Hekou – A Border Town Between China and Vietnam

 Hekou (河口) is a small but lively border town in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. It is located directly opposite Lao Cai City in northern Vietnam, with the two towns separated by the Red River. Location

Hekou is part of the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. It lies right on the China–Vietnam border, making it an important gateway between the two countries.

A Busy Border Town

Hekou is one of the important border crossings between China and Vietnam. The area is particularly active in trade, import and export, and cross-border travel.

The town is connected to other parts of Yunnan by road and railway, including routes leading to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province.

 Cultural Exchange

As a border town, Hekou has a unique atmosphere where Chinese and Vietnamese cultures meet. For generations, people on both sides of the border have traded, traveled and interacted with one another.

The streets around the border area are lively, with shops, markets and restaurants serving both local residents and visitors from Vietnam and China.

 Hekou and Lao Cai

One of the most interesting things for international visitors is how close the two towns are. From the center of Lao Cai, travelers can cross the international border and enter Hekou.

The border area includes a bridge across the river connecting the two sides, creating a fascinating experience of crossing from Vietnam into China within just a short distance.

 A Gateway to Yunnan

Hekou is more than just a border crossing. It is also an important gateway to Yunnan Province.

From Hekou, travelers can continue their journey to famous destinations such as Kunming, Jianshui and Mengzi, and explore the rich landscapes and diverse cultures of Yunnan.

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Coc Leu market in Lao Cai city

 Coc Leu Market is the largest and busiest market in Lao Cai Province. Located in the heart of Lao Cai City, just 1–2 kilometers from the Lao Cai International Border Gate, it is a popular stop for both local residents and visitors traveling to or from Sa Pa.

The market dates back to the early 20th century and developed alongside the growth of Coc Leu Ward and cross-border trade between Vietnam and China. After several renovations, it now consists of two main sections with more than 600 stalls offering a wide variety of goods.

At Coc Leu Market, visitors can discover many specialties from Vietnam's northwest region, including dried bamboo shoots, Shiitake mushrooms, Shan Tuyet tea, wild honey, cardamom, medicinal herbs, and other local products. The market is also well known for its colorful ethnic brocade textiles, traditional handicrafts, clothing, household goods, and imported products.

The food court is another highlight, where visitors can enjoy authentic local dishes such as thang co (a traditional Hmong stew), sour pho, five-colored sticky rice, banh khao (a traditional sweet cake), and a variety of grilled mountain specialties.

In 2025, Coc Leu Market was officially recognized as a tourist destination by Lao Cai Province. Today, it is not only an important commercial center but also a place where visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere, unique culture, and daily life of Vietnam's northern border region.

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Don Thoc Flowers – The Fiery Blossoms of Fansipan

 Don Thoc flowers are among the most distinctive and beautiful wildflowers found in the high mountains of Sa Pa, especially around the summit of Fansipan. Every year, from August to September, the mountain slopes are covered in brilliant shades of orange and crimson, creating a breathtaking landscape against the misty skies of Northwest Vietnam.

The flowers grow in long, graceful clusters, with blossoms opening gradually from the bottom to the top. Their shape resembles ripe rice ears, which is why local people call them "Don Thoc", meaning "gladiolus rice spike."

Beyond their beauty, Don Thoc flowers symbolize strength, resilience, and the spirit of overcoming challenges. Flourishing at elevations of more than 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), where the climate is harsh and unpredictable, they bloom like small flames illuminating the rugged mountain landscape. For this reason, they are often affectionately known as "the muse of the Northwest mountains."

In recent years, the Don Thoc Flower Festival has been held at the Fansipan tourist area during the blooming season. Visitors can admire thousands of vibrant flowers while enjoying traditional ethnic performances, folk games, and unique cultural experiences offered by the local hill tribes.

For many travelers, the Don Thoc flowering season is one of the most magical times to visit Fansipan. Surrounded by a sea of clouds and the brilliant orange-red blossoms, the scenery is both majestic and romantic, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories of Sa Pa.

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Bai Chay Bridge in Halong city

 Bai Chay Bridge is one of the most iconic modern landmarks of Ha Long City. Spanning the Cua Luc Estuary, it connects the bustling tourist area of Bai Chay with the city center of Hon Gai. More than just a vital transportation link, the bridge has become a striking architectural symbol of Ha Long.

• Construction began: 2003
• Officially opened: December 2, 2006
• Bridge type: Single-plane cable-stayed bridge
• Total length: Approximately 1,106 meters (with the main bridge measuring about 903 meters)
• Main span: 435 meters, making it the longest single-plane cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam when it was completed
• Width: Approximately 25 meters, accommodating four traffic lanes as well as walkways for pedestrians and bicycles
• Navigation clearance: Around 50 meters, allowing large cruise ships and cargo vessels to pass safely beneath the bridge.

Inspired by the graceful shape of a sail catching the wind, Bai Chay Bridge blends beautifully with the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay. At night, its colorful lighting transforms the bridge into one of the city's most impressive landmarks and a favorite spot for sightseeing and photography.

Replacing the former Bai Chay ferry service, the bridge has greatly reduced travel time between Hon Gai and Bai Chay. It also plays a vital role in promoting tourism, economic development, and regional connectivity within Quang Ninh Province and the Northern Economic Triangle of Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ha Long.

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Halong International Cruise Port

 Halong International Cruise Port, developed by Sun Group in Bai Chay, is Vietnam's first dedicated international cruise port. It serves as a modern maritime gateway, welcoming both domestic and international visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay.

The port accommodates international cruise ships and luxury liners, allowing passengers to embark and disembark directly in Ha Long. It also serves as the departure point for sightseeing boats exploring the breathtaking Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

The passenger terminal, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, offers modern facilities including ticketing counters, comfortable waiting lounges, tourist information services, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other visitor amenities.

In addition, the port is fully equipped with customs, immigration, border control, and quarantine services to handle international cruise operations efficiently.

As one of Quang Ninh's key tourism infrastructure projects, Halong International Cruise Port plays an important role in promoting cruise tourism and connecting visitors with nearby attractions such as Sun World Ha Long, luxury hotels, entertainment complexes, and the spectacular natural beauty of Ha Long Bay.

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Do Temple in Bac Ninh province

 Đền Đô (Do Temple) is a sacred temple in Bac Ninh dedicated to the eight emperors of the Ly Dynasty. It is the ancestral temple of the Ly kings, including Emperor Ly Thai To, who moved Vietnam's capital to Thang Long (present-day Hanoi) in 1010. 

Photo Internet

With its elegant traditional architecture, peaceful gardens, and profound historical significance, Den Do is one of northern Vietnam's most important cultural and spiritual landmarks.

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The History of the French-Built Hydroelectric Power Plant in Sa Pa

 The Cat Cat Hydroelectric Power Plant is the first hydroelectric power station built by the French in Sa Pa and one of the oldest hydroelectric plants in Vietnam.

In 1925, the French colonial administration constructed the Cat Cat Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Cat Cat Stream, about 3–4 kilometers from the center of Sa Pa. The plant was built to supply electricity to the French hill station, including villas, hotels, government offices, and the telegraph system.

Because of Sa Pa's rugged mountainous terrain, all the machinery, turbines, and equipment were shipped from France to Hai Phong by sea, transported by train to Lao Cai, and then carried to Sa Pa by porters and pack horses. The construction process was extremely challenging and took several years to complete.

The plant's original capacity was about 50 kW (later upgraded to approximately 100 kW), which was sufficient to provide electricity for the entire town of Sa Pa at that time. It was considered a remarkable engineering achievement in the early 20th century.

In 1953, during the First Indochina War, the generating equipment was dismantled and removed for safekeeping, causing the plant to cease operations. Around 1960, with assistance from Polish engineers, the power station was restored and upgraded to a capacity of about 100 kW, once again supplying electricity to several government buildings in Sa Pa.

Today, the Cat Cat Hydroelectric Power Plant is no longer in operation, but it has been preserved as an important historical site in Vietnam's electricity industry. Visitors to Cat Cat Village can still see the remains of the powerhouse, the old water pipeline, the original turbines, and iron electricity poles dating back to 1925—lasting reminders of the period when the French transformed Sa Pa into one of Indochina's most famous mountain resorts.

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History of Ngo Quyen street in Hanoi

Ngo Quyen Street is one of Hanoi's most elegant and historically significant streets. Stretching for about 1.2 kilometers, it runs from Hang Voi Street to Ham Long Street, crossing major roads such as Ly Thai To, Trang Tien, Hai Ba Trung, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Tran Hung Dao.

The area was originally part of several ancient villages in Tho Xuong District. In 1892, during the French colonial period, the street was redesigned and named Boulevard Henri Rivière. After the August Revolution of 1945, it was renamed Ngo Quyen Street in honor of the Vietnamese national hero who defeated the Southern Han fleet on the Bach Dang River in 938, marking the beginning of a long era of Vietnam's independence.

 

 

Ngo Quyen Street is closely associated with many important events in modern Vietnamese history. Its most notable landmark is No. 12 Ngo Quyen, now the Government Guest House. During the French colonial era, it served as the residence of the Governor of Tonkin. On August 19, 1945, revolutionary forces took control of the building. It later became Bac Bo Phu (the Northern Government Headquarters), where President Ho Chi Minh and the Provisional Government worked in the early days of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Today, Ngo Quyen Street is renowned for its shady tree-lined avenues, beautifully preserved French colonial villas, and historic public buildings. It is home to several famous landmarks, including the Government Guest House, the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and a number of important government offices, making it one of the most charming streets where visitors can experience both the elegance and rich history of Hanoi.

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When Hanoi became capital of Vietnam

 

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, was relocated from Hoa Lu (in present-day Ninh Binh Province) to Dai La in 1010.

Emperor Ly Thai To, the founder of the Ly Dynasty, issued the famous Edict on the Transfer of the Capital, deciding to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La. He believed that Dai La's central location, spacious land, higher elevation, and favorable conditions for transportation, economic development, and national defense made it the ideal place for the country's capital.

According to legend, as the royal boat arrived at Dai La, the Emperor saw a golden dragon rising into the sky. Interpreting this as a good omen, he renamed the city Thang Long, meaning "Ascending Dragon." Thang Long later evolved into present-day Hanoi.

This historic decision marked the beginning of more than 1,000 years of continuous development, making Thang Long–Hanoi the political, cultural, and historical heart of Vietnam.

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Rowing boat by feet at Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

 Visiting Tam Coc tourist area in Ninh Binh, you will see the poetic beauty of the Ngo Dong River flowing through ancient limestone mountains millions of years old. This place is likened to a "Halong Bay on land." The scenery is especially breathtaking during the green rice season in March and the ripening rice season in June.

You'll sit on a small boat skillfully rowed by the local villagers. They are very friendly and can row not only with their hands but also with their feet with great skill.

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Where is Incense burner Islet

Dinh Huong Islet – A Unique Symbol of Ha Long Bay

How is Dinh Huong Islet?

Dinh Huong Islet, also known as Lu Huong Islet, is a famous limestone formation in Ha Long Bay. Its shape resembles a giant incense burner standing in the middle of the sea. It is one of the most remarkable natural landmarks that visitors often admire during a boat trip around the bay.

📍 Location

Dinh Huong Islet is located in the Ba Hang area, near Cho Da Islet and to the southwest of Dau Go Cave. According to the Ha Long Bay Management Board, the islet is included in Tour Routes 1 and 5, approximately 2.5 kilometers from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port.

A Remarkable Creation of Nature

What impresses visitors most is the large, imposing rock standing on a very narrow rocky base. This unique shape was formed through the long-term erosion and weathering of limestone by seawater. At low tide, the rocky base becomes more visible. At high tide, it is partly submerged, making Dinh Huong Islet look like a giant screen or stone monument rising from the sea.

Cultural and Spiritual Meaning

The image of an incense burner standing between the sea and sky evokes a sense of reverence, gratitude to one's ancestors, and the Vietnamese tradition of “remembering the source when drinking water.” Therefore, Dinh Huong Islet is not only beautiful in terms of its natural scenery but also carries deep spiritual and cultural significance.

💵 A Symbol on the 200,000-VND Banknote

You may find this particularly interesting: an image of Dinh Huong Islet is printed on Vietnam's 200,000-VND polymer banknote. Therefore, it is not only a famous landmark of Ha Long Bay but also one of the iconic images of Vietnam.

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How high Fansipan Peak in Vietnam

 I do believe that when coming to Vietnam you also wish to conquer Fansipan peak that is called the roof of Indochina. In the past years, before 2016, there is omly one way to conquer the peak, trekking through the primary forest Hoang Lien Son. You need booking 2-3 day trip by local tour operator. But now you just need 25 mins on cable car, then climb up 120 step,meet with funicular by 2 mins going up. You are already on Top of Indochina.

Soon after reach here you will see the icon of  Fansipan  peak that shapes piramid of three sides. The writing on the peak is Top of Indochina, 3143m.

But actually during the past 120 year, the peak is going to be higher 4,3m. So that today height of the Fansipan is 3147,3m above sea level. 

Vietindo Travel News

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