HUE
Thua Thien Hue is located in the northern parts of
central Vietnam, situated on the banks of the Perfume River, about 1,140 km from Ho Chi
Minh City. The city was founded in 1687 when it became the fortified city of Phu Xuan. It
was also the former capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). The importance that the
city once held is reflected in the number of palaces, tombs and pagodas spread around the
city and its environs.
Places of Attraction
Thien Mu Pagoda
This pagoda is located on Ha Khe Hill, near the
Perfume River, about 5km from Hue. This is the oldest pagoda in Hue, built in 1601 by the
Governor, Nguyen Hoang. There is a 7-storey tower, standing 21m tall, that was dedicated
to Nhu Lai Buddha. Behind the towers are three temples; Dau hung, Dia Tang and Quan The
Am.
Khai Dinh Tomb
This complex is located on the slopes of Mount Chau
E, about 10 km south of town. It was completed in 1931 and has a mix of European and Asian
architecture. A life size bronze statue of Khai Din is placed over the tomb.
Tu Duc Tomb
Located about 8 km southwest of Hue. The tomb was
built in 1867 and is more extravagant than the other tombs in the area. It has a lakeside
pavilion and was actually used by Tu Duc as his second residence.
DA NANG
The coastal city of Da Nang is located along the Han
River, surrounded by mountains. During French rule it was known as Tourane and became the
most important port in the central Vietnam region. Today it is the third biggest city in
Vietnam and is becoming the major gateway to the central Vietnam region. It has many fine
beaches along the coast, especially at China Beach.
Places of Attractions
Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass is situated at 1,500m above sea-level. The
name means "Pass of the Ocean Clouds", relating to the fact that the peak
reaches beyond the clouds, while the foot is close to the sea. The long winding road, with
vertical drops, is almost as breathtaking as the views possible from the top.
There are plans to dig a tunnel through Hai Van Pass to ease access for visitors.
The Cham Museum
The museum is situated at the junction of Trung Nu Vuong and
Bach Dang streets. The building of the museum was supported with financial aid from the
French Far-East Research Institute of Vietnam.
Da Nang was once an integral part of the Champa nation and this
museum naturally has the largest collection of Cham artefacts on display. Built
in the architectural style of Champa, the museum has around 300 sculptures amassed from
Cham temples from the central region of Vietnam. They cover the periods from the
beginnings of the nation (around 192 AD) to its demise at the end of the 17th century.
Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains)
These mountains, located about 12km to the west of
Da Nang, are also called Mountains of the Five Elements, which relates to the name of the
five mountains. Of these, Thuy Son (water) is the highest. The rest are: Moc Son (wood);
Kim Son (metal); Tho Son (soil) and Hoa Son (fire). The mountains contain temple caves and
are a popular place, especially as their are many fine beaches nearby. Footpaths lead to
the peaks of the mountains.
Non Nuoc (China Beach)
This fine beach stretches for more than 5 km along
the base of the Marble Mountains, about 15 km from Danang The clear blue waters and fine
beach attracts many visitors, who have the choice of many good hotels to choose from.
Hoi An
Located just 30 km south from Da Nang, is this once
important sea-port of Hoi An. During the 17th and 19th centuries it was one of the major
ports in southeast Asia. The architecture of the town reflects its past setting: many
buildings of Chinese design are still to be found. Some Japanese and even Dutch and
Portuguese style buildings are also still preserved.
DALAT
The city of Dalat is located in the province of Lam
Dong. Located at an elevation of 1500m, the city exudes a strong French influence. It was
founded by Doctor Alexandre, in 1897, who recommended for the area to be developed into a
resort.
One of the highlights of Da Lat are the flower gardens. The temperate climate is
perfect for orchids, roses and lilies.
Around Da Lat is the Langbian Highland, home to many ethnic minorities. There are
the possibilities for climbers and adventure seekers.
NHA TRANG
The port town of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province was
established during the 1920's. It is known for its white sanded beach, which is often
referred to as the "Mediterranean of Vietnam". The 7 km long beach enjoys the
sun almost all year round. The area receives the least amount of rainfall and is protected
from storms by the Truong Son mountains and the Ca Pass. Due to its relatively favourable
climate, as well as the natural attractiveness of the area, it has become a pleasurable
place for holiday makers. Ruins of the long ago Champa Dynasty are also located nearby.
