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Country Facts: North Vietnam The northern region, where situated the elegant capital city of Ha Noi, is a fertile land nourished by the Red River which originates life and culture to its population. This area is believed to be the original hub of Vietnamese's ancestor and its intriguing civilization. Ha Noi has been the cultural hub since the existence of and ancient kingdom of Thang Long. Coming to Ha Noi, you can witness the surprising harmony between the Western and the Eastern cultures represented as the architectural heritages like temples and pagodas which friendly stands among the French colonial buildings in town. Meanwhile, as the capital, Ha Noi is undertaking the rapid development; the buzz of machines constructing skyscrapers and the bustling activities undoubtedly oversee the boost of the city. Surprisingly, these contrasts co-exist without any stumble. Leaving the densely populated Ha Noi, you are entering the picturesque countryside of the region over which the green, lush paddy fields are spread and backed by the sheering mountains. On the northern border with China, the colorful and lively culture of ethnic people exists along with their simple lifestyle amidst the stunning nature. The Northern Vietnam has much more to offer. Apart from the misty, mysterious and serene mountains and countryside, on the eastern coast, there lays the frantic port city of Hai Phong which is boasted for its natural wonder of Ha Long Bay. Throughout the northern region, you can find the beauty hidden in every
pace you take; be it the hasty pace in Ha Noi and Hai Phong or the simple
one around the rural area and the remote mountainous region. The Northern
Vietnam is then an ideal place for those who wish for the difference of
their trip, the trip which requires more than a tourist's eye looking
through its simple encrust into its core which provides the real charm.
In Vietnamese language, Ha Noi is always written separately: "Ha" which means "river" (Red River) and "Noi" meaning "inner". But before it got its present name, this capital city of Vietnam has undergone the complicated history filled with stories for thousand years. After proclaiming independence from China in the 1010, Ha Noi, then known as "Thang Long", was established as the capital of Vietnam under the first Dynasty of Ly. The city was so-named after the legend telling of the appearance of a golden dragon flying up from the Red River before the king, hence its name "Thang Long" meaning the "Ascendance of Dragon". Throughout the Ly, Tran and Le Dynasties ruling over Vietnam, Ha Noi was developed as capital teemed with splendid palaces and temples until it was left abandoned when the capital was moved to Hue in 1831. It was then when the name of Ha Noi was used to call the city on the bank of the Red River. Under the French Occupation, Ha Noi became the center of Indo-China. Large parts of the present-Ha Noi was what the French has left: the broad, shady boulevards as well as gracefully French-styled architecture, creating charming atmosphere of the colonial past and making Ha Noi distinct from other Asian capitals. Alongside the European architectural works, the historical vestiges since ancient times are also well preserved, enhancing its characteristic beauty despite a great devastation during the wartimes. Ha Noi city is composed of Old Quarter and the French Quarter. Between the streets there lie intertwined many lakes, the largest ones are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake. All of them are lined with roads under the verdant foliage, providing romantic ambiance to the city. Production of traditional handicrafts is
still active in Ha Noi such as bronze mounding, silver craving, lacquer,
and embroidery. Ha Noi is also then the center of arts. Ha Noi, although the capital, still retains its generally ambling pace amidst the sleepy atmosphere if compare to the more bustling Ho Chi Minh. For better or worse, Ha Noi deserves all rights to be Vietnam's capital due to its rich culture accumulated along the passage of time which defines best what Vietnam is. Major attractions in Ha Noi:
Ha Long is the highlight of a trip in Northern Vietnam. Ha Long is part of Quang Ning province bordering China in the north, located 170 kilometers from Ha Noi. Ha Long Bay is boasted for its wondrous landscape of limestone mountains jutting up from the emerald water. More than 1000 islands scatter over the area of 1,500 square kilometers with their spectacular formations; several of them are riddled with beautiful caves offering dazzling stalactites. "Ha Long" meaning "descending dragon" concerns a legend telling about a dragon that created the bay and islands with its flailing tail. Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's marvels, and it was accredited to be one of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. To appreciate this natural wonder of
Vietnam, the best way is to take a boat cruise on the bay whereby you can
visit the outstanding islands and their stunning caves, the most popular
among them are the Pelican Cave, Dao Go Cave, and Trinh Nu Cave, each of
which richly houses magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
Hoa Lu is within Ninh Binh province, located 100 kilometers from Ha Noi. Recently became the magnet to tourism due to its magnificently scenic view of mountains, rivers as well as historical relics. Hoa Lu used to a capital of Vietnam in 1020 when King Dinh Bo Linn came to the throne and constructed the city's citadel which now became the seat of pagoda and temple dedicated to the Kings of Tran Dynasty, making this place one of the most important pilgrimage site in Vietnam. Hoa Lu is also known as "Ha Long on Land" for its scenery is exactly the same as Ha Long, but the towering limestone cliffs and mountains spring up from the green, lush paddy field instead of emerald water. One-day-trip to Hoa Lu can be done from Ha Noi with the popular boat ride to Tam Coc, the three mountains with beautiful caves. Hoa Lu attraction:
Hoa Binh is a mountainous province located in the west of the northern region, located 70 kilometers northwest of Ha Noi. This is a home of several minorities such as Tay, Thai, Muong, and Hmong with their distinct traditions and cultures, creating the colorful patchwork of ethnic diversity and allowing then an increasing tourists' interest. Mai Chau Village is the center of Hoa Binh where you can experience the lively culture of minority people. The village is nestled in the beautiful valley alternating with green terraced rice fields. The major minority living in Mau Chau is Thai ethnic group. They live in quite large stilt houses made of bamboo. The highlight of Mai Chau village can be seen at the Mai Chau Market which brings people from different ethnic groups in the mountainous area to come doing their trade with their specific products, for example, honey, bananas, corn, and tho cam, hand-made fabric by Thai women. The market is especially lively and vibrant on Sunday. Thai ethnic group still retains their simple lifestyle and always welcome tourists. You can touch this kind of simple but fascinating atmosphere; particularly, if you have a chance to stay overnight whereby you will see the traditional dancing and singing of Thai minority people. A 30 kilometer drive from Hoa Binh will
lead you to the Kim Boi mineral water pool which has recently been a
destination for tourists who search for good health. The water with
constant temperature of 36°C continuously spouts out in the pool.
Scientific tests have shown that the mineral water in Kim Boi is suitable
for drinking, bathing, and using treatment of rheumatism, intestinal
diseases, stomachache, and high-blood pressure.
Ha Tay is an agricultural province of the northern Vietnam, located in the Red River Delta. It is adjacent to Hoa Binh to the West, Vinh Phuc province to the North, Hanoi to the East and Ha Nam province to the South. Consisting of mountainous regions, midlands, plains and low-lying regions, Ha Tay's tropical monsoon climate is divided into three microclimates ranging from cold to tropical hot climate. Hot and humid climate affected by marine winds presents on the plain zones whereas continental climate affected by the western winds exposes in hilly zones and in the mountainous zones the weather is likely cold with an average temperature of 18 Celsius. Ha Tay is considered the cradle of
Vietnamese Buddhist religion with hundred of temples and pagodas. It is
actually well-known for having the largest pagoda of the country, the Chua
Huong, means 'perfume pagoda' which was built in the early 10th century on
the Huong Son, 'perfume mountain'. It is only 60 km south of Hanoi and the
most enjoyable way to reach it is to take a one-and-a-half-hour boat trip
to sense breathtaking scenery. The beauty of mountains, rice paddy, lively
streams and the peaceful and quiet atmosphere are ingredients of the
unforgettable scene. Chua Huong is not only a place for religious people
but is also a historical remain and a place for mountain climbing lovers.
Chua Huong Festival, the most famous pilgrimage to Huong pagoda, takes
place during 1st-3rd month after Tet and lasts all spring. It is
considered Vietnam's longest celebration and the most crowed festival with
at least 30,000 pilgrims joining per year.
Sapa is an incredibly picturesque village located in the marvelous valley of Hoang Lien Son mountains near a Chinese border in the northwest of Vietnam. The town was discovered by Jesuit missionaries in 1918, attracted by its stunning scenery and cool climate. During the arrival of westerners, French established it as a pleasant hill station in 1920 and formed numerous constructions such as a church, hotels, tennis courts, airport, hydro-electronic station and summer villas. As the consequence of expelling of France, most of these constructions were abandoned or destroyed, however, the colonial influences still remains. Located at the 1,650 meters above sea level, Sapa holds the spectacular misty panoramic views. The town year-round congregates with fog, mist, and clouds which frequently makes the whole area shrouded in mist. Nicknamed as 'Tonkinese Alps', the area features vaulting rice terraces, lush vegetation and Vietnam's highest mountain peak, Fansipan, which elevate the village to 3,143 meters above sea level. It is 19km from Sapa and can be reached only on foot. The peak is year-round accessible but with its challenging conditions, which is usually wet and cold, this place is becoming a premier tourist destination for backpackers and trekking lovers. People go to Sapa for the scenery and also to see and share in the lives of the ethnic minorities. Sapa is a big home of Vietnam's diverse hill tribes including Hmong, Dao and Dai which comprise the majority of inhabitants in the area, outnumbering the Vietnamese live in the lowlands. Saturday market, Sapa's central market, is the main gathering place for hill tribe people from surrounding villages. Their contribution is not only sale and buy handicrafts, jewelry, orchids, mushrooms, and honey, but also to grow relations with other groups, playing games or perhaps find a sole mate. In some weekend evening, singing courtships and marriages take place. Tourist peak period begins between March
and May or October and November as this is dry season which is the good
season for trekking. Between June and August is mostly avoided by trekkers
as it usually rains. Misty scenery is mostly obtained during winter,
between January and February, which is very cold at night and sometimes
there is snow.
Dien Bien Phu was the battle field between the French and Viet Minh where the harshest fights took place. It was here in 1954 defeated the beleaguered French garrison after 57-day siege, forcing the French government to surrender and its colonial control over Indochina; this marked the end of French Rule in Indochina region. The vestiges from the war can still be seen in the battle sites: trenches, bunkers, camps, and bases on the hills. The old command post of General Christian de Castries was reconstructed in 1994 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the victory. Passed its hard time during the war, this heart-shaped valley of Dien Bien Phu becomes an isolated place embraced by the steep forested hills near Laos's border with the area of 18 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. The area is the peaceful home of hill tribe people, notably Thai and Hmong who largely continue their traditional lifestyle. Situated 500 kilometers from Ha Noi, Dien Bien Phu can be reached by plane, but the most impressive way is taking a drive trip along the roads snaking through the beautiful valley, offering spectacular view of the region. Although a 5-day round trip is required, it is worth doing it. To experience the lesson from the war, you can visit the town's museum which hosts a display of weaponry as well as photo exhibits of the catastrophic war or trek around the battle sites where the real events would take place. Trekking to the ethnic villages is also a possibility in this region.
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