Nham, is considered one of the most beautiful church in Hanoi.

Cua Bac (Northern Gate) Church

Cua Bac Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Hanoi, at 56 Phan Dinh Phung, Ba Dinh District which was  in the Northern Gate of Thang Long Citadel (opposite to the Thang Long Citadel)  in 1931-1932 (some documents show that is was built in 1927 under the French colony) and designed by a French priest – architect in the rectangular combined with Asia-Europe style. The design did not follow any rules of symmetry.

Cua Bac Church is not only a religious place but also is a architecture with many unique features forming the significant spots in Hanoi space.

Visiting Churches in Hanoi on Christmas holidays

Nha Trang – A beautiful bay of the world

Nha Trang looks like a pretty and charming girl and being fallen in love at the first sight. You can find wonderful attractions when Nha Trang becomes more familiar.

The club of the world’s most beautiful bays was established in March 1997 in Berlin (Germany) for the purpose of conserving marine ecology and sustainable and long term tourism development in the Gulfs all over the world. At the second meeting of the Club in  Tadousac (Quebec, Canada) from June 1^st  to June 6^th 2003, Nha Trang Bay was admitted as the 29^th member of the World and the 2^nd  in Asia (after Halong Bay).

Early last century, Nha Trang was a pristine beach with a fishing village and some dozens houses in the Con hamlet. There were only  2 floors house in white which was the workplace of Dr Alexandre Yersin (called Mr Nam/Fifth’s house) . If you visit here by sea, you will see the white house at first, Nha Trang is “white house” by local name. That is the explanation about the origin of the name – Nha Trang of Yersin lovers – a special citizen of the city. According to the researchers, there was full of reeds on two sides of bank river, thus it was called Reed river (known as Yjatran or Ea Tran in Cham’s language). Over time, it has been called Nha Trang. River name later was named to the land and then the bay as well.

Being covered by 19 large and small islands, Nha Trang bay’s width is about 500km2 and is out of wind and big waves. Under the tropical sun, the green of the undulating mountains on the land, of the islands enhance the charm of the golden sand and white waves. In Nha Trang Bay, there are nearly ten islands of swallow which give annually millions of dollars to Khanh Hoa Province. Under the sea of the Bay, it is another fascinating world which is the world of 350 species of coral, 190 species of fish , molluscs, crustaceans and sea grass… December 2000, project of Hon Mun Marine Protected Area in Nha Trang – the first marine protected area of Vietnam was founded.

In Nha Trang you cannot be unable to visit Po Nagar tower in the Northern gate of Cai river – a typical architecture and ruin of Cham, being places of worship Thien Y Ana (Mother of the Kindom). Locating hundred meters away is Hon Chong (Husband Rock) including 2 enormous groups of rocks with peculiar shapes. Hon Chong is located on the shore while Hon Vo (Wife Rock) is on the sea. The groups of rocks look like the work of a giant, who carelessly put several massive rocks together. On one side of the rock, facing the sea, there is a deep handprint with the five fingers close together.

Head south to Tran Phu Road, you can visit Bao Dai villa, Institute of Oceanography which shows thousands of living marine species or its templates. Cau Da port is the departure terminal for the island traveling routes: Hon Mun, Hon Mieu, Hon Tam, Tri Nguyen Aquarium… Each place has very beautiful beaches with clean water, soft waves; anyone falling in love with strong feeling can dive to see corals, play parachute and riding motorcycle on water.

A tour from Dao Yen (Swallow island) to Hon Noi was opened on August 1^st 2003. It will take you about 90 minutes from Cau Da (Stone Bridge) to Hon Noi to visit Hai Dai Tower atop Du Ha, see corals, reefs and marine life through glass bottom boat. Particularly, you will have chance to see the movies about swallow nest harvesting and visit swallow cave in Hon Sam.

Nha Trang looks like a pretty and charming girl and being fallen in love at the first sight with its wonderful attraction. That might be the reason for A. Yersin stay over 50 years in Nha Trang. Before he closed his eyes he had reminded his co-workers “keep me in the Nha Trang and do not let anyone take me away”.

Nha Trang – A beautiful bay of the world

Hue Beauty – Lang Co travel experience

Hue Beauty – Lang Co is about 30 km South of Danang and about 70 km North of Hue. There is a favorable geographical position between 3 centers of World Cultural Heritage Conservation are: Hue, Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary within a radius of 70 km.

When to go

Lang Co is the most beautiful from April to July. There will be rain after August to November making the beach more opaque; from December to March of the following year, the sea is quite cold.

Transportation

If budget is not your concern, but your time is limited, you can choose one of two ways to travel  to Lang Co:

Option 1: fly to Hue and then rent a car (Phu Bai Airport- Hue): 75km, it will take about 1 hour due to the speed limit , car cannot run fast (If you book a room in advance  you can ask the hotel for hiring a car or motor-cycle).

Option 2: fly to Danang and then hire a taxi to go through the tunnel (about 15km) or through the Pass (35km ). If you want to go fast , then go through the tunnel but going on the passes is really a great experience because of impressive scenery of the Pass.

Note: You should fly to Hue and then stay in Lang Co, when you back home,  go to Danang and take a flight to Hanoi. That is the most reasonable schedule .

And if you want to save money to spend on other plans in Lang Co, then you should take the train. There are many Reunification train to Hue  (S1 or E1). Train traveling take more time but it is interesting to see beautiful view along the way.

Accommodation
You can find various accommodation in Lang Co suitable with your budget from average price to 4 stars, 5 stars hotels.

Eating

In Lang , you should have meals in restaurants under the bridge of Lang  Co, there are all kinds of fresh delicious seafood, but you should ask price first.

There are small restaurants along the Highway 1A, you can take a look and order. The restaurants mainly sever tourists and  seafood is mostly fresh.

Sightseeing
– Lap An Lagoon: you can rent motorbikes at the hotel reception to go to market on the way to Lap An. Walk along the stretch of road on Lap An lagoon, one side is the lagoon and the other is mountain range which will be your wonderful and unforgettable memories. The lagoon only contains shell snails, no mud, so the water level is under your knee. In the market, you can buy Lao sandals, clothing, belts imported from Laos with cheap prices.

- Chan May Beach: Chan May Beach is flat and stretches along the road, with white sand and gentle waves, just about 3km from the Highway 1A. The beach is very beautiful however if you swim here, you should note that there are no lifeguard and dangerous warning system.

- Hai Van Pass: take a stop at the top of Lang Co where the division of Hue – Da Nang. You can take pictures at the U.S. bunkers or Vong Hai Dai from Minh Mang King reign.

- Bach Ma (White Horse) National Park: is about 30km West of Lang Co. The Park is famous for cool climate. The temperature is rarely over 40^oC and under 26^oC. Here, you can walk around and enjoy the mountain climate. Visit cluster of Ngu Ho (five tigers) waterfall, Do Quyen waterfall, conquer the top of Bach Ma, visit Vong Hai Dai (we can have a panoramic view of the bay and Cau Hai bridge).

- Besides Bach Ma National Park, you can rent boats to Son Tra Peninsula or the Pearl Island. Also, you may visit Da Nang (about 20km from Lang Co to the city center). If you want to catch a private car from Da Nang – Lang Co – Hue, take the local cars (Number plate of Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An is 43, 75, 92 respectively) and asked the fares before traveling.

Entertainment

Lang Co is a great beach, but because of long distance from the center of Hue, it is very quiet. In general, it is very boring in the evening as there are very few play sites.

Hue Beauty – Lang Co travel experience

A stunning mountain flowers in Sapa

Not only is the most beautiful sight in Sa Pa, Ham Rong Mountain is also known as a royal garden with flowers blooming year round.

Ham Rong Mountain is one of the most famous tourist destination of Sapa. Located in the center of town , behind the church of Sa Pa, thus everybody should spend at least a half day to visit the place when traveling to Sapa. Belonging to Hoang Lien Son range, from a distance, it looks like a dragons flying in the white cloud.

The mountain is recognized as a small Sapa, because visitors can feel the beauty of nature, culture and people of the highlands town by every step from the foot of Ham Rong up to the mountain. Those who have visited the mountain for many times or have a first visit will be particularly impressed by all species of flowers blooming everywhere on the mountain.

Along the way up to Ham Rong Mountain is a multitude of strange flowers of the temperate regions – Sa Pa. We can see the colorful rhododendrons, and roses everywhere. Rhododendron specifically forms a colorful picture with full colors from the red, purple, pink to yellow and white. Keep going up to the mountain, you will be quickly fascinated in the orchid garden located halfway of the mountain.

Flower gardens is named Europe located in the main area of Ham Rong Mountain. There are plenty of beautiful and unique flower species of cold countries, were brought from foreign countries such as amethyst flower, Japanese cherry… Beside orchids, the most popular flower is hydrangeas. Flowers grow in the interstitial rocks, baskets or in the garden with large flowers up to 30 cm in diameter.

A stunning mountain flowers in Sapa

Three Vietnam Museums in the top 25 best museums in Asia

Three Vietnam Museums listed in the top  25 most attractive one in Asia which are War Remnants Museum, the Ethnology Museum and Museum of Women even surpassing the National Museum of Seoul in the top 25.

Museum of Women in the second most attractive destinations in Hanoi

TripAdvisor website has announced the list of 25 most attractive museums in Asia in which Vietnam has three museums, one from 2 from Ho Chi Minh City and the rest from Hanoi. They are very attractive in Vietnam to both foreigners and Vietnamese because of its creativity in display.

War Remnants Museum is always a favorite destination of foreign tourist

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is ranked No. 5, followed by the Museum of Vietnam Ethnology (No. 6) and the Vietnam Women’s Museum (No.11). In October last year, the Vietnam Women’s Museum also was listed by Tripadvisor as “the most attractive tourist destination in 2012″ in Hanoi.

Museum of Ethnology is always referred as a revolutionary museum for display

Both two top museums are in China which are Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in Shaanxi and the Forbidden City in Beijing. Meanwhile, the National Museum of Korea in Seoul ranking at the top 12^th  most visited museum in the world in 2012 with over 3.1 million visitors only has ranked at 14^th in the top 25 most fascinating museums in Asia.

Three Vietnam Museums in the top 25 best museums in Asia

Discovering Ms Silk island - “little Halong Bay” in Mekong Delta

With its wild beauty and charm, Ba Lua (Ms silk) island of Kien Giang is known as “little Halong Bay” in Mekong Delta – a beauty of Vietnam tourism.

The population consists of about 45 large and small islands offshore Kien Luong district, located 7km away form the cape of Hon Chong – Binh An on the west and 15 km from the confluence of Hon on the East.

There are only ten archipelagos with living inhabitants amongst 40 islands of Ba Lua. The island was named by natives according to the shape, along with legends and anecdotes such as Hon Heo (Pig island), Hon De (Goat island, Hon Ngang (Horizon island) and Hon Duoc (Mangrove island) …

Sea around Ba Lua Archipelago is shallow with many low tides, thus we can go from island to island, the water level is not over the back. Ms. Silk Beach is covered by lots of small and big gravels in different shapes and colors. Marine life here is very various such as grouper, cobia, trout … On the island of “little Halong Bay”, there are a lot of rare medicinal plants. On the island of Nhum, there are many pythons, snakes and some birds live in forests and sea forming a biological diversity. “Lau Lau” is strange birds like nightingale, singing to the mountains when sun sets on the sea…

If you want to explore the island in one or two days like Robinson on the unspoiled island, see our suggestions below:

Traveling:

If you want to visit Ms Silk island, you have go to the Hang Pagoda pier – Hon Phu Tu in Binh An commune (Kien Luong). From here, you can rent a boat to explore the sea – the wild island. Each island has about dozens of households. In particularly, there are some islands with only one family.

Accommodation and Eating

You can bring a tent, hammock and camp on the island because the island has a beautiful beach with spacious ideal and cool space… or stay in the local house. If camp on the beach, besides preparing hammocks, tents, sleeping bags, you should bring flashlight, lighters, knives, mineral water, personal first aid box and noodle packs.

The ship owners often have skillet, pot, rice and food and you can borrow. You can buy the fish of the ship owners and then fry on site and listen to the interesting stories of the sea. The fresh menu often consists of fresh anchovy salad, cobia soup, grilled squid, raw snails with lemon, oyster porridge…

Sightseeing around the island

In order to visit the islands in Ba Lua, explore the unspoiled island, experience the life of fishermen, you can contact the local fishermen to book a boat tour.

 It is difficult to visit all islands due to its numerous islands, so you should choose some beautiful islands. Ba Hon Dam – three lagoon islands ( including Dam Duong island, Mangrove island, Wells island) is most discovered by lots of people. The area owns beautiful beaches with many kinds of fresh seafood such as fishes, crabs, squids and snails…

Sunrise and sunset on Ba Lua archipelago are the most beautiful moments of nature. You will see the sunrise and sunset with beautiful clouds on the sky. Hundreds of fishing boats anchor in the bays of Island to hide the wind as well as float on the sea.

If you’re lucky, you can see dolphins racing, playing and tumbling around the ship on the journey on the sea. It is said that dolphins and sea puffers often appear in the Ms Silk sea, Hon Nghe and Phu Quoc. They seem friendly.

Looking at the scenery on the “little Halong Bay”, you surely will wish to become the island owner with a simple, private and peaceful life but not being separated from the outside.

Discovering Ms Silk island - “little Halong Bay” in Mekong Delta

Vietnam Beauty – A majestic Ban Gioc waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall is in the top of Vietnam Beauty listing and is a pearl with untapped potential of Vietnam tourism.

The falls is in the province of Cao Bang located on the border of Vietnam and China . This is an unmissed destination for travelers who want to admire the beauty of Vietnam.

You will be pleased at any time visiting Ban Gioc due to its stunning beauty. The rainy season lasts from June to September. In this period, the falls flows swiftly, throw up a massive white foam but also is extremely impressive. From October to May is the dry season; the water is more tranquil, peaceful and it is also easier to travel.

Ban Gioc falls is about 370 km away from Hanoi which is not a short journey but also not too long to allow you to choose different means of transportation. By cars, if you go early in the morning, you can reach the falls in the afternoon. However, traveling by motor-cycle is the most interesting as you can stop at different places along the way.

In addition to the target destination, you can visit the other beautiful scenery of northern mountains such as the eastern Nguom Ngao, Ta Lung border gate market, Pac Bo Cave, Lenin Stream, Karl Marx Mountain, where Uncle Ho and  revolutionary leaders met and held conference.

In the dry season, waterfall landscape is totally green with the stream flowing gently and cool and fresh air.

In November, you will have opportunity to enjoy flowers fields of gorgeously yellow wild sunflowers. Cao Bang’s flower fields gives travelers a unforgettable fascinating scene. November is also the time to enjoy chestnuts Chongqing in the bordering area.

When traveling in the dry season, you should bring warm clothes because the climate is quite cold at night. There are many hotels in Cao Bang with affordable prices. However being sure, you should schedule and contact with a hotels to book before departing.

Vietnam Beauty – A majestic Ban Gioc waterfall

Mui Ne travel guidebook from A to Z

A Mui Ne travel guidebook with all information and most concise, destinations and delicious food while staying in the central coastal city.

MUI NE ATTRACTION OVERVIEW

Mui Ne is a Vietnam beauty and a famous tourist attraction in Phan Thiet and is widely known for its long stretch of white sand, blue sea and curved coconut trees. Traveling to Mui Ne, not only do you visit, but can enjoy countless delicious dishes made ​​from seafood. This is also one of the proud of fisherman.

MUI NE TRANSPORTATION

By cars: currently there are many high quality types of vehicles from Saigon – Phan Thiet/Mui Ne. You can easily find transport service companies, such as: Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Tam Hanh, Hoang Long… Ticket prices range are from VND 130,000 to VND 200,000 (depending on type of seats: seater or sleeper buses). Most high quality companies offer transit service to Mui Ne.

By train: in order to get to Phan Thiet , you can also travel by train. However, the restriction is to stop at Phan Thiet Railway Station and then you have to find the car to move to Mui Ne. Fares range is from VND 95,000 to VND 125,000.

In Mui Ne: most resorts have motor-cycles rental service.

IN MUI NE:

Swimming: There are many clean and beautiful beaches, tourist attraction in Mui Ne.

Hon Rom beach: this beach owns stunning scenery. It has a strange attraction because there are so many rocks with strange shapes opposite the sea. Particularly, in the rainy season, the mountain is covered with natural green color. In the dry season, grass is yellowish which look like a giant straw from long distance, that is why it is called Hon Rom by residents.

Suoi Tien (Fairy spring): the area of Mui Ne is lovingly named as “the fairy land” by tourists. Suoi Tien is a small water canyon located next to Hon Rom which is stream for walking with beautiful sandy valley. Next to the stream is red and white natural stalactites. Due to the erosion of time,  stalactites have naturally wonderful shapes.

Desert of Golden sand: is also called “flying sand hills” stretching several kilometers from Binh Thuan to Ninh Thuan. The color is very fancy due to the color of old iron mine mixed with yellow sand. The shape of sand layers diversely changes all time due to the erosion of wind which washes away the thin top layer. The image of gold dunes is seen as a symbol of Mui Ne tourism.

AROUND MUI NE

White Lake – Lotus Lake: is located 18km away from Hon Rom. These are two natural freshwater lakes in the middle of the vast white sand dunes. White Lake is also known as Man lake; you will admire the blooming lotus flowers between the white sand dunes in the summer. Lotus lake is called Women lake which has a big lake with deep blue water surrounded by the purely beautiful white and smooth sand  dunes.

Cham Poshanu Tower: is located about 7 km away from Phan Thiet. Being situated on Ba Nai hill, Tram tower is relatively intact and a group of remaining ruin towers of Champa Kingdom. The group had a small architecture but was refined from essence of architecture and art of the Cham people. It has a very majestic beauty and mystery, is an interesting attraction of Mui Ne tourism in particular and Binh Thuan tourism in general.

IN PHAN THIET CITY: is situated about 25km from Mui Ne, with many sightseeing area attached to history.

Ho Chi Minh Museum: Museum of Ho Chi Minh in Binh Thuan was established on May 19^th 1986, where President Ho Chi Minh had stayed and taught in 1910 before he went to Saigon to traveled abroad and saved the country.

Van Thuy Tu Palace: Being attractive destination in Mui Ne / Phan Thiet. Van Thuy Tu Palace has kept dozens of titles of the Nguyen emperors, in which the reign of Thieu Tri King had 10 titles and until now, they has been preserved intact. There is a bronze bell casted in Nham Than (1872 – Lunar calendar) which has been 140 years until now. Associated with religious which has respected and worshiped Ca Ong (whales) over hundreds years. The friendly whales usually help and assist fishermen beyond the danger on the sea… Thuy Tu Palace is the burial place which has been keeping hundreds of remains of little and big one over hundreds of years.

“The Prince’s House”: On the way to Mui Ne, you will certainly be curious to discover “the Prince’s house” because of its association with the name of poet Han Mac Tu. “The Prince’s House” used to be the dating place between Han Mac Tu and Mong Cam – lover of the poet . The poet – Han Mac Tu had many poem about the romatic scenery.

EATING: SPECIALITIES IN MUI NE TOURISM

Besides specialties of sea, Mui Ne owns a rich and attractive cuisine. Some dishes can not be ignored when traveling to Mui Ne including:

1. Steam tapioca cake: the dish has existed for a long time in Binh Thuan, visitors traveling to Binh Thuan often enjoy this cake because of its unforgettable taste.

2. Bread soup: is a simple and nutritious dish. It can be enjoy with bread and special soup. There are many breads like fried fish cake soup, bread soup steamed roll.

3. Seafood Salad: is Salad of fish, snail salad. Fish salad made ​​from fresh Ca Mai, Ca Duc served with fresh salad, noodles and a special sauce. Salad of snail includes snail meat, pork, vegetables, onions, roast peanuts … going with sweet and sour sauce.

4. Banh Can pancake: original name is the rising bread, because when being baked, bread is rising. Bread is made ​​from rice flour and put into small molds as Khot cake in the other provinces of the south, but it is not coated with oil  into the mold. Cakes are “baked” and then put onto the dishes in pair with fried chopped onions.

5. Rice paper with shrimp sauce: is a familiar snacks which can be found in the streets in Phan Thiet and Mui Ne. Rice papers are placed on the coal stove, add shrimp sauce, quail eggs and spices then being grilled and rolled.

Mui Ne travel guidebook from A to Z