Yen Bai Province’s Mu Cang Chai District in autumn becomes a major attraction as people come to experience the amazing landscapes created by brilliant gold-green rice terraced fields with their ripe rice harvests.

Mu Cang Chai has 13 communes and one town, crowned by ranges of terraced fields.

It would take days to trek through these villages in order to explore this ingeniously crafted landscape, lovingly moulded by local Mong people.

Photos taken from Mu Cang Chai in autumn:

Terraced golden rice fields

Highland town bathed in a ‘golden autumn’

A harmonious picture

Spotted yellow from a far distance

A closer look offers more brilliant yellow

Mong people preparing for the harvest

Good crops

A hut on the terraced fields

A tortuous stream adds to the beauty

Children greeting visitors

Mong people create a natural ‘masterpiece’

With its awesome landscape and year-round cool, Ba Na serves up the perfect alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city. However, the resort’s only accessible by a tortuous but spectacular 20km road running from the foot of the mountain across mist-covered hillsides.

The first attraction to thrill tourists is the clear skies and puffy clouds floating over the valleys below and spectacular panoramic views of Da Nang City, Thung Bay (with its semi-circle coastline from the foot of Hai Van Pass Tunnel to Son Tra Peninsula), My Khe Beach, Ngu Hanh (Marcle) Mountains, and Thu Bon River (embracing fertile fields in Quang Nam Province).

The blue waves of the Eastern Sea lapping Cham Island are visible and the picturesque landscape is breathtaking.

Tourists can enjoy four seasons in one day: spring in the morning, summer at noon, a little of autumn in the afternoon, and a cold winter bite at night. Ba Na’s weather is unique. In Ba Na, rain often falls only halfway up the hill, leaving the peak and the sky above clear and the views spectacular.

The French turned Ba Na into a resort in 1901. In 1912, a progressive governor general of Indochina designated the area as a forestry reserve. However, in 1930, the French reclassified Ba Na as a holiday resort for French officers and built hotels and villas. After decades of war and neglect, the structures fell into disrepair. Then, in 2000, developers reclaimed Ba Na from the jungle. A tourist town rose from the ruins.

The areas greatest asset is its pristine eco-system and temperate climate. Ba Na is famous for its bio-diversity. Its flora and fauna contain over 544 tree species (including six rare species) and 256 vertebrates, all of which are recorded in Vietnam’s Red Book.

Endangered vertebrates include the crested argus, the Asian black bear, the yellow-cheeked gibbon, and lignum aquilariae, along with several other species yet to be listed that are thought to survive in small numbers, protected only by the pristine wilderness.

Stone steps lead adventuresome tourists to 18th century Linh Ung Pagoda, which houses ancient documents about the temple’s history and boasts a 30m tall statue of Buddha.

French wine cellars built during the colonial period which are still used for aging the locally grown products, are another attraction. Wine-tasting tours are popular with many visitors.

Suoi Mo (Mo Stream) near the magical Thach Tien Waterfall is another favourite spot for tourists during muggy summer days. Mist created by the waterfall looks like “fairy hair”.

The Ba Na area has many facilities, including villas, hotels, restaurants, tennis courts, and many other services. Most impressive is the new cable car that links the Ba Na Peak to Mo Stream. Strung between 22 pillars, its 94 cars can carry 1,500 people on a wonderful journey through the jungle.

People often call the unspoiled environment of Ba Na “Green Fairy”, for it provides a great opportunity for visitors to Da Nang to savor the jungle and enjoy an unforgettable experience among the clouds.

Bat Xat District’s beautiful terraced fields in Lao Cai Province have become famous over the recent years, and provide a stunning view, particularly when the rice ripens.

The fields can be found in most of the local communes, but the most impressive are located in Y Ty, A Lu, Khu Chu Lin, Ngai Thau and A Mu Sung.

Photographers have captured a wealth of beautiful landscape images.

(with by dtinews)

It may be on the doorstep of a heaving metropolis, but this island remains an undeveloped paradise, writes Craig Tansley.

Sleepy … bars on Phu Quoc’s Long Beach. Photo: Craig Tansley

Fishing, not tourism, is still the dominant industry on Phu Quoc. Photo: Clement Mahoudeau

In the milliseconds it takes to fall from a motor scooter at 50km/h onto a dusty, dirt road, time slows down – like you’re in The Matrix – until it clicks back into real time with a thud and a whimper as you hit the ground.

And while I did see this coming, that hardly dulls the shock. The road that runs alongside the entire length of Phu Quoc’s aptly named Long Beach is a never-ending, never-bending slippery slide of loose clay, deep ruts and falling coconuts. And scooters aren’t renowned for rough roading – probably why you don’t see them at motor cross events.

I dust myself off and check for damage: a bit of missing skin and a scratch or two on the bike’s chassis; nothing a lick of Betadine and a hasty exit from the shop I hired the moped from won’t fix.

Just as well too, for this is not an island to have a bad traffic accident on (unlike, you know, those islands made for them!). With over 70 per cent of Phu Quoc designated National Park – that’s about 31,500 hectares of dense jungle and empty coastline – it could’ve been some time before help came along. On Vietnam’s best-kept secret island, there’s a hell of a lot of nothing between anything resembling something.

Oh sure, the Vietnamese Government has been touting Phu Quoc as the next Phuket for years now as part of its plan to make Vietnam the number one tourist destination in Asia. But so far, thankfully, progress is still something only faintly detectable on the breeze. Mostly though the wind around here reeks of fish, squid and fish sauce – Phu Quoc’s economy is determined by humble fishermen, more so than tourism workers – and its landscape is dotted predominately with simple fishing villages. It’s also still best known to the Vietnamese as the island that produces the country’s finest fish sauce (or nuoc mam).

But perhaps the most incredible thing about Phu Quoc’s sleepy demeanour is just how close this place is to Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City. Just 50 minutes flying time away from one of South-East Asia’s most high-octane cities. There’s six daily services costing as little as $25AUD one way.

With a city of eight million on its doorstep, you’d think the island would be overrun with visitors. But outside of public holidays (and the Christmas/New Year period where accommodation often triples in price) the island remains blissfully empty of tourists.

Accommodation choices consist mostly of bungalows set on sleepy beaches, restaurants come with sandy floors and a barefoot dress code, with sunsets into the ocean the only floor show. Like Koh Samui 30 years ago, there’s an innocence to the place – no-one bothers you offering good-time girls or to selling merchandise from their store. For my entire stay here a temperamental lock won’t work on my bungalow door, but no-one steals any of my valuables.

Night-time options don’t stretch too far beyond markets of fresh seafood straight off the boats and cheap, ice-cold local beer at beachside bars while squid boats light up the horizon. Unlike the rest of Asia, there’s barely any music to be heard, while Phu Quoc has been embraced by the backpacker market, it somehow remains devoid of the stock-standard R’n'B roar of Thailand’s seaside bars. Music’s more a BYO affair on Phu Quoc, bring your own guitar and create your own dance club.

Most of Phu Quoc’s development so far has been confined to the northern end of Long Beach, a few kilometres from the island’s biggest centre, Duong Dong, and the airport. But apart from a few high-end villas that generally blend into the background, you’ll mostly find bungalows down hard-to-find laneways off the main road that encircles the island, creating enough distance to induce a feeling of isolation.

Outside of this accommodation ‘hot-spot’, Vietnam’s largest island feels like it’s hardly been discovered. It’s home to some of Vietnam’s most pristine beaches – wide sandy strips of white ringed by clear blue waters. Its coastline is rugged, and often hard to access.

The island’s best beach, Bai Thom, is on Phu Quoc’s remote north-east corner amongst dense jungle dissected by winding, dirt tracks, while the runner-up, Bai Sao, is closer to a main town, but still requires a topsy-turvy, dirt-road battle on a moped.

But therein lies Phu Quoc’s appeal, it’s not as easily accessible as other hot-spots in Vietnam, granting it off-the-beaten-track status. And like most places that require extra commitment to get there, the rewards are all the more satisfying (the beach at Bai Sao is wide and sandy, fringed by coconut trees and thick undulating jungle to the horizon, with laid-back beach bars metres from a warm, blue-green sea).

Phu Quoc offers up endless days of sunbaking and swimming on quiet beaches, but it also caters for the adventurous traveller. The An Thoi Islands – a group of 15 islands just off the south coast of Phu Quoc – are some of Asia’s most pristine, devoid mostly, for now, of any development at all. Operators offer kayaking, diving, snorkelling, fishing and day tours to the islands. Or if you prefer, hire your own boat from An Thoi Town, or Duong Dong.

There’s also plenty of hiking on offer in Phu Quoc’s hilly interior, which is almost entirely covered in thick jungle (Phu Quoc’s highest point, Mt Chua, is 603 metres high and is by far Phu Quoc’s most challenging walk). In fact, most of Phu Quoc north of Duong Dong is completely covered in forest, with only red dusty tracks providing a passage through.

If you motor along Phu Quoc’s empty roads for long enough, you’ll see a tiny hint of things to come; the smell of fresh bitumen covering red dust tracks and signs for new resorts creeping a little further south along Long Beach. Backpackers in Ho Chi Minh City may well be speaking of Phu Quoc in whispers, but an island like Phu Quoc can’t stay a secret forever.

FAST FACTS

Getting there

Vietnam Airlines flies daily to Ho Chi Minh City from Melbourne with six daily connections to Phu Quoc, see vietnamairlines.com.

Staying there

If you’d like a little extra comfort, try La Veranda, which is set in colonial-era style on Long Beach, rooms start at about $160US, see laverandaresort.com, for something more rustic try the beach bungalows at Duong Dong Resort from $50US per night, see duongdongresorts.com

More information

discoverphuquoc.com

(source by smh.com)

On sale are local products made by Mong, Han, Dao, Giay and Tay ethnic people.

To reach the market on time they have to leave their homes very early in the morning or even one day earlier.

(source by VOV)

Talking about Quang Nam province, probably many people would think about Hoi An street or My Son holy city; however, the beautiful landscape in the west of Que Son town, at the headwaters of Thu Bon River is also a very attractive destination.

Tay Vien hot spring brings enjoyment and relaxation

Distant from My Son vestige about three kilometers towards the west is Tay Vien hot spring. This place is taken form from some earthquakes in the entrails of the earth millions of years ago.

The water in these two streams is very clear, with the average temperature of about 85 degrees.

This is an ideal place for tourist to steam bath. The stream’s water contains many precious mineral substances such as calcium, potassium, sulphur and iron.Tourists can also have a mud – bath here, which can help them to relax and cure some sickness.

At a distance of about five kilometers from Tay Vien towards the east, there is a very beautiful stream, named Fairy Stream. This is one of the most beautiful streams in the Central region.

Located in two sides of the stream are the rocky mountains. In the afternoon, the sunset contrasts and creates miraculous colors, and makes the landscape become a natural painting, which is so beautiful and impressive.

About 2.5 kilometres from Tay Vien hot spring towards the west, there is a cultural village, Dai Binh village. It is located nearby Thu Bon River.

Coming there, tourists can totally feel comfortable when relaxing in the ancient houses and enjoy the countryside fruits. The gardens here are just like ones in the South with so many kinds of fruit such as durian, mangosteen, rambutan, langsat, orange and grapefruit.

There is also ferry – boats for tourists to enjoy the scene along Thu Bon River. On the two sides of the river, people grow many mulberry. Tourists would be very impressed with the immense green of these mulberry gardens.

Tourist can stop their ferry – boats at any white sand – banks along the river to enjoy the beautiful landscape around as well as swimming, catching fishes and the delicious baked fishes.

The flow crosses two mountains. The cliffs look just like the huge dykes that divide the water into two parts. The scene is just so imposing.

When the ferry – boat floats downstream, tourists would have chance to visit Le Pass, with a beauty that is not very different from Fairy Stream. On this way back, Que Chau village would welcome tourists with the traditional Vietnamese opera and Non village would make tourists interested with the process of making “non la” (conical hat)- the traditional hat of Vietnamee people.

(source by SGGP)

Some visitors take a bamboo boat cruise along a lake in Vuon Xoai Ecotourism Park in Dong Nai Province

Located 30 kilometres from HCMC in Tan Cang Village, Phuoc Tan Commune, Long Thanh District, and covering over 30 hectares, Vuon Xoai is a fun place where visitors can enjoy some outdoor games such as go-karting, swimming, tennis, fishing and ostrich riding. Visiting a crocodile swamp and tramping around a bamboo garden and orchard is also on offer to tourists.

If you are sitting at home having a quiet weekend, eating food or watching movies all day, why not get yourself out there to Vuon Xoai.

It’s not far from the city and for those who love a long walk on a weekend break, strolling around the bamboo garden or orchard, viewing cottages or the many bonsai trees and flowers is a good way to get some nice fresh air into your lungs and fresh local food is also good for your health.

If you like to contemplate or ponder life while you relax, a spot of fishing is a great choice as you take in the tranquil surroundings with the still water surface under the shade of trees, bamboo bridge and some small floating cottages on the lake.

If you like to just float on the still water and take it all in, there are tours around lakes or canals in the Mekong Delta on bamboo boats. However, tourists should make sure they put on life vests as a safety precaution.

Adventurous visitors can also try go-karting or ostrich riding.

Taking an electronic car at VND10,000 to go around the park is also good for those who are too tired to go the extra distance. Along the road, visitors have the chance to see crocodiles, caged bears, snakes, wild pigs, birds and peacocks.

There is no need to worry about getting thirsty or hungry as restaurants serve various Vietnamese dishes and drinks.

Visitors, who have plenty of time to spare, can stay overnight at some guest houses in the area and make a camp fire at night to top off an unforgettable trip.

The Thu Bon River basin covers an area of over 10,000 square kilometers in Quang Nam Province and is ranked fourth for hydropower potential in Vietnam. But to the local people, the river is considered the lifeblood that has helped raise many generations of residents on both banks.

Part of the Thu Bon River with cloud-covered mountains in the background

Originating from Ngoc Linh Mountain in Dak Glei District, Kon Tum Province, the Thu Bon River flows into the sea via Cua Dai Estuary in Hoi An Town in Quang Nam Province. A tributary runs to the Vinh Dien River to pour water into the Han River in Danang City. And before going to the sea, part of the Thu Bon River courses through the Truong Giang River to pour into An Hoa Tam Quang Bay in Nui Thanh District.

From Vinh Dien up to Giao Thuy T-junction, one can see mulberry fields along the river banks. A folk art was born here, using literary figures to show the intelligence, optimism and sentiments of the locals.

For a long time, the Thu Bon River has been famous for the craft of raising silkworms and weaving fabric, and for the endless green mulberry farms stretching along its banks. Along the banks are many well-known craft centers such as Thanh Ha for pottery, Phuoc Kieu for bronze casting, Kim Bong for carpentry, Tra Que for vegetables, Ma Chau for silk, Phu Chiem for rice paper and Que Minh for conical hats.

Along the banks are numerous wharves and markets reflecting the rural lifestyle, and simple villages steeped in memories. The Trung Phuoc floating market is the busiest trading place in the region.

The Thu Bon River is likened to the Ganges River in India because it is a silt source forming the delta. Strangely, despite cultural interchange, the very northern and southern banks of the Thu Bon River have their own cultural differences characterised by voices, routine activities, festivals and even relics from each area. In the southern bank, the Champa culture still figures in daily activities, customs and festivals for local residents.

The Thu Bon Goddess Festival falls on the 12th day of the second lunar month, and is held solemnly in My Luoc Village, where a water procession is the most important part of the ceremony. Locals scoop water from the Thu Bon River and pour it into the jars, then carry them on their heads back to the village in deference to the river.

In the upstream district of Hiep Duc, locals set up a long house with an altar on the top to suspend a boat. The rituals around the boats aim to honor the “river mother” in the spiritual lives of locals.

For tourists who are interested in a river tour or an eco-tour to the countryside of Vietnam, taking a boat ride on the Thu Bon River may be their most enjoyable experience when they come to Quang Nam-Danang.

They can also visit Dai Buong, an orchard village similar to those found in the southern region with rambutan, durian and mangosteen. Tourists will have the chance to enjoy durian wine, which has an unforgettable flavor.

In Hon Kem-Da Dung area, where the river is narrowed by the cliffs on either bank, novelist Thai Ba Loi stood and gazed at the Thu Bon River and regretted: “On the river, hydropower dams were built, thousands of hectares of forest have been destroyed. Sand is exploited excessively. With such unethical behavior toward nature, people must reap what they sow.”

If the Thu Bon River, a water mother who opens her arms to hold the holy land which is home to the epic legends of Quang Nam, a traditional cultural stream filled with the colors of the central region’s countryside, and an attractive tour itinerary, is not protected from being destroyed by humans, it cannot retain its beautiful images in the minds of people who love the land.

Vam Sat mangrove forest is not very far from Ho Chi Minh City, and is considered as the “green lung” of the city.

The whole view of Vam Sat from the top of Lang Bong tower

Located on Can Gio island, in the area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vam Sat mangrove forest is only distant from the centreof the city about 50 kilometres.

From Bình Khánh port (the entrepôt between Nha Be district and Can Gio district), continue going for 1 hour by bus to Dan Xay bridge, the large mangrove forest will appear.

The forest is in a reclaimed land that is merged into Ho Chi Minh City afterwards. This forest is so original with many mangroves, and various kinds of other creature. UNESCO also recognised it as a Biology Reserve of the world.

The atmosphere here is very pure and peaceful. Take a step into the forest, it would feel like being released from the narrow and stuffy space in the city.

Lately, Vam Sat has become an attractive destination to many tourists. Coming to the forest, tourists will have chances to take pleasure in a natural landscape, enjoy the very fresh cool air as well as some delicious specialties.

Not only that, there are some interesting activities like fishing, catching crabs, rowing “xuồng ba lá” (a traditional kind of jolly boat in the South, which was made by three planks joining together), walking on “cầu khỉ” (a very simple bridge made of bamboo or some kinds of wood; it is also a typical feature of the South West)…

The beginning of the journey to Vam Sat is right at Dan Xay bridge pier. From there, tourists will go by speedboat to the forest.

The cool wind blowing on the river will quickly appease tourists after they have taken a long trip from the city.

The landscape around is so natural. The mangroves grow in series with very large roots knit together. Sometimes, fishes plunge out of the water and then go back very quickly.

The 20 minute – trip by speedboat will stop at Dam Doi. There, a small path made by some wood sections putting on mud will lead into a playing field, where many big crabs are waiting to be caught.

Out of Dam Doi, the main spot of the journey will welcome all the tourists.

Most outstanding is the Tang Bồng tower. It is made of iron and with the height of 15 metres. The top of this tower is a perfect spot to view the whole scene around.

The area of animals also attracts many people, especially children. Tourists can feed or take photos with them as well.

Coming to this peaceful land, tourists will also be welcomed warmly. The local people here are all friendly and very close. They can even offer any tourists a meal at their home.

A journey to Vam Sat in Can Gio will promisingly bring relaxation and much pleasure.

(source by SGGP)

Khanh, who found the caves and named them “97” and “98,” which are the years he got lost in the deep forest of the national park in an exploration trip and had a chance to explore the geological formations there, said “97” is 765 m long and “98” is 750 m long and both are at least 60 m high.

Different from most caves of the park that have rough floors, the floors of these newly found caves are flat like a man-made structure.

Khanh said the two caves are located in the Doong area, which is home to Son Doong, the world’s largest cave discovered in 2009 also by Ho Khanh and a team of British cave explorers from the British Caving Association.

Before the discovery of Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang held several world cave records such as the longest underground river and the largest caverns and passageways.

(source by TuoiTre)