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Apricot cherry blossom blooming over the hill in Moc Chau

Among Northwestern mountainous destinations, Moc Chau (Son La Province) is renowned for many flower seasons and an ideal place to visit all year round. This time, travelers have a chance to witness the beauty of apricot cherry blossom blooming over the hill.

These are beautiful photos taken by Quang Kien on his trip to Nam Tom village, Tan Lap Commune, around 40-minutes away from Moc Chau Town center.

Apricot cherry blossom lasts around 1 month from late December to January. Travelers can head over to some other landmarks of Moc Chau such as Ngu D**g Ban On, Heart Tea Hill, plum blossom garden, etc.

Photos by: Quang Kien

Cha Ca La Vong – Over 100 years of culinary quintessence

Launched in 1871 by Doan Family, Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong Fish Cake) has become a favorite dish of Hanoian and Vietnamese people in large. Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant experienced over a century through 5 generations. The street where the first restaurant opened was renamed “Cha Ca Street”.

Cha Ca was made from high-quality fish, especially "lang" fish (Hemibagrus guttatus). Fishbone must be carefully removed from the meat. Then, fish meat was marinated in galangal and turmeric before being pan-fried with fresh dill and sliced green onions. The dish is best enjoyed with grilled rice paper, roasted peanuts, rice noodles, and shrimp pastes.

You can taste Cha Ca La Vong in many restaurants but there are few addresses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to enjoy the best one.

In Hanoi:
+ 14 Cha Ca Street
+ 107 Nguyen Truong To

In Ho Chi Minh:
+ 3-5 Ho Xuan Huong, District 3
+ 36 Ton That Nghiep, District 1

Hang Kia, Pa Co – another check-in place for travel enthusiasts

Located in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh province, Hang Kia – Pa Co has been recently a new stopover for travel enthusiasts when visiting the Northwestern area.

Around 160km from Hanoi center, Hang Kia, Pa Co are 2 among 6 villages in the Nature Reserve area of Mai Chau commune. At an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, this place boasts the pristine scenery of mountains, forest, and rustic villages.

Coming here, tourists can visit Thung Khe – the spectacular white-stone pass, hunt the cloud on top of the mountain overlooking Pha Luong and Pu Luong Peak, wander around mountainous markets, and enjoy local specialties.

Although Hang Kia – Pa Co is not too familiar to travelers, this place is definitely worth your visit to Mai Chau.

Chieng Khoa Waterfall - The fairy of Vietnam's northwest mountains

Among plenty of waterfalls in the Northwestern area in Vietnam, Chieng Khoa waterfall is one of the most outstanding and famous for 7 floors and emerald water amidst the majestic mountains.

Located around 24km from Moc Chau, Son La, Chieng Khoa has strong water flowing from the height of 7 to 10 meters into a stunning lake on every floor. Travelers can dip in the clean and clear water, swim, or take a raft ride to get closer to the water flow and feel the pristine nature. Camping is also a must-try activity when visiting the waterfall.

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Information:
Address: Chieng Khoa Waterfall – Moc Chau, Son La
Entrance fee: VND 20,000/person (~USD 1)

Vietnam proposes to resume international flight in 15 countries and territories

According to the proposal of the ministry of transport, Vietnam aviation will reopen international flights to 15 countries and territories including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the UK, and Australia, France, Germany, and Russia.

The plan is divided into 3 phases starting from the first quarter of 2022. Currently, Vietnam is implementing the pilot international flights for tourists to some famous destinations such as Phu Quoc island, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ninh.

On November 17, the first international tourist group has arrived in Quang Nam province. This is also the very first group traveling to Vietnam after 2 years of closure due to the pandemic.

Photos: Vietnamairlines

Da Bac, Hoa Binh – hidden cloud heaven in Northern Vietnam

Located at the border of the Northeast and Northwest, around 100km from Hanoi, Da Bac is not familiar to foreign tourists but is among the favorite natural getaways of Vietnamese travelers. Coming to the rustic land, travelers feel free to immerse in the pure nature of mountains and rivers and stay in a hospitable space with a variety of ethnic minorities.

Da Bac is renowned for the ideal location next to Hoa Binh lake where people can spend a day camping on the bank, swimming in the cool water, kayaking, riding a raft on the lake, or wading in the stream. Trekking or biking around the village to watch the tranquil landscape of rice fields is absolutely a must-try.

Moc Chau - Anytime you can go!
Among the best places for a mountain adventure in Northwestern Vietnam, Moc Chau should never be underrated.

Located a 5-hour drive away from Hanoi, Moc Chau offers a distinct beauty for every time you come. It is the season of beautiful blossoms like peach, plum, or white Bauhinia Variegata in the first months of the year.
The middle months are the time of harvesting the plum or Japanese Persimmon, watching magnificent waterfalls in the pouring water season and vast green tea hills.
Last but not least, immersing in the white canola flowers and wild sunflowers fields blooming all over the hills or hunting the clouds on the high mountain is perfect at the end of the year.

Anytime you wonder where to go, Moc Chau would be an ideal option for you! Save it for your next adventure in Vietnam!

Photos: Internet

Duong Lam Ancient Village – A hotspot near Hanoi
While visiting Hanoi Capital, one of the unmissable spots for those who love nostalgic vibes and rustic ambiance must be .

Located in Son Tay District, around 44 km from the city center, Duong Lam brings tourists to a different space from the bustling city. All typical features of a Vietnamese traditional village can be seen at Duong Lam such as a huge banyan tree right at the gate of the village, a freshwater well, and a communal house. Especially, the laterite material appears in almost all structures from well, houses walls, or gates, under the ponds or fields, making the unique image whenever mentioning Duong Lam Ancient Village.
Duong Lam is the very first village to become a national historical and cultural relic in Vietnam. Passing decades, Duong Lam welcomes countless tourists but still remains almost intact thanks to sustainable tourism and the effort to preserve the identity of the locals.
Some travelers prefer a homestay experience to learn more about the local life, however, you absolutely can make a day trip to Duong Lam to understand the relic.

Besides Sapa, this place feasts your eyes with the sea of clouds in Lao Cai!
Located 2000 meters above sea level, is surrounded by clouds almost all year round. This is the favorite spot for travelers who are in love of trekking, driving a motorbike through winding passes and cloud hunting.

Thanks to the geographical location, Y Ty has cool to cold weather and an incredibly quiet ambiance isolated from the hectic traffic and bustling city. From September to April next year is the best time to visit Y Ty. Travelers can visit A Lu, Ngai Thau with terraced rice fields and majestic mountains, The Pa Valley, Lao Chai village with friendly ethnic groups, Y Ty mountainous market, and especially Lao Than Peak – the roof of Y Ty.

[ Sao Beach - Phu Quoc Island ]
Among dozens of stunning beaches on Phu Quoc island, Sao Beach is always the favorite one of many travelers although it is not too large as others. What makes it special is that it has pleasant weather all year round, the ideal location where you can enjoy the unspoiled beauty and quiet atmosphere, and especially the chance to watch plenty of starfish on the white sandy beach.

Located in the South of Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, Sao Beach belongs to An Thoi district, around 25 km from Duong D**g Town – the center of the island. Stretching 7 km on the coastline and leaning on the mountain, the beach has less strong wind, gentle waves, and crystal clear water, a perfect condition for sunbathing on the pristine beach and laying back under the shady palm trees.

Save Sao Beach on your bucket list at this biggest and most beautiful island in Vietnam.

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Information:
Address: Sao Beach – An Thoi, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
Photos: Internet

BANH TOM HO TAY (WEST LAKE SHRIMP CAKE)
Among iconic dishes of Hanoi, Banh tom Ho Tay has long been familiar to Hanoians and became a must-try of domestic and international tourists. A motor-riding or cycling around the West Lake will be complete with a dinner at Banh tom restaurant on the lakeside.

Made from “tom” (which means shrimp), rice flour, sliced potato, Banh tom has an attractive golden brown color from the fried mixture. This is in addition to an eye-catching shrimp neatly placed on top of the cake.

Banh tom Ho Tay is rolled with fresh vegetables, dipped in a sweet, sour and spicy sauce and enjoyed with some crunchy sliced green papaya or carrot. That would be a perfect combination that you never want to miss when visiting Hanoi.
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Address: West Lake, Hanoi
Photos: Internet

Phong Nha Cave – among world’s most beautiful caves
▪️ Located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha Cave is among must-see if you are adventure-lovers. The cave is reachable by a 40-minute boat riding. Along the Son River, travelers will realize how clean and clear the water is, how magnificent the forested mountain is and how quiet and tranquil the surroundings are.
▪️ Phong Nha Cave is 7729 meters long and its entrance is around 25 meters wide and 10 meters high. Sitting on the boat, travelers can witness the strong erosion of the karst mountain, the varied-shaped rock formations, and glorious stalactites and stalagmites.
▪️ Phong Nha was voted by British Cave Research Association as one of the most beautiful caves in the world with different characteristics such as the cave with the most beautiful underground river, the most beautiful underground lake, large and beautiful dry cave, the longest water cave, cave with beautiful reef and sand, etc.

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Information:
Address: Phong Nha Cave – Bo Trach District, Quang Binh, Vietnam
Entrance fee: VND150,000/adult (excluded boat fee)
Photos: Internet

Chua Cau - Unique cross-cultural architecture in Hoi An
Constructed in the early 17th century, Chua Cau (or Bridge Pagoda) is among the symbols of Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam.

In fact, the pagoda is located inside a covered bridge crossing a small branch of the Thu Bon River and connecting Tran Phu and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street. Built by the Japanese at the time of strong cultural interference between Southeast Asian countries, the bridge features curved roofs in Japanese style, many sophisticated carvings in Vietnamese and Chinese style. The attraction is widely known as the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Around 18 meters long and 3 meters wide, the bridge has an entrance leading to the pagoda at halfway. Not worshiping Buddha, the pagoda honors Bac De Tran Vu – a god that protects the country from storms or floods and brings happiness to people.

With the unique architecture, Chua Cau became a national historical relic in 1990 and appeared in the VND 20,000 note since 2006.
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Photos: Internet

One Pillar Pagoda – the unique architecture of Vietnam
Located at the heart of Hanoi, One Pillar Pagoda complex (also known as Dieu Huu Pagoda) is not only a famous spiritual destination for Buddhists but also a unique artwork of Vietnam architecture under King Ly Thai Tong.
The complex consists of many constructions yet the wooden temple settled on a single stone pillar amidst a lotus pond is the most iconic one. Named Lien Hoa Dai, the original temple was constructed in 1049 with red-brick roofs. Eight wooden beams resemble eight lotus petals holding the temple where places a golden statue of Quan Am Bo Tat. The temple is accessible via 13 stone steps connecting to the land.
Although being renovated several times, the temple still retains its unique features and attracts many domestic and international visitors. One Pillar Pagoda was recorded as the most unique architectural pagoda in Asia in 2012.

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Information:
Address: One Pillar Pagoda - Chua Mot Cot, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Entrance fee: 25,000vnd
Photos: Internet

Ghenh Da Dia - Phu Yen, Vietnam

If you have visited Giant’s Causeway (Ireland) or Los Órganos (Spain), you may realize this is a unique formation of basalt rock columns due to the ancient volcanic activities, a gorgeous artwork of mother nature.

Located in Tuy An, Phu Yen Province, Ghenh Da Dia (or Da Dia Reef) was formed by the impact of Van Hoa highland's volcano around 200 million years ago. Stretching around 2000 meters along the coast, Ghenh Da Dia not only includes 35,000 close columns with fairly flat surfaces in varied shapes such as round, pentagon, or hexagon but also adjacent to a 3-km crescent sandy beach.

Enlisted as a National Heritage site in 1998, Ghenh Da Dia is among the most stunning basalt columns in the world as well as unmissable attractions in Phu Yen, Vietnam.

Photos: Internet

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚?
Ranked 1st on Top 10 best resorts in Southeast Asia by Travel+Leisure, Six Senses Con Dao is certainly an unmissable stopover for nature and adventure lovers.

Six Senses Con Dao is located in a national marine park in Ba Ria Vung Tau in which one side faces the secluded sandy beach and the other faces the forested Lo Voi Mountain. You will be amazed by 50 luxurious villas fronting the ocean and featuring a traditional fishing village-inspired design.

Everything in the resort deeply reflects the commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. That can be seen via the open design in accommodation and other facilities to utilize the maximum of natural light. Plus, environmental-friendly materials, fresh and natural ingredients from organic vegetable gardens, and a lot of revitalization treatments for physical and mental health are significantly focused on.

Rest assured that a wide range of activities are customized to your liking and ensured to suit every traveler’s age and taste. Whether you prefer a watersport game or on-land adventure, a tour to discover local life or visit striking landmarks, your stay at Six Senses Con Dao promises an unforgettable resort experience in your lifetime.
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Photos: Six Senses Con Dao

Have you ever been to Hanoi in the autumn?

Hanoi in the early autumn has a poetic beauty that no one can refuse a walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake to breathe the fresh air and watch the tree changing leaves, a stroll around the Old Quarter to sniff the scent of green rice, and a bike ride around the West Lake to enjoy the peaceful sunset.

During the pandemic, although Hanoi looks less vibrant than before, this is the chance for Hanoi to rest, to fight against the pandemic, and to come back healthier and brighter. Hanoi is looking forward to seeing you very soon!
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Photos: 24h.com.vn

Top 10 best things to do when traveling to Halong Bay - one of the top must-sees in Vietnam

1. Take an overnight cruise trip
2. Admire stunning caves and grottos
3. Visit a floating fishing village
4. Kayak around karst mountains
5. Sunbathe on Halong beaches
6. Try your luck with squid fishing
7. Go further to the poetic Lan Ha Bay
8. Visit Cat Ba Island on a bike
9. Watch Halong Bay from a seaplane
10. Wander around Halong City

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Photos: Internet

𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐢 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦

According to a survey conducted by Booking.com, Hanoi is voted as the best destination for drinking beer in Vietnam. The result is based on the responses of 47,728 global travelers and beer lovers in 28 countries who traveled to Vietnam within 12 months and intend to travel in the next 12 months.

Among very early breweries in Vietnam since the 19th century, Hanoi has been renowned for “Bia hoi” (draft beer). Although travelers can easily buy multiple types of beer such as Hanoi beer, Saigon beer, Tiger, or Heineken from convenient stores or mini-marts, spending just VND7,000-10,000 (~US$0.3-0.43) for a 300ml glass of Bia hoi, sitting on Ta Hien beer street or at a local bar, pub in the old quarter while watching the bustling city is unbeatable. That is not only a fun thing to do but also a culture, a lifestyle of Hanoians that you will surely be interested in when discovering this city.

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Photos: Internet

Guess which attractions are printed on Vietnamese banknotes?
............
(Answers on each photo)

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐜 𝐋𝐮𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐮 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦
Around 3,046 meters above sea level, Bach Moc Luong Tu or Ky Quan San was discovered in 2012, located on the natural border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, and is the 4th highest mountain range in Vietnam.

Muoi Mountain (Salt Mountain) is among the best stopovers for the best sunrise and cloud hunting in Bach Moc Luong Tu thanks to the highest height of 3000 meters.

Depending on the visiting time, travelers can witness different scenery such as mountainous flowers, a fluffy sea of clouds, rice fields in pouring-water season, golden rice fields, or snow.

Although passing a 14-km path to reach the peak with lots of steep cliffs, deep abysses, meandering passes is very struggling, Bach Moc Luong Tu still wins the heart of adventure-seekers who crave trekking, sightseeing, and hunting clouds.

If you are seeking something adventurous, pristine, and spectacular, spending at least 3 days/2 nights at Bach Moc Luong Tu will blow your mind.

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 – 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦
Starting from the 11th century, Vietnamese Water Puppetry reflects most clearly the culture and people of Vietnam in the Red River Delta.

First water puppet shows were simply performed by villagers on water-filled rice fields after being harvested. Later, this folk art became a favorite entertaining activity for royalty and guests and receives a huge interest from Vietnamese people until now.

Using bamboo rods to control the movements of wooden puppets on the surface of the water, the talented artists skillfully recreate the daily life of the Vietnamese in different scenery such as on the rice fields, next to the village's ponds, or under the old banyan trees. Although the performances are in Vietnamese, foreign audiences still can understand the story via the gestures of the puppets and the music matching with changing stages.

Not only for entertaining, but Vietnamese Water Puppetry also provides important educational meanings such as praising good moral qualities, criticizing bad habits, or promoting tradition preservation spirit.

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Photos: Internet

𝐍𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐡 – 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦

Around 90 km from Hanoi Capital, Nam Dinh Province does not own many natural landscapes or historical relics yet plenty of ancient Catholic churches in marvelous Gothic architectural style. Some look like mysterious castles, some stand out with the tall bell towers, some with big domes and sophisticated decorations.

Thanks to the not too far distance between each church, taking a Nam Dinh Church tour would be a highlight in your trip to Northern Vietnam.

Let's admire the striking beauty of the 10 most beautiful churches in Nam Dinh Province!
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Photos: Internet

𝐓𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦 - 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠!
Starting from thousands of years ago, Tet Trung Thu (Fullmoon Festival) remains and is celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar August every year in Vietnam.

Besides Tet Holiday, Tet Trung Thu is the occasion for Vietnamese expressing gratitude to ancestors, for family reuniting and having close-knit meals, for parents presenting gifts for their beloved kids after their hard-working studying.

Before and during the Fullmoon Festival, there are a lot of interesting activities for visitors to join and watch. Making handmade lanterns and funny masks, baking moon cake together, preparing the tray of offerings to worship ancestors including moon cake, jellies, candies, animal-shaped fruits, etc. You may see people performing the lion dance or children carrying lanterns along the street.

This year, the Fullmoon Festival falls on September 21. Although the usual activities in the festival may be restricted or prohibited in some places due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this is still a precious time for Vietnamese, especially children, to have joyful and meaningful moments with family.
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Photos: Internet