Farmers in the valley of Lang Son, which borders China, cultivate two rice crops a year that they harvest in July and November. In late July and early August every year, the ripening paddy fields turn different shades of yellow and green, while wispy white clouds float above, making the panoramic view of the valley a sight to behold. To see Bac Son Valley at its best, it’s best to hike up the Na Lay Mountain. A dash of brown is added to the patchwork of yellows and greens because of the different times at which some of the rice is planted and harvested. The rice harvest season in Bac Son Valley happens sooner than in other localities and lasts about a week, giving visitors a short span in which to enjoy the sight of vast yellow-green fields. A two or three day trip at this time is a sure winner. Bac Son was once not as well known as other sites like Y Ty in Lao Cai Province or Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai Province, but photographers and backpackers are flocking here in increasing … [Read more...] about Northern Vietnam valley unrolls its golden carpet
Vietnam lao chai
A northern Vietnam valley unrolls its golden carpet
Farmers in the valley of Lang Son, which borders China, cultivate two rice crops a year that they harvest in July and November. In late July and early August every year, the ripening paddy fields turn different shades of yellow and green, while wispy white clouds float above, making the panoramic view of the valley a sight to behold. To see Bac Son Valley at its best, it’s best to hike up the Na Lay Mountain. A dash of brown is added to the patchwork of yellows and greens because of the different times at which some of the rice is planted and harvested. The rice harvest season in Bac Son Valley happens sooner than in other localities and lasts about a week, giving visitors a short span in which to enjoy the sight of vast yellow-green fields. A two or three day trip at this time is a sure winner. Bac Son was once not as well known as other sites like Y Ty in Lao Cai Province or Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai Province, but photographers and backpackers are flocking here in increasing … [Read more...] about A northern Vietnam valley unrolls its golden carpet
Lao Cai, a top destination for mountaineers
Many believe Sa Pa has been suffocated by overwhelming concrete buildings and luxury hotels but a trip to Lao Cai Province should not be limited to Sa Pa only. Bach Moc Luong Tu is among several mountains with different levels of difficulty that Lao Cai offers daring trekkers.-VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Trung One can enjoy the best of this northern province by climbing mountains and enjoying the wondrous landscape while feeling the authenticity from the local people. For would-be adventurers who want to gain valuable experience and mountaineering skills, Lao Than is a perfect fit. The mountain is in the Y Ty Commune of Bat Xat District 2,800 metres above the sea level. Starting from Hanoi, one can take the train to Lao Cai which is about 300km away. From Lao Cai City, you can rent a motorbike and drive 90km to Y Ty Commune. This route is challenging with turns and bumpy roads. But choosing a motorbike for your trips is the best way to fully experience the beauty of the route with … [Read more...] about Lao Cai, a top destination for mountaineers
The H’Mong girl who could
(VEN) - Tan Thi Su, a member of the ethnic H’mong group, is a familiar figure in Vietnam’s tourism industry, especially in the northern province of Lao Cai. Nothing in her background hinted at the success she would achieve well before the age of 30 as the founder and director of the Sapa O’Chau travel company, which leads thousands of tourists on hikes through the challenging, dramatic mountain scenery on China’s border. In 2016, Forbes Vietnam included Su in its list of “30 under 30” high achievers. She is also featured in “Tourism Stories - The Vietnam Edition” about outstanding individuals who overcame difficulties and launched creative tourism initiatives across Vietnam. Su, 33, comes from Lao Chai Commune of Sa Pa Town, a world-renowned tourism destination. Like many of her ethnic group, the family subsisted on rice and corn cultivation, and like many girls, at the age of nine she was forced to drop out of school to earn a … [Read more...] about The H’Mong girl who could
40th anniversary of norther border defense fight: Vi Xuyen epic
Lot of questions and suppositions related to Vi Xuyen front as well as the mortal combat by Vietnamese military and soldiers to protect the country’s territory have not been satisfactorily answered because of many reasons. Vi Xuyen is a border mountainous district in Ha Giang province. Nearly decade of unceasing gunfire In the memory of Vietnamese, February 17, 1979 is an unforgettable date when China mobilized over 600,000 troops together with 2,558 ground cannons, 550 tanks, 676 airplanes and two anti-aircraft artillery divisions dividing into two directions to suddenly start the invasion along the northern border line of Vietnam. On the first day of the fight, Vi Xuyen was hot with Chinese troops’ bombardment and attacks. After over ten days implementing the intention of launching fast attack to fast capture targets according to initial plan, Chinese troops based on their advantages in troop strength and modern weapons to penetrate tens of kilometers into … [Read more...] about 40th anniversary of norther border defense fight: Vi Xuyen epic
Community based ecotourism thrives
Tourism in Vietnam is no longer a private playground of major firms in the travel business as local people have become more directly involved in the sector through a special product called “community-based ecotourism”. Community-based ecotourism thrives New direction A part of responsible tourism, community-based ecotourism is a model based on the ability to balance the reasonable exploitation of resources with the local community’s responsibility to protect and preserve the natural environment. In particular, the local community is the key factor in making this tourism model attractive and successful. They will directly participate in the process of introducing the area, supplying products, and guiding visitors towards enjoyable experiences. Travel companies now only act as consultants, connecting visitors with local tourism products and ensuring that visitors have the best experience. The AC Nielsen’s survey of travel trends shows that 65 per … [Read more...] about Community based ecotourism thrives
Paradises to avoid heat in Vietnam’s summer
Quan Lan is located in Bai Tu Long National Park, Quang Ninh province. Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai province: it is very relaxing to mingle with green and cool forest and mountains,Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang province not only has a cool climate, but also fascinates visitors with the beauty of nature and delicious food.Sa Pa in Lao Cai province is very cool and beautiful like a painting in the fog of early morning or afternoon sunlight.Moc Chau in Son La province has immense green tea hills and Ban Ang pine hill. Bach Ma National Park in Thua Thien - Hue province is an ideal tourism destination in summer with many places such as Do Quyen Waterfall, Ngu Ho and Vong Hai Dai.Ly Son island in Quang Ngai province attracts a large number of tourists because of interesting natural beauty, friendly people and delicious food.Ba Na in Da Nang city is a tourism paradise to experience natural beauty, European architectural features and interesting entertainment.Da … [Read more...] about Paradises to avoid heat in Vietnam’s summer
Women breathing life into business dreams
Vietnam boasts a number of successful young female CEOs in both large companies and smaller concerns. Ms. Tan Thi Shu, a 32-year-old ethnic H’mong woman and single mother, has been able to turn her dream of helping her people into reality. She founded and is now Director of the Sapa O’Chau Travel Social Enterprise, the first tourist company run by H’mong ethnic minority people in Lao Chai commune under the community tourism model, with a top priority of creating jobs and learning opportunities for local children. From left: Vascara CEO Le Canh Bich Hanh, Sapa O'Chau Director Tan Thi Shu, and Koh Samui Hut founder and director Nguyen Ha Linh. “I want to change the conception that it is useless for a H’mong girl to receive an education because she will marry at a very early age and work all day in the fields but still live in poverty,” Ms. Shu said. Sapa O’Chau was established in 2007, with O’Chau in the … [Read more...] about Women breathing life into business dreams
Border locality, unit hailed for task performance
In her speech at the meeting with the commune’s Party Committee, authorities and people, Phong expressed her delight at their task accomplishments. Permanent Deputy NA Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong and troops from Border Post 317 A Pa Chai Sin Thau is a special border commune of Vietnam, which borders both China and Laos. Over the past years, the locality has actively improved the spiritual and material life of local people. Its people have bolstered their solidarity, cooperated in safeguarding the borderline and the Fatherland. On the occasion, the Permanent Deputy NA Chairwoman and Dien Bien provincial leadership presented gifts to local people and raised more than VND 100 million for the commune’s Study Promotion Fund. During the visit to troops of Border Post 317 A Pa Chai, Phong highly appreciated their outcomes in firmly maintaining border security and contributions to local security and order. Source: VNA Translated by Mai Huong … [Read more...] about Border locality, unit hailed for task performance
Social News 29/1
Exhibition praises victory of 1968 Tet OffensiveCommando Ba Mu (whose real name is Do Van Can) disguised himself as a rubber latex collector to fool the enemy. He used a tricycle to transport weapons to serve the South Vietnam liberation forces during the 1968 Tet Offensive.The tricycle is on display at exhibition that has opened in Hanoi.Entitled The Epic of the 1968 Tet Offensive, the exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the victory of the campaign.The exhibition displays more than 300 images, documents and objects. Ba Mu’s tricycle is one among many objects showcased to the public for the first time.The exhibition is divided into three parts: devotion for the battlefield, the historical turning point and echoes of the epic. They depict the determination of Vietnamese people and soldiers in fighting for peace and liberation.“The Military History Museum of Vietnam organised the exhibition with the aim of asserting the historical magnitude and significance of the … [Read more...] about Social News 29/1