Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho City

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Together with Cai Be and Phung Hiep, Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho City is one of the three biggest in the Mekong Delta. The shops and stalls at these markets are boats of different sizes.
Cai Rang Floating Market is open all day but it is busiest from sunrise to about 9am. The main items sold there are farm products and specialties of Cai Rang Town, Chau Thanh District and neighboring areas. Every boat has a long upright pole at its bow on which samples of the goods for sale are hung. Sellers do not have to cry out about their goods because their goods can be seen in a distance and their cries would not be heard in the vastness of the river and the noise of boat engines. Small boats that sell beer, soft drinks and wine go among the other boats to serve market-goers and visitors. The most common goods sold are fruit. Big boats are the wholesalers, selling fruit to dealers from neighboring provinces. Each boat is loaded with plenty of seasonal goods. Activities at the market are also an occasion for tourists to study the cultural aspects of southerners.

To visit Cai Rang Floating Market, visitors can join a tour of the Mekong Delta. On the way to Can Tho, visitors can stop to visit My Tho and take a boat trip to visit orchards, bee farms and coconut candy establishments in Ben Tre. Visitors can also explore Can Tho on their own by taking a coach. In Can Tho, besides Cai Rang Floating Market, Visitors can visit other places such as Can Tho Market, Ninh Kieu Quay, Binh Thuy Temple, and private tourist gardens. In these gardens, visitors can walk, breathe fresh air, enjoy different kinds of fruits and countryside specialties and stay at nice guest houses in the shade of trees.

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Cantho Tourist Gardens, Can Tho City

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In recent years, a series of modern tourism gardens have appeared on every land and water route in the Mekong Delta city of Cantho. The gardens of My Khanh, San Duong, Ba Lang and Tan Binh extend along the arched highway, as well as on the waterways of hong Dien and Phung Hiep rivers. Other gardens in Long My, Vi Thanh, O Mon and Thot Not are also developing.
The My Khanh Gardens occupy 2.2 ha and feature more than 20 species of fruit trees and flowers, as well as diverse species of birds, fish, tortoises, snakes, crabs and shrimp. Under the shade of lush green trees, there are small rong houses to provide visitors with a place to rest for the night.
Ba Lang is located 9 km from Can Tho (on Highway No. 1 towards Soc Trang), and has an area of 4.2 ha. There is the animal sanctuary of Ao Sen Lake, two lakes for swimming, an outdoor stage and mini-hotels. Gardens here combine agricultural potential with tourism.
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Ban Gioc Fall, Cao Bang

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Water from Quy Xuan River falling down on the stone creates water droplets columns that can be seen from a distance. The echo of the falls can be heard kilometers away from Trung Khanh. The temperature near the waterfall is remarkably cool, due to the water mist in the air. At the foot of the waterfall is a large river, as calm as glass, surrounded by many precious kinds of flowers. In the early 1920s, French people started building cottages on the river banks. They would come here to relax and fish for “tram huong”.
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Pac Bo Cave, Cao Bang

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Riding 272km by car from Hanoi along National Highway No3, visitors will arrive at Cao Bang Town. Sleeping through the night in open air and a cool and quiet atmosphere of this mountainous area, their tiredness will disappear. The next morning visitors will ride through Hoa An to reach Ha Quang area. Through the windows of car, visitors can see golden rice fields lying amid green mountains, small hamlets with dozens of houseson-stilts under the shade of towering clusters of peach trees, and the winding streams with thatch-roofed bridges. Visitors will certainly be very interested in enjoying the picturesque scenery, endowed by the nature.

Passing a hill where there is the newly-built Ho Chi Minh Museum, visitors will see the historical area of Pac Bo. The main historical relics in this area consist of Pac Bo, Coc Bo, Bo Bam Cave, Lenin Stream, Karl Marx Mountain, Co Rac Ground and Khuoi Nam. The famous Coc Bo Cave is where President Ho Chi Minh established his residence and worked on Vietnam’s revolutionary course after returning from 30 years abroad.
Walking on the rocks along the side of the stream, where Uncle Ho used to work and fish, visitors reach a wooden bridge over Coc Bo rivulet where Lenin Stream starts. The water is clear, cool and so tranquil that one can see the fish and pebbles on its bed and the green watercress in the water. Beyond the bridge is the place where Uncle Ho often cooked soup with vegetable and bamboo shoots. By the side of a rugged rocky mountain is Pac Po Cave. Looking down into the cave from its mouth, you can see the words "February 8th, 1941" written by Uncle Ho on the wall. That was the day he came to live in this small cave, a wet and cold place lying deep in a mountain gorge that nobody paid much attention to.

Inside the cave there is a wooden board as a bed for Uncle Ho. In this place, Uncle Ho, in the simple dress of the Nung ethnic group, often sat by the fire at night to talk with his assistant Pham Van Dong, Vo Nguyen Giap and Phung Chi Kien... about the situations at home and abroad. Here, Uncle Ho predicted: "In four or five years, the Vietnamese revolution will be successful." His words became true. On September 2nd, 1945 the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the first State of workers and peasants in Asia, came into being. One night when staying in this cave, General Vo Nguyen Giap was advised by Uncle Ho: "Undertaking revolutionary activities requires “di cong vi thuong” which means, common benefits must be put above all". His teachings were short, clear and precise as a truth, but to implement them were not easy.
About 1km from the mouth of Pac Bo Cave, there is a small shack by the side of Khuoi Nam Mountain. In this shack Uncle Ho held the eighth Party Central Committee Meeting, which promulgated a resolution on preparations for the armed insurrection and the establishment of the Viet Minh and the revolutionary war zone. Adjacent to the shack is milestone 108 marking the Vietnam-China border, where 59 years ago, Uncle Ho bowed to kiss the beloved land of his country, after many years living abroad. At that time he was 50 years old with grey hair.

Visiting this historical area, visitors will learn more about the great life of President Ho Chi Minh which is part- reflected through his optimistic revolutionary verses.

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Huong Tich Grotto, Chua Huong

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Upon arriving to Huong Tich grotto, there is a 120 steps descend as the temple lies deep within the grotto. At the entrance to the grotto, there is "heaven's gate" (path to heaven) and "hell's gate" (descend to hell).



In the 18th century, Lord Trinh Sam had 5 words, "Nam Thien De Nhat Dong" meaning, "the most beautiful grotto under southern sky", carved onto the granite slab at the entrance to Huong Tich grotto. According to legend, the cave was discovered two thousand years ago. However, local people only began to place a shrine there in 1575, and later a larger temple was built.



There are many colorful stalagmites and stalactites within the cave. Each is given a name for their purported features. Some of the more famous ones are Cay Gao - Rice Stick, Cay Vang - Golden stick, Nui Co - the maiden and Nui Cau - the youth. Nui Co and Nui Cau supposedly look like the head of a young children. It is believed that couples who wish for children often pay homage to Huong Tich grotto and to especially visit Nui Co and Nui Cau to pray for their first born.

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Perfume Mountain, Chua Huong

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Perfume Mountain, Chua Huong



Thien Tru temple is surrounded by hills and mountains. There are also many man made towers built by various kings during their reign. Today, to accommodate the thousands of tourists each year, there are lodging facilities for those who wish to stay overnight.

A visit to chua Huong is incomplete without going to chua Trong or Inner temple (also known as Dong Huong Tich - Huong Tich grotto). The path to Huong Tich grotto is forged by nature through thousands of years of changes. Today, the path leading to chua Trong is a series of smooth granite slabs stacking on one another creating a series of switch backs leading to the temple.

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Elephant Race Festival, Dak Lak

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The Elephant Race Festival takes place in springtime, normally in the third lunar month. In preparation for the festive day, people take their elephants to places where they can eat their fill. Apart from grass their food also includes bananas, papayas, sugar canes, corns, sweet potatoes. The elephants are free from hard work to preserve their strength.
On the big day, elephants from different villages gather at Don Village. People from near and far in their best and colourful costumes flock to the festival. The racing ground is 500m long and wide enough for ten elephants to stand simultaneously.
After a salvo of tu va (horns made into musical instruments), the elephant handlers called nai take their elephants to the ground, standing in a row at the starting point. The leading elephant stands in front, whirling his trunk and nodding his head in greeting the spectators. Atop each elephant there are two handlers in traditional costumes for generals. The tu va signals the start of the race and the elephants rush forwards amidst the resounding cry of the spectators.
The first handler uses an iron stick called kreo in M'Nong language to speed the elephant. The second handler beats the elephant with a wooden hammer called koc to ensure its speed and to keep it in the right line. Upon seeing the first elephant dashing to the destination the spectators shout boisterously amidst the echoing sound of drums and gongs.
The winning elephant is given a laurel wreath. Like its owner, the elephant expresses its happiness and enjoy the sugar canes and bananas from the festivalgoers.
After this race, the elephants participate in the competition of swimming across the Serepok River, of tug-of-wars, or throwing balls and playing football.
Coming to this Elephant Race Festival , tourists have a chance to indulge in the boisterous atmosphere of the festival, of the echo of gongs and the spectacular performances of the elephants from the Central Highlands forest.
When the race comes to an end, the competing elephants bring back the atmosphere of the festival to their villages. Upon returning to their village, they receive warm welcome from the villagers. Very often the elephants from Don Village win the prizes as the village has a tradition of training and tending elephants.
The elephant race constitutes a big festival in the Central Highlands. It reflects the martial spirit of the M'Nong people, an ethnic group famous for their bravery in wild elephant hunting. The magnificent landscape of the Central Highlands further stresses the grandiose characters of this traditional festival.
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Buon Don, Dak Lak

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Buon Don is located northwest of Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak province, close to the Cambodian border, approximately 42 km from Buon Ma Thuot. Buon Don is well known as the native land of elephant hunters and trainers throughout Southeast Asia. Buon Don has been famous for its Kru, powerful elephant tribe leaders, for a long time, and is well known in India and France for its elephant. Y Pui, a 102-year-old man (1883-1985) who tamed over 450 elephants, spent part of his life as Bao Dai King’s mahout. Elephant training and hunting has been passed down through generations.It takes 67 months to domesticate a wild elephant. In the last few years, tourists have been more eager to visit Buon Don, the elephants’ home in Dak Lak. Their main interest being to admire the animals and to understand their delicate situation. Surveys are now being conducted throughout the country to evaluate the elephant situation and to better organize protection projects.
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Buu Phong Pagoda, Dong Nai

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Buu Phong Pagoda was built in the 17th century on the peak of Buu Long Mountain, in Dong Nai province, 7 km from Bien Hoa. Nearly 100 steps must be climbed to go up Buu Long Mountain and reach the pagoda.
At first, the pagoda was only a thatch-roof hut that was reconstructed more solemnly by Master Phap Thong. The pagoda was renovated and enlarged again in 1829. More renovations were also done recently.
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Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai

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In 1978, the South Cat Tien and North Cat Tien parks were put under the State's protection. In 1992, the Cat Loc Park was listed in the programme for the protection of natural wild animals and flora. In December 1998, these three parks joined together to become the Cat Tien National Park, under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Covering an area of 74,319 hectares, the Cat Tien National Park has preserved its original natural soil with a diverse ecological system and many rare and valuable species of animals listed in the Red Book of Endangered Animals. The landscape surrounding the Park is magnificent, and the local people have maintained practising customs and habits full of national cultural identities.

Coming along National Highway 20 from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, at Milestone No.174 being Tan Phu cross-road, and turning left, you will see a board "Cat Tien National Park - 24km".

Let come into the forest on a trail covered with tree leaves. The sunshine was on the canopies, layer after layer. The air was humid. The cicadas resounded over the forest. Don't forget to see a 400-year-old conife there. Going a bit further you can see another tree, called bang lang (Lagerstroemie corniculata), which is almost 300 years old. From its trunk of nearly 3 metres in diameter, 6 ivory sub-trunks sprouted. There are many other strange trees in the forest: a red-wood tree having a diametre of 3.7m, a benjamin fig having a fasciculate root that runs along the stream and can shade about 20 people, a banyan tree having a hollow trunk which is large enough for 3 people, to name but a few.

So far, in Cat Tien Park, 1,610 kinds of flora have been classified which belong to 75 species, 162 families and 724 branches, many of them listed in the Red Book.

The Dong Nai River is a natural boundary that embraces three sides of Cat Tien Park. On the left bank, villages and gardens are built close to the water, and on the right bank are wild forests with primitive green canopies. Numerous species of birds built their nests in the canopies. Inside the primitive forest, there are various kinds of fauna typical for the low land of the eastern Truong Son and the Central Highlands. According to surveys made by the Park's Management Board, there are 77 kinds of animals belonging to 28 families and 10 species; 326 kinds of bird in 62 families and 18 species; 37 kinds of reptiles in 18 families and 3 species; 133 kinds of fish in 28 families, and a wide range of insects. Most worthy of note are the animals listed in the Red Book of Endangered Animals such as Ban ten bull, Gaur bull, tiger, bear, wolf, black-foot monkey, peacock, white-neck crane, pheasant (which are found only in Southeast Asia), crocodile, pantheon, etc. In particular, there is a group of 7-8 one-tusk rhinoceros, which has attracted attention from both domestic and foreign scientists. At 4 a.m, on May 17, 1999, an automatic set of cameras captured images of a grown-up rhinoceros, which has been classified as a member of the Java rhinoceros family. In November 1998, in Phu My Village, Cat Tien District, an ancient village dating back 2,500-3,000 years was discovered. This is a complex of relics, including temples and towers and many artifacts, which proved the mixture of the Chan Lap civilization of the south and the Cham Pa civilization of the north. Among the artifacts, there are several statues which were for worshipping, such as the Linga-Yoni (sacred worshipping items representing the human sexual organs). There is a Linga, 2.1m high, which is the biggest of this kind in the world. Many other vestiges showed that Cat Tien was the Holy Land of the ancient Phu Nam Kingdom built about 2,000 years ago.

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Dong Van Highland, Ha Giang

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Dong Van Highland is situated 1,025 m above sea level and is inhabited by the Tay and H’Mong ethnic groups. The temperature is approximately 1oC in winter and reaches 24oC on the hottest days. The plateau provides famous products such as Hau plums, peaches, and persimmons without seeds. Dong Van apples are as big as pears. In Dong Van, numerous valuable plants used for their medicinal value are found, including ginseng, anise, and cinnamon.
Dong Van has a lot to offer: mountains, forests, hidden grottoes and caves, multicoloured orchid forests, plum and peach trees, persimmon orchards, and more. Visiting Dong Van, one can see Pho Bang, also called Pho Bang Street, which was built a long time ago and features multi-storey houses made of clay bricks and tile roofs. Visiting Dong Van on Sundays, one can shop in a very original mountain market where all kinds of goods and multicoloured clothes can be purchased.
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Ba Danh Pagoda, Ha Nam

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The Ba Danh Pagoda can be found in the Kim Bang District of Ha Nam Province, about 10km from the town of Phu Ly. The pagoda is situated on the bank of the Day River in a large peaceful area far from any settlements.
At first, it was just a small temple for worshipping Tu Phap deities. Then, during the reign of Emperor Le Hy Tong (1675 - 1705), it was upgraded to become more beautiful and magnificent. Later, locals tore down the temple and brought a statue of Buddha to the site and built the Ba Danh Pagoda.
After offering incense at the pagoda, visitors can continue on to see Ngoc Mountain and its lush green forests.
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Huong Son Tourist Area, Ha Tay

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To get to Huong Son from Hanoi, go by car to Ha Dong Town, then continue on to Van Dinh Town. At the Te Tieu marking point, turn right and continue to Duc Wharf. Stop here and take a boat along the Yen Stream for about 3 km to Tro Wharf, from where the Huong Son Tourist Area is accessible. Huong Son Area is located in My Duc District, Ha Tay Province, approximately 70 km from Hanoi.
Huong Son Tourist Area covers an area of a thousand hectares and includes a complex of mountains, rivers and streams, villages, pagodas, and grottoes surrounded by the Huong Tich Mountain Range, north of the Truong Son Range.

This area is divided into three lines:

Huong Tich Line: It consists of Yen Stream, Trinh Temple, Hoi Bridge, Thanh Son and Huong Dai Pagoda, Thien Tru, Hinh Bong, Tien Pagoda, Giai Oan Pagoda, Cua Vong Temple, Huong Tich Grotto.
Yen Stream

This stream flows between two mountains for 3 km. However, sitting on the boat and enjoying the surrounding landscape, tourists may feel that this stream is endless. During the festive season, the stream is full of boats carrying pilgrims who have come to enjoy the landscape of Huong Son. Traveling along Yen Stream, tourist pass by landscapes, many of which are named according to their forms. On the left is Phoenix Mountain; there is also Doi Cheo Mountain, which looks like an Indian python (Tran). Also on the left are Bung and Voi, two mountains having interesting legends. On the right is Ngu Nhac mountain with the Trinh Temple where visitors stop and burn incense for the God of the Mountain. Before reaching Tro Wharf where the tour begins, the boat also passes by the Deo and Phong Su Mountains, Son Thuy Huu Tinh Cave, Trau Cave, Hoi Bridge, and Dau Valley.

Thien Tru Pagoda

Thien Tru Pagoda is also called Tro Pagoda. Founded by Venerable Van Thuy Thien Thien Tran Dao Vien Quang, the pagoda was initially a small thatch. During the French Domination Period, the pagoda was destroyed. However, the Thien Tru Pagoda was reconstructed after 1954, and in 1991, the Three Entrance gate of the pagoda was built in its present day form. To the right of the pagoda is the tower garden where the monk bones are buried. At the back, there is Thien Thuy Thap; on the left is a semicircle lake.

Tien Son Pagoda

To reach the Tien Son Pagoda from Thien Tru Pagoda, follow a small path, turn right, and then continue for about 1 km. This small pagoda to worship Bodhisattva Quan Am is located on a high mountain in Nui Tien Grotto. Inside the pagoda and grotto there are multi-forms of stalactites. Music can be made by knocking on several of these stalactites.

Giai Oan Pagoda
The tour continues to Huong Tich Pagoda and Grotto (also called Trong Pagoda), and then to Giai Oan Pagoda, which was founded by Patriarch Monk Thong Dung Huy Tam II.

Originally, Giai Oan Pagoda was a small thatch located on Long Tuyen Mountain. The pagoda was restored in 1928, and again in 1937. In 1995, the Tu Van Temple and the yard of the pagoda were built. Bodhisattva Quan The Am is worshipped at this pagoda. At present, the valuable statue of Tu Ty Quan Am cast in the 18th century is kept in Tu Van Temple. Inside the pagoda, there is the Thanh Tri well, which according to legend was the place where Bo Tat Quan The Am Dieu Thien took a bath before going to the Buddha. Since that time, pilgrims have come to drink the water from this well to rid themselves of their desires and sufferings of daily life.

Huong Tich Pagoda and Grotto

From Giai Oan Pagoda, the tour continues to Huong Tich Pagoda and Grotto, located 2.5 km from Thien Tru Pagoda, reached by climbing some stone-steps. At the top of the stairs is the gate of the grotto, which looks like the mouth of a dragon. Visitors then descend 120 stone steps into the Huong Tich Grotto.

In the middle of the entrance, there is a stalactite called Dun Gao (meaning box of rice); deeper in the cave, there is said to be one way to Heaven and one way to Earth. A statue of Bodhisattva Quan Am made of green stone during the Tay Son dynasty is also found in the cave. Stalagmites resembling golden trees, silver trees, cocoons, hillocks, and a group of nine dragons surround the statue.

Written on the entrance of the famous Huong Tich pagoda are the five Chinese characters "Nam Thien De Nhat Dong", meaning the most beautiful grotto under the southern skies. These were the words spoken by Lord Trinh Sam in the 17th century when he visited the grotto.

Long Van Line: It consists of Long Van Pagoda and Grotto, Fairy Grotto, Nguoi Xua Grotto, Cay Khe Pagoda, Hinh Bong Pagoda.
Long Van Pagoda

After travelling down the Yen River, the tour then continues by boat to Trinh Temple. Next, the tour stops at the Long Van Pagoda.

Long Van Pagoda, surrounded by white clouds all year round, is situated on the slope of a mountain half in An Son Mountain and half in the forest. The Long Van Grotto was founded and built in 1920. The grotto, though small, creates mixed feelings for its visitors.

Tuyet Pagoda Line: It consists of Phu Yen Temple, Tuyet Son Pagoda, Ca Pagoda, Bao Dai Co Sat, Mau Pagoda, Thuong Pagoda, Ngoc Long Pagoda.

Tuyet Son Pagoda

To reach this area from Thien Tru, follow a small road, turn left toward the south, and then continue for approximately 4 km. The Tuyet Pagoda Tour is a visit to the second most beautiful landscape complex. Tuyet Stream is small, but the water is green and clear and flows around the mountain like a running dragon. The first stop on this tour is the Phu Yen Temple to burn incense to the God of the Mountain. Next, pilgrims go to Bao Dai Co Sat to worship Buddha. Bao Dai Pagoda is pleasant and quiet. Inside the pagoda, there is a valuable Nine Dragon Shrine.

The tour continues to Ngoc Long Grotto, which is not very large but has a unique style. The stalactites and stalagmites look like the nests of dragons. The best attraction is a statue of Bodhisattva Quan Am with her tender and kind-hearted face sculpted in the cliff.

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Thay Pagoda, Ha Tay

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Thay Pagoda, alias Ca and Thien Phuc Tu Pagoda, is situated at the foot of Sai Son Mountain, in Quoc Oai District, in Ha Tay Province, 30km southwest of Hanoi.
The pagoda was built in the 11th century during the reign of Ly Nhan Tong King. At first, it was a small pagoda managed by Priest Tu Dao Hanh. The pagoda was initially built according to Sino-Vietnamese character Tam - this character is formed by 3 hyphens parallel to each other. The pagoda therefore consists of 3 sections: Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, and Thuong Pagoda. The outer part, Ha Pagoda, is a place for offerings and ceremonies; the middle part, Trung Pagoda, is a place for worship of Buddha; and finally, the inner part is a place for worship of Priest Tu Dao Hanh. An automated sandalwood statue of Tu Dao Hanh that stands and sits is located in a red lacquered shrine trimmed with gold and covered with a curtain.
In front of the pagoda is Long Tri pond, in the middle of which is a stage called Thuy Dinh, where water puppet performances are held. Nhat Tien and Nguyen Tien bridges, built by doctor Phung Khac Khoan in 1602, are located on each side of the stage.
Interesting sites can be visited in the surroundings of the pagoda. For example, Phat Tich and Cac Co caves are located not too far behind the pagoda. A hole in the dome of Cac Co cave lets one see outside the cave.
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Tram Gian Pagoda, Ha Tay

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Tram Gian Pagoda, also called Tien Lu Pagoda, is situated in Tien Lu Village, Hoai Duc District, Ha Tay Province.
The pagoda was was probably originally built in 1185 during the reign of King Ly Cao Tong on its present site at the top of the low Tien Lu, or Ma Hill. It nestles snugly on that hill in a natural cushion of mature trac, or kingwood and tram, or canari trees, and watched over by giant pines. It’s impressive construction and history immerse the visitor immediately: its multi-pillared temples, ornate altars, leisure areas, where mandarins would play chess with live human pieces.

At festivals the separate pavilions were given over to all-consuming and lavish praise, no more so than the Gia Ngu where the statue of Buddha was paraded during water puppet performances on the semi-circular lotus lake.

A visit demands a degree of effort: a climb of several hundred steps, a walk down an alley paved with bricks and stone, reveals a two-storey bell tower of eight elegantly corner-curved roofs. Known as the Bell Tower of Tram Gian, it still preserves its detailed art work, its supporting columns carved with intricate lotus shape, the wood panels in the shape of dragons, flowers and leaves, clouds and the sky. Under the roof hangs a 1.4m tall bell, made in 1794 on which is also carved a literary work by Tran Ba Hien from nearby Van Canh Village.

Then, and another healthy flight of stairs on, there’s the main pagoda – the legacy of the Tran Dynasty in the 14th Century but largely destroyed by the Ming invaders in the 15th and rebuilt probably during the Le Dynasty, as much as a tribute to those times.

The Pagoda is built in the noi cong ngoai quoc architectural style, the favoured style of the Cong Chinese character in the inner part and the Quoc Chinese character in the outer. There the statues of two Guardian Spirits, the Good-encouraging Spirit and the Bad-punishing Spirit, preside and the Thien Huong, or Celestial Perfume)Seat, and in the inner part of the second house two Thuong Dien , or Upper Altars, for the praise of Buddha. A four curved-cornered and columned roof shelters a 1-metre wide drum, and an equally large gong, both dating from the 10th Year of Canh Hung (1750).

Tram Gian Pagoda is architecturally and spiritually unique – as much a place of pilgrimage for design students captured by its design and construction.

It can variously, and depending on your point of view, be seen as one entity or 100 smaller ones. It houses 153 statues mostly made of wood, some of clay red lacquered and trimmed with gold, all to the greater glory of Tam The, the Past, Present and Future Lives. A large terracotta platform supports an ornately carved altar bearing lotus flower, legends, and dragon, tiger, horse, and elephant reliefs. Nearby stands the black-lacquer jackfruit-tree wood statue of Tuyet Son styled on one found in the Himalayas. The imagery goes on at every turn: arranged and ornate altars to worship 18 Arhats and the Ruler of Hell in the Ten Great Halls, a separate pagoda and altar to worship Saint Boi or Monk Nguyen Lu also known as Binh Yen. Legend has it the statue is actually his rattan preserved body covered by an oil cloth.

Two mighty central columns bear parallel scrolls inlaid with mother-of-pearl praising the victories of the Vietnamese people’s struggle against foreign invasion:

Up till now that northern country is still afraid of the fierce rains
And since the bygone days the southern land is still waiting for the auspicious clouds.

In the pagoda itself, a statue lauds General Dang Tien Dong, who served King Quang Trung in the historic battle of Dong Da and then in 1794 helped repair the pagoda, casting its bell and erecting stela.

He too was commemorated as one of the architects, if not of the pagoda itself, then certainly of its place in history. Not for nothing have Xu Doai locals praised the pagoda through time:

So Communal House, Gia Temple and Thay Pagoda, all are beautiful
But still cannot be compared with Tram Gian Pagoda.
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Tuong Long (Do Son) Tower, Hai Phong

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This Buddhist architectural work was built under the Ly Thanh Tong Dynasty on 2,000sq.m of land. It was located in Van Son Ward, Do Son town. The four angles of the tower are leaning by 1999 toward the center. The tower was empty. Inside it was a Buddha statue. Bricks and stone blocks of various sizes built this work. Unique tiles engraved with lotuses, chrysanthemums and lemon flowers covered its walls. This decoration style is typical of the Ly Dynasty. However, the tower was destroyed for its bricks when Hai Duong citadel was built in 1804.

The current Tuong Long Pagoda is located on the location where Tuong Long Tower once stood.

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Tra Phuong (Thien Phuc) Pagoda, Hai Phong

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This pagoda of the Nguyen Dynasty includes an entrance hall including five compartments and an apse including three compartments. Tra Phuong Pagoda is one of the centers belonging to the Buddhist architectural system of the Mac Dynasty. First built under the Ly Dynasty (1010 - 1225), the pagoda was initially called Ba Dinh. It is said that the original pagoda was located on a hillock in the south which was 200m far from the current one. It is said that Mac Dang Dung once took refuge in the pagoda and escaped from his enemies. With the establishment of the Mac Dynasty (1527 - 1592), Dang Dung reconstructed the pagoda and renamed it as Thien Phuc.

Apart from normal festivals, the pagoda honors its founders on every lunar January 22. Tra Phuong Pagoda today is both a site of historical and cultural importance and a Mac Dynasty art museum of Hai Phong City.
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Trang Kenh - dried Ha Long Historical Site, Hai Phong City

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Located in Thuy Nguyen District, 20km east of Hai Phong's center, Trang Kenh is an area of limestone mountains, wonderful caves and vast lakes, etc. There, ancient people made jewelry. In a cave namely King, there is a temple worshiping Hung King since the 18th Hung King built his palace here. Trang Kenh - dried Ha Long is a national level historical and cultural site.
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Sung Sot Cave, Halong

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Sung Sot Cave is on the same island with Trinh Nu cave. The path to Sung Sot is quite steep and is lined with shady trees. The cave has 2 chambers. The outer chamber is square and is often referred to as the waiting room. The cave's ceiling is approximately 30 m high. The walls are almost perfectly smooth as if it was built by man. The walls generate a variety of colors that blend with the setting of the area.

The path to the inner chamber is approximately 3m wide. The inner chamber is known as the serene castle. The formations in the chamber take the form of sentries conversing with one another, animals in varying poses etc. In the middle of the chamber stands a formation which resembles a general surveying his troops.

There is a side entrance which is approximately 6m in height. The light reflected from the moving water outside causes the formations inside the chamber to seemingly come alive. According to the locals, this was the reason the cave was named Sung Sot, from the awe-stricken reaction of the visitors to the cave.

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Bai Chay Beach, Halong

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Upon arriving in Ha Long city, the visitor will be driving along 'Bai Chay' or scorched beach. The sand on this stretch of beach is dark. And judging by the name the visitors may mistakenly think that this is due to the dry climate or lack of wind in this area. However, contrary to this interpretation, the area is quite pleasant during the summer and fall months and the temperature here is around 70 deg F. According to the locals, Bai Chay got its name long ago, based on another historical event. Bai Chay was once a forest. In 1287, the Mongols led by the great Truong Van Ho,(a Vietnamese name for this Mongolian general) attacked Vietnam and was driven back by general Tran Khanh Du. Many Mongolian ships were set afire and drifted to shore aided by high wind setting the forest on fire. Since then this stretch of beach became known as Bai Chay or scorched beach.

From Bai Chay, visitors can hire a boat and go out to the bay. It is here that visitors will be find some of Southeast Asias most fascinating sites. Visitors to the bay speak highly of its almost mystical qualities and the surrealistic scenery that defines this bay. The limestone formations are both bizarre and awesome. Over thousands of years the base of many of the formation have corroded to a point where many seem to be balancing on thin air. The shapes and the positioning of these formations often resemble people, animals etc., hence, most are given a name by the locals. Some of the more famous are: Hang Dau Go ( Wooden Stakes cave), Hang Bo Nau (Pelican cave), Hang Trinh Nu (the Virgin), Hang Sung Sot (Cave of Awe), Dong Hang Hanh, Dao Tuan Chau (Sentinel Chau Island), Qua Chuong (the bell), Con Voi (the elephant) etc.. Now, about one thousand formations have names. One can't possibly see all of Ha Long grandeur in one day or even a month since depending on the time of the year, the weather, or the condition of the bay the visitor may see only one small aspect of Ha Long's beauty.

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Chua Mot Cot, Hanoi

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Chua Mot Cot or the One Pillar Pagoda has become the symbol of Vietnamese rich culture and history. The pagoda was built in the reign of king Ly Thai Tong (1028-1054). According to legend, in his dream, in 1049, the king saw a vision of Phat Ba Quan Am - Kwan Yin. She led him to a shrine in the middle of a lotus pond. When he woke up, he consulted with his court and decided to replicate the shrine in his dream to dedicate it to Kwan Yin. The One Pillar Pagoda resembles a giant lotus blossom.
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Hoan Kiem Lake

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Ho Hoan Kiem or Lake of the Returned Sword was once a part of the Red river (song Hong). Through thousands of years of changes in the geography, the lake moved eastward to its present position many kilometers from the river. The lake was once called Luc Thuy or Green Water because the water was green year round. In the fifteen century, the lake was named Ho Hoan Kiem, based of a legend that is quite similar to King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake's legend. While fighting against the Chinese, King Le Thai To has in his possession a very valuable sword. After 10 years of continuous struggle, the King finally defeated the Chinese and reclaimed Vietnam's independence. One day, while sailing on lake Luc Thuy, a large turtle appeared. The king drew his sword and pointed at the creature. The turtle immediately grab hold of the sword with its mouth and submerged. The king mourned the lost of such valuable sword, demanded that the lake be emptied and dredged. Both the turtle and the sword were not found. The king realizing that the gods must have lent him the sword to drive back the enemy, but now that Vietnam is free, the sword must be returned. King Le Thai To named the lake Ho Hoan Kiem or Lake of the Returned Sword. Since the reign of king Le Trung Hung (XVI century), every king in the Le dynasty, and Lord Trinh have all contributed to the beautification of the lake. Lord Trinh Giang built Khanh Thuy shrine on Ngoc island on the north end of the lake. He also had the two man made hills built across from Ngoc son Shrine. At the end of the Le Dynasty, Khanh Thuy was destroyed by Chieu Thong. A philanthropist named Tin Trai built Ngoc Son pagoda. Ngoc Son pagoda was renamed Ngoc Son shrine during the reign of Thieu Tri III (1843) because it was no longer a Buddhist shrine. Instead, Ngoc Son is a shrine to Van Xuong, a deity, in charge of literature and the various tests required to become a mandarin. It is also a shrine to general Tran Hung Dao, a national hero responsible for many victories against the Mongols. Since then Ngoc Son has gone through many renovations, one of which was the addition of Thap But (Pen Tower) on the hill which was once called Dao Tai. Three words inscribed on the tower "Ta Thien Thanh" or "write on blue sky". Inside the gate a pool resembling the shape of an ink well was added. Beyond the ink well is The Huc bridge or "where the sun light is absorbed". The bridge leads to Dac Nguyet Lau or "Moon Light tower" - Ngoc Son shrine. Beyond the gates to the shrine, there are two walls called bang Rong and bang Ho (dragon and tiger slate) where the names of those who passed the national test are inscribed. On the southwest end of the lake is Thap Rua. It was rumored that king Le Thanh Tong used to fish here. Lord Trinh also built the structure to house his entourage while visiting the lake.
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Ho Tay Lake, Hanoi

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Ho Tay is the largest of all the lakes in Ha Noi. The lake is on the northwest part of the city. Long ago, the lake was a branch of the Red river but later, as the river changed course, the lake remained a body of water just west of the river. There are many legends associated with West Lake. The most popular is the

legend of the golden buffalo.



As the story goes, there once was a medicine man who was a giant. He is well known in Vietnam for his medicine practice and the king often used him to treat the royal family. His fame reached China and he was invited to China to treat the king. He was successful where others have failed so the king was going to reward him with great wealth. He refused offerings of gold and only requested that the king give him all the black copper in the king's vault. The king agreed and the giant left for Vietnam with vast amounts of black copper. In Vietnam the giant molded a giant bell of black copper. The giant rang the bell and the sound resonated all the way to China. In the king's vault there was a golden buffalo. Upon hearing the sound of the bell, the buffalo came to life (because he thought that his mother was calling him) and charged southward. Upon reaching Ha Noi, the buffalo trampled the land in the area near Red river. Over the years, this area filled with water and became Ho Tay or West Lake.

Ho Tay has always been an area for vacationing royalties. When Ha Noi was still the capital city, the kings from the Ly and Tran dynasty built summer homes along the lake. In the north end of the lake there are several villages famous for their flowers and fruits plantations. Most famous is Nghi Tam village, the birth place of Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, one of Vietnam's premier Poetess.

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Van Mieu, Hanoi

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Originally built in 1070 in the Ly dynasty, the temple is a shrine to Confucius and his disciples responsible for spreading his teachings. Six years later, Quoc Tu Giam or School for the sons of the Nation was established for the princes. The school later admitted sons of mandarins and finally commoners were allowed to attend but, only after they passed a rigorous examination at the regional level. In 1484, Van Mieu became a place to memorialize the most brilliant scholars of the nation. In 1484, King Le Thanh Tong decreed the names of all those who have attained the doctoral ranks in the national examination be inscribed on stone stelae carried on the backs of giant tortoises. In all, 2,313 individuals were awarded the title of tien si. However, detailed records were kept only between 1442 and 1779 . According to records, there should be 112 stelae in all but only 82 stelae are still standing. Each represents a single examination year. The name and native village of the students who were awarded the title Tien Si or doctor laureate were inscribed on the stone. Tien si was not a diploma of graduation from the royal college. This title was awarded to those who have successful passed the 4 royal examinations. Scholars from all over Vietnam could participate only if they had passed the regional exam. Courtyard of the Sages is located beyond the Garden of Stelae. Entrance to the courtyard is through Dai Thanh Mon or Gate of Great Success. The Great House of Ceremonies is located here. It was here that all new doctor laureates would come to pay respect to Confucius. The king would also come to pay homage to the great teacher at Dai Thanh Mon. Inscribed on a wooden panel above the altar are the words "Teacher of Ten Thousand Generations".


Behind the Great House of Ceremonies is the Sanctuary, with statue of Confucius flanked by his four closest disciples, Nhan Tu, Tu Tu, Tang Tu, and Manh-Tu (Mencius). Quoc Tu Giam or School for the Sons of the nation is located in the last courtyard. During the time when Van Mieu was used as a school, this area housed classrooms, housing facilities and a print shop. When the university was moved to Hue, Quoc Tu Giam was turned into a shrine to Confucius' parents called Khai Thanh.

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Dinh Doc Lap, Ho Chi Minh City

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Dinh Doc Lap or Independence Palace was completed in 1966 after three years of construction. The plans were drawn by Mr. Ngo Viet Thu, winner of the architectural excellence prize in Rome. The palace was built on the original site of the French governor's headquarters in the 19th century.

President Diem commissioned Mr. Thu to design the new palace and supervised its construction. Unfortunately, the president was assassinated shortly after construction started. The Palace became the home of then President of South Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu until the fall of Saigon in 1975. It is now called the Reunification Hall with all the original furnishings still kept intact.


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Dam Sen Water-Park, Ho Chi Minh City

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DAM SEN Water Park was opened on 19 November 1999 as a joint venture of PHU THO Tourism and Service



Company and Viet Asia Joint-Stock Commercial Bank.

Dam Sen Water Park, with modern aquatic equipments installed complying with European standard, harmoniously located in a fresh and verdant Oriental landscape garden of 3 hectares in width just right in the city’s heart. The park is built in a community of leisure center and shopping center such as Dam Sen Cultural Park, Dam Sen Bowling Center, Dam Sen Co-op Mart, and Dam Sen Sports Club.



Dam Sen Water Park with 25 aquatic equipments and a wave pool of 3000m2 in width appropriate for all ages from calm games such as Drifting River, Wave Pool, Massage Pool, Crazy River to thrilled games such as Kimikaze slide, waterfall crossing swing, etc… and a children paradise including water palace, elephant and hippopotamus families together with pretty and colorful slides for children. In the hope of bringing about a great deal of good new feeling for visitors, in the past few years, we have installed more new games such as a 20 m high Tornado, the Space Spiral Slide, and the Black Thunder with special sound effect.

When participating games here, you can put your mind at rest for the professional rescue team who always keeps watch by your side in order to give you specific instructions and offer helps just in time.



In addtion, all slides here are granted a certificate of technical safety for aquatic games No. 29/ TTAT–LCAT in 2000 by Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Welfare.

Coming to Dam Sen Water Park, you will be served wholeheartedly and caringly by a group of hospitable and thoughtful staffs and a system of impeccable services scattering across the park provided with diversified menus and reasonable prices. Additionally, we have a restaurant in Dam Sen Water Park with the capacity amounts to 500 guests to 1000 guests and it is constructed in a romantic and airy setting which fits for all kinds of wedding party, merrymaking party, birthday party, and year-end get-together party, etc… with diversified menus, appetizing foods, reasonable prices and undertaken by many-year-experienced cooks.

Every year, many non-professional activities such as associating with Education and Training service to organize festival of group of songs “Young cicada” for pupils of the whole city, festival of colouring and drawing competition for children, etc… are celebrated here.

Children's Pool
A castle which is splendid with different colours, the giant mushroom-shaped fountains with families of elephants, hippopotamus, crocodiles, etc will greet kids. The game will make the kids more dynamic, creative and intelligent.

Giant Slide
With an original structure combined with various kind of sliding, Giant Slide will bring you really new sensations.

Wave Pool



In a mini sea corner with a gradual slope and trains of wave, you will bathe yourself in the clear blue water, be consoled by the wave and admire the beauty of nature inside the city.

Massage Pool
You're in broad daylight, not in a room with artificial light! All your tiredness will be swept away and you will experience marvellous feelings when you are steeping yourself in warm water, massaged gently by 70 fountains designed inside the lake and you can admire the natural scenery all around.

Space Spiral Slide
After pushing yourself into the water of 19m long and fall from the altitude of 10m, a completely darkness will cover you and what’s a surprise when meeting the first ray of light inside the slide’s hollow, you are a member in the flying saucer 9m in diameter. Revolve, revolve, enjoy the hovering feeling, and then, suddenly, you tumble into the lower transparent pool what brings you back to reality. Wow! What’s an unforgettable feeling, hurry up and have a good time together!

Crazy River



With the buoyance of the waterfalls from above, you will feel like floating on a small basket boat, dancing with the river and making falls down the water.

Kamikaze
Dubbed "Super-speed", this kind of slide will give you a picturesque flying down to the water surface, making a good splash from the height of 19 mettres. Let's conquer this challenging height!

Waterfall Crossing Swing
You must be a swimer! You will slide on a cord 10m high spanned across the pool and dive into the water 2.5m in depth. Remember to perform a spectacular somersault before touching the water! There will be big rounds of applause for your show.

Black Thunder



Exactly as its name, the dark inside of the hole combined with laser special effects will give you the extremeexcitement as your feelings change continuously and suddenly.

Lazy River

Lying on a buoy floating on the 400-mettre-long river winding along lines of green trees and caves, you will have wonderful relaxing moments with nature.

Multislide
This is a game highly suitable for group of friends or families. Four of you will compete to be first to complete the slide.

Twister
It is an interesting feeling when your body twisted with the steep spiral pipe. You are revolving in the stomach of a shark, aren’t you? It’s a strange, let’s discover and conquer it.

Tornado
With the technology imported from Spain, Tornado will be a good opportunity for you to measure your own courage while having a perfect winding along the 119-mettre length of slides of 20 mettres high and making a free fall to the water surface. Such an unforgettable sensation!
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Nha Tho Duc Ba, Ho Chi Minh City

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Proposed to be one of France's most ambitious project in Indochina at the time, Rev. Colombert laid the cornerstone for the cathedral on October 7, 1877. Three years later, in 1880, the cathedral was opened to the public. These two dates are inscribed on a marble placard in the cathedral.The bricks used to build the structure were shipped from Marseilles. Artisans from Lorin Company (Chartres, France) were commissioned to create the stained glass windows. The cost of construction was a whopping 2.5 million francs. In 1962, the Vatican gave the cathedral the title Basilique.
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Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden, Ho Chi Minh City

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The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden in Ho Chi Minh City is the oldest cultural and historical park in Vietnam and has the country's largest collection of plants and animals.

It was established in 1865 on an area of 12ha close to the Rach Lang River in the north-east of city. The zoo opened with about 500 animals, birds and many species of plants that were seen in Vietnam for the first time such as cacao and coffee. In 1924, it was expanded to cover another 10ha and was officially named the Zoological and Botanical Garden five years later.

In 1990, the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden was recognized as an official member of the Southeast Asia Association of Zoological Gardens. The zoo has become the country's largest of its kind and is a popular tourist attraction and an outdoor school for young Vietnamese.

The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden now houses some 800 animals of more than 120 species. The garden also houses rare species such as black-legged gibbons, flame-colored wolves and red headed cranes.

Many precious trees have been planted throughout the zoo. Some are over 40m tall. It would take six people holding hands to circle the largest. The garden welcomes some 2 million visitors every year.

The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden has just celebrated its 140th founding anniversary.

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Vinh Nghiem Temple, Ho Chi Minh City

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Located on Cong Ly boulevard (or Nam Ky Khoi Nghia), Vinh nghiem is south Vietnam's most majestic temple. Construction of the temple was completed in 1971 after the design was drawn by Mr. Nguyen Ba Lang and associates. The ground floor consists of the library, the auditorium, and offices. The temple is located in a large parcel of land. On the left of the upper court yard stands a tower or the seven-level Avalokitesvara Stupa. Next to the tower hangs a large bell given to the temple by the Japanese Buddhists Sangha.
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Den Ngoc Hoang, Ho Chi Minh City

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Located in Dakao, first district, the temple was built by Cantonese Buddhists who settled in Saigon in the 19th century. The architectural style is heavily influenced by the Chinese of southern China.

4 guardians - Tu Dai Kim Cuong
The Taoist deity (Emperor of Jade) is enshrined here along with his 4 guardians (Tu Dai Kim Cuong). The major attractions to the shrine are the elaborate carvings of the various deities as well as its unique architectural style of the interior. This temple is also home to the Hall of Ten Hells where there are carvings of various scenes of the various levels of hell.
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Ben Thanh Market

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Ben Thanh Market, Vietnam Markets: Ben Thanh Market is situated at the intersection of Le Loi Avenue, Ham Nghi Avenue, Tran Hung Dao Avenue and Le Lai Street, 700m south-west of the Rex Hotel.

At first, the market was situated near the Ben Nghe River Dike. After being moved many times, it is now standing in the centre of the city where consumers can conveniently find all sorts of products.

According to Vuong Hong Sen, author of "the book Saigon of the Past", in 1912, the French filled a pond, the Boresse, into a solid foundation of 12,000m² and built a market on it. The market was close to a landing stage (Ben) of the old city (Thanh), hence its name of Ben Thanh. The opening ceremony for the market in March 1914 was a big festive event.

At present, the front of Ben Thanh Market faces Quach Thi Trang Square; its rear faces Le Thanh Ton Street; its right, Phan Chu Trinh Street and its left, Phan Boi Chau Street. At all of its four sides, there are bustling trading shops. Located at the centre of the city, Ben Thanh Market is always loaded with varieties of goods, such as consumer goods, cakes and candies, food and foodstuff, and particularly high-quality fruit and vegetables. Goods are displayed in a very attractive way that always catches the eyes of the buyers. They meet all requirements for the customers' daily life or for their families. The market has four gates that are very convenient for the market-goers. For all of its advantages, Ben Thanh Market is one of the most attractive tourist sites in the city for both domestic and foreign visitors.

Ben Thanh Market is a huge covered market in central HCMC. It is one of the best places to buy coffee, but do try the stalls inside before buying, as the outside stalls are more expensive. Also if you are buying a reasonable quantity you can usually get a couple of free coffee filters. Vietnamese coffee is really delicious, I'm surprised it is not more widely available in the West.

Apart from coffee, you can get almost anything in the market or the shops surrounding it. You will have to bargain, unless the prices are written on the goods, but that is all part of the experience. And afterwards you can have a bowl of delicious noodles.

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Vong Canh Hill Mai Chau Valley, Hoa Binh

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Mai Chau is located in Hoa Binh Province, approximately 135km from Hanoi and 60km from Hoa Binh Town. From the top of Cun Mountain, one can admire the superb panorama of Mai Chau surrounded by a green valley and stilt houses. Many minorities, including the Thai ethnic group, live in Mai Chau.
Stilt houses border both sides of the roads. The houses are quite large with palm leaf roofs and polished bamboo-slat floors. The kitchen is located in the center of the house; the cooking as well as the making of the colorful tho cam, the material used by Thai minority to make their clothes, takes place in the kitchen. The windows are large and decorated with patterns. Each house also has a pond to breed fish.
The Sunday market brings a lot of people into town. People from different minorities living in the mountains come to Mai Chau market to sell their specific products: honey, bananas, corn, and tho cam made by skilled Thai women. The Sunday market is also an occasion to enjoy traditional Thai dishes and to participate in traditional dances
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Vong Canh Hill

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It is not so beautiful and well-known as Mount Ngu. However, as it is called, Vong Canh Hill is a place where tourists can enjoy the lovely panorama of Hue especially the Kings Nguyen’s tombs.

A Dutch-backed plan to build a hotel on Vong Canh hill in Thua Thien-Hue province has come up against strong public protests and the Government has ordered local authorities to reveal further details about the project.

The Life Resort project was licensed late last year under a joint-venture between the Huong Giang Tourist Company and Dutch company Vietnam Hotel Projekt, which has to date built two resorts under the same name in Hoi An and Quy Nhon.

The joint-venture planned to invest US$5 million to build a five-storey hotel in Vong Canh hill, 15 kilometres from Hue imperial city, an UNESCO-accredited World Heritage Site. The developers broke ground to begin constructing the hotel last month.

The Thua Thien-Hue People's Committee is eager to have another foreign-invested project in the province, where the level of foreign investment is low due to poor infrastructure. The project's developers said Vong Canh hill would be an ideal place for visitors to relax in tranquil surroundings after touring other local tourist attractions.

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Tomb of Gia Long

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To visit Gia Long's tomb, tourists can go by boat about 18 km along the Perfume river and then land directly at the wharf of the tomb, or they can go about 16 km by car to Kim Ngoc wharf, take the bac from there and walk for some more kilometers.

The tomb of Gia Long is in fact a group of tombs including those of the Emperor's relatives. The whole compound is spread on a joint mountain with 42 small and big mounts, amongst which Dai Thien Tho is the biggest.

The Emperor's Tomb is located on a flat, big hill. In the front, Thien Tho Mount form a natural screen, and in the back seven hills raise like natural defenses. On the left, 14 peaks form the "left blue dragons" (Ta Thanh Long), and on the right, another 14 form the "right white tigers" (Huu Bach Ho).

The tomb complex is composed of three areas:

- In the middle: There are the double-grave tomb of the Emperor and Queen Thua Thien Cao. Passing the Honor Court, visitors can see imposing stone statues. Seven steps of the worship-yard lead to Buu Thanh on the hill top. Inside Buu Thanh, the stone double-grave is built according to the concept of "Can Khon Hiep Duc" a symbol of happiness and loyalty.

- On the right: The main monument is Minh Thanh Temple, dedicated to the Emperor and his first Queen. Formerly, it used to contain many artefacts related to Gia Long's military life.

- On the left: The main monument is the stele pavilion. Nowadays, only the stele is left, minutely inscribed with Emperor Minh Mang's singing of the late Emperor's praises.
To move along the paths among the grass and wild flowers, under the fresh shady pines, tourists can visit other neighboring tombs in this section such as Quang Hung Tomb (the second wife of Lord Hien Vuong Nguyen Phuc Tan (1620- 1687), mother of Lord Nguyen Phuc Tran), Vinh Mau Tomb (the wife of Lord Nguyen Phuc Tran (1650-1691)); Thoai Thanh tomb (the second wife of Nguyen Phuc Luan and mother of Gia Long Emperor).The most noticeable one is the tomb of Thuan Thien Cao Queen, mother of Emperor Minh Mang. Next to it is Gia Thanh Temple, dedicated to her.

Gia Long's tomb is a wonderful picture of nature and architecture, which provides a superb view of the boundless mountains and the solitary pine forest
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Thua Thien Hue

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Hue is one of places, which has many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no places like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City.


On the Northern bank of Perfume River has relics consisting of palaces, which were constructed as arc defensive ramparts with 11km length. This valuable construction includes more than 100 arichectural works which were extremely reflected the life of Emperors and mandarins under Nguyen’ reign. Situated in the middle of hills on the Southern bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Nguyen Kings. Among these tombs are the four famous ones with the name and the arrangements of the tomb reflected each Emperor’s points of view, personality, and tastes. This is majestic Gia Long tomb, imposing Minh Mang tomb, poetic Tu Duc tomb and magnificent Khai Dinh tomb.

Hue is also an important center of Buddhism. In Hue and its surrounding still exist tens of pagodas constructed more 300 years ago, and a hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early century.

Besides, Hue is a place where the royal music is originated, and a place with traditional famous dishes and sophisticated handicraft.

As a unique city of Vietnam still remains its form of City under Middle Age and the constructions of monarchic, Hue has become a big and an invaluable museum. Therefore, vestiges in Hue ancient capital have been classified by the government as a very precious property and on December 1993 Hue has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Climate: The weather is submitted to tropical monsoon climate divided into four distinct seasons: fresh spring, very hot summer, mild autumn and windy, cold winter. The dry season lasts from March to August. It is hot with temperate rarely reaches to 39.5ºC. The rainy season lasts from September to February. It is quite cold with average temperature is 19.7ºC, but sometime down to 8.8ºC. In this time, it rains a lost, sometime lasts all day. If tourist would to avoid rainy, they come to Danang City, 108km from south of Hue. In the mountain area, the weather is cool with the annual temperature is between 9ºC and 29ºC. The most convenient time to visit the area is from November to April.

Thua Thien-Hue offers very diversified and beautiful landscapes. Nature and human beings create a harmoniously beauty with Bach Ma (White Horse) National Park and other attractive beaches such as Thuan An, Lang Co and Canh Duong. The province provides a well-balanced blend of royal heritage and folk culture. As a matter of fact, tourists discover dozens of handicraft villages, with annual festivals that are painstakingly organized.

Hue is also an important center of Buddhism. In there and surrounding still exist tens of pagodas constructed more 300 years ago, and hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early 20th century.

Besides, tourist is able to enjoy many traditional famous dishes and find out about sophisticated handicraft here.Hue Citadel has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO since December 1993, Hue Royal Musical (Nha nhac) has been declared as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage since November 2003.

Transport

Transportation by train, road, air and water routes is very convenient.

Road: Thua Thien-Hue Province is 658km from Hanoi, 1,080km from Ho Chi Minh City, 108km from Danang. The province has the National Highway 14 that links Hue with Central Highlands. It is also on the National Highway 1A that connects Hanoi and Ca Mau.

Train: The Thong Nhat Express trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh stop at Hue Railway station. The local trains come to some other provinces.

Airline: Phu Bai Airport serves flights: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City and Hue - Hanoi.

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Duong No communal house

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Duong No communal house

Communal house was built for the cult of tutelary spirits (belonging to Phu Duong commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province) who are 7 talent persons of 7 lines of village traiblazing this land with some great mandarins born here.


Communal house is situated on a 420 metres square - wide land with its face towards Pho Loi river. Initially, it was founded simply with bamboo, thatch... In 1808, it was rebuilt relying on money of Nguyen Duc Xuyen Duke with iron wood and Yin -Yang tiles. The peak (two dragons kneeling) bas -relief in the middle. Concurrently, the communal house was expanded more with 5 spaces, 2 wings and 2 inside rooms of the temple. But from 1943 till now, there have been just 3 spaces and 2 wings because of destruction.

From outside entering, the first view we see is 2 pillars of its gate and ground, next is the largest space of the communal house with 209.30 metres square area, 18.2 metres long, 11.5 metres wide and 265 metres high. The behind face has surrouding wall while the front one has just walls at 2 wings. On these wall are embellished flower - patterned designs. On the top corners are 4 bats symbolizing "Phuc" word. At the center is "Tho" word modelled in colourful parcerlain. At the lower positions are image of "long ma phu ha do" (the picture of dragon and horse by ariver).

3 middle spaces of the communal house have not any door but sowing trestle laid in the middle. The main sanctuary consists of 4 carpentrees and 8 main columns, 8 medium - sized pillars and 8 subordinate pillars at 2 wings. The chief worshipping are is of 6 doors put inside frames. On the doorways are ornamented with "luong long trieu nhat" (two dragons kneeling) figures and tigerhead carved. The left and the right - sided rooms are empty.

The middle chamber contains a 3 - story -altar. On the 1st story is of 2 high - woody flamingoes. Between two ones is "Tarn Son" altar used for containing water. On the 2nd floor is a joss - stick pot. The 3rd story has a box of 19 Nguyen dynastic nominations.

In additional, Duong No village has also a bamboo house, 100 metres from the communal house, where Ho Chi Minh president used to reside and study when he was 10 years old.

The Duong No communal house's annual spring festival begins on the 8th of the 1st lunar month and autumn festival on 2 best days at the beginning of the 7th lunnar month.

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Lac Tinh garden

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Lac Tinh Garden was founded in 1889 by the poet Hong Khang. It is located on an area of 2,070 sq.m. in the former Duong Xuan village, now it is at 65 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hue City.

Lac Tinh Garden has a beautiful and cool setting with a symmetrical arrangement of two rows of hibiscuses, roses, laurel and ochna atropurpurea along the path leading to the house. Under the trees are small tables and chairs for enjoying the view and drinking tea. At the end of the path is a stylized book-shaped screen. With the structure of hexagonal beehive, the screen creates openness for the garden and reduces the separation between the house and the surrounding.

There are four houses adjacent to each other in the Lac Tinh Garden. Each house has its own name, which has a special meaning and closely connects in meaning with the owner.

Nhan Hau House (Benevolent House) is used for receiving guests, enjoying the moon and flowers and also distributing relief for the poor. It has an open architecture of parterres and bonsais putting around the house instead of walls.

Hy Tran Trai House is located in the middle of the garden. The interior is decorated with many wood panels. The main compartment has fifty-nine iron wood columns with the flat tiled roof. Rafters are carved with images of dragon, Chinese character, four seasons, eight weapons, etc. by the professional skill of talent artists.

Van Trai House is a place for working and relaxing.

Di Tam Thich The Duong House is a place of studying and living for the offsprings.

The architecture and special arrangement of decorated articles; appliances of the house give all four houses an ancient apperance. They give visitors a strong impression of elegance, refinement, and remind them being light in their steps, soft in their voice, etc. Accordingly, when going out of the Lac Tinh Garden and facing the mundane world, we suddenly want to come back to find the cultural way of life, fondness for learning, behavior manner of aristocrats under the old Nguyen Dynasty.
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Chu Dong Tu Temple, Hung Yen

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This temple worships Saint Chu Dong Tu, who has been honoured as one of four immortal Vietnamese spirits, and his wife Princess Tien Dung. It is located in Binh Minh Village of the Khoai Chau District, about 25km from Hanoi along the Red River. The temple is located on a rectangular, even, wide and high area of 18,720 sq.m, facing the west.

Its noon gate consists of three doors. The main door leads to a wide and high three-partitioned house with a top engraved with two dragons flanking a moon. This door is only opened on special occasions. The two side doors receive visitors at any time. Passing through the yard you will arrive at the main altar house, incense-burning house, second palace, third palace, and finally, the last palace. The temple also has rare and precious objects including two bach tho vases.

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Po Nagar Cham Towers, Khanh Hoa

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She spent part of her life in teaching new weaving and agricultural techniques. The 22.5m tower contains her sandstone statue sitting cross-legged on lotus-shaped stone estrade. The statue is 2.6m high (including the Yoni-shaped stone pedestal). The statue has ten hands, eight of which each holding a specific object illustrating the intellect and power of her. The remaining towers were dedicated to different gods: the southeast tower, the northwest tower and the south tower.

Not only are the towers famous for their architecture and sculpture, but they are also well-known for their great significance in history, nationalism, and archaeology.
Standing on the top of the hill, one can admire the beautiful landscapes of the coastal region of Nha Trang.

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