Misty Yen Tu is magical experience

Yen Tu Mountain’s beauty is in the harmony between imposing mounts and ancient pagodas and temples lurking under pine forests and bamboo clusters, making tourists relax after trekking sloping roads.

 A splendid scene of Yen Tu Mountain in Quang Ninh Province.

From Hanoi, tourists can take a motorbike or car for 125 kilometers, passing Uong Bi City then make a turn to Vang Danh Street for about 9 kilometers and finally turning left. There are two ways to reach Yen Tu Mountain’s peak: trekking or taking the cable car.

By cable car you travel about 1.2 kilometers to a height of 400 meters above sea level, near Hoa Vien Pagoda, tourists can take a panoramic view of magnificent Yen Tu Mountain. The second route is trekking for about 6 kilometers on stone steps; travelers need good health and good preparation. However, with the shade of immense forest, wild flowers and strange species, it makes the journey more interesting and eases the tiredness.

Yen Tu Mount, which stands some 1,068 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in the nation’s northeast region. It is also known as Elephant Mountain, because those with

creative minds think it resembles a reclining elephant looking out towards the sea. It has played a part in the nation’s history, as monks seek out its sanctuary and solitude.

Located in Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, it is also home to the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect.

Tourists take a cable car to Yen Tu peak.

King Tran Nhan Tong, (who lived until 1308) founded the Zen Buddhist sect with Phap Loa Ton Gia (1284-1330) and Ly Dao Tai (1254-1334). Before Tong came to prominence due to his religious activities, he had already established a reputation as a strong and true governor. Aided by legendary general Tran Hung Dao, the young king led the nation to victory in two out of three resistance wars against the Yuan-Mongol invasions in 1285 and 1288.
The journey to visit Yen Tu departs from Giai Oan (Salvation of Wandering Souls) River which runs Thuong Yen Cong Commune. The stream water is blue and pure round year.
It is said that 100 of the king’s concubines volunteered to continue serving him in his solitary life and followed him to Yen Tu. When the party reached the stream, the king told them to return to their native villages and start life anew. The concubines begged to stay, saying their life would be worth nothing if they were turned away. When their request was denied, they jumped into the stream where they met their deaths.
The next destination is Hoa Yen Pagoda nestled on a height of 534 meters which has two frangipani flower trees which are 700 years old. After leaving this site to conquer the peak, tourists can stop at some other sites such as To Tower, Mot Mai and Bao Sai pagodas, Yen Ky Sinh stone statue and Ngoa Van Temple.
Day by day Yen Tu has attracted more and more travelers, especially in the spring season. Now Yen Tu Festival is taking place until the end of the third month of the lunar calendar, so tourists can indulge in the animated atmosphere as well as get to know more traditional cultural features.

Source:SGT

Ha Long Bay - A mythical journey

A beautiful seascape set amidst rocky limestone cliffs, Halong Bay attracts flocks of tourists and locals alike. Halong Bay is one of those beautiful places that boast an overwhelming atmosphere and wide array of natural sights and mythical attractions.

Beyond the brave history and rich mixture of colonial heritage, there are many more intriguing stories and legends about Vietnam for you to discover. Once a war-torn country, Vietnam has evolved into a safe and thriving place brimming with historic cities, elegant French style architecture, upscale shopping malls, classy restaurants, chic boutiques and cafes, and countless iconic natural sights.

The country is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia and is just a quick flight away. Yet, if you prefer to explore Vietnam at a slower, more romantic pace, then forget about flying. Instead take a relaxing cruise and indulge in the most delightful blend of vibrant landscapes and exquisite cuisines or sail into the fiery sunset along the country’s gorgeous bay. With the perfect Vietnam cruise, you will surely find yourself overwhelmed by the exotic flavors and sights of this tropical sanctuary.

Sail into the Bay of Descending Dragons
A beautiful seascape set amidst rocky limestone cliffs, Halong Bay attracts flocks of tourists and locals alike. Halong Bay is one of those beautiful places that boast an overwhelming atmosphere and wide array of natural sights and mythical attractions. The place itself is beautifully studded with little clusters of verdant islets, idyllic islands and magnificent caves that embellish the spot.


But beyond this untouched and lush scenery is something far more mystical. Halong Bay which literally means “Bay of Descending Dragons” is home to a magical and enchanting legend that has been passed down through the ages. According to the famous legend, the Halong travel islands were formed when a family of dragons descended to help the locals defend their land from the rushing hordes of Chinese invaders.

The dragons spit jade and jewels into the sea, and these jewels turned into thousands of islets and islands studding the bay, creating an unyielding fortress that prevented the invaders from taking the land. With such mystical scenery and such a beautiful legend, it is not surprising that the bay has been renowned as one of the world’s natural heritage sites.

Things to see in one of the World’s Most Beautiful Fishing Villages
Halong Bay is really an enthralling spot with so much to offer. Aside from feasting on a picturesque view of luxuriant islands, you can get a full glimpse of the floating villages that shelter in the tranquil and emerald waters of the bay.

There are many fishing villages in the place and the Cua Van Village is the largest. Cua Van is one of the greatest attractions you can see while on a cruise tour to Halong Bay and it’s one of the sights that you really should not miss out on when you visit Vietnam.

There are a few hundred families in the village who live in either houseboats or traditional floating houses made of wood or bamboo. The vast majority of these families rely heavily on fishing and fish farming for their subsistence.

Cua Van Village is actually recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful fishing villages. Even at first glimpse, you will easily be captivated by the loveliness of the craftily woven bamboo basket boats, humble floating homes and comforting primitive scene. With the unique charm of this vibrant community, a perfect Vietnam cruise is certainly an experience to remember.

Take a Vietnam cruise through the mystical Halong Bay and catch a glimpse of the world’s most splendid places. Minmaxtravel.com offers Vietnam tour packages that will surely suit your holiday budget.

Source: Minmaxtravel.com

Bo Nau Grotto - Quang Ninh

Location: Bo Nau Grotto or Pelican Grotto lies far from 2-3km southeast of Trong Mai Islet.

Characteristics: This vaulted grotto covers 200m2. The floor of the grotto is wide and flat but not deep and its wall features lots of stalactites and stalagmites.

Bo Nau Grotto is one of the beauty grottoes in Halong Bay. At the entrance are three stones, looking like three fairies with their heads close to one another. Two men appear to be playing chess, with the third serving as a referee.

The name Bo Nau or Bo Nong is associated with the fact that pelicans often take shelter here. If Dau Go Grotto lies completely inside the island, Bo Nau opens its mouth at the side of the island. Stalactites fall down from the roof of the grotto in different clusters. Meanwhile stalagmites grow up in different shapes and layers. Is this that the life out there is so noisy that the three fairies have to choose this tranquil place to play chess? Turning southward, Bo Nau Grotto enjoys cool wind. Standing there, one can hear the murmur of the sea all year round. 

 

Ba Trai Dao Islet - Quang Ninh

Location: It is 22km from south of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf.

Characteristics: This island consists of three small mountains with the height of 23m, seen from afar, resemble three peaches (Ba Trai Dao). 

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 discovered the robbery and turned the peaches into three stone islands. Chastised, the young fairy had to return.

Today, Ba Trai Dao is a famous tourist attraction with three nice fairy beaches, romantic landscape.

It takes 10 hours by cruise from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, tourists will come to Ba Trai Dao Beach. It has that name as Ba Trai Dao Beach (the three peaches), features three small sand beaches embracing small islands. These islands, seen from afar, resemble three peaches. Tourists take bath in this beach only 2-3 hours in a day as in other time the beach is lapped by tides.

 

Yen Lap Lake - Loi Am Pagoda - Quang Ninh

Location: The Yen Lap - Loi Am Pagoda belong to Dai Yen Commune, Hoanh Bo District, Quang Ninh Province.
Characteristics: Yen Lap Lake is the greatest hydraulic construction in the province. After completion, the water level raised, surrounding the base of the mountains.

Boating across the lake, you come to the remains of the Loi Am Pagoda, which was built in the 15th century on a mountain of the same name. Formerly, it attracted tourists and faithful from every corner of the country. Under the tumultuous periods of Vietnam's history, the pagoda was destroyed but the visitors can find garden of stupas and an incense tree from the 17th century in the immense space of the pagoda. 

Loi Am festivities take place on the 27th day of the first lunar month every year.

Ba Mun Island and Bai Tu Long National Park - Quang Ninh

Location: Ba Mun Island is a schist island belonging to Minh Chau Commune, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province.

Characteristics: It stretches out parallel to Quan Lan Island, separated by the Doi Gate that runs in a north-east direction. It has the other name, Cao Lo Island.

It is 15km from the shore, 1,800ha in area with more than 20km long and narrow wide. It consists of a narrow stretch of earth and stone that runs east to west. The highest peak is Quit Mountain with a height of 397m. The fauna and flora here are very plentiful. There are many rare species.

It is the only island in Halong Bay that is home to a primitive forest. There are countless species of plants and trees, some with giant trunks. This forest is also home to many rare animals such as chamois, deer and monkeys. It is said that many years ago tigers, panthers and elephants once resided on the island. In order to help preserve the forest, on January 24, 1997, the government recognised it as a Bai Tu Long National Park.