|   Ba
Vi National Park - Numerous species of rare plants can be found at this park,
65km west of Hanoi, and there are trekking opportunities up to the 1287-metre
summit, offering panoramic views of the Red River Valley. The park also has a
guest house for overnight stays.
Handicraft
Villages - The silk weaving village of Van Phuc, the ceramic centre at Bat
Trang, and the furniture making village of Dong Ky are among several handicraft
villages around Hanoi. The snake-breeding village of Le Mat is worth a visit for
the several restaurants offering this particular delicacy.
Museum
of Ethnology - An impressive and well arranged display of some 15,000 exhibits,
collected from all over the country reflecting the myriad facets of Vietnamese
culture. The museum also serves as a centre for ethnological research.
The
Perfume Pagoda - Reached by road and scenic boat ride, this complex of pagodas
built into limestone cliffs and inside caves, 60km south-west of Hanoi, is considered
one of the most beautiful sites in the country.
Halong
Bay - This World Heritage Site, with more than 1,600 islands, islets and limestone
rocks, rises from the waters of the bay. Set against a rocky coastline perforated
by numerous caves and grottoes, Halong Bay is about 170km east of Hanoi, near
the port city of Haiphong. Most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected
by man, protecting their unique flora and fauna. Among the many highlights are
the huge, three-chambered cave Hang Dau Go and the Drum Grotto, where the sound
of distant drums is generated by the wind rushing through the stalactites and
stalagmites.
Halong Bay is a Jewel of the Mekong - click
here - for our feature.
Cat
Ba Island - The island's 350 square km, of which 90 are a national park, with
abundant flora and fauna, and numerous caves, offers many opportunities for exploring
and hiking. An excellent base from which to explore Halong Bay.
 Hue
- This historic city straddling the banks of the Perfume river, dates back to
1687 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Battles with the French,
in 1885, and during the Vietnam War in 1968, caused considerable damage which
is slowly being repaired.
The
Emperors' Tombs - Located at various sites along the banks of the Perfume
River, the furthest 16 kilometres south of the city, these impressive mausoleums
are the unique final resting places of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors, (1802-1905).
The most frequently visited are the impressive Tomb of Tu Duc, and the beautifully
majestic Tomb of Minh Mang.
The
Citadel - Begun in 1804 and surrounded by a 30 metre wide, 4 metre deep, moat,
it was from here that the Emperor presided over official duties. At its centre
is the Emperor's private quarters, the Forbidden Purple City. The Citadel has
a total of 10 fortified gates reached by bridges spanning the moat.
Thien
Mu Pagoda - This imposing site with its 21 metre high octagonal tower was
founded in 1601 and has been rebuilt several times since. Contained in the complex
are an interesting stele, plus a huge bell, weighing over 2000 kilograms, that
is audible for miles.
Danang
- About 100 km south of Hué, Danang was once the centre of the Cham kingdom -
a merchant people, thought to have arrived from Java, Indonesia, around 1AD. The
kingdom existed until 1720 when it was reduced to a small area around the present
Vietnamese town of Nha Trang. Later the Chams migrated to an area which today
belongs to Cambodia.
The
Cham Museum - Founded in 1915, and featuring the world's largest collection
of Cham art. The Cham people were renowned for producing splendid works, particularly
sculpture. This open air site contains numerous masterpieces from different periods
of the Cham kingdom.
My
Son - A major Cham archaeological site with some spectacular ancient brick
monuments, set in picturesque mountainous surroundings. Established in the 4th
century, this philosophical and religious centre flourished for over twice as
long as Bagan and Angkor, with its temples dedicated to Shiva, and successive
Cham kings. Vietcong guerillas used the sanctuary as a military base, causing
many monuments to be damaged by subsequent US bombing. Restoration efforts are
in progress. Other groups of monuments are overgrown, with plans to make them
also accessible. Other important remains of the Cham civilisation can be found
at the remains of Tra Kieu, which served as the kingdom's first capital from the
4th to the 8th century.
Marble
Mountains - Actually 5 summits of a limestone mountain range, 12 km west of
Danang. Numerous paths lead to caves, pagodas, and small shrines. The summit offers
spectacular views.
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