Hoi An Travel Guide

Attractions

Cua Dai Beach

Hoi An is very beautiful town in Vietnam. Though Hoi An is small in size, its scenic beauty and tourist attractions attract thousands of tourists throughout the year. There are numerous exotic beaches in this small town. One of them is the famous Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An. The pristine beach is located in the about 5 kilometers away from the town of Hoi An. While visiting the place in Vietnam, you must not miss the chance to visit this amazing Cua Dai Beach.

Roaming around this pristine beach is in itself a charming experience. Walking through the white sand of the beach is awesome. The environment is very peaceful and relaxing. You can reach this pleasant beach only in few minutes by riding a bicycle. Except this natural beauty, the Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An also holds many resorts and hotels in its lap. Some of these resorts are Dong An Beach Hotel, Glory Hotel, Hoi An Trails Resort, Indochine Hotel Hoi An, Phu Thinh 2 Hotel, Swiss - Belhotel Golden Sand Resort and so on. All these resorts are located in the center of the Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An. You may stay in these hotels so that you can spend some peaceful time in the lap of the beach.

Along with the pleasant accommodation in the Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, you will also get several restaurants and bars. The beach is well known for its seafood and various other food items. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead with your holiday planning and spend your weekend in the Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An.

Thu Bon River

Water bodies in general are an important part of Vietnam as a whole. More so for this shore town of Hoi An. The Thu Bon River in Hoi An plays an important role in the geography, culture as well as the history of Hoi An. The town which was better known as Fai Fo in the days of antiquity, is situated on the banks of this river. Located at a distance of 30Km away form Vietnam's 4th largest city, Danang, this small town is positioned in the estuary of the Thu Bon River in Hoi An. Moreover, the Thu Bon River in Hoi An is not just the chief culminating point for most festivals and events that are held at Hoi An but also the chief source of livelihood for many residents of the town.
The Thu Bon River in Hoi An is the largest of its kind in the Khannam Danang Province of Vietnam. The Thu Bon River in Hoi An is also famous by another name among the people of Vietnam: "Kuadai". The river is responsible in a big way for the traditional and historical heritage of the town of Hoi An. The now fishing town of Hoi An was a popular international trade destination and also a convenient stopover for many merchant ships bound to and for China and other countries. This was chiefly because of the simple reason that the Thu Bon River in Hoi An flowed into the East China Sea. Trade in the town via the Thu Bon River in Hoi An thrived from the 16th to the 18th centuries. In fact, most of the current populations of the town are descendents of traders and merchants who chose to settle down in the town. It is believed that in those days the Thu Bon River in Hoi An had a larger estuary area that facilitated trade and communication. The formation of the bays and shores of the river today that are made of sandbanks and guarded by lagoons indicate to this.

Hoi An Ancient Town

The classified Cultural Heritage of Hoi An Ancient Town is a marvel of centuries of preservation and propagation. The Hoi An Ancient Town that measures a good 60 Sq Km in area is located in the Hoi An City of Vietnam. Located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, it was a place where several cultures merged to bring about the unique heritage that it has today. What is more important than this is the fact that this coalesced culture has survived several centuries of flux to remain uncorrupt and grow over time. The Hoi An Ancient Town site is located 30 Km away from Vietnam's fourth largest city Danang.

Renowned as Fai Fo in the ancient days, Hoi An was a trading hub and also a significant and convenient stopover for tradesmen and merchants who were mostly bound for and from China. And so this town metamorphosed into a port town for Southeast Asian trade. In fact, remnants of trading houses, club-houses of merchants and many other such structures indicated to the past that the Hoi An Ancient Town is steeped in. One of the most famous of these is the Emperor Kwang's Shrine. Established between the 15th and the 19th centuries, the Hoi An Ancient Town also houses remnants of a Japanese settlement in the form of excavated Imari Ceramic wares. Another direct result of the many cultures that permeated the Hoi An Ancient Town are the enormous numbers of temples, shrines, pagodas, assembly halls and other prominent establishments. Not just prominent buildings, but also common houses and shops in the Hoi An Ancient Town stand testimony of it. Most of them are Vietnamese structures with doses of Chinese design and Japanese styles thrown in for good measure.



The Tran Family Home and Chapel
The Tran Family Home and Chapel, Hoi An is one of those chapels in Hoi An, Vietnam that belong to the early nineteenth century. The chapel is a reflection of Vietnamese aristocracy and it also bears cultural and traditional values in it. To the visitors, The Tran Family Home and Chapel is a famous tourist attraction. People from all over the world come to visit this chapel.

The chapel is located in the 21 Le Loi, Hoi An in Vietnam. The chapel got its name from its own builder named Tran Tu Nhuc. In the year 1802, this person made this home and chapel for the purpose of worshiping his ancestors. The chapel is designed beautifully. The design of the building reflects genius of Chinese architecture. There are many antiques and traditional gifts in the Tran Family Home and Chapel. The chapel is also a reflection of the period it was built. It has two openings in it. One of the drawing room and other is the ancestral part of the chapel.
Here the description doesn't end. The drawing room of the chapel has separate entries for men and women. The left door is for the men and the door at the right side is only for the women. There is another door in the center of the room except these two. This door is made for the purpose of festivals like Tet etc. this is a traditional festival in which they believe that their ancestors return by the central door of the room.


Chaozhou Hall (Trieu Chau)

Hoi An in Vietnam is a very famous tourist spot. People from allover the world are attracted to the natural beauty of the small town and also to the various interesting tourist attractions. The town is rich with numerous, museums, temples, twenty assembly halls and various other historical places. However, the Chaozhou Hall (Trieu Chau), Hoi An among all these is the most unique assembly hall in Hoi An. You must visit this hall while traveling through Hoi An. This assembly hall is not only a tourist place, but it is also a heritage building bearing historical significance and cultural values.
The Chaozhou Hall (Trieu Chau) is located in the 157 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street in Hoi An town. The assembly hall is primarily a congregational hall. The building was established in the year 1845. Records say that the Chaozhou Chinese had built this assembly hall. The building of Chaozhou Hall (Trieu Chau) is a great example of Vietnamese architecture. The Chaozhou Hall (Trieu Chau) is in fact a place, where people worship the god General Phuc Ba. It is condsiderd that he is capable of maintaining the tranquility of the sea.
So what are you waiting for? Go and visit this beautiful Chaozhou Hall (Trieu Chau) in Hoi An, which is a unique combination of both culture and tradition of Vietnam.

 

Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien)

Among the various popular assembly halls in Hoi An, Vietnam, the Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien), Hoi An is the exceptional one. Hoi An is a small town in Vietnam that is full of excitements and tourist attractions. You must visit this assembly hall to encounter an excellent work of architecture that is also considered as a heritage of historical significance.
The Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien), Hoi An was established in the year 1697. It is a great example of the Chinese architecture. The Chinese merchants of the Fukian Province are believed to build this huge assembly hall. However, some changes have been made to this Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) in the course of time. As for example, the first entrance of the assembly hall was made in the year 1975. The Assembly Hall in fact is a temple that holds the sea goddess Thien Hau. Then there is goddess Thuan Phong Nhi, who is able to listen to the sound of a ship even at a distance of thousand miles. At last the goddess Thien Ly Nhan is also in the altar and she is able to see those distant ships.
There are lots of animal symbols in the design and architecture of the Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) in Hoi An. The mosaic fountain inside the assembly hall bears a fish sculpture that is a symbol of achievement. Besides the fish, there are other animals such as dragon, unicorn, phoenix, turtle and so on. All these animals signify different features of the Chinese culture. The dragon is symbol of power and the turtle signifies endurance. On the other hand the unicorn is a symbol of knowledge and the phoenix represents nobility.

Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall

The Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall, Hoi An is one of the most famous historical buildings in Hoi An, Vietnam. Along with the historical significance, the hall is also a popular tourist attraction in the small town of Hoi An. While touring the town you must visit this Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall to get the pleasure of viewing this architectural heritage of Vietnam.
This colorful Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall was established in the year 1885. Records say that the Chinese Cantonese merchants built this hall. The different parts of the building are separately made in China. After finishing the work, those parts were transferred here and joined together to build the The Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall in Hoi An.
The Assembly Hall holds an amazing fountain that features a dragon. The dragon is a beautiful creation made out of pottery. Besides that, there are more attractions waiting for you inside the Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall in Hoi An. Various Cantonese statues are spread out all over the hall. Some of these statues reflect the musical dramas of he Cantonese culture. Outside the Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall, you will find various shops and markets. The main attractions to the tourists are the silk dresses. So go ahead and buy some silk pajamas for yourself

Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An is one of the famous tourist attractions in Hoi An, Vietnam. The original Vietnamese name of this bridge is "Lai Vien Kieu". The word can be interpreted as "Pagoda in Japan". It is considered that the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An is a possession of the Japanese community of Hoi An.

The bridge was built in the early seventeenth century. However, the builder of the bridge is still anonymous to the people of Hoi An. The Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An is a beautiful example of Japanese architecture. At one end of the bridge, there is a sculpture of dog and on the other end of the bridge here is a sculpture of monkey. These two animals are symbol of sacredness in Japanese culture. Another reason behind these animal sculptures is that according to the Asian zodiac signs, in the year of monkey and the year of dog many of the Japanese emperors were born. Records also say that the construction of the bridge was initiated in the dog year and was finished in the monkey year.
Inside the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An, there is a temple of the northern god Tran Vo Bac De. This god is considered to be the god of weather. People believe that He controls all kinds of weather changes and natural calamities. So the sailors worship this god and also fear Him.

 

Old House of Tan Ky

The name Old House of Tan Ky itself suggests that the building is one of the remotest historical buildings in Hoi An. The age of the old house is approximately a couple of centuries. The old house reflects the combination of both Japanese and Chinese architectural geniuses. So while visiting the small town Hoi An, in Vietnam, you must also visit this Old House of Tan Ky to encounter great historical and cultural significance of Vietnam.

There are four rooms in the Old House of Tan Ky, Hoi An. All these rooms are small in size, but packed with various beautiful antiques. These antiques are mainly made of wood. These four rooms are for four different purposes. One is for welcoming the Chinese merchants and the other are living room, courtyard and the bedroom. You can enter the other three rooms except the bedroom. It will be better if you take a guide with you. He can give you all the details of the old house.

The Old House of Tan Ky, Hoi An has a unique combination of three types of architecture. The beams of the roof are curve and they display some Chinese information in an elaborate way. On the other hand the peak roof bears Japanese characteristics in it and the Vietnamese crosshatch stands as a support to the roof of the old house. The walls of the house are also decorated with unique mosaic arts.


Museum of Trade Ceramics
The Museum of Trade Ceramics in Hoi An like the other museums around Hoi An is an establishment that houses the relics of a bygone civilization. The Museum of Trade Ceramics in Hoi An, keeps the track record of the history and the origins of this port town. The building that serves as a museum itself is a very beautiful building constructed in traditional Vietnamese architectural style. The Museum of Trade Ceramics in Hoi An is a two storey building with a courtyard and an anteroom – all of which are open to the public. The exhibits of the Museum of Trade Ceramics in Hoi An is made up of fragments of pottery.
Though the town of Hoi An is currently a fishing town, it once used to be a trade hub. Either way, the sea continues to play a major role in the life of the people of Hoi An. In the early days when Hoi An was called Fai Fo, the chief article of trade to and from the town consisted mainly of pottery; because of this, international exchange, pottery of different nations, including Chinese, Thai and Japanese, have been discovered. Most of the displays are fragments of what once used to be decorative or other wares and they date back to between the 13th and the 17th centuries. The Museum of Trade Ceramics in Hoi An in its turn is quite helpful and informative, as every article on display comes with a description of its background. There are a total of about 430 ceramic artifacts that stand as a testimony of the ceramic trade network. Visitors are allowed to view the display every day between 8:00am and 5:00pm.


Sa Huynh Culture Museum
The Sa Huynh Culture Museum in Hoi An is a bearer of a legacy that is both rich and rare. The Sa Huynh Culture Museum in Hoi An is one of the most important museums located in Hoi An. Located in the Tran Thu Street of the Hoi An heritage center, the museum houses crucial and revealing relics of the Sa Huynh culture. The Sa Huynh culture is a pre historic Bronze Age civilization that occurred in Vietnam, and more particularly in the central region of the country near the coast.
The Sa Huynh culture specialized in metal wares – especially bronze and iron – and ceramics. The majority of the display in the museum comprises of articles like jewelry, weapons like daggers and useful implements like axes. All recovered evidence of these facts are seen preserved and displayed in the Sa Huynh Culture Museum in Hoi An. There is another feature that the Sa Huynh had perfected enough to the level of art; and that is the funerary rituals and rites. Discovery of jar burials of over 200 in number from 50 or more different sites are recorded in the Sa Huynh Culture Museum in Hoi An. Most of the articles on display in the Sa Huynh Culture Museum in Hoi An date back to the 1st Millennium BC which is better known as the Iron Age. There are a total of 216 exhibits in the museum. They were all acquired from the Hau Xa, Thanh Chiem, An Bang and Xuan Lam villages.


Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Pottery is not just a significant and traditional craft in Vietnam, but also an important means of livelihood. The Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An is a famous example in this type of an establishment that aims at furthering tradition as well as employment. The Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An is located in the Quang Nam Province in the Thanh Ha ward; Hoi An lies 3 Km to the east of it. The pottery village has a long historical legacy attached to it.
The tradition dated back to the time when the Nguyen Dynasty of Hue invited craftsmen from the Thanh Ha Pottery Village to fashion some decorative as well as useful articles for the palace. This one event gained them sufficient renown to last them a lifetime. Henceforth, the village began a Mandrain system of grading craftsmen according to their talent. The most talented held the ninth position. The pottery at the Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An are all manually crafted and are exported world over. The techniques that they use are unique from those prevalent in other provinces. The Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An crafts decorative articles along with useful items like cups, jars, bowls and pots. The flower pots made here are particularly sought after.
The Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An used clay mixing techniques, burning and baking time and heat modulations to bring out different colors like pink, pinkish-yellow, red, light brown and ink-black in the wares. The craftsmen also modulate all these aspects to achieve immense durability in their products. Aside of the regular articles, the Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An is also renowned for its bricks and tiles of various shapes and sizes. In fact its bricks and tiles are sourced out to the entire local as well as many foreign regions. It is the most trusted name for contractors engaged in tasks of renovation.


Chu Thanh Pagoda

Pagodas are an important part of Southeast Asian culture. In Vietnam pagodas are not just considered to be a place of worship but also a place where traditional and cultural functions and other festivities. The most ancient of these pagodas that have been contributing and continuing to uplift the traditional, cultural and religious aspects of the society is the Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An. The Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An is the oldest and the most respected pagoda in Hoi An.

Distanced from the centre of Hoi An by a good 2Km, the Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An was instituted by a recluse from China. This monk named Minh Hai set up the Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An in the year 1454. the exact location of the Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An is in the Quang Nam Province, within the Tho Cam ward. The Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An also significant for being the birthplace of the "Thien Tam Te" religion. The pagoda made of wood and the decorations are made up of lacquered panels, and boards with Chinese characters etched out on them. Moreover, the architectural style of the Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An uniquely combines Chinese desighs with Vietnamese styles. The Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An is a living relic in itself and has been restored along with many other establishments in Hoi An as a Heritage Building with funds provided by the UNESCO; the renovations took place twice, in 1956 z=and again in 1964.
The Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An currently houses 5 monks, headed by a Buddhist priest called Thich Tri Nhan, who are the chief guardians of the Thien Tam Te religion and also the precious relics of the pagoda. The relics include a the bells within the pagoda, a two century old stone gong and another wooden gong in the shape of a carp that is even older that the stone gong. The Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An houses the deities Tam The Phat, Di Lac, and La Han within the walls, while there is another deity – the 'Goddess of Mercy' Quan The Am Bo Tat – just outside the pagoda. Outside the Chu Thanh Pagoda in Hoi An are also the tombs of the renowned priests Minh Hai, Thiet Tho, An Bich, and Thien Qua.


Ong Pagoda
The small fishing town of Hoi An situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River, is a quiet and place that affords its visitors ample scope for relaxation. The town's other claim to fame is its many pagodas and shrines. Of them is the Ong Pagoda in Hoi An. The Ong Pagoda in Hoi An like most other pagodas in the region is a place engaged in not just a place of worship and meditation, but also a cultural hub, preserving the heritage of the land. The Ong Pagoda in Hoi An is also popularly called the "Chua Ong Pagoda".
Located in the Quang Nam Province, the Ong Pagoda in Hoi An is to be found in the Tran Phu Street of the town. The Tran Phu Street is a typically old and traditional Chinese district; and so the presence of this 17th century pagoda in such a location indicated towards its heritage. The Ong Pagoda in Hoi An which is dedicated to "Quan Thanh De Quan" – also known as "Quan Van Truong" – was erected in 1653 in honor of its namesake, who was an ancient Chinese general. Quan Thanh De Quan was a prominent figure of the 'three kingdom' era of China. Because of its age and the subsequent resultant deterioration, the Ong Pagoda in Hoi An has undergone multiple renovations.


Quan Kong Temple 
The Quan Kong Temple, Hoi An is a very famous temple in Hoi An. Built in the early seventeenth century, the temple bears a cultural and traditional significance of Hoi An. The temple is located beside the Nguyen Hue. Originally the Quan Kong Temple, Hoi An was created in the honor of the Chin dynasty. However, today the temple bears with it a great architectural genius and it is also a very famous tourist attraction.
There are many exciting things inside the Quan Kong Temple, Hoi An. There are two huge statues in the temple and these are made of wood. These statues are kept in the altar of the temple and the height of these statues is almost 10 feet. One of these statues is the idol of the protector of Quan Kong. On the other hand the other statue features the adopted son of the protector. Both these attractive specimens of architecture deserve the appreciation of the visitors.
Originally the Quan Kong Temple, Hoi An was made especially for the merchants. They used to come here and paid respect. Merchants from various places used to come in this temple. The temple is a symbol of their bravery, loyal, and virtue. Besides those two wooden statues in the temple, there is also a pond inside.


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Hue City

Historical Vestiges of Hue City Hue Citadel Hue has chosen to be the capital city of the Southern Kingdom by all Nguyen Lords and officially became the capital under Tay Son'reign. For approximately 400 years, Hue has become a great landscape and architectural site. Hue' royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River, with an area of 500 ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The Ngu Binh Mountain in the South is used as a front screening elevation. The Con Hen and Con Da Vien (both are sand dunes) on the Perfume River are chosen as geomancy condition "dragon on the left, tiger on the right" to protect the capital city. Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel): This construction stared in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang. Under Nguyen' reign, Kings have ordered to build ramparts, palaces and constructional works of royal. Over 200 years to now, it is still original with nearly 140 small and large constructions. The Citadel, square in shape and almost 10 km in circumference, 6 m high, 21 m thick and 10 entrances. On the top of the walls that surround it, 24 bastions are established for defensive purposes. Besides, the Citadel has an ancillary gate connecting the Tran Binh Bastion called the Thai Binh Mon (Peace Gate). Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel): The Imperial City is located in the centre of the Citadel where established highest offices of Viet Nam's feudalism and sanctums honouring the cult of decreased Emperors. The Citadel, also has a nearly square form, with more than 600m long for each side, built of brick 4m high, 1m thick, around which is ditched a system of protection trench. Access to the Imperial City can be made by four entrance gates. Noon Gate is only used for the King. Royal Palace consists of more 100 beautiful constructional works divided many sectors. From the Ngo Mon to the Thai Hoa Palace: This is the place for setting up various grand ceremonies. Sector for worship shrines of the King of the Nguyen dynasty: Trieu Mieu, Thai Mieu, Hung Mieu, The Mieu and Phung Tien place. Sector for internal affairs office: Storehouse for precious objects, workshop for manufacturing various useful articles. Sectors for the Kham Van palace and the Co Ha garden: place where the princes are studying or enjoying. Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden citadel): Located inside the Imperial City, behind the Throne Palace, the Forbidden Purple City is reserved for Emperor and his family. Constructed early in Emperor Gia Long'reign in 1804 with brick walls 3.72m high, 0,72 m thick, about 1,230 m in circumference. Its front and back sides are 324 m each while either left and right side is more than 290 m including 50 architectural constructions of different sizes and 7 gates for facilities of entrance and exit. Dai Cung Mon (the Great Place Gate) is in the front side for Kings. Can Chanh Palace (the place for every day working of Emperors). Can Thanh (Emperor's Private Palace), Khon Thai Residence (Queen's Private Apartment) reserved for the Queen. Duyet Thi Duong house (Royal Theatre), Thuong Thien (the kitchen for the King' food), Thai Binh Lau (King's reading room)... Besides, Hue is also famous for royal tombs and temples of Nguyen Kings. Seven tombs with different aspect are not not only a wonderful arch but also combining beautiful, imposing nature and poetic of Hue. Ancient Hue including Perfume River and Ngu Mountain, palaces and citadels, tombs and temples with hundred of historic years are being embellished and recovered by material contribution of Vietnamese and International community in order to keep Hue City as cultural heritage of World. Pavillion of Edicts It is the building where Emperor's edicts and lists of successful candidates of Thi Hoi (National Examination) and Thi Dinh (Court Examinations) were publicised. Situated right in front of the Flag-Tower and by the National Highway No. 1 which crosses Hue capital city, it is a delicate pavilion with a south view. In front of the Pavilion is a large court leading to the Nghinh Luong Pavilion (Pavilion for Fresh Air) on the Perfume River bank. Though built early in Emperor Gia Long's reign (1819), it was first decided by Emperor Minh Mang to be the site to publicly display his important edicts. After having been announced at the Throne Palace or the Noon Gate, the edict was put in a canopied palanquin and carried by soldiers to the pavilion. On that occasion, the Thua Thien Province mandarins and thousands of local elders crowded to pay homage to the edict. Since 1821, after the Proclamation Ceremony, lists of successful candidates were posted there. In order to enhance the significance, two stone steles were erected on both sides of the pavilion, inscribed with Chinese characters meaning "Tilt Your Hats and Dismount" reminding passers-by to tilt their hats and get off their horses when passing this monument. There had once been a tiger - elephant duel on the pavilion grounds in 1829 to entertain Emperor Minh Mang. In his fortieth and fiftieth birthday anniversaries, many entertainment were also held there. These practices were maintained by Emperors Thieu Tri and Tu Duc in their birthday anniversaries. Emperor Thieu Tri listed the Perfume and the Pavilion of Edicts among 20 most beautiful sights of the capital city of Hue. It was him who ordered in 1843 the construction of a stele house on the right of the pavilion for engraving his poem "Morning Boating 2222 on the Perfume River". The pavilion was destroyed by a typhoon in 1904 and restored later by Emperor Thanh Thai.   The Nine Dynastic Urns These are the nine greatest bronze urns in Vietnam placed in the shade of the Hien Lam Pavilion, in front of the The Mieu Temple. They were cast by Emperor Minh Mang in 1836 to symbolize the sovereignty of the dynasty. Each of them is named after the posthumous title of the emperors worshipped in the Dynastic Temple. For example, Cao Urn is named after Emperor The To Cao (Gia Long), Nhan Urn after Emperor Thanh To Nhan (Minh Mang), Chuong, Anh, Nghi, Tuyen and Thuan Urns after Emperors Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Kien Phuoc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh respectively. (Until 1958 only seven altars were established in The Temple corresponding to seven urns. Du and Huyen Urns did not exist yet.) After their casting, the Nine Dynastic Urns were placed in accordance with the disposition of the altars in the Temple. Cao Urn stands in the center, alone in the first row. The others line behind and are placed symmetrically on both sides. On each urn are 17 traditional Vietnamese patterns like stars, rivers, mountains, seas and oceans, vehicles, valuable forestry and sea products, etc. The 153 patterns on the 9 urns constitute a real encyclopedia on the country. This precious cultural heritage is incredibly well-preserved in spite of the harsh weather and the numerous wars.    At first sight, the nine urns are almost alike, but in fact, they all differ in weight and size: Name Height Height of handle Legs Mouth Weight Cao Urn 2.50m 0.48m 1.05m 1.38m 2.601kg Nhan Urn 2.31 0.42 0.87 1.36 2.512 - Chuong Urn 2.27 0.41 0.95 1.35 2.097 - Anh Urn 2.25 0.42 0.94 1.37 2.595 - Nghi Urn 2.31 0.41 0.89 1.37 2.575 - Thuan Urn 2.32 0.42 0.95 1.36 1.950 - Tuyen Urn 2.45 0.54 0.93 1.37 2.066 - Du Urn 2.34 0.43 0.96 1.38 2.018 - Huyen Urn 2.31 0.41 0.95 1.41 1.935 - Hien Lam Pavilion Hien Lam Pavilion (Pavilion of the Glorious Coming) is a graceful monument situated in the center of the Dynastic Temple's courtyard, southeast of the Citadel. Built in 1824 by Emperor Minh Mang, at the same time as the Dynastic Temple, it consists of three stories. The lower story has three compartments, the middle one, two, and the top floor, only one. The pavilion stands on a 21m by 13m square-shaped foundation. The area amounted to 300 sq. m including the roof overhang. In front, on the stairs (9 steps each) joining the court, each flight is divided by two slithering dragon designs into three passages, the middle one being exclusively reserved for the Emperor. The ground floor is paved with Bat Trang bricks. It has three compartments and two bays surrounded with plastered brick walls. These are ventilated by windows similar in shape and decorated with enameled open-work bricks. The three compartments are left open and garnished with ornamental wooden banisters. Systems of rafters and panels are exquisitely engraved with floral designs. Hien Lam Pavilion can be considered as a memorial to those who had devoted their lives to the establishment of the Nguyen dynasty. The Nguyen Emperors are honored in the Dynastic Temple while meritorious mandarins are honored in the Left and Right Houses on either side of the Hien Lam Pavilion. Because of the holiness of the Pavilion, the Nguyen Emperors had decreed that no other construction built in the Citadel should be higher. Throne Palace and Great Rites Court The Throne Palace, or Palace of the Supreme Harmony, was the building for great court's meetings. It faces the Noon Gate and lies right on the central axis of the Citadel. It was constructed in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long and used later in 1806 for his coronation. In 1833, it was moved onto a foundation of 2.33m high by Emperor Minh Mang. It is 44m long, 30.50m large, 11.80m high and contains a 5-compartment, two-bay main building connected with a 7-compartment, two-bay front building. The columns are lacquered red and decorated with golden dragon designs. On the roof ridge rest two dragon designs paying homage to the moon. Eaves and roof corners are ornamented with head-turning dragon designs. These and the moldings along the eaves are inlaid with multicolored ceramic chips. The roof is covered with yellow enameled tiles. Over the middle compartment hangs a carved board with big Chinese characters "Thai Hoa Dien" (Palace of Supreme Harmony). Inside is the throne, covered by a golden canopy with brocaded circular dragon designs. Above each compartment hangs a colorful glass-sided hexagonal or octagonal lantern. In 1839, in an attempt to adorn this historic monument, Emperor Minh Mang ordered the framework to be lacquered red and gold. It was later supplied with European-styled paving by Emperor Thanh Thai, in 1899, and colored glass door on front and back sides by Emperor Khai Dinh , in 1923. (It was originally left open and shaded with blinds only). The interior decorations include some jugs and other antiques. On the court stands a line of carved pedestals, each with a vase for rare plants. Constructors of the Throne Palace have succeeded masterly in creating two contradictory features: cool in summer and warm in winter. From the throne in the center, one can also distinctively hear sounds made anywhere in the palace. Of this phenomenon, no researcher in acoustics or architecture could ever give an exact explanation. The great court in front of the palace, known as the Great Rites Court (or Esplanade of Great Salutation), is paved with Thanh stones and consists of two terraces: the upper was reserved for high-ranking civil and military mandarins. On both sides of the court are two rows of small steles called Pham Son showing the positions mandarins should take according to their ranks. The lower terrace, beside the Trung Dao (Central Path) Bridge, is for elders and village authorities in ceremonial occasions. At both corners of the court stand two bronze Kylins. Kylin is traditionally a harbinger of peace and a reminder of ritual solemnity. Between Noon Gate and the court is the Thai Dich Lake(Grand Liquid Lake), dug in 1833 and spanned by  the Trung Dao (Central Path)Bridge. The bridge, secured by iron banisters, connects the two monuments. At both ends we find a gateway elaborately carved with five-clawed dragon designs in high relie.f (dragons among clouds on bronze columns). Though symmetrically built, the two columns with two dragons, one slithering down and one soaring up really create an attractive liveliness. The Throne Palace is the site where solemn ceremonies took place such as: the Coronation Day, the Crown Prince Coronation Day, the Ambassador Receiving Ceremony, Emperor's Birthday Anniversaries, etc. Great meetings were held here twice a month while regular ones took place in the Can Chanh Palace (Palace of Audiences) behind the Great Golden Gate. The Palace was seriously damaged in 1968 during the American bombings. Typhoons. Rains and floods have aggravated the calamity and thus deprived the monument of its original appearance. Noon Gate Located in front of the Throne Palace and facing the Flag Tower, Noon Gate is the main entrance to the Imperial City. Noon Gate is a huge construction, U-shaped and consisting of two parts: below is a foundation made of brick, Thanh and Quang stone, above is a pavilion made of wood and roofed with tiles. The longest and widest sides of this 5.2m high foundation are 50m and 27m, respectively. Ascent to the top can be made by two open stone staircases on both sides. There are five entrances, the main one being Noon Gate, paved with Thanh stone, and with red-lacquered doors reserved for the Emperor. The two side-entrances, the Left and Right Gates, were for civil and military mandarins and, inside the branches of the U, are two more gates used by soldiers, elephants, and horses on the royal procession. The upper part is the Ngu Phung Pavilion (Pavilion of Five Phoenixes) in the middle, flanked by two wing belvederes of two stories. Viewed from above, the pavilion resembles a group of five phoenixes with beaks joining and wings widespread. They form two rows, two roofs each surrounded with a roofed gallery. The middle section of the roof is covered with yellow enameled tiles and others with dark green ones. Along the roof ridges are designs of head-turning dragons, banian leaves and bats with golden coins. Panels along the eaves are decorated with ceramic mosaics of prunes, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo. They are bright and harmonious, and very resistant against the rains, typhoons and the passage of time. The upper story is supplied with wooden partitions and was exclusively reserved for the Queen Mother and the Emperor's wives. They could look through windows shaped like circles, gongs or fans, but blinds prevented them from being seen from the outside. The lower story was left open except for the middle compartment which is paneled and supplied with glass-doors. There sat the Emperor on festive occasions. Behind his seat were a big bell and a large drum, which enhanced the importance of the ceremonies. Besides, the drum was often used to herald closing-time of the Imperial City. At this signal, sentries would fire the cannons of the Flag Tower and close, or open, the gates of the citadel. Two Chinese characters meaning "Noon Gate" on the front of this construction had originally been gilded with genuine gold. All structural components such as partitions, columns rafters doors and banisters are lacquered red and yellow. Noon Gate was also the site where the Emperor received homage from his subjects and ceremonies took place such as: Ceremony of Proclamation of Doctor Lists (successful candidates in the national examination), Calendar Offering Day, etc. On the side of the road passing the Noon Gate stand two stone steles inscribed with "Tilt Your Hats and Dismount" reminding passers-by to tilt their hats and get off horses when passing this sanctum. Noon Gate was seriously damaged during the wars and underwent several restorations.   The Flag Tower The Flag Tower, also called the King's Knight, is the focal point of Hue city. It is commonly known as a flagpole, but viewed from the Imperial City, it is really a huge structure of three flat-top pyramids, one lying on top of another.It was built during Emperor Gia Long's reign, in 1807, and later improved by his son, Emperor Minh Mang. According to the Thuc Luc (Nguyen Dynasty's Chronicle), the flag-tower is 17.40 m high and consists of three terraces. The first is 5.60 m high, the second ,5.8 m, and the third, 6 m. The higher the terrace, the smaller its surface. On the third terrace, are 8 little buildings housing one canon each and two sentry-boxes at opposite ends. The 29.52m flag-staff was originally made of wood. It was replaced by a new one in 1846 by Emperor Thieu Tri and again in 1914, with French assistance, with a cast-iron one after having been destroyed by a typhoon. Forty-three years later, after the return of the French colonialists (1947), the staff was again destroyed. So it was in 1948 that a 21 m concrete staff was erected. In feudal times, a yellow flag flapped everyday on top of the staff. It was replaced with a larger one on festive occasions (The Nam Giao Offering Ceremony, for example). Made of wool or velvet, this 4m by 3.6m flag was brocaded with a dragon design in its center and fringed with serrated lace.  Dynastic Temple The Mieu Situated southwest of the Citadel and facing south, The Mieu Temple is dedicated to ten Emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. Built by Emperor Minh Mang in 1821, it presents a 9-compartment main building and a 11-compartment front building, together connected in the "double" architecture with two bays on east and west sides It is roofed with yellow enameled tiles and on the ridge rests a wine gourd decorated with Phap Lam enamel. The Mieu Temple once had seven red and yellow lacquered altars (one in the middle, three on either side). The middle altar was dedicated to Emperor Gia Long and his two Queens (Thua Thien and Thuan Thien). The first altar (left) was dedicated to Emperor Minh Mang and Queen. The first altar (right) was dedicated to Emperor Thieu Tri and Queen. The second altar (left) was dedicated to Emperor Tu Duc and Queen. The second altar (right) was dedicated to Emperor Kien Phuc. The third altar (left) was dedicated to Emperor Dong Khanh and Queen. The third altar (right) was dedicated to Emperor Khai Dinh. On January 25, 1959, at the request of the royal family and the people, a ceremony was held to admit to the temple mortuary tablets of Ham Nghi, Thanh Thai, and Duy Tan, three anti-French Emperors. So, there are today three additional reddish-lacquered altars for them in the temple. East of the temple is the Canh Y Palace. West of it is a square-shaped chapel for the worship of the God of Earth. A wall runs all around The Mieu Temple with the Khai Dich Gate (Gate of Bringing Up) on the east, the Sung Thanh Gate (Gate of Peace Honoring) on the west, the Hien Huu Gate (Gate of Recognizable Assistance) (left) and Doc Huu Gate (Gate of Genuine Assistance) (right) at the back. In the yard of the temple stand the Nine Dynasty Urns. Behind them is a wall with the Hien Lam Pavilion (Pavilion of Glorious Coming) in the middle. Left of this pavilion is the Tuan Liet Gate (Gate of Grandness) topped by a belfry and right of it is the Sung Cong Gate (Gate of Honorable Achievements) with a drum-tower atop (The temple is architecturally similar to Thai Temple). Outside of the Hien Lam Pavilion are the Left and Right Houses, dedicated to meritorious mandarins who had devoted themselves to Nguyen Anh (later known as Emperor Gia Long) and his successors. The Left House honors the four royal family members Ton That Man, Ton That Dien, Ton That Huy, and Ton That Hoi. The Right House is dedicated to Vo Van Tanh, Ngo Tung Chau, Chau Van Tien, Vo Di Nguy, Nguyen Van Truong, Pham Van Nhon, Nguyen Huynh Duc, Tong Phuc Dam, Nguyen Van Man, Do Van Huu, Nguyen Van Nhon, Mai Duc Nghi, and Truong Dang Que, accepted by Emperor Minh Mang in 1827. Farther is the main entrance to the temple guarded by two stone Kylins (mythical animals) Many personal paraphernalia of great value which belonged to the Nguyen Emperors are kept in the temple. On each altar were once dozens of gold ingots. Fortunately enough, the temple has suffered the least damage through the numerous wars and today visitors can see it as it was originally built.  Nam Giao Esplanade In the Nguyen dynasty, right after being crowned (1802), Emperor Gia Long built the terraces in An Ninh village in 1803 to offer ceremonies to God. A few years after that, the Courd left that position and had new terraces built in Duong Xuan village in the south of Hue Citadel (the remains are still preserved). The Esplanade construction was commenced on 25th March 1806. At the beginning of 1807, Gia Long Court had its first God worship ceremonies there. Nam Giao Esplanade is an open-air monument - The model of architecture bears both the religious and political significance of Oriental feudalism. Nam Giao Esplanade was built based on the dogma of heaven fate of Confucianism. The structure of the terraces also shows the misunderstanding deriving from old thoughts on the Universe of the prior times: circular heavens and square earth. Nam Giao Esplanade faces south. Its surrounding stone wall has four big open doors looking at four directions. In front of each door, one very big screen (12.5m wide, 3.2m high, 0.8m thick) was erected. During the ceremony, big flags with different colours were on all these doors: black flags on the north door, blue on the east, red on the south and white on the west. The sacrifice offering Esplanade was designed with three terraces, one on top of another symbolizing oriental theory of three agents: Heaven, Earth and Man. Each terrace had its own shape and colour: circular heaven, square earth, blue heaven, yellow earth. The topmost is circular, and is called Vien Doanh, symbolizing Heaven. The surrounding parapet was painted blue. On the ceremony day, people built on this layer a conical tent with blue cloth called Thanh Oc. Right below is a square terrace called Phuong Dan, representing the Earth. The surrounding parapet is painted yellow. On the sacrifice offering day, a square house with yellow cloth roof smaller than the yellow tent was erected. During the ceremony, there were 128 students and dancers. The three layers are 4.65m high in total. Shapes, colour and directions of the architecture of Nam Giao Esplanade were based on the principles of Yin and Yang and five basic elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth). From Gia Long's time (1802-1819) the ceremony was organized in the first weeks or the first month in lunar calendar every year. Since 1890, for realizing that such a ceremony was too costly, Thanh Thai dynasty organized it once every three years: in the years of Rat, Cat, Horse and Rooster. It took the Protocol and Administration Ministries many months to prepare for the ceremony. For some days prior to the sacrifice offering day, all villages and communal in Thua Thien-Hue were ordered to complete making triumphal arches, to put alters on both sides of the route where the Emperor would pass by from Ngo Mon Noon gate to Trai Cung (Fasting Palace). For each ceremony, the Emperor came to the Fasting Palace to stay there for three days prior to ceremory. In Bao Dai's time, the duration was reduced to one day. The Emperor came from the citadel to Trai Cung accompanying by a procession called Ngu Dao including from 1,000 to 5,000 people. The King sat on the sedan carried by royal soldiers in the middle path. When the Truong Tien bridge had not been built yet - the procession crossed the Perfume river by buoy bridge made temporarily by boats. The main Ceremony began officially at 2 a.m. and lasted nearly 3 hours. All the sacrifice offering terraces of the Ly, Tran, Le, Tay Son dynasties do not exist any more. Nam Giao esplanade of the Nguyen dynasty is the unique one left relatively undamaged. To visit it, tourists can have a chance to understand more about many aspects of the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese feudalism.  Royal Library The royal Library is the pavilion where the Emperor came for reading and resting. In 1821, by order of Emperor Minh Mang, a building was erected west of the Thieu Phuong Garden (Garden of Lingering Aroma) ,called the Tri Nhan Mansion (Mansion of Intellect and Mercy). It was later improved and renamed Thanh Ha Thu Lau (Writing Pavilion) by Emperor Thieu Tri, and then, by Dong Khanh for another building known as the Royal Library. This pavilion, elaborately decorated with ceramic mosaics, faces a square-shaped pond with a lovely rock-garden. Left of the pavilion stands the Tu Phuong Vo Ngu Pavilion (Pavilion of No Worry) and right of it is the Hoa Nhat Thu Truong Gallery (Gallery of the Nourishing Sun). On the left of the Bat Phong Pavilion (Pavilion open to Eight Directions) is a small structure called the Luc Tri Than Thong Belvedere and on the right is the Than Tu Room (Morale Improving Room). North of it is the Luc Giac (Hexagonal) Pavilion with Trach Trung Tasist Temple (Temple of Just Conduct) on the left. In front of this temple is the Duc Vien House (House of Full Virtue). Bridges and galleries are together connected, lakes and ponds smoothly flow into one another in a very poetic scenery. The Royal Library was the only monument left undamaged in the Forbidden Citadel after the reoccupation of Hue by French troops in early 1947.

Nha Trang

The city of Nha Trang is becoming more popular with the tourists in recent years. Yet, with a population of 300,000, Nha Trang still retains its small town atmosphere. This resort town is well known for its miles of beach and the friendliness of its people. The city is flanked by nearly ten kilometers of prime beach where the water is warm year round. The average temperature in Nha Trang is 26 C. Nha Trang also has the lowest level of humidity in all of Vietnam. Today, Nha Trang ranks among the top of all beaches in Vietnam. Nha Trang is 1,287 km south of Hanoi, 624 km south of Hue and 442 km from Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). Nha Trang has several famous islands. Most notable are Hon Tre, Hon Yen, Hon Rua and the Spratly islands. 


The name Nha trang is a Vietnamese pronunciation of a Cham word Eatran or Yjatan. Ea or Yja means river, and tran means reed. According to the locals, there once were a lot of reeds along Ngoc Hoi river. The river winds its way through the town. Ngoc Hoi was later renamed Nha Trang river. 

Another theory of the origin of Nha Trang's name has a more amusing twist. Long ago, in this part of the country, all the houses were made out of the reeds and mud gathered from Ngoc Hoi river. The only house that was made out of bricks were the house belonging to Dr. Yersin, a French immunologist who made his home here. The house itself was painted prominently white and could be seen by vessels coming from far away. Once there was a foreign vessel passing by. The captain asked his translator where he was. The translator not knowing where they were blurted out Nha` tra('ng or white house in Vietnamese. The captain duly noted on his chart Nha Trang. Because most foreign languages do not make use of tones, the captain's name for this part of the country stuck. 

Da Lat

Vietnam’s Dalat—nicknamed “The City of Love,” “Le Petit Paris,” and “City of Eternal Spring”—has long been popular with Vietnamese and expatriate artists and writers who have taken up residence in villas around town. The area, originally inhabited by the Lat and Ma hill tribes which now live in nearby Chicken Village and Lat Village, increased in popularity during the French colonial era. More than 2,000 beautiful French villas dot the area.

Dalat is hilly and its sights are spread out, so renting a motorbike or arranging a taxi for a half day or full day is a smart way to see outlying areas. If you select accommodations near Lake Xuan Huong, many sights in town are within walking distance. For outlying areas, Dalat has a unique crew of motorbike guides called Easy Riders. They are all locals, speak fluent English or French, and for $8 per day will guide you around town and the area.

Bao Dai’s Summer Palaces

Emperor Bao Dai built three large palaces in Dalat. The most-visited is referred to as Dinh 3, built in 1933 in art deco style and set in a pine grove near the Pasteur Institute southwest of the lake. Inside are portraits, busts and sculptures of the deposed imperial family, with the royal living quarters upstairs. Entrance fee 5000d. Other Bao Dai palaces in Dalat, called Dinh 1 and Dinh 2, are sporadically open to the public, but frequently used for government functions. Of the three different palaces, Dinh 1 is the most picturesque. Check with Easy Rider guides to see if it’s open to the public at the time of your visit.

Dalat Flower Gardens

Dalat is known all over Vietnam for its flowers. Set next to Xuan Huong Lake, the Dalat Flower Gardens were established in 1966 by the Vietnamese government, and are refined continually. Among the tastefully arranged flora are orchids, hydrangeas, fuchsias, and ferns. Plants and flowers are also for sale, including special fern fibers used to stop bleeding in traditional oriental medicine. Across the road from the Flower Gardens are nurseries with various types of bonsai trees, artfully laid out around the lake.

Pagodas

Lam Ty Ni Pagoda, near Hang Nha House, with its decorative front gate was constructed as recently as 1961. Its only monk, Mr. Vien Thuc, speaks English, French and Thai and has arranged flowerbeds, trellis-shaded pathways, and gardens around the pagoda. The chief attraction here, though, is Mr. Vien Thuc himself and his collection of art—he has turned out more than 100,000 works of art, including "instant paintings" that he sells. On the other side of town, Linh Son Pagoda sits on top of the hill overlooking central Dalat and is well worth a visit, if only to see its giant bell made of bronze and gold. Behind the pagoda are coffee and tea plants, to which monks and novices tend. Linh Son Pagoda is not often visited by tourists, but its grounds serve as a neighborhood park, making it a peaceful retreat.

Hang Nga House and Gallery

Nicknamed “crazy house” by locals, the Hang Nga House is southwest of Xuan Huong Lake. The owner, Ms. Dang Viet Nga, is an architect and designed the place with cave sitting rooms, giant spider webs made of wire, a concrete giraffe tea room, and towering fish heads containing guest rooms should you decide to stay overnight. Along the helter-skelter hallways and stairways are various cozy nooks and crannies set up as small sitting rooms with desks, chairs, and coffee tables. There is a small admission fee of 5000d after which you can browse around the passageways, guest rooms, or linger in one of the sitting rooms and take in the atmosphere. Ms. Nga, a well-known Dalat personage given to incense and hippie clothing, may even be present and show you the highlights of her unusual buildings and galleries.

About Ha Long Bay

  Overview
  Ha Long Bay  is undoubtedly Asia’s most enchanting destination, defined by a myriad  of limestone island formations rising out of the emerald waters.
  Ha Long Bay is also home to great biodiversity with typical eco-systems like mangrove forest,  coral and tropical forest. It is also home to thousands of plants and  animals of numerous species, for example shrimp, fish and squid. Some  species are particularly rare and can be found no where else.

  With such special values, at the 18th Session of UNESCO’s Council of World Heritage held on 17 December 1994 in Thailand, Ha Long Bay  was officially placed on the list of the World Natural Heritage. In  2000, UNESCO recognized it as the World Heritage for the second time for  its geographical and geomorphologic values. This confirms the global  premier value of Ha Long Bay.

  Wherever you come from, whosoever you are and however old you are, you  will certainly experience the same emotion and feeling when admiring  this wonder of stone and water. And great experiences will always remain  even when you leave the place. The legend of Mother Dragon and Child  Dragons sending out pearls to form thousands of stone islands to stop  invaders still serve as the soul of this invaluable heritage of the  world.
  Name of Halong bay
  Ha Long Bay is literally translated as "Bay of Descending Dragons." Prior to the 19th century,  this name was not recorded in any document or archive. When mentioning  the present-day Quang Ninh Sea or Ha Long Bay, old historical books  often referred to them by the names of An Bang, Luc Thuy or Van Don. Not  until the late 19th century did the name of Ha Long Bay appear on a  French Marine Map. The Hai Phong News, a French newspaper of the time, had an article, Dragon appears on Ha Long Bay, reporting the following story: In 1898 a sub-lieutenant named Lagredin, captaining the Avalanse  reported seeing a huge sea snake on Ha Long Bay. This was also  witnessed by many of the crews. Thus emerged the European image of the  Asian dragon. Whether this appearance of a strange animal looking like a  dragon resulted the name of Ha Long Bay is not known.
  Legend of Halong Bay:
  The legend of Ha Long Bay has it that, “Once upon a time, soon after the Viett people established their country, invaders came. The
  Jade Emperor sent Mother Dragon and her Child Dragons down to earth to  help the Viett people fight against their enemy. Right at the time  invaders’ boats were rushing to the shore, the dragons landed down on  earth. The dragons immediately sent out from their mouths a lot of  pearls, which then turned into thousands of stone islands emerging in  the sea like great walls challenging the invaders’ boats. The fast boats  couldn’t manage to stop and crashed into the islands and into each  other and broke into pieces.

  After the victory, Mother Dragon and Child Dragons didn’t return Heaven  but stayed on earth at the place where the battle had occurred. The  location Mother Dragon landed is nowadays Ha Long Bay and where Child  Dragons descended is now Bai Tu Long. The dragons’ tails waving the  water created Long Vĩ (present Trà Cổ peninsula) and formed a fine sand  beach over ten kilometers long”.
  You will have best choices to discover Halong bay with Halong bay cruises

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