Com Hen

Com Hen (rice with mussel) is a very unique cuisine of Hue. Com Hen contains rice, boiled mussel, star fruit, fish sauce, cabbage, onion, pepper, peanut, chili, and a variety of herbs. The specialty is all of these elements are cold. When people eat Com Hen, they add all the above ingredients to a bowl, and slowly add boiled mussel broth with chili sauce into the bowl (the broth is the only hot thing in Com Hen). Com Hen has an extremely spicy flavor as such, so gastronomes remember it just after one time enjoying.

Bun Bo Hue

Bun bo Hue (Hue style beef vermicelli) or more detail, Bun bo gio heo (beef and pig’s knuckle vermicelli) is a popular Vietnamese soup vermicelli dish, and one of the most typical foods of Hue, Vietnam. Fine combination of ingredients make the food famous; the broth is prepared by simmering beef and bones for a long period of time, after that a large range of different spices containing lemon grass and chili are added in. Shrimp paste holds no less importance. Hue people usually add thin slices of beef shank, chunks of boiled oxtail, and pig’s knuckles or pork into the bowl. It can also contain cubes of maroon brown congealed pig blood, which are good for those suffering from high blood pressure. The specialty is commonly served with a plenty of herbs like sprouts, lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, onions, and sliced banana blossom. Thinly sliced purple cabbage or iceberg lettuces are used in case of lacking in banana blossom. It is highly recommended for tourists to add a few of shrimp paste directly into the soup.

Banh Beo

Banh beo (water fern cake) is a kind of small steamed rice pancake. The name is to refer from the shape of the cake (like a water fern-Beo in Vietnamese). It is white in color, sometimes nearly transparent and usually has a dimple in the center, which is covered with savory recipes including chopped dried or fresh shrimp, scallions, mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and oil.

Banh khoai

Banh khoai (delicious pancake) is so much like Banh xeo (sizzling pancake) since they both are made from rice flour, water, turmeric powder, added slivers of fatty pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and then pan fried. Banh khoai and Banh xeo also are wrapped in mustard leaf, lettuce leaves or rice paper, and stuffed with variety of herb, like mint leaves, basil and served with a sweet and sour mixed sauce. In Hue, Banh khoai is placed open-face instead of being folded in half like Banh xeo. Moreover, Banh khoai always goes with a fermented soy bean sauce, and people consider it a winter food owing to its greasiness and spicy taste of the sauce. Therefore, most Hue citizens only make them when winter coming.

Mam tom chua

The central of Vietnam is reputable for its Mam tom chua (sour shrimp sauce) and Hue is the best place for this unique sauce. Unlike normal shrimp sauce (has brown color and smooth surface), Sour shrimp sauce has orange color while shrimps still keep its original shape. It is quite simple to make this sauce. First, shrimps are clean by salt water (do not use normal water to avoid bad smells) and “cook” by strong rice wine. The shrimps will turn red. After that, carefully mix the shrimps with sticky rice, sliced lesser galangal, garlic and chili. Slowly put all the mixture into a jar covered by guava leaves. Just need to wait for 5-7 days and we have the mouthwatering sour shrimp sauce of our own making. This is the best sauce for boiled pork with vermicelli.

Source: vietnamonline.com

5 Must-try Foods When You Visit Hue
Nguyen Thanh Van

If you want to get out of all the hustle and bustle of life and immerse yourself in nature, Ba Be Lake would be the most wonderful choice for your journey. Nowadays, Ba Be Lake is getting more attention from both domestic and international visitors for its beautiful nature with a variety of flora and fauna. Spending a few days during your Vietnam vacation visiting Ba Be Lake and other nearby destinations will not let you down.

Highlights of Ba Be Lake & Ba Be National Park

Driving about 230 kilometers away from Hanoi, tourists can reach Ba Be Lake, which is located in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province. Local people call this lake Slam Pe, which means “Three lakes” as it is the convergent point of three river branches Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng.

Ba Be Lake is the biggest natural lake in Vietnam, which belongs to Ba Be National Park. The lake is at about 145 meters high to the sea level. The total area of the water surface is over 650 hectares, surrounded by many ranges of limestone mountains, caves, and underground rivers. The average depth of the lake is 20-25 meters, falling to 5-10 meters during the dry season. Ba Be Lake holds it priceless value of diversity as it is home of 417 trees species including orchids and medicine plants, 319 species of animals naming gibbon and red algae. In 1995, Ba Be Lake is recognized as one of twenty freshwater lakes over the world that needs to be preserved.

How to Get to Ba Be Lake & Ba Be National Park?

From Hanoi, you can catch a bus or drive a motorbike to Bac Kan, continue to Cho Ra Town and hire a motor-taxi to Ba Be Lake. The cost of bus may range from 100,000 to 130,000 VND. If you go by motorbike, you will have more freedom to visit Ba Ba Lake and the surrounding areas. However, checking carefully the motor safety, paying attention to the speed and avoiding driving at night are recommended.

Best Things to Do & See in Ba Be Lake & Ba Be National Park

• Ba Be Lake and Ba Be National Park: This is a must-visit destination. The area is always green with the surroundings of the mountains.
• Puong Cave: The Cave is at 300 meters long and 30 meters high. The cave is home of sparkling stalactite and thousands of living bats.
• Hua Ma Cave: 6 kilometers from Ba Be Lake is Hua Ma Cave. In order to get there, you have to go up for nearly 3oo meters on the stairs. Inside the cave, you would be overwhelmed by mysterious, shining and twinkle stalactite.
• Fairy Pond: 100 meters away from Ba Be Lake, the pond is full of water all around the year. It is believed to be the place for the fairies to have a bath.
• Pac Ngoi Village: It is a cultural destination as it is the living area of Tay ethnic minority. The village hosts more than 400 people, most of who are doing agriculture such as raising domestic animals and growing rice.
• Best Foods to Try: Pac Ngoi grilled fish, grilled pork, hill running chicken, sticky rice, boiled bamboo shoots with meat, vegetables and spring fish are delicious and worth a try.

Travel Tips to Visit Ba Be Lake & Ba Be National Park

• Enjoy the fresh cool air in the early morning and late afternoon. Therefore, you should remember to bring a coat along with you to keep warm.
• Full-length clothes and anti-mosquito cream should be carried with to avoid malaria.
• It is hard to find a grocery store in the region, so you should bring water and snacks with you in case of getting hungry.
• There are lots of amazingly beautiful spots in the area, so a trip to Ba Be Lake may take you 2-3 days. A good Ba Be tour is recommended if you want to enjoy your day-offs to the fullest.

Source: vietvisiontravel.com

Ba Be Lake & Ba Be National Park in Vietnam
Nguyen Thanh Van

Hoi An is small and there is not yet an airport or train station that services the town. Although many visitors take what seems like an easy bus ride to this charming place from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, this option will leave you tired and sick from the 15-hour drive on serpentine roads. Instead, travelers wanting to visit Hoi An should find their way to Da Nang city either by plane or train, and then hop on an easy ride to the destination. In this article, I will provide you a comprehensive transportation guide from Da Nang to Hoi An that will save you time and leave you stress-free.

“How should I get to Hoi An from Da Nang?”

Transportation to Hoi An

Travelers can choose between a private car, taxi, bus, or motorbike rental to get to Hoi An. Although Grab has recently become available in Da Nang and Hoi An, the chance of getting your ride accepted is fairly low compared to the options above.

Private Car

If you have already booked your stay in Hoi An, ask your accommodation if they can arrange a private pickup car for you. Provide them your pickup address, this can be the airport or your hotel in Da Nang, and a car will be sent at the specified time. Charges vary but this is the least stress-inducing option.

If you want a hassle-free experience getting to your hotel, just book this private shuttle service. Quick, easy and reliable, you’ll find yourself headed to your destination in a comfortable car.

Just input your flight details as you book, and once you exit the airport after landing, you’ll find your driver already waiting for you. With Müvv Airport Transfers, you can avoid delays, scams, price-haggling and of course, getting lost in Da Nang’s maze of alleyways and roads. Müvv will be in contact with your hosts or hotels in advance to ensure a smooth arrival. The price for the service ranges from 20 USD (~460,000 VND) up to 30 USD (~700,000 VND) depending on whether you opt for a four, seven or 16-seater car. These prices are for one-way during normal hours. From 11 PM to 6 AM, the cost will be 25 USD, 30 USD, and 35 USD for four, seven, and 16-seaters respectively.

Call the car service company or contact us and provide your details such as pickup time, location, and even flight number if you’d like to be picked up at the airport. The private car option is as comfortable as it gets, so of course, it will be slightly more expensive than the other options available, therefore you can arrange with the driver if you want to visit some sites along the way. If you are traveling in a group or with your family, this will be the best way! In addition, a private car pickup is available at any time whereas taxis are more difficult to find during the quiet hours of the day.

Taxi

Taxis are the most convenient and also considered the easiest way to get to Hoi An from Da Nang since from the city center (or the airport) you can just catch a taxi and get in without making any prior arrangement. It will take you around 30 – 45 minutes and will cost you from 15 USD to 23 USD. Make sure your driver is aware of where to take you to. Some of them may not be very familiar with the Hoi An area and they could end up driving in circles trying to find the destination. Also, to avoid scams, you should choose a well-known taxi brand:

• Mai Linh Taxi: +84 511 352 5252
• Song Han Taxi: +84 511 372 7272
• Tien Sa Da Nang Taxi: +84 511 379 7979
• Vinasun Taxi: +84 511 368 6868

There is a new service that recently launched at the Da Nang airport – Dichungtaxi (shared Taxi). By booking your taxi on their site, the system will send your booking information to drivers and have them pick you up. You can share the taxi with other people heading the same way by choosing the “share” option. If not, you can always take the “private” taxi as usual. This new service is potentially cheaper than other normal options and can also help you avoid being scammed since their pricing is fixed based on the package you select. Shared taxis will be around 150,000 VND (7 USD) and the normal price will be 220,000 VND (10 USD).

Bus

To encourage tourists to visit Da Nang, the government launched a direct bus line between Da Nang and Hoi An – Bus #1 – for just 30,000 VND (1.3 USD). Although the bus is the cheapest travel option, it will take a bit longer, 45 to 60 minutes to get to Hoi An. Bus services start at 5:30 in the morning and stop operating at 6 PM, with a frequency of one bus every 20 minutes. For your convenience, you can use Google Maps and its schedule explorer to pinpoint the nearest bus stop near your stay and the arrival time of the bus. The ticket can be easily purchased on the bus but make sure to pay the right price: 30,000 VND (1.3 USD). If you are arriving from the airport this option will be less convenient because the nearest bus stop is around three kilometers away. But if you are taking the train, there is a bus station close to the Railway Station. It’s at 162 Ong Ich Khiem, only a 10-minute walk from the station.

Motorbike

I saved the best for last! Traveling by motorbike is the most exciting option of all. Most locals travel in between Da Nang and Hoi An because it is the most popular form of transportation in Vietnam, and it allows for flexibility to visit destinations along the way.

However, if this is your first time in Vietnam and you are not familiar with driving a vehicle similar to the motorbike, I would not recommend this option because it is fairly risky. Traffic in Vietnam is quite different from traffic in other countries; driving requires a special set of skills like situation awareness, good reflexes, excellent balance, and guts of steel. If you do not have this set of skills, do not take the risk.

There are two common types of motorbikes: manual and automatic transmission. Automatic bikes are the first choice for most travelers because they are easier to handle, especially in light of the slew of new traffic laws you must obey. Just turn the throttle and it will run. However, if you also plan to visit other nice spots in the area including Son Tra peninsula or challenge yourself to Hai Van pass, then the manual bike will be more suitable since you can manually control the torque (force) which is essential to going uphill.

Remember to check the bike carefully: tires, horn, brakes, and lights. If you have rented a manual bike, then also check the gear pedal. Make sure all functions are in good condition and take a photo of the shop, with contact and address, or take their business card with you in case something unexpected happens on the way and you need their assistance. The average price for a bike rental is 130,000 VND (6 USD) per day. Some shops will give you a discount for a longer rental period. There are a few small shops that provide bike rentals for less than 130,000 VND per day but this is because they rent older motorbikes; make sure nothing is missing or wrong with the bike if you choose this option.

You will have to leave your ID or your passport – sometimes they allow a copy – at the rental shop in order to rent a motorbike and ensure the bike’s safe return. You can either go directly to the shop to retrieve the bike or you can pay the shop extra money and they will bring it to your place.

Route to Hoi An

With the variety of off-line maps and other navigation tools on your phone, it should be very simple to navigate by yourself. Just in case you don’t have 3G data and have trouble connecting to the wifi along the way, it is useful to keep this piece of information with you. Getting to Hoi An on your own bike is fairly easy, and the traffic is minimal. There are two common routes from Da Nang to Hoi An:

• Route 1 – This route takes you along the seashore, arriving at An Bang Beach, my favorite beach of Hoi An. Beginning in Da Nang, pass the Dragon Bridge, towards the beaches. Turn right at Vo Nguyen Giap street. Continue straight ahead for 20 kilometers, along the linking Truong Sa street and Lac Long Quan street. Continue until you see the Hoi An city welcome sign
• Route 2 – This route takes you through Da Nang city’s urban and suburban areas, arriving in downtown Hoi An. Start from Tran Thi Ly Bridge, heading away from the city center. Turn right at the roundabout to Ngu Hanh Son street. Ride straight for 24 kilometers on connecting streets of Le Van Hien, Tran Dai Nghia and Nguyen Tat Thanh. You will know you’re in the right place upon seeing a series of yellow old houses.

The first route should be easier, faster, and more straight-forward, since it runs along the beach and you can take in nice views along the route. On the way, you can pay a visit to the temples and marble stone sculpture facilities in Ngu Hanh Son area if you like. But in its current condition, the beach route has a lot of construction in the latter half of the route and the street might be bumpy and risky there. So I am not recommending it at the moment, yet it is still the quickest way to Hoi An.

If it is not your cup of tea and you would like to see more of Da Nang, then the second option is for you. The second route follows a highway and there are many places for you to catch a break or get your bike refueled and well-maintained. Stop at Vagabond Cafe, no.4 Vo Chi Cong St., Da Nang. It is located right at the 3-way junction of Tran Dai Nghia street and Vo Chi Cong street. Dong Tra park is nearby. The cafe is conveniently a garage as well, so you can get something to drink while you get your bike checked or fixed. The cafe was opened by a guy from Nha Trang along with his French buddy. You can meet beautiful mademoiselle Céline and learn about her project of planting aquaponics right in the backyard.

Now that you have the necessary information, let’s hit the road!

Source: guide.cmego.com

Transportation Guide: How to Get From Da Nang to Hoi An
Nguyen Thanh Van

The world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong (Mountain River Cave) in Vietnam, has suddenly become a lot larger thanks to the remarkable discovery of an underwater tunnel connecting it to another cave.

How big is Hang Son Doong?

‘We were the first people to enter the cave,’ Limbert told Lonely Planet. ‘There is no evidence that anyone lived in Son Doong in the past. Usually it’s easy to see this in a cave… also, all the entrances and exits involve near-vertical descents of at least 85m using technical equipment.’ By contrast, a 5000-year-old stone axe was discovered in a nearby cave, suggesting that Son Doong’s relative inaccessibility might indeed have deterred prehistoric explorers.

What is inside Hang Son Doong?

However, the cave is rich in other forms of life. ‘We have seen monkeys that are able to climb down 200m to visit the jungle within the cave where they collect snails,’ says Limbert. ‘We’ve also seen snakes and other animals including squirrels, rats, flying fox as well as birds and bats.’ He and his team also discovered seven new species of fish, spider, scorpion, shrimp, wood lice and plankton – all of them completely white and without eyes, the evolutionary consequences of existing in complete darkness.

Yet there is plenty to see in the cave, with parts of it illuminated by two dolines – or sinkholes – that can flood the cave with beams of spectacular sunlight. Within its depths are the world’s largest stalagmites and a jungle with trees up to 50m high. ‘You can see up to 1.5km,’ says Limbert, ‘but the cave’s own weather system can make clouds that are spectacular but cut down visibility.’

Although he has explored the cave over 100 times, Limbert’s enthusiasm for the cave’s beauty remains undiminished. ‘There is nowhere like this place anywhere in the world,’ he says. ‘It is not just the size – though it does matter (as they say) – but the variety of unusual and amazing locations within the cave, such as swimming pools in the dark and 400-million-year-old fossils.’

How can I visit Hang Son Doong?

The cave is open to visitors, but access is strictly controlled and limited to 1000 a year. All tours are organised and led exclusively by Oxalis Adventure Tours, for which Howard Limbert is one of the technical directors along with his wife, Deb. Visits are restricted by the rainy season to the months between the end of January and the end of August, after which the cave becomes impassable.

The entrance to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is accessible from Son Trach town, which is 50km north of Dong Hoi. There are regular bus connections to Dong Hoi from Hue, Hoi An and Danang. A typical tour costs $3000 (of which $660 goes to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park) and lasts four days. All groups are capped at 10 visitors and include a guide (all tours are led by at least one of the British cavers involved in the original exploration), a safety assistant, cooks, porters and a park ranger. A degree of fitness is required, warns Limbert, but you don’t have to be an experienced caver or climber – some trekking experience is enough.

Soure: Lonely Planet

How to explore the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong, in Vietnam
Nguyen Thanh Van

Coming to adorable Hanoi, besides contemplating the tower buildings with huge commercial centers, the parks ar places that noone should miss. There, you will find yourself immersed in a relaxing atmosphere, comfortably strolling, doing sightseeing, enjoying the intimate chit-chat or even taking part in weekend activities.

1. THU LE PARK

This park is located inside a large lake, having an oval-shaped land of soil, looking like a tear-like soil. That is also the origin of the name Thu Le, whose name is “holding the tears”. It used to be known as Bach Thao Gardens as well. The Hanoi Zoo is set within the park and there are over 90 different kinds of species and a number of approximately 800 animals that live within the premises, including big cats, monkeys and reptiles. Don’t let the term zoo mislead you – this is one of the most fabulous parks in Vietnam! Thu Le Park is continuously striving to improve its facilities in order to manage to take care of the animals as best as they could. They aim to conserve and protect regional animals which are supposed to be under threat.

Kids in particular love the zoo and park, but you will definitely find a lot of corners comfortable for adults around, too, since it offers a real respite from the hustle and bustle atmosphere of Hanoi city life. There is also a lake with peddle boats, making it a jubiliant getaway for anyone.

Accordingly, visitors will also find themselves mingling in the harmonious symphony of birds with the crystal clear sound of the mi mi miu or the energetic monkeys.

                                                                                     Photo: Hoang Long

Jogging around the park, inhaling in the fresh air and sensing a feel of peace after the hecticity of everyday life will certainly be the relaxing moments for the weekend with friends, family or beloved ones.

Address: Kim Ma Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.

2. YEN SO PARK

This is the most extensive green park in Hoang Mai distric, Hanoi with a total area of about 325 ha, which is a part of  commercial center and 5-star hotel complex, Gamuda.

Located at the southern gateway and is considered to be the green lung of Hanoi capital, Yen So park includes buildings such as art galleries, boat houses, outdoor theaters, mesmerizing gardens, cultural villages and various landscapes; besides, it also have five natural lakes surrounding six themed gardens, a chain of dining options, shops, residential zones, and business center. There are bicycle rental service priced at about 2 USD per hour and boat rental service for about 3 USD.

 The location and the great number of trees here offer a lot of shade from the Hanoi sun and muffles the sound of nearby traffic, turning it almost into a soothing background murmur that your ears get used to. The pathways are amazingly cool and surrounded on both sides by lushes grass, high trees and colourful flowers – it’s incredible because many people are astonished to know that it exists such a well-kept and green areas existing in an urban city like Hanoi.

Address: Near Nuoc Ngam car station, Hoang Mai dist., Hanoi.

3. HOA BINH PARK

Located on Pham Van Dong street, this is absolutely an interesting destination for many young people. The park covers an area of over 20 hectares of Xuan Dinh commune, Tu Liem district, Hanoi. This park was built in the celebration of 990 years of Thang Long – Hanoi. At the same time, the capital was proudly honored to be awarded the title “City for Peace” by UNESCO.

The architectural highlight of the park lies in the main entrance, which was not built with gates but symbols. The main gate is to the north, and back about 40m is a series of greenery islands.

The significance of the North gate is the Lac bird which was built towards the highway. If you are a delicate person who has a tendency to pay attention to small features, you will surely recognize the interesting features in this design, which is the model of the Lac bird, together with the lake forming the English word “No War”.

Address: Pham Van Dong Street, Xuan Dinh Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi.

4. THONG NHAT PARK

Thong Nhat Park is another big park in Hanoi. Though having Bay Mau Lake located in the center, bordering to four mains streets, the park is very tranquil and airy. Thong Nhat park has always been the ideal destination for relaxation, entertainment, group activities, outdoor education or even fairs.

There is a peaceful and serene Hoa Binh island in the middle of Bay Mau lake, and there are many areas for growing flowers and ornamental plants, various interesting games for children such as ferris wheel, mirror house, rowing boat, etc. Particularly on holidays, this park is also the venue for the Spring Flower Fair with thousands of beautiful and fragrant flowers.

Address: Tran Nhan Tong Street, Le Dai Hanh ward, Hai Ba Trung dist., Hanoi.

5. NGHIA DO PARK

This is regarded to be the 50th anniversary of the liberation day of the capital city. With a total area of nearly 47 thousand square meters, Nghia Do park is considered the green lung of the West of the Capital, with flower gardens, emerald green trees, a winding path around the romantic lake, picturesque scenery, fresh environment and airy and calm space. The park has become an ideal place to engage in outdoor activities, relax, exercise, and it also acts as entertainment areas for children.

The park is surrounded by Nguyen Van Huyen – Nguyen Khanh Toan – Chua Ha – To Hieu streets of Cau Giay district. On coming here, you can get into the park by 2 gates located on To Hieu Street or one on Nguyen Van Huyen Street.

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Dich Vong ward, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi.

6. CAU GIAY PARK

Cau Giay park is also known as Yen Hoa park, which is the park with an area of 6540 m2 including green trees planted systematically from the very beginning in order to create a cool and clean campus for the park.

The park is divided into three main areas: a children’s playing area, a sports area and a lake; in addition, there is a square where the residents living around could take a walk. This is really an suited destination for visitors who wish to have a place of  relaxation, releasing stress, having some fun and recharging their batteries.

Address: Thanh Thai, Dich Vong ward, Cau Giay Dist. Hanoi

7. LENIN PARK

Lenin Park Hanoi was built on Chi Lang flower garden (Canh Nong flower garden) and it acts as a symbol of the vigorous vitality of the Vietnamese people. This was originally a lake who name was Ho Voi (Elephant Lake) because in the old days, this used to be place where the soldiers showered for elephants.

In 1982, Vietnamese Government built Lenin monument in Chi Lang flower garden and then, on August 20, 1985, a 5.2m high bronze statue of Lenin was placed on a 2.7m high marble pedestal facing the Dien Bien Phu street.
On October 7, 2003, Chi Lang flower garden was named after Lenin park.
Currently, Lenin park has an area of about 17,000m², is a place with spacious space in the heart of Hanoi capital.

Address: Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh Dist. Hanoi.

8. INDIRA GANDHI PARK

Indira Park is located just opposite the National Cinema Center. It sounds strange because the park takes the name of India’s first female Prime Minister – Indira Gandhi to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation day of Hanoi capital. The statue turns to the North, and its main gate is on Lang Ha Street looking spectacular and solemn.

This park embraces Thanh Cong lake, whose water was purified and filtereclean. This lake also has a magnificent fountain  with greenery system forming clean playing areas and beautiful scenery.
Address: 16B Lang Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Source: WhatsupVietnam.com

Top 8 beautiful and famous parks in Hanoi that you can visit for relaxation and entertainment
Nguyen Thanh Van

As one of the two largest tourist centers of the country, Hanoi Capital plays an essential role in the development of tourism of the whole country in general and of the Northern region in particular. Different from the Southern region that only has 2 seasons, Hanoi has 4 separate seasons which can satisfy even the most picky individual. Coming to Hanoi, tourists can enjoy all 4 seasons of the year, and each one has its own characteristics that instill in the visitors’ deepest corners of their hearts different feelings about life. Some people fall in love with Hanoi in the autumn, some adore Hanoi in the spring when the flowers start to bloom. If Hanoi has won your heart, and you are in love with the trees and street corners here, then don’t be afraid to set off and explore the elegant beauty through each season of this 1,000 year of civilization capital.

Hanoi in the spring

Spring, which is from February to April, is the season of remarkable growth and vitality. Coming to Hanoi in the spring, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing of many blossoming flowers, blooming buds and pristine sproutings on the branches. Spring in Hanoi is the most discernible when buds of tender peach blossom begin to bloom in Nhat Tan flower garden.

                                                                                                    Photo: Caoanhtuan

   Photo: Caoanhtuan

In recent years, Hanoi spring weather quite cool and pleasant, with mild warm sunshine, suitable for the whole nature to bloom, showing off its glamorous beautiful colors. Especially, sometimes there are spring drizzles, which will surely keep the kind hearts paused for a little while and lead it to feel a sense of nostalgia about something that has gone far in the past. Coming to Hanoi around this time, visitors will be able to participate in and learn about traditional festivals or experience folk activities held to celebrate the arrival of spring and Vietnamese New Year

In addition to peach blossom features Hanoi Tet holiday, pristine pure white Sua flowers, purple-colored mountain ebany and red-scented rice flowers competing to bloom in March is also notable characteristics of Hanoi’s springtime. The streets are full of flowers in succession, making the atmosphere of Hanoi even more joyful and jubiliant.

Summer of Hanoi

Someone once said that Hanoi in the summer is very hot-tempered and as sour and scornful as a girl’s personality. The weather in Hanoi from May onwards until the end of July is actually unfavourable, hot even in the morning and it often rains at the end of the day, making the space very clammy hot and uncomfortable. However, with hot weather, Summer is an ideal time to go on vacation, organizing picnics on the outskirts of Hanoi. Enjoying the fresh cool air blowing up from the lake, from the sea or relaxingly contemplating the picturesque natural scenery are experiences that travelers should definitely try when traveling to Hanoi in the summer.

Particularly, when it comes to Hanoi summer, it is indispensable without mentioning the burning red phoenix flower. It is not difficult to find the majestic red phoenix flowers that permeate the campus of the schools or throughout the streets of Hanoi. In addition, Hanoi Summer will turn more brilliant and elegant in the purple color of queen’s crape-myrtle on the days of May or in the aroma of fragrant lotus, fluttering in the breeze with the typical characteristics of the June.

Hanoi in the romance of autumn days

Referring to Autumn in Hanoi, visitors will immediately imagine the scent of milk flowers, nacre flowers in blue white, sweetly aromatic, blooming throughout every street of Hanoi. Or it would be incomplete in the absence of the scent of green Com with its fragrant aroma and the unique characteristics of young rice grains creeping through every street corner on the street peddles. In this season, Hanoi weather is probably the time when there are a huge number of tourists travelling to Hanoi, since just like Hanoians, everyone else’s heart has been completely stolen by the fantastic weather and especially the poetic beauty of the leaves falling season.

Autumn in Hanoi is the unlimited source of inspiration for many authors’ works , ranging from music, poetry to extremely abundant and unique photography. Unexpected showers frequently pour down  in this time of the year, and the cool mild weather lasts from August to October. Autumn is the time when trees start to have their leaves colors change and then fall unforgetably, creating the romantic landscapes, which misleads the sensitive souls to believe that theu are in a artistic movie scene.

Hanoi goes into the wintry seasons

Hanoi winter is from November to January, the coldest period of the year, and this is also the time when Hanoi wears the quietest appearance. The bitter coldness of the winter makes all daily activities of Hanoi people become more sluggish, less noisy and hustling compared to the busy summer months. In the winter, fog covers the entire sky, and the wet roads are sparse of people.

Winter travel in Hanoi is indispensable if there cannot be seen the colors of the typical flowers that only bloom in this season such as yellow rape flowers, tiny white daisies gently mingling in the crowd of people on the street. At this time, Hanoi bears a tranquil and ancient magnificence hanging on the streets or on antique bicycles, carrying loads of gorgeous flowers throughout the old streets of lovely Hanoi.

Source: WhatsupVietnam.com

Hanoi and four beautiful seasons
Nguyen Thanh Van