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VIETNAM
A COUNTRY OF SMILES AND FRIENDLINESS
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Vietnam
– a country that was famous around the world by its bravery
during wartime – has been trying to emerge to the attention
of tourists around the world as one of the most popular destinations.
Historical past and modern present, different religions and oriental
traditions, old and new are all blended to give Vietnam a colourful
image. To meet the nature loving ethnic minorities of the highlands,
to experience the quiet inside of pagodas, or to breathe the vivid
noise of Vietnam’s historic metropolis Saigon that is once
again starting to become "Paris of the East" is an experience
of its own. Mystical temple ruins constructed by Cham people of
a once very flourishing Champa Kingdom, the romantic imperial city
of Hue, the still dreamlike beaches along the coastline of the central
region of Vietnam, picturesque landscapes of the Mekong Delta in
the south, the marvelous Ha Long Bay in the north and colourful
life of ethnic minority peoples in the remote north–western
mountainous region are waiting to be discovered. And in some cities,
especially in Saigon and Hanoi, the distant charm of the French
colonial empire seems still hidden behind the many old city mansions
and in the tree–lined avenues.
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OVERVIEW
OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN VIETNAM
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NORTHERN
VIETNAM
Ha
Noi
This romantic city is the capital of Vietnam. The city's beautiful
old centre with broad avenues and historic mansions constructed
during the colonial period reminds visitors of a French village.
Despite time goes by, Hanoi still keeps its charming that few other
cities in Asia ever do. The city has many remarkable museums, pagodas,
ancient towers and temples. A prominent feature is the lush greenery
that abounds the lakes and parks giving the people a feeling of
peace and tranquillity in the evenings when walking around the city.
Ha Long Bay - world's natural heritage
Ha Long Bay is about 170km east of Hanoi. A magnificent bay which
has thousands of islets scattered throughout a large area of limpid
emerald water, this bay surely ranks among the most impressive landscapes
in the world and has been an accredited natural heritage of the
world. Thousands of small islands and curiously-shaped rocks full
of caves scatter in the blue water of the East Sea - a legend tells
that this beautiful place was created when a dragon descended into
the sea bringing to the bay the name "Ha Long Bay" which
means the "Bay of the Descending Dragon". A day trip on
the boat to enjoy this natural heritage of the world is almost a
must for every tourist to Vietnam.
Ninh Binh & Hoa Lu
Hoa Lu, which is now located in present-day Ninh Binh Province,
was Vietnam's first ancient capital. Visiting the ancient capital,
tourists. Early Le Dynasties who ruled Vietnam from the 10th to
the 11th centuries. The place is even more attractive with its three
caves - "Tam Coc" caves. A trip on small sampans oared
by local people along a stream passing by small limestone mounts
to the caves will recall to you a similar image of the worldwide
famous Ha Long Bay. One day trip from Ha Noi to this province is
surely worth visiting.
Hoa Binh & Mai Chau
Hoa Binh is also the name of Vietnam's biggest hydro-electric power
plant which provides Vietnam with most of the electric power. From
this provincial town, tourists can visit villages of several ethnic
minority groups such as Thai, Muong, H'mong, Tay, Dao, etc. Time
seems to have stopped a century ago - people are very friendly and
hospitable and they still observe ancient rites and habits. For
those who like trekking, walking from village to village or spending
time with the mountaineers is worth an experience. Another experience
is to stay overnight in houses-on-stilts of local people.
Sapa
& Bac Ha
Once a resort established by the French in the early 20th century
and located on a plateau of pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes
in the mountainous region of North-west of Vietnam, Sapa present-day
offers more with diverse cultures and colourful costumes and traditions
of many ethnic minority peoples living in the area. For those with
a more adventurous mind, conquering Fansipan - the tallest mountain
in Indochina - at the height of 3,124m is another challenge besides
trekking to remote villages on mountain sides. Around 100km from
Sapa, Bac Ha is the place for all the ethnic minority people in
the region to gather for their weekly market on Sunday. Many of
the interesting aspects of ethnic people's traditions and cultures
can be witnessed in the event.
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HaNoi |
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Ha
Long Bay |
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| Hoa
Binh & Mai Chau |
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Sapa
& Bac Ha |
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