Chư Mom Ray National Park is a place of high biodiversity and plays an important role in biodiversity conservation in the Indochina region. — Photo courtesy of Chư Mom Ray National Park

By Lâm Giang

Chư Mom Ray National Park boasts a rare and diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, offering visitors a chance to connect closely with nature.

As one of Việt Nam’s 10 ASEAN heritage parks, it stands out as one of the three largest and most biodiverse heritage parks in the country. This rich biodiversity and pristine environment contribute to the allure of Chư Mom Ray National Park and the broader Kon Tum Province.

Established in 2002 from the former Chư Mom Ray Nature Reserve, the park spans over 56,000ha across nine communes in Sa Thầy and Ngọc Hồi Districts. Located 30km north of Kon Tum City, it is accessible via National Highway 14C, which connects the Central Highlands with the central provinces.

A waterfall in the Chư Mom Ray National Park. — Photo kontum.gov.vn

Unique among Việt Nam’s national parks, Chư Mom Ray borders both Laos and Cambodia, adjacent to Virachey National Park in Cambodia and the Nam Ghong Protected Area in Laos. The total forest area in the region is approximately 700,000ha, forming a significant transnational conservation area vital for the preservation of biodiversity in Southeast Asia.

Ranging from 200m to 1,773m above sea level, the park’s varied terrain, interspersed with numerous rivers and streams, supports a rich and diverse ecosystem. This landscape features stunning waterfalls and ancient trees, including precious species like kim giao, trắc, cẩm lai and gụ mật.

Chư Mom Ray National Park is home to about 1,895 plant species from 184 families, including 192 rare species. — Photo courtesy of Chư Mom Ray National Park

Statistics indicate that the national park is home to about 1,895 plant species from 184 families, including 192 rare species. It also boasts 425 valuable medicinal plant species, with 18 listed in Việt Nam’s Red Book of Medicinal Plants.

In terms of wildlife, the park has recorded 1,001 animal species across six classes (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects), including 112 rare or precious endemic species, such as gaur, bison, wild buffalo, tigers, leopards and various rare birds. Due to its exceptional biodiversity and valuable genetic resources, Chư Mom Ray National Park was recognised as an ASEAN heritage site in 2004.

Currently, the park focuses on promoting tourist attractions, including the Biodiversity Conservation Center and Bar Gốc Village Ecotourism. Visitors can explore highlights such as ancient sấu trees, year-round waterfalls and trekking opportunities to Yên Ngựa Peak (1,200m) and Chư Mom Ray Peak (1,773m). The Khộp Đăk Can forest eco-tourism site showcases a typical Central Highlands deciduous forest and is also home to flat grasslands that support white stork populations. This area features a picturesque lake of over 1,000sq.m, ideal for outdoor experiences and nature exploration.

Additionally, the Safari Ya Book eco-tourism site offers grasslands that serve as habitats for ungulates like deer, bison and gaur. The tourism initiatives prioritise natural experiences, minimising human impact. Visitors are equipped with modern technology to observe wildlife from a distance, even at night.

The road leading to Chư Mom Ray National Park. — Photo digiticket.vn

The leadership of Kon Tum Province has recently taken action to support the development of Chư Mom Ray’s tourism. This includes raising awareness about legal regulations related to tourism, providing guidance, conducting surveys and building capacity within local communities. Authorities have also implemented strict management of tourism products to mitigate potential issues, along with increased domestic and international marketing efforts to attract visitors.

Đào Xuân Thủy, Director of the Chư Mom Ray National Park Management Board, stated that in 2023, the board was tasked with effective forest protection management, fire prevention and scientific research, as well as public awareness campaigns regarding forest protection and nature conservation.

“Despite facing many challenges, our unit benefits from timely support and direction from all levels. Our staff remains committed to their responsibilities, working diligently to overcome obstacles,” Thủy said. VNS

This article was first posted here

Medical staff introduce a robot used for service for foreign travellers at the Hospital No 199 in Đà Nẵng City. Medical tourism has emerged as a new service in Việt Nam. VNS Photo Công Thành

ĐÀ NẴNG — Hospitality businesses should accelerate digital transformation and the application of new technologies to shape the future of tourism, according to a leading tourism group in the central city.

The changes will shape the future of the tourism and meet the global trends of customers’ needs during the booming of AI and digital era said Chairman of the Đà Nẵng Hotel Association, Nguyễn Đức Quỳnh.

He was speaking at the first ever Exhibition & Forum on Technology, Innovation in the Hospitality Industry, HORECFEX, Việt Nam 2024.

Quỳnh, who is founder of HORECFEX, emphasised that AI and digital technologies would help travel businesses explore behaviours and hobbies of customers and their changing attitudes in choosing global favourite destinations and services.

“The global digital economy has significantly reshaped many aspects of the current business environment including in the tourism sector. Hospitality enterprises have to look at the trend of digital transformation as a strategic move in meeting the evolvement of travellers, while restructuring the management effectively,” Quỳnh said.

He said HORECFEX Việt Nam is not only a rendezvous for tech industries, but a vital forum for hotel, restaurant and culinary service businesses to look at hi-tech solutions in management and sustainable development.

The chairman of the Đà Nẵng Hotel Association told the conference that Furama Resort in Đà Nẵng now has a robot, Miss Ariyana, the first of its kind in central Việt Nam, to provide services at the resort, while AI applications are available at check-in for tourists.

Co-founder and CEO of the Outbox company, Phước Đặng, a travel insights intelligence company surveying the Asia market, said local travel agencies should key an eye on mega trends that help shape future tourism.

A beauty care pavilion offers services to tourists at the Exhibition & Forum on Technology, Innovation in the Hospitality Industry, HORECFEX Việt Nam 2024, in Đà Nẵng City. VNS Photo Công Thành

He said the Việt Nam tourism industry has completely recovered since COVID-19, taking a 11.5 per cent share in the Southeast Asia region and now ranks third in the region after Thailand and Malaysia.

However, he warned that the country’s tourism growth with 50 per cent contribution from Chinese and Korean tourists would be risky.

Meanwhile, domestic travellers, which accounted for 88 per cent of total tourist numbers in the first half of 2024, would be joined by visitors from North America, the US, Europe, Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan, Đặng speculated.

“Tourism has seen as one of top priorities after COVID-19 with 60 per cent of global interested in travel. Nature and the outdoors, trips closer to home and visitors crafting their own trips have become major trends,” he shared.

He suggested local travel agencies should get to know customers and recognise younger generations, as well as embracing a data-driven strategy and transforming into new markets.

General director of Indochina Unique Tourist company, Nguyễn Sơn Thuỷ, said visa policy has still seen as a big barrier in boosting growth of inbound services.

He said visa-free travel had helped promote international arrivals in Phú Quốc Islands where Korean, Malaysian and Taiwan visitors turned to smooth visa service.

Director of budget carrier VietJetAir in central Việt Nam, Trần Hoàng Linh, said four coastal destinations – Thừa Thiên Huế, Đà Nẵng, Quảng Nam and Nha Trang – are showing great potential with three international airports.

He said launching more new direct flights is based on the stable growth of inbound services and the budget airline will soon open air routes connecting Đà Nẵng with India and Nha Trang-Daegu, Korea later this year, while a Phú Quốc-Đà Nẵng route is in the planning stage.

A robot, the Miss Ariyana, is introduced by Furama Resort Đà Nẵng as an AI and digital transformation trend in hospitality in central Việt Nam. VNS Photo Công Thành

Healthcare tourism has emerged as a new service in central Việt Nam as hospitals and travel agencies are boosting cooperations for dual benefit.

Doctor Lê Thị Minh Thuý, from Public Security Ministry’s Hospital No 199 in Đà Nẵng City, said the hospital was the first health care unit in central Việt Nam to launch medical tourism services.

The hospital often receives 50 arrivals of foreign travellers and expats per month.

“We proudly could provide hi-tech examinations, treatment and surgeries with a lower cost for travellers. The hospital is looking at providing health care services for 10,000 expats living in Việt Nam with different demands,” Thuý said.

“The hospital has inked a cooperation with Vietravel in launching services for foreign tourists, combining vacations in beach destinations in central Việt Nam. We were selected as a medical service provider at international sports events – Ironman 70.3 Việt Nam and the Đà Nẵng International Marathon – as well as tourism conferences and forums,” she said. VNS

This article was first posted here

Tourists at Mỹ Khánh Tourism village in Cần Thơ City. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — With its indigenous culture formed by friendly and generous people, natural landscape and areas of lush gardens, the Mekong Delta region boasts great potential and a good foundation to develop community-based tourism.

The region leaves a strong impression on tourists with a dense network of rivers and canals, lush gardens, and unique folk culture treasures.

Taking advantage of the available potential, regional localities have focused on developing various kinds of tourism, such as cultural-historical, ecological, resort, agricultural-rural, and community-based.

Many bright spots in community-based tourism have been formed, bringing interesting experiences to tourists.

Sơn islet in Cần Thơ City is a must-see destination for visitors, where more than half of the local households engage in homestays, restaurants, transportation, and guide services.

Chim islet in Châu Thành District is a typical tourism model of Trà Vinh Province. It is renowned for its natural ecotourism model, where tourists are encouraged to enjoy fresh air instead of using air conditioners.

Officially debuting in September 2019, the community-based tourist sector welcomed 22,450 visitors in 2023, earning a total revenue of VNĐ6.75 billion (over US$274,535). In the first six months of this year, this site served over 12,000 domestic and international tourists.

With 100 per cent of the employers being local, Út Trinh homestay in Long Hồ district of Vĩnh Long province is also a unique community-based tourism model in the region.

Visitors fall in love with this site because of the simple space imbued with the southwestern region’s characters.

They can enjoy the melodies and soulful lyrics of the art of Đờn Ca Tài Tử (Amateur singing), then take a walk and explore the islet at night.

Thanks to the efforts to preserve the local lifestyle, customs and cultural identity, the homestay was awarded the ASEAN Homestay Standard Award in the 2017-2019 period by the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), a prestigious award for homestays with high service quality and high connection with the community.

According to Vice President of the Mekong Delta Tourism Association Lê Thanh Phong, regional community-based tourism models in which agricultural production and cultivation is combined with tourism development have proven effective, contributing to local socioeconomic development, creating stable livelihoods, and improving the living standards of people in the region.

Such models have become unique tourism products of each locality in the region.

In the first half of 2024, the Mekong Delta region welcomed nearly 30 million domestic and international tourists, up 11.2 per cent year-on-year. Total revenue from tourism activities reached VNĐ34.8 trillion, up 33 per cent over the same period in 2023.

Japan is the market of tourists to the Mekong Delta with the strongest growth because travellers from that country love destinations that preserve traditional cultural identity.

Therefore, localities and communities should pay attention to preserving cultural identities, and protecting the environment and natural landscapes so as to be able to draw more high-spending tourists from the market. — VNA/VNS

This article was first posted here

Many strange sea creatures in the coral reef of Cô Tô Island. — Photo vietnamnet.vn

Thanh Nga

With its extensive coastline and vibrant marine ecosystem, a trip to Việt Nam is incomplete without diving into the breathtaking underwater world of coral reefs.

From northern shores to southern beaches, visitors have a myriad of options for coral diving, whether through snorkeling, scuba diving or even helmet diving.

Here are five must-visit coral diving spots that promise unforgettable experiences. But remember, wherever your underwater adventures take you, please tread lightly – do not step on, break or touch coral reefs. These delicate ecosystems are sensitive and deserve our respect and protection.

A tourist dives to see coral off Cô Tô Island. — Photo vietnamnet.vn

1. Cô Tô, Quảng Ninh

Cô Tô Island, nestled in Quảng Ninh Province, is a hidden gem that officially opened its doors to coral diving just last April. As the only licensed coral diving destination in northern Việt Nam, it offers a unique glimpse into underwater beauty.

Off the coast of this charming island, you can explore renowned spots like Vụng Tròn Beach, Hòn Chim and Hòn Ông Tích.

A diving tour here costs around VNĐ1.5 million per person, which includes an electric car ride, a canoe to the diving site, refreshing fruit, drinking water, diving gear and insurance. For those looking for a unique experience, a sea walking tour is available for VNĐ1.3 million.

Additional services such as boating, underwater photography and seafood dining at sea are also on offer, ranging from VNĐ100,000 to VNĐ300,000 per person. Best of all, children over six can join in on the fun!

Diving to discover Phú Quốc Island’s coral reefs is an experience tourists won’t want to miss. — Photo khaihoanphuquoc.com.vn

2. Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang

Phú Quốc Island, the largest island in Việt Nam, is a paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand off the southwestern coast in Kiên Giang Province. Known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Phú Quốc boasts a rich marine biodiversity that makes it a favourite among both local and international travellers. Diving to discover the island’s coral reefs is an experience you won’t want to miss.

The island is blessed with some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the country. From vibrant fish to lush seaweed, the underwater landscape paints a colourful tapestry that begs to be explored. Numerous diving locations are scattered across the island, each with its own unique terrain and charm.

Visitors can embark on walking tours at the Namaste Phú Quốc coral park and dive at spots like Hòn Thơm, Hòn Mây Rút (Inside and Outside) and Hòn Dăm Ngoài, among others. Scuba diving tours typically range from VNĐ1,000,000 to VNĐ3,000,000 for a full day. Prices may vary based on the season, location and service quality, but the experience is undoubtedly worth it.

Phú Quý Island has a wonderful coral ecosystem. — Photo phanthietvn.com

3. Phú Quý Island, Bình Thuận Province

Tucked away off the coast of Bình Thuận Province, Phú Quý Island is about 120km from Phan Thiết City and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Cạn Beach, in particular, is a hotspot for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and diving, captivating visitors with its stunning coral reefs, which feature a variety of species including stony coral, table coral and cabbage coral.

To reach the coral viewing area, a short trek of about 300m from the shore is required. Most tours offer a combination of SUP and snorkeling, making it an adventurous day out. The ideal time for coral exploration is from March to August, when the waters are at their clearest.

Participants are provided with SUP boards, paddles, life jackets, snorkel masks, breathing tubes and fins. The experience is enhanced with options for underwater photography, allowing you to capture your aquatic adventures with a flycam. Scuba diving prices typically range from VNĐ250,000 to VNĐ350,000 per adult, while package tours are around VNĐ800,000.

Tourists prepare to dive to see coral in Côn Đảo Archipelago. — Photo condao.com.vn

4. Côn Đảo, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu

Côn Đảo, an enchanting archipelago in southern Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province, is just a one-hour flight from HCM City. Known historically as ‘Hell on Earth’ due to its history as a major French prison, this island has witnessed the trials of colonial times and the sacrifices of numerous heroes. Today, Côn Đảo is not only a national park but also a sought-after destination for eco-tourism and diving.

With its pristine white sandy beaches and vibrant underwater world, Côn Đảo is a diver’s paradise. The best time for diving here is between March and September, with top spots including Hòn Bảy Cạnh, Hòn Tài and Hòn Cậu. For those hesitant about deep-sea diving, Ông Đụng Beach offers a more accessible experience.

However, it’s important to note that some coral reefs in Côn Sơn Bay, Đầm Tre and Hòn Cau have been affected by bleaching due to rising sea temperatures. Scientists are actively surveying these areas to develop strategies for coral conservation and to manage tourism sustainably.

A coral diving tour in Côn Đảo averages around VNĐ700,000 per person, which includes the tour and scuba tank rental. Safety is a priority, with all necessary equipment provided, ensuring a secure and enjoyable diving experience.

The coral reefs in Sơn Trà Peninsula are particularly captivating, showcasing a diverse array of colours and shapes. — Photo danangsensetravel.com

5. Sơn Trà Peninsula, Đà Nẵng

Just 10km from the bustling centre of Đà Nẵng City lies the stunning Sơn Trà Peninsula, a treasure trove of marine biodiversity that should not be missed. This picturesque peninsula boasts beautiful beaches, including Nam Beach, Rạng Beach, Bụt Beach and Bắc Beach, all surrounded by lush vegetation and rare wildlife.

The coral reefs here are particularly captivating, showcasing a wide array of colours and shapes. Sơn Trà Peninsula is also an ideal vantage point to appreciate the breathtaking sea views of Đà Nẵng. The steep beach slopes and crystal-clear waters make it perfect for fishing and coral diving adventures.

Day tour packages typically cost around VNĐ600,000 per person. Within the coral protection area, five prime diving locations await: Hòn Sụp, Bụt Beach, Nồm Beach, East Bắc Beach and Hục Lở. The main diving area is located at the edge of Hòn Sụp, approximately 1.8km from the shore. Visitors are equipped with life jackets, goggles and snorkels, ensuring a safe and immersive exploration of the underwater landscape. — VNS

This article was first posted here

Tags

E-paper

• Latest
• Most read

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

This article was first posted here

Tags

E-paper

• Latest
• Most read

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

This article was first posted here

Hà Nội is one of the most romantic destinations in the world in autumn. — Photo Thomas Hoang

Each season in Hà Nội has its own unique beauty. However, perhaps autumn is the time that makes people’s hearts captivate and sob the most. If you come to Hà Nội in September and October, you will be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of Hà Nội autumn sky. The golden sunlight of autumn is radiant without the intense heat, suitable for travelers to explore the streets all day without getting tired. This is a perfect time to indulge in the typical delicacies that are only made in Hà Nội’s autumn such as young sticky rice (cốm), steamed green sticky rice (xôi cốm), ripe dracontomelon (sấu chín)… That is a remarkable reason why CNN has honoured Việt Nam’s capital as one of the 12 top fall destinations in the world.

Choosing accommodation to fully enjoy Hà Nội autumn and experience the true essence of Hà Nội, travellers can find hotels right in the city centre. Capella Hanoi on Lê Phụng Hiểu Street is the most luxurious and prestigious choice. This is the only hotel in the city that has 3 restaurants honoured by Michelin Guide, among which Koki restaurant has achieved 1 Michelin star for two consecutive years. Moreover, thanks to its central location in the city, just a few steps away from Tràng Tiền street and the Hanoi Opera House, visitors can easily walk around and experience the street vendors bringing Hà Nội’s autumn vibe, such as those selling heather chrysanthemum or daisy. Or by taking a walk through the Old Quarter, where you will encounter French colonial buildings, serene lakes, and bustling markets. All of them create a unique autumn scene that can only be found in Hà Nội.

Capella Hà Nội is located at the heart of the city. — VNA/VNS Photo

Hà Nội is not only an interesting destination but also a gateway leading to many other beautiful places. Each place brings different experiences for travellers to explore the beauty of autumn in Northern Việt Nam.

Hạ Long Bay – A masterpiece of nature

Located about a 1,5 hours drive from Hà Nội, Hạ Long Bay is an unmissable destination when travelling to Northern Việt Nam. Being recognised as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO, the masterpiece of nature Hạ Long Bay not only owns thousands of rock islands and majestic caverns, but it also preserves precious cultural and historical values.

Hạ Long Bay from the view of Ba Đèo Hill. — VNA/VNS Photo

The seasonal change from summer to autumn is the ideal time to visit the bay, when the cool weather and fresh air make it more comfortable to travel. Travellers can choose to go on a cruise to admire the beauty of the bay, visit famous destinations such as the Sửng Sốt Cave, Thiên Cung Grotto (Heavenly Palace), Fighting Cocks Islet, and Titop Beach. Another option to contemplate Hạ Long Bay is the unforgettable experience on the Queen Cable Car at Sun World Hạ Long, bringing a panoramic view of the UNESCO Heritage Bay from the above to Ba Đèo Hill. Right here, you can experience the thrilling feeling of the Alpine Coaster to once again admire the bay differently, or explore the Buddhist culture at Bảo Hải Linh Thông pagoda, full of tranquility.

When coming to Hạ Long, an ideal option for accommodation should be Oakwood Hạ Long nestled in Bãi Cháy beach, where you can easily approach the beach with the smooth white sand and take a sightseeing of the stunning scenery of Hạ Long Bay. The most beautiful bay view area can be seen from the restaurant and swimming pool on the second floor of the resort, promising you stunning one-of-a-kind check-in photos.

The perfect choice is enjoying hot spring bathing at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh after exploring Hạ Long Bay. — VNA/VNS Photo

Autumn is also an ideal time for hot spring bathing. Travellers can visit Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, the most authentic Japanese onsen resort in Việt Nam, located about a 15-minute drive far from Hạ Long. The hot mineral water source here not only helps relax but also has many health benefits, with the content of Bromine that is evaluated higher than the onsens in Japan. Immersing yourself in warm water amidst the serene natural surroundings would be a wonderful experience, helping you recharge your energy after a long journey of exploring the fascinating Hạ Long Bay.

Kim Bôi – Exploring Mường culture

Unlike autumn in Hà Nội with fragrant milk flowers and young green rice, autumn in Kim Bôi (Hòa Bình Province) brings a nostalgic feeling with its vibrant Northwest colours, where tourists can enjoy pristine nature and Mường people’s traditional dishes.

Serena Resort Kim Bôi is the perfect getaway near Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo

Like a harmonious symphony of mountains and forests, Serena Resort Kim Bôi is considered the first choice for travellers visiting Kim Bôi, since the resort embodies the essence of this land. Each season has its own beauty, but autumn is believed to be one of the most beautiful seasons in Kim Bôi, allowing visitors to enjoy the gentle autumn sunlight shining through the majestic limestone mountains, or just by taking a breath, the fresh autumn air fills the whole chest.

At Serena Resort Kim Bôi, you can immerse yourself in hot mineral springs- the gift from nature given specifically to the land of Kim Bôi, famous for miraculous use in the beauty of the skin and supporting the treatment of arthritis, blood pressure, stomach pain, kidney stones… In a space designed as a giant cranberry hat made of bamboo, the culinary “essence” of Hòa Bình is found in each dish. Not exotic, luxurious, but dishes such as pork leaves, boar meat cooked leafy, roasted fish, chicken farm, and rice… all conquer the hearts of tourists with their most delicious ingredients and the permeable Mường taste.

Go hunting clouds in Sa Pa

For those who love adventure and cultural exploration, Sa Pa (Lào Cai Province), located about 5-hours drive far from Hà Nội, is an unmissable destination.

Autumn and winter – the best time to hunt clouds at Fansipan peak. — VNA/VNS Photo

“Golden season”, “rice ripening season”, and “cloud season” are endearing names for the autumn – the most beautiful time of the year in Sa Pa when the rice ripens on the terraced fields, resembling cascading waterfalls from the high mountains. When you arrive in Sa Pa during this season, you have to experience Fansipan cable car, to fully admire the Mường Hoa valley, gaze at the shimmering golden terraced rice fields stretching all the way to the horizon, and witness the vibrant four-season flower fields.

At the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, Sa Pa is commonly immersed in the cloud sea, creating a surreal and otherworldly scene on the peak of Fansipan. This is called a cloud-hunting season, a popular activity among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Starting from around November, people invite each other to come to Fansipan to “hunt” the rolling clouds flowing right beneath their feet.

The journey of exploring the roof of Indochina is never boring, as you will encounter friendly and genuine local villagers. Nestled at the foothill of Fansipan mountain in the cable car station area, Bản Mây is a small village where seven ethnic groups live together and introduce tourists to their cultural traditions, beliefs, professions, and traditional cuisine. If you visit this place at the same time as the local people’s weekend holidays, you will have chances to witness the reenactment of unique traditional customs and beliefs, such as the wedding ceremony of Red Dao, “pulling wife” custom of Mông people, and peace praising festival of Giấy ethnic people.

Experience making cakes with Tày ethnic people in Bản Mây. — VNA/VNS Photo

Notably, from August 17 to September 1, tourists should not skip “Bản Mây Golden Season” Festival, celebrate an abundant harvest of the Mông Sa Pa, Mông Điện Biên, Xa Phó, Tày, Giáy, Dao Đỏ, Thái, and Hà Nhì ethnic groups. Every weekend, a special festival such as Khô Già Già, Then Kin Pang, and new Cơm Tết will be held. In a vibrant atmosphere during the rice ripening season, tourists will have the opportunity to experience Northwest folk activities such as pounding day cakes, making green rice, and tasting delicious highland specialties. — VNA/VNS

This article was first posted here

Tourists depart from the foot of Nhìu Cồ San Mountain, Sàng Ma Sáo Commune, Bát Xát District. – Photo batxat.laocai.gov.vn

By Lâm Giang

Nestled in the rugged mountains of northern Việt Nam, the ancient Pavie stone road once served as a vital artery, transporting goods, agricultural products and even weapons during the French colonial era. But for nearly a century, this remarkable feat of engineering was all but forgotten, until it was rediscovered, revealing a hidden world of history and natural beauty.

In 1920, the French authorities embarked on an ambitious project, constructing a 100km stone road that stretched from Lào Cai Province to Lai Châu Province, traversing the Nhìu Cồ San mountain range. Over seven years, workers meticulously laid the foundation, carving a path through the rugged terrain, creating a vital link between the northwestern provinces.

Today, only a 17km stretch of the original road remains, weaving its way through lush forests and towering peaks. Yet, this remnant of the past holds a captivating story, one that has captivated local tourism companies and intrepid travellers alike.

The road is paved with smooth stone. – Photo batxat.laocai.gov.vn

According to historical documents, French Governor Auguste Jean-Marie Pavie was responsible for surveying and overseeing the construction of this route, which was used to transport food and agricultural products between the northwestern provinces of Việt Nam. Hence, the route is known as the Pavie road.

However, the residents believe their ancestors had previously traversed this path to conquer Nhìu Cồ San Peak and explore the Lai Châu land. The French merely continued to utilise the existing road network established by the Mông people. Even today, the Mông communities in Sàng Ma Sáo (Lào Cai) and Sàng Mà Pho (Lai Châu) maintain strong kinship ties, frequently visiting each other.

The stone path, approximately 3m wide, wound through rugged terrain. Although weathered by time and left abandoned in the forest, many sections remained remarkably intact. As we slowly followed the ancient path, a Mông guide broke the silence, explaining that the road on both sides was still quite wide, but the overgrowth of grass and trees had blocked the passage for most travellers.

Tourists trek through the cardamom forest. – Photo batxat.laocai.gov.vn

Nhìu Cồ San Mountain, where the stone road crosses, is one of the largest forested areas in northwest Việt Nam. The flora and fauna here are exceptionally rich and diverse, making it a quintessential representation of the temperate highland ecosystem. The journey along the ancient Pavie road is thus not only a historical exploration but also an immersion in the majestic natural wonders of the region.

The upper canopy of the ancient forests is dominated by chestnut, dổi, sến, and táu trees, whose precise ages are unknown but whose grandeur and antiquity are truly astonishing. Beneath the wet, evergreen forests thrives the ideal habitat for cardamom, a precious medicinal herb.

Continuing our trek along the ancient stone path towards the Lào Cai-Lai Châu border, we encountered a large, crystal-clear stream that seemed to flow straight from the sky. In the small pools, we observed schools of peculiarly-shaped fish, which many believe possess medicinal properties that can treat asthma and rickets in children.

As we reached the summit of the Gió Pass, at an altitude exceeding 2,000m, the natural boundary between Lào Cai and Lai Châu provinces, we found no remnants of the French-built pass gate that once stood there.

The gate to divide the border between Lào Cai and Lai Châu provinces at the Gió Pass. – Photo batxat.laocai.gov.vn

At the end of the ancient stone road is Sàng Ma Pho, a village of the Mông people in Sin Suối Hồ Commune, Lai Châu Province. It remained largely intact, with a broad, 3m-wide surface paved with large, flat stones, evoking images of leisurely cycling through the forest.

The ancient stone road of Pavie serves as a metaphorical thread, connecting the dreams and realities of the Lào Cai and Lai Châu regions. Today, this historic path has the potential to become a promising tourist route, unlocking the mysterious and unique cultural heritage of the communities that have thrived in the Nhìu Cồ San mountain range for generations. VNS

Visitors can see wild flowers along the ancient stone road of Pavie. – Photo batxat.laocai.gov.vn

This article was first posted here

A view of Hạ Long Bay in Quảng Ninh Province. VNA/VNS Photo

QUẢNG NINH Hạ Long city in the northern province of Quảng Ninh, home to UNESCO-recognised Hạ Long Bay, will organise two festivals to lure more tourists on the occasion of the National Holiday (September 2), a local official said on August 20.

The Yacht, Parachuting, and Water Sports Festival scheduled to begin on August 24, and the Hot Air Balloon Festival, to take place on September 1-2, are expected to help raise tourism development and introduce attractive destinations in Hạ Long, according to Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyễn Ngọc Sơn.

They are among the 31 festivals and events within the project “Hạ Long – City of Festivals”, these first-time events have won the support of many businesses, the official noted.

Quảng Ninh has adjusted its target in attracting visitors to 19 million this year from the initial 17 million after its tourism posted positive growth in the first seven months.

In the first seven months of this year, the province received 13 million visitors, 20 per cent higher than that of the same period last year. It earned total tourism revenue of about VNĐ29 trillion (US$1.16 billion), an increase of 40 per cent over the same period in 2023. Of the visitors to the locality, there were over 2.2 million foreign guests, equivalent to the number of tourists in all of 2023. VNA/VNS

This article was first posted here

Đà Lạt in Lâm Đồng Province attracts tourists with its affordable costs, beautiful scenery, and cool climate. Photo dalatravel.vn

LÂM ĐỒNG With about two weeks remaining until the four-day National Day holiday on September 2, many hotels and accommodations in Đà Lạt City in Lâm Đồng Province still have vacant rooms.

During this period, room rates have only slightly increased compared to regular days.

According to a survey conducted on August 15, many budget hotels or one- to two-star accommodations in central Đà Lạt still have available rooms.

Specifically, hotels on Bùi Thị Xuân, Phan Bội Châu, Nguyễn Chí Thanh, Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa streets still have vacant rooms, even though prices for the National Day holiday have mostly remained unchanged or only increased by about 30 per cent compared to regular days.

Currently, single rooms for two people during the holiday period range from VNĐ300,000 (US$12) to 500,000 per night, while double rooms for four people range from VNĐ600,000 to 1,200,000 per night, depending on the hotel or accommodation.

According to some hotel and accommodation owners, although this year’s National Day holiday lasts for four days, visitors have recently gone through an extended summer vacation, so the number of tourists visiting Đà Lạt during this period is not expected to surge as in previous holidays.

Notably, unlike in the past, this year, tourists tend to book rooms closer to their travel dates, so it may not be clear until next week or right before September 2 whether hotels in Đà lạt will be fully booked.

According to statistics from the Lâm Đồng Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the province currently has over 3,000 hotels and accommodations with 43,770 rooms.

Among these are 449 hotels ranging from one to five stars, with a total of over 13,000 rooms.

In the first six months of 2024, the total number of visitors to Lâm Đồng for sightseeing and relaxation is estimated to have reached 5.06 million, an increase of 12.2 per cent compared to the same period last year.

To prepare for the upcoming National Day holiday, the Lâm Đồng Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has requested that localities ensure the best conditions for welcoming and serving tourists.

This includes preparing facilities and human resources, introducing new tourism products, listing service prices, and selling at listed prices to ensure proper service during the National Day holiday and other peak periods at the end of the year.

According to statistics from some online booking platforms such as Booking and Agoda, Đà Lạt was the top-searched destination among tourist sites across the country.

According to these platforms, Đà Lạt attracts tourists with its affordable costs, beautiful scenery, and cool climate, making it an ideal location for an extended holiday like the upcoming September 2 holiday. VNS

This article was first posted here