Visitors to Hung Temple Festival rise sharply

The number of visitors to this year’s Hung Temple Festival has increased sharply over the past five days, according to the festival organising board.

About 1.5 million visitors visited the Hung Temple between April 14-18, presenting an increase of 30% over the same period of last year’s event, the board said.
This year’s Hung Temple Festival has been held on the largest-ever scale from April 14-23 (the first to the tenth day of the third lunar month), with the grand ceremony to be held on April 23.
Among the pilgrims on April 18 were Truong Tan Sang, Party Politburo member and Standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat and Nguyen Thi Doan, Vice State President.
The two officials offered gifts and burnt incense to the Hung Kings, praying for solidarity, peace and prosperity for the nation.
The same day, the AVINAA Joint Stock Company presented a one-metre high bottle of vodka as an offering and another bottle of over 4,000 litres to the festival for visitors to enjoy from the noon of April 18 to April 23.
The Hung Temple Festival has been held annually since 1460 under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong to commemorate the 18 Hung Kings who founded the country and started a golden age in the Vietnamese history.
Since then, the Hung Temple Festival has become a symbol of national unity and spirit and is a chance for Vietnamese people both at home and overseas to express their gratitude to their ancestors.
The anniversary of the death of the Hung Kings, which falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month, was officially recognised as a national celebration in 2000 and in 2007 the National Assembly approved a regulation making it a national holiday.
The Hung Temple is located on Nghia Linh Mountain, Phong Chau District, in Phu Tho Province, 100km northwest of Hanoi and is a complex of ancient tombs, monuments and temples.
Notably, the Lower Temple, a popular tourist destination, was according to legend, where Au Co gave birth to a sack containing 100 eggs from which 100 babies were born. The eldest son, Hung Vuong, named himself king and the throne was passed down over 18 generations.

Huong Pagoda - a gift from Mother Nature to the Northern region

Huong Pagoda, located about 70 kilometers from downtown Hanoi in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi, is often host to some of Vietnam’s most renowned Buddhist festivals. However, I was lucky enough to see the pagoda on an ordinary day, giving me the opportunity to appreciate its innate charm and its beautiful natural surroundings.

Of Huong Pagoda’s many attractions, including its surrounding mountains, hills and streams, Huong Tich Cave is perhaps the best tourist attraction. During festivals, thousands of people make the pilgrimage to the pagoda in numerous boats – a breathtaking scene.
To get to the pagoda, my 14 fellow travelers, and me went to the Ben Duc dock in the Yen Stream where we took a small boat, which fits about 15 people. Drifting along the stream that curls through paddy fields, forest and mountains is an absolute treat – it is as if Mother Nature has created her own painting.
“Look, guys, those four stones are in the shapes of four characters in a Chinese literature work named Xi You Ji on their way to India for the book of prayers,” Thach, our humorous tour guide, shouts as he points to the peak of an unknown mountain on the right side of the stream. We talk animatedly about the stones. Some argue that this is not the case, while others are busy taking photos.
From time to time, some boats heading back to the dock glide by our boat with the people inside smiling and teasing us, bringing an element of animation to the stream. On the stream’s edge, some men are busy setting traps to catch shrimp and some women hurry to sail goods to Huong Pagoda. There is a flock of ducks swimming on the water. At that moment, I thought, “How peaceful is this?”
“You know, legend has it that this region had 100 mountains in elephant shapes with 99 elephants towards Huong Tich Cave to show their respect while the only one left pointed his bottom to the cave. That’s why he lost his tail,” Thach’s voice suddenly interrupts. It is true - there is a mountain in an elephant shape without a tail in front of my eyes. This mountain lies next to the bustling boat dock leading to Huong Pagoda.
Leaving the boat, we are ready to conquer the mountain with pagodas and caves. On both sides there are many stores selling fresh bread and hot dogs. Keeping on, we come to an area with various booths selling Huong Pagoda specialties – candies and cakes made from yam with cheap prices from VND10,000 to VND25,000 per packet and an area selling votive paper and offerings.
While we are standing still to look around, Thach, the tour guide calls us to follow him to Thien Tru Pagoda – a beautiful and sacred pagoda with the mountain in the background. People flock to the pagoda, their hands full with votive paper and offerings and long petition papers to ask the Buddha for health, wealth and luckiness.
After worshipping the Buddha and donating money to the pagoda, our group continues to the place we are all eager to discover, Huong Tich Cave, not by foot but by cable car. It takes only seven minutes to get to Huong Tich Cave by this convenient means of transport instead of two hours walking. Each cable car holds five to six adults at a reasonable price of VND70,000 per adult for a return ticket or VND40,000 for a one-way ticket while children under 1.2 meters in height are VND40,000 for a return ticket and half price for a one-way ticket.
“Hurry up, we are almost at Huong Tich Cave,” my fellow traveler pulls my hand, as I still have not recovered from the cable car trip. To get to the cave we have to pass many long and high stone steps up and down. Our shirts are soaked with sweat and our faces are sunburned. “There it is, the gate heading to Huong Tich Cave,” Thach shouts excitedly to wake us up from our breathlessness. The way to Huong Tich Cave is wet and slippery, with 120 stone steps. Legend says that the Goddess of Mercy used to live here at Huong Tich Cave prior to the day she became the Buddha.
Huong Pagoda, which is inside the Huong Tich Cave, was built at the end of the 17th century. Standing imposingly in front of the cave is Dun Gao, or a rice dune. Ancient people said that Huong Tich Cave was the mouth of a dragon with a rice dune as its tongue. On the left side of the cave’s front is a four-hundred-year-old bell. Inside the cave, the air is cold, while amazing and beautiful stalactites in different shapes hang from the cave’s vault. It is like a wonderland. At that moment, I thought the Goddess of Mercy could hear my prayers – a girl who had traveled a long distance to come here – and would turn them into reality.
I left Huong Pagoda, Huong Tich Cave and Yen Stream nearly two weeks ago but these landscapes are still in my mind. They are not simply a place for worshipping Buddha but a place for human beings to communicate with nature and to find peace. It was a valuable journey to set me free from the stresses of everyday life. I think that all of us deserve a trip like this, so pack your luggage and take the time to travel to this very special destination.

The MOCST: Approving the scheme of protecting and developing the historic values of trading port Van Don

Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has promulgated the Decision No 1084/QĐ-BVHTTDL on establishing the scheme of protecting and developing the historic values of Trading port Van Don.
These are historic relics having values that ranked at the national level, having big meanings in the historic values of the nation. The establishment of the scheme of protecting, and developing values of the relic of trading port Van Don which is the bridge and the source of strength of modern traditional values, especially in the current phase.
Van Don belongs to the island group of Van Hai, currently, belonging to Van Don, located in the South Eastern of Ha Long Bay. The big scale of the trading port of Van Don an exciting tiem was recognized through discovering many ports with ceramics, and bronze money of many dynasties, on the range of islands from Cong Dong, Cong Hep, Cong Yen…
Through the marks of ancient floors, we can see ceramic jars containing ancient money belonging the feudalist dynasties of China from Duong to Thanh Dynasty, Vietnamese currency from Ly to Nguyen dynasty. At the ancient port, there is a well having been called Hieu well, currently being called Fairy well located next to the bay, containing water around the year.
Beside discovering vestiges of trading port activities in Van Don, archaeologists also find religious architecture, pagodas, towers. Only on Cong Dong Island, there are up to pagodas and one precious tower. In which the relic area of Lam pagoda was built from Tran Dynasty. This pagoda was built up in the border of the Eastern Mountain Side of Cong Dong island, in front of the port in the mountain side in the East. The relics of the pagoda area of tam quan, ho pagoda, Phat pagoda, upper temple, ancestor house, lotus tower… which reflects that the relics of Lam pagoda is the key religious center of the island.

Vietnam and Indonesia should work together to attract international tourists as both countries have popular destinations, an official said.

Companies can offer package tours to Bali, Yogyakarta, Ha Long and Hue, Ambassador of Indonesia to Vietnam, Pitono Purnomo, said at a press briefing in Ho Chi Minh City Tuesday.
In order to boost tourism, national carrier Garuda Indonesia will launch a direct route linking Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City, said Purnomo. He said Vietnam Airlines should also offer similar services.
Purnomo said around 400,000 Indonesians want to visit Vietnam every year.
Apart from tourism, the ambassador said Indonesia is encouraging Vietnamese companies to invest in rubber, pepper and seafood projects in Indonesia.
Trade between the countries reached US$2.5 billion last year, official statistics showed. Purnomo said Indonesian investors have invested more than $2 billion in Vietnam.

A dam good holiday

Once upon a time, there was a verdant valley that teemed with wildlife in the north-west region of Vietnam. Deer was an especially common sight.
Well, it was not so long ago, but it is gone forever, so it seems like a long time.
The forests and paddy fields are now submerged under several meters of water, creating a reservoir for a hydroelectric plant.
In that cruel irony of fate that befalls many places of natural splendor, the deer is still around – in name.
Today, the Thung Nai (Deer Valley) attracts a very different kind of species – tourists seeking a weekend escape from the city. The valley is only about 100 kilometers to the north-west of Hanoi.
Once you reach Hoa Binh Town, there are two options: continue driving through the peaceful villages of the Muong ethnic group or stop at the Binh Thanh Harbor at Cham Mat T-junction and take a 15-minute boat trip on the Da River – well, Da reservoir.
We booked a room at the Coi Xay Gio (Windmill) Hotel, a new but well-known facility which offers visitors top quality service compared to others in Thung Nai. The hotel was built on an islet called Hoa Binh, which is a 15- minute trip from Binh Thanh Harbor. It is a landmark in the area because of the small windmill outside.
For a weekend trip, there are plenty of activities to choose from. For the adventurous at heart, forest trails lead to the Mu Village of the Muong people where delicate looking stilt houses stand in the shade of tall trees and undergrowth. We opted for a boat trip to admire the breathtaking scenery of the river and many islets that were once mountains before the valley was flooded.
It took us around 15 minutes to reach the Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple, one of the star attractions at Thung Nai. Although the temple is small, the backdrop of mirror-still water and sky give it a grandiose touch. The temple festival, which runs from the 7th day of the first lunar month till the end of the third lunar month, is attracting larger numbers of the pious and curious every year.
After about 10 minutes we could stretch our legs once again as we came upon the Bo Cave. We got off the boat and climbed inside to explore its nooks and crannies. That was just a pit stop in our journey, which landed us at Ngoi Hoa Village on one of the islets after about an hour.
Although the Muong people living here are only 20km from the Da River Hydroelectric Plant, the community can only be reached by boat. Locals here have offered home-stays for several years. This offers the chance to learn about local life first-hand, not to mention partaking in some Muong specialties like baked pig, Da River fish, or steamed chicken. However, the highlight of any meal here is the corn wine - a good gift to take home to those who missed out on the trip.
We left the village when it was getting dark. The spring breeze glancing off the Da River was really cold. When we returned to our hotel, a feast of local dishes was being prepared for us.
The long day trip and the corn wine drove us to bed early. By the crack of dawn next morning we were ready to tackle the Bo floating market, held every Sunday.
There’s more elbow room here than at the Cai Rang Floating Market in southern Can Tho City, but a healthy buzz of life prevails nevertheless as the Kinh and Muong people bargain and barter their goods. Some treasures to take home are bamboo shoots, bananas and of medical herbs, all at really cheap prices.
Well, a typical weekend away? Yes and No. Try it out yourself.
To book a stay at Coi Xay Gio Hotel, contact Ms. Nhi at 091 341 4530 or Mr. Duy at (018) 389 1537.

Hon Trem lies in a sea of islands

Hon Trem (Trem Island) is a charming holiday spot 80 kilometers off Rach Gia Town in Kien Giang Province.

There’s a modern resort perched on a miniature table cape at the end of a short peninsula below Chung Son Mountain.
From atop the small bluff, a sweeping 300 degree panorama gives way to more than 40 islands.
At night the same vantage point affords a bespeckled view of twinkling lights from homes on the islands and fishing boats far and near.
For daytime recreation, there’s bathing in the sea, wandering around the island and catching a passenger boat called the Tan Phat to the neighboring islands, where the visitor can chat with the fishermen who catch squid, crab and other fish for a living.
Meandering at night is also fun, stopping to eat at one of the seafood restaurants that can be found here and there.
Realizing Trem Island’s potential, Kien Giang Tourism Joint Stock Company started out by building a road to the top of the little cape and several other roads in 2000.
It then constructed seven fancy bungalows to form the nucleus of Hon Trem Resort and tacked on some cheaper accommodation for holidaymakers, plus the usual restaurant, sauna, and massage and karaoke rooms.

The company also operates guided tours to nearby places of interest like Hang (Cave) Pagoda, Phu Tu (Father and Son) Island, and Tien (Fairy) Well.

Taking the high road

Vietnam is not a country short of spectacular landscapes and history. But, while the country and its people strive to become more modern and developed, many have started to forget Vietnam’s true beauty and past.
The Hai Van Pass is one site drenched in history and beauty that remains. Even with the introduction of the Hai Van Tunnel in 2005 that makes the journey from Da Nang to Hue much shorter, many bus drivers and motorists choose to travel along the picturesque mountain road steeped in history and with panoramic views of Da Nang.
Hai Van (sea clouds) Pass is located on National Highway 1A at the border of Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City and is part of the Truong Son Range. Its history begins in 1306, before which, it belonged to the Champa Kingdom.
In the summer of that year, the beautiful Princess Huyen Tran, daughter of King Tran Nhan Tong, agreed to marry King Che Man of Champa, at the request of her father. In return, King Che Man, also known as Jaya Sinhavarman III, gave Vietnam the Ulik area (the current provinces of Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue), including the pass, as a betrothal gift.
Hai Van Pass stands 500 meters above sea level and is the highest pass in Vietnam. It stands with its feet in the sea and its summit is covered with clouds. The drive over the pass sees visitors tearing through the clouds along a winding road.
At the summit, you feel on top of the world as the wind swirls around you. On a clear day, you can see Da Nang, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, Cu Lao Cham Island and a stretch of palm-shaded sand, known as Lang Co, with a crystal-clear lagoon.
Also at the top of the pass is a vestige from long ago that takes the form of a brick gate covered with moss. It was built in 1826 under the rule of King Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The gate itself is 10 meters high with walls that are five meters thick. It faces Thua Thien-Hue Province, and is inscribed with three words “Hai Van Gate” in Han script. On the other side, the gate is engraved with: “The most grandiose gateway in the world”, also in Han script. These words were said by King Le Thanh Ton (1442-1497) when he visited the site.
During the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), Hai Van Pass was an important military site and a shield that protected the Hue Royal Citadel. People had to submit the necessary papers to be allowed to pass through the guarded gate.
In 1826, French troops also built a blockhouse, named Don Nhat, to protect the Hai Van Pass.
For years, Hai Van Pass, with its ancient gate covered in moss set against a backdrop of greenery, has evoked old memories and feelings from the past. It is one of the places in Vietnam where you can gasp at breathtaking scenery as well as take in the history of the site.

Da Lat to become bigggest blossom spot in Southeast Asia

Things are blooming in Da Lat.
By the end of this year, nearly 17,000 cherry trees will be planted around a lake in the city already famous for its flowers.
The Tuyen Lam Lake Resort Zone's five year plan will install 60,000 such trees along its shores, making Da Lat the largest cherry blossom destination in Southeast Asia.
The 365 hectares lake is already a major tourist destination, boasting spas, golf courses, villas, conference halls and artists’ clubs. Cherry trees will be planted amid an existing stand of aged pines.
Nguyen Xuan Thanh, chief manager of Tuyen Lam Lake Tourism Zone, said the cherry blossoms will add a special green space to the area.
Most of the funds for the project came from individuals and private organizations.

Hoi An Beach Break - 4 Days / 3 Nights

Vietnam family, vietnam tours, vietnam tours, honeymoon vietnam, vietnam travel,Located in the center of Vietnam, Hoi An is the perfect destination for a beach break in Vietnam. Fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Danang, where a thirty minute transfer will take you to your resort in Hoi An. Spend four days on magnificent Cua Dai beach, relaxing or exploring the town and its attractions.

Hoi An is a destination with two faces and offers a nice balance of history and leisure for your Vietnam tour. The charming, old-world trading port town features narrow streets and traditional houses which now host a range of craft shops and artisans, including some of Asia's best bespoke tailors. You will have four days at your leisure to wander the streets and discover Hoi An.

Of course, the central coast is noted for its pristine beaches and during this Vietnam tour you will be based on Cua Dai beach, a long beach which stretches from Danang to Hoi An. Marked by palm-fringed white sands, local seafood restaurants and with views of limestone islands in the distance, Cua Dai is a relaxing beach to spend a few days.

While in Hoi An, we recommend several excursions in the area. Join a family in a farming village for a hands-on cooking class, travel by sidecar through quiet countryside lanes for a fun, exhilarating afternoon of sightseeing or head further afield to the ancient My Son ruins. Or opt for a sunset champagne cruise along the Thu Bon River, certain to be a highly of your central Vietnam tour.

Whether as a stop during a North to South Vietnam package tour or a quick escape from the big cities, our Hoi An Beach Break Vietnam offers a great option at an affordable price.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Danang - Hoi An

Arrive at Danang Airport where you will be met then taken 30-minutes to your resort in Hoi An. The rest of day is free to relax by the pool or on the sandy beach.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 2 - 3 - Hoi An

Two full days at leisure in the resort or on the beach. To discover the history and culture of Hoi An, try one of our signature excursions such as cooking classes, trips to the My Son temples, cycling tour or an evening cruise on the Thu Bon river.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 4 - Hoi An - Danang - Departure

The morning is at leisure before checking out around noon and heading back to Danang Airport for your onward flight.

Tour Price: Available upon Request

Rates vary frequently. Please contact us info@opentour.vn to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Prices Include:

• Accommodation with daily breakfast on Bassac Cruise and selected hotel.
• Tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Services of a driver and Private air-conditioned vehicles during all tours and transfers.
• Services of an English speaking guide during all tours and transfers.
• Entrance fees for all sights visited.
• Camera and video cameras fees if applicable
• Lunch or dinner if mentioned in itinerary with (L,D)
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
• Tips for porters.

Description of service in details

Prices Exclude:

• International flights to and from Vietnam.
• Vietnam visa arrangement (Visa is compulsory and must be arranged in advance details...)
• Domestic flights.
• Meals other than those mentioned above
• All other services which are not mentioned above.
• Personal expenses are such as laundry, telephone, drinks etc....
• Tips for guide
• Travel insurance

Accommodations offers in this trip (The hotel may be changed up to its availability. It will be confirmed after getting your deposit/ payment. You can get details of your hotel at our website: http://www.vietnamhotels.vn/ ; details of your cruise at our website http://www.halongcuise.vn/ )

Beach Escapes at Koh Jum - 4 Days / 3 Nights

Escape to Koh Jum, a small island in the Andaman Sea, for a relaxing Thailand beach break. Fly to Krabi airport where a combination of road and water transport transfers you away from the buzz of modern life to the tranquil grounds of Koh Jum Lodge.

Koh Jum Island is a quiet place with no cars or paved roads. Spend your days wandering along the shoreline, laying in the sun or exploring the island by motorbike. Pamper yourself with a Thai massage on the beach or play a game of sunset volleyball, the choice is yours.

Your three night stay is at the Koh Jum Lodge, a set of sixteen wooden cottages set in the leafy grounds of a coconut plantation. The spacious cottages feature sea views and large terraces complete with hammocks. In addition to its restaurant which serves fresh seafood and other Thai and Mediterranean cuisine, Koh Jum Lodge also features a swimming pool and a full library.

If you prefer the slow pace of island life, then you will definitely enjoy this Thailand beach break to Koh Jum.

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Krabi - Koh Jum Touch down at Krabi Airport, in southern Thailand, where a minibus transfers you to a nearby pier. A 40 minute ride in a longtail boat takes you across the blue seas to Koh Jum Island where you continue to your resort, Koh Jum Lodge. Overnight in Koh Jum

Day 2 - Koh Jum Two full days are at your leisure on Koh Jum island. Explore the unspoiled interior of the island with a motorbike trip, indulge in a Thai massage on the beach or relax poolside with a sunset cocktail. The choice is yours. Overnight in Koh Jum

Day 4 - Koh Jum - Krabi - Departure After breakfast return to Krabi airport by a combination of long-tail boat and minibus in time for your onward flight.

Tour Price: Available upon Request

Rates vary frequently. Please contact us info@opentour.vn to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Prices Include:

• Accommodation with daily breakfast on Bassac Cruise and selected hotel.
• Tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Services of a driver and Private air-conditioned vehicles during all tours and transfers.
• Services of an English speaking guide during all tours and transfers.
• Entrance fees for all sights visited.
• Camera and video cameras fees if applicable
• Lunch or dinner if mentioned in itinerary with (L,D)
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
• Tips for porters.

Description of service in details

Prices Exclude:

• International flights to and from Vietnam.
• Vietnam visa arrangement (Visa is compulsory and must be arranged in advance details...)
• Domestic flights.
• Meals other than those mentioned above
• All other services which are not mentioned above.
• Personal expenses are such as laundry, telephone, drinks etc....
• Tips for guide
• Travel insurance

Accommodations offers in this trip (The hotel may be changed up to its availability. It will be confirmed after getting your deposit/ payment. You can get details of your hotel at our website: http://www.vietnamhotels.vn/ ; details of your cruise at our website http://www.halongcuise.vn/ )