Hon Tam Resort in Nha Trang

Hon Tam Resort - precious ocean pearl of Nha Trang

Hon Tam Island sits like is a blue ivory ribbon of beauty, near the coastal city of Nha Trang. The island is surrounded by deep blue sea; its beaches are lined with white sand, inland the island is engulfed in green tropical forests. Peaceful and serene with only the crashing sound of waves on the shore, the wind whistling in the trees, and the many sea birds hovering about from dusk to dawn.

The Evergreen tropical rain forest is not only rich in various plant life, but also the home of many species of birds. Hon Tam Resort in Nha Trang is also an interesting place for visitors, to see the various kinds of sea fauna. At the head of the island, under the undulating rock formation is a magnificent coral reef. Hundred of types of fish gather here, weaving amongst the coral reefs and marine vegetation, creating a vibrant and interesting scene.

There are traditional villages that specialize in pottery silk weaving and other handicrafts. Hon Tam Resort is a beautiful paradise for a romantic vacation, a honeymoon, a journey of discovery, a poetic wedding, or simply getting back to nature in your Nha Trang tour.

Hon Tam Resort is the country's first resort offering experiences such as a submarine adventure, or you can try out the hot air balloon trip. Everything on this island encompasses the wonder of life.

http://www.vietnamtravelguidelines.com - Hon Tam Resort in Nha Trang

Biking tour along Central Region of Vietnam

Biking tour along Central Region of Vietnam for both amateurs and professional bikers - Heading off the beaten track to explore rural life and take in the beautiful scenery of central Vietnam.

The Central Region untouched by modern life is extremely attractive to tourist, partly for its immense blue sea, the idyllic villages and fields that run along both sides of the main trunk highway. How exciting to leave the national highway and bike head off to explore the un-spoilt inland provinces. To explore the local communes, towns and villages. It’s unsure when this craze first started, but cycling heading off into the central regions of Vietnam has become very popular. This is especially so for European tourists, even despite the scorching heat and dry winds, they still flock to this region.

Professional bike tour organizer of Vietnam, Hung, or “Joe” to his foreign friends, has dark tanned skin. He is an expert on the biking routes on both sides of the North-South main trunk road. To be able to setup an attractive journey for adventurous tourists the tour organizer must find out the most interesting routes, both adventurous and safe. Many of tourists have already cycled under the blazing sun of the Sahara or in the snowy Swiss Alps. Mr Joe avoids state highway no.1, because of the cars, big trucks and countless buses. He instead takes bikers through the villages and towns. Crossing fields and coastal roads are his favorite places as the tourists can enjoy the full feeling of rural life. He knows where the bikers should stop to shoot pictures. Similarly to sport biking, the bikers should stop every 10 to 15 km to rest and take in some food and water for the next cycling miles.

In Vietnam, GPS is not necessarily as it is not as dangerous as getting lost in Sahara. But some tourists still have to hire o local to guide them back to the main road after getting lost in the network of village paths. Biking routs from Hue to Hoi An, From Tam Ky to Quy Nhon, along the coastal road to Nha Trang then to Da Lat or biking through Phan Thiet to Ho Chi Minh City, the commune roads don’t have many sign posts, however, guest can see real local life, meet and talk with the local people. It is fantastic to bike through and around crowds of students bicycling home in their white Ao Dai’s and conical hat, like a swarm of butterflies. In Binh Dinh countryside, on the coastal roads, the tourists find many interesting thing to see. They can breathe the fresh sea breeze and watch the fishing boats bring their daily catches into the local markets. Also on these small roads, the bikers can enjoy mouth-wetting, cheap seafood, very different from eating in air-conditioned, expensive restaurants in the cities.

The most difficult route among Central Vietnam biking routs is along the tarmac roads through the hot sand dunes in Quang Ngai, there are no trees for ten kilometers. The most idyllic moments are biking in the yellow sunset along Thu Bon river, with its lush gardens and paddy fields on its bank. The Central Region’s landscape changes a lot in each area, some area very verdure alluvial plains, some are dry and hot. The society’s development is changing quickly, but luckily it is still retains much of its countryside beauty and untouched landscapes. This makes biking in the Central Region of Vietnam very attractive for visitors. Not only professional bikers who have biked in many countries around the world are fond of these tours, there is an increasing number of amateur bikers who want adventure and to explore the countryside of Vietnam, under the guidance and watchful eye of tour organizer.

www.vietnamtravelguidelines.com - Biking tour along Central Region of Vietnam.

Beaches in Nha Trang, Vietnam

Doc Let Beach

Located at Ninh Hoa Beach, 45km north of Nha Trang, Doc Let is a famous beach with blue and pure seawater, smooth waves, fine and white sand. Natural landscapes on coast and sea of Doc Let also attract visitors. The surrounding landscape of small islands that protect the shore from waves is magnificent. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood, such as shrimp, crab and fish.

Doc Let Beach

Tru Beach

This beach is situated on Hon Tre Islet in Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City. This is one of the most natural idyllic and finest beaches in Khanh Hoa, especially the purity of sea water and beach, and the surrounding environment. Though the beach is on island but the waves are soft thank to Hon Tre Mountain lying as a standing wall that prevented the ocean storm and wind. Not far from the main beach there is a small fishing village, located at the foot of mountain. Visitors can come here to know the habits of the fishing village, enjoying coconut fruit and fresh fruits.

Dai Lanh Beach

Dai Lanh Beach of Nha Trang is located next to the border between Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa Provinces, approximately 90km from Nha Trang. Dai Lanh Beach has calm, clear blue water as well as soft, white sand (offering safe swimming conditions). A fresh water source runs from the bottom of a mountain through the beach. From Dai Lanh Beach, visitors can travel to the fishing villages in Khai Luong and Dam Mon.

Van Phong Bay

Van Phong is one the most beautiful bays in Viet Nam, about 70km north of Nha Trang City, in Van Ninh District, Khanh Hoa Province. 

The bay is surrounded by a peninsula which is a 18-km-long sand dune lying between the shore and two islands - Gom and Lon. With the water area of 43,544 hectares and the depth of 20-37m, the bay is an ideal shelter for ships and boats in stormy days. The entrance is 6km wide, reaching standards for an international-level entrepot harbor. It is possible to organize different tourist and sports activities in the water and on the mountains (diving, surfing, sailing, hunting, mountaineering, bathing in mineral water, etc.). From the quay, you can take a boat trip to Dam Mon, a part of the Van Phong Bay. The sea in Dam Mon is beautiful. Here, there are also fishing villages under the rows of green coconut trees, white sand dunes and mysterious rocky cliffs. All these form a picturesque landscape.

From Dam Mon, one can continue to Xuan Dung. On the way, you will have opportunities to visit Hon Ong tourist zone, mother-of-pearl raising farms, mountains, and white sand dunes. Xuan Dung Sea is waveless, green and limpid, with white fine sand grounds. You can have a bath here before returning Dam Mon to visit the Whale Mausoleum.

Beaches in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Tourist guides for Ba Ria - Vung Tau

Highlights: Vung Tau beaches, Long Hai Beach, Binh Chau Hot Spring, Con Dao Island and National Park.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau is 116km from Ho Chi Minh City, just below Dong Nai Province and next to the East Sea. Its terrain includes mountains, hills, beaches, plains and sand dunes stretching along a 100km of coastline. The climate is divided into two main seasons. The rainy season from April to October, and the dry season from November to March. The average annual temperature is a balmy 27°C (80.6°F).

Due to the harmonious combination of the sea, mountains and beaches, this Is a grout tourist area. The friendly town of Vung Tau (known as Cap Saint-Jacques during the French colonial period) attracts many people from Ho Chi Minh City, who come here to spend the weekend or some holiday. Just off the coast is the Con Lon Archipelago, including Con Dao Island, which is endowed with a national forest, beautiful beaches and rare and precious sea products. This area is also well known for its industrial petroleum and gas development. The handicraft products are also developing a name for the province, with ornaments made of snail shells, coral and turtle shells. Popular festivals also characterize this animated and lively sea area.

Tourist Attractions

Giant Jesus Statue
This enormous 32m figure of Jesus gazing across the East Sea with outstretched arms is located at the southern end of Nho Mountain (Small Mountain). Built in 1972 and was completed in 1994, this Giant Jesus rests on a 10m-high platform. The interior of the statue is hollow and contains a spiral staircase of 133 steps, ascending from the foot of the statue to its neck. The two shoulders of the figure are balconies, each able to accommodate up to six people, which offer a splendid view of the surrounding landscape.

View from the Jesus Statue

Bach Dinh (White Villa)
The construction of Bach Dinh started in 1898, and was completed in 1916. It was done according to late 19th century French influence, and its facade is decorated with ancient Greek designs. Located on Large Mountain, Bach Dinh was used as a rest house for French Governor Paul Doumer.

Vung Tau Lighthouse
Vung Tau Lighthouse was built in 1907, at an altitude of 170m, on the peak of Small Mountain. The lighthouse can project light as far as 35 miles and contains a telescope to observe and direct boats and ships. From the lighthouse, one can enjoy a view of Vung Tau as far as Can Gio Port and Ba Ria.


Temples And Pagoda in Vung Tau

Quan The Am Bo Tat Pagoda (Avalokitecvara Pagoda)
Quan The Am Bo Tat Pagoda was built in 1976, near Large Mountain, 500m from Mulberry Beach (Bai Dau). In the middle of this small pagoda, there is a white statue of Avalokitecvara standing on a lotus-shaped platform. The statue is made of reinforced concrete in the shape of a woman looking towards the sea and holding a holy water urn in her hands.

Linh Son Co Tu (Linh Son Pagoda)
Linh Son Pagoda, which is a small pagoda on Hoang Hoa Tham Street, is the oldest pagoda in Vung Tau. In the main sanctuary, there is a Statue of Buddha made of stone and gilded with gold. The statue is cleverly sculpted such that it portrays the lively benevolence of Buddha.

Thich Ca Phat Dai (Sakyamuni Pagoda)
Thich Ca Phat Dai is a large pagoda that is located at 25 Tran Phu Street in Vung Tau, 3km from the city centre. This pagoda was built in 1961 and was completed in 1963, on a 6ha area on the eastern slope of Large Mountain. The beauty of the pagoda resides in the union of the religious architecture with the landscape. The 19m Bat Giac Tower (Octagonal Tower) and the Sakyamuni Statue are not to be missed. Both shining of a sparkling white, there were erected half-way up the mountain slope. The pagoda is open from 6am to 6pm.

Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda
Construction of Niet Ban Tinh Xa started in 1009 and was completed in 1974. The pagoda faces the sea son on the western side of Small (Nho) Mountain and houses a giant statue of a reclining Buddha made of reinforced concrete and covered with marble (from the Marble Mountains in Da Nang). Niet Ban Tinh Xa is famous for its 5,000kg bronze bell.

Beaches in Vung Tau


Back Beach (Thuy Van Beach or Bai Sau)
Located southeast of Vung Tau, Back Beach is a large and beautiful beach. There are many accommodations and services in the area. The complex of hotels on Thuy Van Street has rooms available to suit all budgets. There are also restaurants and parking areas, as well as lifeguards patrolling the beach.

Front Beach (Tam Duong - Bai Truoc)
Front Beach is located in the centre of Vung Tau, along the Quang Trung Str., where stand numerous luxurious hotels: Palace, Rex, Hong River, Huong River, Royal, etc. From Bai Truoc, the new Ha Long St. leads to Pineapple Beach (Bai Dua). Back Beach (Thuy Van Beach) can be reached by following Hoang Hoa Tham St.

Pineapple Beach (Bai Dua)
Pineapple Beach is situated between Front Beach and Back Beach, near Small (Nho) Mountain and Nghinh Phong Cape. There used to be numerous wild pineapples that grew on the rocky shore, which is why the beach is called Pineapple (Dua) Beach. The waves here are small and safe.

Nghinh Phong Beach (O Quan)
Nghinh Phong, meaning "receiving the wind" in Vietnamese, is situated at the extreme south of Vung Tau, near Pineapple Beach. The beach is narrow, the water is transparent with continuous waves and wind, and it is bordered by high rocky cliffs (Nghinh Phong Cape). This is an excellent location for surfing.

Mulberry Beach (Bai Dau)
Mulberry Beach lies at the foot of Big Mountain, 3km from Front Beach. The beach is narrow and its waves are very small. This is a popular beach with those who appreciate its calmness, cleanness, and beauty.

Long Hai Beach

Long Hai Beach

Long Hai Beach runs several kilometres along the Chau Long and Chau Vien Mountains. At a few spots, the mountains seem to merge into the sea creating magnificent stone beaches. Along the coast, there are several kilometres of cherry orchards. During the blossom season, the scenery is fantastic. This beach is a favourite for many people who find it quieter than those in Vung Tau. Long Hai Beach is comparable in beauty with those in Nha Trang. It will soon become a vacation resort offering activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, hiking and mountain climbing. A new resort was built, called Anoasis Beach Resort. It is considered the best resort in Southern Viet Nam. It is located 2km from small town of Long Hai. Long Hai Beach is 120km south of Ho Chi Minh City, 40km northeast of Vung Tau City, 15km southeast of Ba Ria Town.

Lady Islet (Hon Ba)
Hon Ba is located approximately 200m from Smalll Mountain. When the tide is low, it is possible to walk to this tiny island. On the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, people go to lliti Monti und burn Incense for luck. Hon Ba In n lovely scenic spot in Vung Tau. 

Tourist guides for Ba Ria - Vung Tau

Vung Tau Tourist attractions

Beaches in Vung Tau

 

Mui Ne beach of Phan Thiet - Binh Thuan

Mui Ne Beaches

Mui Ne is 22km from the center of Phan Thiet City. Along the road from Phan Thiet to Mui Ne are innumerable sand dunes with imposing landscape of beautiful rows of coconut trees and clean beaches. The typical scenery of Mui Ne lies in the moving lines of golden sand caused by the wind and when they are seen from afar they look like moving waves. The beautiful sand dunes of Doi Cat have long been a creative subject of photographs and paintings. The place is suitable for rest and relaxation all year round. Many beaches in Mui Ne now remain its pristine scenery and pure atmosphere. Traveling to Mui Ne, visitors can take sea bathing, playing water sports such as surfing, parachute pulling, playing golf and go fishing and much more since tourist service of Mui Ne is quite good with many resorts and tourist destinations of many ranks, many price levels.

A kid hire out his sand-slide-mats

Also worth visiting in this area: Suoi Tien (Fairy Spring); the Ong Hoang Building; and the Po Sha Nu Cham Tower (about 5km out of Phan Thiet on the way to Mui Ne), which you can check out all together with other tourist destinations of Binh Thuan here.

Over view for tourist to Nhatrang - Khanh Hoa

Khanh Hoa Province
Khanh Hoa is popular with tourists by it's beaches; Islands; Po Nagar Cham Towers, and highlight is Nha Trang - the capital city of Khanh Hoa.
Khanh Hoa is a coastal province in South Central Viet Nam. The terrain of this region gradually declines from the mountains to the west towards the hills, deltas, and a 200km-long coastline and islands to the east. Offshore there are 200 islands of various sizes, with the Truong Sa Island District accounting for over 100 of them. The two largest rivers flowing through the province are the Cai and Dinh rivers. Specific resources from the province include precious wood and sea products. The climate here is oceanic with tropical monsoon, but quite mild. The average annual temperature is 26.5°C (79.7°F). Khanh Hoa's infrastructure is better than some of the other South Central localities. The system of ports, airports and land routes are convenient for various means of travel and transportation. Khanh Hoa is successfully developing its fishing, agricultural, and industrial economy.

Hon Tam island of Nha Trang

Nha Trang

with its 7km-long beach, Nha Trang is a leading holiday destination in Viet Nam. It is also well known for its Cham relics and its various remains, pagodas, and temples. With numerous beautiful spots, Nha Trang is one the great tourism centers. Nha Trang attracts a lot of tourists to relax and sightseer all year round. Nha Trang with Van Phong Bay is considered as one of the 29 beautiful bays in the world. The tourist industry here is among most develops tourist destination of Vietnam, tourist can enjoy a wide range of tourist service in Nha Trang from popular to luxury.

You can check out by our articles here: Tourist destinations of Nha Trang city; Tourist destinations close to Nha Trang city.

The Travel of Phu Quoc island

The heart-shape island

This heart shaped island is just sixty-two nautical miles from Rach Gia and nearly 290 nautical miles from Laem Chabang - Thailand, tourist visitors can make a trip to Phu Quoc by air from Ho Chi Minh or by sea from Rach Gia - Kien Giang. It covers an area of 567 square kilometers and is about sixty two kilometers long and between three and twenty eight kilometers wide. In 2001, its population was approximately 85000.

Phu Quoc is called the “Island of Ninety nine Mountain” because of its sandstone chains of mountain running from the north to the south. The longest chain is Ham Ninh, which stretches for thirty kilometers along the eastern edge. Its highest peak is Mt. Chua, which is 603 kilometers.

Phu Quoc has a monsoon subequatorial climate and two seasons: rainy (October only) and dry (November to September). The average annual rainfall is 2879 meters and temperature is 27degree. Trips to Phu Quoc can be made all year round, but the best time is the dry season, when the sky is sunny, clear, and blue.

During the early seventeenth century,   Phu Quoc was a desolate area where Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants earned their living from sea cucumbers. Between 1782 and 1786, the island was a stronghold of Lord Nguyen Anh (who later became Emperor Gia Long) during his confrontation with Tay Son forces. In 1869, the French occupied   Phu Quoc and established rubber and coconut plantations. Between 1967 and 1972, the former Sai Gon regime used the island to house 40000 prisoners of war in a detention camp covering 400 hectares at An Thoi. After liberation, residents converted   Phu Quoc into an ideal destination for nature and sea lovers.

Phu Quoc is famous worldwide for two traditional products: black pepper and fish sauce. The numbers for both products are quite surprising. Hundreds of fish sauce workshops produce ten million liters of nuoc mam annually, and countless pepper gardens cover about five hundred hectares. The pepper growers captivate visitors with their “itsy bitsy, teeny weeny coins” while those taking in the fish sauce workshops will be amazed by the dozens of bulky barrels waiting to be jammed with fresh fish. Some visitor will surely be tempted to try a few pungent green “pepper coins” and half a spoonful of the tasty, salty sauce.

Phu Quoc Nature Reserve was established in 1986 and later expanded to a total are of 37000 hectares. The reserve, which has diverse flora and fauna, covers mainly the mountainous northern part of the island. There are nearly 929 tree species of which nineteen newly found species were first recorded in Vietnam. The forest is home to many species of birds and small mammals, including flying squirrels and sloth monkeys. As explained by the French Larousse dictionary, the famous   Phu Quoc dog is a well-tamed, wild canine species that has become a favourite companion for hunters. Trekking through the park should be done in the dry season only.

Sugar white beaches with crystal clear water often surprise first time visitor to   Phu Quoc. All the beaches are considered among the best in Vietnam. The most spectacular beaches spread along the western coast and gather around the southern tip of the island. Not far from the district town, private for family holidays. For young couples, the best choice of a secluded haven is one of the deserted bays ringed by hill, sand, and bushes at the southern tip of the island.

Dinh Cau Rock, where sand and sea and sun and stone blend in perfect harmony by the mouth of the Duong Dong River, is the symbol of Phu Quoc. The rock is both an odd shaped scenic site and a sacred shrine. Local fishermen pray there before setting sail. Step take visitors to the top, where they can fell the gentle sea breeze, watch the sun set over the eroded rock formation, and enjoy a peaceful view of the Duog Dong River.

Away from the hustle bustle of mainland Vietnam, Phu Quoc is an ideal serene retreat for those seeking contemplation or meditation. Quite a few temples and shrines are scattered across the island and in the district town. Built in the early nineteenth century, Sung Hung pagoda, with its original structure and intriguing statues, is well worth visiting. Nestled in thick vegetation on a hillside, Su Mon Pagoda is always an inspiration for visitors thanks to its unique blend or nature and architecture.

Peaceful Phu Quoc night market

The market with its fishing tools and huge, fresh fish provides a nice way to again an insight in local life. A lively, cheerful atmosphere permeates the market. Vendors in conical palm hats sit on the ground, their small baskets of fruits and vegetables nearby, and then there are also salespeople at big, well stocked stands. Those who walk to the market jetty can take wonderful photographs of boats loading and unloading.

Off the southern tip of the main island (thirty minutes by boat from An Thoi), are the fifteen An Thoi island with their scenic beaches, azure waters, colorful coral reefs, and colonies of diverse fish. Some islands remain uninhabited and pristine. A host of leisure activities awaits visitor, including swimming, snorkeling, boating, fishing, or just resting. Visitors should stop at a fishing village on Hon Thom to see the local resident in the midst of the daily chores and experience their friendliness. Hotel staff can arrange for boats

- Islands in Vietnam -

Con Dao island travel information

A beach in Con Dao

Con Dao Archipelago, situated 200 kilometers southeast of southern Vietnam, contains fourteen islands. Rich tropical forests, long white beaches, and coral reefs greet visitors arriving by helicopter from Ho Chi Minh or boat from Vung Tau at Con Son island, the largest in the archipelago. The drive from the airport to a small village passes through hills with breathtaking scenery. 

Con Dao is an ideal place for Vietnam tours of exploring land-and-sea biodiversity, for it is one of Vietnam's most important natural areas. Declared a protected site in 1984, Con Dao was given national park status in 1993; in 1997, authorities expanded the park’s boundaries to include a major marine zone. 

The park has over 880 plant species, 144 animal species, and more than 1,300 marine species. Marine species include marine turtles (green, hawksbill, leatherback and loggerhead), giant clams (Tridacna spp.), and dugong, which is an endangered mammal than is similar to the manatee and is found in Vietnam only at Con Dao in addition, Con Dao has globally significant land species, such as long-tailed macaque monkeys, hairy-footed flying squirrels, giant black squirrels, Indian pythons, and nicobar pigeons. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indochina Programme has worked with park staff since the early 1990s to protect the se endangered species and to raise environmental awareness within the local community. 

Visitors can see marine turtles while visiting the second largest island, Bay Canh, during the turtles' nesting season, which is between bay and September. The can also visit a large mangrove forest on the opposite side of the island, which can be reached after a five-minute - walk. Another attraction tours destination is the mountain lighthouse on the island's eastern tip. 

Visitors wishing to see the marine environment can snorkel in the large bay just outside the village. If the tide is right, the can walk about a kilometer up the beach in the morning and then swim back with the tide as it comes in. Although typhoon Linda severely damaged the coral reefs in 1997, new corals are settling on the large tabular corals that flipped over during the storm. Visitors equipped with snorkels can see squids, sea urchins, different kinds of groupers, parrot fish, butterfly fish, surgeon fish, soldier fish, and many others. The density of coral reef fish and giant clams is the highest in Việt Nam. Sea grass beds, which are important grazing grounds for dugongs, are north of the coral beds. Swimmers who go there may be lucky enough to see the dugongs. 

Discover the marine environment

In addition to its beauty, Con Dao is famous as the ''Prison Island''. The French built thirteen prisons there, the former Southern regime later took over the prisons. Over 20,000 Vietnamese - mostly political prisoners - died at Con Dao. Helpful guides will take visitors on an interesting tour to some of the prisons. The French and subsequently the Americans and the former regime in the South kept prisoners in a small, concentrated area and otherwise closed the island for one hundred years. An a result, the island's forests and marine habitats are well preserved compared to many areas in Vietnam, making Con Dao both a great historical site and a Vietnam tourist destination for adventure and nature.

- Islands in Vietnam -

Ba Ria - Vung Tau beaches

Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province has a hundred kilometers o shoreline, including seventy-two kilometers of sand dunes. The topography of the province includes the dunes as well as hills, mountains, and small deltas. Ba Ria - Vung Tau has a monsoon tropical climate. The rainy season with its southwest monsoon runs from say to October; the dry season with winds from the northeast runs from November to April. The annual average temperature is 27⁰C . Ba Ria - Vung Tau province is a key gateway for the country's southeast provinces to the Eastern Sea. Thus, it plays a strategic role as an international seaport, particularly for other Southeast Asian nations.

Kites on Bai Sau - a beach in Vung Tau

The beautiful beaches near Vung Tau town have great allure. Local authorities and business leaders wishing to entice tourists to their shores have decided the natural wonders need spicing up with a bit of man-made fun. Jet skiing is a new craze. Nearly a hundred jet ski businesses operate on Vũng Tàu's beaches; the city's Beach Management Board claims they are both speedy and safe.

Visitors have several choices: A three-seater has a top speed of between 110 and 150 kilometers per hour, whereas a two-seater travels at a more sedate rate of between fifty-five and seventy - five kilometers per hour. Drivers start at a low speed and play relaxing music as their guests settle in but will turn up the throttle for those wanting a rush. The more adventurous will soon be holding their breath and trying to quell the adrenaline as their racing craft tackles the huge waves. Don't worry: The drivers' skills are up to the task of keeping visitors safe until the ride is over.

Others might prefer a trip to the scenic mountain peaks of Nui Lon (Big Mountain) or Nui Nho (Small Mountain). Nearby are the legendary White House (once a famed fortress) and a seven-story statue of Jesus Christ that blends Vietnamese and French influences. The forest's seductive perfume of cajeput and red jasmine lingers in the memory long after a walk in the mountains, reminding visitors of the unforgettable beauty of the land and the charm of its people.

It' not a perfect trip if your trip of Ba Ria - Vung Tau lack of making the trip out to the Con Dao Archipelago event though the site is only a short plane trip or an inexpensive boat ride away. Seven island cruises can help visitors appreciate the splendour of Con Dao Archipelago, including the tropical forest of Bai Ong Dung, the reddish gold or snow – white sand of Bai Dam Trau, and the coral reefs and multi – colored fish around Hon Tre Lon and Hon Tre Nho. Visitors can stop over at Bến Đầm to watch the bustling fishing boat traffic in the harbour. From Bem Dam, they can go on to observe the antics of the red-faced monkeys on Hon Tai and marvel at the immense forests of coconut trees on Hòn Cau. The can travel on to Hon Bay Canh to watch sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. 

Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province’s Touris Service is planning to develop yet more entertainment and sight-seeing choices to make a trip to the region even more satisfying. Nevertheless, current services are sufficient to ensure that visitors can relax, enjoy themselves, and appreciate the natural environment

- Beaches in Vietnam -

Travel of Beaches in Center Vietnam

Canh Duong, which is sixty kilometers from Hue City, is widely regarded as the most beautiful beach of Thua Thien Hue province. The eight kilometers of beach arc between the Western and Eastern Chan May Mountains. The beach is sheltered, and its sand is white and fine. Cảnh Dương is popular with tourists and local residents alike and is famous for its many sporting activities. 

Lang Co Beach, stretches along National Highway 1A for 10km with white sand and clean and shallow waters. Looking Lang Co from the northern side of Hai Van Pass, one can see the rows of coconut trees and simple roofs adjacent to a sand dune similar to a visor stretching out the sea.
Since coming into operation in 2001, the Lang Co Tourist Park has become a key tourist and beautiful site in Viet Nam and the region. The park is built in a white-sand dune covering an area of 10 hectares. The pleasure-houses here are designed in the Hue traditional styles combining the architecture of mausoleums, palaces, temples, pagodas and the green areas of garden-houses in Hue.
In Lang Co, tourists can have chances to admire white sand-dunes under the shadowy rows of coconut trees and take part in
interesting activities such as sea-bathing, beach-volleyball, tennis, sea diving, and fishing in the open sea.
Around Lang Co, visitors can experience other pleasures in exploring springs, caves, waterfalls, lakes, and stone grounds of
natural and virgin beauty. Near the beach, there are many tourist attractions such as Chan May Mountain, Tu Hien Estuary, fishing village.

Lang Co beach

Non Nuoc Beach, known during the American War as ''China Beach,'' runs for five kilometers alongside the Marble Mountains and is bordered by Dien Ngoc Sea to the south and Da Nang City to the north. The water here is famous for its' clarity. Local residents cultivate and harvest seaweed for export. Non Nước is popular with domestic and foreign tourists, who can stay in the several five-star hotels or in less expensive housing. 

Dai Lanh Beach which is eighty kilometers north of Nha Trang and close to Highway 1, has been famous throughout history for its white sands and sea-pine trees. In fact, "Dai Lanh'' was carved on the of the Nine Urns in the Mieu Courtyard, which King Minh Menh (rule: l820-l840) built in Hue. 

The beach city of Nha Trang

Nha Trang City has a population of 300,000 yet has retained a small-town atmosphere. This city 442 kilometers north of Hồ Chí Minh City is well known for its friendly people and for its ten kilometers of prime beaches with year-round warm water (average temperature of 26⁰C) and the lowest humidity in Viet Nam. Famous nearby islands are the Truong Sa (Spratleys), Hon Tam, Hon Tre, Hon Yen, and Hon Rua. 

Mui Ne - Hon Rom Beach Area is two hundred kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and eleven kilometers east of Phan Thiet. Its huge sand dunes have been the subject of many photographs and video clips. Visitors can follow the Suối Tiên (Fairy Spring), a stream that run through some of the dunes. The beach, which is internationally known among wind and kite surfers for its prime wind conditions, boasts outstanding facilities for guests.

- Beaches in Vietnam -

Do Son Beach Travel

Do Son a small peninsula 22.5 kilometers in length between the Lach Tray and Van Uc Rivers, is a famous seaside resort twenty kilometers southwest of Hai Phong and a little over a hundred kilometers from Ha Noi. Thousands of sandalwood trees shade its beaches,  which are surrounded by mountains covered with pines. On summer day, Do Son is alive with tourists from all over the world. Ben Nghien (Sloping Wharf) at the end of Zone II has high-speed ferries running from Do Son Ha Long bay and to Hon Dau and Cat Ba islands.

Do Son beach

Vietnamese say Do Son is like a dragon's head facing a precious stone (Hon Dau island) and that Bach Long Vi island nearby looks as if it were created by the dragon's whisking tail. Do Son’s Tuong Long Tower atop Ngoc Son Mountain dates from the eleventh century. Only the foundation of the ten-story tower remains. However, the inscription on the bricks is clear: ''Ly gia de tam de, Long Thuy Thai Binh tu nien tao'' (The third Ly emperor, the fourth year of Long Thuy Thai Binh [King Ly Thanh Tong]). This would place the date at 1057.

Van Ban Pagoda, once the site of the famous Van Ban Bell, is next to the tower. The bronze bell, one of the oldest in Vietnam, was cast during the Trần Dynasty (1225-1400). It is on display now at the History Museum in Ha Noi. The bell fell in to the sea during a storm and remained there for hundreds of years. Fishermen retrieved it in 1958 near Zone 1 Beach. Scholars believe the bronze contained a high proportion of gold, which protected the bell during its centuries under seawater.

Historical traces also show that the Tran kings used Do Son as a marine base. In 1288, the Vietnamese defeated Yuan - Mongolian invaders, sinking hundreds o their junks during a fierce battle in the mouth of Dai Bang River near Nhi Son Tower.

Tiny Hon Dau island has a temple to a General Nam Hai Than Vuong from the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), who is a tutelary god protecting fishermen in rough seas. Before fishing trips, sailors stop off at the island to present offerings to secure good luck and increased confidence when facing difficult challenges at sea. Local people honour Nam Hai Than Vuong with an annual festival on the ninth and tenth day of the first lunar month.

In 1741, Nguyen Huu Cau, selected Do Son an a navy camp. The current custom of buffalo fights on the ninth day of the eighth lunar month in conjunction with a festival for the Water God grew from a ceremony Nguyen Huu Cau organised to encourage his solders.

Soon after the French arrived in Hai Phong in the 1870s, the turned Do Son into a summer resort, Vietnam travel destination for themselves and the Vietnamese upper class. Recently, developers have renovated the Vạn Hoa hotel, a French colonial resort near the end of Do Son Peninsula, to create a casino with a view of the Hon Dau island lighthouse four kilometers out to sea.

"Buffalo-fighting" Festival in Do Son

Attractive Do Son travel sites include: Tuong Long Tower, Pearl Temple, Dragon Stream (with remains from the tim of the Ly Dynasty) in Ngoc Hai Ward; Ba De Temple at the foot of Doc Mountain at the end of Xam Wharf in Duyen Hai Ward, a buffalo - fighting festival with the preliminary round during the sixth lunar month and the final matches at the town stadium on the ninth day of the eighth lunar month; the three beaches at Zones I, II, and III, great views from many of the restaurants, ''Wharf Without a Number,'' the starting point of the ''Ho Chi Minh Trail on the Sea'' for ships traveling from the North to the South during the American War in Vietnam, Do Son Casino, formerly Van Hoa Hotel with its French colonial architecture; the market selling fresh shrimps, tiny shrimps, oysters, dried fish, shrimp paste, sharks' fins, and the swimming bladders of conger pikes.

Of special interest is Bao Dai’s Villa on the Vung Hill. In l999, Do Son Tourist Hotel Company renovated the palace, which is about a thousand square meters. Visitors can see the great lounge where Emperor Bao Dai received visitors. They can also view the bedrooms for Queen Nam Phuong and the princes and princesses. The dining room, living room, reading room, royal private kitchen, and wine cellar have also been restores. Visitors can try on costumes like those worn by the king and queen and have their photographs taken as  they sit on a throne.

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Bai Chay Beach

Bai Chay (Buring Plain), a large artificial beach close to Ha Long bay, is over 500 meters long ang 100 meters wide. Hoang Gia Tourism company’s investment has made the site popular. An asphalt road winds between the beach of  white sand and casuarina trees. Nearby are restaurants, traditional music theatre and water puppet theatres. Hoang Gia park on Ha Long road between Bai Chay tourist wharf Ha Long night market provides water-skiing and jet-skiing.

Bai Chay is associated with many legends.One describes a fleet led by Truong Van Ho with food for the Yuan-Mogolian invaders. Vietnamese defenders led by Tran Khanh Du set the entire invading fleet afire. Winds from the northeast carried sparks to the western side of Cua Luc river mouth, setting its forests aflame. Hence, the name “Bai Chay”.

Another story says the western side of  Cua Luc once had a wharf for seafaring vessels. Local shipyards used casuarina leaves to burn acorn-barnacles off the boats’hulls. People in Hon Gai and another neighbouring villages saw these fires and called the area “ Bai Chay”.

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Ha Loang Bay (Ha Long By) - Vietnam

Seen from above, Ha long Bay resembles a light blue handkerchief dotted with emeralds. The bay cover only 1,553 squares kilometers yet has 1,969 islands. The artistic hand of creation made islands that look like people, animals and familiar objects. Trong Mai (Cock and Hen) resembles a pair of chickens bobbing in the water; Rua (Turtle) is a giant tortoise with half-closed eyes. Ong su (The Monk) looks like an old monk, his face turn out to sea as he clasps his hands in prayer to Buddha and Đinh Huong (Incense Urn) is like a giant incense burner atop the altar of the sea.

 
Ha Long bay is the deep blue during all seasons. In spring, the islands seem to bob on the water. As summer approaches, they appear to  awaken in unison and rise from the blue depths. Fig trees and orchids in cracks along the rocky faces bloom with snowy flower. Boats take tourists anytime of year along meandering channels through the forest of  islands. Sometimes, a rock face seems to block the route. However, once the boats come nearer, the wall appears to crack open as if to let boats pass. One scene disappears as yet another panorama opens. The winding route feels endless.

Ha Long bay has  a rich collection of grottoes and caves concentrated mostly in the UNESCO- protected area. Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto) feels modern and refined while Đau Go ( Timber Hiding Cave) is ample and grandiose and Sung Sot (Amazing Cave) seem deeply secretive. Many sites – such as Đong Tien (Fairy Grotto) Lake and Trinh Nu and Trong (Virgin and Male) Grottoes  – are linked to legends and popular tales. Each cave is a grandiose yet refined architectural creation of nature.

At sun set, the mountain shadows stretch out across the bay and the water turns grey-blue before suddenly changing to crimson with the sun’s last rays. For an instant, the landscape becomes one color and then sunlight disappears. After the moon climbs into the sky, the sea seems coated with silver, with the lights of  Ha Long city reflect off the water.

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- Bays in Vietnam -

Beaches in Vietnam - Tra Co beach

Vietnam's 3,000 - kilometers coastline stretches from Tra Co Beach in the northern province of Quang Ninh to Ca Mau Cape in Vietnam's southern-most province of Ca Mau and includes islands, bays, and beaches that range from the secluded and romantic to the popular and sporty. The favorite beaches are: Tra Co, Ha Long, Bai Chay, Do Son, Canh Duong, Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Đai Lanh, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Hon Rom, and Vung Tau.

This post will introduce you the beach of Tra Co. These other beaches, the islands; bays will be introduced in the later posts in the series "Beaches in Vietnam", "Islands in Vietnam", and "Bays in Vietnam"

 

Tra Co Beach

Tra Co, a small peninsula in Quang Ninh province, is just eight kilometers from Chinese border. Its seventeen kilometers of beaches stretch from Got cape to Hon Ngoc (Pearl cape), with with sand dunes measuring up to four meters in height and forest of sea pines and mangroves. Residents of the small villages dotting the peninsula earn their incomes from fishing. Tra Co accommodates tens of thousands of visitors who flock there for relaxation and recuperation. The area also boasts tourist sights, including Linh Khanh pagoda and one of the oldest Christian churches in Viet Nam.

Linh Khanh pagoda, also known as the Tra Co or the Nam Tho pagoda, was erected in 1775 during the reign of King Le Hien Tong to worship Goddess Lieu Hanh. This site of  5000 square metres in a peacefull setting beneath ancient tress has sixty-three statues that include Buddha, Quan Am Thi Kinh and Di Lac as bronze bells which were added in 1843.

The Tra Co communal house (Dinh Tra Co) is delicated to the six gods who established the village. Built in 1550, it has two wings, each with seven rooms. Each of the rooms has wooden floors and celling. Forty-eight wooden pillars, each over five meters tall, support roof timbers with intricate carvings. Both wings have carvings of for mythical figures: dragon, unicorns, turtles and phoenixes.

Dinh Tra Co

The mother Goddess temple, also known as Tra Co temple, was buuilt in 1550. The temple is dedicated to a Queen Mother whose statue was washed ashore from the open sea according to local legend. The temple is a scared site for Vietnamese, who flock there on the twenty-third day of the third lunar month for the annual festival honoring the mother Goddess. The temple was originally only a small hut in the forest. Today, it stands next to a huge, 700 – year – old banyan tree.

Tra Co also boasts a shrine delicated to Nguyen Huu Cau, a leader of an eighteen-century peasants’ insurrection, as well as a Christian church dating from 1880. The church, which was renovated in 1995, features  murals and a bell that is over eighty years old.

Tra Co’s average annual temperature of 22.7°C, its seculed location away from the bustle of ports and its unspoiled natural beauty make it a promising site for development. The area is 195 kilometres from Ha Long town and 206 kilometres by water from Hai Phong city. It’s very interesting when enjoy anything at here, it’s a beautiful memory when discover here.

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Travel of Vietnam - The country and people

Diversity and peaceful is the most impress in the travel of Vietnam

Vietnam’s diversity includes both natural landscapes and many different ethnic groups. After years of war ending from 1975, it is now safe and secure for those who want to travel for Vietnam.

Vietnam is a long “S” – shaped country bordering the Eastern Sea. Vietnamese describe their country as two large baskets of rice hanging from a carrying pole made of bamboo. The two “rice baskets” are the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south. The “carry pole” is the Truong Son mountain range in the narrow center of the country. Vietnam’s history of land reclamation, land protection and irrigation for wet-rice cultivation extends back many centuries. These practices among the majority ethnic Kinh (Vietnamese) as well as among some of the ethnic – minority groups created a special tie to the land and a tradition of both self-determination and a strong local community.

Farmer in Vietnam carrying rice home 

The Vietnamese people’s love for their country arises from the sacrifice they and their ancestors made as they blazed trails through the dangerous Truong Son mountain range and over Ngang pass in Quang Binh province, the Hai Van pass in Thua Thien-Hue province and the Ca pass in Phu Yen province. Tourist visiting Vietnam’s many fascinating sites will be even more intrigued if they delve beyond a given site’s natural beauty to study its history and culture.