Latest Threads

Ha Giang Spring: Blossoms, Food & Laughter

Northern Viet Nam 6 Replies

admin, 23-02-2025, 12:16

Spring arrives in the highlands...

A season of peach, plum, and pear blossoms, whitening a corner of the sky... A season of golden mustard fields on the slopes... A season of rosy cheeks, flushed from the biting cold...

A season of grilled pork rolls wrapped in mustard greens sizzling over glowing embers, and colorful, ginger-scented sweet potato porridge warming the hearts of travelers. The biting cold blankets the rocky plateau, yet the children's laughter and the friendly hospitality of the locals, the hand-in-hand dancing around the fire... it's all here!

These beautiful and heartwarming things are what define Ha Giang.

Open Thread

Lao PM Rides Ho Chi Minh City Metro

Politics & Society No Replies

admin, 22-02-2025, 06:05

On the morning of February 22, 2025, during a state visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of the Lao People's Democratic Republic experienced the Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien).

Open Thread

Ninh Thuận is unbelievably beautiful this time of year!

Central Viet Nam No Replies

admin, 22-02-2025, 09:38

This is a photo of Hon Rua (Turtle Island) in Vĩnh Hy Bay, one of the most stunning and difficult-to-reach places in Ninh Thuan province. You can only get there when the weather is at its best – calm winds, sunshine, and clear skies – which is now.

It's even better because you can combine the trip with a scenic coastal drive, and visits to vineyards, Rai Cave, and the Stone Park – the perfect getaway!

Beautiful photo by Thế Vinh.

Open Thread

The 20th-Century Houses of Phú Quý Island

Central Viet Nam No Replies

admin, 22-02-2025, 09:27

During the French colonial period, Phú Quý Island was known as Poulo-Cécir-de-Mer (Coral Island of the Sea). Besides its beautiful scenery, one of Phú Quý's most unique features is its architecture. Along the island's roads stand rows of single-story houses, bearing the imprint of a bygone era.

While considered "modern architecture" due to their industrial materials, these houses retain an old-world charm. Their most striking feature is the carving of the year of construction on their facades – a way to commemorate the building's "birth year." These dates range from the early 1970s to the late 1990s, although most seem to have been built in the 1980s and 90s. The inclusion of the year in the design may be purely aesthetic or a sentimental gesture to celebrate the "birthday" of their beloved homes.

Source: Travellive Magazine

Open Thread

Hanoi's Number 2 Pumping Station: A Memory

Ha Noi 2 Replies

admin, 22-02-2025, 09:23

Memories of the Number 2 Le Phung Hieu Housing Complex Pumping Station, Hanoi

The old housing complex, its walls speckled with the marks of time. The pumping station remains, silent and a part of the neighborhood's memory.

I remember the low hum of the pumps, the water filling the reservoir, flowing into the cramped apartments. Children would perch precariously on the reservoir's lid, counting passing cars. Much has changed, but the pumps are still there...

: Photo credit DzungArt Nguyen

Open Thread

Lô Lô Chải: Fairytale Village near Lũng Cú

Northern Viet Nam 3 Replies

admin, 21-02-2025, 11:55

Nestled at the foot of Dragon Mountain (in Lũng Cú Commune, Đồng Văn District, Hà Giang Province), the Lô Lô Chải cultural village is located just about 1 kilometer from the Lũng Cú Flagpole. The village is often described as a fairytale world, with its peaceful and beautiful houses reminiscent of children's stories.

Hà Giang is approximately 279 kilometers from Hanoi, a six-hour drive by car. However, there are many ways to get there. You can choose a passenger bus to conserve your energy for upcoming trips, with tickets costing between 200,000 and 300,000 VND per person each way.

From Hà Giang city center, the journey to Lô Lô Chải is challenging and approximately 150 kilometers long. You can take National Highway 4C to Đồng Văn town or the Lũng Cú Flagpole; the trip takes about five hours.

Homestays in Lô Lô Chải are traditionally styled, featuring common areas and spacious communal spaces. Ancient Lô Lô artifacts are displayed in the rooms, creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Homestay prices in Lô Lô Chải range from 150,000 to 800,000 VND per night, depending on whether you choose a dorm or a private room.

At the beginning of 2022, Lô Lô Chải was officially recognized as a Cultural Tourism Village.

Photos: Nguyễn Thu Hương, Tuấn Đào

Open Thread

Hanoi's Best Eel Restaurants

Cuisine No Replies

admin, 21-02-2025, 11:49

Top Eel Restaurants Around Hanoi

Here are some of the best places to get eel dishes in Hanoi:
1. Cô Lan's Eel Noodles: 1 Bùi Ngọc Dương Street, Hai Bà Trưng District (45,000-55,000 VND)
2. Khôi's Eel Soup & Porridge: 300 Thái Hà Street, Đống Đa District
3. Eel Noodles (Stir-fried & Mixed): 195B Đội Cấn Street, Ba Đình District (~30,000 VND)
4. Thương Béo's Eel Soup (Tô Hiệu Branch): Alley 2, Lane 215 Tô Hiệu Street, Cầu Giấy District
5. Eel Noodles: Opposite Hàng Da Market, Hoàn Kiếm District
6. Sushi Lab: 151 Phùng Hưng Street, Hoàn Kiếm District (Note: This restaurant offers eel as part of their sushi menu)
7. Lan Hương's Eel Noodles & Eel Soup: House A1, Alley 119 Hồ Đắc Di Street, Đống Đa District
8. Crispy Eel Noodles with Bamboo Shoots & Chili: 46 Nguyễn Tư Giản Street, Hoàn Kiếm District (20,000 VND/bowl) (7 AM - 3 PM)
9. Unatoto: Grilled Eel Sushi, Eel Egg Rolls, Eel Rice - 531 Kim Mã Street, Ba Đình District (Note: This restaurant offers eel as part of their sushi menu)
10. Stewed Eel with Bananas & Beans: BT14, Alley 75 Trần Thái Tông Street, Cầu Giấy District
11. Đông Thịnh's Stir-fried Eel Noodles: 87 Hàng Điếu Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
12. Dũng Lươn's Eel Noodles: 13, 19/5 Street, Chiến Thắng Ward, Hà Đông District (6:30 AM - 9:30 PM)
13. Eel Noodles: 461 Đê La Thành Street, Ba Đình District
14. Anh Béo Quán: Eel Soup & Banh Mướt (Steamed Rice Pancakes) - 56 Lê Quang Đạo Street, Mễ Trì
15. Thanh Trà's Mixed Eel Noodles: 3, Alley 25 Hàm Long Street, Hoàn Kiếm District (4 PM - Late)
16. Eel Noodles: Alley 252, Khâm Thiên Market, Đống Đa District
17. Trạm Sushi: Eel Rice - 17, Alley 19 Trần Quang Diệu Street, Đống Đa District (9:30 AM - 2 PM & 4 PM - 10 PM) (Note: This restaurant offers eel as part of their sushi menu)
18. Mixed Eel Noodles: 9 Phủ Doãn Street, Hoàn Kiếm District (30,000 VND)
19. Tân Tân's Eel Noodles: 16 Tuệ Tĩnh Street, Hai Bà Trưng District (40,000-50,000 VND) (8 AM - 10 PM)
20. Eel Bun Thang (a type of Hanoi noodle soup): 89 Phố Hiến Xưa Bun Thang Restaurant - HH1 Building Lobby, Alley 90 Nguyễn Tuân Street, Thanh Xuân District

Enjoy your meal! ^^

Open Thread

Ha Giang's Đường Thượng: Hidden Valley Gem

Northern Viet Nam 7 Replies

admin, 21-02-2025, 11:46

When exploring Ha Giang province, it would be a shame to miss Đường Thượng (in Yên Minh district). Đường Thượng is a commune located over 40 kilometers from the district center, covering an area of 50.43 square kilometers and comprising 10 villages, primarily inhabited by the Mong ethnic minority.

In the summer, the valleys of Đường Thượng are carpeted with lush green corn and flax fields, resembling European grasslands. The 40-kilometer journey from Yên Minh town is relatively easy, making it an accessible destination for exploration and recreation.

Visitors can spend time wandering through the villages, taking photos, and discovering beautiful spots. The commune boasts a provincially-listed French fort, as well as a stunning and impressive cave system. These attractions alone guarantee a memorable trip to Đường Thượng.

Nestled in a long valley surrounded by towering, rugged mountains, Đường Thượng is a beautiful Ha Giang destination perfect for adventurous travelers seeking new and breathtaking scenery in the high limestone plateau region.

Open Thread

Ta Xua: A Six-Month Cloud Paradise

Northern Viet Nam 1 Replies

admin, 21-02-2025, 11:36

Tired of Ta Xua? No way! If I went, I'd need two trips a year, and each trip would have to last six months to satisfy me!

Actually, many places have clouds, but to have a boundless sea of clouds stretching out before your eyes, surreal and beautiful like stepping into another world, especially at sunset – only Ta Xua can provide that feeling!

Thanks to Nguyen Thanh Luan for sharing this stunning moment!

Open Thread

Dao Wedding in Mau Son

Culture No Replies

admin, 21-02-2025, 11:28

The most unusual wedding in Vietnam: A Dao wedding in Mau Son

The Lu Gang Dao people of the Mau Son mountains believe that the best things begin before sunrise. Therefore, while the entire village sleeps, the bride gets dressed at her parents' house, leaving between 1 and 2 AM to arrive at the groom's home while the mountains are still shrouded in mist.

Besides her dowry, the bride prepares two outfits: one for leaving her parents' home and another to change into before entering the groom's house. Her attire includes a face veil, a multi-layered dress, and four sashes, all elaborately embroidered in vibrant colors. Wealthier families boast more layers of clothing.

The wedding party is a grand affair, featuring a brass band and a large gathering of family and friends from both sides. This is followed by a "tơ hồng" ceremony (likely a symbolic thread-tying ceremony), where the bride and groom step onto a flower-decorated mat to perform prostrations, paying respects to ancestors, the shaman, parents, siblings, and the groom's relatives and the wedding party. According to Dao custom, to avoid bad luck, the groom must not see the bride's face until all ceremonies are complete; only then is the veil lifted.

After the ceremony, guests are offered a cup of rice wine and a piece of boiled pork liver. Everyone must finish their drink to wish the bride, groom, and their families happiness.

Photos: Nguyen Son Tung

Open Thread

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 … 27 Next

Categories

Latest Threads

Ha Giang Spring: Blossoms, Food & Laughter

Northern Viet Nam 6 Replies

Lao PM Rides Ho Chi Minh City Metro

Politics & Society No Replies

Ninh Thuận is unbelievably beautiful this time of year!

Central Viet Nam No Replies

The 20th-Century Houses of Phú Quý Island

Central Viet Nam No Replies

Hanoi's Number 2 Pumping Station: A Memory

Ha Noi 2 Replies

Lô Lô Chải: Fairytale Village near Lũng Cú

Northern Viet Nam 3 Replies

Hanoi's Best Eel Restaurants

Cuisine No Replies

Ha Giang's Đường Thượng: Hidden Valley Gem

Northern Viet Nam 7 Replies

Ta Xua: A Six-Month Cloud Paradise

Northern Viet Nam 1 Replies

Dao Wedding in Mau Son

Culture No Replies