Tourist Attractions & Monuments Vietnam

Just 25 km south of the town of Ninh Binh and close to all the province's tourist attractions (Hoa Lu, Tam Côc, etc.), Non Khê is a small village of just a few thousand souls, where you can immerse yourself in local life. Here you'll find everything that characterizes a traditional village of the Red River delta: rice fields as far as the eye can see, red brick streets, small houses flanked by their vegetable gardens, the communal house (dinh), temples and pagodas, the central market, close relations between neighbors, the spirit of the clan...

Mount Kiêu Liêu Ti is almost completely surrounded by the Chay River (sông). The mountain culminates at 2 402 m and during the colonial period, the French had envisaged the possibility of installing an observation post there. The summit is relatively easy to access for experienced bikers. The route is very interesting from the point of view of natural and cultural landscapes. The area is inhabited by Dao, Nung, La Chi and Hmông people. Rice terraces and forests of Shan Tuyêt tea trees make up an original landscape, often bathed in mist.

A ruin, certainly majestic. The construction of the monastery, begun on October 8, 1942, was in fact never completed. The monastery was supposed to house a community of 12 Cistercian sisters who had been expelled from Japan and who had been given a piece of land on this site. They had the time to develop the production of dairy products as well as know-how in the field of jams (strawberry gardens), which became a speciality of the village of Ta Phin. The nuns had to abandon the place in 1945 because of insecurity.

At the top of Mount Câu Lâu, the pagoda is reached by a steep staircase where the ascent is made difficult by the irregular succession of laterite steps, blunted by time. The foundation of the pagoda would go back to the 8th century but it has undergone successive reconstructions: in 1632 (a stele mentions the work carried out) and, in 1794, during the reign of the Tây-Son, then after the bombings of 1954. The pagoda is known for its collection of jackfruit wood carvings, red and gold lacquered, including the famous 18 arhats.

One of Hué's oldest pagodas, nestled in the forest on a hill in Thuy Xuân commune. Originally, it was a hermitage built in 1843 by the monk Thich Nhat Hanh. In 1848, a year after his death, the site was renovated and enlarged with the financial support of the imperial eunuchs who hoped to be buried there. To this day, some thirty eunuch tombs remain in the pagoda's courtyard, along with a crescent-shaped lake built in 1931 and planted with lotus flowers and water lilies.

Opposite rue Hai Bà Trung, on a pleasant little square, stands the superb Tam Quan gate, or three-entrance gate, leading to an ancient temple complex dating back to 1626. The three entrance gates lead to a large field and two worship areas of the complex dedicated to a patron god, a goddess who brings blessing and security, 36 celestial protectors and 12 midwives. The Bà Mu temple is nicknamed the "temple of the midwife" by the city's inhabitants, who regularly bring their children here in search of blessings.

Hanoi-based agency promoting responsible, environmentally-friendly tourism. Handspan Travel Indochina organizes 3-day escapades departing from Hanoi to explore the Mai Châu Valley and the Pu Luong Nature Reserve ("Mai Chau vs Pu Luong Nature Reserve"). On the program: overnight stays in traditional houses, cycling in the valley, treks, discovery of minority life, introduction to tea cultivation and breathtaking natural panoramas.

There's little in the way of interesting merchandise at this market, where the poor-quality products are mainly imported from China and Russia. Nevertheless, it's a must-see for those who like to do a little shopping and discover the life of the locals. The market features around a hundred stalls in all, mainly selling clothes, shoes and souvenirs... In the adjoining streets, stalls serve simple cuisine at low prices: fresh seafood brought in from the sea, grilled meats..

One of Hôi An's most popular tourist activities, expect to see lots of groups! Here, we sail on a coracle, a circular basket boat, along the river through the palm forest. The boatmen love to whirl their craft around, much to the delight of visitors. The villagers are always on the lookout for customers, and don't hesitate to use every trick in the book... Don't give in when you're asked for more money!

Very wide choice (mountain biking, trekking, market visits…) in this very professional agency. The site is full of ideas and quality proposals.

Outside, presentation of anti-aircraft weapons and a B -52 carcass.

A small local agency that organizes visits to the region's historical sites, excursions, hikes and stays with local residents in villages of Thai and Black ethnic groups.