Tra Su melaleuca in the Mekong

The diverse ecological system and magnificent natural scenery have turned Tra Su melaleuca forest in the Mekong province of An Giang into a popular tourist attraction, especially in the high-water season.

Nearly 100 kilometers from Long Xuyen City, each year Tra Su melaleuca forest welcomes 10,000 domestic and international tourists.

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With the area of 845 hectares, Tra Su is home to 140 kinds of plants, mainly melaleuca, and dozens of reptiles and birds, including two kinds of birds listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.

Most likely, the best time to visit Tra Su is from the middle of September until the Lunar New Year when the whole forest becomes inundated.

To reach Tra Su forest, visitors have to go for a walk about 500 from the car park. Along the walking path are lotus ponds and rows of green trees as a warm welcome to visitors. At the forest’s gate, tourists take a motorboat or row boat to explore Tra Su.

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You will feel overwhelmed with numerous green melaleuca and water-fern floating on the surface. Along the way, you will see birds perched on tree trunks, bunches of water lilies, and the water’s surface full of water ferns. It’s great to admire the nature beauty and enjoy peaceful vibe of Tra Su melaleuca forest.

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In the early morning or late afternoon, visitors may get a chance to see large flocks of birds flying from or to their nests. However, the forest becomes livelier in the afternoon when thousands of white storks fly and chirp all around the forest. The white of storks contracts with the green of the melaleuca forest, which gives tourists peaceful and relaxing feelings. In addition, there are also many species of other birds and animals.

Visiting Tra Su melaleuca forest in An Giang, Vietnam is an interesting destination for tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surely, the journey to Tra Su will leave you unforgettable experiences.

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Ham Rong Mountain

The mountain flanks one side of Sapa town. Spend half of a day and you can fully appreciate Ham Rong mountain exhaustively. Once reaching the top of the mountain, you will catch the view of breath-taking scenery offered by Sapa town looking down from the air.

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Stone Church of Sapa

It is also known as the Holy Rosary church, which is located at the heart of the town. The French colonists built the church in the early 20th century. Nowadays, the church still remains its delicate beauty through time. You can enjoy music performances are weekly held at the stadium near the stone house on Saturday.

Cat Cat Mountain village

Passing Sapa old market and sticking to the route heading Fansipan, you will reach Cat Cat after walking about 2.5km. The village has somehow become tourist-oriented but still it’s worth a visit. One specialty of the village is buckwheat flower field. Visitors can binge on photographing that beautiful, vast flower fields. Another attraction is the iron bridge laying above Muong Hoa stream, from which you can contemplate a fall pouring down water impetuously.  Adjacent to the fall, there are some humble shacks where you can stop by and grab a bite to eat: grilled corn, eggs, barbequed meat and drink docynia wine.

Ta Phin mountain village

Coming to Ta Phin, you can have relaxing bath with herbs. The village is the residential area of Dao Do ethnic group. The road up to the village is suitable for anyone who likes a little adventure on their motorbike.

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Ancient monastery

The site was erected in Octorber, 1942 and resided by Christian nuns until 1945. From that year, the monastery was abandoned and soon reclaimed by nature. The French-style structure blending in the green of various trees and bushes attracts a fair share of visitors to Sapa.

Lao Chao – Ta Van mountain village

The village is located 7km far from Sapa. You can find limitless terraced paddy fields spreading over Muong Hoa vally, which possesses the largest granary of the two village. The local delicatessens are five-colored sticky rice served with barbeque meat. They taste heavenly.

Wooden bridge on the way to ancient stonefield

Visitor hiring ethnic costumes and posing for photos
Silver fall
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The fall is situated 12km far from Sapa. Other mind-blowing sceneries can be contemplated along the way to the site.

Love Fall

O Quy Ho bypass – Cong Troi (Heaven Gate)

Have you been to Sapa? What is the most fantastic experience you’ve been through in the poetic town? Share it with us in the comments.

Top Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

Visit Hanoi is located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam things to do in Hanoi is a useful suggestion for you when traveling Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake
Turtle Tower in the middle of the Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is considered one of the first things to see when one arrives in Hanoi. It is the well-known lake in the cultural and historical center of the Vietnam capital. The water in Hoan Kiem Lake is fresh and green all year round so it used to be called Luc Thuy Lake. In the 15th century, it was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) or Guom Lake, which is associated with the legend of Emperor Le Thai To returning the spirit sword for the Golden Turtle.

The Lake has the area of 12 hectares. Surrounding the lake is Le Thai To street, Dinh Tien Hoang street, and Hang Khay. Referring to Hoan Kiem Lake, we can’t help mentioning to Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, But Tower (Pen Tower), which are the relic, famous sights and the pride of Hanoi and people around Vietnam. The Turtle Tower lies in the middle of the Lake as to remind the Vietnamese of the spirit sword’s legend and the Golden Turtle’s great assistance.

Beautiful girls take some photos on The Huc Bridge
Wandering around the lake, you will have an opportunity to see many vendors, small shops, and people walking and running. It gives you a different perspective on life in Hanoi and also a get-away from the hustle and bustle in the rest of Hoan Kiem district.

There are many types of flowers and plants around the lake, which make the lake green and beautiful all year round. It’s so romantic and cool when walking around the lake or sitting on stone benches to relax and enjoy the colorful natural picture of Hanoi. Most likely, those are unforgettable moments of each visitor in Hanoi.
Moving on to Trang Tien plaza, there is the heaven of many kinds of famous ice creams for you to choose.

Old Quarter
A corner of Hang Chieu, Old Quater, Hanoi
Inside a modern and dynamic city, there appears an antique quarter called Hanoi Old Quarter or Hanoi’s 36 districts. It is considered the soul of Hanoi and the top special historical vestige and sightseeing place of the capital.

Located between Hoan Kiem Lake and Long Bien Bridge, the Old Quarter consists of 36 old streets. Each street specializes in a particular trade and carries the name of the products sold there. For example, Pho Hang Bun sells Bun (Vermicelli), Pho Hang Ma sells products from paper (the street of Paper Products), and so on. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although some of them no longer sell the products carrying its name.

The Old Quarter brings the unique classical beauty of Hanoi, which is the inspiration for numerous writers, poets, and painters. For travelers, that is also one of the desired tourist destinations in Hanoi.

It’s an interesting experiences when walking street to street and enjoying the locals’ daily life, the old-style narrow streets and houses, the colorful souvenir shops, and of course trying some of the most tasty traditional foods of Hanoi.

Temple of Literature
Dai Trung gate of Temple of Literature, Hanoi
It takes about 10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake to the Temple of Literature. It was constructed in 1070 under Ly Thanh Tong’s dynasty to honor Confucius. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong continued the work and built Quoc Tu Giam as the first university of Vietnam.

The temple is divided into five courtyards. Each has its own significance and history. The first courtyard stretches from the main gate to Dai Trung gate; the second stands out with Khue Van Cac pavilion. The third courtyard is where doctor names were listed on a tombstone above tortoise backs. There is a total of 82 tombstones, with names and origins of 1307 doctors, corresponding to 82 examination courses from 1442 to 1779. Each year, when many important examinations take place, a lot of students come and rub the tortoise head, which is believed to bring them luck for the tests.

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Doctor names were listed on a tombstone above tortoise backs
The fourth courtyard is dedicated for Confucius and his 72 honored students, as well as a famous teacher-Chu Van An. The last and also furthest courtyard is Thai Hoc house, which used to be Quoc Tu Giam- the first university of Vietnam. Thai Hoc house has a small collection of old costumes for students and mandarins, as well as explaining the process of taking and passing the national examination.

Temple of literature has one of the most typical architecture styles for centuries in Vietnam, composed of wood and tiles. Along the entrance, there are a lot of hundred-year-old trees that have witnessed ups and downs of history.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the center of Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi
In the center of Ba Dinh Square, where the great leader Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on 2 September 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, standing a Mausoleum named Ho Chi Minh.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is where visitors can express their admiration and gratitude towards the father of the Vietnamese who has led the country to independence and reunification. His embalmed body is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honor guard. The body lies in a glass case with dim light. The mausoleum has two platforms with seven steps for parade viewing. The gardens surrounding the mausoleum have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam.

When getting here, visitors must be silent and walk in two lines. There are no shorts, no tank tops, no drinking, no smoking, no hands in pockets and no photography here.

One Pillar Pagoda
Behind of One Pilar Temple
The One Pillar Pagoda (formally Dien Huu Tu, which literally means “long-lasting happiness and good luck”) is a historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi. It is located in the western part of the city, near Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ong Ich Khiem Street, Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
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According to legend, Emperor Ly Thai Tong had no children. One night, he dreamt meeting Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who was seated on a great lotus flower in a square-shaped lotus pond on the western side of Thang Long Citadel, gave him a baby son. Months later, when the Queen gave birth to a male child, the Emperor ordered the construction of a pagoda supported by only one pillar 1.25 m in diameter resembling the lotus seat in his dream. This unique shape of the temple together with the special story has attracted a lot of international tourists.

Visitors must be wear full-length clothes as you visit the One-Pillar Pagoda as well as other pagodas in the nation.

“Danh du” or Bamboo Swing

Đánh đu (Bamboo swing) is one of the popular traditional games in Vietnam’s Northern Delta in spring. It involves two people standing on the wooden platform and swinging as high as possible.

Bamboo swing came into existence in Vietnam long time ago in the Ly Dynasty. It’s often held during spring festivals.

Preparation

Swing is often built on a dry and large space so that spectators can stand around four sides.
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It consists of frames, handles, and platforms. The frame is made of solid bamboo. The handles which are also made of bamboo need to be straight, wide enough for a person’s palm, and no knot. The platforms need to be close enough to the ground so that players can easily jump on.

They also need to pick the right bamboo to ensure safety. While young bamboo is weak, old bamboo tends to break.

Rules

Two kinds of bamboo swing are single and couple swing. In couple swing, two people will stand on the swing platform, face to face. They will press their feet against platform then bend their knees. Then the swing will gradually move like a pendulum.
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The two players need to swing as high as possible. When they reach the highest point, one needs to stretch a hand to snatch the prize. This requires both players to be clever, and calm. They will lose if they drop the prize.oy of Vietnamese children
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Chao long - Dish Vietnam

First word to describe Vietnamese cuisine? The world would say ‘delicate’.  And the second word should be economical. Nothing goes to waste once it lands in a Vietnamese kitchen. From meat to bone to guts and blood, each and every part of an animal is put to good cooking use. Piggy odds and ends that most butchers would toss into trashcan are turned into soothing and hearty rice porridge in the very  visit ha noi dish — ‘Cháo lòng’.

In Saigon ( vietnam things to do ), Cháo lòng is served from morning until evening, by street vendors. They are easy to spot by their distinctive giant metal vats and piles of offal contained in glass display cases. Once sitting down on a plastic stool, you will be swiftly dished up with a bowl of Chao long, which is satisfactorily hot. The offering is rather easy on the pocket at around half of one dollar a bowl. Some cut golden fried dough deepened into the smoky bowl makes the perfect topping. This is not exaggerating to say the slices of fried dough are one of the biggest stars in a bowl of chao long. Once incorporated into the steaming porridge, they behave like little sponge softening and soaking up the tangy porridge. You will like them so much that you don’t think you can go on finishing the great chao long without asking for more of that crispy dough.See more dishs of Vietnam: old quarter hanoi 

The base of chao long is well-cooked rice in flavorful broth, thrown in cubes of congealed blood. When customers order, the porridge and tiết (congealed blood) are ladled into a bowl, pouring down on chunks of tubular innards, various forcemeats and slices of liver sitting in the bottom. Fresh ground pepper and scallions are sprinkled at last. A careful eater who wants to bring out the full taste of chao long will add fresh bean sprouts, fish sauce, ginger and a squeeze of lime, all of which are available tableside.

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There is a majority of westerners distasting offal in spite of it mild and surprisingly palatable taste. Some people find the consistency quite a turn off while others think that chewiness is subtle and fun.

You are not going to see an aesthetical presentation when it comes to chao long. But you can absolutely rely on it to bring you the warmth in stomach on a chilling winter day.

Where to try 141 Trung Liệt – Đống Đa. One bowl of chao long here set you back about 35.000 vnd.
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Famous Western Street in Hanoi Ta Hien

Ta Hien Street is a part of Hanoi Old Quarter, so frequented by foreign backpackers that it is now called Pho Tay (Foreigner Street). This is where people gather together, enjoy a glass of draught beer, and chit chat.

Street foods in Hanoi Old QuarterTa Hien Street, called Géraud in the French colonial time, is a 200-meter long street in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter. This place is considered the international crossroads since it is flooded with hundreds of foreign visitors.

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Ta Hien Street has been a preferred spot to enjoy the nightlife in Hanoi.
It is at its most boisterous at night when hundreds of foreign visitors and Vietnamese gather in this street, sit elbow-to-elbow on small-sized plastic chairs, enjoy a glass of draught beer, and chat with friends. It even becomes busier during hot nights of summer. There is sometimes no empty seat.

There are various kinds of beer such as draught beer, bottled beer, black beer, or cask ale. They are pretty slight and sweet.

Pubs are close to each other along the street. Ta Hien  visit hanoi is a paradise of street foods. You can easily find diverse tasty street foods served with draught beer such as nem phung, fries, olive-roasted peanuts, fried nem chua, etc.  You can call a glass of beer and sit for hours without being interrupted. Or if you are lucky, you may have a chance to enjoy street music.

places don't forget in Tam Dao

With its fresh, pure and cooling air, dense mist, and romantic scenery, Tam Dao is considered Da Lat in the North, or the second Sa Pa in Vietnam.

Tam Dao is romantic and poeticAbout 70 kilometers from Hanoi, Tam Dao in Vinh Phuc Province is endowed with a lot of beautiful landscapes, which are the romantic combination of forests, streams, and mountain. Especially, the climate in Tam Dao is cool and fresh all year round. The average temperature is just from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. It’s easy for tourists to feel 4 seasons in one day in Tam Dao.

This will be a perfect trip if you can visit all amazing places below.

Television Tower
Television Tower in Thien Nhi peak is vague in the early mist.
On the top of Thien Nhị with a height of 1,375 meters, Television Tower is 93 meters high. The way up to the tower is rough but romantic and poetic. Along the roadsides, tourists can observe numerous colorful orchids, daisies, and many other wildflowers. Up to the top, it’s spacious with the sky, mountains, light winds, and clouds.

To reach Television Tower, tourists have to climb nearly 1,400 stone steps. It’s a long and tiring journey, but it would be amazing if you love adventurous things.

Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Templesee more : vietnam things to do 
If time is limited, instead of visiting Thien Nhi peak, tourists just have to climb 200 stone steps to reach Ba Chua Thuong Ngan temple, the place where remains a beautiful tradition of the worship.

Ba Chua Thuong Ngan temple is a sacred place for the worship
Silver Waterfall
The waterfall is situated in Tam Dao town with 50 meters high. To get there, you will have to go to the center market and down to a deep valley. In the end, you will see the waterfall hiding in the mountain.

It’s great to play with this Silver waterfall
Standing from Silver waterfall, you can enjoy the full shadow of the ancient town, and play with the cool stream. You seem to live among nature.

It’s noticed that the way down to Silver waterfall is sloping and slippery, so you should wear sport shoes or even normal shoes. If you are not, don’t worry because there are slippers or sandals honeycomb for you to rent.

Sky Gate
Standing on Sky Gate, tourists can see the poetic natural beauty of all Tam Dao Town
From Tam Dao Town, go straight to the stone church, and then turn left, you will reach Sky Gate.  It’s the top position in Tam Dao where you can see the whole town from above. Standing on Sky Gate, you will feel the strange beauty of Tam Dao Town hiding in the sea of clouds as well as the cool and clear vibe with light breezes.

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Tam Dao ancient church

The ancient church is the only stone building in Tam Dao
The ancient church, which was built in 1937 by the French, is the only stone building conserved in the middle of the poetic landscape. Tam Dao ancient church has a spacious view, where you can see the natural beauty of all Tam Dao.

In addition, a large yard surrounded by ancient stone walls is a great place to take nice photos with your friends and your lovers. Even, a lot of young couples choose this interesting places as the background for their wedding albums.

The groom and bride are sparkling in the wedding photo in Tam Dao.
Rung Rinh Peak
If you love adventure, Rung Rinh peak surrounded by numerous green trees, and beautiful mountain like in the fairytale is the best choice. At over 1,200 meters over sea level, the peak is majestic. Especially, Rung Rinh peak is covered by a thick layer of leaves. It’s so romantic and poetic.

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Tam Dao is famous for delicious chayote.
In addition, when traveling to Tam Dao, don’t forget to try famous specialties, particularly chayote which becomes the trademark of Tam Dao.

Interesting about Vietnam

This is your chance to get some interesting information about Vietnam while you can enjoy below fun facts. This will definitely bring you enjoyment and pleasure.

#1 Vietnam – the S-shaped land

The first interesting fact about Vietnam lies in its shape. While Cuba is shaped like a crocodile, Italy is shaped like a boot; Vietnam’s shape resembles a letter S.

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#2 Motorbikes are everywhere

The number of motorbikes in Vietnam has increased in the fast pace. You can see the overwhelming number of motorbikes in streets. There are about 39 million of motorbikes nationwide since it is an affordable means of transportation. Its price and tax are far much cheaper than a car. Motorbikes are everywhere.

A motorbike is used to transport all kinds of things
You may catch sights of people transporting giant packs of things just in their little motorbike and I guess you can never find out how they could handle that.

#3 Coffee paradise

Vietnam, the second largest producer of coffee in the world, is the paradise of coffee. You can find a café in every street corner. They are all tasty, aromatic. You may find various kinds of coffee in this country.

#4 White is beautifulWhile tanned skin is regarded as a sign of strength to Western people, Vietnamese considered that color as sign of low class of laborer working at the fields. To Vietnamese people, white color skin is the symbol of high class and is an ideal skin color. Hence, they wrap themselves up as much as possible when they go outside.

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#5 The most popular family nameNguyen (Nguyễn), the most popular family name in Vietnam, shared by 40% of the population. This surname dates back to emperor period of Nguyen Dynasty.

#6 Kitchen god

Vietnam is the only country that has the deity for the kitchen – Ong Tao. On the 23rd day of the 12th month in lunar calendar, people will buy a carp – a means of transportation for Ong Tao to rush up to heaven and report to the God of Heaven what family members had done in that year.