Posted by admin on August 22, 2011 under Halong Attractions | 
Located around 60 kilometers from the Cái Rồng Port, Cô Tô has over the past several years become a popular destination to tourists who want an escape from the noise and pollution in cities.
Cô Tô Island District comprises three main islands – Cô Tô, Thanh Lân, and Trần – and smaller ones and covers 4, 000 square meters. Local residents, mostly migrants from northern provinces, live in only two communes and a small town. Living standards on the islands are much higher. The islanders now have access to electricity supply and asphalted roads, decent homes, automobiles and a crowded commercial town.
More and more people have come there for the love of nature, thus giving a much-needed boost to tourism. Starting from the Cái Rồng Port in the morning with tender breezes, visitors can spend an hour and a half to sail on the Bái Tử Long Bay where has mountainous sceneries like hundreds of baby dragons were sleeping on a giant green carpet. Then, travelers pass through the Đôi entrance to begin an unforgettable journey circled by the sea.
Next they leave the boat on the Cô Tô wharf, some 500 meters from the center of Cô Tô District, to come to a local guest-house on busy streets with Uncle Hồ’s statue, markets and restaurants.
The attraction is not only known for a long, clear beach near the residential area but also for a green pine forest and a tiled road along the shore where locals love to take a walk at sunset.
For local residents, the best way to explore every corner of the islands is to hire a motorbike and a destination which should not be missed is the solar-powered Cô Tô lighthouse on the peak of a mountain not far from the town. Travelers can reach there through a winding road under the shade of the trees. From the lighthouse balcony, visitors can get a panoramic view of the mountains and the horizon.
Another place of interest is the Bắc Vàn military port, around 20 minutes from the lighthouse. Bắc Vàn Beach is known for the different kinds of coral that the authorities are trying to conserve.
Cô Tô Island has two beautiful beaches: Vàn Chải and Hồng Vàn. Vàn Chải and Hồng Vàn are the two must-see beaches in Cô Tô. Vàn Chải Beach is still unspoiled and tourists can relax and play in the big waves and stay overnight in small bungalows while Hồng Vàn beach is always quiet with small waves. Therefore, it is said that Cô Tô Island’s beaches are the perfect spot for beachgoers looking for somewhere relatively untouched./.
(Source: QNP)
Posted by admin on August 19, 2011 under Halong Attractions |
As one of the largest in Hạ Long, Bồ Hòn Island or Soap-Berry Tree Island is famous for not only its splendid scenery but many famous and fascinating grottoes.
It is about 1.5 hours from Bãi Cháy although we took much longer to reach it, as we were cruising slowly and enjoying the view along the way.
There are many grottoes located here, such as the Sửng Sốt (Surprise), Luồn, Trinh Nữ (Virgin) grotto. Each of them has their own marvellous beauty and is related to the moved legends.
Besides, a lot of high mountains with vertical cliffs like citadel wall; mountains follow closely make a huge beautiful watercolour picture on the sea.
The island is also home to various species of plants such as benjamin fig trees, cycads and orchids… and animals are monkeys, deer and chamois./.
(Source: QNP)
Posted by admin on July 26, 2011 under Halong Attractions |
Núi Bài Thơ or Bài Thơ (means Poem) mountain is 610ft (186m) high. It runs along the coast of Hạ Long Bay, half on land and half in the sea. In the old day, sailing in the bay, one or two hundred meters from the mountain, one can see a poem carved on a flat stone cliff, but now the view is blocked with houses.
In 1468, during his inspection tour to the eastern region, King Lê Thánh Tông stopped here. Inspired by the stunning beauty of Hạ Long, the King wrote a poem and had it carved into the southern side of the mountain, hence its name Bài Thơ (Poem). In 1729, Lord Trịnh Cường composed a poem in response to that of King Lê Thánh Tông and also had it carved near the former. The mountain features other poems by Nguyễn Cẩn and some other poets.
Atop Bài Thơ Mountain, you feel surprised at the magnificent landscape of Hạ Long Bay. In the background of immense emerald waters, of rock bobbing, of high sky, of surrounding flowers and trees, you can figure out the tiny images of boats. Bài Thơ makes up one of the beauty spots of Hạ Long.
Tran Quoc Nghien Temple
The temple is situated in an elevation at the foot of Bai Tho Mount, in the area of Bến Đoan – Hòn Gai, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province, looking to the sea.
The temple is dedicated to Trần Quốc Nghiễn, one of Trần Hưng Đạo’s sons and a brave, talented general in the resistance against the Yuan-Mongol invaders.
Trần Quốc Nghiễn was also famous for his filial piety, and Bài Thơ Mount together set up a temple dedicated to him.
The temple has a three-compartment Ceremonial Hall, and a Back Sanctuary. The Holy Mother Temple lies to the right of the main temple. Inside the main temple, the middle altar is dedicated to Trần Quốc Nghiễn. The other two altars on the right and left sides are dedicated to the First Lady and Second Lady respectively. The Temple has a set of eight ornamental weapons, and various worshipping objects. It has undergone many restorations.
The captivating Temple is also famous for its sacredness. It has become a tourist destination in Hạ Long City.
Long Tien Pagoda
The pagoda is situated at the foot of Bài Thơ Mount in the Long Tiên Street, near Hạ Long Market, in Quảng Ninh Province.
Built in 1941, Long Tiên is the biggest pagoda and a well-known historical place in Hạ Long City.
The pagoda has original and unique architectural style of the Nguyễn Dynasty. Atop the three-gate entrance stands a statue of Buddha in a sitting position. Below is a bell tower, featuring three words Long Tiên Tự (Long Tiên Pagoda), flanked by two parallel panels. The main altar is dedicated to Buddha. The altar on the right worships generals of the Trần Dynasty, while the altar on the left is dedicated to the Holy Mother of Three Palaces.
It is very convenient for tourists to come there as the pagoda lies in the heart of Hạ Long City. In the past, the festival of Long Tiên Pagoda opened on the 24th day of the third lunar month. At present, every day is a festival. Tourists and Buddhist followers from near and far visit the pagoda for sightseeing, or presenting their offerings to Buddha. The pagoda gets extremely crowed on the 1st and the 15th day of each month and during Tet traditional holiday./.
(Source: QNP)
Posted by admin on June 29, 2011 under Halong Attractions |
Two kilometers south-west of Ti Top Beach is the Me Cung Grotto or Bewitching Grotto. It formed on Lom Bo Island, and seen from afar, the entrance is like the roof of a house denting the island’s side.
After a narrow crack only allowing one person through at a time, many partitions appear. These chambers are somewhat small and narrow, but very refined, and with many stalagmites and stalactites bearing beautiful forms.
Threading your way through narrow passages, you find a dim light from afar, which signals the exit of the grotto. On getting out of the grotto, climb up several rugged stone stairs and look down, you see a large round lake surrounded by the mountain. Its waters is blue all year round. The lake is home to many kinds of fish, shrimps, octopuses, algae, see weed, and coral. Lying adjacent to the lake there is an area of old trees popularly known as an alluring “royal garden”.
It is dry and well-ventilated, and features a thick layer of shells forming the foundation of the entrance. Formerly, this layer was 1.2-meter-thick and semi-fossilized. In the course of research, there was also a fossilized animal’s skeleton discovered in the interior. The Me Cung Grotto has been recognized by archaeologists as one of the vestiges of the pre-Ha Long new Stone Age culture, that existed between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Pushing into the grotto, tourists feel like walking in a palace of a Persian king. Hearing the murmur from out of nowhere, you think that Scheherazade is telling the stories of the Thousand and One Nights for her king.
On the island, there are many ancient trees casting long reflections on the water of the bay. They are home to many species of birds and animals (monkeys, chamois and varans).
Source: HalongbayVietnambeauty
Posted by admin on June 15, 2011 under Halong Attractions |
The pristine beauty of Quan Lan Beach has yet to be spoiled and is a mecca for tourists. The deep blue waters, strong waves and white sandy beaches span over several kilometres. Wild, green pines flank the beach, which adds charm to the pristine location.
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| Rockin’: The beautiful landscape of Bai Tu Long Bay as seen from Quan Lan Island. — File Photos |
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| All to yourself: Tourists are able to enjoy a pristine atmosphere that has yet to be overdeveloped at Quan Lan Beach. |
The beach is on Quan Lan in Bai Tu Long Bay, which is 55km away from Ha Long City.
Stilted guest houses hide under the lush foliage of casuarinas. A brick-paved road leads tourists from their bungalows to Quan Lan Beach.
Among the network of inhabited islands, the beautiful isle of Quan Lan still remains largely unexplored. The undeveloped island and its gorgeous white sand beaches have been tagged by major investments that are aiming to expand its shaky tourist infrastructure.
The sand on Quan Lan Beach is stranger than the sand on other beaches I have visited. It’s white, tiny, pure and smooth. The transparent water allows my eyes to gaze at the bottom of the sea where I can watch fish swim around colourful coral.
Visitors can stay in bungalows on the beach or with locals in a quiet village. In the future, tourists are bound to discover the gorgeous shores of this island paradise, and its unsullied beaches are likely not to stay isolated for too much longer.
Since the 11th century, Quan Lan had been a centre along the commercial route. In the 12th century, Quan Lan was the first trading port of Viet Nam built under Ly dynasty.
In 1149, King Ly Anh Tong took this place to set up Van Don town and Van Don trading port in order to speed up commercial relationships between Viet Nam and South East Asian countries. Relics of former trading port have been discovered with traces of ancient architecture, well, and grazed terra-cotta of meters thick to prove that this place used to be a crowded urban.
During the fifth and sixth lunar months, the area annually celebrates religious ceremonies to remember the area’s former king, and residents also hold boat rowing festivals.
In 1288, the beach was also the site of the well-known defeat of invading Mongol troops, who were destroyed by General Tran Khanh Du’s army. Tourists in Quan Lan can visit a temple dedicated to the General, where they can learn about the history of the region and the achievements of the commander. The temple’s roof is hidden under pine canopies. Approximately 100 steps lead to the temple’s entrance that is halfway up a mountain.
Because Quan Lan is a strategically important seaport, the French built a lighthouse on its shores in the 19th century in order to protect the beach and to signal to passing merchant ships.
For tourists resting on the beach in evening, the illuminations from the lighthouse look like a twinkling star.
The dearth of post-midnight electricity makes night life a wee bit difficult to sustain in this town. During the evening hours, locals and a few tourists stroll along the village’s main street, where sugarcane juice vendors and a few cafes stay open. The only sounds that dare to disturb the island are the melodic vibrations of karaoke bursting from living rooms and local cafes.
Sa sung (kind of sea worm) is a speciality of the region. It’s used in cooking soup, which helps provide a wonderful taste and adds nutritional sustenance to dishes. Fishing for sa sung with the locals is a popular activity for tourists.
“While men in the village go fishing in the sea, we catch sa sung and sell them to tourists and businesses on the main land as our secondary job,” says a local woman.
There are no five-star hotels at Quan Lan Beach, but tourists are able to enjoy a pristine atmosphere that has yet to be overdeveloped.
Source: DTI News
Posted by admin on March 24, 2011 under Halong Attractions, Tips for Halong tours |
As a large and age-old fishing village in Ha Long bay, Vong Vieng attaches great historical and cultural value and has currently attracted lots of tourists.
Vong Vieng Floating Village in Halong Bay
There are 4 fishing villages in the World Heritage site: Ba Hang, Cua Van, Vong Vieng and Cap La. After disembarking the mother boat, tourists will be transferred by rowing boats, tender boats, or doing kayaking to enter Vong Vieng fishing village.
There are about 50 families in the village and the population is between 200 and 300 residents, including nearly 100 children.
These families have lived in this village for generations. Their floating houses look spacious and clean. The well-off families even have tiled roof houses with radios, television sets, tables and chairs, etc. There is one community house here where villagers come to have meetings. Here is also the place tourists stopover to shop some traditional hand made items.
Visiting the village, tourists have a chance to enjoy “Vong Vieng night” which is considered an attractive and original tourism product. In the evening, under the soft light of the moon and the oil lamps, tourists sit on woven bamboo boats, breathe fresh air, listen to duel love songs, drop flower garlands and colored lanterns for luck and see the fishermen catching marine products. Tourists get strange and unforgetable feeling after enjoying this special kind of tourism product.
In addition, the fishing village festival is held once a year during the Ha Long Tourism Week. In the festival, tourists can take part in a variety of activities will be held such as folk song singing contest, food processing competition, swimming competition, boat handling competion, etc.
Source: QN News
Posted by admin on March 2, 2011 under Halong Attractions, Tips for Halong tours |
Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island is a destination for trekking. We suggest the trekking in Ban Sen Island, Quan lan Island, Cat Ba Island and Titov Island (short).
Cat Ba Island National Park 
One of the popular and cool things to do is a guided jungle trek in the national park of Cat Ba island. It sounds quite an innocent and safe activity, but it is not and in fact can be quite dangerous. The guides usually offer two treks, an easier one lasting a few hours and a second more difficult one lasting at least 6 hours and far more demanding than the former. If you are not experienced, go for the first. If you do not have a reasonable level of fitness, don’t go at all. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes with a good grip on the ground and clothing that does not leave any skin exposed. If possible, have a first aid box with you.
Quick Tips
Take back with you memories or photographs, not pieces of corals or stalactites, some of which are sold as souvenirs in a converted “key holder” or other artifact form. If you decide to go for the jungle trek, make sure you have a reasonably good level of fitness, a good pair of non-slippery shoes (either climbing or trainers) with a very good grip on slippery soil, and a first aid box.
Make sure you have no exposed parts of your body, as any fall on the ground will automatically result in abrasions and lacerations from the razor-sharp rocks on the ground, and I would suggest a first-aid box as well. Sample the sea food in the local restaurants in Cat Ba and don’t stick on the “all inclusive” cheap hotel meal arranged by your agent. Spend the few extra and try the superb local cuisine.
Trekking Starter Guides
Can You Handle It?
If you can walk, you can hike, but start with beginner-rated trails of a mile or less and then work your way up to longer, more difficult hikes. You can usually find a sign at the trailhead that lists the length of the route; remember, though, that the posted mileage is typically one-way, so gauge your time and effort accordingly.
The difficulty of any trek or walk depends on daily mileage, hilliness of the terrain, and altitude. Most walking trips, tailored for moderately active people, cover gentle terrain at low altitudes, and many have optional shorter routes. If you need a break, you can always skip a day and lounge around at the hotel or lodge. But on a trek, you have no choice but to make it to the day’s destination. Altitudes above 14,000 feet or vertical gains of more than 2,000 feet per day demand excellent physical fitness. Most outfitters can assess your fitness level. If in doubt, be conservative, especially when it comes to the dizziness and shortness of breath associated with high altitudes.
Essential Skills
Skills needed for hiking apply to any outdoor sport. A course in basic first aid wouldn’t hurt, but at least know how to bandage a wound, apply moleskin, and detect the signs of dehydration, heatstroke, and hypothermia. Learn how to read clouds; knowing a nimbus from a cumulus can be the difference between a waterlogged hike and a merely cloudy one.
Gear Up
Everyone needs a day pack; choose one with multiple pockets, padded shoulder straps, and large zipper closure. And make sure it’s the right size: When properly adjusted, the base should sit on your hips and the top should be at least one hand-width below the base of your neck. Footwear designed specifically for hiking offers better support and traction. Choose a pair that’s a half-size larger than your street shoes to allow for some swelling as you walk and to accommodate heavier hiking socks. Wear thick wool or synthetic blend socks designed to wick moisture away from the feet, as wet feet is the primary cause of blisters. Some things to keep in your day pack: first-aid kit; water bottle; Swiss Army knife; topographic map; compass; space blanket; and sweater.
Speak the Language
Hot spot: That little tingle of friction you feel on your foot before you get a blister. Don’t ignore the feeling: Take off your boot and wrap your foot in moleskin before that tingling evolves into a full-fledged blister.
Loop trail: A trail that starts at point A and circles back to the same point without repeating any section of the trail.
Scree slope: A challenging slope of loose rock and shale.
Saddle: A trail stretched over the lowest point between two peaks, resembling a saddle.
Aiming off: Intentionally erring about 5 degrees off-course when using a compass bearing and heading toward your target destination. The benefit of aiming off is you’ll know exactly which way to turn to get to your destination when you reach the baseline.
Posted by admin on February 7, 2011 under Halong Attractions |
Yen Tu Pagoda
Yen Tu Pagoda is situated 14km away from Uong Bi town of Quang Ninh. Yen Tu Pagoda complex comprises 10 pagodas among which Dong Pagoda (which is located on the top of Yen Tu mountain of 1 065 meters high) is the most prominent one. The area consists hundreds of shrines, towers, tombs, natural rock statues and caves and is surrounded by vast forest and mountains. This is the center of Buddhism and also the cradle of a Buddhist sect called Truc Lam which was established by King Tran Nhan Tong. Yen Tu is not only a historical and cultural vestige but also a tourist attraction. Annually, this site attracts millions of tourists who follow Buddhism and tourists who go for sightseeing. In spring (from the first to the third lunar month), a large number of people from many part of the country come here to go on pilgrimage and sightseeing. When visiting this solemn place, you will easily catch sight of old people sincerely climb up to Dong Pagoda without the support of hanging cable. They do so to show their respect and also to ask for health and luck since for Vietnamese, Yen Tu Pagoda is a sacred place. If you would like to join in the crowded atmosphere of Yen Tu Festival, come here during festival days. If you want to stay in the quietness and explore the surrounding landscape, come in other periods of time.
Long Tien Pagoda
Long Tien Pagoda lies right under Bai Tho Mountain in Ha Long city. This is the largest pagoda and also a well-known historical vestige of Ha Long. The Pagoda was built in 1941 with a special and unique architecture pattern. The sculpture style with formalized patterns and the layout style is somewhat the same as that of pagodas in the Nguyen Dynasty. The pagoda worships Thanh Mau, Tran Hung Dao and heroes of the Tran Dynasty. In the Pagoda, there are many sculpture products which reflect the sophisticated sculpturing skill. Visiting Long Tien Pagoda in the first lunar month or the second lunar month, you will have chance to take part in the Festival which attracts lots of tourists.
Cua Ong Temple
Cua Ong Temple is situated on a low mountain looking over Bai Tu Long Bay with wonderful landscape in Cua Ong ward, Cam Pha town, Quang Ninh. This temple worships Tran Quoc Tang and many well-known heros of the Tran Dynasty. The temple now comprises 34 statues of different sizes which are skillfully sculptured. This is also a beauty spot recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information. Cua Ong Temple has three main parts: Ha Temple, Trung Temple and Thuong Temple. From the temple, you can have an overall view of Bai Tu Long Bay and Cam Pha coal mining region. The temple has long been regarded as a very sacred one not only for Quang Ninh inhabitants, but also for people from other provinces. Cua Ong Temple Festival takes place annually from the 2nd of the first lunar month and last until the end of spring.
If you are interested in local culture, visit Quang Ninh in spring and participate in the pilgrimage which starts from Long Tien Pagoda, then move on to Yen Tu Pagoda before finally reaching Cua Ong Temple.
Source: Vietnam Hotel
Posted by admin on January 30, 2011 under Halong Attractions |
Located 22km from south of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) is a famous tourist attraction with three nice fairy beaches and romantic landscape.
This island consists of three small mountains with the height of 23m. It features three small sand beaches embracing small islands. Seen from afar, these islands resemble three peaches.
The island connects to a legend of about the romantic love between a youngest fairy, who was very pretty with a young and poor fisherman. Because of feeling in love with him, she stole three peaches from Heaven for him, which if he ate, would give him eternal life, allowing them to live together forever.
The King of the Heavens got angry when discovering the robbery and turned the peaches into three stone islands. Chastised, the young fairy had to return the heaven and could never meet the fisherman again.
Despite of its sad love story, thousands of travelers, especially lovers, visit this island each year because of its fairy and quiet natural beauty.
Source: TW
Posted by admin on January 21, 2011 under Halong Attractions, Halong Bay Cruises, Halong Bay Overview, Halong Culinary, Tips for Halong tours |
Almost every traveler who visits Southeast Asia makes it a point to visit Halong Bay: a picturesque bay set amidst emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs. Next to Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay is right up the list of must-see destinations for travelers in the region.
Flickr photo by qureyoon
So what can one do around Halong Bay besides taking that once-in-a-lifetime cruise into the UNESCO World Heritage site here? Fear no more as I had one extra day around Halong City when I visited Halong Bay, Vietnam recently. So here are 5 things you can do around Halong Bay if you have time to kill waiting for your junk boat cruise.
Bai Chay Tourist Wharf and Jetty
Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. It is here that most of the travelers will arrive at before heading out on the Halong Bay Overnight Cruise. Depending on your departure time, you may or may not have time to explore the area.
Vietnamese Coffee
Try some Vietnamese Coffee the Cafe 555 opposite the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. Well, you need to walk about 100 meters to your right if you exit Bai Chay. The cafe is located in between a row of shops by the main road. They serve some potent coffee here so if you are a coffee lover, you hit jackpot here. If you don’t drink coffee, they have other drinks there too.
Karaoke anytime of the day
Try the Cafe Kinh Moi Karaoke just further down the road from Cafe 555. Start your karaoke sessions early if you must here. Singing is inside but if you so desire to do it outside, by all means.
Halong Market
Take a taxi to Halong City and visit the Halong Market. This market is right in the heart of Halong City and you cannot walk there unless you have a few hours to spare. Best would be to take a taxi there. Once here, explore the dry and wet market. A number of interesting items can be seen here while it would be wise to stock up on snacks and drinks for your Halong Bay Cruise.
Vietnamese Snacks and Herbal Drinks
Indulge in the local Vietnamese food and drinks at Halong City. In and around the Halong Market, there are quite a number of exotic foods available if you are up to it. One of the must-try items are the Squid Cakes which are similar to Thai Fish Cakes, these are sold in the open area behind Halong Market.
A number of stalls sell them and they are reasonably cheap and quite tasty. If you walk around the wet market area, you will come across various local foods and delicacies. One of them, the deep fried mini crabs sold cooked or raw. Also, if you have an iron stomach, try some of the local mixed rice dishes and finally wash it down with some local Vietnamese Herbal Drinks. Don’t forget to buy some local fruits for your Halong Bay Overnight Cruise trip.
Halong Bay Casino
Take a walk to the Halong Bay Casino (Royal International Casino). This super small and only casino in Halong Bay can be seen just located by the main road to Bai Chay. Walking here can take you about 10-15 minutes from the wharf. Foreigners need to show your passport to enter and there is no deposit required.
A coffee lounge with slot machines on the ground floor is open to all while there are two gambling halls, one on the ground floor which is closed on weekdays while the main hall is up on the first floor. So small that I walked round it in less than two minutes. So if you’re feeling lucky, head on to the Halong Bay Casino.
Author: 
David Jr
