When Hoa Lu festival taken place in Ninh Binh

 Annually, Hoa Lu - former capital of Vietnam 968 - 1009 - arranges festival at period 9 - 11 March Lunar calendar. The place is at Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. 

Photo ST

The festival remind us the merit of our ancestor who built and defended the country. Hoa Lu festival is also the momentum to intensify the great unity of our country. In 2021 we celebrate 1053th Dinh Bo Linh enthroned as Emperor of Vietnam.

                                                                       Photo ST

There are many interesting activities during the festival such as ritual and royal ceremony, duet singing, folk games on ground and on river. It is worthy to attend Hoa Lu festival in this Spring. 

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Market sessions in Ha Giang

(VOV) - Markets in Ha Giang always attract tourists because they are not just places for buying and selling, they are also meeting places for local ethnic minority people.

Wearing colorful costumes, all the different ethnic minority groups of the region come to the market to meet their friends, or their ex-lovers.

Early in the morning, Meo Vac district of Ha Giang province is blanketed with fog. All the roads to the markets are noisy with people calling one another as they make their way to the market, which meets only on Sunday. Local people in Meo Vac district are of the Nung, Dao, Mong, and Giay ethnicities. The market is both a trading center and a socializing center for local people.

Many different goods are on sale in the market. People come to the market to sell their farm produce and home-made products and buy clothing, plastic slippers, sandals, sport shoes and mobile phones. Here they also meet their friends and eat their favorite food.

Phan Thi Mui from the Red Dao group said, “I don’t have much money so I can only buy a few items. I brought rice to the market and can sell it for 1 million dong. I also go to the market to meet my friends”.

Visitors to Meo Vac market are impressed by the wine section, where local women stand in a long line selling corn wine. There’s an aluminum soup ladle by each can of wine which customers can use to taste the wine.

Italian tourist Malcro Cusani shared, “We have bought some dishes which can’t be found in Italy. We love to see the costumes of the local ethnic minority people. We have found some souvenirs for our parents”.

People go to Khau Vai market just to meet their ex-lovers. For more than 100 years, Khau Vai market has been known as a Love Market. Legends tell that an ethnic Giay girl from Ha Giang fell in love with a Nung boy from Cao Bang but their love was forbidden by both families.

They separated from each other and made an appointment to meet again on the 27th day of the third lunar month. The mountain where they dated has become a market place. The market meets once a year serving as a festival where people come to meet their ex-lovers.

Tho Mi Tha of Can Chu Phin commune, Meo Vac district said he waited for the Khau Vai Market festival all year to meet his ex-lover.

“I never miss a market festival. My marriage was arranged by my parents. But I have an ex-girlfriend. She is 5 years younger than me. It’s difficult to explain but I always wait for that day and will not return without meeting her.

The festival is held on March 27 but the night of the 26th is a memorable day in my life,” he added.

When they meet, the former lovers recalls their love stories although they might be married and have children now. They don’t return home until midnight.

Tha noted, “I live 10 km from the market. I come here by motorbike at 6 PM. We meet each other in the market. She is married already. We discuss the sad and happy events in our life during the past year. I wish I could have married her”.

The Khau Vai love market is also a place for boys and girls to seek partners. Many couples have been married after meeting at a love market session.

VOV5

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Tay's culture and belief

(VOVworld) – With around 1.7 million people, the Tay are the biggest ethnic minority group in Vietnam. They live mainly in Vietnam’s northern and northwestern provinces - Cao Bang, Bac Can, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Thai Nguyen, and Lao Cai. They live along rivers in mountain foothills.

The Tay build their villages in valleys, on mountainsides, or in the highlands. A Tay village has from 20 to over a hundred households. They live in wooden stilt houses with tile or palm leaf roofs.



Both men and women wear clothes made of hand-woven cotton, dyed with indigo. Women wear high collared, waist- or knee-length shirts buttoned on the right side. Their pants have roomy legs and a wide belt. Tay women enjoy wearing jewelry, particularly silver necklaces and arm and wrist bracelets. Men’s clothing is similar to that of women. Hoang Thi Xoan, a white Tay woman in Xuan Giang commune, Ha Giang province, said: “The Tay include black Tay, white Tay, and Thai-Tay branches. We identify each other mainly by the color of our costume. The white Tay wear indigo headscarf, shirt, pants, and belt. The black Tay wear a black shirt and long dress. We all wear silver necklaces. The white Tay make up 80% of the population in Xuan Giang. The black Tay live in Xin Man, Ha Giang province.”

Like many other Vietnamese ethnic groups, the Tay practice polytheism and believe that supernatural powers have impacts on their life. Worshiping their ancestors is the most sacred ritual of the Tay. The ancestral altar is placed in the center of the house. In front of the altar is a bed on which visitors are not allowed to sit or lie. The Tay have many taboos, like: people may not step on the edge of the stove, after attending a funeral people must take a bath before tending the cattle and poultry, and new mothers are not allowed to stay near the altar.

Every Tay house in Lang Son has a stone dog at the gate. The Tay believe the stone dog will help the owners take care of the house and chase away bad luck. Vy Van Co of Loc Binh, Lang Son province, said: “Our ancestors told us that if the house is built on hard soil or if the house faces a bad direction, a brook, a lane, or a hill, we should place a stone dog at the gate to protect the house and its contents, preserve peace, and promote production. The stone dog will inform our ancestors of any evil coming to our house.”

dantocviet.vn

The Tay have developed a rich culture of poems, songs, epics, tales, funny stories, and dance. Popular folk singing genres of the Tay are call-and-response singing, lullaby, Then, and wedding and funeral singing. Then is sung at events such as worshiping at the ancestral altar, praying for sick people, praying for a couple to have children, at family get-togethers, to welcome guests, and at a “going to the field” festival held in the first month of the new year. Then is an indispensable part of the spiritual and religious life of the Tay.

Lan Anh

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Can Cau - largest buffalo market in Vietnam's North West

(VOVWORLD) - The largest buffalo market in Vietnam’s northwestern region convenes every Saturday morning in Can Cau village, Si Ma Cai district, Lao Cai province. This authentic and bustling market attracts hundreds of ethnic minority people who come to sell cattle and local products.
Can Cau market opens along the side of Road 153, 30 kilometers from Bac Ha town. It is surrounded by terraced rice fields and a view of rugged terrain that is truly awesome. On display are colorful handmade brocades, wild meats, fresh bamboo sprouts from the forest, farm produce, and farming equipment.


                                     The buffalo trading lot at Can Cau market (Photo: VOV)

On a large trading lot, hundreds of buffalos are for sale from different districts of Lao Cai and far-flung regions of Ha Giang, Vietnam’s northern-most province. They are sold for breeding, ploughing, or for meat. Sellers and buyers bargain good-naturedly and vigorously.

It may take several market sessions for a buyer to find the buffalo that meets his requirements. A seller may not sell any buffalo when the market is closed. Lu Van Dao takes his herd of buffalos to Can Cau from Bac Ha town at 4am. He has been a buffalo trader for 20 years. He may sell as many as 20 buffalos at a single market session. Ethnic people sell their buffalos in order to build a house, pay for their child’s marriage, or buy a new vehicle.

“The number of buffalos traded last year declined as a result of COVID-19. But it has bounced back this year. I’ve never missed a market session in the last 20 years. Ethnic people consider buffalos a treasure, the foundation of their business. Only when they desperately need money do they sell their buffalos,” said Dao.

From shortly after dawn until noon, the Can Cau market promotes ethnic culture. Mong, Black Dao, Tay, Nung, and Day ethnic minority people dress in their traditional costumes and sell their typical food specialties.


                                     The buffalo trading lot at Can Cau market (Photo: VOV)

Tran Thanh Linh, a tourist from Hai Duong province, said, “Can Cau market is unique. It’s less noisy than Bac Ha market. I come here not to buy buffalos but to look at everything, admire the beautiful ethnic women in their eye-catching clothes, and try the local food. Today I had buckwheat cakes, corn rice cakes, and ‘thang co’ - a soup made of horse meat and organs. The people here also invited me to drink some wine.”

Ethnic girls and boys come to Can Cau market to find a partner or at least a date. They sing and dance to the panpipes and play a spinning top to give pique to a partner’s interest. Many ethnic people have found the love of their life in Can Cau market.

Theo vovworld.vn

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HISTORICAL HOUSE OF 48 HANG NGANG STREET

 The house at 48 Hang Ngang street become famous historical house in Hanoi, where president Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945.

                                                                            Photo Internet

By the end of August 1945, after returning from mountainous area of Tan Trao, the resistant base of Viet Minh, Ho Chi Minh chose the house as one of his meeting places. 

                                                                           Photo Internet

The living room is the place where he received representatives of domestic and foreign visitors. Next to the living room is a small room with humble furnishing of a wardrobe, a sofa, a round table, and an armchair, where the President composed the Declaration of Independence. 

                                                                              Photo Internet

The houe number 48 Hang Ngang street is situated right in the heart of Old Quarter Hanoi, and becomes one  of National Heritages

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HALONG BAY - TOP WORLD PLACES FOR WATCHING SUNRISE

 

Halong Bay is listed as one of 7 New Wonders of Nature in the world. Halong Bay consists of about 3000 lime stone islets. 

Halong is famous for cruise holiday in Asia. You can buy 2-3 day trip staying overnight on cruises. Sunrise is important moments starting new day, so it is quite fascinating to watch sunrise at beautiful tourist sites.

Halong bay is ranked top places for watching sunrise in the world, listed by Love Exploring. Come to Vietnam and make your meaningful holiday in Halong Bay.

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HANG DAO STREET IN OLD QUARTER HANOI

 Hang Dao and Hang Ngang streets connect with Hang Duong, Dong Xuan, and Hang Giay streets deriving from Hoan Kiem Lake in Old center of Hanoi capital city.

Formerly, Hang Dao street inside Thang Long citadel was a hamlet for the artisans immigrated from Hai Duong city. In the old days, the dwellers made their owned living by the job of dying cloth and sold red silk. The street name was taken since 19th century. Nowadays, people sell clothing and watches.

Photo Internet

Next to Hang Dao is Hang Ngang street, where family traders sell clothes - fashion for kids and women. The building numbered 48 is the place where President Ho Chi Minh drafted Independent speech for Vietnam in 1945.

The connecting street is Hang Duong (sugar street) where you can find shops selling Vietnamese dried fruits. Going further we will meet Dong Xuan street and market as well as Hang Giay street. 

                                                                                Photo Internet

These streets situated in the mid-old quarter Hanoi where city people run their private business inherited from families. Houses in here long and narrow with 2 - 5 floors. It is quite interesting to have a short walk and explore daily life there. 

Source Hanoi Stay

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DONG XUAN TRADITIONAL MARKET HANOI

Dong Xuan market is situated in the mid-Old Quarter Hanoi. It is the largest market among 10 ones in the capital city such as Mo, Hom, Cua Nam, and Ngoc Ha....Dong Xuan market was founded in 1889. It used to be an open-air market but later was rebuilt with five iron arches and the roof made of zinc-coated iron sheets. Dong Xuan covers an area of 6500 sqm. 

                                                                            Photo internet

Dong Xuan is for wholesale and retail market Favorited by people in Hanoi and in Northern Vietnam. People can find essential goods such as clothing, fabric, shoes, dried food, hats, souvenirs... Today it is one of the best attractive shopping places for domestic and international tourists. It opens from 7:00AM to 5:00PM everyday. 

                                                                            Photo internet

Very closed to Dong Xuan market there are some nice places to visit such as old Long Bien bridge built by French, Masjid Al Noor Hanoi, street food place, electrical car stop by the entrance, Quan Thanh Park and old water tower. 

At the weekend, Friday to Sunday night, an open air night market gathered with the length of 400 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake to Dong Xuan market. Nice to come and buy souvenirs and t-shirts made in Vietnam

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DONG HO PAINTING VILLAGE

Dong Ho village belongs to Song Ho commune, Bac Ninh province, about 30 km away from Hanoi center. Dong Ho village is situated by Duong river, in the mid of the Red river Delta.

Source: Internet

Dong Ho is famous for traditional painting village. The artisans use those to make folk paintings such as wooden printing panels, Do paper made from Do’s tree bark and oyster powder, many kinds of natural colors. They have to follow many strict steps of making the paintings. The quality of the color and paper exist hundreds of years.

Source: Internet

The art conveys daily life of the people in the Red River Delta, the wish for happiness as well as the good ways of living. Painting market days are 5 times a month and before Tet or traditional New year holiday. You can do one day trip from Hanoi to visit Dong Ho village, ancient Dau pagoda, and But Thap pagoda.

VIETINDO TRAVEL

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THO HA COMMUNAL HOUSE IN BAC GIANG

The Communal House of Tho Ha is situated at Tho Ha village, Viet Yen District, Bac Giang province. The Communal House was constructed under Le Dynasty, in 1692, and on the land of about 3000 sq meter. The construction is the place worshiping the God of the village and discussion village affairs.

The construction is 27 meter long and 16 meter wide. The architecture of Tho Ha communal house is very impressive. The roof is covered with ancient crescent shaped tiles. Four corners of the roof curve up that look like scimitar sword blades.

The Communal House is supported by 48 huge pillars made of hard iron wood. The floor in Communal House is paved with blue stones. The inside decoration are beautiful motifs on pillars and frames such as dragons, clouds, lion cubs, ladies who wear long dress riding phoenix… The wood carving art is extremely marvelous reflecting the art during Le Dynasty in 17^th century.

Tho Ha Communal House, one of the best known in Northern Vietnam, was listed as National Heritage in 1964 by Ministry of Culture. The village is 60 km from Hanoi. You can do Tho Ha one day trip from Hanoi. Visit Tho Ha Communal House, old houses in the village, and how the locals still maintain traditional job of making skin for spring rolls, pottery, and Vietnamese rice wine.

One day tour Tho Ha village, Vietindo Travel

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HANG KENH COMMUNAL HOUSE HAI PHONG

Where is Hang Kenh communal House?

Hang Kenh Communal House is 2 km from Hai Phong city center. It was constructed during 17-18^th century under Le Dynasty. Hang Kenh Communal House is typical architecture for the construction during Le Dynasty. The Communal house is not only the place for worshiping village God but also for discussion village affairs.

The architecture of Hang Kenh Communal House

The construction was built in the complex of 6000 sq meter large, has 2 layer of tile roof, and 2 dragons protecting the sun on top of the roof. Front roof sides are curved shapes that look like the link between the earth and the sky.

The Communal House is 32 meter long and 13.5 meter wide, has 32 huge iron wood pillars, of which one is 2m in diameter. The base under each pillar is made of stone carved with lotus motif. Ngo Quyen King is worshiped in here. The King who vanquished Chinese invasion from the battle that was on Bach Dang River in the year 938.

Wood carvings in the construction are masterpiece created by skillful artisans under Le Dynasty in 17-18 century. All 308 carved dragons in mass of clouds are still well preserved. Dragon is one of 4 holy animals in Vietnamese Culture.

Every year, from 16^th – 18^th of second lunar month, ritual festival is held in the village. They arrange traditional games and arts such as chess, wrestling, singing folk songs at the Communal house.

Tour to Halong Bay we can stop here, Hai Phong city, for visit Hang Kenh Communal house. You pay entrance ticket. Vietindo Travel

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HIEN ANCIENT STREETS OR PHO HIEN IN HUNG YEN PROVINCE

Where is Hien streets or Pho Hien?

Pho Hien is 60 km from Hanoi center, once was prosperous international river port during 17-18^th century. You can reach Pho Hien by following National Road 5, then provincial road 39A. In olden days Pho Hien was popularly known by people saying: best known is Thang Long or today Hanoi, then second known is Pho Hien.

Why did Pho Hien become popular?

Since 15^th century Pho Hien became River commercial port, and reach top prosperity in 17^th century. Trading boats were from China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Holland, Great Britain, and France. There were shops, markets, international trade representatives at Pho Hien by that time.

The business of Pho Hien came down due to domestic politics and history, international history, and the river was silt up so that in the late 19^th century the international trade port was built in Hai Phong city.

What were popular for tourism at Hien Streets?

The ancient architecture at Pho Hien is harmony of Vietnam, China, and Europe in blend. There are about hundred vestiges and historical building preserved at Pho Hien including Xich Dang Temple of literature, Pho Hien Pagoga, Chuong Pagoda, Pho Hien Church, Chinese Temples, May Temple, General Tran Hung Dao Temple, and ancient houses.

Pho Hien is also very popular for a kind of delicious longan fruit so that the farmers have to protect their fruit on the trees by bamboo basket from birds.

You can visit Pho Hien by one day trip, tour from Hanoi by bus, or by cruise along the Red River.

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CAT BA NATIONAL PARK ABD LAN HA BAY

How and where is Cat Ba island?

Cat Ba National Park, about 200 km² large, and Lan Ha Bay are under management of Hai Phong city. Cat Ba National Park was established in 1986 by Government. It is about 30 miles from Hai Phong city, isolated by the sea.

The Park mainly consists of limestone mountains with grottoes, caves, and mini beaches with soft sand. The average height of mountains are from 50 – 200 meter in which the highest peak is 322m. Some caves on the island used to be home to pre-historic men dated back 6000- 7000 years such as Trung Trang cave.

The Park and surrounded islets are characterized by lovely natural scenery and abundant fauna and flora as well as sea resources. There are 620 species of plants, 32 species of mammals, 69 species of birds, and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians in the park. Especially there are endangered white headed Vooc, or a kind of monkey, listed in world natural red book.

Why come to and tour on Cat Ba island?

Cat Ba was recognized as World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Lan Ha Bay covers the area of 7000 hectares, of which over 5400 hectares is managed by Cat Ba National Park. The Bay consists of approximately 400 limestone islets that create very gulf shaped bay. The area also divided into other small bays, lagoons. There are grottoes, caves with nice stalagmites and stalactites falling down. The bay is quite and also dotted by over hundred mini soft sand beaches  

Tourism and activities in Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay?

You can chose some meaningful activities when spending couple of days here such as swimming, kayaking, cruising around by wooden junk, cycling, trekking. There are many luxury cruises with comfortable accommodation arrange 2- 3 day tours in the area.

Vietindo Travel and Halong Bay cruise trip

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DAI LAI LAKE – WEEKEND HOLIDAY OUTSIDE HANOI CAPITAL

Dai Lai, an artificial lake, is situated by the foot of Tam Dao, 50 km from Hanoi. The lake covers an area of 5,25 sq km and is surrounded by 30 sq km green forest. There is an island of 3 hectare on the lake with the highest point of 23m.

We get nice panoramic view from top of some hills. There are also lovely artificial beaches along by clear and blue water under the foot of different hills. Lovely villas stay under pine trees.

 Dai Lai was reforested since 1984 and soon became tourist holiday destination in outskirt of Hanoi capital. The area has favorable climate; for example, cool in summer and warm in winter. Nowadays, Dai Lai lake gets more investment for luxury resorts, holiday villas, tennis and golf course. Dai Lai lake is nice place to stay away from Hanoi at the weekend.

Travel North Vietnam

Vietindo Travel

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SA HUYNH BEACH IN QUANG NGAI PROVINCE

Sa Huynh Beach is situated about 60 km South of Quang Ngai city, in Duc Pho District. Sa Huynh used to be called Sa Hoang that mean Gold Sand.

Sa Huynh Beach is 6 km long shaped semi-moon. The best season to come for holiday is from April - September when the climate is quite warm. Sa Huynh is also popular for salt making region.

Quang Ngai province is located in the South central Vietnam, 1100 km from Hanoi capital city. We can reach Sa Huynh by air, bus, or train. Tour should be 4 days including Sa Huynh Beach and Ly Son Island.

Vietindo Travel brings you tours in South East Asia

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DALAT CITY IN SOUTH VIETNAM

DALAT CITY

Dalat city is capital of Lam Dong province, around 300 km from Ho Chi Minh city in the South Vietnam. Dalat is famous for city of flowers, destination for honeymooners, waterfalls, French colonial villas, lakes, and valley.

Dalat was found by Dr Alexandre Yersin in 1893. He was trying to find somewhere cool to escape from hot and humid days in summer in lowland. The highest mountain peak in Dalat is Langbian, almost 2400 meter above sea level. From the peak we enjoy stunning view of Dalat landscape. Soon after the discovery of Dalat, dozens of luxury hotels, tenis and golf courses were built.

Located at the elevation of over 1000 meter, Dalat cool all year round so that hotels in here not necessary equipped with AC. The city is admired as little Paris. There are also 43 Calthonic Churches in the city. Dalat and surroundings are home to 20 ethnic groups like K’ho, Ede, M’nong, Giarai, Ma, Viet…

Tourist attractions in Dalat are Xuan Huong lake, former Emperior Bao Dai villas, Dalat market, Langbiang Mount, Camly Waterfall, PrennFalls, City flower garden.

VIETINDO TRAVEL

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NA SAN HISTORICAL AIRPORT

Nasan airport is a short distance from the road number 6 and about 18 km from Son La city. It was built by French army in early 1950s and soon become the target of battle field between French and Viet Minh forces in 1952.

By the time of writing Na San airport is no longer used for quite limited visitors.

Commander in chief of French army in Indochina, Salan, decided to build Na San airport in October in 1952 in order to stop Viet Minh force moving to this area.

Na San was encircled by Viet Minh till French army led by General Henri Navarre sesolved abandon both Na San and nearby colonial government headquarters in Son La, moving his troops to Dien Bien Phu, 180 km from Son La.

Travel Moc Chau, Son La with Vietindo

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MOC CHAU - SON LA PROVINCE

Moc Chau is a district in Son La province, about 200 km from Hanoi city. Before we get there we can stop to have cruise along Da reservoir, visit Mai Chau valley where the white Thai ethnic people live.

Moc Chau is located on a high plateau where is famous for green tea planting and processing. Moc Chau is still 120 km from Son La city, the head quarter of the province. Beside green tea the district of Moc Chau is also well-known by dairy products.

The beauty of this plateau is marked by green tea planation, peach and plum trees and blosooms, romantic suspension bridges on streams, houses on stilts of Black Thai ethnic group.

The Thai stsill wear their owned traditional costume of black skirts and trousers, white shirts with buttons shaped spider made of silver. Women wear black headscarfs embroided with beautiful paterns.

Travel Moc Chau and Mai Chau with Vietindo

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PAC BO HISTORICAL AREA

Pac Bo is a small village in Ha Quang District, Cao Bang province, 350 km from Hanoi and 55 km from Cao Bang city. The province of Cao Bang shares border with China, and is located in the North East Vietnam.

The famous cave named Coc Bo is the place President Ho Chi Minh established his residence and worked on Vietnam’s revolutionary course. President Ho Chi Minh return Vietnam in 1941, after 30 years living abroad.

Around this place, Ho Chi Minh President named a Mountain Karl Mark, and a stream Lenin. In Khuoi Nam, 1000 m from Coc Bo cave, the President presided over 8^th session of Indochina Communist Party (now Vietnam Communist Party) conference in May 1941. This place becomes popular historical site for tourism nowadays.

www.vietindotravel.com 

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