History
History of Vietnam now has been inhabited since Paleolithic times, and some archaeological sites in Thanh Hoa Province date from several thousand years ago. Archaeologists link the beginnings of Vietnamese civilization to the late Neolithic, Early Bronze Age, Phung Nguyen culture, which was centered in Vinh Phuc Province of contemporary Vietnam, about 2000 to 1400 BCE.
By about 1200 BCE, the development of wet-rice cultivation and bronze casting in the Ma River and Red River plains led to the development of the Dong Son culture, notable for its elaborate bronze drums. The bronze weapons, tools, and drums of Dong-Sonian sites show a Southeast Asian influence that indicates an indigenous origin for the bronze-casting technology.
Many small, ancient copper mine sites have been found in Northern Vietnam. Some of the similarities between the Dong-Sonian sites and other Southeast Asian sites include the presence of boat-shaped coffins and burial jars, stilt dwellings, and evidence of the customs of betel-nut-chewing and teeth-blackening.
HanoiHanoi,capital of Vietnam, is becoming one of the most beguiling cities in Southeast Asia. |
SapaSapa, Mountainous Holidays Destination: Spend one night on a comfortable train, traveler will hit to the Hill Town- home to more than 20 colorful ethnic minorities, which is situated in the mountains to the north of Hanoi, not far from the Chinese border. The outstandingly beautiful valley, rice terraces, undiscovered ancient stone fields, trekking to the remote villages such as Ta Van, Cat Cat, overnight in a home stay...are the highlights of the trip. Vietnam's highest peak Mt. Fansipan (3143 m)-the roof of Indochina is nearby and waiting for you to conquer. |
HoabinhHoabinh, a mountainous province, is the nearest from Hanoi (just only about 80km) for those, who like to explore the high mountain ethnic groups but do not have enough time for travelling further. Here, tourists enjoy the minority specialty dishes including rice cooked in bamboo and grilled meat. They also enjoy watching traditional dancing, music performances (bronze, drums, gongs), and Thai minority singing and dancing. Then, travelers go further to Mai Chau district, the second stage of the journey, and will go by "Doc Koon" which has steep slopes on each side. Visitors often stop at the peak of it for sightseeing. The beautiful town of Mai Chau spreads out under the eyes of visitors. This whole district lies in a green valley of paddy fields dotted with rows of houses on stilts. An overnight stay at one of the stilted houses is one of the most unforgettable experience of the trip. |
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Dien Bien Phu is a city in northwestern Vietnam. It is the capital of Dien Bien province, and is known for the events there during the First Indochina War, the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, during which the region was a breadbasket for the Viet Minh. |
Haiphong |
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Hai Phong Seaport city is situated in the Red river Delta and is well known for its beautiful French colonial architecture. On the way, visit the City Museum, Du Hang Pagoda and the Hang Kenh Tapestry Factory. There is also combined tour of Hai Phong and Ha Long Bay. |
Ha LongHa Long bay with its 3000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and a World Heritage. Do a cruise around the bay to explore the fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,0000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. Along the way anchoring for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden caves beneath towering cliffs. Admiring the sunset from the deck and spending one night on the boat will be a nice memory! |
Catba IslandThe largest island on Ha Long Bay complex. A trip can be separated or combined with Ha Long Bay. Traveler can take a 2-hour hydrofoil from Hai Phong or about 4 hours on a boat from Ha Long Bay to get to the island. With an area of 356 square km wide, Cat Ba includes a National Park, coastal mangrove and freshwater swamps, beaches, caves, and waterfalls. The town is small and ancient, with clusters of fishing boats and inspiring sunsets across the harbor. One of the most interesting things is to walk up in the early morning , seeing cuttlefish dried over hot charcoals, or stroll around the old town. It's a short hike from Cat Ba town through a tunnel to Cat Co Beach, whose mountains look like a throne holding a marvelous sandy coast, or hiking further along, there is the rockier Cat Vang Beach. Spending most of the time on the beach and blue water is the way traveler can take a short break. |
Ninh BinhNinh Binh is the home of several famous touristic sites of the north of Vietnam and not very far from Hanoi, just about a 2-hour drive. Here traveler can visit: |
Tam Coc and Hoa LuTam Coc means three caves, arriving there, visitors may say the distance from Hanoi is not a matter after seating in a boat rowed by one or two local persons in Hoang Long River and see the first limestone mountains, which will run along their river way for several kilometers. If you are lucky, sometimes you can see mischievous monkeys.The tourists often compare the site to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes. This is why Tam Coc is also called Halong-Bay-In-Land. Hoa LuHoa Lu is very near Tam Coc - about 4 km away, and is the relics of the ancient capital– the remains are the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of this ancient capital city. Though the temples are not maintained entirely, some precious antiques are still well preserved like the whole-stone dragon thrones, wooden bas-relieves and lacquered statues of the Kings.For those who love nature and want to stay in a fresh environment. Cuc Phuong national parkCuc Phuong is the first national park of Vietnam. With 25,000 hectares, the botanical richness of the forest is impressive as it supports a wide variety of flora species and patches of primeval forest, including ancient trees with thick clusters of roots,parasitic plants and ligneous creepers.Large mammals inhabit the park including panthers and bears, but rarely appear, so the most popular animals you can see are monkeys, gibbons, flying squirrels and pheasants. Hiking in Cuc Phuong is following some kilometers of trails and passing through old-growth forest with long vines wrapped around strangled trees, visiting the caves, waterfalls and streams in the forest or stopping over at a Muong ethnic's village. |
HueHue (Cultural World Heritage) is the old capital of Vietnam. Whatever changes, Hue Imperial City's tradition is alive. See the sampans poled along by women, house boats with their tiny rooftop shrines, superb Hue's porcelain, and delicacies of imperial cuisine. Hue Imperial City with its gracious landscape of gardens, terraces, palaces, and pavilions, deserves a heritage of the world.A boat trip along the transparent Perfume River will take traveler to Thien Mu Pagoda-a pagoda of the Heavenly Lady. Do not miss to visit the Forbidden City, the history of a Dynasty. Visit the Tomb of Tu Duc, one of the famous King, with a stop at a local house for a lunch and taste Hue's specialties. End the day by listening to Imperial music on an evening boat. |
DanangDanang Seaport city, a gate away of Central of Vietnam and a bustling city with splendid beaches. Worthy places to visit are the Cham Museum, and the stone carving village at the bottom of Marble Mountain. Around this city, traveler can take option tours to My Son-Holly Sanctuary, the home of Cham civilization or to Ba Na Hill station. Its temperate climate, unspoiled forest, and spectacular views over the South China Sea and the Lao mountain range made Ba Na a popular retreat for both French and wealthy Vietnamese. |
Hoi AnHoi An (Cultural World Heritage) is currently a beach destination. However, before, the Ancient Commercial Port was used by Chinese, Fech, Japanese merchants, who traded mainly in high quality silks and ceramics. With a rented bike, traveler can wander through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the Japanese Bridge. Hoi An is also an ideal place for shopping for tailor-made clothes and silks at amazing price! |
Quy NhonQuy Nhon, a stop between Danang and Nha Trang by road, is a charming seaside town, untouched by mass tourism and a new exciting destination in central Vietnam. It was once recognized as the capital of the Cham culture, bearing the distinct cultural features of this city, the Champa architecture and art, splendid and poetic landscapes, delicious dishes and various specialties. It is a good place for beach vacation. |
Pleiku-Kontum-BuonmethuotTake a short flight from Danang or Ho Chi Minh city and arrive to the unspoiled region. The Central Highlands cover the southern part of the Truong Son Mountain Range and include the provinces of Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, a remote plateau near the border of Cambodia and Laos. The region, which is home to many ethno-linguistic minority groups, is renowned for its cool climate, old-growth forests, pristine rivers, beautiful mountain scenery and innumerable streams, hidden lakes, waterfalls, tea plantation and Bien Ho, which is the biggest lake in the region.During the Vietnam War, considerable fighting took place around Ban Me Thuot, Pleiku and Kontum. Buon Me Thuot, the capital of Daklak province, is famous for its coffee plantations. In the surrounding hills, visitors can go hiking, ride elephants and see various remote ethnic minority villages. The highland towns of Pleiku and Kom Tum are also gateways to minority villages with long-houses. The Central Highlands allow visitors a rare glimpse into the traditional customs of many ancient tribal people and a mighty Nature Mother. |
Nha TrangNha Trang is one of the most beautiful Bay of the World and this seaside city is becoming more popular with the tourists in recent years. This resort city is well known for its miles of beach and the friendliness of its people. The city is flanked by nearly ten kilometers of prime beach where the water is warm all year round. Nowadays, Nha Trang ranks among the top of all beaches in Vietnam. It is a wonderful place for relaxation and sea exploration. |
Da LatThe Highland city, well-known as Flower city, is a vacation destination for well-to-do Vietnamese and foreigners. It is the "honeymoon Mecca" of Vietnam. The city is about 300km far from Ho Chi Minh city and can be reached by car or plane. Da Lat city is also famous for waterfall and lakes. The main touristic spots are Xuan Huong lake, Valley of Love, Prenn Waterfall and vegetable and flowers gardens. |
Phan Thiet |
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Phan Thiet Beach - Mui Ne is a tropical paradise at a 3-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Phan Thiet itself retains some of its charm and the colorful harbor, home to Phan Thiet's large fishing fleet, is a popular sight for visitors. Other attractions include the spectacular rolling dunes of Hon Rom, some Cham architecture and of course the white sandy beach and sea! Mui Ne is also an ideal place for sea sports like diving, scuba, and another funny and strange game is sand skating! |
Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre. It is considered as the largest city of the country and the economic capital and cultural trend setter. A day tour will help traveler to discover the busy city by walking along Dongkhoi- a sleepless street, enjoying the mix-cultural atmosphere in China Town and worship at Thien Hau Pagoda. Saigon by night will be more charming with a boat trip on Saigon River. A night in a comfortable room at a warmly hotel will recharge for the next day with some more exploration to the Mekong Delta region. |
My ThoMy Tho, a river city, is about 170km far from Ho Chi Minh City. Those who are in tight schedule can take a day tour to My Tho with boat trip around the 4 beautiful islands named Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Island with fruitful garden. Enjoying the rowing ride under the shadow of the water-coco nut palm along the tiny canals in Ben Tre province is really remarkable. You can sometimes catch up the Vietnamese traditional folk music while walking through the villages to experience how they gathering for traditional birth, weddings parties or death ceremony. |
Vung TauVung Tau is a beach city, one of the first resort town of Vietnam and a hide away from the busy Saigon. Vung Tau city is also known for its abundance of pagodas and temples, most of them lean against the mountains and face the ocean. It is a place to relax during weekend. |
ChaudocChaudoc is one of the very beautiful places of the Mekong delta and is also close to the Cambodia border. The Bassac River flows through the town and is a border crossing for river borne traffic. A short boat trip across the Bassac takes you to several floating fish farms and villages. Sam Mountain has an excellent view of the flat plain on the other side, and is full of caves, shrines and temples. The most significant in religious terms is the Ba Chua Xu, dedicated to the 'Lady of the Region'. Her festival is held in the spring. There is also a large market selling local products and commodities. |
Can ThoCan Tho is in the centre of the Mekong Delta, amongst a network of rivers, brooks, canals and ditches and about 170km by car from Ho Chi Minh City. It is also the rice centre, and fruit tree resources of the south-west. The urban picture is distinct, with a network of canals, trenches and channels, which act as streets rather than inconveniences. |
Long haiLong hai Beach is 100 km far from Saigon, about 2 hours by car. For a long time a well-kept secret, Long Hai moves slower than its neighbor, Vung Tau. A few kilometers along the scenic beach road from Long Hai town is the newly built Anoasis Beach Resort situated amongst 26 acres of tropical trees and unspoiled vegetation. The private bungalows and villas, each uniquely designed, offer a spectacular view of both the mountainous jungle and the crystal blue seas. |
Phuquoc IslandPhuquoc Island (Heaven on Earth) was a fishing island known only among Vietnamese for its fish sauce. Now it has become a favorite spot in Vietnam. Just a hour by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, it is a good itinerary for relaxation and beach extension.The color of the waters, the white sand beaches, the landscapes and the sunsets in Phu Quoc are spectacular. All these make Phu Quoc become a paradisiacal island! |