Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Share the love: Family Travel Itineraries

Share the love: Family Travel Itineraries

[Wanderlust Tips June 2019] With the theme “Family Travel”, Share the love section of Wanderlust Tips in June 2019 will tell readers thrilling stories about a wide range of travel itineraries of famous families.

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THE BEATIFUL DAYS ON VUNG TAU – COMEDIAN TRA MY AND HER SON TRONG PHUC

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Share the love: Family Travel Itineraries

Whenever I’m feeling fatigued and stressed, travelling with my son is the way I find happiness and relaxation for my soul. We’ve travelled to various tourist destinations around the world, but in my heart, the landscapes of Vietnam are always more stunningly impressive, comfortingly familiar and hold more exceptional beauty.

My son and I both like Vung Tau, taking in the sea views makes us really happy. The coastal people are honest, sincere and extremely hospitable with their gentle smiles. We have fun together, strolling along the alluring beach with its azure water and smooth white sand. After an intense year of learning, this is the time when Trong Phuc takes a summer vacation and relaxes to prepare well for the new school year. I look forward to a comfortable trip without any hassles getting there or having healthy eating choices, and for this, Vung Tau is really just the perfect destination.

On our last trip to Vung Tau, we visited Marina Pier and were overwhelmed by its breath-taking scenery. Then my son and I went to Go Gang Island as well as Pearl Island, and we have to admit that landscape here was truly untouched, everything was pristine, and the weather was very fresh and cool. Perhaps most special though, is the seafood in Vung Tau is extremely fresh and delicious with a unique cooking style which suits our tastes. So even though I’ve been to Vung Tau three times, I still want to go back there more in the future.

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT NEW ZEALAND – MUSICIAN HOANG BACH AND HIS SON-TÊ GIÁC [RHINO]

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Share the love: Family Travel Itineraries

New Zealand is the next destination of my son and I to continue our journey in the reality TV series “Daddy, where are we going?” as I truly believe that New Zealand, one of the world’s most interesting tourist destinations, is a favourite amongst travel enthusiasts. I chose the option of transiting in Singapore on my journey thanks to the partnership between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines.

During this exciting trip, we had the opportunity to experience the rich diversity of cultural and culinary traditions of New Zealand’ s four top tourist cities, Christchurch, Auckland, Rotorua and Nelson. I was keen to sail along the small rivers around Christchurch, while Rhino was interested in visiting farming villages which were the background to some of the scenes in the blockbuster movie The Lord of the Rings.

For a boy with such a great passion for science and travelling like Rhino, the thrilling experiences in New Zealand will surely be a high point of his growing-up journey with daddy on the road. As he grows up, he will have many more adventures of his own, and without a doubt the more he ventures out there, the more his mind will be expanded and his soul will be uplifted. And most importantly, the more he travels, the more he will love and appreciate his motherland Vietnam.

Travelling to different countries around the world with my family has brought a remarkable variety of feelings to me, but I have to admit that the one-of-a-kind experiences in New Zealand have borne their own which I have never felt anywhere else, helping me gain a deeper insight into this civilized land of friendliness and strong bonds with nature.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Fashion Collection in June 2019: Inspirational Summer Vacation

Fashion Collection in June 2019: Inspirational Summer Vacation

[Wanderlust Tips June 2019] Fleeing from the burning sun of summer days to seek the refreshing lush green of nature, a cruise on Halong Bay is the ideal choice for the whole family, taking you on a journey through surreal natural sceneries to experience the wealth of culture which lies hidden between the limestone mountains.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Fashion Collection in June 2019: Inspirational Summer Vacation

The luxurious steel-hulled Paradise Elegance and President Cruise ships, measuring the largest capacity in Halong Bay, features spacious high-class rooms with breathtaking panoramic views of Halong Bay from its private balconies.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Fashion Collection in June 2019: Inspirational Summer Vacation

During their stay on board, the whole family can enjoy fun-filled and exhilarating moments together, creating lasting memories.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Fashion Collection in June 2019: Inspirational Summer Vacation

All the family can join in early morning Taichi in the dazzling sunshine, explore Cua Van fishing village and pristine caves.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Fashion Collection in June 2019: Inspirational Summer Vacation

Or unwind in the spacious outdoor jacuzzi or embark on a unique culinary journey with a sublime Michelin menu featuring over 40 dazzling dishes.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Fashion Collection in June 2019: Inspirational Summer Vacation

Safely in the hands of Paradise Elegance and President Cruises adrift on Halong Bay, your summer vacation will be peaceful, relaxed and meaningful.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Fashion Collection in June 2019: Inspirational Summer Vacation

Model: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, Nguyen Duy Minh, Tran Minh Duc, Minh Phuong

Photographer: Hoang Dang

Photographer’s assistant: Manh Hung

Makeup: Phan Anh Tu

Hairstylist: Nguyen Vu Duc Nhat

Stylist: Mai Dieu Vi

Outfits: Le Jardin, Ivy Moda, Zara, She by Hoanguyen

Location: Paradise Elegance and President Cruises, Halong Bay

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine in June 2019: Family Travel in Korea

Wanderlust Tips Magazine in June 2019: Family Travel in Korea

[Wanderlust Tips June 2019] The summer vacation begins with children eagerly waiting for fun-filled family trips. And Korea is the perfect destination for your family.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine in June 2019: Family Travel in Korea

It could be a journey to a modern city where the whole family enjoy themselves to the fullest in indoor entertainment areas, wandering through endless meadows watching herds of cows grazing leisurely on green fields of grass, or running and jumping on the white sandy beaches of the crystal clear blue sea with gentle waves crashing on its shore. And of course, one cannot forget the tantalizingly delectable gourmet meals featuring countless attractive local specialities.

The journey of Hello World #4 takes you to discover Korea with two famous families including Oc Thanh Van, Tri Rua and their children Coca, Cola, Cacao and Trang Lou, Tung Son and their son Xoai.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine in June 2019: Family Travel in Korea

The alluring land of Kimchi is a rich, harmonious blend of tradition and modernity as well as buzzing cities and peaceful nature, boasting the dazzling metropolis of Seoul, vast province of Gyeonggi-do, and bustling city of Incheon or Travelling to Jeju – A summer dream (Travel Inspiration section). Days spent in Korea run so rhythmically, marking the memorable moments of a happy family.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine in June 2019: Family Travel in Korea

In addition to the exhilarating family vacations in the land of ginseng, Wanderlust Tips June journey also affords our readers a wide range of other surprises. It could be a historic trip to The secluded land named Kaliningrad in Russia (Destination section), boasting a unique position as it is entirely detached from the Russian mainland, and surrounded by Lithuania, Poland and the Baltic Sea.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine in June 2019: Family Travel in Korea

Or a trip to explore Vilnius – The peaceful heart of Lithuania in Destination section and stroll around the Old Town recognized as a UNESCO world Heritage Site.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine in June 2019: Family Travel in Korea

And then after all, coming back and giving your love to Bali: Come, Indulge, Love in Discovery section, promising to make your journey in June a remarkable one.

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8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

[Wanderlust Tips March 2019] Travel to Thua Thien – Hue in the evening, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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FOLK SONGS ON THE PERFUME RIVER – DAYDREAMING TO THE MELODIES OF HUE

Listening to folk songs performed on The Perfume River is a unique offering of Hue, a tradition that has been preserved and developed over hundreds of years. Every visitor to Hue should sit on a dragon boat and listen to the sweet melodies of Hue folk songs whilst floating in the midst of The Perfume River. Those who love Hue and wish to see into its soul can find it here in this delicate art form.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

TOP TIPS: Tickets are VND100,000 for Vietnamese and VND150,000 for foreigners. During the daytime, there are also boat tours of The Perfume River visiting famous sights along the river and listening to Hue folk songs. The price depends on the tour company and the number of guests.

THE IMPERIAL CITY BY NIGHT – SHIMMERING MYSTERIOUS BEAUTY

The Citadel at night is adorned with flickering lights, giving it a mysterious beauty that is completely different from in the daytime. In particular, the “the Timbre of the Palace” at Duyet Thi Duong theatre and The Changing of the Guard at the Meridian Gate offer stunning performances. Since the 14th December 2018, the times of the weekly firing of the cannons at the Hue Flag Monument in the Imperial City have been changed to 9pm on Friday and Saturday every week in summer and 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday in the winter.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

TOP TIPS: Hue Citadel is officially open from 6.30pm to 10pm every night. Entrance fee: VND150,000 per adult and VND30,000 per child from 7 to 12 years old.

NGUYEN DINH CHIEU WALKING STREET – A HUB OF ENTERTAINMENT, SHOPPING AND DINING AT NIGHT

Located in Hue City Centre, along The Perfume River and next to the shining Trang Tien Bridge, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is the ideal destination for sightseeing, walking, shopping for cute souvenirs and enjoying the specialities of Hue. The walking street is divided into 11 zones with different kiosks for small stalls selling souvenirs and specialities of Hue. This is also a place where young people come to organize music concerts, acoustic performances, flash mob dancing, or street drawing exhibitions, which attracts both youngsters and tourists, creating a joyful and bustling spot in the evenings.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

MUST SEE: The ironwood pedestrian bridge on the Perfume River stretches from Truong Tien Bridge to Phu Xuan Bridge and the XQ Co Do Gallery.

ENJOY LOCAL LOCAL SPECIALITIES – DIVE STRAIGHT INTO THE FLAVOURS OF HUE

For a long time, Hue cuisine has been famous all over the country, from the quintessential royal dishes to the rustic and idyllic street food, it never fails to leave a great impression and sense of nostalgia on visitors.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

TOP TIPS: Evenings are an ideal time for tourists to explore this culinary paradise. Some suggested addresses include: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking street and Le Loi street – home to lots of dishes such as bánh bèo chén (waterfern cakes), cơm hến (rice served with mussels), bún hến (mussel vermicelli) and Hue sweet soup; the area opposite the Hue University of Education (34 Le Loi) has rows of baked sweet potatoes, grilled squid and grilled fish; Dong Ba market gate (2 Tran Hung Dao) sells bún thịt nướng (rice noodles with grilled meat) and nem lụi (Hue lemongrass skewers); Nhat Le street and Nguyen Du street are places where you can find a hot and crispylocal speciality called bánh ép (pressed cake); if you are a fan of snails remember to visit Oc Minh Nghia (253 Phan Boi Chau).

TOUR THE CITY BY CYCLO – AN EXCITING CULTURAL EXPERIENCE IN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL

The cyclo is a popular vehicle that fascinates many visitors to Hue which can take you through the streets, the citadels, the quiet gardens and along the river, allowing you to get lost in the tranquillity. At night, the lights flicker through the leaves forming silver dancing spots of light all over the streets.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

TOP TIPS: A tour by cyclo allows you more freedom to stop and take photos or even stop at a streetside teashop for a cup of tea while your driver waits. Some cyclo drivers in Hue seem like professional tour guides, they speak English and even French and they have a rich knowledge of the local history and culture. Some of them will even recite a poem for you. Don’t miss the opportunity to talk to your cyclo driver to learn some fascinating facts and stories.

CAFÉS WITH A VIEW OF THE PERFUME RIVER – A QUIET MOMENT IN THE DREAMY BEAUTY OF THE ANCIENT CAPITAL

Hue is home to many charming cafés with beautiful views and great coffee. After dinner, you can visit a quiet café and watch the city after dark. On The Perfume River, folk songs performed on dragon boats echo through the air, immersing you in the true tranquillity and beauty of Hue.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

TOP TIPS: There are many cafés in Hue with a stunning view of The Perfume River including King’s Panorama Bar on the 16th floor of the Imperial Hotel (8 Hung Vuong), Lumière Lounge inside Midtown Hotel (29 Doi Cung), Vi Da Xua Café (131 Nguyen Sinh Cung), Rodo Cafe (Le Duan street) and Co Huong Café (2 Tran Hung Dao).

PHAM NGU LAO STREET – AN EXCITING ATMOSPHERE IN A TRANQUIL CITY

Pham Ngu Lao Street is located on the south bank of the Perfume River. Nobody knows exactly when or precisely why this street became the gathering place of westerners in the city. It is a small street filled with ancient homes mixed with modern tube-shaped houses.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

TOP TIPS: Along the street you can find many souvenir shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels and tour operators. The street becomes most crowded after nightfall and along with the surrounding neighborhood including nearby streets like Chu Van An, Le Loi and Vo Thi Sau, is now the hub for foreigners.

MUST SEE: There’s a folk group that performs here at the home of writer Buu Y (No. 9 Pham Ngu Lao) every Saturday. Saturday, a place that regularly welcomes tourists to enjoy and learn about the art of Hue folk songs.

BARS – EXCITING MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE

If you wish to find some cheap thrills in this quiet city, visiting a bar or pub at night is your best option. This is where you can let loose with friends and fill your nights with great music and drinks.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the evening

TOP TIPS: The most popular bars are: Pro Phương Nam Club (41 Ba Trieu), Asta – The Club (9 Hung Vuong), Victoria Night Club (7 Pham Ngu Lao), DMZ Bar (60 Le Loi), Brown Eyes Bar (56 Chu Van An), Tipsy Pub ‘n’ Bistro (16 Pham Ngu Lao), Why Not Bar & Restaurant (26 Pham Ngu Lao), Cococlub (53 Ham Nghi), Le’s Garden Bar (14 Pham Ngu Lao) and Hangout Coffee and Bar (48 Nguyen Tri Phuong).

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoonWanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the afternoon

[Wanderlust Tips March 2019] Travel to Thua Thien – Hue in the afternoon, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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TOMB OF GIA LONG – TOMB OF MINH MANG: RELICS FROM THE FIRST TWO KINGS OF THE NGUYEN DYNASTY

The Tomb of Gia Long, also known as Thien Tho Lang, is located about 17 kilometres from the city centre. The Tomb of Gia Long is a beautiful mix of nature and architecture showcasing the extravagant life of the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty.

The Tomb of Minh Mang, also known as Hieu Lang, is located about 15 kilometres from Hue City Centre. It is an architectural complex of over 40 buildings which includes palaces, castles and temples distributed symmetrically along the 700-metre Than Dao Path. The Tomb of Minh Mang exhibits the characteristics of the multitalented second Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: The two tombs are located in Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town. They are open from 7am to 5:30pm every day. A ticket for Minh Mang Tomb is VND100,000 for adults and VND20,000 for children aged 7 to 12. A ticket for Gia Long Tomb is VND40,000 for adults and free for children.

TOMB OF THIEU TRI – TOMB OF KHAI DINH: A BREAKTHROUGH IN ART AND ARCHITECTURE

The Tomb of Thieu Tri is also known as Xuong Lang and is located about 6 kilometres from Hue City Center. The Tomb of Thieu Tri is quiet and tranquil, displaying the king’s calm and reflective character. The Tomb of Khai Dinh covers a very modest area compared to the tombs of other kings, but it is artistically and architecturally significant. The structure combines architectural styles from Asia, Europe and Vietnam, and is the pinnacle of visual arts combining both porcelain and glass.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: Both tombs are located in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District. Opening hours: 7am to 5:30pm every day. The entrance fees for The Tomb of Khai Dinh are VND100,000 for adults and VND20,000 for children aged 7 to 12. The entrance fees to The Tomb of Thieu Tri are VND40,000 for adults and free for children.

MUST SEE: Dan Nam Giao, located on Dien Bien Phu Street, was where the Nguyen kings paid tribute to the Gods. Thien An Monastery and Thuy Tien Lake are also nearby.

TOMB OF TU DUC – TOMB OF DONG KHANH: A DESIGN THAT SHOWCASES THE TALENT AND PERSONALITY OF THE NGUYEN EMPERORS

The Tomb of Tu Duc was designed in a romantic style, displaying the character of the compassionate king. The tomb of the 4th king of the Nguyen Dynasty is is situated inside an immense pine forest. There are 50 buildings inside the grounds, including the Minh Khiem Theatre, considered to be the oldest existing theatre in Vietnam. The Tomb of Dong Khanh (the 9th king in the Nguyen Dynasty) is a mix between the ancient style of the Tu Duc Tomb and the modern style of the Khai Dinh Tomb.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: Both tombs are located in Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue. Opening hours are from 7am to 5:30pm every day. The entrance fees for The Tomb of Tu Duc are VND100,000 for adults and VND20,000 for children aged 7 to 12. The entrance fees for Dong Khanh Tomb are VND40,000 for adults and free for children.

MUST SEE: Vong Canh Hill, Thuy Xuan incense village, Vien Quang Pagoda, Ho Quyen and Voi Re (Long Chau) Temple.

HUE CITY CENTRE: CITY OF HERITAGE

Hue possesses many historical buildings with deep cultural significance. Spend a morning or an afternoon strolling leisurely through the ancient streets, visiting attractions in the city centre and soaking in the rhythm of life. Famous attractions include: Trang Tien Bridge, Gia Hoi old town, Dieu De Pagoda, Princess Ngoc Son Temple, the National School of Hue, Ho Chi Minh Museum – Hue, Hue Cultural Museum, Le Ba Dang Art Center, Diem Phung Thi art exhibit, Tung Thien Vuong Temple, Lac Tinh Vien, Anh Dinh Palace and Dong Ba market.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: You can tour the city by motorbike, bicycle, cyclo or on foot. Most attractions are open from 7:30am to 5:30pm and some charge an entrance fee.

HUE’S GARDEN HOUSES: THE SYMBOLIC ARCHITECTURE OF HUE

The garden houses of Hue combine landscaping and architecture, displaying cultural and historical values, which are both considered to be important parts of the heritage of Hue. Famous garden houses like Phu Mong or An Hien are located on the banks of the Perfume River. An Hien garden house (No 58 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Road) is the most prominent with its unique architecture and landscape. An ancient house, with intricate carvings and interior design, it sits in a beautiful garden making you feel like you’ve entered a different world, a world that is strangely peaceful.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: From downtown Hue, follow the northern bank of the Perfume River for about 2 kilometres and you’ll arrive at the homes of the aristocrats of ancient Vietnam.

CONICAL HAT CRAFT VILLAGES: FINDING THE FAMOUS POEM HATS OF HUE

For generations, the conical hat has served as a practical item to shade Vietnamese people from the sun and the rain. For Hue people, it has become a cultural speciality, and the poem hats have become attached to the image of Hue women in purple ao dais. Making conical hats has been a traditional craft in Hue for hundreds of years with many famous craft villages like Da Le, Doc So, Trieu Tay, Kim Long, Sia, and the most famous – Phu Cam Village (Phuoc Vinh Ward, Hue).

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: To make a poem hat, Hue artisans have to meticulously and diligently follow many steps. Visitors to the village can witness them being made and even try their hand at making their own conical hat. They are of course also available to buy as souvenirs for relatives and friends.

TAM GIANG – CAU HAI LAGOONS: THE LARGEST BRACKISH LAGOONS IN VIETNAM

This particular lagoon system in Central Vietnam is over 68 kilometres long and covers the territory of some 5 districts in Thua Thien, Hue with the most prominent lagoons being Tam Giang and Cau Hai (also known as Chuon Lagoon). Located about 12 kilometres from Hue City Center, Tam Giang Lagoon is about 25 kilometres long with a surface area of about 52 square kilometres, stretching from the O Lau River to Thuan An Bridge and converging with the East Sea via the Thuan An Estuary. It is famous for being the largest brackish lagoon in Southeast Asia. Chuon Lagoon is located about 10 kilometres from Hue City Centre and by following Highway 49 toward An Truyen, Chuon Lagoon will appear gracefully before your eyes across the green fields.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: From February to July is the ideal time to experience the lives of the fishermen on the lagoon.

THUAN AN BEACH: A PLACE OF RELAXATION AND FUN

Thuan An Beach is located in Thuan An Town, Phu Vang District, about 15 kilometres East of Hue City Centre. This is a great place to relax after spending a day discovering the tombs, temples and landscapes of Hue.

Thuan An Beach attracts both locals and tourists, especially in the months from April to September when the weather is hottest. You can enjoy the taste of the famous rice wine from Chuon Village, fresh seafood grilled over charcoal fires at the beach and the traditional dishes of the locals.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoonWanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the afternoon

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8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the morning

[Wanderlust Tips March 2019] Travel to Thua Thien – Hue in the morning, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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IMPERIAL CITY – A MAGNIFICENT CITADEL DATING BACK TO THE NGUYEN DYNASTY

The Imperial City of Hue is the common name for the Citadel andthe Forbidden City which in modern times is located in Thuan ThanhWard, Hue City. The Imperial City is made up of over 140 buildingsof various sizes and the site was used to serve as the office of thecentral government as well as serving as home to the King and theroyal family. The Imperial City was recognized by UNESCO as aWorld Heritage Site in 1993.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the morning

TOP TIPS: The Imperial City is open daily from 8am to 5.30pm. Ticket price: VND150,000 for adults or VND30,000 for children aged 7 to 12.

MUST SEE: Duyet Thi Duong Theatre (Ancient Royal Theatre) which offers performances of traditional opera (Tuong), court music and court dances. The information centre for the Interpretation of the History of Hue Capital Citadel and the virtual reality experience “Find the lost palace” can be found in the Palace of Supreme Harmony

THIEN MU PAGODA – THE MOST ANCIENT PAGODA IN THE IMPERIAL CITY

About 5 kilometres West of Hue City Centre, Thien Mu is the oldest and most beautiful pagoda with the most impressive architecture in Hue. The pagoda was built in 1601, and legend has it, has it when Nguyen Hoang became the guardian of Thuan Hoa, he personally scouted the location to expand his territory. When he arrived at Ha Khe Hill, he saw that the land was shaped like a dragon turning its head. Locals said that at night, there was often an old woman dressed in red standing on top of the hill telling passersby: “A lord will come here and build a pagoda, to gather the spirits, stabilize the dragon, and make our country more powerful.”. Nguyen Hoang’s ideas seemed to be in tune with the will of the people, and to honour the good omen, he built a pagoda on the hill overlooking the Perfume River and named it Thien Mu Tu.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the morning

MUST SEE: Hue’s Temple of Literature by the Perfume River and Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda in Cham village, Huong Ho ward, Huong Tra town, about 6 kilometres from Thien Mu Pagoda.

PHUOC TICH VILLAGE – ANCIENT HOMES MADE OF JACKFRUIT WOOD AND TRADITIONAL POTTERY CRAFTS

Phuoc Tich Village is located on the bank of the Lau River, Phong Hoa Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien in Hue Province. The village was founded in 1470 under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. Currently, there are 100 ancient homes in the village still standing, including 30 classified as the most unique among all the ancient villages in Vietnam. In days gone by, without machinery, homes like these would have taken years to build. Phuoc Tich Village perfectly preserved the pristine beauty of rural Vietnam and with its charming and tranquil scenery, it is like a beautiful painting that mesmerises each and every visitor. The village is also famous for its 500-year-old traditional pottery crafts.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the morning

MUST SEE: On the way back to the city centre, you can take a visit at Thuy Lap bamboo and rattan village (Phong Hoa Commune, Phong Dien District) on the road towards the city centre.

THANH TOAN TILED-ROOF BRIDGE – ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ANCIENT BRIDGES IN VIETNAM

Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge crosses a canal that runs through Thanh Toan Village, Thuy Thanh Commune in Huong Thuy Town, which is located about 8 kilometres east of Hue City Center. Thanh Toan Bridge is among the rarest in Vietnam and with the highest artistic value. The arched wooden bridge spans 18.75 metres and is 5.82 metres wide with both sides of the bridge having wooden railings and seats for visitors to sit and enjoy the view. The bridge is covered with a tiled roof and is divided into 7 rooms with the middle room being dedicated to the worship of Mrs Tran Thi Dao.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the morning

MUST SEE: Farm equipment exhibition and Cau Ngoi Market.

MOUNT NGU BINH – THE SOUL OF HUE

Mount Ngu Binh, formerly known as Mo Islet or Bang Mountain, is located on the right bank of the Perfume River (between Con Hen and Con Da Vien), 4 kilometres South of the city centre. On either side of it are two smaller mountains, Ta Phu and Huu Bat, which from a distance together with Mount Ngu Binh look like a phoenix opening its wings to shelter the citadel. Along with the poetic Perfume River, Mount Ngu Binh is a precious gift from Mother Nature and together they create the classic beauty of Hue. This is also the reason why Hue is dubbed the land of the Perfume River and Mount Ngu.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the morning

TOP TIPS: You can hike or book a cycling tour of the mountain and from its top you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hue and the Imperial City.

MUST SEE: Tran Hung Dao Temple at the foot of the mountain and Quang Trung Monument on Ban Mountain.

LANG CO BAY – BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL

Lang Co Bay is located in Phu Loc District, at the foot of Hai Van Pass. With charming natural scenery, it was named one of the most beautiful bays in the world in 2009. Lang Co has almost everything that nature has to offer: tropical forests, white sand, blue sea and sunny weather all year round.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the morning

TOP TIPS: Lang Co bay is located 60 kilometres from Hue City Centre, 40 kilometres from Phu Bai International Airport and only 25 kilometres from Danang City via the Hai Van Pass Tunnel. Lang Co Beach is the ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing vacation, where you can lie on the beach and enjoy the green scenic views, play in the cool crystal-clear water or enjoy exciting beach activities.

MUST SEE: Lang Co fishing village, Lap An Lagoon and Chan May Bay.

BACH MA NATIONAL PARK – EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF NATURE

Covering both Phu Long and Nam Dong Districts, Bach Ma National Park has beautiful natural scenery, fresh air, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore natural trails such as Do Quyen Trail which leads to Do Quyen Falls, Tri Sao Trail which leads to Tri Sao Falls, home of the helmeted guinea fowl, Ngu Ho Trail which leads to 5 consecutive lakes formed from a large stream and Vong Hai Dai Trail which leads to the gazebo on top of Bach Ma Mountain, a 300-metre trail which leads through a White Seraya forest. On top of this Bach Ma National Park also has an orchid garden which is home to hundreds of types of orchids of various shapes and colours.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the morning

TOP TIPS: From Hue, take Highway 1A and travel south for about 40 kilometres to reach Cau Hai Town (Phu Loc District), turn right and drive for another 19 kilometres to reach Bach Ma National Park.

MUST SEE: Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery.

HAI VAN PASS – THE MOST SCENIC OF MOUNTAIN PASSES

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Thua Thien - Hue in the morning

Hai Van Pass (also known as Ai Van) is the natural boundary between Thua Thien Hue and Danang. The Pass is 21 kilometres long, crossing majestic mountains and overlooking the vast ocean and is considered to be the most dangerous but also the most beautiful and scenic mountain pass in Vietnam. The top of Hai Van Pass is shrouded in clouds year-round, and at a height of 490 metres above sea level there is a historical relic of military architecture from the Nguyen Dynasty built by King Ming Mang in 1826. The front of the building says “Hai Van Quan” and the back says “Thien Ha De Nhat Hung Quan”. In modern times, it has become a popular attraction because from the top of Hai Van Quan, you can see Hai Van Pass running along the ridge of the mountain.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] Travel to Binh Dinh in the evening, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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CRESENT MOON BEACH – ROMANTIC SEA VIEWS AT NIGHT

Located right next to the centre of Quy Nhon City, the beach bends in the shape of a crescent moon with sweeping sandbanks stretching for 5 kilometres from Tan Cape to Ghenh Rang. This beautiful, clean beach is a destination attracting local people and visitors alike to swim and join in many exciting activities. At night, people release lanterns to catch small lobsters in the Ghenh Rang area, creating a particularly enchanting scene as the bright lights flash on the water surface like thousands of stars shining brightly.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

TOP TIPS: Quy Nhon beach in the evening is quite busy, visitors can hang out on the beach or visit a coastal cafe like the Surf Bar, Starfish Café or the S. Blue restaurant and bar. Take a sip of a refreshing drink while watching the scenery of the dreamlike vast night sea.

QUY NHON SQUARE – A PEACEFUL SPOT IN THE CITY CENTER

Located in Ly Thuong Kiet Ward, Quy Nhon City, Quy Nhon Square is really an engaging destination if you want to fully feel the life of the local people here. Every day, starting from 7.00pm, people gather here for many different activities: the elderly take leisurely walks, families let their children play around, and young people gather together to chat. It seems as though the square is a truest miniature version of the whole of Quy Nhon’s life and its people.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

TOP TIPS: There are fun rental services which offer amongst other things skateboards, roller skates, tandem bicycles, cyclos and electric cars.

QUY NHON NIGHT MARKET – VIBRANT HANG-OUT AND SHOPPING SPOT

Located on Le Duan Street, Quy Nhon Night Market is a busy shopping and entertainment destination in the evening. The market opens from 5.00pm to 11.00pm daily, mainly selling fashion items such as clothes, shoes, bags, stuffed animals, hats and glasses at bargain prices. Currently, the market is being expanded to serve international customers offering Binh Dinh’s speciality products as well as local souvenirs. Besides that, the market also has many activities catering for children including trains, balloon houses and boating.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

MUST SEE: From the night market, it is only a few steps away to the park and fountain where you can stop to take a look at the city at nighttime. Otherwise, go across the street to Quy Nhon Mall, CoopMart supermarket or Fahasa bookstore and continue shopping.

EXPLORE THE CITY ON A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAG – EXPERIENCE THE SPLENDID PAST

Nearly 20 years ago, on the roads of Binh Dinh, people could still see horse-drawn carriages with their bells jingling, or black and red horses leisurely grazing along the roadside. However, as time passed the incomes that could be made from driving horse carriages dropped away which caused many to find different lines of work. Therefore, the experience of seeing the city at night on a horsedrawn carriage brings the feeling of returning to the Quy Nhon of many years ago.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

TOP TIPS: Currently, horse-drawn carriage rides cover 3 major routes: Xuan Dieu – Nguyen Tat Thanh – An Duong Vuong. The main station is on Xuan Dieu Street, operating from 6.00pm-9.30pm daily. The ticket price is VND20,000/person/ride, and each trip needs at least 8 people or more to depart. Also on offer are horse-drawn carriage rental services in the city, ranging from VND200,000 – 500,000/ride depending on the distance of your trip.

NIGHT SQUID FISHING – A FISHERMAN’S EXPERIENCE

Night squid fishing is one of the fascinating activities that you cannot miss when visiting the beach cities of Vietnam. You will experience moments of a true fisherman when you go out to sea catching the freshest squid yourself. There is a choice of fishing from a basket boat or wooden boat. Gently floating on the water while waiting for the squid to get hooked, the bright light from the lamps attracting the squid and your job is just to harvest the countless spoils. The squid will be cooked on the spot for you to enjoy it while it’s fresh and hot.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

TOP TIPS: Some locations have organised night squid fishing services for tourists like Nhon Ly commune or Trung Luong picnic area in Cat Tien commune.

SNACK TOUR OF QUY NHON – ENJOY DELICIOUS AND CHEAP FOOD

Quy Nhon has long been famous for its plentiful and appealing specialities that are easily affordable. It would be a pity not to fully explore this culinary paradise with all kinds of snacks, seafood, vermicelli, noodles and pho enjoyed with some fresh fruit juice. You should spend an evening exploring the bustling culinary culture throughout the city. Take a walk along the streets with busy restaurants lined up next to each other, and pick one of your choice.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

TOP TIPS: There are many famous food areas in Quy Nhon such as the food street from the crossroads of Phan Boi Chau – Le Thanh Ton to around Tran Binh Trong – Phan Boi Chau intersection (Le Loi Ward), the popular cheap food street on Ngo Van So Street (Tran Phu Ward), and the food court on Ngoc Han Cong Chua Street (Tran Phu Ward).

EXPLORE THE BARS – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN VIBRANT MUSIC

Some of the favourite entertainment venues of young people at nighttime have to be the bars. And of course, beautiful Quy Nhon City offers a variety of lively bars for you to immerse yourself in music and carefree dancing. If you are not a fan of loud noise, a bar with soft music and cold beer are enough to make for a great night with your friends.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

TOP TIPS: Popular bars in Quy Nhon: Surf Bar (Xuan Dieu street), Royal Club (1 Han Mac Tu), Lion Club (Block DC1B, Ly Thai To), Red Pub (52 Tran Phu), TOP Pub (14 An Duong Vuong).

KARAOKE – AN EVENING OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT

An evening entertainment activity much loved by many groups of friends and family is karaoke. Private rooms with quality sound systems, large screens and performance stages are an ideal hangout spot for people of all ages that enjoy singing. From the latest pop songs to the classics, Vietnamese and foreign, and from love songs to children songs. Every karaoke venue has a huge catalogue of songs for you to choose from and sing your heart out.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

TOP TIPS: Karaoke as evening entertainment is enjoyed by many groups of friends and family. Private singing rooms with the highestquality sound systems are at 120 Nguyen Thi Dinh and Karaoke Salala on Ly Thuong Kiet street.

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8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] Travel to Binh Dinh in the afternoon, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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EO GIO (WINDY STRAIT) – A MASTERPIECE OF THE SEA

Located in Nhon Ly Commune, about 20 kilometres from Quy Nhon City. Its name Windy Strait originates from its geographical shape. When looking down from the cliffs, you can see a small strait shielded by two mountains that look like two arms embracing the beach. By the cliff, there are fascinating caves attracting salanganes to build their nests, such as Ky Co Cave and Ba Nghe Cave. Nearby, there is Da De Beach full of egg-shaped rocks all in unusual sizes and colours. Above all, Eo Gio has a walkway with striking red and white colours along a mountain ridge and continuing along this way, you can reach Ngoc Hoa Monastery with its majestic Buddha statues.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine  | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: Tickets are VND25.000/person.

MUST SEE: You can visit both the FLC Zoo Safari Park and Nhon Ly – Cat Tien Beach nearby, or take a boat to visit Seo Islet.

TRUNG LUONG CAMPING SITE – THE IDEAL SUMMER CHECK-IN POINT

The Trung Luong Camping Site is about 30 kilometres away from Quy Nhon City. It is located in the east of DT639 Road of Trung Luong Village, Cat Tien Commune, Phu Cat District. One of the most exciting activities here is camping in a small valley surrounded by rocky mountains and overlooking the sea. Even if you do not stay overnight, the campsite during the day has a wide range of things to offer, such as red and blue tents, colourful beach chairs, a lovely bar and pretty stone pavement leading to the amazing blue sea. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see, the sand is incredibly soft, and the rocks are largely shaped in unusual ways. This is an ideal place for hours of diving, for you to lose yourself in the vast ocean and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine  | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: The entrance ticket costs VND35,000/person.

YEN ISLAND – HOME OF SALANGANES

Although called an island, it is actually located right on Phuong Mai Peninsula. In total, there are 30 big and small caves on Yen Island, mainly located in the two communes – Nhon Hai and Nhon Ly. This place has an amazing natural landscape with natural thousand-yearold caves. The cliffy and rugged structure makes these caves the perfect home for salanganes. Besides its beautiful landscape, Yen Island also has historical and cultural relics of the Champa Kingdom, the Tay Son Dynasty, and the Nguyen Dynasty, such as its Buddhist Pagoda, Tam Hoa Mountain and Ho Ky Fortress.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine  | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: Exploring deep inside the caves, you can see the impressive sight of countless salangane nests sitting right next to each other on the cliffs. At the same time, you can see mother birds spreading their wings over their babies to keep them warm while the babies are chirping waiting for food.

GHENH RANG TIEN SA TOURIST SITE – THE HARMONIOUS BEAUTY OF THE SKY AND MOUNTAINS

Located in the heart of Quy Nhon City, Ghenh Rang Tien Sa Tourism Site is like an artwork created by nature, with a cluster of rocky mountains stretching along the sea and piles of stones formed into impressive rocky cliffs. Walking along the path, across Mong Cam Slope and up Thi Nhan Hill, you can find the resting place of the poet Han Mac Tu situated in the middle of a pine forest park. Nearby there are slabs of pinewood with Han Mac Tu’s poems engraved on them by the artist Truong Dzu Kha. As well as this, Hoang Hau Beach (also known as Egg Beach) is another famous must-see destination, full of smooth rounded stones resembling giant bird eggs. Exploring further, you can encounter a beautiful natural masterpiece called Chong Island, after going over its rocky shore, you will find a soft golden sand beach with crystal clear blue water. This is the magnificent Tien Sa beach.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine  | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

MUST SEE: Quy Hoa Beach, about 3 kilometres from the tourism site.

TWIN TOWERS – THE UNIQUE BEAUTY OF CHAMPA ARCHITECTURE

The Twin Towers are called Hung Thanh towers and are located near the Twin bridge on Tran Hung Dao Street. Constructed at the end of the 12th century, the Twin Towers are an unique architectural work with two towers lined up next to each other along a North-South axis. In which, the North Tower is 20 meters high, and the South Tower is 18 meters high. Despite its resemblance to traditional Champa towers, the Twin Towers have their own unique characteristics, among other things the towers have two main parts which are a square body block and an arched ceiling. The roof of each tower is a four-sided block, divided into 6 floors of horizontal valances in turn divided into 5 cells with the middle cell being an image of a person meditating. All four corners of the roof are also adorned with the five-headed Naga snake.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine  | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

MUST SEE: Long Khanh Pagoda located on Tran Cao Van Street, about 3 kilometres from the Twin Towers.

BANH IT TOWER – PRESERVING CHAMPA ARCHITECTURAL ARTISTIC VALUES

Banh It Tower is a complex of four towers located in Phuoc Hiep Commune, Tuy Phuoc District, on the top of a hill between two branches of the Con River, Tan An and Cau Ganh, next to Highway 1A, about 20 kilometres from Quy Nhon City. The main tower is 22 meters high and looks like a banh it. Around the main tower, there are three smaller auxiliary towers, and in these three towers, there are two towers that look like two sweet banh its and the other one resembles a meat banh it. Each tower has its own distinctive architectural traits, but on top of each is a statue of Shiva.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine  | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

TOP TIPS: Ticket price: VND7,000/person.

MUST SEE: Near the Banh It Tower is Nguyen Thieu Monastery with a majestic open-air Buddha shrine on the hilltop.

THE IMPERIAL CITADEL – CANH TIEN TOWER – PRESERVING HISTORICAL VALUES OF THOUSANDS OF YEARS

The Imperial Citadel is located in An Nhon Town, 27 kilometres from Quy Nhon City to the Northwest. Built in 1776 by the Tay Son Dynasty at the base of Do Ban of the Champa Kingdom and was named the Imperial Citadel from 1778. From 1776 to 1793, the citadel was headquarters of the Tay Son army then capital of the central government of Emperor Thai Duc – Nguyen Nhac. Architectural works have shown that Thai Crown dynasty was developed on this land and the Imperial Citadel was recognised as a national cultural heritage in 1982. Canh Tien Tower was built in the 12th century as a “sacred mountain” in centre of the old Do Ban Citadel and has impressive architecture and decorative patterns, showing the typical artistic values of Champa style in Binh Dinh.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine  | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

MUST SEE: Also visit nearby places including Thien Hung Pagoda with its ancient style combined with modern impressionism and Thap Thap Di Da Pagoda which is over 300 years old.

THE TAY SON EARTH-SKY ALTAR – REMEMBERING EMPEROR QUANG TRUNG’S ACHIVEMENTS

The Earth-Sky altar is also known as An Son Spiritual Tourist Area, in Hoa Son Village, Binh Tuong Commune. Construction started in November 2011 on the 220th death anniversary of Emperor Quang Trung (1792 – 2012). The altar is arranged on an area of 46 hectares on An Son mountain peak, including two levels for the altar, Nghi Mon 1 and 2, a windbreak, a temple area, a management boardroom, a semicircle lake, technical zone, parking lot and road from the bottom to the top of the mountain. All surrounded by the charming feng shui landscape of Hoanh Son mountain.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine  | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

MUST SEE: On the way from Quy Nhon City Center to the Sky-Earth Altar, visitors can stop by Quang Trung Museum and the famous Cham Towers, Duong Long Tower and Thu Thien Tower. From the altar, about 30 kilometres further on Highway 19, you will get to the Tay Son Thuong Dao relics complex.

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8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] Travel to Binh Dinh in the morning, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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KY CO BEACH – LOST IN PARADISE

Located in Nhon Ly Commune, 25 kilometres northeast of Quy Nhon, Ky Co has one side facing sea and is otherwise surrounded by mountains. Blessed by nature, the beach has a charming landscape of rugged cliffs, a crescent moon-shaped seashore, and crystal clear blue water offering a window-like view to bottom and changing its colour at different times throughout the day.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

TOP TIPS: There are two options for travelling to Ky Co Beach. Option 1: By boat, combined with a visit to Eo Gió (Windy Strait), Hòn Khô (Kho Island). Book a tour or rent a motorboat which costs VND130,000 – VND150,000/person (this does not include entrance fee to Ky Co tourist area of VND60,000/person). Option 2: By road, round-trip tickets cost VND100.000/person if you walk to the top of the mountain, which is quite a steep path, take Ky Co Resort’s transit bus to the beach. However, saving the walk and travelling directly from Ky Co Resort to the beach the cost is VND150,000/person. Both prices include the entrance fee

KHO ISLAND – THE STUNNING BEAUTY OF THE ISLANDS OF QUY NHON

A small island located right in front of Nhon Hai, shielding this peaceful fishing village from storms. As its name indicates, Kho (dry) is a desert-like island devoid of green trees, covered with rocky mountains and only a few small bushes. Despite this, it has an incredibly beautiful untouched pristine beach with crystal clear blue water. There are many activities for tourists including swimming in the sea, diving to see colourful coral reefs or fishing from the edge of some short cliffs around the island.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

TOP TIPS: Driving from the centre of Quy Nhon City, go across Thi Nai Bridge, through Nhon Hoi Economic zone, along Mai Huong Bay, a few kilometres over a mountain pass and you can reach Nhon Hai Peninsula. From there, you can take a boat for 10 minutes to Kho Island. Nowadays, there are many tour operators picking up tourists right in the city centre.

MUST SEE: Phuong Mai Sand Dunes (Nhon Ly Commune) and their exciting sandboarding.

CU LAO XANH (GREEN ISLAND) – ENDLESS BEAUTY OF SKY, SEA AND ISLAND

Located in Nhon Chau Commune, 28 kilometres southeast of Quy Nhon City, Green Island has gorgeous picturesque scenery. The front beach is covered with white sand with a view of the mainland, and the residents of the island mainly live on this side, whereas the back beach is covered in piles of large rocks which all year round face up to howling winds and roaring waves. Cu Lao Xanh (Green Island) also has several interesting attractions like the Cu Lao Xanh Lighthouse, the Fairy Stream, a beach where sea turtles lay eggs, and watching the stunning sunset on the pier.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

TOP TIPS: Option1: Take a boat from Ham Tu Dock (Quy Nhon City) for about an hour, the price is VND35.000/person, daily departures at 8.00am and 1.00pm. Option 2: Take a speedboat for 30 minutes/one way, the price ranges from VND3 to 5 million depending on the size of the boat. There is also the option to book a trip for more than one day.

THI NAI LAGOON – THE BIGGEST LAGOON IN BINH DINH PROVINCE

Located to the northeast of Quy Nhon City and stretching for more than 10 kilometres, it is famous for its variety of seafood. All branches of the Kon River and the Ha Thanh River flow into the lagoon which has gradually built it up with layers of alluvial sediment over the years. At high tide, water fills up the lagoon, looking like the rippling ocean on a windy day. At low tide, the water recedes, revealing a thick and smooth mud bottom leading to it being referred to as a Dry Sea (Biển Cạn) in historical texts. On a small mountain inside the lagoon is a little temple built by fishermen to worship the god of water. Looking like an ancient tower, the mountain is known as Fortune Teller Tower.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

TOP TIPS: Make an early visit to see the sunrise as the sun rising over the Trieu Chau mountain range and the sunlight shining off the water of the lagoon make for a charming and fascinating scene.

VI RONG CAPE (DRAGON FIN CAPE) – A DUET OF THE SEA AND THE ROCKS

Located in Long Phung Village, My Tho Commune, Phu My District in Binh Dinh Province, Vi Rong Cape is rocky reef protruding about 20 meters into the sea, which includes a sea cave in the middle and is surrounded by fascinating formations of emerging rocks. From a distance, Vi Rong Cape seems like a giant dragon ready to fly towards the sea. The huge rocks towering above the sea combined with the waves crashing in and around them create an image of a dragon spitting water.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

TOP TIPS: Besides taking in the majestic natural landscape, you can also enjoy swimming in the sea or participate in exciting group activities. For something to eat, try Hai Hien restaurant, the nearby Hong Tham Café, or head back to the city centre for more restaurant options.

MUST SEE: Hon Nuoc Lighthouse (formerly named Vung Moi Lighthouse).

HAM HO – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE

Ham Ho Eco-tourism Site is located in Tay Phu Commune, Tay Son District, about 50 kilometres northwest of Quy Nhon City. At the foot of the majestic Truong Son Mountain Range and nestled amidst the forest, Ham Ho is a spectacular natural tourist attraction thanks to Troi Lap River, Chuong Islet, Bong Islet, Da Thanh Islet and a diverse forest ecosystem.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

TOP TIPS: You can participate in many interesting activities such as visiting ancient houses, exploring local lifestyles, riding on a horsedrawn carriage, kayaking, fishing, lying in a hammock under the trees, camping, staying at a stilt house, making a campfire, singing karaoke, or having a massage. Immersing yourself in nature will give you the best moments of relaxation. You can plan your own trip or buy a oneday trip for VND699,000/person.

NUI MOT LAKE ECO-TOURISM SITE – BINH DINH’S BLUE JADE

Located in An Truong Village, Nhon Tan Commune, An Nhon District, about 40 kilometres from Quy Nhon City, it was a valley surrounded by mountain ranges before being turned into an irrigation lake, which has made the views more charming and verdant. You can hike through the mountains and explore the ancient Ong Dai Cave, which was a shelter for soldiers and a place for food storage or cruise around on a boat to admire the beautiful picturesque scenery, taking a break at Do Waterfall and visiting Canh Tien ethnic village.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

TOP TIPS: From Quy Nhon City, you can travel by car or scooter along National Road 19 to Truong Village, follow the road signs and turn right, keep driving 8 kilometres more down the road, and then you reach Nui Mot Lake. If you take a bus, you should get off at Cai Ba crossroads (Nhon Tan Commune, An Nhon District) and take a motorbike taxi for the final 8 kilometres.

VUNG CHUA MOUNTAIN – HIGHLANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEA CITY

Vung Chua Mountain is about 600 meters above the sea level, located right next to the seaside city of Quy Nhon and is a popular tourist attraction. Visiting Vung Chua, you will experience many interesting things, in particular, how the appearance of the mountain is affected by the weather. On sunny days, the sky is clear and there are fresh green trees, and you can see everything so clearly. Whereas, on cloudy days, the cool air and blurry mist can make you feel like you are lost in dreamy Dalat.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

TOP TIPS: From the centre of Quy Nhon City, drive on National Road 1D, along this road you will pass by Ghenh Rang Tourism Area, then turn right to Quy Hoa at the crossroads, notice on the right side there is a road leading you to the mountain. Follow this road for a while and then it separates into two directions: the left leads to the Fairy Stream Tourism Site, and the right leads to Vung Chua Mountain.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

My Viet Nam in movies

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] I have an old habit of noticing the places featured in movies, and all of these have created strong feelings of affection that are enchanting and sparkling for me. Apparently, movies are not merely for entertainment, stunningly beautiful scenes enchantingly captured by talented directors have touched my heart and encouraged me to start an adventure to explore my own country.   

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

PHU YEN IS AS SWEET AS CHILDHOOD IN I SAW THE YELLOW FLOWERS ON THE GREEN GRASS

Until one October day a few years ago, I did not often pay attention to Vietnamese movies in the cinemas, preferring TV series with characters and life stories profoundly pictured and told in a series of episodes. At that time, I heard my friends excitedly talking about the movie I saw the yellow flowers on the green grass, which was based on a novel of the same title by the author Nguyen Nhat Anh and directed by Victor Vu. Filled with curiosity by the praise for the movie from the media and also because of my admiration for the author Nguyen Nhat Anh, I decided to go to the cinema to watch the film only to find my earlier prejudices disappear, replaced by admiration and passion.

The movie is about two brothers, Thieu and Tuong, who both grew up in a poor coastal village in the late 1980s. Thieu loves reading books, and while he loves his brother a lot, he is sometimes jealous of him. Tuong, on the other hand, idolises his brother and follows him everywhere he goes. The appearance of Man, the brother’s first crush and the heartfelt brotherhood of Thieu and Tuong touch the hearts of people born in the 1970s and 1980s and remind them of their long-lost childhood memories.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

The movie is neither too fast-paced nor sorrowful. It is just about little stories of everyday life in a poor countryside area in the centre of Vietnam, but those very tiny pieces are connected to create a painting of unforgettable childhood memories of each and every countryside child like me. The movie evoked nostalgic feelings and brought me back to familiar and peaceful surroundings. Phu Yen, the name alone can provoke multiple feelings. Probably due to growing up in a poor countryside region on the central coast, I could somehow relate and fall deeply in love with the peaceful scenes in the movie.

Following the storyline of the movie, I go to a sugarcane field in Hinh River district, where the green of sugarcane and grass along with the blue of the sky above spread as far as the eyes can see. The breeze runs its fingers through the fields, forming a lively song with beautiful notes. At the next destination, the abundant rice and corn fields of Tuy An district are opening out in the golden sunshine in front of my eyes. Incredible Xep beach is full of cactuses, making it look like a painting of resilience in the harsh conditions and evoking differing feelings in an adventurer. The blue sky blending with the colour of the vast ocean and the green of the immense grasslands make even the harsh sunlight tender and comfortable on the eyes.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

Walking along the cliffs and listening to the distant waves, I feel as if my feelings are harmonising with the sea. The beautiful childhood memories are playing as in a slowmotion movie right before my eyes when I am standing on a golden sand beach on such a wind-blown day. The feelings the movie has evoked in me are not only nostalgic memories, but beyond that, they are an inseparable part of the picturesque land in the centre of the country. They help warm up the hearts of central-born people living away from home and remind us to come back to our homeland sometime very soon.

Every now and then, whenever I feel homesick, I saw yellow flowers on the green grass is still my go-to choice to indulge myself in the scent of my hometown in those tranquil movie scenes.

SILENT UNDER THE DARK ABYSS AND A BEAUTIFUL BUT SORROWFUL HA GIANG

For those who love travelling to the mountains, when your legs seem to need a rest, try sitting down and watching Silent under the dark abyss by director Dao Duy Phuc. A mountainous vibe is highlighted in every scene, making me watch it over and over again just to satisfy my eyes with the scenery of the rocky highlands.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

Silent under the dark abyss is the passionate yet tragic love story of the two main characters, Vu and Sua. They love each other, but their love story does not seem destined to have a happy ending when Sua is kidnapped to become the wife of Phong, the son of a wealthy family. The love between Vu and Sua is thought to end, but with a desire for freedom and formidable instinct, Sua does not surrender her destiny. Likewise, although he sometimes feels so desperate that he wants to give up, Vu follows the call of his heart. The passionate love of Vu and Sua thrives like those flowers gorgeously blooming on rocky outcrops.

The landscape of far northern Ha Giang is stunningly beautiful with amazingly extensive mountain ranges, poetic valleys of buckwheat flowers, and multiple layers of rugged rock. It has also witnessed the love story of the H’mong couple in the TV series Silent under the dark abyss. Fields of buckwheat flowers swaying in the wind among high rocky mountains remind people of the shyness of a young H’mong woman beside her sweetheart. The very light pink and purple colours of these flowers on the barren highlands represent the eternity of love.

Obsolete traditions, poverty, and hatred have to surrender to resilience and passion, just like how buckwheat flowers have kept blooming every year to move the hearts of visitors.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

Silent under the dark abyss does not only reveal immense natural landscapes with sharp rocky mountains pointing bristly and boldly into the sky, images of houses behind stone fences, or the colourful skirts of H’mong women, it also brings Ha Giang closer to the audience with its customs and traditions. Its culture is shown in festivals, weddings, gentle folk songs, and the sound of flutes echoing in the forests. H’mong people were born among rocks, grow up with rocks and always nurture a pure love in their heart. Just like Ha Giang, their homeland, they are innocent and humble yet strong, self-respectful and always long for true love.

Many movies are set in Ha Giang. Besides Silent in the dark abyss, other well-known productions also include Father and Son by director Luong Dinh Dung, Red Sky directed by Olivier Lorelle and Pao’s story by Ngo Quang Hai. After indulging in these movies, many people leave a piece of their hearts in the mountains of Ha Giang.

INDOCHINE, THE BEAUTY OF VIETNAM THROUGH THE EYES OF THE FRENCH

I used to spend large amounts of time seeking the images of this S-shaped country in foreign films just to find the answer to my very own question: How is my country seen through the eyes of foreign people? And I finally found it in the movie Indochine.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

The director of photography, François Catonné, once said “I have left my heart in this place” when he came to Vietnam to work on this film. It is undoubtedly true that Vietnam has always held a miraculous attraction for the world’s filmmakers thanks to its simple and humble but wideranging beauty. The renowned Indochine is also a valuable source for history buffs who want to know more about the social settings of that period.

I was made aware of the film by my school history teacher who told us stories about colonial times and the challenges and hardships faced by people from different classes in society. Those stories were like mysterious seeds, arousing curiosity in me. After that, I watched the film so attentively that I completely lost track of time, and Vietnam, as shown in the film, was the heart of Indochina.

Despite being well-known after winning an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1993, Indochine was not officially screened in Vietnam until 2016 at the Hanoi International Film Festival. The audience excitedly went to watch the film they had heard so much about for such a long time and adored a magnificent Vietnam through the scenes of the French film.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

Indochine is a film set in colonial French Vietnam from the 1930s to 1950s. Although set over 70 years ago, many values present in the film still remain important even as time goes by. Made by the French, the film is about the very colonial land they lost and displays in detail the war in which they were defeated. Nevertheless, the film does not defend or attack either side, showing a subjective awareness of history, and of the people of the colonial country where the French were vanquished. That is the very reason why I find it both touching and exciting to watch.

My heart was deeply moved when I witnessed the sacred love between Éliane Devries and her daughter Camille, or the complicated nature of the love triangle between both of them and the good-looking officer Jean-Baptiste Le Guen. Eventually, the lives of all three characters were sent into a swirl with the surprising changes of the time, leading them onto separate paths.

However, since the media have seemingly used all the most outstanding words in the world to describe the massively famous Indochine, as a person who is meticulous about different film shots, I always pay more attention to places and locations in films and Indochine has completely won me over in this.

The director harnesses the beauty of Vietnam very well and makes it look magnificent through the eyes of a foreigner. It is a pristine but gorgeous Vietnam gradually entering into a new era. Each and every scene is carefully considered, and that very meticulousness of filmmakers has created an authentic and amazing Vietnam in the film.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

It is no exaggeration to say that Indochine is a masterpiece and a precious jewel in the image of Vietnam. To be honest, I used to think that our country might seem poor and rundown during wartime, but when the first scene of Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) was shown on the screen, I was astonished as it was still so stunningly beautiful. Ha Long Bay appears many times in the film, leaving gentle impressions in the mind of the audience and while watching the film, I knew in my mind that I would definitely go to that place.

The scenes in Ninh Binh have most vividly put on display its pristine beauty, which is somehow, really Indochine. A quiet and solemn Hue has played an essential role in telling the stories of the French in Vietnam in the period between 1939 and 1950. The then authority even allowed the crew to set up and film inside the palace of King Bao Dai.

Indochine is not limited to any one setting, but there are many locations from all around Vietnam. For those who understand the film through their ultimate empathy and observation will see it as a beautiful but sad depiction. The expansive and magnificent sceneries create the beauty, and sadness comes from the fact that the beauty is meaningless when the whole country is struggling under colonial rule.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

Blended in amongst the amazing scenes are the resilience and powerful spirits of the Vietnamese people. I felt pity and compassion for those sweating workers manually tapping rubber in the rubber plantations during the night by the flickering light of torches. Theatre troupes travelling from place to place to encourage people to rise up, or communist soldiers so persistently waiting for the right time to fight for the country. Through this, Indochine does not just make me astonished at the beauty of the landscapes of my homeland, it also connotes the incredible beauty of my fellow people. I did not miss one bit of emotion during the 2 hours and 40 minutes of the film in which a blurred image of Vietnam that I could only read about in books appeared so vividly in front of my eyes.

Just like me, other Vietnamese must be so proud to see their country from the perspective of foreigners. And for foreigners, on the other hand, Indochine has played an important role in inspiring and urging them to come to Vietnam, a small but powerful and exceptionally beautiful country.

CLOSING LINES

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | My Viet Nam in movies

Every movie evokes different feelings and impressions depending on each individual’s perceptions. Some people might take watching a movie as slowly as drinking tea to enjoy the lingering aftertaste of it. Some others, however, inspire their dreams of travelling through films. I myself not only enjoy watching movies about my Vietnam over and over again to nurture greater feelings for them, I also want to see the landscapes in them in reality in my trips. It might be true that we do not need to go somewhere far as there are still many amazing places and stories waiting for us to explore and give our hearts to in our very own country.

Thi Thi | Wanderlust Tips