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How to get to Moc Chau?

Moc Chau is 180km away from Hanoi. Moving along the National Road 6 (Quoc Lo 6) normally takes between four and six hours. Thanks to the width and surface flatness, Moc Chau is relatively accessible. Thus, there are many transportation options available.

Coach (Xe khach)

Coaches from Giap Bat, My Dinh, Yen Nghia, Thanh Xuan Stations depart from 4 AM to 11 PM. There are two types:
+ 16-29-seat-coach mainly runs during daytime: 130 000VND/passenger
+ Space coach runs both day and night: 160 000VND/passenger
+ Prices are subject to change during holiday seasons, especially in Tet Holiday
* Schedule:
+ Giáp Bát: 7h30, 8h30, 9h00, 16h00
+ Mỹ Đình: 5h30 - 20h00; every 30 minutes
+ Yên Nghĩa: 5h30 - 13h
+ Thanh Xuân: 4h - 7h (35 Nguyễn Tuân)
* Phone numbers of several coach agencies:
+ Bắc Sơn: 022.355.1559
+ Hải Vân: 0122.226.2626
+ Hưng Thành: 0989.264.264
+ Ngọc Thuận: 0913.017.079
+ Sánh Lê: 0914.898.906 (Mỹ Đình)
+ Khánh Thu: 0947 869 169 (Thanh Xuân)
There are pros and cons regarding traveling during daytime or nighttime.
+ If passengers travel during the daytime, they can view the beautiful scenery of Northwest amidst the fog, the villages on both sides of the road, the forests, the peach trees.
+ If you opt for the night, you can rest in preparation for the next day full of new experiences in coaches which provide beds.

 Rented taxis, motorbikes

+ Rented motorbike: 250 000VND/bike/day
+ Rented taxi: 400 000VND -> 1 200 000VND/trip depending on the time and destination.
Some rented taxi agencies’ phone numbers:
- Liên Thao: 0973.562.809
- Thân Gái: 01687.447.292

Personal car or bike

There are two ways to drive:
+ Nguyen Trai -> Ha Dong -> National Road 6 (Quoc Lo 6)
+ Lang Hoa Lac, Xuan Mai -> National Road 6 (Quoc Lo 6)
+ Take caution of fog and slippery

Where to stay in Moc Chau?

A place to stop by overnight is essential to anyone traveling. Being a mountainous itself, Moc Chau still caters for tourists adequately as of accommodation. Below is a list of recommended spots.

Bo House

Good news for vintage fans, you will get to experience your paradise her in Bo House amidst the pristine scenario of nature. This antique accommodation comes with everything at hand from the shared kitchen to the laundry area. Comes with a variety of room types such as single, double or triple rooms, travelers will have no qualms regarding their stay.
Address: Xóm 2 Tiểu khu cơ quan, Phiêng Luông, Mộc Châu, Sơn La
Phone: 097 585 89 89

Nha Ta Homestay

Located in downtown Moc Chau, the mountain-inspired wooden houses provide tenants with the most pristine but still luxurious stay.
Address: Trần Huy Liệu, TT. Mộc Châu, Mộc Châu, Sơn La
Phone: 097 822 72 38

Moc Chau Arena Village

Sitting on the greenery of a hill, Moc Chau Arena Village is a cluster of rooms built on gigantic containers, boosted by unbeatable amenities. Each container has its own color such as white, pink, yellow, thus creating a youthful vibe. All containers facing toward plum gardens and tea hill is a huge bonus that always satisfies even the most difficult guests.

Address: Phiêng Luông, Mộc Châu District, Sơn La
Phone: +84 97 162 26 07
Website: mocchauarena.com

Where to go in Moc Chau?

Moc Chau not only offers a wide range of specialties for tourists to savor but also a variety of places to visit to fulfill your traveling experience the most. Compiled below is an exclusive list of where you definitely should pay a visit to whether it is for photography, relaxation or adventure.

Dai Yem Waterfall

Dai Yem Waterfall is also known as Lady Waterfall (Thac Nang) or Ban Vat Waterfall. The name Dai Yem derives from the tale that the fall is the shirt of the lady who rescues the man from the raging flood. It is ideal to visit from April to October for the powerful and impressive flow, embellished by the dazzlingly white foam.

Address: QL43, Mường Sang, Mộc Châu, Sơn La
Tel: 0168 936 2458

Pha Luong Summit

Pha Luong Summit is located near the boundary of Vietnam and Laos, peaking almost 2000 meters. You will have to spend at least four hours walking to conquer the Summit. It is not without difficulty to negotiate your way through the path but the fruit you achieve at the end of the day never fails to satisfy the champions. Upon reaching the top, you will be able to stand on blocks of enormous rocks piling against one another to view the cloud and floristic composition, the forest, the villages of not one but two countries Viet-Laos, which proves to be a lucrative bonus! There is just a little obstacle is that you can only complete your Pha Luong Summit trip within one day since you cannot stay overnight here. Nevertheless, experience you have the chance to go through will leave you under spell.

Address: Chiềng Xuân Việt Nam, Tân Xuân, Mộc Châu, Sơn La

Heart Tea Hill

Sounds romantic, right? Nothing short of your expectations, Moc Chau offers not only one but many of these signature Tea Hills that, from high above, resemble the shape of the heart. In addition, the Tea Hill area is fully covered in green so any photos taken here are guaranteed to be nicely greenly captured.

Address: Nông trường Mộc Châu, Mộc Châu, Sơn La
Tel: 091 279 39 22

Ang Village

Located right in the middle of Moc Chau Town, Ang Village’s Pine Forest, a 60 hectares area of greenery, is tailor-made for camping, minorities’ traditional homestay or pure relaxation. In addition, if you have the chance to drop by Ang Village duing Independence Tet Holiday, this village will have much more than just Pine Forest to entertain as annually, the village is selected to organize numerous cultural activities such as “Het Cha” festival reconstruction, cuisine festival or brocade exhibition.

*Ang Village’s Pine Forest
Address: Đông Sang, Mộc Châu, Sơn La
Tel: 097 694 79 99

*Ang Village’s Tourist Area
Address: Đông Sang, Mộc Châu, Sơn La, Việt Nam

Ngu Dong Ban On (On Village’s Five Caves)

Time to satiate adventure thirst! Especially suitable for trekking gurus, Ngu Dong Ban On is not something anyone can handle whether access-wise or beauty-wise. Despite being named wonders by a wide range of sources, Ngu Dong Ban On is a category of its all thanks to its pure primitiveness. Reaching Ngu Dong Ban On, travelers will be able to feel first-hand the mightiness of the five caves closely attached to Eastern five basic elements philosophy (Metal-Wood-Water-Fire-Earth). Another merit of taking up this attraction is that on your way, you can experience directly the life of Thai Tribe in the most genuine manner.

Address: Nông trường Mộc Châu, Mộc Châu, Sơn La

Happy Land

Recently popular to not only locals but also tourists alike, this newly constructed Happy Land will add more fun to your journey as its name conveys. At Happy Land, you will be able to view flowers blooming all year around. Moreover, to get yourself acquainted with the place, there are a wide variety of activities organized to assist you.

Address: Quốc lộ 43, Mường Sang, Mộc Châu, Sơn La
Phone: 097 758 88 86

Overall, if you want to fully embrace Moc Chau’s beauty, it is strongly advisable to prepare well ahead of time in order that when you reach your desired destination, all left to do is enjoy!

What and where to eat in Moc Chau?

Mountain’s Foody Heaven: Moc Chau is famous for being the most scenic region of the North of Vietnam. It is fortunate to be endowed by nature with a variety of flowers such as cherry blossom, white colza, white plum. Moc Chau captures the hearts of its visitors by its sheer beauty, temperate climate, serenity, people. But that is not all Moc Chau has to offer. There is still another hidden gem lying in Moc Chau: food. However, it is not simple to just get out of the car and find the right things to eat immediately. That is why we, MAZE, are with you to provide you some sneak peek into what you shouldn’t miss in the adventure to this rural land.

Milk

Well, it goes without saying that almost you can find milk just everywhere. However, Moc Chau’s fresh milk has made a name for itself across the country for being perfectly creamy and nutritious. You can drink it within only three days but no worries, we are certain that you will finish it in a day or two since being able to start a day with a cup of warm creamy milk in the chilly morning is a undeniably blessing feeling, rendering you warm as well as refreshed.

Five-color sticky rice

Moc Chau is one of the most vibrant hubs for minorities in Vietnam. Each tribe represents an exquisite color that it is proud of. Dao people add to the fun with their five-color sticky rice which is made of rice mixed with a range of herbal leaves, creating an irresistible dish for the local as well as tourists.

Cải mèo

As simple as his town, Cai Meo is a one-ingredient dish featuring Cai Meo. Rest assured since it won’t disappoint you with numerous tastes your tastebuds will feel with only a bite of it. A little bitter at first but it will pass soon, leaving a clear sweetness in your mouth. Although Cai meo Moc Chau can be used to add in hotpot, fried dish, chicken, its favorite style is the easy boiling and then served with a bowl of soy sauce or fish sauce.

Buffalo’s meat (Thịt trâu gác bếp)

The “leader” of Moc Chau’s specialties, Thit trau gac bep, originally of Thai tribe, must never be missed in Moc Chau’s big events such as Tet Holiday or Wedding. Few have left Moc Chau without buying a little Thit trau gac bep for souvenir. Generally, its price will be approximately 600000VND/kg, sold at Tiểu Khu 32, Chiềng Đi or intersection 73 (ngã ba 73), Peach Garden.

Grilled Stream Fish (Cá suối nước)

One merit of Grilled Stream Fish is that you can eat both the meat and the bone. In addition, the Grilled Fish is tasty with the company of spicy fish sauce (mắm tỏi ớt) or chili sauce. It is highly recommended to eat Grilled Stream Fish with sticky rice, which never fails to amaze the diner.

Calf meat (Bê chao)

Soft sweet calf meat “chao” by hot oil in the pan, letting out the most irresistible taste that entrances anyone passing by. You can easily catch sight of “Be chao” restaurants along the National Road 6 (Quốc lộ 6), Tiểu Khu Chiềng Đi or Công Trường Mộc Châu town (Moc Chau Site Town). Prices for small dish range from 100 000VND-150 000VND, 150 000VND to 200 000VND for big one.

Green tea

Not only serve as a spectacle for beholders, Green Tea Hills, occupying up to 3000 ha of Tea Land in Moc Chau, offer delicate tea cups not only for the local people but also across Vietnam.

Peach

Available at the end of May annually, peach from Moc Chau can be found sold by street vendors along National Road 6 (Quoc lo 6). Moc Chau’s peach brings about pleasant sense of sweetness and mild sourness, refreshment at every crunchy bite.

Shopping in Moc Chau

Moc Chau creates endless opportunities for travelers to make enduring memories. So as to help you remind of this journey in the future, the place offers countless specialties and souvenirs, ready to be taken home dearly. BElow is the list of several distinguished souvenirs and specialties shops.

Moc Chau Lien Thao

Here, you can buy Moc Chau’s exclusive gifts of this Northwestern mountainous region for family and friends or simply for yourself or book car ticket for Hanoi and other Northern provinces.

Products:
+ Tea: O Long (Black Dragon Tea), Bat Tien (Eight Fairies), Shan Tuyet, Giao Co Lam…

+ Milk cake, milk biscuit, yogurt, milk…
+ Apple (Tao Meo), Banana (Chuoi Hot), Mang Kho, Mang Ot, Ngo No…
+ Northwestern Traditional Medicine
+ Traditional clothes (Trang phuc Tho Cam)

Lan Duc Store

The store is known for offering products at a relatively competitive price compared to other stores with its slogan “Our customer’s pleasure is our honor.”

*Products:
+ Sweets: Moc Chau Peanut Candy, Sesame Candy, Flexible Banana (Chuoi Deo), Dried Banana…

+ Moc Chau Tea: Green Tea, Lotus Tea, San Tuyet Tea, Bat Tien Tea…

+ Honey, nectar

+ Milk, milk biscuit, butter…
+ Sáo mèo, khèn…

+ Chẳm chéo Mộc Châu, popcorn

Moc Chau Farm

With Moc Chau Farm, you don’t have to worry about what you should get as souvenirs for those waiting back home because Moc Chau Farm offers almost everything exclusive to Moc Chau. This store is ideal for visitors for its wide selection and quality of the products and affordability. In addition, the Farm lies right at the Ban Bo Bun Intersection, right in the center of Moc Chau town, thus a great place for travelers to rest and enjoy a cup of fresh yogurt.

* Products:
+ Milk biscuit

+ Tea

+ Thit trau gac bep (Buffalo jerky)

+ Wine

+ Herbs

+ Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Itinerary

You will never know what is waiting on your adventure as surprise always makes a trip memorable. However, you will gain more if you are well-prepared. Therefore, a carefully planned itinerary is your greatest aid to fully enjoy yourself.

DAY 0: Pick your favorite transportation schedule and hop on the road

DAY 1:

• 7:00 AM: Get up and take a deep breath. This is an extraordinary step to kickstart your journey in Moc Chau with such fresh air that only available here in this pristine surroundings.
• 7:30 AM: Breakfast like a local with five-color sticky rice (Xoi Ngu Sac) and fresh milk straight from the farm!
• 8:15 AM: Off we go to the Pha Luong Summit. This challenge is a must for the ones who are truly in love with travelling, with nature, with adventure and with Moc Chau. Conquering this gigantic creation, you will be able to attain a moment of refreshment, of unforeseen “enlightment”, the sentiment is similar to one that you feel when rewarded for your hard work!
• 13:30 PM: Climbing up and it is time to go down as well. It is advisable that you start returning when the sun is still up!
• 16:45 PM: Whether it’s buffalo meat (thit trau gac bep), grilled stream fish (ca suoi nuong) or calf meat (be chao), you can freely choose even all for dinner. Eat a lot to build up yourself!
• 18:00 PM: Rest well! There is more lying ahead!

DAY 2:

• 7:00 AM: Start off your day like yesterday.
• 7:30 AM: Breakfast with whatever you fancy. In case you cannot decide, these are among the most popular in town:

• Pho Moc Chau (Moc Chau Rice Noodle)
• Chao Luon
• Bun Ca
• 8:30 AM: Once you are fully charged, head to Heart Tea Hill and enjoy unmatched fresh tea. Here, you can shoot the dreamiest photos without much effort as wherever the camera snaps at, the scenery is just too heavenly. One lucrative tip is that traditional Mong tribe costume is on rent here with only $2! (20 000VND for clothing and 10 000VND for the paper umbrella)
• 10:30 AM: Move on to Moc Chau Dairy Farm. Time to quench your thirst for milk as well as fill your souvenir lots. This Farm is the origin of most milk consumed in the entire Northern Region of Vietnam. That said, you must know the popularity of this farm’s produce. Thus, don’t forget to drink a lot in order not to regret later!
• 12:00 AM: Your stomach may be somehow filled thanks to the milk from the Dairy Farm earlier, so either eat some fruit or if you are still not satiated, eat proper lunch at a restaurant
• 13:00 PM: Travel to Cua Khau Loong Sap (Loong Sap Gate) to witness the boundary between Vietnam and Laos. If possible, you can even walk through the gate and into the land of Laos. In just two seconds, congratulations, you have been to another country on this trip!
• 15:00 PM: After hanging around the gate, head to Thac Dai Yem (Dai Yemm Waterfall). If there is water then you are lucky!
• 17:00 PM: Head back and toast on … yogurt!!! Its deliciousness is increased tremendously by the fogginess around in the afternoon!
• 18:30 PM: If you are travelling during festival period, take some time at night to see the locals celerating and dancing.
• 19:30 PM: Return to your accommodation and rest well

DAY 3:

• 7:00 AM: Start your day
• 7:30 AM: Have breakfast. Until now, you should know fairly well about this area to select breakfast of your likings.
• 8:30 AM: Pack up for Ngu Dong Ban On. Only go to this attraction if you are in healthy condition since the journey will be tough. There, you can immerse yourself in flower paradise, feeling closer to nature more than ever.
• 11:00 AM: Lunch time downtown. There is an array of restaurants catering bun, lau, com etc.
• 12:00 AM: Head to Happy Land where visitors can find flowers blooming all year around. Besides, there are a selection of activities provided to get used to this place
• 15:00 PM: Have a break at Moc Chau Cafe. Even though it’s coffee, it can taste different depending on the place you drink, you know!
• 17:00 PM: Return to your accommodation and have dinner. Pack for tomorrow’s return

The post An Ultimate Guide to Moc Chau, Son La | Vietnam Travel Guide appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

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How to get to Dien Bien?
Where to stay in Dien Bien?

Places to Visit in Dien Bien

Hill A1 (Đồi A1)

Hill A1, also known as Eliane 2 named by French Colonel de Castries, occupies the centre of Dien Bien town. This entrenched fortification was considered at the top list French group of fortresses. Stretching from the North West to the South East, Hill A1 consists of two tops: Tây Bắc (490m) and Tây Nam (493m). Back in the day, a monument has been built and the remnant of tanks is displayed on the hill in remembrance of the fascinating history. Especially, you can easily realize that there is a hole atop Hill A1 – which is a result of a massive explosion in Dien Bien Phu battle. This turned out the most popular tourist attraction to people who ever set foot on Dien Bien – the marvelous battlefield.

As a matter of fact, nothing at this site is written in English, so you may face some difficulties during your visit. Therefore, please make sure that you have read about the Dien Bien Phu victory to have an insight in the history and learn about the place. Besides, a qualified tour guide is highly recommended to make your trip a better one.

Adress: Muong Thanh precinct, Dien Bien province

Bunker of Colonel de Castries (Hầm Đờ Cát)

You might be impressed by how effectively the French placed themselves - in the bottom of a bowl as Điện Biên Phủ is surrounded by hills. As it is so clear to be seen that France has a powerful military compared to that of Vietnam, and there was a big gap between the military skills of two sides. But the interesting fact is that Vietnamese people did snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, which enormously influenced negotiations over the future of Indochina at Geneva. That must have stemmed from an incredible strategy in which spirit and determination are the most influential factors leading to the winning of the weaker military force. For a long time passing by, the bunker has more or less remained its original appearance. Although at first, it was made of bamboo, bricks, and sand, nowadays, it has been reconstructed all in cement for the sake of tourist’s safety.

Keep in mind that all information is given in French, so unless you know that language or have a tour guide who is excelled at both languages, you may hardly understand about the information provided.

Address: Muong Thanh precinct, Dien Bien province
Entrance fee: 15,000 dong/ person

Dien Bien Phu Museum (Bảo Tàng Điện Biên Phủ)

The museum was constructed in 1984 in celebration of 30 years anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory. It was once restored in 2003 and upgraded the exhibition area. Up till now, the museum has accumulated a great number of items: 274 objects and 122 pictures relating to these topics: strategic location, group of fortresses, policy, influence and Dien Bien Phu nowadays. If you wish to have a closer look at the place where the glorious battlefield was held, this place can not be missed.

Address: Neighborhood 1, Muong Thanh precinct, Dien Bien province
Opening hours:7:00 am – 11:00 am; 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Entrance fee: 5,000 VND/ person

Uva Hot Spring (Suối Khoáng Nóng UVa)

About 15 kilometers away from the town center, Uva hot spring is highly recommended as an undisputed highlight of your trip to Điện Biên. With such spectacular mountainous scenery and boiling water from 74 to 84 degree C, this hot spring offers you a wonderful chance to put your feet up. Noticeably, it has been proven that  you will find it therapeutic while soaking in the water. So why don’t you pay a visit to such a nice place like this?

Adress: Noong Luong Commune, Dien Bien Province

Pha Din Mountain Pass (Đèo Pha Đin)

Pha Din mountain pass is 32 km length, steep with many sharp bends, which seems risky even to the real backpacker. But trust me, after a long way struggling to reach the top, you will come across plenty of wonderful landscapes. On the upper slope, you may find it fantastic to be shrouded in a thick blanket of fog contemplating Muong Quai valley and little villages downhill. From the top, the scenery below is almost impossible to be seen and you are gonna be impressed by the panoramic view of the distant horizon

Adress: Ta Phin highlands

Muong Phang cherry blossom garden

The garden is ideally located on the island right in the middle of Pa Khoang lake. The cherry blossom flowers, considered a promotion to the close friendship between Japan and vietnam, are mostly in full bloom in February and remain brilliantly- coloured in the next three weeks.  So it is just perfect for people who are on the lookout for the romantic atmosphere. Not only will you be succumbed to its natural charm but you will also get allured by the delicate fragrance of cherry blossom.

Adress: Pa Khoang Lake, Muong Phang Commune, Dien Bien province

Nightlife in Dien Bien

As a matter of fact, there is a limit on the number of nightlife activities you can find in Dien Bien, but we can come up with the best offer for a night out. I guarantee that this suggestion is worth a try, so why don’t you make a night of it?

Muong Thanh Night Market

Constructed as the first night market in Dien Bien, Muong Thanh is expected to be the center of attraction. The first time they open the market, it has achieved a fascinating outcome – millions of tourists and local people visited the place. Located on Nguyen Chi Thanh street, Muong Thanh night market stretches 580 meters long and occupies five neighborhoods. It is held daily from8 p.m to 11 p.m to meet the demand for food and shopping. There is no entrance fee, but you should be sure about your budget because you cannot resist the overwhelming temptation to waste your money on unique traditional local clothes, nice souvenirs, ornamental plants and mouth-watering aroma from tasty dishes. Food must be the most alluring part during your visit to the market. Favorite snacks, ethnic cuisine, some special delicacies are now on offer to satisfy your appetite. All in all, it is an ideal option for a family’s night-out to join in Dien Bien upbeat atmosphere.

Foods to eat in Dien Bien

As it is clear to be seen that your trip cannot go without trying some good food, let Điện Biên allure you with its superb cuisine. Featured and thoroughly made by the ethnic minorities, these food are impressive enough to linger over your meal.

Cheo (Chẳm Chéo)

This might be one of the foods that remind you the most of Dien Bien after you leave this place. Cheo is widely known as a legendary ingredient to any local people here. To be more specific, it is mainly made of a kind of wildflowers which has attar and delicate fragrance. Thanks to a perfect combination with dried chili, fried salt, chopped parsley and citronella, Cheo is commonly eaten with food such as sticky rice, meat or even roasted fish which make you want more.

Nuong sticky rice (Xôi Nếp Nương)

Honestly, sticky rice may sound familiar to anybody who set foot on Vietnam but Điện Biên nuong sticky rice is something that cannot be found anywhere else. Although it is commonly known that rice grown in the Northwest of Vietnam is among the finest ones, Nuong glutinous rice is on top of this list – creamed and rich in nutrition. To turn this special ingredient into a perfect dish, it takes the local people a long time to prepare and go through a complicated process of cooking. The rice is soaked in water for hours in order to make it more tender. Then, it is formed in a special utensil provided by the ethnic minority and cooked twice. After that, the dish might be decorated with colorful vegetable to look elaborate. The pleasant taste you find when enjoying this dish may not only stem from the complexity of the whole cooking process but also from the local people’s extraordinary skill and love for traditional cuisine.

Buffalo bacon (Thịt Trâu Gác Bếp)

Among a wide range of food Dien Bien has to offer, Buffalo bacon might draw most of your attention. Buffalo bacon was traditionally used in formal meetings or to serve honored guests but now, you have a chance to have a try because they are all available in restaurants. People who process this kind of food must be really careful in removing all the veins and adding flavors. The meat is required to be tender and juicy enough to eat. On the whole, fresh meat in combination with carefully collected ingredients is a great dish that you should have a try.

Ban vegetable (Rau Ban)

This kind of vegetable is fully grown in March – the most beautiful moment when the entire province is filled with the white color of ban vegetable. A daily meal of local people cannot be lacking in this vegetable as they use them to create a wide range of good food. Although each food is mainly from ban vegetable, they have their own appeals – easy to eat and really delectable.

Suggested restaurants and cafes

Duc Hieu restaurant

Address: Doi 3, Cong Hoa, Thanh Luong commune, Dien Bien province
Tel: 0230 3827581

Huong Dong Noi restaurant

Serves good food at reasonable prices but it might be quite crowded in the evening, so make sure that you arrive early enough to save a place.
Adress: Near Muong Thanh bridge, Dien Bien province
Tel: 0230 3735268
Price range: 100 000 VND – 440 000 VND

Nga Luan restaurant

Adress: 81 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Dien Bien province
Tel: 0230 3827117

Yen Ninh restaurant

Adress: 257 Group 9, Tan Thanh commune, Dien Bien province

Café and Boba

After a long way traveling, you may need time to sit still and enjoy the panoramic view of the lovely province. Therefore, a visit to a nice café may make your day. Besides, your trip should not go without grabbing a boba (bubble tea) – a trendy drink in every Asian country. So just find time for these beverages and have fun contemplating the whole town.

*QA Café

Address: 1 Duong Lang, Tua Thang commune, Tua Chua District, Dien Bien province

Opening hours: 06:00 am - 11:00am; 02:00pm - 11:00pm
Price range: 5 000 VND – 50 000VND

*Ca phe 56

Address: 133 Truong Chinh, Dien Bien province
Opening hours: 07:00 - 23:00
Price Range: 20 000 VND – 170 000VND

*Ding Tea – Boba

Address: 98 Hoang Cong Chat, Muong Thanh commune, Dien Bien province
Opening hours: 7:00 – 22:00
Price range: 30 000 VND – 50 000 VND

Suggested itineraries

One day in Dien Bien

You are on your trip to Dien Bien but only have a day to explore?

7:00 AM: Arrive at your hotel or guest-house and check in

7:30 AM: Have breakfast at your place if possible. Or you can check out some local restaurants listed above.

8:30 AM: Ask if your hotel or guest house cater for tour guide service because nothing in the site you are going to visit is available in English so you may encounter a bunch of language barrier problems.

8:45 AM: Visit Hill A1, get to know some information and historic value on Dien Bien Phu Victory battlefield.

9:30 AM: Go to Dien Bien Phu museum ( 450m away from hill A1, just within walking distance) and take a closer look at the items that are demonstrated to have a closer look at the place where the glorious battlefield was held.

11:00 AM: Get to Dien Bien Phu military commander (1,1 km, takes 14 minutes if walking), buy a ticket and explore the remaining historic site. You also have a chance to visit the bunker of Colonel de Castries – a significant historic place in Dien Bien Phu city. You can read more about this place above to have an overall look at this place.

11:45 AM: Back to your hotel, rest yourself and have lunch.

2:00 PM:  Pay a visit to Pa Khoang lake to appreciate nature and go for a stroll under canopies of cherry blossom trees.

3:00 PM: Get to Uva hot spring to soak your body in boiling water and put your feet up.

5:00 PM: Pop into Xá nhè bazaar, get to know some time-honored custom and buy some souvenirs.

6:30 PM: Have dinner at some recommended restaurant to have an idea of local taste.

7:30 PM: Get back to the hotel, have a shower, change clothes

8:00 PM: Go out for a walk in the city center, breathe in fresh air and maybe take a sip of coffee

Two days in Dien Bien:

Day one: same as One day in Dien Bien

Day two:

6:00 AM: Wake up early, fill your stomach with good food and be ready for your journey to Pha Phin pass.

6:30 AM: Hire motorbike and someone to lead the way if possible. Then get to Pha Phin pass – one of the most impressive passes in the North West area. Be careful when driving because there are many sudden turns on the way. When reached the top, take time to relax and admire the dazzling scenery.

10:00 AM: Back to hotel and have lunch

1:00 PM: Visit Muong Thanh paddy field – the biggest one in North West area.

1:40 PM: Get to Muong Lay lakeside city to know more about local lifestyle

3:00 PM: Hua Pe hot spring is a nice destination to put your feet up after a tiring day.

5:00 PM: Get to Bản Mển community and acquire some more knowledge about the local embroidery culture. You can also have a bite here because they serve a wide range of local food.

8:00 PM: Return to your hotel and be ready to wander around the city.

8:30 PM: Find some unique snacks in the city and have fun enjoying the panoramic view of the entire city

The post The Top Things to Do in Dien Bien | Vietnam Travel Guide appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Not everywhere, somewhat at this small Ao Dai (Ao Dài) lane branching from Dien Co street of the newly-formed Bac Tu Liem district, more than 10km from the city centre.

The 400m-long lane boasts splashy paintings on its once lifeless walls, a non-professional work of arts reminiscent of Vietnamese propaganda images few decades ago. This decoration enters various themes close to local issues and interests, almost always containing purposeful messages. In one corner, a picture of a lovely 3-member family emerges with a poem on family planning, known as a call by the government to control birth rate in the 1990s and 2000s.

Elsewhere, slogans such as “work hard, study hard” or “children are the future of tomorrow” recall ethics lessons in elementary school. Paintings of environment protection and encouragement of working equally spring the array of gray walls into life.

Their author, Cao Chi Thinh, 95, started his embellishment roughly 20 years ago and continues to these days should any of the households allows him to modify their house exterior. A local, Thinh employed limewash to entertain his neighborhood as much as prevented the lane from wall vandalism. Thinh used to work as a propaganda poster maker and these paintings reveal his desire to mobilize his craft for public use as he got old. Inhabitants gladly receive his creativity, notably since the cost of these paintings was covered by Thinh himself. Many cite his wall paintings as embodiments of their childhood and inspiration for the kids.

By no means a showy representation of amusement, wall paintings at Ao Dai lane pride themselves as a difference in a district yet to be exploited for tourism. En route to the city’s Noi Bai airport, you may feel tempted to stop by and grab your cameras for a few minutes of pleasant remembrance.

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr:
Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

Words and Photos  by Hoai Sa

The post Retro Nostalgia in Ao Dai Lane, Hanoi appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Here are the street vendors in Hanoi Walking street at weekend

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr:
Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

Words by Trang Nguyen
Photos by Hanh Le

The post Street Vendors in Hanoi appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr: Photo Album Flickr (Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

Words by Content writer Trang Nguyen
Photos by Contributor Duc Vu

To see more photos about Tạ Hiện and other interesting streets in Hanoi Old Quarter at night, please click here

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If you want to have an insight into the intricates and traditions of Vietnamese food, you should not miss “Xôi”, which is one of our most popular and oldest street foods. “Xôi” is the term of steamed sticky rice that varies in dozens of kinds and tastes. It is a delicious, easily found and pretty cheap Vietnamese dish.

Wandering around Hanoi, you will have no difficulty finding a store or vendor selling “Xôi” on almost every main street or down many sides streets and alleyways. I highly recommend that you spend time visiting the two famous stores: Mrs. Thao’s on Hang Dieu St and Mr. Tung’s on Mai Hac De St. But should you be interested in cooking “Xôi” on your own, here is the recipe. Prepare glutinous rice, salt, sugar and oil. Firstly, keep the rice in salted water in 3 hours, then rinse it with fresh water. Next, season glutinous rice and mix all properly. Now put the concoction into your rice cooker, add water following this golden ratio: 1.5 cup of water for one cup of rice. When the cooking is done, serve steamed sticky rice with steamed pork, pork pie, salted shredded meat, fried shallots or any toppings you like.

Address:

Mrs. Thao’s store:
41 Đường Thành Street, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Tel: (+84) 3828 5182
Opening hours: 06.30 AM– 22:30 PM

Mr. Tung’s store:
75 Mai Hắc Đế Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Xôi chè – steamed sticky rice with sweet gruel

You might now have the thought that there are so many ways to enjoy this dish but then it suddenly comes to your mind that: Is that all? The answer is No. Have you ever heard of “Xôi chè”? I guess you not.

“Xôi chè” is a traditional Northern dessert which is cooked every full moon and Lunar New Year. It consists of two main parts: mung bean steamed sticky rice and sweet gruel. People use the tiny, tender, slightly sweet green beans, glutinous rice to make the former and tapico starch or arrowroot, sugar to make the latter. When the weather turns cold, though, mung bean steamed sticky rice can be served with another sweet gruel called “Chè Bà Cốt”.

There is no specific explanation for its name other than a related old saying of Vietnamese people that: “Con chim chích chòe … ông thầy ăn một, bà cốt ăn hai,còn cái thủ cái tai đem lên biếu chúa… ”. Considered as one of the most distinct sweet courses in Northern part of Vietnam, “Chè Bà Cốt” is always Hanoi people’s favourite dessert, especially in winter. It’s the harmony of glutinous rice, brown sugar and fresh ginger, which will warm you up as soon as you taste the very first spoonful. Try cooking “Xôi chè” in the way you prefer or if you have a chance to visit Vietnam, don’t forget to drop by Mrs. Thìn’s store in No 1, Bat Dan St, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. It will definitely be a lasting memory of your trip, I promise.

Mung bean steamed sticky rice with sweet gruel: 

Mung bean steamed sticky rice with Chè Bà Cốt: 

Address:

Mrs. Thìn’s store:  1 Bát Đàn Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9:00 AM- 22:00 PM

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SPECIALTIES
Rice Crust (Cơm Cháy)
Although rice crust has long been a familiar dish to many people both foreign visitors and Vietnamese, that offered by Ninh Binh will certainly astonish you from the very first bite. Rice crust has made its own brand in Ninh Bình and is regarded as one of the most impressive specialties in the area. Despite being a common dish and the presentation is not like that of a masterpiece, the taste is absolutely tempting and irresistible. The crispiness of the deep-fried rice and a little bit of spiciness from chilli in combination with the salted shredded meat as the topping are a perfect experience of taste that a dish of common food can create. In addition, the great advance of being used as both snack and the main course has made Ninh Binh rice crust more popular and of course, more worthwhile.

Kim Sơn Swarm Eel Spring Roll (Gỏi Cá Nhệch Kim Sơn)
In Ninh Binh, there is a province called Kim Sơn which is famous for a really special spring roll dish made of swarm eel. It may sound creepy because of the swarm eel which is quite like a kind of snake but to make a delicious swarm eel spring roll dish, it takes extreme practice and the knowledge of the chief for eel, which not all the chief except for Kim Son’s can do. The tempting sweetness of roasted rice, the light sourness of vinegar in association with the spiciness of chilli, ginger, garlic, pepper are just right to add up with the perfect sauce. All parts of the eel are thoroughly processed: the skin is deep-roasted to create the crispiness as an ingredient to eat with the roll, the bones are carefully smashed to mix with vinegar and the most important ingredient, the meat is very sophisticatedly cooked and mix with roasted rice to perfect the dish.

Undercooked Goat Meat With Lime (Dê Tái Chanh)
For its specialty, it is not coincident when goat meat is chosen as one special dish of so many places in the country and there is no exception when it becomes the main ingredient in the widely-known undercooked goat meat with lime of Ninh Binh province. Right after setting foot to Ninh Binh, brave yourself and be prepared because you will be astonished and surprised of how many goat meat restaurants there are in Ninh Binh. This only is enough to explain the excessive popularity of goat meat here. Making a dish of goat meat is not extremely hard but how to cook it well is a different story. The meat must be rightly stewed with citronella until it is fairly undercooked. The meat will then be sliced and citronella after being stewed will be cut to pieces with ginger, chilli, sesame and lime leaves to make spices for the meat. Only by hearing is it tempting enough; trying it therefore, must be a great experience.

Sweet and Sour Anabas Soup (Canh Chua Cá Rô)
Despite being a quite common dish, sweet and sour anabas soup or broth is still a special dish that you may try when going to Ninh Binh. Fish is carefully stewed in the broth made of sour tomatoes and dracontomelum.

Eel Rice Vermicelli (Miến Lươn)
It may sound funny but I guess Ninh Binh makes quite a reputation for eel. Eel rice vermicelli is rumored as an unforgettable dish of Ninh Binh. Although there are various kinds of eel dishes around the country, eel rice vermicelli of Ninh Binh is particularly savory for the broth is specially made of stewed bones. The sweetness of the broth delivered from the bones in mixture with simmered eel meat made from the own area’s recipe is the greatest flavour that one can add to the dish. The price for a dish of eel vermicelli can vary from regions but it usually takes from 30.000vnd to 35.000vnd for a common dish.

Roasted Field Crab With Wild Betal Leaves (Cua Đồng Rang Lá Lốt)
In spite of trying once or trying none, roasted field crab with wild betal leaf is a must-eat dish when we travel to Ninh Binh. It will definitely be a great waste if you skip out this absolutely mouth-watering dish. The crispiness of field crabs melting in mouth after bites in the combination with the special sweetness of betal leaves is just right to melt even the coldest hearts. The dish is especially suitable to enjoy with rice but in general, you can try it with anything that you like because I can ensure it will not disappoint you in any case.

Nauclea Orientalis cooked with Sauce and Fish (Gáo Kho Cá)
Here comes another strange dish from Ninh Binh that you will hardly refrain from trying, nauclea orientalis cooked with sauce and fish. May the name nauclea orientalis sound a little bit sophisticated, it actually in relation with mistletoe and can be easily found near the foot of the hills or streamlets. For its unique combination of flavour between light sour and sweetness, nauclea is widely used as an ingredient in sweet and sour broth like tamarind and dracontomelum. However, its flavour is still considered as best fit to cook with sauce and fish. In the making process and preparation, nauclea will be put at the bottom of the pot to completely add up its sweet smelling flavour to the fish meat. The finishing dish will be presented with slices of delicious fish meat with some green vegetables as the topping to stimulate appetite.

Nho Quan Ant Egg Sticky Rice (Xôi trứng kiến Nho Quan)
Ant egg, though sound not so tasty but it has distributed greatly to the well-known Nho Quan ant egg sticky rice. If Kim Sơn is famous for eel spring roll and Hoa Lư is famous for goat meat then Nho Quan has made its own name for the illustrious ant egg sticky rice. Sticky rice may be a common dish in Vietnam that you can easily find in every street and the ingredients can vary from green beans, black beans to durian but there has never been any kind made of ant eggs so far, expect for that of Nho Quan. Strange yet absolutely delicious, ant egg sticky rice is definitely an unforgettable dish of Ninh Binh and is also very nutritious. This is also a rare dish because ant eggs only hatch in a specific season (usually in February according to the Lunar Calendar). Besides, processing and finding a strange ingredient like ant eggs are not easy. This explains why ant egg sticky rice is so unique and is “hunted” by many visitors both foreign and local in Ninh Binh.

RESTAURANTS
Đức Dê Restaurant (Specializes in goat dishes)
Address: #446 Nguyễn Huệ Street, Ninh Phong Ward, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: (+84) 303 874 858
Opening hours: 8:30 – 22:30

Trâu Vàng Restaurant
Address: #283 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Tân Thành Ward, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 884 598
Opening hours: 8:00 – 22:00

Thanh Lợi Restaurant
Address: #12 Lê Hồng Phong Street, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: (+84) 303 874 386

Chim Trời Bình Dũng Restaurant
https://dantri4.vcmedia.vn/k:2016/photo-3-1470877602170/nhahangbinhdungdacsanchimtodanchimtunhien.jpg
Address 1: Phố Mới, Me Town, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: (+84) 983 868 161
Address 2: Ngô Gia Tự Street, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 982 800 621
Website: http://www.nhahangchimtroi.com

Vạn Hoa Restaurant (a part of Vạn Hoa Hotel)
Address: #171 Trần Phú Street, Nam Thành Ward, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 948 359 635
Website: http://khachsanninhbinh.com.vn/am-thuc-ninh-binh

Thăng Long Ninh Bình Restaurant
Address: Bái Đính, Tràng An, Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: (+84) 975 155 458
Website: http://nhahangthanglong.ninhbinh.vn

The post What and where to eat in Ninh Binh? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Camping

Camping is maybe one of the most popular kinds of activities in Ninh Binh because of its typical mountainous form of the area. Mention of Ninh Binh, there is no doubt that this will be an ideal destination for whom desires a thrilling experience such as camping or spending a night in the wood. This is also the reason why everyone going to Ninh Binh without exception, all spend a part of their itinerary, maybe one or two days staying overnight in places such as Cúc Phương National Park or Thung Nham Bird Garden. What can be more exciting and adventurous than living among spectacular nature and exploring wonderful wildlife?

“Hunting” for night snacks

Snacks, a tempting definition of food, have never been out of cuisine lovers’ target. Especially when you are a curious traveler who wants to try out as many kinds of food as you can in another country, participating in the hunt for night snacks is not a bad idea. Although Ninh Binh is not rated or usually mentioned as the land of snacks, its night streets and vendors filled with delicious snacks are just enough to draw your attention. You can easily choose from a wide range of foods from noodles, sticky rice to sweetened porridge (chè). The 8th Street is also a very popular location for snacks which is chosen by teenagers especially and of course, by Ninh Binh’s people disregard of age. Beside the 8th Street, which is an ideal place for a night snack, you can also wander around the grilled and hot pot section near the overpass and sporting event hall for a more fulfilled experience of taste.

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Cố Đô Hoa Lư

Hoa Lư is a must-visit destination in your trip to Ninh Bình. In fact, Hoa Lư is called “Cố Đô” as it is a  historical capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. “Cố” means old and “Đô” means capital. Hoa Lư is a part of the glorious yet painful and bravery past of the country from the time of construction and protection. The capital is a huge and extraordinary historical complex of more than 13 km2 with hundreds of pre-eminent heritage sites such as Đinh Tiên Hoàng Temple, Lê Đại Hành Temple, One-pillar Pagoda (Chùa Nhất Trụ), Bái Đính Pagoda, Am Tiên Cave and so on. For it is the most significant and wonderful heritage complex of Ninh Bình, it consists of most of the destinations that you will probably visit on your journey to the province.

The whole area is divided into three main sections from the center outwards: First, the inner section located in the central of the palace is the specially protected section whose total area is 3 km2. It comprises many invaluable relics. The second section is the 10 km2 buffer zone consisting of Tràng An and all the relics on the bank of Sào Khê River. the last section is the directedly related heritage complex owning the compulsory existential meaning in the history of Đinh Dynasty such as Thiên Tôn Cave, Hoa Lư Cave, Bái Đính Pagoda and so on. Not so surprising when Hoa Lư is such a unique multi-architectural site from an ancient temple to pagoda architecture.   

Address: Trường Yên, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province                                                                                                                                                                         

Tràng An

Tràng An, undoubtedly, is the most famous destination in Ninh Bình Province. Those words are no rumor or exaggeration. In fact, Tràng An was recognized by UNESCO as the cultural and natural heritage of the world from 2014 has been widely acknowledged.

Situated 3 km away from Hoa Lư Capital to the South, Tràng An is also a fantastic heritage complex with a total area of more than 12 hectares. It is the perfect combination, “the intersection” of the blue sky and the green water. What makes the name of Tràng An is definitely no others but the breath-taking mountain ranges in harmony with their poetic shapes and silhouettes. Each cave has its own unique features which make its own name. The special thing is all the gorgeous stalactites glittering in the dark and give the cave such heavenly look that can easily attempt all the bare eyes. Not to mention Trống, Bói, Mơ, Cò, Trâu Caves, Thung Bình Stone Roof and other relics are also recognized as the archaeological heritage sites of the world and have recently been studied by many scientists. Tràng An is so beautiful that not only its beauty is recognized until recent but also long, long time ago. The place once appeared in a poem of the great poet, Nguyễn Du. The poem can be simply understood: “Glittering as the sky reflects itself in the water. Stones build history, and nature builds glory”.

Bái Đính Pagoda

As a part of Hoa Lư Capital, Bái Đính Pagoda has made many of its own records from Vietnam throughout Asia and one of them is for possessing the biggest gold-inlaid Buddha statue. Sacredly and majestically, this is where both the magic and belief are worshiped and brought to a new extent. Owning the elegant architecture, Bái Đính is definitely the place for the Buddhism faithful who craves for the most magical and wonderful moments when both beauty and sacredness collide in the very moment when the Sun rules the sky and the place shines its light among the lush greenery on a beautiful island situated in the middle of the green water and trees.

Am Tiên Cave

Just like its name, Am Tiên is truly a heaven on Earth. If you are a big fan of ancient action films from China then I am sure you will be in love with this place right the moment you arrive here. The very first impression you will get is probably fantasy. Am Tiên is surrounded by the infinity of green palette from trees and rivers. The moment one may spend sailing and floating on the river never seems to end. So close yet so far, Am Tiên is a hidden secret lair that only the discoverer can see all its magnificent and magical beauties hiding behind ranges of trees and mountains. In the past, whoever wanted to conquer the cave would have to climb more than 200 stone stairs but at present, the entrance to the cave seems to be at hand when a secret tunnel has been built.

Am Tiên sometimes through the eyes of the most imaginative minds can be seen as the shape of a dragon head; therefore, it is also known as the Dragon Cave (Hang Rồng). However, it seems that there is still another name that provokes my interest and remembrance of an ancient Chinese action film called “The Return of the Condor Heroes”,  which is originated and remade from the novel version of the famous Chinese writer and novelist Jin Yong (known as Kim Dung in Vietnamese). In the film, there is this place called “End of love” Cave where all relationships, love, past and memories will be forgotten or in another way of thinking: end, once you eat the red flowers in the cave. The final end will come is not amnesia but death to oneself, the only way to leave and cut off all the relationships in the world. Now, we have the Vietnamese version of the cave right here in Ninh Bình, Am Tiên Cave also known as the “End of Love” Cave. Going here, you will never be disappointed.

Vân Long

Vân Long is the biggest natural Wetland Reserve in the Northern Delta of Vietnam. It is actually a huge swamp with water fills all over the top creating the impression of a small river. With the diversity of flora and fauna, Vân Long can also be regarded of a special natural preserve, the home of more than 40 kinds of Silvery Langur. Vân Long is beautiful in each step you take from the green and still water to the yellow withering grass in Fall. Sailing along the swamp and casting your eyes upon the poetic mountains have never been a bad idea, not to mention one of the best.

Cúc Phương National Park

 

Mentioning of Cúc Phương, most people in Vietnam will probably give no reaction since Cúc Phương has long been a so familiar destination and its popularity, as well as beauty, has soon reached across the country. Known as the first national preserve of Vietnam, Cúc Phương surely has all the best to offer from the diversity in organism floor to natural beauties. Lying to the Southeast of Tam Điệp Mountain Range, Cúc Phương also owns and is formed from the mountainous terrain with a spiral walkway from the bottom to the top. There is also a hot water stream in the national park. The flora and fauna in the reserve are all valuable and rare. This is absolutely where you must go if you want to open your mind or admiring some natural beauties.

Address: Cúc Phương, Nho Quan, Ninh Bình Province

Website: http://cucphuongtourism.com.vn/index.php/vi/introduction.html

Tam Cốc - Bích Động

 

Tam Cốc is such a beautiful and famous destination that it has even been favorably named “Halong Bay on land”. This is also one of the most significant preservative areas of the country with thousands of limestone caves and related relics. Tam means three, that’s why the place’s name is actually based on the total number of caves included in the complex: Cả, Hai and Ba Caves. Ngô Đồng (Cornfield) River is the only path leading through the caves. After getting off from the harbor, you can take a boat trip on Ngô Đồng River and have a look at this spectacular cave complex.

Bích Động (Bích Cave) or Emerald Cave and Tam Cốc are approximately 2 km apart. It was once in the past praised as the most beautiful cave of the South: “Nam thiên đệ nhất động”. Bích Động consists of an on land cave used for pagoda tower and an underwater tunnel.

Thung Nham Bird Garden

Thung Nham is an ecological tourist area located 12 km away from Ninh Bình City. Thung Nham is also a small complex of caves including Vái Giời, Ba Cô, Tiên Cá, Thủy Cung, Bụt, etc. Besides those caves, Thung Nam also owns different kinds and types of beauties and picturesque sites: from the 300-year-old moving banyan tree, thousands-year streblus to Miệt Garden with the total land area of more than 80000 m2. What makes Thung Nham special is, of course, the bird garden-home of thousands of rare and invaluable bird species listed in the Red Book. In the list, two birds must definitely be mentioned are flamingo and phoenix, two of four spiritual creatures according to the ancient regard of Vietnamese.

Address: Hải Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hải Commune – Hoa Lư Suburban District, Ninh Bình Province

Website: http://vuonchimthungnham.com/tin-tuc/du-lich-sinh-thai-thung-nham-a186.html

The post Where to go in Ninh Binh? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

HOMESTAY

Homestay in a province like Ninh Binh seems to be a totally new breeze. Whether you may like or not or even compare it to other places where offer the finest kinds of homestay like Sapa for example, one thing cannot be denied is that homestay in Ninh Binh creates its own attractiveness to visitors of all kinds.

Ninh Binh Valley Homestay
Ninh Binh Valley Homestay – a friend of nature indeed is where you must stay if you are also a nature lover and seeking for a hidden escape surrounded by the lush greenery and the most mysterious natural silhouettes. As it is completely built in the heart of an unknown desolated valley which is situated in Hoa Lư, no wonder why it is just simply called Ninh Binh Valley Homestay – a quite easy-to-remember name. Covered by ranges of firm mountains and embraced by the still green water, Ninh Binh Valley Homestay is definitely worth staying. What can be more wonderful than hiking up by the water, living next to the trees and looking over the sunrise right on the skyline in your very own moderately designed bungalow?

Address: Đồng Cùng, Khê Hạ Village, Hoa Lư Suburban District, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 618 666
        (+84) 975 368 665

Chezbeo Valley Bungalows
“Chezbeo brings home to mind”. This is probably an extreme self-determination or at least a personal opinion of mine when I speak of Chezbeo. May it seem not so significantly different from Ninh Binh Valley Homestay, Chezbeo brings its own kind of peaceful sensation to whoever once stopped here. Still the same shapes of mountains, the same sky and the same water but Chezbeo strangely and quietly brings all of that to ease your confusing mind in the wind that carries the smell of lotus along. Mentioning about the lotus and arriving at Chezbeo, you will easily be attracted at the very first sight by the elegant beauty of the lotus lake that lifts every single of your steps. Staying in Chezbeo, you will never regret.
A little reminder: You should bring along anti-insect sprayer to avoid being stung by mosquitoes at night.

Address: Khả Lương Village, Hoa Lư Suburban District, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 502 678 (everyday from 7:00 – 22:00)
Website: http://www.chezbeohomestay.com
Price: From 360.000vnd per night

HOTELS

Hotel may not seem to be unfamiliar anymore. And hotel is now a so popular and common choice for travellers. Hotels in Ninh Binh are usually located in Ninh Binh City-the heart of Ninh Binh Province since it is the most crowded place and of course the industrial center of the province.

Hoanghai Hotel and Restaurant (2-star hotel)
This is a middle-class hotel which can basically meet with all your needs if you are finding a cheap accommodation.

Address: #36 Trương Hán Siêu Street, Phúc Thành Ward, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 944 757 329
         (+84) 302 210 631
         (+84) 303 875 177
Website: http://www.ninhbinhhotel.com.vn
Price: From $16 – $30 (Single, Double, Triple Bed Room)

Ngoc Anh Hotel Ninh Binh
Ngoc Anh Hotel is also a middle-class hotel that you can easily find in Ninh Binh. Everything is in the acceptable status but lots of convenient services are ready to serve. As it is in the process of expanding, Ngoc Anh until present has established in total of two locations.

Address 1: #36 Lương Văn Tụy Street, Ninh Bình Province
Address 2: #26 Lương Văn Tụy Street, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 883 768
Website: http://www.ngocanhhotel.com

Hoa Lư 2 Hotel (Rated by TripAdvisor)
Hoa Lư 2 is the South-central hotel of Ninh Binh. From Hoa Lư 2, you can easily get to any destination that you like. A plus side for Hoa Lư 2 is its exquisiteness and luxury in architecture in combination with the wonderful view to the city. Believe me, it is worth staying in.

Address: #60 Đồng Thanh Street, Hoa Lư Suburban District, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 893 997
Website: http://www.hoalu2hotel.com
Price: From $27 – $40

The Vissai Hotel (High-class Hotel)
Vissai is truly a worth-staying hotel. Staying in Vissai means staying in the true luxury. From the most basic need and interesting entertainment, Vissai is always ready to serve with the finest services. Vissai also has from the most common type of room such as deluxe to the most interesting room like the dorm room and the most exquisite – the presidental suite.

Address: #848 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Tân Thành Ward, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 889 000
Website: http://www.vissaihotel.vn
Price: From $8/person/night (The lowest price range is applied for the dorm room)

The Vancouver Hotel (Rated by TripAdvisor)
Although not so luxurious like The Vissai, the Vancouver Hotel is still a good choice of accommodation in Ninh Binh if you are seeking for a more “foreign experience”.

Address: #1 Lane 75, Lương Văn Tụy Street, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 893 270
        (+84) 985 360 999 (Hotline)
Website: http://www.thevancouverhotel.com
Price: From $45 – $75 (Standard to Executive Family room)

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