http://www.worldmatetravel.com/ Vietnam Destination, Vietnam Tours, Halong bay Cruise Tours, Cambodia Cruise Tours, Thailand Cruise Tours, Myanmar Cruise Tours, Hotels in Vietnam, Halong bay Travel Guide, Vietnam Travel Guide en-us Worldmatetravel RSS Feed Generator Chuong Village - Conical Hat Village: This small village, 40 kilometres on the west of central Hanoi, has maintained its reputation for over three centuries. Just like Van Phuc villagers with their fine silks ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/chuong-village-conical-hat-village.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:14:12 -0400 During their stay in Hanoi, most tourists insist on a trip to Van Phuc Silk Village, the famous silk village of Hanoi to contemplate the genuine traditional silk-making industry. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/van-phuc-silk-village-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:14:28 -0400 Two hours North of Nha Trang, it is the Whale Island. Here visitors can completely relax and get away from hustle and bustle city life. Transparent water, coral and coconut trees underline the tropical exoticism, there a lovely and secluded Whale Island Resort with simple wooden beachfront bungalows and multiple water sports available for retreat. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/whale-island-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:14:44 -0400 Vung Tau drones with bass-thumping action on the weekends as visitors from HCMC motor into town; weekdays, however, are blissfully dead. Vung Tau’s beaches are easily reached from HCMC, making them a favourite of that city’s residents since French colonists first began coming here around 1890. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/vung-tau-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:14:57 -0400 While the provincial capital of the same-named province is a medium-sized town, most of the points of interest sit in a small area in the northeast corner, where the town is bordered by the Co Chien River to the north and a wide canal to the east and it is from here that the boat trips to Cai Be floating market and the island homestays depart. This corner of town is also a popular spot for the locals to sit back, slurp coffee and scoff banh mi while the chocolate brown river waters roar past (and it does roar here). There`s also a bustling central market, with a large wet market along with a dry goods section, a bunch of gold shops and loads of eating opportunities. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/vinh-long-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:15:17 -0400 Stunning limestone outcrops loom up from the emerald green paddy fields and clinging to the cliffs are these two pagodas, about 20 minutes apart from each other by road. Thay Pagoda (Master’s Pagoda; admission 5000d), also known as Thien Phuc (Heavenly Blessing), is dedicated to Thich Ca Buddha (Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha). To the left of the main altar is a statue of the 12th-century monk Tu Dao Hanh, the master in whose honour the pagoda is named. To the right is a statue of King Ly Nhan Tong, who is believed to have been a reincarnation of Tu Dao Hanh. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/tay-phuong-thay-pagoda-vietnam-travel-guide.html Mon, 14 May 2012 06:40:37 -0400 Tay Ninh town, the capital of Tay Ninh province, serves as the headquarters of one of Vietnam’s most interesting indigenous religions, Cao Daism. The Cao Dai Great Temple at the sect’s Holy See is one of the most striking structures in all of Asia. Built between 1933 and 1955, the temple is a rococo extravaganza combining the conflicting architectural idio­syncrasies of a French church, a Chinese pagoda, Hong Kong’s Tiger Balm Gardens and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/tay-ninh-vietnam-travel-guide.html Mon, 14 May 2012 06:42:47 -0400 Fasten your seatbelts as Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis on the move – and we’re not just talking about the motorbikes that throng the streets. Saigon, as it’s known to all but city officials, is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the whole country forward with its limitless energy. It is a living organism that breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/saigon-vietnam-travel-guide.html Mon, 14 May 2012 06:44:32 -0400 The Queen of the Mountains, Sapa sits regally overlooking a beautiful valley, lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides. Welcome to the destination in northwest Vietnam, gateway to another world of mysterious minority cultures and luscious landscapes. The spectacular scenery that surrounds Sapa includes cascading rice terraces that spill down the mountains like a patchwork quilt. The mountains are often shrouded in mist that rolls back and forth along the peaks, offering tantalising glimpses of what lies in wait on a clear day. The valleys and villages around Sapa are home to a host of hill-tribe people who wander in to town to buy, sell and trade. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/sapa-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:15:38 -0400 There`s really not a lot in Rach Gia itself that draws visitors -- if you`re in Rach Gia, you`re most likely heading offshore to Phu Quoc Island, or westward to Hon Chong and Ha Tien. However, if you miss the last boat to Phu Quoc, you may find yourself needing an overnight stay. That`s not a terrible situation -- the town has a couple of minor points of interest, a few good hotels, and a handful of tasty places to get your rice. Additionally, it has a laidback, community atmosphere -- prepare to be chased by giggling children eager to practise the one or two English phrases they know. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/rach-gia-vietnam-travel-guide.html Mon, 14 May 2012 06:49:24 -0400 Vietnam`s Binh Dinh is a narrow province set between Gia Lai province on the highlands and the South China Sea. If you are planning on heading into the Central Highlands, this is an ideal place to head west with Route 19 heading west to Pleiku from Binh Dinh`s provincial capital of Qui Nhon. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/quy-nhon-vietnam-travel-guide.html Mon, 14 May 2012 06:50:37 -0400 Quang Tri was once an important citadel city and located south of the former Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that existed between North and South Vietnam during the American War. It is bordered on the north by Quang Binh, on the south by Hue, on the east by the South China Sea coastline and on the west by Laos. Ravaged by war and distinguished by poor terrain and bad weather, Quang Tri is among those provinces most adversely affected by the war. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/quang-tri-vietnam-travel-guide.html Mon, 14 May 2012 06:56:09 -0400 The capital of the province of the same name, Quang Ngai (aka Quang Nhia or Quangai) was only officially awarded city status in 2005, so the impression of a big country town is justified. The city itself offers no obvious attractions and those few travellers that venture here generally come to pay their respects to the victims of the most famous atrocity of the American War. Perhaps it’s the sombre mood induced by the Memorial that has caused tourists to overlook one of Vietnam’s best and least developed beaches, less than 2 kilometres away. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/quang-ngai-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:34:27 -0500 Mountainous and in the wet season very, very wet, Gia Lai province sits in the centre of Vietnam`s Central Highlands. The provincial capital, Pleiku, sits at the junction of Routes 19 and 14, making it the crossroads for any exploration of the Highlands. Pleiku town marks the junction of Routes 19 and 14 leading to Kon Tum to the north, Buon Ma Thuot to the south and Qui Nhon on the Vietnamese coast. Most travellers who find themselves here tend to be on the way to somewhere else as the town itself is fairly charmless and while the surrounds are just as mountainous as the provinces to the north and south the infrastructure to explore them is both undeveloped and expensive. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/pleiku-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:35:32 -0500 Sitting back in a hammock, looking out over the quiet surf, you may wonder why more people don`t know about Phu Quoc Island. It gets almost none of the press of those islands over in Thailand -- and yet with its rugged jungle, squeaking white sands and sparkling cobalt waters, it can more than match them. And though an unbroken beach stretches for almost the entire length of the island`s west coast, only a small path of it has been developed. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/phu-quoc-island-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:37:35 -0500 The complex karst formations stretching throughout the surrounding Ke Bang National Park were formed approximately 400 million years ago, making them the oldest in Asia. Part of this system, Phong Nha Cave (675 110; admission 30, 000d, charter boat 100, 000d; 7am-4pm) is the largest and most beautiful cave in Vietnam. Located in the village of Son Trach, 55km northwest of Dong Hoi, it was designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2003. It’s remarkable for its thousands of metres of underground passageways and river caves filled with abundant stalactites and stalagmites. In November and December the river is prone to flooding and the underground cave may be closed. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/phong-nha-cave-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:40:01 -0500 After 70 km or 2 hours driving out of Hanoi, located on the limestone rocks of Huong Son Mountain in  beautiful and mystical surroundings. Unlike other temples in Vietnam, the only way to reach this sanctuary is floating along a narrow but extremely poetic stream by rowing boats that takes 45 minutes. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/perfume-pagoda-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:42:39 -0500 Welcome to the roof of Vietnam, where the mountains of the Tonkinese Alps (Hoang Lien Mountains) soar skyward, their long shadows concealing some of the country’s best-kept secrets. The landscape is a rich palette that provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Vietnam. Forbidding and unforgiving terrain for lowlanders, the mountains have long been a haven for an eclectic mix of hill tribes. Dressed in elaborate costumes, the Montagnards live as they have for generations and extend the hand of friendship to strangers; an encounter with the Montagnards is both a humbling and heart-warming experience. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/northwest-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:44:50 -0500 90km far from Hanoi, Ninh Binh nowadays is a popular destination thanks to beautiful tourist sites including Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Kenh Ga and Cuc Phuong National Park.Tam Coc known as Halong Bay on land boasting a breathtaking scenery. While Halong Bay features huge rock formations jutting out o the sea, Tam Coc has them jutting out of its rice paddies. Tam Coc means three caves; that is Hang Ca (the first), Hang Giua (the second) and Hang Cuoi (the smallest). The boat trip to all three caves takes about two hours. If you are lucky, sometimes you can see mischievous monkeys or mountain goats. This is a very peaceful and scenic trip. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/ninh-binh-hoa-lu-tam-coc-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:47:13 -0500 Vietnam`s most popular beach destination Nha Trang, the capital of Khanh Hoa province, sits in the south of Vietnam around 450km north of Ho Chi Minh City -- a train journey of as little as seven hours or 45 minutes by plane. The trip brings the weary traveller to the best city beach Vietnam has to offer. The town sits in a spectacular setting, surrounded by paddy fields which eventually yield to a semi circle of mountains that loom over this bustling coastal centre. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/nha-trang-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:49:08 -0500 Tien Giang province is the closest Mekong Delta province to Saigon and is a very popular destination for organised tours out of Saigon. The same-named provincial capital sits on the northern bank of the Mekong (Tien Giang) River and has a number of offshore islands that can be visited. Unfortunately the local authorities have taken a somewhat uninspired view of tourism development here, meaning that unless you are willing to joing a larger tour, travelling around this part of the river independently is prohibitively expensive. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/my-tho-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:52:05 -0500 My Son Sanctuary is set in a small valley belonging to Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, about 70km southwest of Danang City and 40km from Hoi An City. Of the 225 Cham vestiges that are founded in Vietnam, My Son possesses 71 monuments and 32 epitaphs, the content of which is still being studied. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/my-son-sanctuary-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:53:58 -0500 On March 16, 1968, a group of U.S. soldiers attacked the South Vietnamese village of My Lai, believed to be a Communist stronghold, and killed between 175 and 400 civilians as well as committing rape and other crimes. U.S. helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson and two crewmen, who were flying a reconnaissance mission over My Lai, saw the dead bodies and stopped to investigate. In the process, they managed to rescue a group of Vietnamese civilians from American troops. Although Thompson reported the incident to his superiors, the American public didnt learn about it until over a year later, after a former soldier named Ronald L. Ridenhour wrote letters about what happened at My Lai to President Richard Nixon and other government officials. Ridenhour had found out about the events a month after they occurred from soldiers who were there. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/my-lai-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:57:42 -0500 One of southern Vietnam`s prime slices of beach real estate, Mui Ne is a kilometres-long sweeping bay boasting a huge range of guesthouse and resort options, with the actual village set at the far northern end of the bay. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/mui-ne-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:59:46 -0500 Vietnam’s ‘rice basket’, the Mekong Delta is a watery landscape of green fields and sleepy villages, everywhere crisscrossed by the brown canals and rivulets fed by the mighty Mekong River. Its inhabitants – stereotyped as friendly and easygoing – have long toiled on the life-sustaining river, with their labours marked by the same cycles governing the waterways. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/mekong-delta-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:01:15 -0500 These caves have been: temple, battle ground & hospital. In the Vietnam war the VC used the mountain to spy on the US troops on China beach below. Bullet holes show something happened! ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/marble-moutain-danang-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:12:30 -0500 Mai Chau is located in Hoa Binh province, approximately 135 km from Hanoi and 60 km from Hoa Binh.  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. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/mai-chau-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:05:20 -0500 Long Tan is a village in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Vietnam, at latitude 10 Degree 31` N, and longitude 107 Degree 16` E. When it was part of South Vietnam it was in Phuoc Tuy province. It is renowned for its rubber plantations and hosts a very small population of roughly 1,200 people. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/long-tan-vungtau-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:47:31 -0500 Long Hai is located 30km north-east of Vung Tau. Most interesting time to visit is just after the Tet festival when hundreds of fishing boats converge on Long Hai for the fisherman`s pilgrimage and to worship at the Mo Co Temple. There are several places to visit quite close to Long Hai; the caves at Minh Dam, underground tunnels at Dia Dao, and the Chua Phap Hoa Pagoda. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/long-hai-vung-tau-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:44:11 -0500 Lang Son is a mountainous area located farther north where the 0 km landmark of National Highway 1A starts (Friendship gate) and largely populated by Tho, Nung, Man and Dzao Montagnards. Most travelers come to Lang Son because of its role as a trading post and crossing point into China. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/lang-son-vietnamtravel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:41:19 -0500 Lai Chau is a newly established province situated on high mountainous region, about 3-hour drive from Dien Bien Phu. Its neighbors are Yunna (China) on the north, Laos on the west, Lao Cai Province on the north-east, Dien Bien and Son La Province on the south. With Tam Duong, Lai Chau is one lunch or an overnight stop for people traveling between Dien Bien Phu and Sapa. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/lai-chau-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:38:47 -0500 Lac Lake, 56 km southwest of Buon Ma Thuot, offers fantastic views. Visitors can cross the lake to nearby villages either in a dugout canoe or on elephants. Homestay with minority people is also a highlight of trips. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/lac-lake-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:36:02 -0500 Kontum is a sleepy small town inhabited by Montagnards including the Bannar, the Sedang, the Jarai and the Rengao. Though the hill tribes in the central highlands are nowhere near as colorful as those in the Northern Vietnam, Kontum is worth visiting if you are trying to avoid the beaten track. One interesting aspect of the village life is the communal Rong house, a thatched roof building on stilt. Accommodations and dining options are spartan, but the interesting sights are really worth the journey. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/kontum-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:32:46 -0500 Situated in the Centre of Vietnam, Hue used to be the former capital of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Thus, Hue has been one of Vietnam`s main cultural, religious and educational centres. With diversified and beautiful landscapes, Hue possesses a unique and harmoniously beauty. Today, its main attractions are the royal tombs, notable pagodas and the remains of the Citadel. In 1993, Hue Citadel was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO and followed is Hue Royal Musical declared as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/hue-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:22:00 -0500 Ha Giang, 300 km away from Hanoi, located at the highest latitude in Vietnam. It is surrounded by Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai. It shares a border with China in the north. Many ethnic minorities, including the Dao, H’mong, Tay, and Nung, live in Ha Giang province Vietnam. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/ha-giang-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:08:20 -0500 Hoi An located on the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province, about 30 km south of Danang. Set in a quiet environment, Hoi An is surrounded by peaceful villages, beautiful Thu Bon River and Cua Dai Beach. A former international trading port with its heyday in the 17th to 19th centuries, the cultural influences of the Japanese and Chinese merchants are still evident today in the town`s architecture and the distinctly Chinese atmosphere of the Old Quarter. December in 1999, Hoi An Ancient Town was officially listed as a World Heritage Site. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/hoi-an-ancient-town-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:05:58 -0500 Vietnam takes pride on the very first President – Ho Chi Minh (or Uncle Ho), the National Liberation Hero, who founded the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, expressed in the construction of Ho Chi Minh Complex in Hanoi. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/ho-chi-minh-complex-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:03:17 -0500 Hanoi sprawls along the banks of the Red River, which is spanned by two bridges Long Bien and Chuong Duong. The Hanoian is proud to be residents of a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks. Over thousand years of its eventful history, Hanoi still preserves much ancient architecture throughout the Old Quarter, over 600 pagodas and temples, reminding of the city`s rich cultural heritage. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/hanoi-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:00:29 -0500 Unlike its two neighboring sites of Halong and Cat Ba, Hai Phong attracts less tourists unless, of course, they arrive in Northern Vietnam by sea. Nonetheless, this seaport city has many charming architectural buildings which were evidently influenced by the early 20th century French colonial style. The old French regime invested a lot of money to build this seaport attraction. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/hai-phong-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:58:11 -0500 Situated in the North-East region of Vietnam, Halong Bay is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin comprised of regions of Halong City, the township of Cam Pha, and a part of the island district of Van Don. Halong bay borders Cat Ba Island in the southwest, the South Pacific Ocean in the east, and the mainland, creating a 120 km coastline. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/halong-bay-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:55:09 -0500 9 km southwest of Sa Pa is Fansipan Mountain, a part of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. At the height of 3143m, Fansipan is known as Vietnam`s highest mountain and called The roof of Indochina. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/fansipan-mount-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:52:38 -0500 Duong Lam Village is in Son Tay Town and about 60 km west of Hanoi. This village has been known as a museum of laterite with ancient houses aged up to 400 years old. It is also the only place in Vietnam where two kings came from. After the recognition of Hoi An ancient town and Hanoi old quarter, Duong Lam was recognized as a national relic in 2005.  ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/duong-lam-ancient-village-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:50:04 -0500 Quang Tri was once an important citadel city and located south of the former Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that existed between North and South Vietnam during the American War. It is bordered on the north by Quang Binh, on the south by Hue, on the east by the South China Sea coastline and on the west by Laos. Ravaged by war and distinguished by poor terrain and bad weather, Quang Tri is among those provinces most adversely affected by the war. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/dmz-demilitarised-zone-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:47:30 -0500 Dong Hoi is the capital of Quang Binh Province, approximately half way between Vinh and Hue. Usually, visitors spend the night here only if they wish to visit Phong Nha Caves , a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/dong-hoi-quang-binh-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:44:28 -0500 Dong Ho Painting is a kind of Vietnamese folk painting originating in Dong Ho Village in Song Ho Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province. Dong Ho paintings have about 300 years of history in the north of Vietnam. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/dong-ho-painting-village-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:41:09 -0500 Dien Bien Phu is the capital of Dien Bien District, Lai Chau Province in one of the most remote part of Vietnam. The town is 34km from the Lao Border in the flat, heart -shaped Muong Thanh Valley surrounded by steep and heavily forested hills. It is mostly inhabited by the Thai and H`mong minority people. History is the main attraction here and the scenery is just a sideshow enjoyed during arrival and departure over ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/dien-bien-phu-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:38:59 -0500 Dalat, known as "Le Petit Paris" or "the Eternal Spring City", is the jewel of the Central Highlands in a temperate region dotted with lakes, waterfalls, forests and gardens, 300 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. The cool climate and the scenic environment make Dalat a good option for escaping the heat of South Vietnam as well as the most popular honeymoon spot. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/dalat-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:36:18 -0500 Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park, 45km from Ninh Binh and 120km southwest of Hanoi, is one of Vietnam`s most important nature reserves. Cuc Phuong is home to rarest plant and animal species, offering opportunities for researchers as well as tourists visit the park either for projects or eco-tourism travel .What to do? First place to visit at Cuc Phuong National Park is the Visitor`s Center, where we can find general information about Cuc Phuong. Dozens of trails cut through the forest make different trekking type from simple to strenuous one. Then we also choose the route to the Cave of Prehistoric Man, the Botanical Garden, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center or homestay with Muong minority people. A trip to nearby Van Long is possible to combine. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/cuc-phuong-national-park-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:32:54 -0500 The town of Cu Chi, approximately 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City , has now become a district of greater HCMC and been known as the best site for a massive supply base where the VC mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968. And Cu Chi Tunnels network represents the will, the intelligence and the pride of Cu Chi people as well as symbolizes the revolutionary heroism of Vietnam. With such glory history, Cu Chi has officially been cited as "Vietnam`s land of steel and bastion of bronze". ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/cu-chi-tunnel-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:29:39 -0500 The Con Dao Islands, also known as Poulo Condore, situated at about 185 km from Vung Tau , and 230 km from Hochiminh City ; the group includes 16 mountainous islands and islets. Con Dao Island is famed for its grizzly past: due its remoteness, the French used the main island of Con Son (the largest island in the group) to keep anti-colonial protestors prisoner. The South Vietnamese continued the tradition, sending political dissenters and activists to the 11 prisons which were also used in the American War. One third of the current 6,000 population are Vietnamese soldiers based in barracks dotted around the island. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/con-dao-island-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:27:50 -0500 About 35km from Bac Ha, Coc Ly Market is a colorful Tuesday market in a mountainous area where ethnic people gather to buy and sell goods, dine and drink, or just wander to enjoy the ambience of the montagnard market by the Chay River. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/coc-ly-market-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:25:55 -0500 Can Cau Market hold on every Saturday from 6hours until midday. Though small but it is the place where you can encounter Flower H`mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities in colorful costumes. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/can-cau-market-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:22:59 -0500 Deep in the Mekong Delta, Chau Doc town is 280 km (174 miles) south-west of Ho Chi Minh City close to the Cambodian border. Such proximity to Cambodia has been nurturing the eclectic mix of Cham, Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese cultures and historical richness. Chau Doc is near the picturesque Sam mount where the Sam mount lady is worshipped. The Sam Mount Lady Ceremony is held every April of lunar calendar (May) every year. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/chau-doc-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:16:48 -0500 Cham Museum Danang Vietnam Travel Guide The Cham Museum is located at the intersection of Trung Nu Vuong and Bach Dang streets in Danang. The Cham Museum was built in 1915 with the financial support of the French Far-East Research Institute in Vietnam. This museum houses the most extensive collection of Cham art worldwide. In the past, the capital of the Champa nation was located in Danang; other famous sites of the Champa civilization include Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, My Son, and Thap Man. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/champa-museum-danang-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:13:04 -0500 Vietnam`s Central Highlands are a distinct contrast from the tropical south, with an arid climate, rolling hills, and blue skies. The region sees few foreign visitors, and many of them go to revisit old battlefields or see the indigenous tribes. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/central-highlands-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:09:43 -0500 Located 150 km from Hochiminh City, the jungles of Nam Cat Tien support an astounding variety of bird life, a very healthy population of monkeys. Nam Cat Tien boasts a wide range of evergreen, semi deciduous and bamboo forests; some 1800 species of plants thrive in the park. In 2002 UNESCO added Cat Tien National Park to its list of biosphere reserves. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/cat-tien-national-park-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:07:06 -0500 Located in the Truong Son mountain range 25 km to the SW of Da Nang at an altitude of 1487m and one hour by road from Da Nang lies the Bà Nà mountains. Its temperate climate, unspoiled forest, and spectacular views over the city of Da Nang`s awe-inspiring bay and the Lao mountain range made Bà Nà a past popular place to retreat for the French. Today the area still attracts locals and tourists alike. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/bana-hills-danang.html Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:49:50 -0500 Cat Ba is the largest island in the vicinity of Halong Bay . The island has a few fishing and farming villages as well as a fast growing town. Lan Ha Bay, off the eastern side of the island, is especially scenic and offers numerous beaches to explore. About 1km southeast from Cat Ba, two white sand beaches named Cat Co 1 and 2 are also attractive to make a great pace to lounge around for the day. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/cat-ba-national-park-vietnam-travel-guide.html Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:43:09 -0500 Cao Bang is 272km north of Hanoi and bordered by the provinces of Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan and Lang Son as well as Guangxi of China. It is home to many ethnic minority groups, notably are the Tay, Nung, Dzao and H`mong. With a pleasant climate, Cao Bang is an ideal base to explore scenic countryside in which Ban Gioc Waterfall is the most popular natural spot. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/cao-bang-vietnam-travel-guide.html Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:36:57 -0500 Can Tho is the political, economic, cultural and transportation centre of the Mekong Delta . It is also the largest city in the region which is connected to most other population centres in the Mekong Delta by a system of rivers and canals. These waterways and the colorful Cai Rang Floating Market draw interest of tourists coming to Vietnam. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/can-tho-vietnam-travel-guide.html Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:31:57 -0500 Cai Rang Floating Market, about 6km from Can Tho City , is the most famous and biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta . From the early morning, the waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with fruits, vegetables, plants, foods, etc... Sellers hang a sample of what they have from the top of a long pole so that buyers can see from a distance what they are selling. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/cai-rang-floating-market-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:18:34 -0400 Nearby Vinh Long, it is the bustling Cai Be Floating Market, where you can see wholesalers on big boats hang a sample of what they sell from the top of a long pole. It is also a leisure time for boating to see small canals and visit orchards. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/cai-be-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:19:33 -0400 But Thap Pagoda on the bank of Duong River, Bac Ninh Province was reconstructed in the 17th century by the monk Zhus Zhus (regarded as the founder of the pagoda) and Queen Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc, a daughter of Lord Trinh Trang. In the Nei Kung Wai Kwo architectural style, But Thap Pagoda has the shape of the Chinese script Kung inside and the script Kwo outside. The pagoda features more than 100 compartments and 10 buildings spread over 100 meters from the three-entrance gate to the bell-tower and back house. Inside the temple are more than 50 statues in different sizes and the most remarkable is "thousand-hands, thousand-eyes" Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin in Chinese) made in 1656 and took several years for completion. Behind the backyard garden stand two stone stupas of the monk Zhus Zhus and Minh Hanh. Once visiting in 1876, the King Tu Duc saw the stone stupa`s shape like a pen and named this pagoda But Thap. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/but-thap-pagoda-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:20:51 -0400 Buon Me Thuot is the provincial capital of Dak Lak and the largest town in the western highlands. It is home to a number of ethnic minorities including the Rhade and Jarai groups making a great base for trekking to explore the ethnic culture besides its natural surroundings and impressive waterfalls. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/buon-me-thuot-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:22:11 -0400 Ben Tre, located at the end-stream of Mekong River , is a good place for boat trips. Exclusively, Ben Tre is famous for coconut candy. During journey, you will visit traditional family -run factories where women boil large cauldrons of sticky mixture, rolling it out, cutting into small squares and then wrapping them into paper for sale. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/ben-tre-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:23:01 -0400 Situated on the left bank of the Red River, about 10km away from the center of Hanoi is the pottery village of Bat Trang. Bat Trang village, the most ancient and famous pottery village of Vietnam, continues to work today and is constantly developing. It is said that, the village took its first name from Bach Thu guild (a guild of Kaolin potters) and then it became Bat Trang guild (a guild of bowls and kilns). According to the legend, pottery production began in Bat Trang in the Ly Dynasty... ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/bat-trang-pottery-village-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:24:03 -0400 Ban Gioc Waterfall is on the border with China. It is over 90 km from Cao Bang , equivalent with more than 2 hour drive each way. The echo of the falls can be heard some kilometers away from Trung Khanh. Its name comes from the Montagnard languages and sometimes spelt as Ban Doc. Though not the highest, Ban Gioc Waterfall is the largest fall in Vietnam. At the height of 53m and 300m wide, Ban Gioc Waterfall has 3 layers and water from the peak create spectacular scenery as well as merry booms and sounds that could be heard from distance. Half of the pleasure is walking across paddy fields to reach the base of the falls. There is no official border checkpoint at this spot but a permit issued by the local police is required to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall. In fact, hotels in Cao Bang can help you to prepare this document. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/ban-gioc-waterfall-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:24:42 -0400 There are several minority markets around Bac Ha in which Bac Ha Sunday Market is the most popular spot. In the market, you can see Flower H`mong people and other ethnic groups gathering to buy and sell items like buffaloes, pigs, horses, wine and handicrafts. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/bac-ha-market-vietnam-travel-guide.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:25:29 -0400 Ba Vi National Park is centred on Mount Ba Vi, a mountain isolate situated about 50 km west of Hanoi. Mount Ba Vi has three peaks: the highest is Dinh Vua at 1,296 m, followed by Tan Vien at 1,226 m and Ngoc Hoa at 1,120 m. Because of the mountainous topography, the climate at Ba Vi varies with altitude. Above 500 m, fog enshrouds the top of the mountain on most days. Except for the Da River on the western side of the national park, Ba Vi has no large, permanent water bodies. Streams in the national park are small, steep sided and fast flowing. In the rainy season, the volume of water flowing through these small watercourses and over the surface of the ground is sometimes sufficient to cause landslides. In the dry season, however, many of the streams are dry... ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/ba-vi-national-park-vietnam-travel-guide.html Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:32:27 -0500 Ba Be Lake or Ba Be National Park located in Bac Can Province, 240km from Hanoi and covers more than 23,000 hectares boasting waterfalls, rivers, deep valleys, lakes and caves set amid towering peaks. The whole area is home to many ethnic minority communities. Ba Be Lake is in fact three lakes linked by wide channels, about 8km long and 400m wide. The surface is always calm, making a boat trip a peaceful experience. To reach Ba Be, it is an approximately it is an approximately six to eight -hour drive on rough road but excellent scenery compensated. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/babe-lake-vietnam-travel-guide.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:05:44 -0500 Welcome to Vietnam – another world where the colors are more vivid, the culture is richer, and the history more compelling. Vietnam has been blessed bountiful harvests by nature. With soaring peaks like Hoang Lien Mountains and a killer coastline, with beaches like Quy Nhon and Nha Trang, Vietnam is simply stunning. Come to Vietnam, you will see a modern Asia meets a medieval Asia with ancient towns, pagodas, temples…. For culinary adventurers, Vietnam is a treasure trove of more than 500 different dishes. For the thousand year history, Vietnamese is proud of their heroic generations. People in Vietnam is friendly, throughout the country, you will always see smiles and happy faces, even many Vietnamese still is having difficulties in daily lives but people now is happy with atmosphere of peace. ]]> http://www.worldmatetravel.com/destinations-guide/vietnam-overview.html Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:17:26 -0400