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East Dominated by Red River Basin and the Sea, the Fertile North-East Is the Cradle of Vietnamese Civilization

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North- East Dominated by Red River basin and the sea, the fertile north-east is the cradle of Vietnamese civilization. Much of Vietnamese history, not all of it happy, was made there. In particular, Vietnam had less then cordial relations with the Chinese, who invaded in the 2nd century BC and stayed for about 1000 years. Indeed, the last invasion took place as recently as 1979. On the most positive note, this part of Vietnam is showing some real economic potential. Much investor interest centers on Haiphong, Vietnam's largest seaport. However, it is the scenery-not history, politics and economics - that is the major tourist drawcard here. In particular, the spectacular coastline of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Cat Ba island offer some of nature's most bizarre geologic displays. Add to that such interesting side attractions as Ba Be Lakes, the mountains around Cao Bang plus region's accessibility to China, and it's not hard to see why Vietnam's north-east is a major magnet for visitors. North-West North-west Vietnam offers travelers some of the country's most spectacular scenery. The mountainous areas are home to many distinct hill tribes, some still living as they have for generations, despite ever-increasing Vietnamese and Western influences. Highway 6 winds through beautiful mountains and high plains inhabited by Montagnards (notably the Black Thai, White Thai and H'mong). The Thai are most numerous in the lower lands, where they cultivate tea and fruit and live in attractive stilt houses. The hardy H'mong live in the bleaker high-lands over 1000m. Highway 6 has recently renovated and bitumen from Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu. Even more exciting is Highway 32 between Dien Bien Phu and Lai Chau - a dangerous cliffhanger frequently wiped out by landslides. The ensuring stretch from Lai Chau into Sapa is bumpy in places but offers some of the best mountain vistas in South- East Asia. The most interesting (and hair-raising) journey of all is the 'north-west loop'. Head for Mai Chau, followed by Son La and Dien Bien Phu, then north to Lai Chau, Sapa, Lao Cai and back to Hanoi. The loop requires 4 WD or motorbike, and you should allow at least a weed for this trip. Nha Trang Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine beaches, excellent scuba diving, beautiful hotels and resorts in Nha Trang and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers of backpackers on the South East Asia circuit. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is amongst the world's most beautiful bays. The city has about 500,000 inhabitants and is projected to increase to 600,000 to 800,000 inhabitants in the year 2020 according to estimation of Nha Trang Administrative Board Statistics. Historically, the city was known as Kauthara under the Champa. Nha Trang is renowned for its seafood. Lying off Nha Trang is Bamboo Island (No Bamboo, of course) operated by the Vinpearl Group. There is now a chair lift linking the mainland to the 5-star resort and theme park on Bamboo Island. Flights to Nha Trang no longer use the city airport, but fly into Cam Ranh airport (approx. 50 km south) but the foreign tourists can not get Vietnam visa on arrival here. Phan Thiet Phan Thiết is the capital city of Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. Located on an arm of the South China Sea, Phan Thiết is one of Vietnam's most important fishing areas. Its population is roughly 205,333 (2004). Ho Chi Minh lived in Phan Thiết for a short time and taught at the Duc Thanh school. During the war, Phan Thiết was the site of the US military base known as Landing Zone Betty which was located at the now closed Airfield South West of the City. In recent years, Phan Thiết (specifically Mũi Né Beach district) has been transformed into a resort destination. October 24, 1995 is considered to be the birth of tourism in Phan Thiết, when thousands rushed to Mũi Né to see the total solar eclipse. The event was commemorated on the same day in 2005 as the tenth anniversary of tourism for the province. Mui Ne Peaceful Mui Ne Beach has emerged as a highly popular alternative to the hoopla further south at Vung Tau. This beautiful beach is 200km from Ho Chi Minh City, and 22 km east of Phan Thiet on Route 706, near the fishing village at the tip of Mui Ne Peninsula. Mui Ne is famous for its enormous sand dunes. These have been a favorite subject matter for many of a Vietnamese photographer, including some who sit camel-like on the blazing hot sand for hours waiting for the winds to sculpt the dunes into that perfect ‘Kodak’ moment. Quy Nhon Quy Nhon is the capital of Binh Dinh province and one of Vietnam’s more active second-string seaports. The beaches in the immediate vicinity of the city is nothing special, however Quy Nhon is a convenient – though somewhat disappointing – place to break the long journey from Nha Trang to Danang. Quy Nhon is on the coast 10km east of National Highway 1. The big highway junction where you turn off to Quy Nhon is called the Ba Di Bridge Crossroad. From the Municipal Beach, Cu Lao Xanh Island is visible offshore. Due east of the beach (to the left as you face the water) you can see, in the distance, an oversize statue of Tran Hung Dao erected on a promontory overlooking the fishing village of Hai Minh. Da Lat The jewel of the Central Highlands, Da Lat is in a temperate region dotted with lakes, waterfalls, eve green forests and gardens. The cool climate and the park-like environment make this one of the most delightful cities in all of Vietnam. It was once called Le Petit Paris and to this end there is a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower behind the central market. Da Lat is by far Vietnam’s most popular honeymoon spot. It’s also the favorite haunt of Vietnamese artists and avant-garde types who have made this their permanent home. It’s also (hopefully) the final word of Vietnamese kirsch. Source: Đặt khách sạn .
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