Da Lat’s take on terraced fields

Visitors to Dalat City in southern Vietnam will find transfixing views of terraced fields which will bring to mind the mountainous Northwest.

Travelling around the outskirts of Da Lat, tourists can enjoy viewing terraced fields of vegetables and flowers, like the work of an artist.

In Da Lat, terraced fields surround small houses and winding roads curve around wooded hills, creating a romantic and peaceful space.

Many local vegetable and flower growers say Da Lat’s terraced fields have their own special beauty. They are most beautiful in the morning sunlight.

Some photos of Da Lat terraced fields:

Despite not being as famous as terraced fields in the Northwest, Da Lat fields have their own unique beauty

Vegetables are mostly grown in the fields, along with flowers

Terraced fields surround houses

You can see terraced fields from the surburban outskirts

Terraced fields besides pine tree-covered hills

Valley of terraced fields

Curving terraced fields look like artistic creations

An extremely peaceful and poetic space

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Quiet delights of Cu Lao Cham

The beaches and attractive landscapes of Cu Lao Cham in Quang Nam Province are a draw for travellers.

The island in Tan Diep Commune in Hoi An has been recognised by UNESCO as World’s Biosphere Reserve. It boasts several relics from diverse and ancient cultures, such as Sa Huynh, Cham Pa and Dai Viet.

Arriving in Cu Lao Cham in the early morning is a rare delight, giving the visitor a chance to see the dawn’s glow from serene beaches.

Blue, clear and isolated coastline, such as Ong and Huong, are ideal destinations for holidays. The sea takes on a special sparkle at sunrise and sunset.

Visitors’ first impressions may be the warm smile and hospitality of the locals.

This is a fishing town, and fresh fish can be found in the area markets.

In addition, this is one of the few areas in Vietnam where Cham people can still be found.

Hai Tang Pagoda, built more than 400 years ago, adds to the town’s rare atmosphere. Burning a few sticks of incense and walking around the town may renew your senses and give you a bit of respite from the noise and fury of every day life.

At night, the silence of Cu Lao Cham is quite noticeable, compared to the busy streets of big cities. The only sounds are made by the waves crashing into the shore.

Peaceful beaches

An ancient well

Holy pagoda

An intimate sunrise

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Queen Mary brings tourists to Nha Trang

The world’s largest cruise liner, Queen Mary 2, with over 2,430 tourists aboard, visited Nha Trang Bay in the central province of Khanh Hoa on March 21.

The tourists, mostly from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and Canada, visited scenic and relic sites as well as enjoying special dishes and shopping in the locality.

On the afternoon of the same day, the cruise liner left Nha Trang Bay and sailed to Thailand.

Statistics from Khanh Hoa tourism sector show that in the first three months of this year, Nha Trang Bay welcomed 13,000 arrivals on 12 international cruise liners.

(Source: VNA)

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Soc Trang Clay Pagoda recognised as a cultural relic

A pagoda known for its clay Buddha statues has been recognized as a historical and cultural relic of the Mekong Delta Province of Soc Trang.

The pagoda's original name was Buu Son Tu, but pilgrims usually call it Chua Dat Set (Clay Pagoda). Built by the Ngo family more than 200 years ago, the pagoda is now run by members of the family's fourth generation.

Visitors to the Clay Pagoda can see 1,800 small and large Buddha statues and a great number of prayer objects made of clay. The pagoda is also well-known for having four pairs of giant candles that weigh 200kg each. They are 2.6m high, with a diameter of one meter.

The candles were made in 1940. Two of the candles have burned continuously since the death of head priest of the pagoda, Ngo Kim Tong, in 1970, and have burned off only half the wax.

(source: VNS)

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Cambodian harvesters in Mekong Delta

If you have a chance to visit Dong Thap Muoi region in the southern Long An province during the harvesting season, you will be able to enjoy the limitless expanses of paddy fields dotted here and there with Cambodian farmers.

Since there is a shortage of local harvesters during the season, local people have to turn to hiring Cambodian workers to help them do field work like digging, spraying fertilizers, and harvesting rice.

Many poor Cambodia laborers often cross the border to Vietnam’s Dong Thap Muoi region to earn a living to feed their families at home.

Following are some photos by Tuoi Tre:

Despite hard work, they always wear radiant smiles

Cambodian workers flocking to paddy fields in Vietnam from Cambodia

At around 6:30 am everyday, Cambodians present themselves at the border post in Vinh Hung district, Long An province to undertake immigration procedures to apply for jobs in Vietnam

The man in this photo is anxiously waiting for a job in Vietnam. Some even have to wait from early mornings till afternoons on a daily basis to get hired by a Vietnamese boss

Hai Don, a Vietnamese rice landowner, is happy to pick up familiar workers over the border. Today, she needs five laborers for her rice field

Hai Don entrusts strong male workers with the task of mixing fertilizer

Cambodian workers begin a new working day by transferring fertilizers to rice fields, a couple of kilometers away from their houses

Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the female workers take a short nap, and have lunch and breakfast on field site

They leave their shoes on the edge of the rice field. They have to cross dozens of kilometers to head towards Vietnam wearing these thin shoes

They are carrying bags of fertilizers towards the rice field

Both employer and employees are enjoying an informal lunch

After a hardworking day, this woman brought to her house in Cambodia only some sundries she bought from a market near the border

It’s very easy to recognize the close relationship between and Vietnamese owners and Cambodian workers. They treat one another like good friends.

Local rice field owners told Tuoi Tre that Cambodian laborers work very hard and well, adding they are willing to do all the hard work.

Meanwhile, according to Cambodian workers, Vietnamese employers are very kind.

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A different side to Can Gio

Mention Can Gio, the most remote district of HCMC, and people think of mangrove forests, mudflats and coconut trees. However, there is a different Can Gio, with friendly locals, shady roads and quaint villages on a small peninsula that awaits discovery.

From Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can take a motorbike on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in District 4, then turn to Huynh Tat Phat Street in District 7, cross Binh Khanh Ferry then head for 40 kilometers along Rung Sac road.

The recently sealed Run Sac road used to be a nightmare of mud and puddles,

Locals shop in Can Gio Market - Photos: Minh Tam

but now it’s a smooth highway through forests full of birds and monkeys.

A stop at a guesthouse at Can Thanh Town will give you insight into the lives of local fishermen. There are no luxury hotels but it’s very peaceful and clean.

In the afternoon, walk to the wharf to watch the small fishing boats putter home from sea with fish, crab and shrimps.

Then stop by Can Gio Market by the sea to visit the local fishmongers.

The small restaurants on Duyen Hai Street are not to be missed with seafood straight off the boats for VND15,000 to 120,000 a dish.

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Travel + Leisure: 3 of world's 20 best hotel values call Vietnam home

Vietnam continues to accrue accolades for its hotels as North America magazine Travel + Leisure has named three to its list of ‘World’s Best Hotel Values’ in the March 2011 issue.

Foreign tourists in downtown District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: Khanh Van)

The Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Hilton Hanoi Opera have won spots on the ‘Top 20 Hotels for Value Overall’ list in Travel + Leisure, one of North America’s top two highest circulating travel magazines.

Vietnam was second only to the U.S. in the number of hotels among the top 20.

The winners, chosen by Travel + Leisure readers in the magazine’s World’s Best Awards Survey, each offer rooms for USD300 a night or less.

The Caravelle and the Metropole recently won placement on Travel + Leisure’s list of the top 500 hotels in the world. The Metropole also won placement on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List, as well as more than 20 other prestigious lists in 2010.

In the same issue of Travel + Leisure, Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa in the central beach city of Nha Trang was included in a lengthy feature on the ‘Best Affordable Beach Resorts’ in the world. The Sheraton Nha Trang was the only Vietnam resort in this list.

The Travel + Leisure honor comes on the heels of recognition of Nha Trang by Expedia.com.au, which called the city one of the 10 ‘Best Beach Destinations’ internationally in a December press release.

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Rain storms could be tourism products and bring tourists to central region

A group of young scientists is working out on the project to develop tourism products from severe rains and storms in the central region. They believe in the attractiveness of the products, though some people think that this is just a crazy plan.

Rains, storms, floods are “specialities” of the central region

The global climate change will bring more rains, storms and floods to coastal resorts in Vietnam, especially the ones in coastal areas in the central region. However, this does not mean all hope is lost, because a group of young scientists from the Scientific Union for Sustainable Tourism Developmetn STDe headed by Dr Nguyen Thu Hanh has an idea of developing tourism products from rains, storms and floods in the central region.

While many people see rains, storms and floods as disadvantageous natural conditions, Hanh and her colleagues see good natural phenomena.

The idea of the young scientists is considering disadvantageous natural phenomena, from rains in Hue City to storms in Da Nang and floods in Hoi An as “tourism resources”.

“If carried out, the tourism products will show a flexible lifestyle that relies on the natural conditions of the central region and heighten tourists’ knowledge about the values of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of tourist cities,” said Dr Nguyen Thu Hanh.

A lot of types of arts can be designed to become special tourism products when they are performed while it is raining in Hue City. Enjoying Hue royal tea, playing or listening to music, admiring the rain, meditating, enjoying Hue meals and making souvenirs in rainy days all could be special tourism products. Besides these indoor tourism products, outdoor events such as water puppetry, racing and wading in the floods, sailing and fishing, can also attract many young tourists who love discovering.

As for Hoi An, tourists will have the chance to admire the general panorama of the ancient town’s roofs when flood waters rise, travel on boats to every corner of the town to take pictures and discover the life of local residents during floods, or go to cafes which are located on second floors of houses in order to enjoy different types of arts from the rain.

Meanwhile, the young scientists have suggested building a “storm park” in Da Nang City. Adventure traveling and disaster tourism will be the two special types of tourism for Da Nang City when the storm city is built and put into operation.

The project on turning disaster into good fortune

In fact, this is not a crazy plan as many people think, and this is not a new idea at all. The concept of “disaster tourism”, i.e traveling to disastrous areas, has become popular in many countries in the world. With the tours, travelers can experience new sensations: they can see with their own eyes the consequences brought about by natural calamities, join the aid efforts and help local residents overcome difficulties. A lot of people spend big sums of money just to be able to travel to areas stricken with natural disasters. A lot of hotels were built in the region of volcanic activities in Hawaii in the US to serve a big number of tourists who want to see volcano eruptions. A lot of travelers flocked to New Orleans after the Katrina typhoon broke out in 2005.

Hanh has affirmed that once these tourism products are developed well, Vietnam will be able to receive high numbers of tourists under the modes of adventure traveling and responsible traveling – the current main trends in the world.

“In fact, in Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, the number of tourists in the raining and stormy seasons is the highest in a year. Therefore, if we can develop reasonable tourism products, we will be able to attract many tourists,” Hanh affirmed.

Dinh Thi Thu Thuy, Head of the Hoi An Trade and Tourism Division, said that this is a very original and feasible idea. However, she said that it is necessary to conduct thorough surveys on the climate and weather in order to design reasonable products.

Hoi An, for example, can develop tourism products from floods, not from storms, because this may hinder the aid works.

Truong Van Bay, Deputy Chair of Hoi An City’s People’s Committee also called this the project on turning disasters into good fortune.

Bao Linh

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Mountainous regions turned yellow with colza flower

The mountains of regions of northwest Vietnam turn into a dazzling sight in spring, because of Hoa Cai, or colza flower fields.

Along with the peach and apricot blossoms, the hillsides in this part of Vietnam create an impressive and unique atmosphere.

The abundant fields of colza flower make for great photos, and also create inspiration for many artists.

In case you cannot visit yourself, here are some images of the spring scenery in the northwest:

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Trail Mix: Sapa Strolls, Treks and Scenic Drives

Most visitors to Sapa end up wishing they could spend more time there, and no wonder -- this highland town in northern Vietnam has got it all, from spectacular mountain views to colorful hilltribe markets. Spend a few extra days there if you can, and be sure to check out the strolls, treks and scenic drives listed below.

Catcat village

Cat Cat Falls
One step at a time

Overview: More country stroll than hike, this short walk provides an excellent introduction to the countryside surrounding Sapa. Most people tackle this trail on their first day in Sapa, when they’re still feeling worn out from the long night-train ride from Hanoi. Trail Route: This hike begins just past the popular Cat Cat Hotel, continues on past the turreted mansion-like HQ for Hoang Lien National Park, and then descends by staircase to Cat Cat Falls. After crossing the river on a plank-floored suspension bridge, the trail then climbs steeply up the other side of the valley before descending to cross the river yet again on another narrow suspension bridge. At this point you can walk back to Sapa or hire one of the waiting motorcycle drivers to take you back on a high-speed ride up twisting mountain roads. Hilltribes: Black Hmong live in an extended village scattered along the river valley. The Scenery: The Cat Cat Falls are picturesque, though nowhere near the size of the famed Silver Waterfall (see below). Fitness Level: Moderate, as the trail features hundreds of concrete steps. Trail Conditions: Cement staircase or sidewalk the whole way. The second suspension bridge has lost some planks, so watch your step. Trail

Rules: Cattle and water buffalo always have the right of way. Reality Check: Expect to share the trail with not just backpackers but more well-heeled travelers as well, since tour buses regularly unload their charges at the stairs leading down to Cat Cat Falls. Costs: Though it’s not always collected, foreigners normally pay 10,000 Vietnamese dong (US$0.70) to enter Cat Cat Village, payable at the gatehouse just past the Cat Cat Hotel. The motorcycle ride back from the end of the hike should cost about 10 to 15,000 dong (US$0.70 to 1.00) with a little polite haggling. Guides: This hike is so easy to follow that a guide isn’t necessary. Keep in mind that if you go to Sapa with an organized tour, a guided version of this hike will likely be included in the itinerary. The Kangaroo Café in Hanoi offers inexpensively priced tours to Sapa that consistently get good reviews from travelers .

Lao Chai and Ta Van
Down by the river

Overview: This hike offers spectacular cloud-shrouded mountain scenery and the chance to walk through traditional hilltribe villages and their surrounding rice paddies. Trail Route: The hike initially follows a mountain road that leads out of Sapa, then descends into a deep valley, crosses the Ta Van River, and winds through rice paddies and the spread-out homes of Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. Eventually the trail crosses back over the river and rejoins the road, where most hikers then hire a jeep or motorcycle for the return ride to Sapa. Hilltribes: Black Hmong and Day communities line the hiking route. The Scenery: From the road you’ll get an absolutely stunning view of the mountains across the river valley as well as the villages nestled down in the valley itself. In the summer, expect to see luminous green rice paddies. Duration: 3 to 4 hours at a reasonable pace, assuming you take a jeep back to Sapa; add another two hours minimum if you don’t. Fitness Level: Moderate. Trail Conditions: Construction crews are currently improving the road out of Sapa, so expect to encounter torn-up portions of pavement with axle-deep mud and piles of blasted rock. The trail down into the valley can be steep and slick in spots, so be sure to buy a bamboo walking stick from one of the local Hmong kids for 2,000 dong (US$0.15). Don’t wear your best shoes and pants, as the trail’s rust-orange mud can permanently stain your clothes. Trail Rules: Behave as if you’re walking through somebody’s front yard, because often you will be. And remember that while this hike is a photographer’s dream, you should ask first before taking pictures of anyone you meet. Reality Check: In just a few years this hike has become highly popular, so expect to share the trail with your fellow travelers. Costs: Try to buy something from the locals, even if it’s just a lukewarm can of Coke. They’re desperately poor and need the cash, which is one reason why foreigners must pay 10,000 dong (US$0.70) to enter the Lao Chai area. You pay the fee at the gatehouse on the road out of Sapa. Guides: Though the trail has become so well established that you could probably hike it on your own without great difficulty, you’ll get more out of the hike if you hire one of the local Hmong teenagers as a guide. These self-assured young women can explain Hmong culture, interpret what the locals say, and tell you their own fascinating life stories -- and they can do all this in startlingly good English. Keep in mind that if you go to Sapa with an organized tour, a guided version of this hike will likely be included in the itinerary. The Kangaroo Café in Hanoi offers inexpensively priced tours to Sapa that consistently get high marks from travelers.

Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac) and Tram Ton Pass
Don’t pass on this one

Overview: Jeep or motorcycle ride to the 300-foot (100 m) Silver Waterfall and 6,200-foot (1,900 m) Tram Ton Pass. Trail Route: Drive five miles (8 km) out of Sapa to the Silver Waterfall, then continue another four miles (7 km) to Tram Ton Pass. Retrace the same route back to Sapa. Hilltribes: Black Hmong live in the area, but no villages are in the immediate vicinity of the pass or falls. The Scenery: The waterfalls are impressive and the pass offers a stunning view of the road to China’s Yunnan Province. Duration: 2 to 3 hours, but confirm how long you have hired the jeep for before setting off, as the driver may have a schedule to keep. Fitness Level: Moderate, because while the waterfalls can be seen from the road, you will probably want to scale the staircase that climbs beside it for a better -- and wetter -- view. This cleverly engineered route features a bridge that crosses in front of the cascades about half way up the falls, allowing hikers to ascend down the opposite side. The view from Tram Ton Pass can be seen from the road and requires no hiking whatsoever. Trail Conditions: The road can be bumpy, especially in the no-frills ex-army jeeps used by most drivers, so expect a slow ride. The trail at the waterfall consists of concrete stairs and is in excellent condition. Trail Rules: Be very careful if you deviate from the staircase trail beside the waterfall. Reality Check: The scenery is beautiful, but all of it lies in the endangered Hoang Lien National Park. Keep in mind that the waterfall can be a washout during the drier first half of the year and that clouds often sweep over the pass and reduce visibility to near zero. Costs: Foreigners are theoretically required to pay 3,000 dong (US$0.20) to climb up alongside the waterfall, but nobody seems to be bothering with collecting the fee. Jeeps to the falls and pass can be hired for US$12, which is a real bargain considering you can split the cost among five passengers. If you want to go it alone, Minsk motorcycles can be rented for about US$8 a day. Guides: If you hire a jeep, your driver will know the route, so no guide is needed; if you drive your own motorcycle, you’ll want to pick up a map at the Sustainable Tourism Information and Service Centre on Cau May Street in Sapa, which sells maps of Sapa and the surrounding areas for 15,000 dong (US$1.00).

Ta Phin
Mountain valley outside of Sapa

Overview: Several hilltribe villages lie in Ta Phin, a misty valley nine miles (15 km) out of Sapa. Trail Route: Jeep or motorcycle ride down the main road to Lao Cai, with a left turn down a side road to Ta Phin. If you’re driving your own motorcycle, be warned that this turnoff is not marked. You’ll know you are on the road to Ta Phin when you pass the haunted-looking ruins of a burnt-out French seminary. Within Ta Phin valley there are any number of possible trekking routes, though most people follow the main trail leading through a Hmong village and up to the Ta Phin caves. Hilltribes: Black Hmong and Red Dzao live in neighboring villages. The Scenery: Luminous green rice paddy and traditional villages set in a highland valley ringed by mountain peaks. Duration: Variable, as you could easily spend a whole day here. Most people take about 2 to 4 hours total. Fitness Level: Easy to moderate in spots, especially in the caves. Trail Conditions: Generally good, as the main “roads” are mostly concrete sidewalks sized for motorbikes rather than cars. Trail Rules: Always ask before taking photos, as the Red Dzao are particularly camera shy. Reality Check: This mountain valley has an idyllic feel to it, but keep in mind that tending those rice paddies is back-breaking work barely sufficient to feed local families. Also, while Ta Phin is a great way to get outside Sapa, it’s hardly undiscovered. Expect to spot some of the same foreign faces you’ve been seeing in the cafes and restaurants of Sapa. Costs: Foreigners pay 10,000 dong (US$0.70) to enter Ta Phin valley, payable at the gatehouse near the ruins of the seminary. Xe om motorcycle taxis can take you to Ta Phin for US$2 to 3 one-way, while jeeps can be hired for US$12 round trip. Alternatively, you can rent your own motorcycle for about US$8 a day. Guides: You’ll get more out of your visit to Ta Phin with a guide, who will speak English and be able to offer you insights into local hilltribe culture. In some cases, they will invite you into their homes. Often no fee is charged, though in these cases, be sure to buy something from your guide at the end of your hike, and don’t bargain too hard when you do. The dong you spend will help feed, clothe and school local families.

Coc Ly Market
Want to buy a water buffalo?

Overview: The market at Coc Ly literally lies at the end of a road that winds along the scenic Green River. Because of its remote location, both the merchants and the customers are almost all from various hilltribe groups. In fact, ethnic Vietnamese look almost as out of place here as foreigners do. Aside from the expected water buffaloes, other goods for sale include a wide array of food, clothing and practical items like tools and corrugated metal roofing. The market is in full swing only once a week, usually on a Tuesday. Trail Route: About 100 miles (160 km) from Lao Cai, or a three-hour road journey. Hilltribes: Black Hmong, Flower Hmong and Tay all frequent this market. The Scenery: The market sits above the Green River, which you can cross on a narrow suspension bridge straight out of an Indiana Jones film. You can also hire a boat for a run down the river through limestone gorges and isolated villages. Duration: If you opt for the boat trip, this is really an all-day affair. Expect to spend a good chunk of that time driving to and from Coc Ly. Fitness Level: Easy. Trail Conditions: The market can be jam-packed on busy days, so expect a crowd. There’s not much to keep you from falling off the middle of the suspension bridge, so those who are afraid of heights will want to give it a miss. Trail Rules: Though it’s rapidly being “discovered,” Coc Ly is still largely off the tourist trail. Try to leave a small footprint. Reality Check: Though they are cheerful and colorfully dressed, the locals lead extremely difficult lives marred by poverty. Guides: Ms. Loan, owner of the popular Cat Cat Hotel, can organize a guided minibus trip to Coc Ly. For a bit more cash, she can send you off in your own jeep. If you don’t mind getting lost or breaking down in the middle of nowhere, you can skip the tour and rent your own motorcycle for about US$8, plus gas and the inevitable fees for roadside repairs.

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Plum flowers blossom in Bac Ha

The northern area of Bac Ha becomes splendid as plum flowers blossom everywhere in the sunny weather.

After the long cold days of winter, it is now sunny and Bac Ha Plateau is covered with white plum blossoms everywhere.

The 1,500m-mountainous area is called the Bac Ha White Plateau because so many Tam Hoa plum trees are grown there. Nearly 30 years ago, Vu Duc Loi, head of the Bac Ha Plant Breeding Research Centre and his colleagues successfully created a new variety of plum through cross-breeding and named it the “Tam Hoa” Plum.

This plum has helped Mong, Tay and Phu La ethnic minority people escape from poverty and created new tours to “visit the Bac Ha White Plateau in the spring” which have attracted many domestic and international tourists.

Following are images of Bac Ha and its people.

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