Halong Bay from Sky to Sea: A Luxurious Two-Day Seaplane & Cruise Adventure


Two Days Halong Bay Seaplane and Cruise Tour offers an extraordinary experience, combining a thrilling aerial view of the UNESCO-listed bay with a luxurious overnight cruise.

The adventure begins with a scenic seaplane flight from Hanoi, providing a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Halong Bay’s emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Upon landing, guests board a premium cruise, where they can explore hidden caves, relax on pristine beaches, and kayak through tranquil lagoons. The itinerary includes visits to Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and opportunities for swimming and squid fishing. As night falls, guests indulge in a gourmet seafood dinner onboard while admiring the bay’s serene beauty. The second day features a sunrise Tai Chi session and a leisurely cruise back to the pier.

With seamless transfers, five-star services, and unparalleled views, this tour is the perfect way to experience Halong Bay’s magic in both the sky and sea.

About the Cessna Caravan C208B-EX Seaplane

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Cessna Caravan C208B-EX Seaplane, a state-of-the-art aircraft renowned for its reliability, safety, and luxury. Operated by Hai Au Aviation, this seaplane provides a unique aerial perspective of Halong Bay, allowing passengers to witness the stunning beauty of its towering limestone karsts and emerald waters from above. With a capacity of 12 passengers, large windows for unobstructed views, and a smooth takeoff and landing experience on water, this seaplane ensures an unparalleled sightseeing adventure before even setting foot on the cruise.

Introduction to Grand Pioneers Cruise Halong Bay

The Grand Pioneers Cruise is a luxurious vessel designed for travelers seeking elegance, comfort, and immersive experiences in Halong Bay. The cruise boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including a fine-dining restaurant, a four-seasons pool, a cigar lounge, a spa, and exclusive clubs for children and families. With spacious and elegantly designed suites, the Grand Pioneers Cruise offers the perfect balance of modern convenience and traditional Vietnamese hospitality. This premium cruise ensures a memorable voyage through the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay, offering a combination of relaxation, exploration, and exquisite dining experiences.

2-Day-1-Night Halong Bay Seaplane and Grand Pioneers Cruises

Soar and Sail: The Ultimate Two Days Halong Bay Seaplane & Cruise Experience

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay by Seaplane and Overnight Cruise

  • 08:30: Your journey begins with a private car transfer from your hotel in Hanoi to Noi Bai Airport.
  • 09:30: Upon arrival at the airport, check-in at Counter 109, Domestic Hall E, Terminal 1, where our team will assist you. The luggage allowance is 7kg per person.
  • 10:00: Board your seaplane for a one-hour flight, including a mesmerizing 15-minute sightseeing experience over Halong Bay. Marvel at the iconic limestone formations, hidden lagoons, and unspoiled beaches from an exclusive aerial view.
  • 11:30 – 11:45: After landing at Tuan Chau Marina, check in at the Grand Pioneers Waiting Lounge before embarking on your cruise.
  • 12:30: Step aboard the Grand Pioneers Cruise and be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink. Take in the spectacular views of Halong Bay as the cruise sets sail.
  • 13:00: Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the Dining by the Bay restaurant, featuring a curated menu of Vietnamese and international cuisine.
  • 15:30 – 16:30: Explore the renowned Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), discovered in 1901 by French explorers. This stunning cave is one of Halong Bay’s largest and most awe-inspiring natural wonders. If you prefer to unwind, indulge in the cruise’s amenities, including spa treatments, massages, a four-seasons pool, a cigar lounge, and kid-friendly activities.
  • 17:30 – 18:30: Witness the breathtaking sunset over the bay while savoring Canapés and your favorite beverage at the Sky Bar.
  • 19:00: Experience a fine-dining dinner, meticulously prepared by the cruise’s talented chefs, featuring an array of Western and Vietnamese delicacies.
  • 21:00: End your evening with a selection of activities: relax in your luxurious suite, enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment, try your hand at squid fishing, or socialize in the cigar and wine lounge, karaoke club, or the poolside bar.

Day 2: Halong Bay – Hanoi by Seaplane

  • 05:30 – 06:00: Wake up to the serene beauty of Halong Bay as the sun rises over the horizon, casting golden hues over the tranquil waters.
  • 06:00 – 06:30: Begin your morning with a calming meditation session or an energizing workout at the fitness center.
  • 06:30 – 07:30: Enjoy a light breakfast in the restaurant to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
  • 07:30 – 08:30: Embark on a speedboat excursion to Luon Cave, a breathtaking location perfect for a peaceful bamboo boat ride amid lush surroundings.
  • 09:00: Return to the Grand Pioneers Cruise to check out and finalize any additional services.
  • 09:00 – 10:30: Delight in a lavish brunch buffet as the cruise makes its way back to Tuan Chau International Marina.
  • 11:00: Disembark and transfer to the seaplane terminal.
  • 12:10: Board the seaplane for a 45-minute flight back to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, concluding your remarkable two-day adventure.

Conclusion for Two Days Halong Bay By Seaplane

The Two Days Halong Bay Seaplane and Cruise Tour offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, luxury, and relaxation. From the exhilarating seaplane flight providing unparalleled aerial views to the world-class amenities aboard the Grand Pioneers Cruise, every moment is designed to create an unforgettable travel experience. Whether exploring the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or simply unwinding in an opulent suite, this tour ensures a perfect escape into the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay.

For those seeking the ultimate combination of comfort and exploration, this seaplane and cruise package is the ideal choice for a truly remarkable getaway.

Posted in Travel guide, Travel to Halong Bay | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Luxury Yacht Halong Bay Private Tour from Hanoi: The Perfect Short Escape in 2025


As travel trends continue to evolve, the luxury yacht tour in Halong Bay has emerged as one of the most sought-after short getaways in 2025. Ideal for those with limited time who want to enjoy an immersive, unique, and lavish experience, this tour offers a high-end way to appreciate one of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders. Departing from Hanoi, travelers can customize their journey with three transportation options—helicopter, seaplane, and car—all perfectly designed to complement the elegance of a private yacht cruise through Halong Bay. Here’s a closer look at each of these exclusive one-day adventures.

Halong Bay Yacht and Helicopter from Hanoi

For travelers seeking a truly memorable and exhilarating way to reach Halong Bay, a private helicopter transfer from Hanoi is the ultimate choice. Starting from Hanoi’s city center, this option offers a bird’s-eye view of Vietnam’s countryside before descending over the waters of Halong Bay. Here’s how the day unfolds:

  1. Morning Helicopter Journey: Departing early in the morning from Hanoi, the helicopter tour to Halong Bay offers breathtaking views of lush rice paddies, winding rivers, and limestone mountains. The journey is brief yet exhilarating, with aerial vistas that provide a prelude to the scenic wonders awaiting in the bay. The entire flight takes around 45 minutes, compared to a typical 3.5-hour drive, maximizing time spent in Halong.
  2. Yacht Cruise in Halong Bay: Upon arrival, travelers are welcomed aboard a luxury private yacht. With plush seating, an open deck, and personalized services, the yacht offers a sophisticated way to navigate through the bay’s famous karsts and emerald waters. Unlike crowded cruises, a private yacht allows complete control over the itinerary, so guests can spend more time in the spots that appeal to them most, from secluded beaches to floating fishing villages.
  3. Exclusive Experiences and Fine Dining: A private yacht tour often includes exclusive experiences such as visiting hidden caves, kayaking in tranquil lagoons, and exploring isolated coves. A highlight is the onboard gourmet lunch, featuring an assortment of fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared by an onboard chef. The afternoon is spent leisurely cruising back to the harbor, where the helicopter awaits for the return journey to Hanoi.

This helicopter-yacht combination is an extraordinary experience for those willing to splurge on a lavish day of indulgence, adventure, and scenic beauty.

Halong Bay Yacht and Seaplane from Hanoi

Another glamorous alternative for traveling to Halong Bay from Hanoi is by private seaplane. This experience offers a unique perspective of Halong Bay from both the air and water, combining the excitement of a scenic seaplane flight with the luxury of a private yacht Halong Bay.

  1. Seaplane Takeoff and Aerial Tour: Departing from Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, the seaplane offers a smooth and comfortable flight to Halong Bay. Once above Halong Bay, the plane descends to a lower altitude, providing passengers with a mesmerizing view of the bay’s iconic limestone pillars, grottoes, and pristine waters. The flight includes a 15-minute aerial tour above the bay, allowing passengers to photograph the scenery from a unique vantage point.
  2. Seamless Transition to Yacht Cruise: After landing on the waters of Halong Bay, guests disembark from the seaplane and are seamlessly transferred onto their private yacht. This transition adds a touch of exclusivity and elegance to the experience. The yacht is ready to embark on a tailored journey, designed to explore Halong Bay’s lesser-known gems, such as the serene Dark and Light Cave, where guests can paddle a kayak or a bamboo boat.
  3. Personalized Cruise and Activities: The day continues with a luxurious cruise where guests can enjoy the yacht’s high-end amenities, from sun decks to a private dining area. The crew curates a selection of activities, including snorkeling, swimming, or simply unwinding with panoramic views of the bay’s rock formations. The gourmet lunch is often accompanied by a wine selection, making it a culinary highlight of the tour.
  4. Return by Seaplane to Hanoi: The journey ends as the seaplane whisks guests back to Hanoi, with one last aerial view of the magnificent bay. This package is ideal for those seeking a more exclusive and scenic route to Halong Bay, with the thrill of both flying and sailing in style.

Halong Bay Yacht and Private Car from Hanoi

For those who prefer a more grounded approach to travel, a private luxury car transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a comfortable and stylish option. This combination is ideal for travelers who want a leisurely journey on the road before boarding a private yacht.

  1. Morning Drive in a Luxury Vehicle: Starting from Hanoi, guests are picked up in a luxury car equipped with spacious seating and amenities for a comfortable 2.5-hour drive (on the new highway) to Halong Bay. This option allows for scenic stops along the way, where guests can enjoy the rural landscapes of northern Vietnam and visit select landmarks, if desired.
  2. Boarding the Private Yacht: Upon arrival in Halong Bay, guests board their private yacht for a day of sailing through the bay’s enchanting waters. The yacht is exclusively reserved, allowing for a quiet, personalized experience far from the crowds. With a range of seating areas and shaded decks, the yacht provides an intimate setting to explore the natural beauty of Halong Bay.
  3. Customized Itinerary and Gourmet Dining: One advantage of a private yacht is the freedom to set a customized itinerary. Guests may choose to visit sites such as the Surprise Cave or Titop Island or simply cruise through the scenic passages of Halong Bay. Many yachts offer onboard dining experiences, where a chef prepares a lunch featuring the freshest seafood and Vietnamese delicacies, paired with refreshing drinks.
  4. Relaxed Return to Hanoi: Following the yacht excursion, guests are transferred back to their private car for a relaxed drive back to Hanoi, with an optional dinner stop at a fine-dining restaurant en route. This option provides a more flexible schedule, allowing guests to tailor the pace of the day to their preferences.

Conclusion For The Ultimate Halong Bay Luxury Yacht Experience

Halong Bay’s unique geography and mystical beauty have long attracted travelers from around the globe, and in 2025, luxury yacht tours combined with exclusive transportation options offer a new way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether arriving by helicopter, seaplane, or luxury car, these private tours allow for maximum comfort, privacy, and flexibility.

For visitors seeking a one-day luxury getaway from Hanoi, these private yacht tours offer unparalleled access to Halong Bay’s highlights without the need for an overnight stay. The helicopter and seaplane options add a thrill of aerial adventure, while the private car transfer offers a slower-paced journey for those who appreciate the scenic route. With each package offering a full day of yachting, gourmet dining, and customized activities, travelers can tailor the experience to their preferences, making it a perfect option for families, couples, and small groups looking for an unforgettable escape.

In 2025, the luxury yacht private tour of Halong Bay represents a blend of elegance, adventure, and natural beauty, creating an ideal choice for discerning travelers who seek only the finest. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes, a private yacht tour offers a truly extraordinary way to experience the wonder of Halong Bay.

Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Discover the Majestic Halong Bay through Seaplane Tours: An Unforgettable Journey


Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most iconic natural wonders of Vietnam. Known for its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and mystical islands, Halong Bay has captured the hearts of travelers for centuries. To truly appreciate its grandeur, however, there is no better way than through a seaplane tour, which offers a bird’s-eye view of this spectacular landscape. In this article, we will explore the allure of Halong Bay, the experience of taking a seaplane tour, and why this is a must-do activity for travelers seeking to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural settings.

The Natural Beauty of Halong Bay

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay spans approximately 1,553 square kilometers, encompassing over 1,600 limestone islands and islets. The bay’s unique geography has been shaped over millions of years, creating dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and pristine beaches. From up close, travelers are mesmerized by the scale and grandeur of these limestone formations, which rise from the calm waters in myriad shapes and sizes. Some islands are topped with lush greenery, while others are hollow, harboring mysterious caves and grottoes.

One of the most famous attractions in the bay is the Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), which is renowned for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can also explore Dau Go Island, home to one of the largest caves in Halong Bay, or visit Ti Top Island, where a hike to the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Each of these places provides a glimpse into the incredible geology that has made Halong Bay famous.

But as magnificent as these attractions are, the true scale and beauty of Halong Bay are best appreciated from above.

Seaplane Tours: A Unique Perspective on Halong Bay

Seaplane tours over Halong Bay offer a thrilling and unique way to explore this natural wonder. Unlike traditional boat tours, which allow you to see the bay from sea level, a seaplane tour gives you a breathtaking aerial view of the sprawling islands, karsts, and azure waters below. As the seaplane ascends, the vastness of Halong Bay unfolds beneath you, revealing patterns of limestone formations that are impossible to fully comprehend from the ground.

Taking off from the water is an experience in itself. The seaplane glides along the surface of the bay before gradually lifting off into the sky, offering passengers a smooth and exhilarating ride. Once airborne, the plane ascends to an altitude of around 300 meters, giving passengers a perfect view of Halong Bay’s topography.

From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the bay’s incredible features:

  • Limestone Islands: As you soar above, the towering limestone pillars appear like guardians of the sea, casting shadows on the tranquil waters below.
  • Floating Villages: You’ll spot small communities living on floating homes, continuing a way of life that has persisted for generations.
  • Secluded Beaches: Hidden sandy shores, unreachable by boat, can be seen scattered throughout the bay.
  • Crescent-shaped Bays: The seaplane offers a view of Halong Bay’s curving coastline, showing off its natural harbors and inlets.

The flight typically lasts around 25 to 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time to take in the scenery and snap photos of the stunning landscape below. Depending on your tour package, some seaplane experiences also include a water landing, adding another thrilling dimension to your journey.

Why Choose a Seaplane Tour Over Other Methods?

While boat tours and cruises in Halong Bay offer a more traditional way to explore its beauty, seaplane tours provide several unique advantages:

  1. Panoramic Views: From the sky, you gain a full appreciation of Halong Bay’s sheer size and the layout of its islands. You’ll also enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf of Tonkin and the surrounding coastal areas.
  2. Time Efficiency: If you are short on time but still want to experience Halong Bay in its full glory, a seaplane tour is perfect. You can see the entire bay in just 25 minutes, compared to boat cruises that may take half a day or more.
  3. Exclusive Experience: Seaplane tours are far less crowded than boat cruises, offering a more personalized and luxurious experience. Passengers enjoy private seating and ample opportunities to take photographs.
  4. Thrill and Adventure: The excitement of taking off and landing on water adds an adventurous twist to your visit, making it more than just a sightseeing experience.

Highlights of Seaplane Tours in Halong Bay

Several companies offer seaplane tours in Halong Bay, with varying packages and experiences. Hai Au Aviation, the leading provider of seaplane tours, operates daily flights from Hanoi to Halong Bay, as well as scenic flights over the bay itself. Below are some of the key highlights you can expect from a seaplane tour:

1. Hanoi to Halong Bay Transfer

One of the most exciting options is to fly directly from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This transfer not only saves time compared to the traditional 4-hour car or bus journey, but it also provides stunning aerial views of northern Vietnam’s lush countryside and rivers on the way to the coast. The total flight time is around 45 minutes, and passengers get to enjoy both a scenic transfer and a tour over Halong Bay.

2. Halong Bay Scenic Flights

For those already in Halong Bay, you can opt for a scenic flight that departs from Tuan Chau Marina. These flights typically last between 25 to 30 minutes, giving passengers ample time to take in the views. Popular sights you’ll see from above include the famous Fighting Cocks Islet, Sung Sot Cave, and the Tuan Chau Islands.

3. Water Landing Experience

Some seaplane tours offer the added thrill of a water landing. The plane gracefully touches down on the calm surface of Halong Bay, providing a smooth and exhilarating finish to your tour.

4. Combination with Cruise Tours

Several seaplane Halong Bay tours can be combined with traditional cruises. These combo packages allow travelers to experience the best of both worlds: a scenic flight over the bay and a boat cruise that takes you up close to the islands, caves, and beaches. This is a popular option for those who want to enjoy a more comprehensive Halong Bay experience, with the chance to visit caves, kayak, and swim after their seaplane flight.

The Best Time for Seaplane Tours in Halong Bay

While Halong Bay is beautiful year-round, the best time for a seaplane tour is during the dry season, which lasts from October to April. During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, with clear skies that provide perfect visibility for aerial tours.

The summer months (May to September) bring hotter temperatures and a greater chance of rain, but seaplane tours are still available during this period. However, travelers should be aware of potential flight delays or cancellations due to weather conditions.

What to Expect from a Seaplane Tour

A seaplane tour over Halong Bay is a luxurious and memorable experience, offering unparalleled views and a unique way to explore the region. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Pre-Flight Briefing: Before your flight, you’ll receive a safety briefing from the crew, detailing important instructions about the flight and landing procedures.
  2. Takeoff and Flight: As the seaplane accelerates across the water and lifts off into the sky, passengers are treated to panoramic views almost immediately. The plane cruises at a low altitude, offering incredible vistas of the islands and waters below.
  3. In-Flight Commentary: Depending on the tour, there may be in-flight commentary from the pilot, explaining the sights you are seeing and providing interesting information about Halong Bay’s geography and history.
  4. Water Landing: If your tour includes a water landing, you’ll experience the gentle descent onto the surface of Halong Bay, which is a thrilling way to end the flight.
  5. Memorable Photographs: Be sure to bring your camera or smartphone—seaplane tours offer some of the most photogenic angles of Halong Bay, perfect for capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion for Halong Bay by Seaplane

Exploring Halong Bay by seaplane offers an unparalleled perspective of one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. From the moment you take off to the final touchdown on the water, the entire experience is filled with awe-inspiring moments that you will cherish forever. Whether you are short on time or simply want to enhance your Halong Bay visit, a seaplane tour is the perfect way to take in the beauty of this magical place from above. Soar over the emerald waters, limestone karsts, and hidden islands, and let the grandeur of Halong Bay reveal itself in all its glory from the sky.

Posted in Travel guide, Travel to Halong Bay | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Glimpse Of Vietnam Tour Package For Indian Tourists


If holding strong interest in Vietnam’s natural charm and historic merit, it’s encouraged to enjoy the Glimpse of Vietnam Tour Package. The tour brings you a good opportunity to go out and meet new people as well as participating in the exciting entertainment activities. On the 11-day Vietnam holiday with the special itinerary, the travelers of all nationalities feel pleased with the new tourist destinations along the route. Especially, the Indian tourists will find it highly compatible to mingle with the Vietnamese as well as the national culture, parties, city lifestyle, pagodas, etc. In case of cuisine, this kind of vacation indulges your palate with the authentic Indian cuisine available in many Indian Restaurants throughout the destinations.

Get a Glimpse of Vietnam via the 11-Day Vacation

The preeminent names of Saigon, Danang, Cai Lay, Hoi An, Halong Bay Cruise, and Hanoi are inspirational enough to ignite the so-called Indian travelers’ interest in the undying charm of Vietnam. Informatively, Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 are spent in Saigon that evolves the sense of liveliness via the complete City Tour. The whole day of discovering Saigon definitely amazes you with various destinations namely Opera House, Hotel de Ville, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, Historical Museum, Thien Hau Pagoda, China Town, etc. The bustling cityscape welcomes the Indian tourists to visit for the lifetime memory while the pagodas here stimulate all to worship.

In the next day (Day 4), you will be taken to Cai Lay right from Saigon. Drive on the national free way to reach the gate of Mekong Delta. Meanwhile, enjoy the 30-minute boat trip to witness the peaceful life on water of the locals. Ever wish to get the deep Mekong Delta exploration? The stay on Cai Lay brings you chances to visit the tiny canals, sleep villages, local ancient houses, and green gardens. The friendly and restful atmosphere here let the Indian tourists stay cleared of stress with the new energy and fresh perspective. Keep smiling!

In the next 5 days, enjoy the short flight to Da Nang and then invest the days off in Marble Mountains, Hoi An City Tour, Hanoi City Tour, Halong Bay excursion, etc. Right in Hoi An, get opportunities to savor the beauty of Tan Ky Ancient House, Japanese Cover Bridge, Thu Bon River, My Son – Holly land of Champa Kingdom, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Place, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Ethnology Museum, and many more.

In the last two days (Day 10 and Day 11), favorably enjoy staying in Halong Bay, Bat Trang pottery village, and Hanoi as well. The full discovery over these destinations allows the Indian travelers to get the cosmic view over the enchantment of the Northern Vietnam. Getting a glimpse of the Northern scenarios pictured with cyclo trip, water puppet show, etc., to obtain the big WOW! The free time here is perfect for sightseeing, shopping, cruising, and discovering. Prior to the flight to India home, be mindful to grasp the authentic identical souvenirs for the beloveds in both South and North of Vietnam!

Leave a comment

3 must-see old villages in Hanoi


Hanoi is one of the oldest capitals in the world with the age up to over 1000 years old. That is also the reason why people coming here have the same feeling of the combination between something new and old, noisy and quiet, open and close everywhere.
To make this thing clearer to you, in this article, we will take you around Hanoi to visit some well-known old villages to see that another side of Hanoi that is so old, simple but so charming as well.

And, some places that we would love to introduce you are: Bat Trang traditional ceramic village, (Gia Lam Town), Van Phuc silk village (Ha Dong District) and Duong Lam old village (Son Tay Town) are must-see during your Vietnam tours.

As you know, almost of villages in Hanoi is famous for not only their old and unique architecture of houses, temples or simple and friendly lifestyle of residents but also their traditional jobs that have been maintained generations by generations. It is the thing attracting many people inside and outside Vietnam coming here each year.

Bat Trang traditional ceramic village

Bat Trang Ceramic Village in HanoiThis is the first place coming up in my mind when thinking about this topic. Bat Trang is an old village in Gia Lam District, about 10 km to the south – west of Hanoi. It is convenient for you to reach here by motorbike or take the bus number 47 from Hanoi to Bat Trang at the bus station near Long Bien Bridge.

According to some history documents, the village was established in the 14th – 15th century with the traditional job of making ceramic products from household appliance as bowl, dishes or cups to decorative things as flowerpots. Until now, after over 5 centuries, the job of ceramic production here has maintained and become so popular that Bat Trang is the first name called whenever people think about this kind of material in Vietnam. This brand name is also more and more familiar in some foreign markets. It is hard to give an exact answer for the question about how many constructions use the products from Bat Trang as material because of its high applicative ability.

As its traditional job, every household in Bat Trang Village has their own workshops with pottery kilns, turntables, etc for their production that you can see round the village. However, in recent years, when the trend of Hanoi traditional job village tour is hotter and hotter day by day, tourists are interested in visiting these workshops, watching artisans making products and trying to make something by themselves. It seems an interesting thing that no one can refuse to try at least one time.

Van Phuc Silk Village

Van Phu Silk Village in HanoiVan Phuc is the name of an old village in Ha Dong Distric, about 10 km from the city center. As Bat Trang, these villages has been famous for its own traditional job of weaving and high standardize products made from silk such as clothes, crafts, bags or pockets since Nguyen dynasty. After the first time introduced at the Marseille International Fair (1931), Van Phuc silk are more and more popular. It is hard for anybody who visit Van Phuc silk village without buying something.Because these products are so amazing. This material is so light, soft; colorful that brings customers the comfortable feeling but also luxurious and elegant appearance. Moreover, the designs are so various from traditional to modern style and the price is suitable. With the amount money of 200,000vnd or 300,000 vnd you have got a cheongsam or blouse from premium silk.

Until now, Van Phuc still protects and remains many things that are characteristic of a thousand – years – old village lying on the side of Nhue River. Visitors need little time to find out an ancient banyan tree, well around the village. However, the most attractive thing here is that people have chance to see old looms in operation. For many foreign tourists this is so strange and amazing. They are keen on giving the questions about how these loom work. Despite the fact that the residents need modern weaving machines for production requirement, many of them still keep these old ones as a proof of history. That is the way for the residents think of the past. Beside, Van Phuc traditional festival taking place annually on the 11st and 13rd, January is an expected event. There are many activities to honor the contribution and promote the traders to keep going on for the brighter future of the village.

Duong Lam old village

Duong Lam Village in HanoiThis is the last destination for our tour today and is different from others. Duong Lam does not mention as a traditional handicraft but ancient village and is the first one in Vietnam to become the National cultural heritage in 5/2006.
Duong Lam village is next to 32 National high way, located in Son Tay town to the west of Hanoi. At the weekends, thousands domestic and foreign tourists reach here for the aim of understanding more about the life of ancient Vietnamese. Beside, people wish to keep away from the modern, stressful and noisy daily life to enjoy fresh air, peaceful and simple one here. How cool!

Actually, the term of Duong Lam ancient village is not about itself but also other villages. Particularly, the ancient Duong Lam includes Dong Sang, Mong Phu, Cam Thinh, Doai Giap and Lam Mo with the total old houses up to 956 that retains almost of feature of a model Vietnamese ancient house. It means that these houses are made from blocks of lateritic so their main color is red as well. it is sure that other characteristics of an old village such as wells, port villages, temples, courtyards, etc are everywhere in Duong Lam. Especially, the roads rounding the village has the shape as the bones of fish.
Because of its old, simple and meaningful beauty, Duong Lam becomes an attractive place for many couple conducting their wedding album. People would love to take their happy photos here with the expectation of their love will exit for a long time as houses here.
In conclusion, just by calling at top 3 old villages, all of us have a strange feeling about Hanoi. Whatever the life change, the past with all of its beauty and value always is one of the important part that need protecting and maintaining.

Posted in Travel to Hanoi | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Tay Thien – Misty Mountain in the North Vietnam


If you like adventure and you are a good driver, the zigzag mountainous road to Tay Thien brings with it splendid scenery. From Hanoi, follow National Road No. 2 to Vinh Yen Town (60 km) then take Road No. 28 to Tam Dao Town (20 km) and then a take short drive west some 15 km to Tay Thien.

It’s a very beautiful places in the North of Vietnam for tourism specially  for tourist who want to have a lots change to discover great natural of Vietnam throught Vietnam Adventure tours

Relishing a trip to the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism

Thay Thien Zen Monastery, not far from the brthplace ò Vietnam Buddhism

Thay Thien Zen Monastery, not far from the brthplace ò Vietnam Buddhism

It was a misty spring day and the winding road taking us up Tam Dao Mountain was made longer by the thick fog that blocked our view of the road. But still, the scenery pierced through the mist and soon we were driving through the remains of old French neighborhoods, dilapidated villas and estates now worn and torn after half a century of neglect.

We passed some of Tam Dao National Park’s famous sites – like Thac Bac (The Silver Fall) and Rung Rinh peak – and finally reached the slopes of Thach Ban Mountain, one of the Tam Dao range’s three greatest peaks.

There sits Tay Thien, a well-known complex that is home to a cornucopia of historical Buddhist relics and temples. The complex boasts splendid architecture, rich history and breathtaking natural scenery. We were visiting in hopes that we could pray for luck and happiness this year while it was still spring.

We arrived at Tay Thien after three hours on the 85-kilometer-road from Hanoi, which, according to our drivers, normally takes just roughly 2 hours on clear days. It was 10 a.m. and the sky was still covered with silver mist.

Although the annual Tay Thien Spring Festival – held from the 15th-17th of the second lunar month each year – has yet to come, the pagodas and temples here were still full of visitors.

There is now a cable car station at the mountain foot, next to Cau Temple. The ride just opened last month and gave us a wonderful view of the mountain and its surrounding forests, thick, lush and dense with vegetation and life. At the slow pace of the cable car, we admired the sites and took lots of pictures.

Tay Thien is believed to be the birthplace of Vietnamese Buddhism. According to our guide, a Buddhist monk from India traveling here in the 3rd century BC chose this mountain as the spot from which to propagate the religion.

We saw a number of temples, many of which have been mostly lost to time, and others that have been fairly well preserved or restored.

Our first stop was at Thuong Temple, one of the most important sites here. According to our guide, the temple worships the Goddess Tay Thien, named Lang Thi Tieu, queen of the 6th Hung King who lived around the year 2450 BC. She was born in this area and after becoming the queen, she helped the king defend the country against foreign invaders.

Situated 800 meters above sea level, Thuong Temple has undergone more than one renovation, the latest of which was in 2009, and the buildings actually look rather new. We spent some time admiring the sight and prayed to the Goddess there.

Another must-visit site in Tay Thien is the Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery, which together with a Zen Monastery in Da Lat and one at Quang Ninh Provinces’s Yen Tu Mountain, is one of the three largest monasteries in Vietnam.

Built in 2005 on the ruins of an ancient pagoda called Thien An Thien Tu, the Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery sits on the mountain’s peak and offers a stunning view of several other temples and pagodas scattered along the pine-decorated hills.

The site itself is at once tranquil and grandiose. The courtyards are large and spacious and the buildings tall and striking. The monastery is adorned with ornate carvings on its doors and embossed works on its walls, ceilings, and pillars.

The monastery boasts a library, a museum, a meditation house, guesthouses and a mess hall serving vegetarian food for visitors.

The Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery has become an increasingly popular training center for young students each summer. Students here spend those months essentially living like monks: they eat vegetarian, wear monks’ robes and give up many of their “worldly” possessions.

They attend classes each day, as well as maintain the monastery by doing housework and tasks that many of them have never done before.

We were served a fantastic lunch with the monks and other visitors at the monastery’s hall. We had plates full of vegetables, spring rolls, and fake fried shrimp, fish, and pork pie. It was hard to imagine that they were all made from soybeans. Everything was delicious!

Posted in Travel guide | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Exhibition showcases Vietnam’s beauty


A photographic exhibition on Vietnam’s beauty will be held in Houston, the USA, from April 25 to 28.

Nguyen Viet Thanh and Hoang Hai Tinh will display 50 photographs featuring the daily life and simple beauty of Vietnam.

This is the fourth time for Viet Thanh and the first time for Hai Thinh to exhibit their photos in the US.

Viet Thanh, a photojournalist of Vietnam News, has won a golden prize at the Asian Press Photo Contest and many first and second prizes at domestic and international photographic contests.

In 2010, Hai Thinh won the best cultural photo title at the Gauruda International Photographic Contest in Indonesia and was then chosen as one of ten international photographers to join the “From Born to Berlin” photographic exhibition in Berlin.

Here are some pictures which show Vietnam’s beauty. All of them will make you to have a  good look about the country, the local people as well as the rural of Vietnam. Vietnam is an ideal tourism place. You should not miss travel to Vietnam to discover this beauty.

Sunrise over Tam Giang Lagoon by Hai Thinh

Lao Chai-Spa by Hai Thinh

Respect by Hai Thinh

Layers of cloud by Hai Thinh

Trying his luck by Hai Thinh

Making incense sticks by Hai Thinh

Reading morning newspaper by Viet Thanh

A Thai ethnic kitchen by Viet Thanh

Tho Ha festival by Viet Thanh

School children warming up around a fire by Viet Thanh

A girl making incense sticks by Viet Thanh

Dancing class by Viet Thanh

Chuong village by Viet Thanh

Dong Ho village by Hai Thinh

Source: Dtinews.

Posted in Interest | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Hidden beauty of Loc Yen old village, Quang Nam


Loc Yen village, in the central province of Quang Nam, is made attractive by its old houses and stone alleys. It was so surprised when seeing the ancient architectures in this place. It was great!

If you have a chance travel to Vietnam, should not miss it. Maybe some pictures later, I will show you and friends some hidden beauty of places in  Vietnam that you should be visit one time

Approaching the village, visitors will be treated to a place that looks like it could be from a fairytale, with narrow and winding roads, green fields and ancient houses.

This little village has more than 10 houses that are 200 years old or older. The uniquely designed houses, particular to Quang Nam Province, are made with jackwood. They usually have three rooms and two lean-tos. The backs of houses abut the mountain behind, leaning against it. The fronts face a deep stone valley. Such spectacular views make these modest houses seem like villas.

Nguyen Thi Kim Suong, a member of the fifth generation of her family living in the same house, one of the oldest in the town, said that even though the village does not appear in popular tourist guidebooks or maps, they sometimes welcome tourists, including foreign ones.

Here are some pictures to show you the hidden beauty of  Loc Yen village.

The village has a peaceful beauty

Stone alleys lead to old houses

Alleys are long and winding

Green spaces

Flowers

Mossy stone wall

Sunlit alley

Nguyen Dinh Hoan’s house is among the oldest in the village

Built against a mountain

Stone courtyard

Small garden compliments the house

Village road looks like a mountain path

Tall stone wall in front of an old house

Peaceful countryside atmosphere

Source:  Dtinews

Posted in Travel guide | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Night festival lights up Hue Royal Palace


A night festival at Hue Royal Palace captures the glistening and mysterious beauty of the Imperial City of Dai Noi.

The event, which lasts from April 10-13, is organised as part of the ongoing 2012 Hue Festival, features the unique culture and history of imperial life inside the Hue Citadel.

On April 7, thousands of domestic and foreign visitors attended a grand opening ceremony of Hue Festival 2012 at the Imperial City of Dai Noi, inside Hue Citadel. The opening ceremony combined with the launch of National Tourism Year is a gala to extol traditional values and magnificent convergence of cultural heritages representing the five continents. This event attracted many tourists travel to Vietnam

Perhaps the most prominent events this year is a programme entitled “Ky uc cung nu”, roughly translated The Memories of an Imperial Maid and the exhibition “Ky uc Hue xua qua co vat”, which shows a number of antiques from the period.

Some photos of the festival:


Imperial concubines walk outside Can Chanh Temple

Road to Truong Sanh Palace

Truong Du Ta inside Dien Tho Palace

Royal music

A tea party inside the Imperial City of Dai Noi

Long corridor

Young woman introducing a poetry event

Young rediscover old traditional game

Do xam huong, a traditional game of Hue


Poet Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Director of Hue Royal Antique Museum, writing calligraphy for visitors

Imperial courtier

Mandarin guard

Guards

Imperial admire their reflection in the water

Silent moment

Fireworks

Royal music behind Thai Hoa Palace


Images of imperial mandarins and guards carved on the wall

Foreign visitors delight in the festival

The glistening and mysterious beauty of the Imperial City of Dai Noi

Source: Dtinews

Posted in Travel to Hue, Vietnam festivals | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mesmerizing Beauty of Hang Rai


Located to the south of Vinh Hy Bay and being one of the places included in the exploration of Ninh Thuan’s beauty, Hang Rai (Otters Cave) in Thai An village, Vinh Hai commune, Vinh Hy district, where used to focus the plethora of otters, are always the best destination of “phuot thu” (the travelers who love traveling by themselves) for tours in Vietnam, photography enthusiasts or those who love fishing.

Stone tufts cluster prominently on the blue water and sky, showing off its wild and majestic beauty as well as the precious tranquility.

1

It is really difficult to explain why tourism agencies do not consider this place as a destination for their tourists though it is nearby Vinh Hy Bay, because once setting the feet here, no one can resist the alluring and charming beauty of the stones clustering into groups, scattering on the coast as the animals dancing with waves and the wild as well as the imposing beauty of the rocky beach without human intervention.

2

Some explanation may be thought of includes the fact that this place is not suitable for many guests, but it is not true. In addition to the beauty of the stones, the tourists traveling here have the rare chances to soak themselves in a small beach beside and contemplate the poetic swamp poured down from the God Mountain or the pure clear streamline. Looking from the mountain peak, the tourists can get the whole peaceful Binh Tien sea image on their eyes or the lively picture of the goats lounging on the cliffs and admire the opposite beauty between the barren cliff and green trees.

3

Those who desire to discover or love thrills are also pleased by numerous attractive challenges such as conquering low and high stones, lurking in the big and small caves, diving and watching the herds of colorful swimming fish.

4

After getting tired with these games with stones, the tourists can select a seat and enjoy the breeze, cast the baits or visit the fishing villages behind the cactus bushes blooming all year round, contemplate the astonishing picture of the boats drifting on the waves or enjoy the fresh seafood processed by the villagers.

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Coming to Ninh Thuan , the guests cannot miss the beauty of Hang Rai with the natural, charming beauty of the stones as well as the breathtaking space here, the imposing beauty of the rocky beach without human intervention.  This place as a great destination for tourists when traveling to Vietnam

Source: VNAT

Posted in Interest | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment