Projects invest for Dong Van Plateau

Dong Van Plateau in Ha Giang Province will receive substantial investment from the State with a number of projects involved in infrastructure upgrade and tourism development until 2020.

Dong Van Plateau covers more  than 2,300 square kilometers, stretching across four rocky upland districts of Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yen Minh and Quan Ba.

According to a Government decision approving the plan for preservation, restoration and promotion of Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark signed by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan on February 7, three theme parks and four tourism sites will be built in Dong Van.

To protect the geopark, seen as a natural museum of geology, biology and indigenous culture, theme parks and in particular heritage types with scientific, educational and cultural significance will be developed. They include a geo-scientific park in Meo Vac District, a geo-ecological park covering Yen Minh District and Quan Ba District and a geo-cultural park.

In addition, to exploit the heritage values of the Dong Van Plateau, four tourism centers will be developed - Dong Van tourism from Vietnam travel agency, cultural and historical center in Dong Van Town, Meo Vac Border Gate tourism, science, adventure and trade center in Meo Vac Town, Yen Minh green urban eco-tourism center in Yen Minh Town and Quan Ba tourism and entertainment center in Quan Ba Town.

For the tourism centers to operate efficiently, the Government will upgrade traffic infrastructure and clean water supply system, and restore and develop trade villages.

The decision does not specify total investment. It only mentions the implementation period, from 2012 to 2020, and that the majority of funds will come from the State budget.

The Little Paris of Vietnam- Valley of Love- Dalat- Lam Dong

As far as four miles away from the center of Dalat, the Valley of Love is regarded the little Paris. Tourists in Vietnam travel can easily follow the natural tracks and staircases all around the valley to visit and admire the gorgeous flower gates and statues.

Compared with the true love which has to surpass several obstacles, the Valley of Love in Dalat had to surpass many challenges in the past in order to gain its rightful name as today. In the beginning, the valley was called Vallée D’amour (Valley of Love) by the French before being renamed The Valley of Piece. In 1935, its beauty and captivation persuaded people to once again name it after the most wonderful thing in the world: Love.

The Valley of Love (Thung Lung Tinh Yeu) - Dalat- Lam Dong Province

The Valley of Love today is located 4 miles away from the center of Dalat which is considered as the little Paris. Throughout history, it has been one of the most picturesque and romantic sites of Dalat city, with many deep valleys and endless pine forests. The tranquil Da Thien Lake, which was created in 1972, also adds a great deal to the attractiveness of the valley. To truly appreciate the sceneries is not hard because travelers can easily follow the natural tracks and staircases all around the valley to visit and admire the gorgeous flower gates and statues.

The tracks lead to Vong Canh Hill from which the magnificent view in the Valley of Love gradually appears in each tourist’s eyes.  From that hill, they can also see the Langbian peaks standing out vividly against the blue sky, or continue their adventure to find the Paradise Hill, another ideal destination which is surrounded by beautiful lakes. Overall, the valley is another wonderful addition to your trip to the romantic Dalat.

The Valley of Love (Thung Lung Tinh Yeu) - Dalat- Lam Dong Province

Does it sound like a great rendezvous to say your marriage proposal? Not really, because anyone can possibly fall in love with the landscape before fully listening to what you say. But in case you are really making a proposal, give it a shot. Even if she/he refuses you, at least you will have been to The Valley of Love.

If tourists in Vietnam travel want to make a tour to Dalat, a rhythmic land of flowers and romance, you should add the Valley of Love to your itinerary because it is a wonderful destination for those who love a romantic trip.

Vietnam's adventure travel - Organized or independent?

A commercial attitude has always been part of Vietnamese culture. So it's no miracle that after the years of isolation, Vietnam quickly changed into a unique mix of communism and capitalism. As soon as you will arrive in Vietnam, you will be offered all kinds of services, including postcards, shoe shine, and different Vietnam tours.

Independent adventure travelers, however, do not fancy organised tours in buses with many tourists. But the lack of public transport almost requires taking such a tour. Unless, of course, you have your own means of transport. In that case, try to reach the following exciting Vietnam destinations on your own.

Northern hill tribes

In the mountainous regions of North Vietnam, several different hill tribes still live their traditional lives. The village of Sapa and the valleys around it are great for exploring. For independent travelers, it can be reached by train and mini bus, but it is also great for touring around on a motorbike. Make sure, though, to make a trekking, too.

Tours from Hanoi

From the capital of Hanoi, different tours can be made. Before exploring by yourself, however, take into account that for instance Halong Bay, but also the Perfume Pagoda, require boat transportation as well.

Central Vietnam

In the centre of Vietnam, between the cities of Hue and Hoi An, lies a small mountain range, causing a change in climate, especially in winter. Where Hue is the wettest place in Vietnam, and still pretty cold in winter, Hoi An sees a lot of sun, and is warm year-round.

In these regions, there are a lot of interesting sights. Independent travelers, however, need to take care since a lot of landmines are still around. This is the area of the former demilitarized zone, and a lot of fighting took place here. The remnants of the once flourishing Champa kingdom at My Son has suffered from it, but is still worth a visit. While on the road, you can see more sites with Cham towers, though.

Around Dalat

Moving south, it's best to move away from the coastal road into the central highlands around Dalat. This area is well suited to visit with your own means of transport, visiting waterfalls, hill tribes, nice scenery, etcetera. Without transport, you are stuck to another Vietnam travel guide to visit those sites.

Mekong Delta

The most challenging area for independent adventure travel is in the south of Vietnam. The Mekong Delta area mainly has waterways. The roads alongside the water are connected over the water by monkey bridges. The Vietnamese take their motorbikes over these bridges, but can you?

So many places in Vietnam are worth a visit. But visiting those independently is often a challenge. For some regions, you may want to stick to a Vietnam Tour. For others, consider having your own means of transport for the best adventure travel. The choice is up to you.

Patrick van der Meer is the creator of Adventure Travel Tales and Tips, a website composed of his experiences during a 15 month world journey and other trips. Visit his website for exciting travelogues, tips on preparations, means of transport, a wide range of destinations and much more.

Hoi An voted world’s best tourism destination

Hoi An City in the central province of Quang Nam, home to a UNESCO world heritage ancient town, has been voted the world’s best tourism city by UK tourism magazine Wanderlust.

The Wanderlust Travel Awards 2013 went to the Vietnamese city with a whopping 98.18 percent satisfaction rating from the magazine’s 3,000 surveyed readers who are described as UK's most dynamic tourists.

Only those who traveled abroad from December 2011 to November 2012 could join the voting.

During the award ceremony recently held in London, Lyn Hughes, the magazine co-founder and editor-in-chief, handed the gold award certificate for Hoi An to Le Thi Thu Hang, a Vietnamese diplomat stationed in the UK.

“Some 976 cities joined this year’s voting, but nowhere was appreciated as high as Hoi An. Almost all UK travelers reviewed that Hoi An was a beautiful city with very nice beaches and attractive landscapes,” said Ms. Lyn.

The runner-up Cusco, Peru – the gateway to Machu Picchu – is back in the top 10 for the first time since 2009 with 95.76 percent satisfaction rate, followed by the Japanese city of Kyoto, with 94.81 percent.

Other cities in the world that were voted by Wanderlust readers include Bagan of Myanmar, Copenhagen of Denmark, Udaipur of India, New York and San Francisco of the USA, Venice of Italy, and Siem Reap of Cambodia.

In addition to this award, the magazine's readers also voted on other categories such as the favorite countries for travel, emerging destinations, travel blogs, tour operators, airports and airlines.

Vietnam was ranked 9th in the ‘top country category’ with 93.67 percent satisfaction in The Wanderlust Travel Awards 2013.

Wanderlust magazine was founded in 1993 and has grown rapidly to more than 100,000 readers in 112 countries.