Fireworks to be set off at Tran Temple festival

Low-range fireworks will be set off at the opening ceremony of the Tran Temple Festival in Tien Duc commune, Hung Ha District, Thai Binh Province on February 20.

A procession at the 2014 Tran Temple festival

The opening ceremony will feature incense offering at the Tran Kings’ tombs, the gate opening rituals at Den Thanh (Thanh Temple), Den Mau (Mother Temple) and the Tran Kings’ shrines, and a palanquin procession.

A 60-minute performance recounting an epic titled ‘Forever Shining Dynasty’ will also be staged at the opening.

Visitors to the five-day event can learn more about local traditional practices, such as a fish cooking contest, a rice cooking challenge, and clay firecrackers.

The festival is held annually from the thirteenth to the eighteenth days of the first lunar month at the national historical complex of the Tran Kings’ shrines and tombs to pay tribute to the Tran Dynasty (1225-1440) in the country’s history of construction and defence, promoting national traditions, patriotism and revolution among people.

The festival was recognised as a national intangible heritage in 2014 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The historical complex of the Tran Kings’ shrines and tombs was acknowledged as a special national cultural relic, according to a decision signed by the Prime Minister last year.

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Phu Quoc set to become special economic zone

Phu Quoc island district in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is set to become a special economic zone and the locality’s growth driver between 2016-2020.

Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) - Travel And Local Information Guide

Arrivals

Upon disembarking from your plane you walk down a short corridor to the Immigration area. If you need to pick up your Visa on Arrival head to the VOA desk, fill in the form and hand them your passport. You shouldn’t have to wait more than 15 minutes to get your passport back with the visa stamped inside however it may be a little chaotic if there are a lot of people. Through immigration, the baggage claim is just a few metres away. Here there is a duty-free shop should you wish to pick up some items.

Customs clearance is just on your right. It is important to note that after you collect your baggage you will need to present the remaining portion of your baggage stub, which is attached to your airline ticket, to the attendant to prove you have your correct luggage.

After passing the customs clearance there will be ATMs and a currency exchange booth on the right-hand side just out of the passenger zone. It is a good idea to get some local currency at this point in order to pay for your transportation.

Departures

When you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport you enter through the first floor domestic terminal. Here your luggage will be screened before you head to the international check in counters. After checking in, go through to the Immigration area on the left. After passport control there is one more security check point before you enter the Departures Lounge.

Transport Options

Noi Bai International Airport is located approximately 45km north of Hanoi. The journey takes around 40 minutes and there are a few ways to reach the city.

The Hanoi city bus services 07 and 17 depart from the bus stop located just outside the arrivals terminal from 5am to 10pm. The trip costs 5,000 VND and will take about an hour. If you have oversized luggage you may not be permitted on the bus. The number 07 bus takes you to Kim Ma bus station and the number 17 goes to the Long Bien bus station.

Airport taxis charge a fixed price of 250,000 VND to travel in to the city this is including toll fees. The taxi ride takes about 40 minutes and it is advised that you always use an official taxi i.e. one with their photo, name and license number clearly displayed. Taxis are located right in front of the Arrivals exit gate.

The airport minibuses cost 30,000 VND and leave from right outside the Arrivals exit gate however you may have to wait until the bus is full before it departs.

Travellers flying with Vietnam Airlines have the option of using the free shuttle bus service which connects passengers with downtown Hanoi.

Eating & Drinking

There are cafeterias located on all floors of the terminal building both street side and airside. As with most airports these eateries can be a little expensive and the meals are rather basic. If you are in need of some hearty food you had better eat before you leave Hanoi however if you would like a light meal, cold beer or hot cup of coffee you will find the airport cafes and restaurants quite adequate.

Entertainment/Activities/Facilities

The cafeterias on the second and forth floors have Internet access and wireless internet access is available throughout the departures lounge. Apart from this and the usual bank of TVs showing international news and local television programmes there is little in the way of entertainment at Noi Bai International Airport.

The departures area has a First Aid centre and pharmacy on the first floor located close to an Information and Help Desk. The first floor also houses an ATM, currency exchange and bank.

Shopping and Duty Free

There are quite a few souvenir shops, duty free shops and smaller ‘department’ stores within the airport. Prices can be a little steep and you need to be wary about exchange rates as often prices are quoted in VND but charged in US dollars. There is a good selection of regular duty free items including alcohol, perfumes and cosmetics, chocolates and some electronic goods.

Two Bowls Pho Noodle Soup (Phở Hai Tô)

Two Bowls Pho Noodle Soup (Phở Hai Tô) comes from many delicious Vietnamese Food Pho. Its taste is completely different with fried Pho or Traditional Pho. The broth has a different color with others, but in my opinion the taste and flavor is sweeter and more delicious. When you visit Vietnam, especially HCMC, make sure you will not forget to taste it.

 

Two Bowls Pho Noodle Soup (Phở Hai Tô)

 

The name of this Vietnamese Food Pho is come from Gia Lai’s province. They invented a new style of traditional Pho which is dried Pho. Gia Lai’s people call it two bowls Pho due to there are two bowls which are one broth bowl and one dried Pho bowl. Dissimilarity with traditional Pho, the dried Pho noodles is smaller than traditional Pho, but it is tougher and harder. Therefore, when add the ingredients into the bowl; the noodles will not be broken.
 

Two Bowlss Pho Noodle Soup (Phở Hai Tô)

 

When bring the bowl to the customers, the noodles are boiled and put in the separately bowl. The cookers will add more scallions, chives and hash pork and shrimp on the noodles bowl. The broth is put in one different bowl; you can eat it with rare beef or some pieces of chicken. The special of this Vietnamese Food Pho is the broth is made well done. It is not too light or bold, so the customers can easily enjoy it. When eating, you need to mix the noodles with chilies sauce, black sauce, satay, lemon, chilies and vegetables like salad and herbs.
 

Two Bowls Pho Noodle Soup (Phở Hai Tô)

 

Nowadays, the two bowls Pho appears popularity in Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily enjoy this Vietnamese Food Pho of the mountain people at the Bò Cao Nguyen restaurant (Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street), Gia Lai’s dried Pho restaurant (Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street), two bowls Pho (Bắc Hải Appratment) or you can make it at home to invite every member in family to enjoy it together. 
 

Two Bowls Pho Noodle Soup (Phở Hai Tô)

 

 

Rolled Pho (Pho Cuon)

 

For the long time, Pho has been a popular food in Vietnam. In recent year, there is a different style of Pho in capital of Vietnam.  It is rolled Pho and it quickly becomes another style Vietnamese Food Pho. When you visit my country, beside of traditional Pho, you should try this dish at least once time and you will not regret.
 

Rolled Pho - Pho Cuon

 

The story of this new style is so interesting. There was one street vendor at the corner of Ngu Xa and Nguyen Khac Hieu Street in Ha Noi which providing traditional Vietnamese Food Pho for the diner who watching the football lately. In one day, the broths run out and there were some little noodles and to satisfy the requirement of the customer, the host invented a new food. He pressed the noodles like the rice paper roll and then added the beef into the roll with herbs. Surprisingly, the visitors interested in this new food. After that, the shop changed to new style of Pho.
 

Rolled Pho - Pho Cuon

 

According to some elders in NguXa village, there were some families selling this rolled Pho just for local market, it was simple and cheap. In 5 years recent, rolled Pho has become a special choice of Hanoi citizens. There has been some luxury restaurants selling it and the visitors come there more frequently. The restaurants also provide some Vietnamese Food Pho for the customers like fried Pho, fried Pho with eggs, noodles, chips, mixed Pho, but they always choose rolled Pho as the first meal.
 

Rolled Pho - Pho Cuon

 

The taste of rolled Pho is completely different with Traditional Pho. Even they both have same noodles, beef and herbs, the taste of rolled Pho when using it with fish sauce is unique and new. There is one secret there that the host has a special in marinating meat and mixing the fish sauce.



If you like eating the traditional Vietnamese Food Pho, why do not try another special style of it once time. Take a note on your diary trip before coming to Vietnam to make sure you will not forget one of amazing dishes here. Hope you have a happy trip with family and friends. Good Luck.

Pho (Vietnamese Food Pho)

No matter what time day or night, a steaming bowl of Pho noodle soup is never hard to find in Vietnam. Just as Pad Thai in Thailand, this dish in Vietnam is one of best delicious Vietnamese Food Pho in this country. And everyone around the world always wants eating Pho when they have a chance to go to Vietnam.
 

Vietnamese Pho - Vietnamese Noodle Soup

 

Pho consists of flat rice noodles, meat-based broth. The dish is usually accompanied by basil, lime, chili, and other extras on the side so that eaters can season the soup to their own taste. The balanced tastes of sweet, salty, spicy, and citrus are highly contagious; Pho usually becomes an instant favorite for anyone visiting Vietnam.

Traditional Pho:

Some squeamish eaters may balk at authentic Vietnamese Food Pho which is made from beef bones, tendons, tripe (stomach), fat, and sometimes ox tail. Bones and lesser-quality cuts of meat are simmered for hours to produce the soup broth. With popularity of Pho, many chain restaurants catering to tourists now omit ingredients that may frighten business away. Broth is commonly made from beef, pork, or chicken bones; only lean pieces of meat are added.
 

 
Vietnamese Pho - Vietnamese Noodle Soup

The History of Pho:


Despite its popularity, opinions differ about the origins of Pho soup. Culinary experts generally agreed that the rice noodles were brought by Cantonese immigrants from Guangdong province in Southern China. Some say the soup itself was influenced by the French during their colonization of Vietnam, however locals dispute this theory. The Vietnamese claim that Vietnamese Food Pho originated in the Nam Dinh province just southwest of Hanoi and then spread to other parts of the country.
 

Vietnamese Pho - Vietnamese Noodle Soup

 

Refugees fleeing Vietnam in the 1970s carried pho to the West where it grew quickly in popularity. Even President Clinton enjoyed a bowl of Pho during his historic visit to Vietnam.

Variations of Pho:

Ingredients and styles of Vietnamese Food Pho vary by region throughout Vietnam. “Gà” typically means that the dish contains chicken; “Bò” means the dish is prepared with beef.

Here are a few popular variants of Vietnamese Pho:

· Pho ga: Chicken noodle soup
· Pho bo: Beef pho
· Pho bo vien: Pho with beef meatballs
· Pho tai: Noodle soup with thin slices of rare beef fillet
· Pho hai san: Pho noodle soup with added seafood
· Pho sach bo: Traditional-style pho with added beef tripe
 

Vietnamese Pho - Vietnamese Noodle Soup

 

*** The ultimate pho dish - not for the faint of heart - is known as "Specialty pho" or “Pho Dac Biet” and contains every type of meat available in the restaurant including chicken hearts, liver, beef tripe, and tendons

Tam Coc - Bich Dong : Halong Bay on Land

Tam Coc - Bich Dong, also known for famous names such as "Halong Bay on land" or "the South celestial II" is a major tourist country in Vietnam. The whole area including the system of limestone caves and the historic dynasty related to Tran located mainly in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. Currently, the landscape of Tam Coc Vietnam Prime Minister ranked as national monuments particularly Tam Coc tourist-Bich Dong is a natural area is 350.3 hectares, situated 2 km from National Highway 1A, the city of Ninh Binh 7 km, the Tam Diep town 9 km. The whole area lies on the boundary of four communes of Ninh Hai, Ninh Xuan, (Hoa Lu), Son Ha (Nho Quan) and Yen Son (Tam Diep town). The center welcomes tourists scattered in three communes of Ninh Hai (Tam Coc, bordered Floor, Sun Valley, Valley Nham, Bich Dong Pagoda), Ninh Xuan (Buying); Son Ha (Buddha cave, Thien Ha).

Tourist area of ​​Tam Coc - Bich Dong sightseeing routes include yachting, cycling and walking connections almost 20 destinations. The main tourist routes:

• The cruise lines including Route Van Lam wharf - Ngo Dong River - Tam Coc; Trans hydrodynamic (through the Bich Dong); Route Thach Bich - Sun Valley; Route valley Nham - garden birds, hang Whose Line - Thien Ha ...
• The tourist walk, bike and climbing: Rock and Bich Dong Pagoda; the Tien purchased goods; senior housing ancient temple Thai Vi - Thien Huong ...

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TOURIST ROUTES
Tam Coc - Thai Vi Temple - The Thien Huong
Tam Coc, which means "three caves", which hang Ca, hang Hai Ba and hang. All three caves are formed by the Ngo Dong river crashing through mountains. Tam Coc is the cruise line was first exploited in the tourist Tam Coc - Bich Dong. The 127 m long cave, through a large mountain, the cave entrance width of 20 m. Relatively cool climate in the cave with stalactites and hanging with much diversified.
Hang Hai, There is a cave near 1 km, length 60 m, ceiling has many stalactites hanging very strange
Three Cave, near Cave Two, 50 m long, like an arch ceiling, hang lower than the other two
Want to visit Tam Coc tourist center of the boat from the dock. Boats take visitors on Ngo Dong river winding through the cliffs, caves through water, rice fields. Time to go and come back about 2 hours. The landscape of Tam Coc, one is 2 Ngo Dong River could change seasonal rice (paddy green, gold or silver rice fields of water).
Thai Vi temple is the church of King Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, the General Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai and Queen Tran Thi Dung. Ancient mountains of Tam Coc is here where the Tran Vu Lam construction of supply in the war against the Nguyen Mong. Can walk to the temple Thai Vi from Tam Coc or journey by road to the wharf Tam Coc 2 km.
Located on the Thien Huong Ngo Dong River in Thai Vi temple, is a dry and bright located in the back mountain has an elevation above the ground about 15 m. The height of about 60 m, depth 40 m, 20 m wide. Should encourage the hollow peak known as The Sun. Enclosed in the shrine is Tran Thi Dung, wife of King Ly Hue Tong. As someone who has passed to the People's Commune, Ninh Hai embroidery.
Bich Dong - Thuy Dong
Bich Dong Tam Coc wharf located about 2 km, which means "green activities", as named by Nguyen Nghiem vizier, the father of the great poet Nguyen Du set for launch in 1773. This is one of the landscapes are among the ancients called "Nam Thien De Nhat Dong", specifically Bich Dong was named the "Southern Natural II the" second sun news Beautiful South [behind the Huong Tich (Nam Thien De Nhat Dong) in Huong Son and in front of the liquid (natural third South East) in Zinc Drum. In front is the Hoang Long river winding side of the mountain, across the river are rice fields.
Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient temple associated with rocky Asian style. The pagoda was built from the Later Le Dynasty. In a large temple bell cast from King Le Thai To, the tomb of the monk tower with the construction of the temple. Le Hien Tong (1740-1786) rebuilt the temple was expanded, including the Lower Temple, Middle Temple, healing, spread out over three floors of the mountain.
Water is a dynamic cross the dark and wetlands along the length of Bich Dong. Water frequently acts as a semi-circular pipe is about 350 m long stone curving from east to west. Average width of the Trans Shui is 6m, maximum values ​​of 15 m. Ceiling and walls of the generally flat, as the Creator had placed large stones into the roof arch, semicircular with much diversified.
Trans-hydrodynamic entrance in the back mountain, facing way to Bich Dong. At the end of the journey across water, visitors can climb to get to work and Bich Dong temple.
Thung Nhan - Bird Park
This is an online eco-excursions with tourist boats Tam Coc - Bich Dong. Spirit Coc - Hai Yan is a new tourist route than Tam Coc. Located in Hai Yan village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, the Bich Dong Pagoda about 1000m to the west.
Bird Park Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai Commune, a Bich Dong Pagoda road about 2 km. On the small boat, visitors will be mixed into natural waterways, enjoy the wild beauty of the cave temple, past a stone's throw waterway boats bringing tourists to visit the cave Buddha .. Riding the boat will take visitors daily come to the garden birds. Before the traveler is a non cloudy skies the same message, with the trees growing above the water line, and thousands, tens of thousands of flying birds chirping on the branches of white beans removed. Another interesting thing is that tourists will be visiting a hill with lots of fruit, flavor this season swoon and also a more unique thing that is implanted under the thousand years old. It will surely satisfy visitors.
Thach Bich - Sun Valley
Starting marina Dinh The (Tam Coc), Traveling more than 500 meters to the marina road is to go Valley Sunny Thach Bich. Overcoming an aquatic journey with the two sides are whispering rice fields, mountains the same message, through to the. Continuing the journey, tourists visiting the valley with a sunny sky, water garden surrounded. With about 3 km waterway boat tourists will come with three legendary mountains hills, mountains toad, mountain Asparagus, Gold Mountain ... Boats take visitors through the cave about 100 meters long Sun Valley is Thoong Sun Temple. The temple is built in a quiet, back based on this temple is the holy mountain of God church where the upper thousands. After visiting the Sun Valley finish on the trees turns out to Rice to tourists. Coming to a hundred years ago, built of stone, with the worship of stone elaborately carved, meticulous. Coming home from the church Mr. Li Dong Hai Le is the shock blame forestry.
Sun Valley Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. Sun Valley Road to the boat about 3 km. On both sides to have more shaking reeds. Beneath the cool water is shining fauna rich and vivid. The ecological environment in Sun Valley retains wild character. Tourists really relaxing and comfortable space between a quiet, pleasant. When the boat into the cave, visitors will feel cool because the ceiling is very low, the drooping stalactites with different multifold. Before the store reeds are luxuriant bushes. Here you can anchor the boat to rest, take pictures and watch the scenery. Both the valley occupies a large area retains primitive that nature has created. At the time of the afternoon, the white stork flew Forum beans covered both wetlands creating a unique attraction of Sun Valley. Sun Valley is connected to the tourist routes: Thach Bich - Sun Valley - Come to - Hang Sun Valley - Sun Valley Temple - in Sunny Valley - Valley Nham - Primary forest - Buddha Cave - garden birds - Hang Drop - Hang Pagoda.
Tien - Linh Coc Pagoda
Tien is dry the beautiful resort of Tam Coc - Bich Dong. Bich Dong Pagoda is located close to 1km. The scope of work consists of three large caves, width and height. More so the stone ceiling, glittering stalactites hanging colorful look like large roots. On the ceiling there are many bats and birds reside. From an outside view as a magnificent castle. The natural transformation of creating interesting shapes of stalactites in the shape of a tree with money, crops of grain, his first, fairies, elephant, lion, tiger, lizard, dragon , eagle, and the clouds flying colors. The rocks in the cave when typing in will create a variety of strange noises.
Linh cup hooks in the mountain. Temple turned west front is a water field. According to the inscription placed in the Temple, Linh cup from the reign of King Tran Thanh Tong. Yard wide at the foot of the mountain temple, the two sides of the church yard. Three times turned northwest, set up as the Church of St. A South Da and moral virtues of the west, high nose, curly-haired, bearded Indians. The son five times, turn east back to back nam.Dien Model slopes, south-west, built for the word "Tam". Harem is a worship space model Tam Holy including Form Thuong Ngan, Peace Form, Form Lieu Hanh. Incense burning period of three Marian church council, Qiantang five times, last time the left there hanging bell.
Ancient Vietnamese village - Co Vien Lau
Try senior housing stock is composed of many houses were collected mainly in Ninh Binh River Delta region. In 2008, the senior housing industry was ancient culture - Ninh Binh Tourism added to the resort of Tam Coc - Bich Dong. Try longtime marina next to Tam Coc and Thai Vi temple along the way.
The ancient houses in the late senior mainly built during the Nguyen back here but also reflect the unique culture and characteristics of traditional architecture in Vietnam.
Ben Dang river - The Galaxy
The galaxy is located in the mountains with a height of nearly 200m General is part of the wall covering natural solid protection southwest capital Hoa Lu th century, associated with historic sites, culture as Ben Le Boat House, First Son Buddha Mountain, plots a leader ...
From the Muong Tho Ha, Ha Son, visitors to the small boat on the canal has a length of about 1km countryside alternating between fields. Travelers continue on the path of 500m long rock areas close to the mountain to the mouth of the Minister. The length including the long dry 700m 200m 500m long and the water. The shapes created by the rocks called names like: this is the fox hole is cup feeding, the other is for Elephant, tiger prey, monkeys climb trees ... higher examination with image worship Buddha, Mr. Tang is chant for peace to his disciples ... all of which suggests curiosity, discovery of tourists.
Hang Buddha
Buddha Cave located in the heart of the mountain city of Ninh Binh General 18 km, special-use forests in the village of Hoa Lu Dong Tam, Son Ha, Nho Quan. Buddha Cave is approximately 500 m long, very wide and the grotto of stalactites with many strange shapes. In the middle of the cave is a stone plate, 1.5 m 2 m wide shaped like a mallow him out. To the Buddha Cave, visitors are oared boat, breathtaking pristine natural beauty, mysterious jungle river. In the grotto many fancy whirlpool surround stimulus visitors imagination.
Tourism currently Buddha caves in Son Ha, tourists can travel by bicycle through the streets lined bamboo village to learn about culture and customs of the rice farmers, shepherds herd tried, all, crab, rice-husking rice mill, or enjoy the rustic dish made by yourself, caught as grilled tilapia, crab soup served with tomato salt ...
Dance Cave
Ha Khe village territory, Xuan Ninh. This resort is made to services such as hiking, weekend getaway and conferences. Hang dancing has been connected with the tourist route Tam Coc tour: Ben Tree Multi - Ben Thanh - Hang All - Hang Dance - Hang Two - Hang Ba - Fairy Stream - Resorts Trang An caves. According to the legend, the cave is where dance performances, dance of the Tran Dynasty maidens before.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Bus tourist center
Tam Coc - Bich Dong is one of the resort were early investors in Vietnam, again located on National Highway 1A between the city of Ninh Binh and Tam Diep town should have favorable conditions to develop tourism infrastructure. There is necessarily a management executive travel services. This place fairly early development model of community tourism, public and private partnership.
Communications
Central bus station near the wharf Tam Coc, besides in other places such as caves Dance, Bich Dong, Buddha cave, Thien Ha ... have bus service to tourists.
Includes the wharf wharf Tam Coc, Sun Valley, through aquatic activities, Hai Yan, The Le marina and many other areas.
Bicycles: the type of traffic is quite popular in this area. Car rental service is available in most tourist spots.
Hotel
Tourist area of ​​Tam Coc - Bich Dong has good hotel system. Concentrated in the hotel zone wharf Tam Coc village Ninh Binh tourist populations and on the route from Tam Coc to Bich Dong.
Life Resort Ninh Binh Wellnesss Resort includes 74 rooms. 5 hectares of land surrounding the resort includes bungalows, buildings, spas, swimming pools, restaurant, garden and lotus pond is about 20 hectares wide buffer zone near the Thai Vi Temple - tourist area of ​​Tam Coc - Bich The.
Tam Coc Cave Resort Halong Bay Resort has 30 rooms is equivalent to 2 star hotel. All rooms have Air Conditioning, Desk, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (wireless) internet access, in room safes.

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Vietnam tourism : Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai, a district of Yen Bai Province in the nation’s northern upland, has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers and photographers to capture beautiful images of terrace rice fields and daily activities of ethnic minority peoples. 

Tourists from HCMC can fly to Ha Noi and then rent a car or take a bus to get to Mu Cang Chai, about 280km from downtown Ha Noi. Some local youth opt for conquering Mu Cang Chai by motorbike with the starting point in Ha Noi.

The best time to visit Mu Cang Chai is from mid-September to late October when weather is the best of year and when the immense terrace rice fields there all turn yellow, creating the best image of year.

One month prior to the Mu Cang Chai trip, travelers should make hotel room bookings as thousands of people often rush to the area to view the terrace rice fields in full bloom.

There are some hotels and hostels near Mu Cang Chai area, including Tu Le Commune, Khau Pha Pass and Nghia Lo Town in Yen Bai Province. The three-star Suoi Mo Hotel on Dien Bien Street is highly recommended as this is a convenient hotel in Yen Bai.

It normally takes about three days and two nights to visit all the best terrace rice fields in Tu Le valley, Khau Pha Pass, La Pan Tan, Cau Ba Nha and Che Cu Nha communes. The best time to photograph the terrace rice fields is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. when the landscape looks gorgeous in mist and sunlight beams. Rising smoke from the kitchen of a house on stilts may make the scene more beautiful and romantic.

Khau Pha, one of the most magnificent passes of Viet Nam, provides a real breathtaking view. From there travelers can almost touch the clouds hanging over the terrace rice fields in the valleys of H’mong and Thai ethnic minority groups.

Those wishing to explore daily activities of H’mong people should head for La Pan Tan that was recognized as a national tourist attraction in 2007. Some roads in La Pan Tan are under construction so tourists have to walk about 20 minutes. Along the way, tourists can pass by a local resident’s house to see how they live. A typical home in La Pan Tan is covered with ripen corns on the terrace and surrounded by wooden cages for pigs and cows. Women take care of their children or come to the fields with their husbands. During an afternoon break they gather at a small burning stove inside the house to cook and eat. Tourists can also ask locals to perform khen, a traditional pan-pipe played by men in the northern upland to attract women.  

A must-see destination is Cau Ba Nha, about 10km from Mu Cang Chai’s center, as it has mam xoi, a giant round shape terrace rice field on the top of a mountain. It is difficult for tourists to get to mam xoi due to a muddy and rough road. They can take a xe om (motorbike taxi) or walk about 30 minutes to reach the top.

Some popular specialties of Yen Bai that tourists should taste and buy for souvenirs are Tu Le sticky rice from Muong Lo field in Yen Bai and green rice flakes originated from Tu Le Commune in Van Chan District. These two products have light sweet and sticky tastes with special aromas. Yen Bai is also known for some dishes such as salmon and sturgeon hotpots, fried bumble bees and steamed chicken, among others.

Tao meo, a species of small apple in mountainous regions, is a special fruit of Yen Bai as it is good for those having stomach and heart-related diseases and high-blood pressure, and going on a diet. The best tao meo can only be found from September to October.