A gorgeous beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall

The world's fourth largest waterfalls in the list located on the natural border between the countries, Ban Gioc waterfall has a glorious and magnificent beauty.

Located in Trung Khanh, over 80km from Cao Bang Town, Cao Bang province, even the way to the waterfall is full of beauty by the majestic scenery of the river, springs, mountains and forests.

In rainy season, the warm color fields like as small islands standing out from the strange green background. When the rice crop comes with the yellow-covered to bring a photo of the warm rich border area beside white foam of the cascade . The rainy season begins from June through September, dry season from October to May. Because of the abundant water volume during rainy season changes colour of water into red and carries silt to provide lands for villages here, dry season falls in the green color to bring peace, each season has its own beauty.

Cuc Phuong National Park Offers Escape From Humdrum City Life

Cuc Phuong National Park is the best choice for those who would like escape from the humdrum city life.

The sound of birdsong disturbs the silence. That's right, complete silence. Such a welcome break from the buzz of Hanoi. No motorbikes, no horns, no market vendors yelling, no drilling. Just complete and utter silence. For the first time in months, I concentrate on breathing the clear fresh air, relax and feel my tense muscles unclench. Finally, I can hear myself think and am alone, surrounded by nature and centuries of evolutionary miracles.

Such a welcome break from the buzz of Hanoi. No motorbikes,
no horns, no market vendors yelling, no drilling. Just complete
and utter silence

I have come to Cuc Phuong National Park, after a 90 minute motorbike ride from Ninh Binh City. After leaving the city, the road winds its way through small villages surrounded by rice paddies. Soon the houses give way to more rice paddies, interspersed with stunning limestone karsts. The landscape is very similar to the karst formations of Northern Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, yet, due to its in-land location, obviously lacks the marine features of its coastal counterpart.

Cuc Phuong is Vietnam's oldest national park and was established over 50 years ago. The scenery that unfolds before my eyes is breathtaking, and the calls of insects, birds, and primates lure me into the dense forest. On walks I explore the park's extensive trekking trails, listen to the mystical sounds of the jungle and visit some of the villages in the area, where I could see some of the traditional stilt houses, agricultural tools and, luckily, musical performances by some of the region's ethical minority groups.

The park is also home to some of the region's most successful conservation centres, where injured and confiscated animals from the wildlife trade are rehabilitated and prepared for their re-release into the wild.

Visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre was my highlight, and I spent close to two hours watching over 100 primates of over 15 different species of gibbons and langurs play, feed and nurture their young. At the Turtle Conservation Centre close to 20 different turtle species that have been rescued from the wildlife trade are housed and bred, and possibly will be re-introduced into the wild eventually.

As most of these species are endangered, the conservation centre also functions as a place of education and provides vital information about the key turtle species in Vietnam. For example, did you know that it can take up to 30 years for a turtle to hatch from an egg, mature, and procreate? The life cycle of these stunning creatures is unbelievably slow, and sadly the high demand for turtles (as pets or meat) is devastating turtle stocks across Vietnam.

The Small Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Centre next door is home to some of the most endangered small mammals in Vietnam, such as the Owston civet or leopard cat.

After visiting all three centres and learning about the natural heritage and biodiversity of Vietnam, I walked back to my lodge contemplating the beauty of it all: the landscape, the conservation efforts of so many dedicated individuals and organisations, the fascinating species of animals and plants that are unique to this part of the world, and our role of humans within it all.

Faced with such spectacular surroundings, I felt very small. Standing there, alone, in the middle of thousands of years of evolutionary processes, I couldn't help but wonder what the future would bring – would we as humanity manage to come together to preserve our natural beauty, or would we continue in our path towards destruction and extinction? I guess only time will tell.

However, I can say for certain that Cuc Phuong National Park is a wonderful place to escape to and provides the perfect backdrop for profound thoughts and musings about life. 

Lung Cu flagpole - spectacular scenic in Ha Giang

Located about 24km from the centre of Dong Van district, is a tourist destination that is meaningful for domestic visitors. Being known as “a high forehead of the motherland” where marks the extreme North of our country, Lung Cu is an interesting place for those who love learn history. From its top, visitors can see the whole of beautiful and spectacular landscape.

Just over 400km from Hanoi following National Highway 2 and 4C, the rocky plateau of Dong Van  with mountain paths like blood vessels sticking to the land standing between them and the summit of Lung Cu awaits visitor.

The Lung Cu flagpole, marking the country’s extreme north, is a popular tourist destination that inspires a deep sense of pride in Vietnamese. From a distance, Lung Cu is a spectacular sight with the view dominated by giant boulders and the national flag flying above Dragon Mountain, all set to the backdrop of magnificent forests.

Lung Cu flagpole locates in longitude of 1580 58’, 21’’ west and latitude of 230 21’48, 76’’ North. Its height is 1468.73 m – north pole, the border area of nation. Its design is an imitation of the Hanoi Flag Tower, with eight bronze drums guarding the sides of the octagonal tower. The national flag adorning the top of the 135-stair tower has an area of 54m², symbolizing the unity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The road to Ha Giang is like a challenge with visitors and driver. However, coming to Ha Giang few people skip the arch roads leading to the Lung Cu flagpole. It is about 24 kms from center of Dong Van to Lung Cu. 24-km road is a constant series of mountains lying close together. One side of flimsy road is a gut and another side is a high mountain. The mountain pass is sinuous, which gives a trial to every driver.

The road to Lung Cu is beautiful like a watercolor painting. The paddy fields and earthen-walled houses dot the sumptuous panorama. At sunset, Lung Cu village is very peaceful with smoke from roofs and children drive the herd of buffalos to the houses. The cold weather covers on children faces and their hair. The smoke spreads out and makes a corner of the dusk warmer. The road to Lung Cu flagpole has been rebuilt with stair structure helping travelling easier. The higher, the perfect Lung Cu scenery is. See towards 4 sides, Lung Cu village is quiet in the light yellow sunset. Seeing more, you will be more charmed.

 On the Lung Cu flagpole, the red nation flag is flying flutteringly in the winter wind. Be quiet to see the red nation flag with yellow stars, it is certain that visitors will feel peacefulness in your soul and am proud of putting feet on the scared and charming land and touching the flagpole in the border area of nation.

Lo Dieu Rock Reef awaits tourist footprints

Nguyen Thi Binh An Peaceful scenery in Lo Dieu Located in Lo Dieu Hamlet, Hoai My Commune, Hoai Nhon District in Binh Dinh Province, Lo Dieu Wharf was an important spot for Vietnamese revolutionary ships that transported weapons for the province’s Military Base No 5.

Rock reefs in Lo Dieu Beach are formed into many weird shapes The process of formation and nature has turned the rock reefs into strange and weird shapes that can arouse the rich imaginations of tourists. Seen from above, Lo Dieu Beach looks like a giant bow leaning back onto the mountain and facing to the sea with a rice field in the middle. Now Lo Dieu is also famous for the popular Bang Bang sand dunes. Coming to Lo Dieu, tourists have to pass through winding trails but will be rewarded by its romantic surroundings. Moreover, during summer, the clear blue water and smooth golden sand will give tourists a place to relax and a chance to indulge in nature and forget daily stresses. A view of Hon Trong (Waiting Rock) – Photos: Binh An The highlight of the area is Hon Trong (Waiting Rock), a rock in the shape of a woman waiting for her husband who has gone fishing. On the mountain wall facing the sea, tourists will see Ong Temple which is dedicated to worship whales and was used as a hiding-place for weapons in wartime. Every two years, local fishermen will make rituals and give offerings at the temple to skeletons of whales to pray for a good catch and safety in the sea.

The splendid Tuan Chau island

Tuan Chau Island in Halong Bay is on the top of to-visit-list of those who like swimming, resting and exploring the sea.

Tuan Chau Island in Ha Long Bay (one of the seven natural wonders of the world), Quang Ninh is about 4 kilometers from the southwest of Bai Chay  port and 8 kilometers from the center of Ha Long city. The island has an area of approximately 400 hectares, is endowed with rich and stunning natural conditions by Mother Nature. Tuan Chau is famous for fine white sandy caprpet stretching 6 kilometers, blue clear sea water surrounding 200 hectares green pine forests. Furthermore, cool climate all year roud is a factor supporting the diversity of Tuan Chau. This place has many luxurious constructions: the international standard villas, the elegant European-Asian restaurants with royal architectural design, the modern and unique clubs for dolphins, seals, sea lions performing. In addition to the charming natural beauty and unique constructions, the island also has Tuan Chau beach and Tuan Chau outdoor entertainment area attracting a large number of travelers. Tuan Chau beach with sand carpet stretching 2 kilometers will make visitors feel comfortable to rest, sunbath, or enjoy the sunset. Here, tourist can also participate in lots of funny activities: water sports, fishing, windsurfing, boating, skiing motor… Tuan Chau outdoor entertainment area has a total area of about 5 hectares, located along the length of Tuan Chau beach. Here, you can see firsthand the vivid wonders miniature of the world displayed in the center. The famous architectural works is arranged beautifully with classical and modern styles. People will have the chance to meet the characters in Grimm’s fairy tales and Walt Disney cartoon. In addition, the children must be excited by the strange feeling when entering a magical kingdom in Hoa Dang area.

EXPLORING BA NA WITH FOUR SEASONS A DAY

Ba Na has a special climate with four seasons a day, which makes many tourists be fascinated. To Ba Na, visitors will feel the sense like getting lost in the clouds and smog.

The way from the foot of mountain to the top of Ba Na is 15 kilometers in length. Going by Ba Na cable car, Tourists will start from Vong Nguyet hill, go through cloud and a primeval forest to go to the top. When standing at the top, you can easily contemplate the whole imposing landscapes, Mo stream, and Toc Tien waterfall, etc. This cable car route has set four world records: the longest one line car cable in the world (5,801 meters); the highest difference height between departure and destination (1,368.93 meters); the longest non-stop cable (11,585 meters); and the world heaviest cable rolls (141.24 tonnes). Enjoying the magnificent views from the summit, over the mountain, Ba Na is in green colour of primeval forests and blue colour of sky and sea. Ba Na is sparkling as a landscape photo. Belonging to Truong Son mountain range, Hoa Ninh commune, Hoa Vang district, Ba Na is 25 kilometers from Da Nang city. it has been famous for an ecological system with many species of rare animals and plants such as sandal-wood, mahogany, Asia black bear, gibbons, etc. According to statistics, the flora in Ba Na is abundant with more than 543 species, including 250 species of medical plants, 256 species of vertebrate animals (61 species of animals, 178 species of birds and 17 species of reptiles). Visting Ba Na, tourists will have a chance to enjoy special climate here. You will experience four seasons a day and explore special and interesting things. At the top of Ba Na mountain, tourists can experience the freeze of winter in the summer, feast your eyes on a mysterious view. That is so amazing! Getting up in early morning, the winter’s gone, the spring comes. It is full of sunlight. The temperature at 7 am is about 18 degree Celsius. At the midday, it turns to summer, but it is not as hot as the summer of the Central Vietnam. The hot weather just lasts a few hours and then it turns to autumn in the afternoon. Ba Na is a paradise of flowers. It is considered as the second Sapa in Vietnam. The weather of Ba Na is suitable for many species of  subtemperate flowers such as hydrangeas, and orchids, etc.Since 2004, local people here has built a big pagoda on the summit of Ba Na mountain. It is called Linh Ung pagoda. In addition, they put a Buddha statue that is 30 meters in height. Building a pagoda at the height of 1,500 meters above the sea level is a feat. Nowadays, Ba Na has been a pride of Vietnamese people in general and Da Nang people in particular. It is also a famous tourist attractions to many foreign travellers. Currently, Da Nang is still in the process of renovation, restoration, conservation of Buddhist cultural area, ancient villas and the construction of hotels to meet the needs of sightseeing, leisure for tourists.

Visiting one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam: Lac Lake

Lac Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam, is considered by many to also be the most beautiful. Covered more than 500ha at an elevation of 500m, the lake is one of the most famous landscapes in the Central Highlands.

Located about 52km from Buon Ma Thuot city, in the Central Highlands province of Dac Lak, visiting Lac Lake tourists in Vietnam tours have many wonderful experiences such as dance with the locals, wander through the forest on an elephant's back and enjoy unforgettable specialities around the campfire next to stilt houses. 

With spectacular mountains and primitive forests surround the lake. Shadows of the pine trees turn the water a beautiful deep green, which can be seen between the lotus flowers floating on the surface. 

A twisty path, lined with high trees, tall grass and wild flowers along the hillside to Bao Dai Palace at the summit. It was at first the summer residence of King Bao Dai, the last king of the Nguyen Dynasty, which has been renewed into a hotel. 

From the palace, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and forests nearby. Glimpses of Mnong villages can be seen through breaks in the leafy canopy. 

If it is in good weather,  you can see Chu Yang Sin, the highest mountain of the southern Central Highlands.

 ‘Lac' was the name of a young man with overwhelming courage and strength who found the source of water resource for locals in the area. According to the legend: a long time ago, for reasons unknown to man, the God of Fire and the God of Water declared war on each other. 

After a fierce fight, the defeated God of Water was forced to hide by turning himself into a boulder. As a result, there was a huge drought. For many years late, there was no rain and all the plants and animals perished and villagers waited in misery for any drops of rain. 

Then one day, a poor young man named Y Lac started on a quest to find water for the village. He walked day by day until he became so tired one afternoon he had to sit down on a boulder to eat and relax. His eyes happened to fall upon a small eel coiled up deep within a crack in the rock. He caught it and put it into a pan from which it could not escape. The next morning, Y Lac noticed a drop of water, like as a pearl, at the bottom of the pan. 

The youth somehow knew that the eel was the God of Water transfigured, so he released the eel and followed as it slithered away. After a such long journey, the eel disappeared and an immense lake suddenly appeared in front of the youth's eyes. Lac Lake was formed. 

Tourists for Vietnam travel guide come to Lak Lake these days can hear stories about the past, sail around in canoes, take elephant rides and enjoy the sights, sounds of Mnong villages. You can also go trekking over streams in the forests to enjoy the beauty of the diverse flora and fauna while listening to the songs of the birds and the breath of the wind. 

When night closes in, drink a glass of wine, listen to Tay Nguyen boys and girls sing and dance by the firelight to the sound of gongs, while listening the elders tell khan tales.