Tag: vietnam

Da Nang: Unusual Adventures to Marble Mountain and Lady Buddha

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Da Nang: Unusual Adventures to Marble Mountain and Lady Buddha

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In my previous article on My Son, I told you about the various excursions available from Hoi An. We explored the culture and nature of central Vietnam in the ancient archaeological city. Today, I’m taking you on a slightly more… shall we say, unexpected adventure, still departing from Hoi An. Surprising, because we had no idea what we were going to discover.

We booked a half-day tour with our hostel to discover the mysteries of the caves and caverns of Marble Mountain in Da Nang, followed by a visit to the famous Lady Buddha. Well, let’s say it was an unforgettable experience, especially thanks to our guide, who mastered English about as well as I mastered kung fu (which is to say, not at all).

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2 days in Hoi An: Unveiling Vietnam’s Luminous Beauty

Around the world Asia Vietnam

2 days in Hoi An: Unveiling Vietnam’s Luminous Beauty

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A stroll through Hoi An, by far the best-preserved old town in Vietnam, gives you a rare feeling of stepping back in time. The pretty lantern-decorated streets reveal a cosmopolitan architecture that reflects the past of this once prosperous trading port.

Situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a coastal town in Vietnam that captivates visitors with its historic charm, well-preserved architecture and peaceful ambience. Not only have the ancient buildings survived the wars of the 20th century, but they have also retained traditional features that are rare today.

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Ninh Binh, a natural gem to discover in Vietnam

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Ninh Binh, a natural gem to discover in Vietnam

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Ninh Binh province was one of my favourites in Vietnam. Naturally, it’s still a must-see for tourists, as it’s nicknamed Ha Long Bay on land, but it feels better than Ha Long Bay, which, despite being a natural wonder, was ultimately my least favourite place.

Ninh Binh boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful, majestic and impressive natural scenery. With its towering karst peaks rising from the rice paddies, it is a destination that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 (for the Trang An landscape complex).

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Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Pu Luong

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Pu Luong

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Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a magnificent mountainous region famous for its picturesque landscapes, rural villages and rice terraces. Pu Luong is not yet on the tourist radar, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers looking for a relaxing, unique and unforgettable experience.

Pu Luong is a truly amazing destination if you like to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations and want to get an idea of what Vietnam was like before tourism took hold.

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Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Mai Chau

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Mai Chau

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Mai Chau is a rural region in north-west Vietnam, just a three-hour drive from Hanoi, the bustling Vietnamese capital. It was a breath of fresh air during my trip to Vietnam, as well as an unusual and off-the-beaten-track place to visit.

Indeed, long before our trip and when we were preparing it, there was no mention of this region in any research. The main tourist attraction was the Pu Luong Nature Park, which we wanted to visit and which gave us two days’ rest away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

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