Marble Mountains(or rather hills, since they still don’t reach the mountains :) these are natural limestone-marble formations. Many years ago there was a sea here, and these hills were islands. Now the sea has receded and hills covered with lush vegetation have formed.
Marble Mountains in Vietnam
Each of the 5 hills of the Marble Mountains has its own name: the hill of Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire. Inside the hills there are caves, some of which have been home to Buddhist temples since ancient times, which are places of pilgrimage for local residents.
Previously, marble was mined in these mountains and residents of neighboring villages lived very well from this. Now it is prohibited to mine valuable rocks in the Marble Mountains, so the marble for the numerous figurines that can be bought as souvenirs near the entrance is brought from other regions.
Where are the Marble Mountains
Marble Mountains are located in Vietnam, 10 km from Da Nang airport and 20 km from the center.
Marble Mountains: how to get there
The easiest option to visit the Marble Mountains is to buy a tour, but I still recommend visiting this attraction on your own. How to get to the foot of the Marble Mountains (hills 🙂):
- On foot. This option is possible if you have settled in the southern part of Da Nang (by the way, there are excellent hotels near the mountains themselves on the seashore, I will write about them later in the article).
- By taxi. Depending on the distance – from 5 dollars
- On regular bus , which runs between Da Nang and Hoi An City. The bus goes along the road along the sea, the Marble Mountains are visible from afar, just ask the driver to stop at the stop opposite these mountains. The fare costs a penny (I won’t tell you the exact amount, I haven’t traveled this way), the bus leaves from the northern bus station of Hoi An.
- On rented bike . We rented a bike for $5 a day right next to our hotel in Hoi An.
Don't be afraid to ride a bike to the Marble Mountains. Traffic in this part of Vietnam (on the road along the sea between Hoi An and Da Nang) is very calm, unlike traffic in and even in. We drove from Hoi An to the Marble Mountains in 15-20 minutes, the road was almost empty. If you are planning to stay in Hoi An, you will find my article useful:
Parking
A few words about parking near the Marble Mountains. As soon as we turned off the road from the sea towards the sights, the Vietnamese began to rush towards us, almost under the wheels of our bike, with a desire to park our bike right next to their store or cafe. Don't pay attention, but drive further, closer to the mountain and the entrance. There you will also have to park the bike near some store. We didn’t see any official parking for bikes, but there is parking for cars 10,000 dong (0.5 dollar).
When asked how much it would cost to park a bike near a store or cafe, the Vietnamese woman said it was free, but if we bought something, what would we buy from her. Well, anyway, upon returning from the mountain, we were very thirsty and bought water and cane juice from the store. Prices are, of course, higher than in the store, but not critical. For example, a bottle of water is 15,000 dong (in the store 10,000 dong), cane juice is 15,000 dong (in other places 6,000 -10,000 dong).
We approach the entrance. On all sides there are shops with marble statues Complex operating hours
Officially, the Marble Mountains complex in Da Nang is open from 7:00 to 17:30. But no one forbids you to come later: we didn’t see any doors that could be closed at night :)
Cost of visiting the Marble Mountains
Cost of visiting Am Phu Cave – 15,000 dong (~$0.75)
Cost of visiting all caves and other structures on the largest mountain Thủy Sơn – 15,000 dong (~$0.75)
You can go up the mountain by elevator - 15,000 VND (~ $0.75) one way
For those who love hiking, there is a long, wide staircase to climb :) I choose comfort, especially in the 40-degree heat of May, so we go up the mountain by elevator :) But don’t think that once you get to the mountain you won’t have to climb further on foot. Numerous more stairs and paths lead up from the elevator.
This elevator takes you to the top of the middle of the mountain for 15,000 dong 
Hooray, there is an elevator! 🙂 
Entrance to the stairs that lead to the mountain 
For those who like to walk, there is a wide staircase leading up the mountain. We went down it. It’s not that long :) But still, I prefer the elevator! 
Our tickets to one of the marble mountains - Mount Thủy Sơn Plan diagram of the Marble Mountains complex
Plan diagram of the entire Marble Mountains complex: 5 hills 
Plan diagram of the most visited and largest mountain Thủy Sơn. Such a map can be purchased at the box office. Am Phu Cave
We visited this cave first - it happened by accident, we just parked closer to it, and not to the passage to the mountain. Then I realized that it was the right decision: after walking through the caves, temples and viewing platforms on the mountain, I would hardly go to another cave. It was Am Phu Cave that I remember most.
Let's go to Am Phu cave The entrance to the cave is decorated with marble figurines. At the entrance there are several marble benches for relaxation.
Near the entrance to the cave there are various marble figurines 
At the entrance to the cave you can relax on benches. It's so nice to sit for a few minutes in the coolness after the hot Vietnamese sun 
Crowd of sacred elders Am Phu Cave symbolizes Hell and Heaven. Immediately after entering we find ourselves in Purgatory, where they determine where to send a person: to hell or to heaven? Well, first let's go down into the thick of it, into Hell. Don't watch for the faint of heart :)
Now let's go to Paradise. The path to Paradise is not easy; you will have to overcome dozens of slippery steps. But at the very top an observation deck with an excellent view of the surrounding area awaits us!
We begin the difficult climb to Paradise 
We pass by the altar and many Buddha statues 
And here we are already at the top and looking from Heaven to Hell 
Temple at the top of the observation deck 
Sea view from above Caves and temples on Thủy Sơn mountain
As I said above, the Marble Mountains complex in Da Nang consists of five hills, on top of which there are pagodas - temples and caves, but tourists (and us too) visit only the largest mountain, Thủy Sơn.
I really like these bright flowers! They are everywhere in Da Nang! 
Turquoise sea in the distance. It’s a pity that it’s not warm all year round, otherwise you could safely spend the winter in Da Nang 
One of the marble hills The first Van Thong cave with bats inside. After a huge hall with an altar, the cave narrows, then you need to climb through a narrow passage and preferably with a flashlight and comfortable shoes, we decided not to go further.
The Huyen Khong cave is huge with a holey “roof”; the sun’s rays break through the cracks in the rock. There are scary statues below :)
The largest cave on this mountain is Huyen Khong Cave. Cave entrance 
We go down deep into the cave 
A big white Buddha sits inside 
Place for prayer 
Scary faces 
The sun breaks through a crevice in the rock from above There are several functioning pagodas on the mountain, we even went to the territory where the monks live and rested there in the shade of the trees in complete solitude.
One of the temples on the mountain. Ton Tam Pagoda 
Linh Ung Pagoda 
Big Buddha is sitting :) 
We also went up to several observation platforms.
High in the mountains above Da Nang! 
View of the surrounding area from one of the observation decks on Mount Thủy Sơn Back we tiredly went down the stairs. Yes, it’s not an easy job to walk in the mountains and caves in the heat! I really wanted to take a cold bath :) But we moved on, exploring the sights of Da Nang :)
And another beautifully bright tree Marble Mountains in Da Nang. Video
The Marble Mountains are an unusual and interesting attraction in Da Nang and Hoi An. They are definitely worth a visit, especially if you are not spoiled by such large caves, such as the Phong Nha-Kebang caves.
- The territory of the Marble Mountains complex is large, you will have to walk a lot, expect to spend 3 hours or even more
- Wear comfortable shoes. I saw some tourists walking barefoot and carrying their shoes in their hands :)
- Take more water. You can also buy water at the top, but the prices are higher than at the bottom
- If you plan to climb in an undeveloped part of the cave, take a flashlight with you
- Buy a map below or take a photo of the plan diagram. There are signs at the top but it's hard to know where to go
- The Vietnamese are very keen on sightseeing, so avoid visiting the Marble Mountains on weekends and holidays. And on weekdays there are a lot of people here... we arrived at 10 am and found crowds of Vietnamese tourists. But at one o'clock in the afternoon it became nice, empty, only a few Europeans were exploring the caves and temples
- Prices for souvenirs made from marble under the mountain are high, bargain, the price may fall two or three times!
There are signs on the mountain, but it’s still not easy to figure out where to go and what to see without a map. 
You can buy water and something to eat on the mountain. Tourist prices 
Xa Loi Tower Other hotels in Da Nang can be selected and booked.
I will immediately disappoint you so that there are no disappointments later, these mountains, of course, are called marble, and the views from the peaks are wonderful, right on the sea, there are also caves here, but alas, mountains are just one name, they are more just hills than real mountains .
Spending half a day here is more than enough, all the trails are very simple, the longest route will take about an hour. But at the same time, this is a great place to recharge your mind and body!
So, in this article I will tell you the reasons why the Marble Mountains should definitely be visited by all tourists whose route runs through Da Nang or Hoi An.
Oh yes, it’s all there, see for yourself!
The sea is just a stone's throw away
and this is Danang, with its skyscrapers,
Well, and of course, the marble mountains themselves and the view of the village around them,
This is an observation deck - an elevator for the lazy, or for those who have very little time
You can also climb to such views on your own, right through the cave, from the very bottom, up to the beauty.
2. Caves with secret paths and altars
There are 5 or 6 caves in total, we looked into 4, each has its own peculiarity, some are dead-end, some with a crevice right into the sky, 
somewhere there are temples and altars inside, 
capable of attracting the attention of tourists, 
and in some - paths to neighboring caves, for example, entering this small cave, 
you can find a hole and climb up to the observation point 
Lesha and I, both of whom are absolutely neutral in our feelings towards caves, never go to them on purpose, but these are in such easy reach, and they also involve trekking, so we stopped by for just a short while.
3. Cultural Experience – Temples and Pagodas
The Marble Mountains complex has several temples and pagodas, 
all the temples are functioning - you can look both inside and admire the outside 
There is a snow-white Buddha statue 
Monks also live here, so visitors communicate not only with the gods, 
but also with living representatives of Buddhism 
4. Trekking for health
This is one of the most significant components for me; lately, if we visit any sights, it is often not with the goal of seeing, getting impressions, but simply having a good time, and even with benefits for the body and health.
You can get to the Pagoda at the top by a glass elevator, or you can climb a hundred steps, which is what we did 
Further from the pagoda there are several routes, there is a map and signs, so it’s impossible to get lost! To enjoy all the trails and summits in this park, 
It’s better to arrive early in the morning, while the sun is still soft and not so hot 
Although, even at noon you can find shady routes :) 
5. Unusual souvenirs made of marble
If you like to bring home original souvenirs and gifts, then I’m sure you can definitely find something interesting in the shops near the Marble Mountains, 
Absolutely everything is made from marble - from small crafts and trinkets to huge sculptures, statues, marble furniture, dishes and chess 
They do all this in the village at the entrance to the complex, 
every 2-3rd shop is a workshop, work is in full swing right on the street 
Here's one last thing for you, a colorful grandmother from such a shop 
Well, in the end, if you are staying in Da Nang, the mountains are within easy reach, they are 4 km from the city, and from Hoi An the drive to them is also quite close, about half an hour by motorbike or 15 minutes by car.
A ticket costs less than $1, but there are a lot of impressions :)
Marble Mountains coordinates: 16.003922,108.262854
Park map: 
Don't forget to book your hotel in Da Nang or hotels in Hoi An.
Everything interesting is always nearby :)
P.S. Have a great week everyone! Stay with us! In the next article about Vietnam we will tell you about our tour on rare Vespa scooters.
The Marble Mountains in Vietnam are one of the country's most outstanding natural attractions. The mountains are located between two interesting cities from the point of view of travelers - Da Nang and Hoi An. The first is known as a large developing city with many kilometers of beaches, while the second is interesting because of the preserved quarter with old buildings, where in the evenings many lanterns are lit, which make the already colorful atmosphere of Hoi An magical.
Marble Mountains in Vietnam: the mystery and grandeur of a natural wonder
Previously, the Marble Mountains in Vietnam were used to extract material from which beautiful figurines and vases were then created. But now it is a natural landmark that is protected by the state and marble mining has stopped here. The Marble Mountains are famous for their caves, in which people created Buddhist temples. Thus, it is not only a natural monument, but also a religious place. Buddha statues carved from stone add mystery and grandeur to the caves.
The Marble Mountains in Vietnam are named after the main five elements - earth, metal, wood, water and fire. The area near the rocks is landscaped for comfortable walks for tourists. There are signs, paths, stairs and even a modern elevator that takes you up to the caves and then back down to the road. The Am Khu cave deserves special attention, in which pictures of heaven and hell are recreated.
Here you can simply walk, enjoying the beautiful views from observation platforms and looking into the caves, or you can go rock climbing under the supervision of an instructor.
The stone products store, which is located at the entrance to the Marble Mountains, deserves special attention. It looks not like a store, but like an open-air museum that offers you to admire skillfully made sculptures of gods, people and animals. All sculptures can be bought, although their weight and price are too high and tourists usually do not make such purchases. But you can enter the indoor pavilion and purchase a small marble figurine or jewelry made of stone.
When going on a trip to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam, do not forget sunscreen and be sure to wear closed clothing. Do not forget that the caves contain Buddhist temples and the appearance of those entering must correspond to the situation. It is more convenient to walk around the territory in sneakers or sneakers; flip-flops are not very comfortable shoes for negotiating stairs and passages. It also doesn't hurt to take a bottle of water with you. The Marble Mountains in Vietnam are a place where you will want to walk longer and definitely get thirsty.
You can explore the Marble Mountains on one of our North to South Vietnam tours. Our programs are designed to cover the most interesting sights of the country and include beach holidays. You can find out more about tour options.
Vietnam is often called the land of fairies and dragons - according to ancient legends, all Vietnamese consider themselves descendants of the marriage of a Fairy and a Dragon. The Fairy was in charge of industry - she taught people how to produce silk, and the Dragon showed children the wisdom of agriculture. Since then, the Vietnamese have prospered in both directions.
The name of the country is translated as “the country of the Southern Vietnamese (the name of the nation), but the country was called Annam until 1945, and the name Vietnam was used only in poetic speech. The new name was immortalized by Emperor Bao Dai.
Geographical characteristics
The state, elongated in the shape of the letter “S”, is located in Southeast Asia, in the east of the Indochina Peninsula. Neighbors to the west are Laos, Cambodia and China.
The coast of Vietnam is washed from the east and south by the South China Sea and Bac Bo Bay; the small southwestern tip has access to the Gulf of Thailand.
The area of Vietnam is 329.6 thousand square meters. km. The capital of the state is Hanoi. Political system - socialist republic. The state is officially headed by the Communist Party.
Nature
More than 80% of the country is mountainous, descending with access to the sea. The highest point in the country is Mount Fansipan, 3143 meters high. The hill is located in the north-west of the country, in the Hoanglien Son mountain range. The Truong Son Mountains stretch along the western border of the country, separating Vietnam from Laos and China.
The central and southern parts of Vietnam are occupied by basement and basalt plateaus, on which several frozen volcanoes rise. The area between the volcanoes is covered with forest, and in the craters of some volcanoes lakes have formed, giving rise to several rivers of the Mekong River basin...
There are more than 2,000 rivers in Vietnam of varying depths and sizes (the smallest reaches only 10 meters in length). The largest rivers in Vietnam - the Mekong and Hong Ha (Red River) - flow into the South China Sea.
The Mekong Delta is one of the largest and deepest deltas in the world. On the territory of Vietnam, the area with a delta forming nine branches (“Nine of the Dragons”) even acquired special economic importance - the Vietnamese settled here for the first time, began to develop the wetlands, and began to raise fish in canals and man-made ponds.
In the Hong Ha River delta, on the Bac Bo Plain, stands the capital Hanoi. The territory is marked by the highest population density.
The country's largest lake, Hoan Kiem, is an oxbow lake formed as a result of changes in the course of the Red River. The lake has great cultural and historical significance for the people. It is also called the Lake of the Returned Sword: according to legend, one of the ancient rulers of Vietnam defeated the Chinese armies with a accidentally found sword that belonged to a magical golden turtle. After the victories, the turtle came out of the waters of the lake and took the sword.
To the north of the capital there is a chain of picturesque Ba Be lakes. Lakes Pelam, Pelu and Peleng are surrounded by waterfalls and caves...
The coast of Vietnam is washed by one sea - the South China Sea, it is semi-enclosed and belongs to the basins of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and has the properties of both oceans.
The largest island in the South China Sea is Hainan. The area is comfortable for tourist holidays, as the sea here is clean and warm. However, there are many predatory fish and dangerous sharks in the sea. The sea is also rich in commercial fish species - tuna, herring and sardines are found here in abundance...
Some unique plants of Vietnam have become national symbols of the country: for example, bamboo, red and black sandalwood.
In Vietnam there are animals listed in the Red Book, which are almost not left in the wild in other parts of the world - these are the Asian buffalo, Javan and Sumatran rhinoceroses. Endemics (animals that live exclusively in a specified territory) are several species of monkeys, rodents and bats. The Asian elephant, black gibbon, and Indochinese tiger are considered rare species preserved in Vietnam. Animals live both in the wild, in protected reserves, and on special farms...
Due to the elongation of the country from north to south, the climate of Vietnam is heterogeneous, although in general the country is located in the subequatorial monsoon climate zone. In the south, winter is dry and hot (temperatures reach 26 degrees Celsius), in the north it is colder, but humid and mild (up to 15 degrees Celsius). Summer is the monsoon season throughout the country; the end of summer is usually marked by destructive typhoons.
There are frosts in the mountains; on the borders with China, from where cool air penetrates, temperature drops of up to 1 degree Celsius have been recorded...
Resources
The industrial centers of Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang - are located in Central and Southern Vietnam. Industry is represented by metallurgical, mechanical engineering, construction, chemical fields, and light industry. Electronics and components, production of textiles and leather, glass, jewelry and cosmetics were exported to the world. A special branch of the economy is the global production of electricity thanks to an extensive network of hydroelectric power stations.
The fertile basalts of the area contribute to the successful growth of crops in tropical and temperate latitudes, so agriculture has developed greatly on the plateaus of Vietnam - this cluster employs 50% of the country's population. Mainly rice, tea and coffee are grown; the production of cashew nuts, spices, tropical fruits is highly developed...
Culture
The indigenous population of the country is the Viet (Kinh), and 54 other nationalities are recognized as related to them in the country. In the south, most of the population is Khmer (Lower Viet). There is a large proportion of Chinese, Polynesian, Malay and Thai populations.
Vietnamese has the status of the state language. More than 85% of the population professes Buddhism, and the religions of these national minorities, atheism, Christianity are also present...
Brief information about the country
Independence Date
Official language
Vietnamese
Form of government
Parliamentary republic
Territory
331,210 km² (66th in the world)
Population
92,477,857 people (14th in the world)
Vietnamese dong (VND)
Timezone
Largest cities
Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi
$276.6 billion (42nd in the world)
Internet domain
Telephone code
Vietnam- a multinational republic, the culture of which was formed under the influence of local tribes, neighboring countries and colonialists. As a result, we have a modern country with a developed economy, playing an important role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and in the world as a whole. Direct access to the Chinese Sea and rich nature have given impetus to the development of tourism - today Vietnam is one of the most popular countries among lovers of exotic holidays.
Video: Vietnam
Basic moments
The population of Vietnam, which covers an area of 331,210 km², is about 90 million according to the latest data. Representatives of such ethnic groups as Viet, Thai, Thai, Khmer and others live here. The official language in the country is Vietnamese, but English, French, and Chinese are also taught in schools, so there will be no problems with communication in big cities. Tourism employees also often speak Russian.
Vacationers choose Vietnam primarily for the sea and clean beaches. Also of great interest is the culture and ancient history of the country, which dates back to the 4th-3rd centuries. BC.
Brief history of the country
Modern Vietnam with its unique traditions is the result of a mixture of cultures and customs of various tribes. Powerful civilizations arose and fell on its territory, which were forced to constantly restrain the attacks of stronger neighbors, including China and Mongolia.
For a long time, the country was fragmented, and only at the end of the 18th century, Vietnam, after a long civil war, became a unified state under the leadership of the Nguyen dynasty. The 19th century brought a new yoke here, which this time came from Europe. Thus, France captured the entire southern part of Vietnam, and the northern and central regions came under its direct influence, although less tangible. It was a French colony until the outbreak of World War II, when it was captured by Japan. As a result of a series of unanimous decisions by representatives of the communist movement, a coup took place in 1945, and Ho Chi Minh took power.
The Democratic Republic of Vietnam tried to establish relations with France on equal terms, but the negotiations did not lead to anything - the First Indochina War began, which lasted 9 years.
The constant growth of the influence of the Communist Party caused the United States to provoke the disruption of general elections that would have allowed the creation of a unified state. A military conflict arose in which the forces of America and the USSR were involved. A long bloody war ended with the merging of North and South into a single Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which was reformed in 1992 and set a course for liberalization and democratization.
Nowadays, the state is rapidly developing in economic, scientific and industrial directions. The tourism sector plays a significant role.
Cities of Vietnam
All cities in Vietnam
Nature of Vietnam
Vietnam, which is relatively small in area, is distinguished by its natural and climatic diversity. In this regard, the country is clearly divided into three zones: Northern Vietnam (Bac Bo), Central Vietnam (Chung Bo) and Southern Vietnam (Nam Bo). It was this division that predetermined the internal differences in the economy and general way of life of people in different regions of Vietnam.
Vietnam is a country of mountains and mountain plateaus. The Annam Mountains (Chuong Son) chain stretches for 1200 km from northwest to southeast, reaching an altitude of 2500-2700 m above sea level. These are not the highest mountains in Vietnam: the country's highest point, Mount Fansipan (3143 m), is located in the north, “occupied” by the spurs of the Yunnan Plateau. The mountains of Northern Vietnam are steep, with rugged slopes and narrow river valleys. Closer to the south, the Annam Mountains become low (average 1000 m above sea level) plateaus separating Vietnam from Laos and Cambodia. Five such plateaus - Kontum, Pleiku, Darlak, Lam Vien and Zilin - are united under the general name Taingguyen, or “Western Plateaus”.
The plains in Vietnam extend in the deltas of the largest rivers, the Mekong and the Red, and also stretch in a narrow strip along the sea coast. The plains are elevated above sea level by only 1-3 m, and some areas even lie below zero. During the monsoon rains, they are completely filled with water and turn into real lakes. During typhoons, coastal areas of the plains are often invaded by sea waves, washing up sand banks and dunes.
Climate
Although Vietnam is located south of the Tropic of the North, the average temperature here is lower than in neighboring countries at the same latitudes. The reason for this is the mountains that occupy 80% of Vietnam's territory. In addition, almost all the mountain ranges in the country stretch from north to south and do not shield the country from intrusions of cold air masses from Tibet and Central Asia. As a result, in winter in the northern part of tropical Vietnam, real climatic anomalies are common, when the temperature drops to +10 °C and even + 5 °C. The difference between average winter and summer temperatures in Hanoi is quite large: from +17 °C in winter to + 29 °C in summer. Due to winter frosts, many tropical fruits grow poorly in Bakbo, and rice yields are not as high as in the South.
The climate of Vietnam is largely determined by the winds that prevail at one time or another of the year. In summer it is the south and southwest monsoons that bring rain, and in winter there is a dry wind blowing from the northeast.
While Northern Vietnam suffers from sudden changes in air temperature, the South of the country enjoys serene warmth all year round. The difference between the lowest and highest temperatures in Nambo is only 4 degrees (+ 26 / +30 ° C). Central Vietnam is a kind of transition zone between North and South: it is hotter than Bac Bo and cooler than Nam Bo.
The city of Dalat is considered the best and most comfortable in terms of climate: the temperature here is + 24 °C all year round.
Vietnam is not only mountains and winds, it is also a country of water. On average, 2000-2500 mm of moisture is shed on it per year. The rains that fall in the Chungbo Mountains are especially generous. Here the “wet” season comes much later than in the rest of Vietnam: the summer southwest monsoon rains on the western, Laotian slopes of the Annam Mountains, and only moisture delivered by winter winds from the Gulf of Tonkin falls on “its” territory.
In the north, in the Red River Delta, during the dry winter months, a specific local rain, mya fun (or krashen), often drizzles, unable to truly wet the ground, but helps plants survive the seasonal drought on a starvation ration of water.
Spring and autumn in Vietnam are a time of changing monsoons and changeable weather. In addition, in the fall, the coastal areas of Bakbo and Chung-bo are visited by typhoons once or even twice every year.
Rivers and lakes
The largest rivers flow in the South and North of the country. The palm belongs to the Mekong (Cu-ulong in Vietnamese). Of its total length of 4,400 km, Vietnam has the shortest section of the lower reaches, but the Vietnamese are not upset - they completely own the delta of the “Father of Rivers”. The water level in the Mekong Delta depends entirely on the amount of rainfall that falls in the upper reaches of the river. If in the rainy summer months it carries 100 thousand cubic meters of water per second into the sea, then in winter the flow decreases to 4 thousand cubic meters. The Mekong Delta is replete with muddy channels and wetlands, sometimes stretching for tens of kilometers.
Halong Bay (Hạ Long Bay)
In the northern part of the country, not far from the capital, is located one of the most picturesque bays in the world, the magnificent views of which annually attract tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world. included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is rightfully considered one of the wonders of the world. It is famous, first of all, for its limestone islands crowned with dense vegetation. There are about three thousand of them in total, and, according to legend, these are the curves of the body of an ancient dragon trying to hide under water from the wrath of god. By the way, this is where the famous scene from the movie “Avatar” was filmed.
The two largest islands in the bay are inhabited, and there is also a large floating village - houses are built right on the water, and the only mode of transport is boats and boats.
Hoi An (Hội An)
A small fishing town in the central region of Vietnam is a favorite destination for foreign tourists. It is chosen for a visit due to its clean sandy beaches and a large number of historical and cultural attractions, a visit to which will make your vacation interesting. This city is sometimes called the “open-air museum” and the “Venice of Vietnam.” Its former glory as a major seaport is reminiscent of the canals that have survived to this day, passing through several blocks. There is a unique atmosphere here, so it’s worth setting aside a few days to visit Hoi An.
Nha Trang
Choose those who are accustomed to active recreation and eventful city life. This resort attracts with its 7 km long beach and clear water. Tourists who come to Vietnam to improve their health can visit mud baths and hot springs. Also here is one of the country's calling cards - a pagoda with a white figure of Buddha sitting on a lotus flower.
Another reason to visit is the dive centers. This resort is recognized as the best place for scuba diving - in addition to the rich wildlife, divers are attracted by the coral gardens. You can see the bay from above by purchasing a ticket for the cable car, which is the longest in the world.
Main article:
Caves of Vietnam
The nature of this country never ceases to amaze - in addition to the attractions located on the surface, there are also a huge number of underground wonders. Phong Nha-Kẻ Bang National Park (Vườn quốc gia Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng) is a real paradise for speleologists. A unique ecosystem with rare species of plants and birds is preserved here. It is surrounded by impenetrable forests and high mountains. The Thienduong, Tien Son, and Phong Nha caves are open for visiting as part of special groups. The latter is famous for its karst formations of bizarre shapes, whose names speak for themselves: “Lion”, “Royal Court”, “Buddha” and so on.
The highlight of the park, which was opened not so long ago, is the Son Dong Cave (Sơn Đoòng), recognized as the largest in the world. This is a whole underground world with rivers, lakes, vegetation.
Culture
The Viet culture was originally formed as a culture of rice farmers. The main occupation of people determined the way of life, the menu of national cuisine, the nature of holidays and entertainment. Rice crops, first cultivated in Indochina, occupy 85% of the total area of arable land in Vietnam. Other food crops in Vietnam are grown only on those lands that, for some reason, are unsuitable for rice. The Vietnamese are familiar with about 200 varieties of this cereal - with white, yellow, reddish and even black grains. In South Vietnam, “floating” rice is grown, which produces crops in any flood: no matter how high the water rises, the plant’s ear always remains on the surface due to the rapidly elongating stem... The most important property of rice is that its grains are covered with a dense skin , can be stored for a long time in a humid climate without the need for expensive elevators. The word "rice" for Viet is synonymous with the word "food". If he does not finish at least one cup of rice during a meal, no delicacy will give him the feeling of a full, complete meal. Once upon a time in Vietnam it was even customary to greet an acquaintance with the polite phrase “Have you eaten rice?”
Rice paddy (this is what specially flooded fields are called) They form an almost continuous water mirror in the lowland regions of the country, streaked with lines of dams and roads, dotted with islands of villages. In fields flooded with water, fish are often bred, which brings double benefits - it not only serves as food, but also eats the larvae of harmful insects. There are no fences between the neighbors' fields - they are replaced by small dams that serve as paths for the peasants. Viet villages are not particularly picturesque; moreover, the buildings are often hidden from the eyes of strangers by trees and thickets of bamboo. At the same time, any, even the tiniest village, is a cozy, harmoniously arranged and completely ordered little world, where everything is in its place.
Unlike many peoples of Southeast Asia, the Viet build their traditional homes not on stilts, but directly on the ground. The wall material can be anything from split bamboo to brick. The center of a peasant estate is a residential building, adjoined on both sides by outbuildings that form a secluded courtyard. In front of the kitchen there are usually large water vessels made of stone or baked clay. The main place in the master's house is considered to be the altar of the ancestors, decorated with lacquer tablets with the names of deceased family members and their photographs. Traditional furniture is simple and unpretentious: a wooden chest for utensils and several wooden bunk beds. The roof of the house rests on pillars, between which a hammock is suspended for midday rest. Viet peasants successfully replace the dining table and bedding with wicker mats. Traditional dishes are made from bamboo and clay, and in the South, also from coconut shells.
The traditional Viet costume consists of a loose straight blouse with patch pockets, wide pants, a belt and a headdress. Peasants most often sew everyday clothes from black or dark brown cotton fabric. Women's traditional clothing is called ao zai (in the south - ao ai). This outfit consists of trousers and a straight fitted tunic dress with a stand-up collar and deep slits on the sides. The festive ao zai is made from silk fabric in bright colors and looks extremely impressive. Married Vietnamese women gather their hair into a braid and wrap it around their heads; unmarried women usually have their hair loosely loose. In hot and rainy weather, people of both sexes wear the famous conical non hats, tied under their chins. These hats, woven from palm leaves, have become the most famous symbol of Vietnam throughout the world. The Vietnamese, in turn, borrowed something from the Europeans. Thus, on the head of a village man in northern Vietnam you can often see a khaki-colored headdress, introduced by the French colonialists and firmly established in the army.
Vietnamese cuisine
The cuisine of Vietnam was formed taking into account the natural characteristics of the country, as well as under the influence of China and Japan. Dishes made from seafood, pork, nuts and legumes predominate here. Rice occupies a special place in traditional cuisine. It is used to make noodles, cakes and “paper”, which serve as the basis for many dishes.
The Vietnamese use cattle as draft power: they rarely eat the meat of cows and buffaloes, and drink milk only if it is coconut or soybean. By the way, soy milk, and with it soy “curd” (known in our country as tofu), came to Vietnam from China and became widespread in the northern regions of the country. Another dish borrowed from the Chinese is noodles. It clearly suits the court here: throughout the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, a Vietnamese city dweller’s day cannot be imagined without several cups of pho soup, consisting of broth, noodles, boiled meat, soy sprouts and herbs.
Vietnamese cuisine includes a variety of products and spices - tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, beans, tapioca, peanuts, garlic, onions, sesame seeds, ginger, pepper... Many dishes in Vietnam are prepared from banana, and some of its varieties are good only fried or baked. Of the traditional seasonings, salty nuoc mam sauce (better known as fish sauce) and nuoc leo sauce are especially popular. The first is made from small fish fermented with salt in large clay vats. This sauce is suitable for long-term storage. In restaurants you can often find nuoc cham on the table - a liquid seasoning consisting of fish sauce, garlic, vinegar, rice wine and pepper. Nuok leo is made from pork fat, liver, garlic, onions, peanuts and sesame seeds - it is served in portioned dishes. Southern restaurants often offer tamarind and mango sauces for fish dishes.
Like the Chinese, the Vietnamese are known for their affinity for exotic products that not every European would dare try. These include silkworm pupae, scorpions, crickets... Along with marine mollusks, Vietas willingly eat land snails, and marine crustaceans coexist on their table with freshwater “rice crabs”.
Perhaps the most famous dish of Vietnamese cuisine is nem pancakes. They are prepared like this: the filling of pork, vegetables and spices is wrapped in the thinnest rice “paper” (ban chang). Very similar to it are various steamed dishes made from glutinous rice or tapioca with filling - the names of such dishes include the word “ban”.
You should definitely try the rice paper rolls. The filling can be anything from meat to fruit. These dishes are very satisfying, but at the same time light and healthy.
Vietnamese cuisine has many surprises in store for tourists. Here you can try culinary masterpieces, the names of which alone will shock many. However, the bravest ones dare to experiment and enjoy discovering the taste of baked bat, cobra salad and other delights.
Snakes – the Vietnamese have a special attitude towards them. These reptiles are eaten here as freely as, say, chickens in our country. Moreover, they are considered healing - for example, by eating a raw cobra heart, a person gains health and longevity. In this case, the blood organ must be swallowed while it is still beating.
Another 2-3 dishes are prepared from the meat of the snake, which is butchered right in front of visitors. These can be rolls, soup, salad with vegetables, as well as fried skin. You can order such delicacies in tourist restaurants in the city center, but experienced tourists advise going to small cafes where locals relax. They have a special atmosphere, and prices are several tens of dollars lower. On average, such a lunch will cost from 470,000 VND (approximately $21) - the cost depends on the level of the restaurant and the venomousness of the snake.
If you've never tried roasted bamboo, you should definitely head to Vietnam. This dish is especially popular here because the young shoots have many beneficial properties. The only negative of all this is the extremely unpleasant smell, which, by the way, can be said about many traditional foods, including fried herring.
Another exotic animal whose meat is worth trying when traveling to Vietnam is the crocodile. It is advisable that it be a young individual - then it will be soft and juicy. Soups, salads and other delicacies are prepared mainly from “loin” parts - paws and tails. The price for such a delicacy ranges from VND 130,000–450,000, which is approximately $6–20 in dollars.
There is a traditional delicacy in Vietnamese cuisine that evokes mixed reactions among the most squeamish foreigners. We are talking about duck eggs with embryos. They look rather intimidating, but their delicate taste compensates for their external shortcomings. At the same time, tourists can choose eggs that have more yolk, or are almost filled with “meat”. They are inexpensive and sold right on the streets - this is an analogue of our fast food, only instead of pies and sandwiches there are unhatched chicks.
In addition, in Vietnamese cafes specializing in national dishes, you can order dog meat, fried rats, bats with spicy sauce, sea worms, pond and pork frogs and other exotic things. Of course, before you eat any of the above, you need to make sure that the food was prepared under appropriate sanitary conditions.
In a village house, food is served on a large round wicker tray, in the center of which is a deep plate of rice. She is surrounded by cups with seasonings, bowls with vegetable soup and other dishes.
While rural Vietnamese traditionally drink green tea, urban residents prefer coffee, which was brought to Vietnam during the era of French rule. Vietnamese coffee is excellent, and it is prepared in a very unique way in the cafe. A “coffee maker” is a metal container with a lid that fits over a glass. Several holes are drilled in the bottom of this device, thanks to which steep boiling water slowly seeps into the glass through a layer of ground coffee. The resulting aromatic drink is drunk with condensed milk in the morning, and in hot weather - with ice cubes.
For the Vietnamese, rice is not only food, but also a raw material for making ruou wine. This drink is especially favored by the inhabitants of the “rice baskets” - the Mekong and Red River deltas. The most common type of rice wine is country mash, which is made from boiled rice aged in a clay vessel for three months. This drink is served in a ceramic jug, closed with a lid with small holes. Bamboo tubes are inserted into them according to the number of participants in the feast. Wine is drunk through a straw directly from a jug standing in the center of the table. An appetizer can be dried fish or slices of vegetables sprinkled with nyok mam fish sauce. Most often, tourists manage to taste this drink in the Mekong Delta, in the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City.
Beer is a big favorite among the Vietnamese. In the evenings, in any street tavern you can see people relaxing after work with a glass of bia hoy - a traditional light beer sold on tap. The aluminum jug of this unique “malt lemonade” should be looked for under the sign Bia Tuoi (bia tuoi, or “fresh beer”). Especially many such signs can be found in Hanoi's Old Town, on the corner of Ta Hien St. and Luong Ngoc Quyen St.. Under the influence of Europeans at the beginning of the 20th century. The production of the familiar lager beer began in the country, now existing in the form of various brands. The most common brands are "Tiger", "Saigon" and "333" - the latter name sounds like "ba-ba-ba" in Vietnamese.
Popular traditional refreshments include coconut milk, iced lemon juice (tian da) and freshly squeezed orange juice (kam vata).
There is no shortage of fruits in Vietnam, especially in the south. Along with the well-known pineapples, bananas or citrus fruits, visiting the country gives you the opportunity to try such wonders as lychee, cherimoya, mangosteen, tamarind, papaya or the famous durian. This fruit has earned the nickname "king of fruits" due to its taste, but many people find the smell of ripe durian peel disgusting. In some countries in Southeast Asia, bringing durian into public places is strictly prohibited.
Public holidays
Vietnam has official holidays with a fixed date.
- January 1 - New Year
- February 3 - Founding Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam
- April 30 - Saigon Liberation Day
- May 1 - International Labor Day
- May 19 - Ho Chi Minh's birthday
- July 27 Day - Remembrance of War Victims
- September 2 - Independence Day
- December 25 - Christmas
Many major Vietnamese holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their dates vary.
- January February. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), or Tet, is the main holiday. Many people celebrate it for a whole week, but official celebrations last three days.
- January February. Dong Da - commemorates the victory over the Chinese in 1789.
- March, April. Thanh Minh (Day of Remembrance of the Dead). Vietnamese people visit the graves of deceased relatives.
- April May. Le Phat Dan is a celebration of the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
- June July. Trung Nguyen (Day of Wandering Souls), the second most important holiday of the year. People make offerings to the souls of the dead.
- November December. Birthday of Confucius.
