Central highland

VIET NAM INTINARY 1 – SOUTH CENTREL COAST REGION – CENTRAL HIGHLANDS REGION
Table of contents
Table of contents.........................................................................................1
VIET NAM..................................................................................................10
History.......................................................................................................11
Politics.......................................................................................................12
Economy....................................................................................................12
People.......................................................................................................13
Culture.......................................................................................................13
Climate......................................................................................................14
Holidays.....................................................................................................14
Itinary.........................................................................................................16
The region's tourism Vietnam....................................................................16
The partitioning criteria tourism (Vietnam).................................................17
Type a unique tourism product.............................................................17
The tourist areas in Vietnam......................................................................17
Midland, mountainous north region........................................................17
Red River delta and coastal Northeast region.......................................17
North Central Region.............................................................................18
South Central Coast Region..................................................................18
The Central Highlands region................................................................18
The Southeast region.............................................................................18
Southwest Region region.......................................................................19
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TRUONG DINH DUC – NHA TRANG COLLEGE -2013

South central coast region.........................................................................20
Phu Yen.....................................................................................................20
I. Information...........................................................................................20
Geography ............................................................................................21
Climate...................................................................................................21
Tourism..................................................................................................21
Transportation........................................................................................21
II. Tourist Attractions...............................................................................22
a. Vung Ro and Nature Reserve.........................................................................................................22
b. Nhan Tower...................................................................................................................................22
c. Long Thuy Beach............................................................................................................................23
d. Dam O loan....................................................................................................................................23
e. Da Dia Rapids.................................................................................................................................23
f. Tu Quang Pagoda............................................................................................................................24
III. Festivals.............................................................................................24
a. Buffalo-Stabbing Festival...............................................................................................................24
b. Horse Racing Festival.....................................................................................................................24
Binh Dinh...................................................................................................25
I. Information...........................................................................................25
Geography.............................................................................................25
Climate...................................................................................................25
Tourism and Economy...........................................................................25
Ethnic groups.........................................................................................26
Transportation........................................................................................26
II. Tourist attractions...............................................................................26
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a. Doi Tower (Hung Thanh Tower).....................................................................................................26
b. Banh It Tower................................................................................................................................27
c. Canh Tien Tower............................................................................................................................27
d. Duong Long Tower.........................................................................................................................27
e. Quang Trung Museum...................................................................................................................28
f. Hoang De Citadel (Do Ban Citadel).................................................................................................28
g. Long Khanh Pagoda........................................................................................................................29
h. Ham Ho (H m hô) Tourist Spotầ ......................................................................................................29
i. Hoi Van Hot Spring..........................................................................................................................30
j. Rang Cliff.........................................................................................................................................30
III. Festivals.............................................................................................31
a. Tay Son Festival..............................................................................................................................31
b. Thi Tu Vilage Festival......................................................................................................................31
c. Do Gian Festival..............................................................................................................................31
Quang Ngai...............................................................................................32
I. Information...........................................................................................32
Geography.............................................................................................32
Climate...................................................................................................32
Tourism .................................................................................................32
Transportation .......................................................................................33
II. Tourist attracions................................................................................33
a. Chau Sa Citadel..............................................................................................................................33
b. Thien An Moutain and Tra Khuc River............................................................................................33
c. Son My Site....................................................................................................................................33
d. Ly Son Island..................................................................................................................................34
e. Sa Huynh beach.............................................................................................................................35
f. My Khe beach.................................................................................................................................35
g. Sa Huynh archaeological relics.......................................................................................................36
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III. Festival...............................................................................................36
Central highlands region............................................................................37
Kon Tum....................................................................................................37
I. Information...........................................................................................37
Geography.............................................................................................37
Climate...................................................................................................38
Tourism..................................................................................................38
Ethnic groups.........................................................................................38
Transportation........................................................................................38
II. Tourist attraction.................................................................................39
a. Kon Tum Wooden Church..............................................................................................................39
b. Kon Tum Former Prison (Nguc Kon Tum).......................................................................................39
c. Commural House (Nha Rong).........................................................................................................39
d. Ba Na Village..................................................................................................................................40
e. Chu Mon Ray National Park...........................................................................................................40
f. Mang Den Ecotourist Zone.............................................................................................................41
III. Festivals.............................................................................................41
a. Bo Ma Festival................................................................................................................................41
b. Village Land Praying Ceremony......................................................................................................41
Gia Lai......................................................................................................42
I. Information...........................................................................................42
Geography ............................................................................................42
Climate...................................................................................................42
Tourism..................................................................................................43
Ethnic groups.........................................................................................43
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Transport................................................................................................43
a. Buu Nghiem pagoda.......................................................................................................................44
b. To Nung Lake.................................................................................................................................44
c. Xung Khoen Waterfall....................................................................................................................44
d. La Phum Village..............................................................................................................................44
e. D'ko Tu Village...............................................................................................................................45
f. Dong Xanh Cultural Park.................................................................................................................45
g. Funeral Houses in Tay Nguyen.......................................................................................................45
III. Festivals.............................................................................................46
a. Buffalo-Stabbling Festival...............................................................................................................46
Dak lak.......................................................................................................47
I. Information...........................................................................................47
Geography.............................................................................................47
Climate...................................................................................................47
Tourism..................................................................................................48
Ethnic groups.........................................................................................48
Transportation........................................................................................48
a. Khai Doan Pagoda..........................................................................................................................49
b. Buon Ma Thuoc Penitentiary.........................................................................................................49
c. Buon Don.......................................................................................................................................50
d. Major tourist attractions in Don Village.........................................................................................51
e. Dak Mil Lake and Forest ecological site..........................................................................................51
f. Tomb of King of elephant hunters..................................................................................................51
g. Vestiges of ancient stilt house.......................................................................................................52
h. Lak Lake.........................................................................................................................................52
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i. Bao Dai Palace.................................................................................................................................52
j. Jun village........................................................................................................................................53
k. YorkDon Nation Park......................................................................................................................53
l. Thuy Tien Waterfall.........................................................................................................................54
III. Festivals.............................................................................................54
a. Elephant Race Festival...................................................................................................................54
b. Celebration for Mature Man..........................................................................................................55
Dak Nong...................................................................................................55
I. Information...........................................................................................55
Geography.............................................................................................55
Climate...................................................................................................55
Transportation........................................................................................56
a. Pu Prang M'Noong Village..............................................................................................................56
b. Dray Sap Waterfall.........................................................................................................................57
c. Dieu Thanh Waterfall.....................................................................................................................57
d. Ba Tang Waterfall..........................................................................................................................58
e. Trinh Nu Waterfall.........................................................................................................................58
f. Gia Long Waterfall..........................................................................................................................59
III. Festivals.............................................................................................59
a. Spring Festival................................................................................................................................59
b. New Rice (Com Moi), Ceremony of the M'Nong............................................................................59
Lam Dong..................................................................................................60
I. Information...........................................................................................60
Geography.............................................................................................60
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Climate...................................................................................................60
Tourism..................................................................................................61
Ethnic groups.........................................................................................61
Transportation .......................................................................................61
a. Xuan Huong Lake...........................................................................................................................62
b. Da Lat Maket..................................................................................................................................62
c. Da Lat Power Park..........................................................................................................................62
d. Da Lat Palace Golf Club..................................................................................................................62
e. Palaces...........................................................................................................................................63
f. Dalat Cathedral...............................................................................................................................63
g. Lam Dong Province Museum.........................................................................................................63
h. Datanla Waterfall and Tuyen Lam Lake.........................................................................................64
i. Prenn Falls.......................................................................................................................................65
j. Bao Loc and Dambri Waterfall........................................................................................................65
k. Cam Ly Waterfall............................................................................................................................65
l. Linh Son Pagoda..............................................................................................................................65
m. Linh Phong Pagoda.......................................................................................................................66
n. Thien Vuong Co Sat Pagoda...........................................................................................................66
o. Truc lam Buddhist Pagoda.............................................................................................................66
1.1.1 Around......................................................................................................................................66
p. Valley of love.................................................................................................................................66
q. Lake of Sighs..................................................................................................................................67
r. Lang Bian Moutains and Lat Village................................................................................................67
s. Dankia Lake and Suoi Vang.............................................................................................................67
t. Da Nhim Lake and Ngoan Muc Pass................................................................................................67
u. Phong Gua Waterfall......................................................................................................................67
III. Festivals.............................................................................................68
a. Ma Festival, Co Ho - New Rice Ceremony......................................................................................68
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b. Buffalo - Stabbing Festival..............................................................................................................68
c. Worship of Source of Spirit............................................................................................................68
d. Worship of the Water Spirit...........................................................................................................68
Binh Thuan................................................................................................69
I. Information...........................................................................................69
Administrative divisions:.........................................................................69
Geography.............................................................................................69
Climate...................................................................................................69
Ethnic groups.........................................................................................70
Transportation........................................................................................70
II. Tourist Attractios.................................................................................70
a. Duc Thanh School...........................................................................................................................70
b. Hang pagoda (Co Thach)................................................................................................................70
c. Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda (or Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda)............................................................71
d. Van Thuy Tu...................................................................................................................................71
e. Po Sha Nu Tower............................................................................................................................71
f. Po Klong Moh Nai Temple..............................................................................................................72
g. Cham Royal Family Collection........................................................................................................72
h. Mui Ne Beach.................................................................................................................................72
i. Phu Quy Island................................................................................................................................73
j. Bau Trang........................................................................................................................................73
k. Suoi Tien.........................................................................................................................................74
l. Vinh Hao - Tuy Phong Resort...........................................................................................................74
m. Hon Rom Tourist Area...................................................................................................................75
n. At Cu moutain................................................................................................................................75
III. Festivals.............................................................................................75
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a. Ka Te Festival.................................................................................................................................75
b. Dinh Thay Thim Festival.................................................................................................................76
Ninh Thuan................................................................................................76
I. Information...........................................................................................76
Geography ............................................................................................76
Climate...................................................................................................77
Tourism .................................................................................................77
Transportation........................................................................................77
II. Tourist Attractions...............................................................................77
a. Po Klong Giarai Towers..................................................................................................................77
b. Porome Tower...............................................................................................................................78
c. Bau Truc Pottery Village.................................................................................................................78
d. Ca Na Beach...................................................................................................................................79
e. Ninh Chu Beach..............................................................................................................................79
f. Vinh Hy Bay.....................................................................................................................................80
g. Nui Chua National Park..................................................................................................................80
III. Festivals.............................................................................................81
a. Kate Ceremony...............................................................................................................................81
b. Cha Bun Ceremony........................................................................................................................81
c. Roya Indiladha Festivals.................................................................................................................81
d. Gia Rai Tribe Festival......................................................................................................................82
Khanh Hoa.................................................................................................82
I. Information...........................................................................................82
II. Tourist Attractios.................................................................................82
a. Ponaga Cham Tower......................................................................................................................82
b. Nha Trang Cathedral......................................................................................................................83
c. Hon Chong Promontory.................................................................................................................83
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d. Long Son Pagoda............................................................................................................................83
e. Institute of Oceanography.............................................................................................................84
f. Thap Ba Hot Spring Center..............................................................................................................84
Around Nha Trang.....................................................................................85
g. Duc My Hot Spring.........................................................................................................................85
h. Tri Nguyen Fish Pond.....................................................................................................................85
i. Nha Phu Bay....................................................................................................................................85
j. Tam Island.......................................................................................................................................86
k. Mun Island.....................................................................................................................................86
l. Vinpearl Land..................................................................................................................................87
m. Alexandre Yersin's Grave..............................................................................................................88
n. Fairy Stream...................................................................................................................................88
o. Ba Ho Stream.................................................................................................................................89
p. Truong Xuan Stream......................................................................................................................89
q. Dien Khanh Citadel.........................................................................................................................89
Beaches.............................................................................................................................................90
r. Doc Let Beach.................................................................................................................................90
s. Tru Beach.......................................................................................................................................90
t. Đai Lanh Beach...............................................................................................................................90
u. Van Phong Bay...............................................................................................................................90
v. Nha Trang City................................................................................................................................91
III. Festivals.............................................................................................91
a. Whale Festival................................................................................................................................91
b. Thap Ba Festival.............................................................................................................................91
c. Am Chua Festival............................................................................................................................91
VIET NAM
 Capital: Hanoi
 Currency: đồng (VND)
 Population: 90,549,390 (2011 est.)
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 Electricity: 220V/50Hz (American plug in south, European plug
in north)
 Calling Code: +84
 Time Zone: UTC +7
Vietnam (Việt Nam) , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Cộng hòa
xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam) is a country in Southeast Asia. Its neighboring
countries are China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west.
History
Vietnam's history is one of war, colonisation and rebellion. Occupied
by China no fewer than four times, the Vietnamese managed to fight off the
invaders just as often. Even during the periods in history when Vietnam
was independent, it was mostly a tributary state to China until the French
colonisation. Vietnam's last emperors were the Nguyễn Dynasty, who ruled
from their capital at Hue from 1802 to 1945, although France exploited the
succession crisis after the fall of Tự Đức to de facto colonise Vietnam
after 1884. Both the Chinese occupation and French colonisation have left
a lasting impact on Vietnamese culture, with Confucianism forming the
basis of Vietnamese social etiquette, and the French leaving a lasting
imprint on Vietnamese cuisine.
After a brief Japanese occupation in World War II, the Communist
Viet Minh under the leadership of Hồ Chí Minh continued the insurgency
against the French, with the last Emperor Bao Dai abdicating in 1945 and a
proclamation of independence following soon after. The majority of French
had left by 1945, but in 1946 they returned to continue the fight until their
decisive defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The Geneva Conference
partitioned the country into two at 17th parallel, with a Communist-led North
and Ngo Dinh Diem declaring himself President of the Republic of Vietnam
in the South.
The tank that ended the war, Ho Chi Minh City US economic and
military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to
bolster the Southern Vietnam government, escalating into the dispatch of
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500,000 American troops in 1966 and what became known as the Vietnam
War - although the Vietnamese refer to it as the American War. What was
supposed to be a quick and decisive action soon degenerated into a
quagmire, and U.S. armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire
agreement in 1973. Two years later, on April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese
tank drove into the South's Presidential Palace in Ho Chi Minh City and the
war ended. An estimated 3 million Vietnamese and over 55,000 Americans
were killed.
The American Vietnamese war was only one of many that the
Vietnamese have fought, but it was the most brutal in its history. Over two
thirds of the current population was born after 1975. American tourists will
receive a particularly friendly welcome in Vietnam, as many young
Vietnamese aspire to American culture.
Politics
Vietnam is a one party authoritarian state, with the President as the
Head of State, and the Prime Minister as the Head of Government. The
Vietnamese legislature is the unicameral National Assembly, from which
the Prime Minister is selected. In practice, the President's position is only
ceremonial, with the Prime Minister wielding the most authority in
government.
Economy
Economic reconstruction of the reunited country has proven difficult.
After the failures of the state-run economy started to become apparent, the
country launched a program of đổi mới (renovation), introducing elements
of capitalism. The policy has proved highly successful, with Vietnam
recording near 10% growth yearly (except for a brief interruption during the
Asian economic crisis of 1997). The economy is much stronger than those
of Cambodia, Laos, and other neighboring developing countries. Like most
Communist countries around the world, there is a fine balance between
allowing foreign investors and opening up the market.
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There are extreme restrictions on foreigners owning property or
attempting to sell. It is very difficult for them to trade without negotiating
'fees'. Business can be done via local partnerships with all the attendant
risks.
Power and services is another issue. There are often 'rolling
blackouts' when there is not enough electricity at times.For this reason,
many shops have portable generators.
According to government estimates Vietnam sees 3.3m tourist
arrivals each year. Vietnam has a return rate of just 5% compared to
Thailand’s whopping 50%.
People
Most people in Vietnam are ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh), though there is
a sizable ethnic Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City, most who are
descended from migrants from Guangdong province and are hence
bilingual in Cantonese or other Chinese dialects and Vietnamese. There
are also numerous other ethnic groups who occupy the mountainous parts
of the country, such as the Hmong, Muong, and Dao people. There's also a
minority ethnic group in the lowlands near the border with Cambodia known
as the Khmer Krom.
Buddhism, mostly of the Mahayana school, is the single largest religion
in Vietnam, with over 80% of Vietnamese people identifying themselves as
Buddhist. Catholicism is the second largest religion, followed by the local
Cao Dai religion. Other Christian denominations, Islam, and local religions
also share small followings throughout the southern and central areas.
Culture
Due to its long history as a tributary state of China, as well as several
periods of Chinese occupations, Vietnamese culture is heavily influenced
by that of Southern China, with Confucianism forming the basis of
Vietnamese society. The Vietnamese language also contains many loan
words from Chinese, though the two languages are unrelated. Buddhism
remains the single largest religion in Vietnam, though like in China but
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unlike in the rest of northern Southeast Asia, the dominant school of
Buddhism in Vietnam is the Mahayana School.
Nevertheless, Vietnamese culture remains distinct from Chinese
culture as it has also absorbed cultural elements from neighboring Hindu
civilizations such as the Champa and the Khmer empires. The French
colonization has also left a lasting impact on Vietnamese society, with
baguettes and coffee remaining popular among locals.
Climate
Vietnam is large enough to have several distinct climate zones.
• The south has three somewhat distinct seasons: hot and dry from
Mar-May/Jun; rainy from Jun/Jul-Nov; and cool and dry from Dec-Feb. April
is the hottest month, with mid-day temperatures of 33°C (91°F) or more
most days. During the rainy season, downpours can happen every
afternoon, and occasional street flooding occurs. Temperatures range from
stifling hot before a rainstorm to pleasantly cool afterward. Mosquitoes are
most numerous in the rainy season. Dec-Feb is the most pleasant time to
visit, with cool evenings down to around 20°C (68°F).
• The north has four distinct seasons, with a comparatively chilly
winter (temperatures can dip below 15°C/59°F in Hanoi), a hot and wet
summer and pleasant spring (Mar-Apr) and autumn (Oct-Dec) seasons.
However, in the Highlands both extremes are amplified, with occasional
snow in the winter and temperatures hitting 40°C (104°F) in the summer.
• In the central regions the Hai Van pass separates two different
weather patterns of the north starting in Langco (which is hotter in summer
and cooler in winter) from the milder conditions south starting in Danang.
Northeast monsoon conditions Sep-Feb with often strong winds, large sea
swells and rain make this a miserable and difficult time to travel through
Central Vietnam. Normally summers are hot and dry.
Holidays
Lunar New Year dates
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The year of the Snake started on 10 February 2013
• 2014 Horse - 31 January
• 2015 Goat - 19 February
• 2016 Monkey - 8 February
By far the largest holiday is Tết — the Lunar New Year — which
takes place between late January and March. In the period leading up to
Tết, the country is abuzz with preparations. Guys on motorbikes rush
around delivering potted tangerine trees and flowering bushes, the
traditional household decorations. People get a little bit stressed out and
the elbows get sharper, especially in big cities, where the usual hectic level
of traffic becomes almost homicidal. Then a few days before Tết the pace
begins to slow down, as thousands of city residents depart for their
ancestral home towns in the provinces. Finally on the first day of the new
year an abrupt transformation occurs: the streets
become quiet, almost deserted. Nearly all shops and restaurants
close for three days, (the exception being a few that cater especially to
foreign visitors; and hotels operate as usual.)
In the major cities, streets are decorated with lights and public
festivities are organized which attract many thousands of residents. But for
Vietnamese, Tết is mostly a private, family celebration. On the eve of the
new year, families gather together and exchange good wishes (from more
junior to more senior) and gifts of "lucky money" (from more senior to more
junior). In the first three days of the year, the daytime hours are devoted to
visiting -- houses of relatives on the first day, closest friends and important
colleagues on the second day, and everyone else on the third day. Many
people also visit pagodas. The evening hours are spent drinking and
gambling (men) or chatting, playing, singing karaoke, and enjoying
traditional snacks and candy (women and children.)
Visiting Vietnam during Tết has good points and bad points. On the
minus side: modes of transport are jammed just before the holiday as many
Vietnamese travel to their home towns; hotels fill up, especially in smaller
15

towns; and your choice of shopping and dining is severely limited in the first
days of the new year (with a few places closed up to two weeks). On the
plus side, you can observe the preparations and enjoy the public festivities;
pagodas are especially active; no admission is charged to those museums
and historical sites that stay open; and the foreigner-oriented travel industry
of backpacker buses and resort hotels chugs along as usual. Visitors also
stand a chance of being invited to join the festivities, especially if you have
some local connections or manage to make some Vietnamese friends
during your stay. When visiting during Tết, it's wise to get settled
somewhere at least two days before the new year, and don't try to move
again until a couple of days after.
Lesser holidays include May 1, the traditional socialist labor day,
september 2, Vietnam's national day, King Hung celebration on April 12th,
commemorating past kings, and Liberation Day on April 30th, marking the
fall of Saigon in 1975. Around those times, trains and planes tend to be
sold out, and accommodations at the beach or in Dalat are hard to find.
Best to book far in advance.
Itinary
The term itinerary refers to the planned route for a journey especially
on the places one is expected to visit. It can also refer to an account of a
journey or a travel document recording a journey.
Complete travel schedule, as well as the itemized route of a means
of transport.
Dentisnation, place: tourist attractions is where the focus a natural
resource, human, economic, social or a separate building for tourism.
The region's tourism Vietnam
The region's tourism Vietnam partitioning criteria on the basis of route
or destination based on the alignment and the similarities or tourist sites.
Tourism Development Strategy for Vietnam 2020 divided into 7 zones
instead of 3 tourist areas such as strategy until 2010, the tourist areas
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including the mountainous areas in the north, the Red River delta and the
East Coast North, North Central, South Central coast, Central Highlands,
Southeast and Southwest regions.
"Development Strategy of Vietnam's tourism in 2020, with a vision to
2030" has been prime minister Vietnam approved on 30/12/2011.
The partitioning criteria tourism (Vietnam)
Type a unique tourism product.
• Natural environmental conditions of travel.
• Environmental conditions humanities, especially the cultural heritage,
history, traditions and festivals.
• Orientation for economic development - social development and
urbanization level of per capita income.
• Conditions infrastructure, facilities engineering majors, especially hotel
chains, restaurants, entertainment organization, travel and
communications.
The tourist areas in Vietnam
Midland, mountainous north region
Including Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Phu Tho,
Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Lang
Son and Bac Giang associated with corridor and economic importance of
border with China and Upper Laos
The key areas: TP. Lao Cai - Sa Pa - Fansipan; City. Dien Bien Phu
and its vicinity; City. Lang Son Hung Temple and its vicinity, the ATK.
Red River delta and coastal Northeast region
Includes Hanoi and Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Thai
Binh, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh
associated with key economic areas in the North.
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The key areas: tourism of the quadrilateral is defined as follows: Hanoi
- Quang Ninh - Ninh Binh and Hai Phong
North Central Region
Including the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh,
Quang Tri, Thua Thien - Hue system linked to international border with
Laos, with tourism corridor and marine systems, central North Island.
The key areas: Hue and its vicinity; Kim Lien - Vinh - Cua Lo - Cau
Treo.
South Central Coast Region
Including the provinces of Quang Nam, TP. Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Binh
Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan associated with the
economy the central key, the system south central island.
The key areas: Da Nang - Quang Nam, Nha Trang - Ninh Chu, Phan
Thiet - Mui Ne.
The Central Highlands region
Including Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong association
with Vietnam Development Triangle - Laos - Cambodia The key areas:
Dalat city and its vicinity, TP. Buon Me Thuot and its vicinity; Coast Area
Health-TX. Kon Tum - TP. Pleiku.
The Southeast region
Includes TP. Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces of Dong Nai, Binh
Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh associated with the
southern key economic and tourism corridors across Asia.
The key areas: Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh, Vung Tau - Con Dao.
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Southwest Region region
Including the provinces of Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien
Giang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Tien
Giang, Hau Giang and Can Tho city.
The key areas: Delta key economic region of Can Tho, An Giang, Kien
Giang, Ca Mau, as well as a tour of the quadrilateral Mekong Delta.
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South central coast region
The six coastal provinces of South-Central Viet Nam are all
surrounded by the imposing Truong Son Mountains on one sides and the
East Sea on the other. The coast features many ports and beautiful
beaches, such as Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Quy Nhon, Ninh Chu, and Sa
Huynh. Offshore, there are also numerous islands of various sizes. Many
short but beautiful rivers run through provinces and there are a lot of hot
water springs. South-Central Viet Nam, more specifically Binh Dinh
Province and Tam Quan District, is filled with coconut plantations.
This region possesses a large tourism potential due to the
harmonious mingling of the sea and the mountains. But it also possesses a
fascinating history since South-Central Viet Nam was one of the first areas
in Viet Nam to be populated. The archaeological site in Sa Huynh shows
that civilization began developing in this area during the Iron Age. Then,
came the Cham whose kingdom reached its height between the 11th
to 13th
centuries. Valuable historical relics of the exceptional Cham civilization can
still be seen in the whole region. Visitors can visit Chau Sa Citadel (Quang
Ngai) and Cham Towers, such as Po Nagar, Po Klong Garai and Porome.
Cham sculptural works, such as statues of spirits, kings, queens, and
dancers, demonstrate the skilful techniques and eminence in caving strong
and imaginative ornamental designs.
The Cham culture still exits to this day. Cham people have continues
to practice their old rites, such as the opening ceremonies before digging a
channel, building a dike, blocking the source of a river, planting new rice
and celebrating the new rice crop.
South-Central Viet Nam is also the native land of national hero
Quang Trung who defeated and killed foreign invaders at Dong Da. Quang
Trung also invented many martial dances and music for traditional Tay Son
drums that are still played today. A museum dedicated to him can be
visited in Binh Dinh Province.
Phu Yen
I. Information
− Area: 5,060.6 sq. km.
− Population: 873.3 thousand habitants (2006)
− Capital: Tuy Hoa City.
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− Districts: Dong Xuan, Song Cau, Tuy An, Son Hoa, Tay Hoa, Dong
Hoa, Song Hinh, Phu Hoa.
− Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Cham, Ba Na, E De.
− Highlights: Da Dia Rapids, My A Beach, Buffalo-Stabbing Festival
of the Ba Na Phu Yen
Geography
Situated in South-Central Coast, Phu Yen shares border with Binh
Dinh Province on the north, Khanh Hoa Province on the south, Dak Lak
and Gia Lai provinces on the west and East Sea on the east.
The terrain is divided into two main area including mountain, hill, plain
and more than 100km seaside.
Phu Yen has a quite diversified resources of land, forest, sea, rivers,
lagoons, bays such as Cu Mong, Xuan Dai bays, O Loan, Vung Ro
lagoons, Ba, Ky Lo, and Ban Thach rivers. Phu Yen owns Da Rang Bridge,
the longest one in Central Vietnam.
Climate
Influenced by ocean climate, the weather here is hot with high humid
and lots of rain. Annual average temperature is 26.5o
C.
Tourism
Phu Yen has beautiful landscapes following: Nhan Tower on the
northern bank of the Da Rang River. This was a place of worship for the
Cham people dated in the late 11th
to the early 12th
centuries.
On the north, visitors are able to swim in My A Beach (Long Thuy), an
incredibly beautiful beach with white sand and clear water under the
shadows of coconut trees, or discover O Loan lagoon, Hon Chua, Hon Yen
islands, Tien Beach, Da Trang Pagoda, and discover Da Dia Rapids with
special 35,000 stone columns. On the south, there are Vung Ro Port, Ro
Bay and Bac Deo Ca Natural Preservation that has rich of flora and fauna.
The west of Phu Yen is Krong Trai National Preservation and Go Thi Thung
Vestige. The most famous seafood dish form in this area is grilled blood
clam.
Transportation
Tuy Hoa City is 120km from Nha Trang, and 561km from Ho Chi
Minh City and 1,156km from Hanoi. National Highway No.1A and North-
21

South Express Train run throw the province and stop at Tuy Hoa City.
There are two flights a week from Ho Chi Minh City to Tuy Hoa Airport.
II. Tourist Attractions
a. Vung Ro and Nature Reserve
Vung Ro is in the south of Phu Yen Province, 25km from the city of
Tuy Hoa on the National Highway. It is definitely one of the most beautiful
seaside landscapes of Central Viet Nam. Surrounded by the Hon Ba
Mountains, Vung Ro is an enclosed bay that is so deep it can receive ships
weighing more than 10,000 tons. Along the coast, there are small, beautiful
and attractive beaches, such as Hon Mua Beach.
Next to Vung Ro is Bac Deo Ca Nature Reserve, north of Ca Hill,
which is a protected forest stretching across the Vong Phu Mountains. The
forest, which covers an area of 8,780ha, has rich flora and fauna, including
191 species of plants, 22 animal species, and 55 species of birds. Some
precious and rare animals, such as pheasants, red-faced monkeys, Tibetan
bears, Malayan bears, pangolins, and panthers, also live in the forest.
b. Nhan Tower
Location: Nhan Tower is near to Nhan Mountain, on the northern
bank of Da Rang River, close to National Highway 1A in Tuy Hoa City, Phu
Yen Province.
Characteristic: The tower has quadrilateral shape with four stories;
the fourth story is smaller than the first one.
Nhan Tower was worship place of ancient Cham people in dated in
the late 11st
to the early 12nd
centuries. The tower is 20m high; each side of
the foot tower is 11m long. The middle gate sharp is with monsters on the
top. This top is special one because it was harmoniously combined with the
pyramidal symbol with linga symbol; one of Cham’s worships. During the
French domination, the tower was nearly ruined. At the end of the year
1960, the tower was rebuilt by the administration of Diem’s regime.
Nowadays, there is only a flat stone with the high of 1,30m and lotus flower
carved at the foot of the stone. At the foot of Nhan Mountain, there is
another stone on which were 3 ancient letters (the same Phan letter).The
stone has square shape; each side is 5m wide. Nhan Tower is a symbol for
the architectural art of Cham in Phu Yen Province.
(Source Skydoor.net)
22

c. Long Thuy Beach
Located in An Phu Commune, Tuy An District, 12km north of Tuy Hoa
City, Long Thuy Beach is an incredibly beautiful beach of white sand and
clear water flowing under the shadows of coconut trees. From the beach,
there are big islands visible in the distance. Among them, Hon Chua Island
displays 22ha of beautiful landscapes and an ocean ecology that is
favourable for sea exploration activities.
Travelling further to the north by boat, visitors will reach Hon Yen and
Hon Lao Mai Nha Islets. These places are beautiful scenery as well as
diversify marine ecosystem.
d. Dam O loan
O Loan (Ôloan), a brackish water lagoon which is right at the end of
Quan Cau (Quán Cau) pass, is very near the national highway 1A. It is 22-
km away from Tuy Hoa (Tuy Hòa) city. This is the famous place for its
historical movement named Can Vuong (Cần Vương) in Phu Yen (Phú
Yên) province.
(Source Skydoor.net)
e. Da Dia Rapids
The Da Dia Rapids is located in An Ninh Dong Commune, Tuy An
District, 80km north of Tuy Hoa City, close to the sea. These strangely
structured rocks include large upright stones equally arranged in a star
pattern.
There is a also a pile of dark cylin-drical stones,half immersed in the
water. It is stimated that there are 35,000 stone columns; each one is 60-
80cm high. In the middle of the rapids, there is a small fissure filled with
rain and sea water and containing blue, red, violet and yellow fish. Around
the fissure, rocks stick out at odd angles. The waves break into white foam
as they wash up on the rocks. In front of the rapids, there is a large and
deep cave. This cave can hold up to 100 people.
This site is quite difficult to reach, as the landscape is still wild and
primitive. Visitors can visit Da Dia Rapids all year round, except the rainy
day and the storm sea. The rapids have been listed as a National Heritage
Site by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
(Source VN Guide)
23

f. Tu Quang Pagoda
Tu Quang Pagoda was built in 1797, under Emperor Quang Toan of
the Tay Son Dynasty on the slopes of Da Trang Mountain in An Dan
Commune, Tuy An District, 20km north of Tuy Hoa City.
Also called Da Trang Pagoda, it is one of the most well-known
pagodas in Phu Yen. Founded by Buddhist monk Phap Chuyen of the Lam
Te faction, the pagoda is currently run by the tenth generation of Lam Te
Buddhist monks.
Facing the Cai River, it stands on an area approximately 100m high,
which was once the capital of Phu Yen Province in the 17th century. There
is a treacherous road paved with stepping-stones leading to the gate of the
pagoda. The pagoda was honoured by the emperor in 1889, and burnt to a
cinder in 1929. It was then rebuilt with funds raised by numerous Buddhists
from provinces throughout central Viet Nam. In 1988, the sanctum of the
Da Trang Pagoda was restored.
Behind the sanctum is a tower yard and a worshipping house for
ancestors. The towers are carved with ornamental images, including the
four sacred animals (dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix). Surrounding the
pagoda is an ancient green garden of mango trees. The Da Trang mango
is a special product of Phu Yen known for its sweet smell and delicious
taste.
(Source VN Guide)
III. Festivals
a. Buffalo-Stabbing Festival
3 days & 3 nights of the 2nd
to the 3rd
lunar month.
The Buffalo-Stabbing Festival of the Ethnic Group in Son Hoa, Song
Hinh, Dong Xuan districts annually takes place in 3 days and 3 nights at the
time from the 2nd
to the 3rd
lunar month. It is the most important, and
probably the most tradition. It is held to thank the god of village, thank the
Heaven and Earth of the people living in the east of the Truong Son
Mountains. The Buffalo-Stabbing Festival is also the ritual of thanksgiving
Water Deity, Mountain Deity after they have overcome great disasters,
such as crop failure, illness, and the death of domestic animals.
b. Horse Racing Festival
Horse Racing Festival 4th
of the 1St
lunar month
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Every year the Horse Racing Festival, takes place at the An Xuan
Commune, Tuy An District. The festival both is a competition among the
men in the village and also bears the martial spirit of villagers, expressing
their bravery to cope with nature.
Binh Dinh
I. Information
− Area: 6,039.6 sq. km.
− Population: 1,489.7 thousand habitants (April 2009)
− Capital: Quy Nhon City.
− Districts: An Lao, Hoai An, Hoai Nhon, Phu My, Phu Cat, Vinh Thanh,
Tay Son, Van Canh, An Nhon, Tuy Phuoc.
− Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Cham, Ba Na, Hre.
Geography
Binh Dinh is located on the coast of Central Vietnam. It is surrounded
by Quang Ngai in the north, Phu Yen in the south, Gia Lai in the west, and
the East Sea in the east with the coastline of 100km and some island
offshore. The topography is divided in four regions: highlands, midlands,
plains, and coast.
Climate
The annual average temperature varies between 26 and 280
C. It is
hottest in August and coldest in January. The annual average rainfall is
1,700mm- 1,800mm. The rainy season lasts from August to December.
Tourism and Economy
The long coast with many coves and lochs makes many beautiful
spots and beaches such as Phuong Mai Peninsula, Queen, Quy Hoa and
Ghenh Rang beaches. Besides these, Ham Ho Valley is a beautiful fresh
water spot as a change for visitors who prefer tramping in the bush and a
swim in the fresh water stream.
Binh Dinh is famous as the centre of the old Sa Huynh Culture. It
used to be established as one of the capital cities of the former Cham
Kingdom for a long period. The popular Cham towers are Banh It, Duong
Long, Canh Tien, and Doi. Binh Dinh has special products such as silk,
25

swallow nest, shrimp, fish, precious wood, vegetable oil, rice, marble,
titanium, and handicraft articles.
Ethnic groups
Binh Dinh is homeland of national hero, Quang Trung- Nguyen Hue.
His name can be related to the great Tay Son Uprising and the glorious
victories over the forceful invaders of Chinese and Siam. Binh Dinh is
cradle of Tuong opera (hat boi), Tay Son martial music, bai choi musical
plays, ba trao festival music of the littoral people, and especially Tay Son
wasted sect. The traditional festivals are Tay Son, Ca Ong, An Thai Village
and Thi Tu Village.
Transportation
− Road: Binh Dinh is 1,065km from Hanoi and is accessible either by
car, train, or plane. Quy Nhon is 174km from Quang Ngai, 186km
from Pleiku, 223km from Buon Ma Thuot, 238km from Nha Trang,
304km from Danang and 677km from Ho Chi Minh City. There are
National Highways No. 1A and 19.
− Bus: There are buses departing to Dalat, Danang, Hanoi, Hue, Nha
Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, and others.
− Air: Phu Cat Airport is 30km north of Quy Nhon. There are flights
between Ho Chi Minh City and Quy Nhon everyday and flights
between Danang and Quy Nhon twice a week.
− Train: The Thong Nhat Express Train runs from the North to the
South through the province. It stops at Dieu Tri, 11km from Quy
Nhon.
− Water: The province has Quy Nhon Port, an important port of South-
Central Coast.
II. Tourist attractions
Cham Towers
a. Doi Tower (Hung Thanh Tower)
Located at Dong Da Ward, Quy Nhon City, 3km from the city center,
the Doi Tower site was built in the late 12th
century and early 13th
. Here,
there are 2 towers of 18m and 20m in height respectively. Both of them
have got a special structure different from traditional, multi-storey towers.
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They are composed of two main parts: the square-shaped body and the
similarly curved roof.
b. Banh It Tower
Located at the high hill in Dai Loc Hamlet, Phuoc Hiep Commune,
Tuy Phuoc District, 25km from Qui Nhon City. The Banh It Tower site now
includes 4 towers: Main Tower, Nam (South) Tower, Cong (Gate) Tower,
and Dong (East) Tower. The Main Tower is 22m in height. The architecture
of Banh It Tower bears the Binh Dinh sculptural style of 12th
century with
small, embossed lines on the walls. Leaf- and flower-shaped motifs are
only found on edges of the roofs, and dancing senses are found on false
gates. Carvings of dancing girls and many valuable sculptures such as the
stone statue of Siva, statue of Ganesa, statue of goddess Uma, and bronze
statue of Bhahma, were discovered here in the French domination period
(and brought to France).
The Banh It Tower has got specific architectural characteristics and is
one of the great temple-towers of the Champa Kingdom, which draw the
attention of researchers.
c. Canh Tien Tower
The tower is located in the place used to be the middle of the Do Ban
Citadel in Nhon Hau Commune, An Nhon District, and 27km northwest of
Quy Nhon City. The 20m-high tower has got a square base and several
stories built of bricks. In the distance, it looks like two wings of a fairy flying
up to the sky. This is one of the towers of typical Binh Dinh architectural
style (dating back to the 12th century). Its structure is composed of the front
hall and shrine (now, the front hall has collapsed). The outer walls are
decorated with pilasters and vertical, protruding frames. Different from
other Cham Towers, the pilasters and edges of the roofs of Canh Tien
Tower are built of sandstone. At the four corners of each tower's storey are
stone motifs of phoenix tail.
d. Duong Long Tower
The tower is located at Go Gang, Binh Hoa Commune, Tay Son
District, 40km from Quy Nhon City and 270km from Da Nang City.
Duong Long is a group of the three biggest of the existing Cham
Towers. The highest tower, 24m high, is in the middle. This group with a
very beautiful architectural design was built in the late 12th century.
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The tower's body is built of bricks. The corners have got motifs with
stone carvings of sacred animals such as Garuda birds, elephants, and
eagles. Its gate faces the east and is built on a 1.5m-high base and the
gate's frame is made of big stones. Its upper part is built of big stones,
which are skillfully superimposed on each other. Many big, body leaf-
shaped bas embossments describing monks, dancers and singers are
found on the walls. These figures with rather big heads wear corner hats.
Especially, the top of the tower looks like a great lotus with its rising petals.
All the decorative motifs of the tower are very big and carved on
sandstone. They are well-preserved. This tower complex is one of the most
beautiful in Central Viet Nam.
e. Quang Trung Museum
This museum is dedicated to Nguyen Hue (Quang Trung), a national
hero of the 18th century. The museum was built in his native village of Kien
My in Binh Thanh Commune, Tay Son District, 45km from Qui. Nhon, and
5km off the highway.
Nguyen Hue was one of the three brothers who led the Tay Son
Insurrection. In 1788, he led his troops from Phu Xuan (Hue) to the north. It
took them 35 days and nights to reach Thang Long (Ha Noi), where they
defeated 290,000 Chinese invaders, thereby liberating the royal capital. He
declared himself Emperor Quang Trung the same year.
Visiting Quang Trung Museum, visitors will enjoy the music and
demonstrations of Vo Tay Son, a traditional martial art of Binh Dinh. A
display of Emperor Quang Trung 9th
generation's niece playing the 11 battle
drums can also be seen.
f. Hoang De Citadel (Do Ban Citadel)
The Hoang De Citadel is located 27km northwest of Quy Nhon City in
Nhon Hau Commune, An Nhon District. The citadel was built at the end of
the 10th century, during the reign of Emperor Yangpuku Vijaaya. This was
the last capital of the Champa Kingdom where the Cham Kings lived
between the 11th and the 15th centuries. Several pieces of stone walls,
moats, and granite-tiled roads remain from the Citadel.
Inside the Citadel, there are ancient Cham remains, such as square
wells and statues of small lions and elephants. Next to the back door is
Thap Thap Hill (Ten Tower Hill), on which there are ten Cham Towers. Of
note is the 20m-high Canh Tien Tower with white-stone statues of a snake,
two elephants, and monsters on the corners. There are many remains and
28

objects related to Cham culture and the Tay Son movement in Thap Thap
Di Da Pagoda and Nhan Thap Pagoda, two ancient pagodas situated to the
north and south of the citadel.
In 1778, Nguyen Nhac proclaimed himself the Central Emperor. He
established the capital, which he named Hoang De Citadel, expanded the
citadel to the east, and built many grand monuments. In 1799, the citadel
was occupied by the Nguyen Dynasty, and rebap-tized Binh Dinh Citadel.
In 1814, the Nguyen Dynasty destroyed the old citadel and built a new one
about 5km south of the old citadel.
g. Long Khanh Pagoda
Located in the centre of the city of Quy Nhon, Long Khanh Pagoda
was built during the 18th century under the reign of Emperor Le Du Tong.
During that time, Buddhism was preached there.
Today, the pagoda still preserves two valuable objects from the reign
of Emperor Gia Long: Thai Binh Hong Chung (Thai Binh bell) cast in 1805,
and a seal engraved with the words "Long Khanh Tu" in 1813.
h. Ham Ho (Hầm hô) Tourist Spot
Ham Ho is located in Phu My Hamlet, Tay Phu Commune, Tay Son
District, about 50km north-west of Quy Nhon City. This is a 3km long
complex of spring, waterfalls, lakes, rivers and canals along Kon River's
lower branch. This region is called Ham Ho (Ho means call) because of cult
of genii (wind call) to pray for rain.
With the width of 30m, the river's bed is full of gleaming and bright
granite stones like, millions of diamonds in the green and clear water. The
stones seem alive and meaning full because of legends such as Jar of
Wine (Hon Vo Ruou), Footprints of Giants (Hon Dau Chan Ong Khong Lo),
Fairy Chess Board (Ban Co Tien)... Along the riverside tourist will see
Thanh Mountain which looks like a wall covered with green moss and
ancient roots.
Ham Ho is also famous for variety of fishes, especially during flood
seasons when fishes from Kon River gather here to cross the waterfall and
swim upstream to Da Han (Đá Hàn), the source of the river for breeding.
Old legend said that every year the Deity of Water held an examination of
the fishes' climbing-up-waterfall capabilities in Ham Ho. The fishes that
courageously passed the examination woudl transform into dragons.
Because of this legend, the Ham Ho Waterfall is also called Ca Bay (Flying
Fish) Waterfall.
29

One of the most interesting timesto visit is when the Loc Vung
ornamental trees (lecythidales) come into flower.
The nature here creates a lively and fanciful drawing and is an ideal
place for tourist to relax. Tourists can go boating and fishing, walk in the
forest, swim or just relax in one of the stilt houses on the banks of the river.
Adventurers can kayak on the river, or take a ride in a small canoe.
To sample the regional culinary specialties tourists should taste fried
fish served with Loc Vung leaves, chim mia a kind of bird, forest vegetables
and a type of snail that lives in the rocks.
On the left side right at the entrance to Ham Ho, there is a temple
worshipping forefathers Le Kim Boi and Le Kim Bang who established Ham
Ho. Every year, on the 20th day of the first lunar month, there is a solemn
ritual of the locals to commemorate their forefathers and that day also
becomes the festival of 'Ham Ho.
i. Hoi Van Hot Spring
Hoi Van village in Phu Cat District, 50km from Quy Nhon, is well
known for its hot spring. The temperature of the water is 76°C (168.8°F)
and is composed of various mineral components useful for the treatment of
cardiovascular and skin diseases, rheumatism, and mental disorders. In
addition to the hot spring, there is also a sanatorium that offers steam baths
in mineral water at 38°C (100.4°F).
j. Rang Cliff
A virgin picturesque area, Rang Cliff is situated south of Quy Nhon
City, 3km from the downtown. It is a part of Vung Chua Mountain jutting out
into the sea and forming a charming landscape.
The path to Rang Cliff is treacherous, with wild flowers growing low
clinging to tourists. Rang Cliff Beach is a picture of rocks, sea waves.
The beach is lined with scattering rocks; it turns out to be a golden
sand beach at low tide. In the early 19th century, Queen Nam Phuong
would bath and relax there. There are many rocks weathered by waves
scattering all over an immense beach. At the low tide, a yellow sand ground
is exposed. At the foot of Rang Cliff, there are a lot of egg-shaped rocks
polished by waves and a gently-sloping beach protected by a natural rocky
wall. In the early 20th century, this was the reserved beach for Queen Nam
Phuong (King Bao Dai's wife), so it was called "Queen Beach". At that time,
the king had a ship-shaped pleasure-house built here.
30

Rang Cliff is marvelous for its vermilion twilight and moonlit nights
amid the vast water and sky. The path to Rang Cliff passes by the modest
grave of poet Han Mac Tu. Looking at the dazzlingly yellow
chrysanthemums, visitors may feel full of pity for the miserable life of this
talented poet. The grave all the year round is drenched in sunlight, clouds,
winds, moonlight and the murmurs of the sea.
III. Festivals
a. Tay Son Festival
5th
day of the 1st
lunar month
The Tay Son Festival is held annually for seven days in Nghi Binh
Commune, Tay Son District. The main day of the festival is the 5th
day of
the 1St
lunar month, which is the second day of the festival.
The festival is organized to honour the leaders of the Tay Son
movement, Vietnamese hero Quang Trung in particular, and to celebrate
the Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da victory in 1789 in which 290,000 Qing soldiers
from China were defeated.
In addition to the traditional ceremony, the festival involves many
cultural folk activities of the Vietnamese people, such as the Viet and the
Ba Na. There are many martial art performances, such as playing with
fighting sticks and quyen (a Vietnamese form of Kung Fu, a system of
unarmed combat using the hands and feet as weapons).
This festival features a drum competition in which 12 leather drums
called the Tay Son fighting drums are played while an imitative battle is
simultaneously acted out to relive the Tay Son movement that occurred
many years ago in Tay Son-Binh Dinh Province.
b. Thi Tu Vilage Festival
12th
day of the 2nd
lunar month
Thi Tu Village, belonging to Dap Da Small Town, An Nhon District, is
famous for its traditional lifestyle that includes iron forging and gold carving.
The annual festival of the Thi Tu Village is held in honour of Dao Gia
Tuong, the blacksmith master who taught his art to the villagers. The
festival takes place at the Dao Family Temple. After the worshipping
ceremony, there are many games and songs and lots of music.
c. Do Gian Festival
15th
day of the 7th
lunar month
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Do Gian Festival is celebrated in Ba Pagoda located in An Thai
Village, An Nhon District. This is also when the traditional boxing
competition in An Nhon District takes place. There are various kinds of
cultural activities throughout the festival, including boi singing, (classical
drama). The main part of the festival is the boxing competition between
opponents from different villages. The winner receives a roasted pig to take
back to his village where he is then honoured.
Quang Ngai
I. Information
− Capital: Quang Ngai city
− Ethnic groups: Viet(Kinh), Hre, Co, Xo Dang
− Highlights: Chau Sa citadel, Sa Huynh and My Khe beaches, Son My
site
Geography
Located on South-Central Vietnam, Quang Ngai borders Quang Nam
Province on the north, Binh Dinh Province on the south, Kon Tum Province
on the west and East Sea on the east with 135km seaside.
The province is surrounded by Truong Son Mountains on one side
and the East Sea on the other. As a result, the topography includes
mountains, plains, seaside and offshore islands. The main rivers are Tra
Khuc, Tra Bong, and Ve rivers.
Climate
The rain season lasts from September to December. It is hot between
April and August and the weather is cold from January to March. Annual
average temperature is 260C.
Tourism
Quang Ngai is famous for the cultural vestiges of Chau Sa Citadel,
Ong and Mai Son pagodas. The beautiful landscapes are An Mountain,
Thien An Mountain and Tra Khuc River, Co Luy Commune under coconut
trees, Sa Huynh and My Khe beaches.
Sa Huynh Beach is well-known with clear water, golden sand and
pine trees. My Khe Beach is the most beautiful beach in Central Vietnam. It
has fine white powdery sand, gently waves and poplars forest.
32

Coming to there, tourists have chance to visit old battlefields with
popular names like Ba To, Tra Bong, Ba Gia, Van Tuong and Son My.
Transportation
Quang Ngai City is 100km from Hoi An, 131km from Danang, 174km
from Qui Nhon, 238km from Hue, 860km from Ho Chi Minh City, and
889km from Hanoi. National Highway No.1A and North-South Express
Train runs through the province. National Highway No.24A links Quang
Ngai to Central Highlands and Laos.
II. Tourist attracions
a. Chau Sa Citadel
The imposing Chau Sa citadel was built in the 9th century and has
been almost completely preserved. Surrounded by two 5m high walls, the
citadel is simulated north of the Tra estuary, a rich agricultural region and a
busy pottery - trading center of the Champa Kingdom during the 9th
century. In Chau Sa Citadel are remains of Con Luy Tower. The 25m high
walls of the tower jut out of the sea to protect Chau Sa Citadel.
b. Thien An Moutain and Tra Khuc River
Near the Tra Khuc Bridge, on the bank of the Tra Khuc River, stands
Thien An Mountain. There is a spiral path shaded by Banyan trees leading
up from the foot of the mountain. At the top of Thien An mountain, there is
a great view of the Tra Khuc River and the surrounding landscapes.
c. Son My Site
The site was built in 1976 in Tu Cung Hamlet, Tinh Khe Commune,
Son Tinh District, in memory of the civillians who were killed during the
American War. It is located in the land where the American troops cruelly
massacred the local people on the morning of 16 March 1968.
Here, 504 innocent people were killed cruelly in many forms such as
being shot to dead, killed by grenades, or thrown into wells. Most of them
were old people, women, and children.
Crossing the entrance gate, at the end of the lane, visitors will see the
main memorial with spiraling incense smoke. On its pedestal, there are the
statutes of victims showing their utmost pain before dead.
On the two sides of the entrance, there are many small statutes
describing various position of the ill-fated victims.
33

The House of Evidence lies on the left of the entrance. In the front
and around the House are trimmed trees in the shape of tomb. The exhibits
in the House documents, photos, and objects which testify to the massacre
such as shirts, a pair of sandal of a killed child, all kinds of cups and plates,
cookers and pans holed by cartridge, and wooden bells used for reciting
prayers. All of them stir deep feelings in the visitors.
Outside the House of Evidence, there is a waterway on which 170
people were killed, 24 house foundations with 24 stelae dedicated to 24
families whose members were all massacred. On each stele, the name and
age of the victims are listed. There are some stelae scattering over the
hamlets at places where massacres occurred. At My Hoi Hamlet, Co Luy
Commune, there is a stele lying among luxuriant coconut trees and listing
the names of 97 killed villagers in massacre.
At the Son My Site visitors have a chance to review the evidences
and think of the utmost suffering of the innocent victims of war. The Son My
Site welcomes all visitors every day, especially foreigners who are
increasing in number. Many American veterans come here to confess their
sin towards the ill-fated victims, or to express their sympathy towards their
painful losses caused to the local population by their action. Many of them
show their shame and repentance.
d. Ly Son Island
Ly Son Island, formerly known as Re Island, is also a district of
Quang Ngai Province with a total area of about 10 km2 including 3
communes of An Vinh, An Binh and An Hai, about 24km from the mainland.
Ly Son Island contains big potential for tourism and valuable materials. In
addition, the island is distinguished for its vast garlic fields, hence also
called the kingdom of garlic.
The wild and gigantic beauty of rock mountains on Ly Son, such as
Thoi Loi, Gieng Tien, Hon Vung, Hon Soi and Hoi Tai, is the island’s pride.
Looking down from mountains, tourists will be overwhelmed by the
spectacular colorful scenery with immense fields of green grass in the pan-
shaped valley and a whole word of colors form the blue ocean, white sand,
and red basalt soil to the green garlic fields.
Moreover, Ly Son is a lively museum of legends, stories, folk songs,
spiritual festivals… This used t be the departure point of the naval task
group that protected the Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel)
islands under the Nguyen Dynasty. Khao le the linh Hoang Sa (Hoang Sa
Troop Feasting Festival) is a unique rite merely practiced on Ly Son Island
34

by household/families whose relatives enlisted the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa
naval task group to protect the territorial waters and seek for sea treasures.
Annually those families hold the festival from the 10th to the 20th day of the
second lunar month – the moment the Hoang Sa troops were ready to go
offshore. And this festival is also organized at Am Linh Tu on the 15th and
the 16th days of third lunar month. In addition, there exists in the island the
traditional boat-racing festival held yearly from the 4th to the 7th day of the
first lunar month, beside An Hai Fastival, Whale Worship Festival, Doi Bong
Festival…
Nowadays, Ly Son Island is an attractive destination for tourists
where occupies unique natural landscapes as well as many cultural relics
including temples, tombs and pagodas.
e. Sa Huynh beach
Sa Huynh Beach lies close to National Highway 1, in Pho Thanh
Commune, Duc Pho District, 60km south of Quang Ngai City, making it an
ideal location for tourism. It is a beautiful beach with clear water, golden
sand, and pine trees. From here, visitors can go on executions to Liet Son
Lake and the nearby mountains, which are home to a great number of
monkeys.
Nowadays, hotels and resorts have been built in the area of Sa
Huynh Beach to provide travelers with places to stay and relax by the sea
while exploring the wild and splendid landscape.
f. My Khe beach
Located 15km from the city of Quang Ngai in Tinh Khe Commune,
Son Tinh District, My Khe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in
Central Viet Nam. It is approximately 8km long and has fine white powdery
sand gently waves. Close to swimming beach and along the coast is the
poplars forest with the age of 15 - 20 years creating a green space of
hundreds hectares running along the internal tourist area with the direction
of South-North. My Khe Tourist Site is located in this area, 15km north-east
of Quang Ngai city, 16km south of Dung Quat seaport and industrial zone,
14 nautical miles west of Ly Son Island. My Khe Tourist Site is the center of
Quang Ngai city - Dung Quat - Ly Son.
On the way to My Khe Beach, visitorscan stop at Son My, a village
destroyed by the Americans during the war. A monument was built here in
memory of civilians who were killed.
35

g. Sa Huynh archaeological relics
Sa Huynh Archaeological relics, about 60km south of Quang Ngai
City, lies on the coastal line of Sa Huynh in the area of Pho Thanh and Pho
Khanh communes, Duc Pho District.
Sa Huynh Archaeological relics were found for the first time by
French archaeologist M.Vinet in 1909. This is a large area densely buried
with jar graves of Sa Huynh culture residents, which dated back over 2,000
years. The jar-shaped coffins vary in sizes and shapes such as pillar-
shaped or egg-shape… Some of the jars have the of 1.8 metre high, 1
metre in diameter but most of which are under 1 meter high and around
0.5-0.6 metre in diameter. Inside the jars were buried many articles such as
bells, bracelets, iron knives, axes, agate chains, nephrite earrings, ceramic
wares likes panes, bowls, vases decorated with diverse patterns.
A bif archaeological excavation, which was carried out by Vietnamese
Institute if Historical Research in 1978, revealed 114 objects made of
stone, bone, iron…offering new insights into the birth and development
progress of Sa Huynh culture.
New archaeological sites of Sa Huynh culture have been
continuously discovered and various objects have been found… These
relics are proving their strong attractiveness to many domestic and foreign
tourists, researches and scientists.
III. Festival
Nghinh Ong Festival
36

Central highlands region
The Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) are a region of plateaus in
South Central Viet Nam. It is where the past and the present unite, a land
of mysterious mountains and forests where gongs can be heard, a world of
customs that fascinate generations of anthropologists.
It is a region of rolling mountains, forests, and immense coffee and
rubber plantations that are divided into three levels of land called high
plateaus, including Kon Turn, Dak Lak and Lang Biang. Endowed with a
cool and pleasant climate, the city of Da Lat became a hill station for the
French. It is a favourite destination for Vietnamese lovers.
The climate is divided into two distinct seasons. The rainy season
lasts from May to October, and the dry season from November to April. The
lowest temperature is 18°C and the highest is 25°C.
The area is accessible by plane from either Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh
City, and there are bus services to Buon Ma Thuot and Pleiku. The area
can also be reached by car. The road passes by many remains and sites,
including Cham Towers and Ngoan Muc Pass.
Kon Tum
I. Information
− Capital: Kon Turn City
− Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Xo Dang, Ba Na, Gie Trieng, Ra Glai
− Highlights: Ba Na Village, Nha Rong (Communal House)
− Area: 9,690.5 sq. km.
− Population: 383.1 thousand habitants (2006)
− Capital: Kontum Town.
− Districts: Dak Glei, Ngoc Hoi, Dak To, Kon Ray, Kon Plong, Dak Ha,
Tu Mo Rong, Sa Thay.
− Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Xo Dang, Ba Na, Gie Trieng, Ra Glai...
Geography
Kontum is on Central Highlands. It shares border with Laos,
Cambodia on the west, Quang Nam Province on the north, Quang Ngai
Province on the east and Gia Lai Province on the south.
37

On the north, there is highest granite mountain region in Southern
Vietnam with Ngoc Linh 2,598m and Ngoc Phan 2,251m. It is source of
Tranh, Thu Bon, Tra Khuc, Ba rivers.
Forest covers 50% total of Kontum area with valuable wood, rare
birds. Basalt soil is suitable to plan rubber, coffee, tea, sugar cane. The
province has 26,000ha grassland that gives good condition to raise cattle.
Climate
Kontum has feature climate of Central Highland. That is tropical
monsoon one. There are two seasons. The rain season lasts from May to
October. The dry season lasts from November to April next year.
Annual average temperature is 23.4o
C. Annual average rainfall is
1,884mm.
Tourism
Coming to Kontum, visitors enjoy mountainous landscapes like Ngok
Linh Mountain, Chu Mon Ray Primitive Forest, Dak Tre Tourist Site, and
Dak To Hot Spring. Tourists are interesting in historical relics such as
Kontum Former Prison, Dak Glei Prison, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Dak To, Tan
Canh Battle Field.
Visitors would observe beautiful wooden stilt houses in Ba Na villages
and Communal House (Nha Rong) that only be found in villages on the
north of the Central Highlands.
Ethnic groups
Ethnic minorities make up 51% population of Kontum. Most of them
are Ba Na, Xo Dang, Gie Trieng, Gia Rai, B'Rau, and Ro Man. They work
on fields in the mountains.
Kontum has colorful, diversified culture of ethnic groups. Their
customs are unique with special traditional festivals like cong chieng
(gongs), buffalo stabling, leaving- the- tomb, new rice festivals.
Transportation
Kontum is 246km from Buon Ma Thuot, 215km from Quy Nhon, 49km
from Pleiku. National Highway No.14 runs from west of Quang Nam, vie
Kontum Town, then to Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Ho Chi Minh City. National
Highway No.24 connects Kontum to Quang Ngai
(Source: vacationtravel.com.vn)
38

II. Tourist attraction
a. Kon Tum Wooden Church
The Kon Turn Wooden Church, located on Nguyen Hue Street, Kon
Turn City, is a unique architecture of wooden materials and good fine-arts.
The church was built from 1913 to 1918, initiated by a French priest,
with hundreds of cubic meters of such high-quality wood as rose-wood and
ca chit, a valuable wood once growing in abundance across the Central
Highlands but rather rare these days. The church's architecture combines
Roman and Gothic arches and features of Viet Nam's Central Highlands
styles. The whole structure stands one meter above the ground on wooden
pillars like many hill tribes' houses and communal houses (Nha Rong). The
church's inside was also decorated in the Central Highlands style to make it
suitable to the traditional culture of the people in the region.
The church stands on a vast area with various closed-loop works:
church, lounge, exhibition centre of ethnic groups and religions, communal
house. Besides, there are also an orphanage, a brocade weaving and
sewing facility and a carpentry workshop.
The church is not only a place of worship for Catholics but also a
cultural and tourist site for visitors to Kon Turn.
b. Kon Tum Former Prison (Nguc Kon Tum)
Kon Turn Prison is located in the western part of the City of Kon Turn.
The prison was built by the French to detain patriotic revolutionaries.
Since 1975, the end of the war, Kon Turn Prison has been a historical
vestige of Viet Nam. It has been badly damaged over the years and now
only one stele and eight graves of revolutionary combatants remain.
c. Commural House (Nha Rong)
The Communal House (Nha Rong) can only be found in villages to
the north of the Central Highlands. It is a large, imposing, beautifully
decorated stilt house built in the middle of the village. It is the meeting
place for all the villagers on the occasion of important events such as let
celebrations, village festivals, wedding ceremonies, or praying ceremonies.
It is also the place for reception of guests.
Nha Rong of each ethnic group has its own architectural style,
design, and decor. Yet there are shared features. In the village, it is often
the biggest house roofed with yellow-dried gianh leaves and having 8 big
wood columns. The rafters are decorated with patterns of bright colours,
39

depicting religious scenes, legendary stories about ancient heroes, stylized
animals, and other familiar things of the village life. The most salient feature
of the decor of Nha Rong is the image of the brilliant Sun deity.
Nha Rong is a symbol of the culture of Central Highlanders, an age-
old and stable culture. The bigger the Nha Rong, the wealthier and the
stronger the village. It is a pride of the whole village.
d. Ba Na Village
There are several Ba Na minority groups living in Kon Turn, or more
generally in the Central Highlands, including the Ba Na Kon Turn, Ba Na
Go La, and Ba Na Na Ko. Each group resides in a different area. Visitors to
a Ba Na village will observe beautiful wooden stilt houses. The staircases
leading to the houses are made from tree trunks; each step meticulously
chiselled by the skilled Ba Na men.
The Ba Na ethnic group was the first among the minorities of the
Central Highlands to write, and to use buffaloes and cows to plough their
fields. Nevertheless, their lifestyle has remained primitive. The Ba Na is
nationally famous for their hunting skills. Like other ethnic minorities, the Ba
Na people keep fires burning in the middle of their houses. Family
members and friends sit around the fire to drink, eat, and talk. The fire also
keeps the house warm.
Men sometimes have a scar on their chest. It is a result of a wound
inflicted on themselves with fire in sign of sorrow when one of their close
relatives dies.
e. Chu Mon Ray National Park
Chu Mom Ray National Park, located at the T-junction of Indochina,
adjacent to two nature reserves of Laos and Cambodia, has an area of
56,621 ha, belonging to Sa Thay and Ngoc Hoi Districts, about 30km to the
northwest of Kon Turn City.
This park is one of places that have the most ancient flora in Viet
Nam. According to surveys, there are about 508 species of trees, belonging
to 324 genera, 115 families. In terms of fauna, there are many species of
mammal such as elephants, bulls, and birds including 352 ones of
vertebrata on land. There exists a number of extremely valuable and rare
animals such as: forest buffalo, Banteng bull, gayal, and even grey cow,
etc.
Chu Mom Ray National Park boasts imposing and wild special natural
landscapes. Diversified natural resources of flora, fauna definitely bring a
40

lot of funs and enjoyment to tourists and scientific researchers. In addition,
coming here tourists will have chance to visit villages where are home to
ethnic groups such as Ro Mam, Gia Rai, Brau.
f. Mang Den Ecotourist Zone
The Mang Den Ecotourist Zone lies in Kon Plong District, about 50km
northeast of Kon Turn City, at about 1,200m above the sea level. Year-
round, it has average temperature of 18-20°C. Thanks to these features,
the Mang Den Ecotourist Zone has earned the fame as the second Da Lat
tourist city" in the . Central Highlands.
The name Mang Den is transcribed from the word 'T'mang Deeng' of
the Mo Nam ethnic people ("T'mang" means a flat land and "Deeng" means
a residential area). The land is blessed with scenic landscapes and mild
weather year round. It nestles amidst primitive forests and a large area
grown with age-old pine trees, spotted by natural lakes, waterfalls and
springs.
Living in the area are mainly the Mo-nam and Ca-dong ethnic people
who have well preserved their authentic lifestyle, distinctive culture and
customs, and traditional crafts as they were. These ethnic minorities have
often settled down nearby lakes, waterfalls or rivers, building their stilted
houses and "Nha Rong" (the communal house in the Highlands) next to
slash-and-burn rice and food crops.
III. Festivals
a. Bo Ma Festival
This funeral ceremony of the Gia Rai, Ba Na and E De minorities is
organised at the cemetery a few years after a death and lasts from two to
five days. This ceremony is the last step in accompanying the dead to the
other world and is considered to be the most important step in the burial
process. After this ceremony, the ties between the living and the dead
come to an end. These festivities express the highly collective spirit of
these ethnic groups.
b. Village Land Praying Ceremony
End of the 2nd and beginning of the 3rd lunar month
41

This is a festival of the Ba Na people who live in Kon Turn and Gia
Lai. Ba Na villagers hold the Village Land Praying Ceremony in preparation
for the new crop or before moving to new land. Before the days of
establishing the new village, Ba Na people held a two-day ceremony. They
prayed to their deities in hope that they would be given favourable working
conditions and to inform the deities about the work in the upcoming year.
Gia Lai
I. Information
− Capital: Pleiku City
− Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Gia Rai, Ba Na, Tay
− Highlights: Pleiku, To Nung Lake, D'ko Tu Village
− Area: 15,536.9 sq. km.
− Population: 1,161,7 thousand habitants (2006)
− Capital: Pleiku City.
Administrative divisions:
- Town:An Khe, Ayun Pa
- Districts: Chu Pah, Chu Prong, Chu Se, Duc Co, Ia Grai, Kbang, Krong
Pa, Kong Chro, Mang Yang, Dak Doa, Ia Pa, Dak Po, Phu Thien.
Ethnic groups:Viet (Kinh), Gia Rai, Ba Na, Tay...
Geography
Gia Lai is located in the Central Highlands. It shares the border with
Kon Tum Province on the north, Dak Lak Province on the south, Cambodia
on the west, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen provinces on the east.
Gia Lai is source of Ba and Se San rivers with Yaly hydroelectricity
plant. It owns many springs, lakes, waterfalls, rives, and primary forest.
Climate
There are two seasons: the rainy season lasts from May to November
and the dry season lasts from December to April. The annual average
temperature varies between 21 and 25o
C. The west of Truong Son Ranges
has annual average rainfall is 2,200 - 2,500mm. The east of Truong Son
Ranges has annual average rainfall is 1,200 - 1,750mm.
42

Central highland

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