What to Do in Vietnam and Why Phu Quoc Island Should Be Your Next Destination

Phu Quoc Island is a dream destination that enchants with its stunning white-sand beaches, beautiful shores, crystal waters, historical sites that stood the test of time, charming fishing villages, impressive Buddhist shrines, and a UNESCO-listed national park, among many others. In fact, Phu Quoc is the place that can please all tastes and requirements, whether you are into exploring, camping, bird watching, hiking, and living life as an endless adventure, VIP experiences that include staying at high-end resorts and eating at award-winning dining venues, or more laid-back, relaxed, and tranquil experiences away from the craziness of the modern, and often hurried, lifestyle. If you are planning a trip to this secret paradise island nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, here are some attractions that definitely worth a place in your wish list. Bai Sao Beach Despite its small size, Phu Quoc has an incredibly large number of fantastic beaches; some catering to the needs of those looking for seclusion and some time away from the crowds and others in the pulsing heart of the island, offering modern conveniences and sharing a party feel. The biggest beach is the palm tree-lined Long Beach (aka Bai Truong) on the south-eastern side (stretching over 20km), which is where you will find the majority of beachfront restaurants, swanky resorts, bars, and cafes with mind-blowing sunset views. However, the east coast has a gem called Bai Sao, which is possibly the most heavenly beach human eyes have ever seen, providing cinematic landscapes. With sugary white sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and an Instagram-perfect tropical scenery, it certainly deserves a visit. And, while there, why not take a snorkelling trip to the neighbouring beaches and islands of Phu Quoc? Rumours say that Fingernail Island on the south of Phu Quoc in the An Thoi Archipelago is a wonderful speck in the sea that looks as if it has jumped out of a fairy tale. Other shores worth checking out are Vung Bau, Bai Dai, Bai Thom, Ong Lang, and Ganh Dau beaches. See which one steals your heart! Cao Dai Temple Cao Dai temple stands out from the other Phu Quoc temples not only due to its bright technicolour exterior but also for the fact that it is home to a wide array of religious symbols and relics, ranging from Islamic crescent moons and Christian crosses to Buddhist statues and swastikas, alongside several patron saints and figures of prominent people from around the world, including French poet Victor Hugo and Chinese president Sun Yat-Sen. If you want to attend a worshipping ceremony, you can visit the shrine between 6am and 12pm from Monday to Friday. The temple is open every day while a dress code should be followed when visiting any shrine in Vietnam (no bare shoulders or wearing shorts when inside the temples or other religious sites). About Cao Daism: It is a monotheistic religion founded in the early 1900s that combines Buddhism, Judaism, Taoism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. The central idea is that people may choose to follow whichever religion they feel best pleases their soul, but everybody shares one true God. The religion is practiced by more than two million people, which is why you will see many Cao Daism shrines located across Phu Quoc, with the most popular one being found along Nguyen Trai Street – a fine sample of the architectural style used to build the glorious Cao Dai temple in Ho Chi Minh city. Cau Temple Also referred to as Dinh Cau Rock, Cau Temple was built in 1937 to honour the goddess of the sea (Thien Hau), who was believed to protect the fishermen when they were out in the open sea. Even today, you will notice locals praying to her before setting out for the catch of the day (or the week). The temple itself is also interesting, as it is the outcome of a strange-looking natural formation in the island, featuring a Buddhist shrine and a quaint lighthouse in attractive, bright colours. If you are willing to climb the winding stone steps to the rooftop terrace, you will be rewarded with heart-pleasing panoramas and seascapes. The temple is open every day from 7am to 6pm (no entrance fee). Note: Although generally quiet, the temple becomes a bit crowded during the Dinh Cau Festival that takes place on October 15 and ends the next day, and the New Year (Tet festivities), when locals burn joss sticks at the goddess’ altar and pray. Duong Dong Market If you are close to Cau Temple, then you can treat your palate with delicious seafood at the Dinh Cau Night Market (open from 5pm to 10pm), which is less than a kilometre away. The Vo Thi Sau roadas is closed for traffic in the evenings, allowing visitors and locals alike to stroll around it, dine, shop, see fishermen drop off freshly-caught shellfish, barracuda, mackerel, and many more fish species at Duong Dong Port, and taste the fish sauce Phu Quoc Island is so famous for. However, the largest and busiest outdoor market with a strong local flavour and a plethora of fresh produce is the Duong Dong Market. Being a spectacle in itself, the market is divided into two sections, one hosting the food stalls serving Vietnamese dishes and fruit juices and another with the souvenirs and clothes shops. You may grab some seafood, add veggies or rice and savour a mouth-watering dining experience while watching people go by. Some must-try dishes include raw herring salad and the sticky rice cake the Vietnamese call Banh Tet! Ham Ninh Fishing Village A picturesque, quiet village tucked on the east coast of Phu Quoc (about a 30-minute drive from Duong Dong Town) with friendly locals selling pearls that they themselves have collected from the island’s waters and offering traditional Vietnamese tastes, including sea cucumber soup, boiled flower crab, and tram mushroom at affordable prices. Not far from this quaint little village is the Bai Vong Port, one of the largest ports for cargo ships coming from mainland Vietnam on the island, which offers idyllic sunset views and breath-taking vistas of the Ham Ninh Mountain range and the fetching coastline with the shallow waters and expansive beaches. Note: If you wish to spend some time by the beach, it is recommended to walk a bit further from the Ham Ninh coastline because, at times, the shores there get polluted with rubbish from the Ham Ninh village. Phu Quoc National Park Occupying more than 50% of the island’s northern region (over 314,000sq.m), the Phu Quoc National Park is a primary pole of attraction for tourists seeking an adventure that excites with its supercharged splendour. Although most of the park is not open to the public (protected for research purposes), the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (declared in 2010) offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking, camping, and bird-watching, unique fauna and flora (i.e., long-tailed macaques), and evergreen forests, if you just head to the Khu Rung Nguyen Sinh Forest Reserve or Mount Heaven; both located in the National Park. Note: Getting there could be challenging due to the bumpy roads leading to Ganh Dau Village (close to the National Park). For that reason, it is suggested to avoid renting a motorcycle unless you are comfortable riding dirt roads. The best option to reach the reserve is by booking a day tour. Sung Hung Pagoda Scattered across the island, pagodas offer valuable insights into Buddhism. Surrounded by tall trees and sitting amidst a serene location along Tran Hung Dao Street (Duong Dong Town), Sung Hung Pagoda is one of the most arresting ones in Phu Quoc. Built in the early 10th century, it comprises of two shrines. Formerly known as Hung Nhan and Sung Nghia Pagodas, Sung Hung got its new name in the early 1900s and is a place of worship for devotees that want to pray for the departed ones. The moment you step foot in it, you are instantly overwhelmed by a welcoming, peaceful sensation. As you explore the place in awe, you go passed Bodhi trees, numerous sculptures, a sanctum house, a lotus pond featuring a statue of the Goddess of Mercy, and red boards with inscribed writing, before you enter the majestic main prayer hall that houses several Buddha statues, alongside intricate paintings of Buddhist legends and mythical creatures. The pagoda is open to the public (no entrance fees) daily and maintains most of its original architecture despite the major restorations it has undergone over the years. Note: Another equally noteworthy pagoda is that of Su Muon (aka Chua Su Moun and Long Tu Pagoda), one of the oldest Buddhist shrines on Phu Quoc sitting on the eastern side of Duong Dong Town (4km). It was built in 1932 by a local monk and houses golden statues of Buddha, colourful relics, and painted rock formations. The surrounding scenery is home to a 300-year-old Kenia tree and lush greenery. Do reach the balcony area to take in the spellbinding views of Hamn Ninh Mountain and Phu Quoc shores. Phu Quoc Prison Museum (aka Coconut Tree Prison) Vietnam suffered many blows throughout its history. During the Vietnam War, thousands of people were imprisoned and tormented, and this prison now turned into a war museum and national historical site is the reminder of those dark times distinguished by disgusting acts of violence. Built by French colonists in 1949, Coconut Tree Prison is believed to have been the captivity and torture place of more than 400,000 Vietnamese soldiers, as well as everybody going against the American and French forces. It was not until the end of the Indochina War when the prisoners were released, facing serious mental and physical problems due to the ruthless and brutal tortures they had endured while they were incarcerated, including electrocution, food deprivation, and detention in the tiger cages (seclusion in total darkness and subjected to the elements for a long period of time). Visiting the museum will give you the chance to view photographs of former prisoners, authentic torture instruments, life-sized wax mannequins illustrating graphic torture scenes, and the row of tiger cages, among others. This iconic landmark is a 45-minute drive from Duong Dong (near An Thoi village in the south of the island) and is open to the public (entrance fee required – VND 3,000) from 7:30 am to 11am and from 1:30pm to 5:00 pm. In the roundabouts, you can also find a retail outlet selling books about the Vietnamese War, local snacks, and more. Suoi Thanh Waterfall Phu Quoc has two large waterfalls, and Suoi Thanh is one of them (4 metres tall). Whether you visit it during the off-season or between May and September (rainy season), when it has the most water, it will undoubtedly please your soul. Besides the natural beauty all around the waterfall (surrounded by natural caves and dense greenery), there are also several natural pools whose waters the locals find refreshing and a few smaller waterfalls that also provide nice opportunities for short getaways (even a great spot for recreational activities, such as picnics and camping trips). Now, if you feel adventurous, you could consider hiking further up from the waterfall and head to Hang Doi (200 metres high). Simply follow the 15-kilometre stream and pamper yourself with not only superb panoramas once you get to the top but also a unique set of stalactites housed there! Getting to the Suoi Thanh waterfall is a short drive from Duong Dong to Ham Ninh (around 7km) while the entrance fee is set at VND 5,000/person. Once you pay the fee, a well wooden path leads you through the jungle straight to the waterfall within 10-15 minutes. Note: The attraction is quite busy at the weekends so if you want a less crowded experience, do visit it on a weekday. If you go by car, you can leave it in the designated parking area in front of the waterfall, which comes with a VND 10,000 parking fee. Vinpearl Land Amusement Park A water park and primary entertainment hub for those visiting or living in Phu Quoc island offering great family fun. Vinpearl features a dazzling aquarium, arcade centres (both indoor and outdoor) with over 120 arcades, a shopping street, amazing displays of water acrobatics, music, and light, and, of course, a massive section that combines amusement rides, kids’ zones, a manmade beach, a family area, mermaid shows, and traditional dances, to name just a few. Those with a daring heart can try the Spiral, Giant Boomerang, or Tornado water slides and free-fall from more than 120 metres! And, if you get hungry, you will find foods from the likes of Asian and European cuisine, including traditional Vietnamese dishes, as well as fast food kiosks scattered all over the place. The park is open from 9am to 9:30pm and tickets cost VND 500,000 for adults and VND 400,000 for seniors over 60 years of age and children below 1.4 metres (and above 1metre) in height. More Local Attractions Worth Seeing: Ganh Dau Cape – Situated at the north-western tip of the island, the rocky formation gives way to stupendous vistas of the ocean and Cambodia if you climb a bit higher. Nguyen Trung Truc – A beautiful temple located in the Ganh Dau village that was constructed to honour the heroes that served their nation and country. Hot Mot Island – Occupying a small portion of the northwest of Phu Quoc, it is an excellent place for snorkelling (the sea there is full of corals and fish). A small bridge connects it with the island and is found near Bai Thom village. Pepper farms – Equally famous with the Phu Quoc fish sauce is the pepper here, which is absolutely top quality. The majority of black, white and exotic pepper farms on the island are along the road leading to the north. How about having a guided tour of one to familiarise yourself with the entire process in detail? Coi Nguon Museum – You will come across the 4-storey museum near Long Beach. It features a lovely rooftop offering sweeping views of Duong Dong and the coastline, as well as artefacts, paintings, and other works of art from as far as the 1400s that show the history of the island. It also has a resort, gift shop, and restaurant. Cable Car – It is not an attraction per se but does enable you to have a bird’s eye view of the regions between An Thoi Town and Hom Thom Island. Phu Quoc is a hidden underpopulated bliss island ready to reveal its allure and appeal to those in search of unique travel experiences infused with a local flair. With everything from evergreen forests, crisp clean ocean air, floating restaurants, idyllic beaches, romantic sunsets, and a UNESCO-listed national park to funky bars, luxurious resorts, expansive natural parks, traditional villages, Buddhist pagodas, and a vibrant dining scene becoming readily available as soon as you arrive, you will be definitely spoilt for choice.

The main local vehicle for transportation is motorbike which can be easily rented from motorbike rental shops scattering along the main road in Duong Dong town. The cost of renting a bike for one day is from 130,000 – 150,000VND and paperwork may not be required. This is an ideal solution for groups of young people to get around the island. Even at night, main roads in Phu Quoc are quite safe for female groups. It is also convenient for families with kids and/or aged people to catch a taxi on the way to the beaches with the fare of 10,000VND (about 55 cents) per kilometer. Taxis can also be hired for half-day or full-day Phu Quoc island tours. Negotiate with your driver exact places you want to visit and the price beforehand.

SUMMARY Area: 3,324.92 sq km Population: 6,448.900 (April 2011). Administrative divisions:10 urban districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Long Bien, Hoang Mai, Ha Dong and 1 town: Son Tay. 18 rural districts: Dong Anh, Soc Son, Thanh Tri, Tu Liem, Gia Lam (Hanoi); Ba Vi, Chuong My, Dan Phuong, Hoai Duc, My Duc, Phu Xuyen, PhucTho, Quoc Oai, Thach That, ThanhOai. Thuong Tin, UngHoa (former Ha Tay province) and Me Linh (a former district of Vinh Phuc province). Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Muong, Tay and Dao. Geography – Hanoi is situated in Red River Delta, surrounded by Thai Nguyen to the north, Vinh Phuc and Ha Tay to the west and south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, and Hung Yen to the east and southwest. Climate – Hanoi has tropical monsoon temperature type: hot summer with high rainfall and cold winter, rare of rain. The city receives high rainfall and humidity. History Hanoi has a thousand year of history. It has been the political center of Vietnam since the 3rd century. Hanoi has undergone the up-and-down of the country during the northern invasion, civil war, French colonization, and Vietnam War. Tourism With high cultural values, Hanoi is an attractive destinations in the North. Millions of tourists coming to the city each year to see the ancient architectural works, the fascinating lakes, and other traditional villages there. General information Hanoi – the center of the North covers an area of 3,324.92 sp km, with the population of 6,448.900 (2011). The city consists of 10 urban districts which are Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Long Bien, Hoang Mai, and Ha Dong, and one town that is Son Tay. Regarding rural areas, there are 18 districts: Dong Anh, Thanh Tri, Soc Son, Tu Liem, Gia Lam (Hanoi); Ba Vi, Chuong My, Dan Phuong, Hoai Duc, My Duc, Phu Xuyen, Phuc Tho, Quoc Oai, Thach That, Thanh Oai, Thuong Tin, Ung Hoa (former districts of Ha Tay province); and Me Linh (a former district of VinhPhuc province). The Kinh people accounts for the largest proportion of the population, and the rest is the Hoa, Muong, Tay, and Dao people. Hanoi is the capital of the Social Republic of Vietnam and the cultural, political, economic, and trading center of the nation. Hanoi is well-known as a beautiful capital with high cultural value. The name “Hanoi” means “embraced by the river”, as the city is surrounded by the Red River. There still exists many elegant pieces of French architecture of which have a hundred years of history. Hanoi is among the greenest cities in Asia with several parks and lakes. The city has the bustling life at daytime; however, it is really tranquil by night. Geography Located in the Red River Delta, Hanoi is surrounded by Thai Nguyen to the north, Vinh Phuc and Ha Tay to the west and south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, and Hung Yen to the east and southwest. The city is embraced by the Red River and its tributaries. There are also some rivers flowing through the city, namely Duong, Cau, Ca Lo, Day, Nhue, Tich, To Lich, and Kim Nguu. Climate Ha Noi climate belongs to tropical monsoon temperature type: hot summer with high rainfall and cold winter, rare of rain. The annual average temperature is 23.6⁰C. In the hot season, it might reach 40⁰C. Hanoi receives a considerably high rainfall and humidity. The average annual humidity is 79% and rainfall is 1,800mm per year. History Hanoi’s history dates back to the very early day of Vietnam. In the 3rd century, the residing King Thuc chose Co Loa in Dong Anh District) as the capital of the Au Lac Nation – the first dynasty in Vietnam history. The city then was the core of resistance movements against the Northern invasions. Hanoi was selected as the chief city of Vietnam under the Northern domination. In the autumn of 1010, Ly Thai To, the first king of the Ly Dynasty, transferred the capital from Hoa Lu (Capital of Vietnam in the Dinh Dynasty) to Dai La, thereby renaming it to “Thang Long”, which means “Soaring Dragon”. For almost a thousand years from 1010, the city was called Thang Long, then changed to Dong Do, Dong Kinh, and finally Hanoi in 1831. This sacred piece of land thereafter continued to be the theatre of many fateful events. The city experienced rapid growth because of the expansion of foreign trade in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1786, the Tay Son Troops lead by Quang Trung came from the south to fight against the dominators in the North and united the country. The capital was then moved to Hue, and remained throughout the Nguyen Dynasty. It was not until 1831 when Emperor Minh Mang established it as the capital of the Northern Province that Hanoi regained its former name. The arrival of the French invaders in 1888 resulted in the growth of the city. Many old boulevards, residences, and villas still remain today. Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1953. In 1945, Ho Chi Minh gave the independence speech and declared Vietnam an independent nation in Ba Dinh Square. Since then, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Tourism Despite the destruction of wars and natural disasters, Hanoi still well preserves several ancient architectural works. Some outstanding ones are the Old Quarter, One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi Opera House, Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum, and more than 600 pagodas and temples. There are lots of fascinating lakes in the city such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake, which are considered the lungs of the city. Hanoi is also home to many traditional handicraft villages, including Bat Trang Pottery Village, Ngu Xa Bronze Casting Village, and Yen Thai Glossy Silks. With these valuable attractions, Hanoi has always been a huge appeal to tourists. HIGHLIGHTS OF HANOI Hanoi Old Quarter The 36 streets of Hanoi Old Quarter bring tourists a closer look at Vietnamese life in the past. Since the 13th century, the Old Quarter has been the main streets of Hanoi, where shops gather. Each street, also called “hang”, is specified for one kind of products. Taking a tour around the Old Quarter, visitors will not only see the western influences in architecture but they also acknowledge the tradition and customs of Hanoi people. Address: Hoan Kiem District Entrance Fee: Free The Ancient House This 100-year-old house is located at 88 Ma May Street, within the Old Quarter. The house is a typical “tube house” which is 2 meters wide and 60 meters long with open yards between rooms. The house is arranged strictly in accordance with “FengShui” rules and is vividly decorated in a Eastern traditional style. Address: 87 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District Opening hours: Everyday, 8.30 am – 4.00 pm Entrance fee: Around 20.000VND/guest Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum is where the embalmed body of the founder of Vietnam stays. He is the great politician, author, and philosopher of Vietnam in particular and the World in general. The life of Ho Chi Minh has inspired millions of people on Earth. Another worth-visiting place in this relic is the Uncle Ho’s house on stilts, which used to be the place where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. To visit the Mausoleum, tourists are required to dress formally and keep silent. Also, taking photos inside the Mausoleum is banned. Address: Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District Opening hour: Every day except Monday and Friday, 7.30 am – 10.30 am Entrance fee: Free Recommend: Dress formerly. Avoid wearing shorts, singlets, etc. Temple of Literature The thousand-year-old Temple of Literature was the first universities in Vietnam and was used as the school for the sons of the mandarin class.  The complex includes five separate courtyards with different paths that would originally have been reserved for the Emperor and his mandarins and highlighted by the Khue Van Pavilion. Another notable feature of the temple is the steles. From 1442 to 1779, hundreds of stone tablets, or steles were erected to record the names and achievements of the graduates. Eighty-two of the steles remain today and are the most valuable artifacts at the temple. Visiting the Temple, travelers can see the importance of education in Vietnam society. Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da District Opening hour: Everyday, 8.00 am – 5:30 pm Entrance fee: Around VND 20.000/guest Recommend: Dress formerly. Avoid wearing shorts, singlets, etc. One Pillar Pagoda One Pillar Pagoda is one of the landmarks of Hanoi. One Pillar Pagoda was built in 1049 in honors of the Goddess of Mercy. The pillar was destroyed in 1954, but it was quickly rebuilt. The pagoda looks like a lotus flower emerging from the water. It is one of the Buddhism belief.  Similar to the Mausoleum, the Pagoda is not open for tourism in every Monday and Friday. Address: Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District Opening hour: 7.30 am – 10.30 am everyday except Monday and Friday Entrance fee: Free Recommend: Dress formerly. Avoid wearing shorts, singlets, etc. Hoan Kiem Lake Considered as the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is a small but beautiful lake located close to the Old Quarter. Legend has it that a giant turtle presented Emperor Le Loi with a magic sword with which to defeat Chinese invaders. After the victory in the battle, the King returned the sword to the turtle on this lake. Hoan Kiem Lake now is an important historical relic of Hanoi, which welcomes millions of tourists each year. Also, it is the place for locals to gather and chat. Address: DinhTien Hoang, HoanKiem District Opening hour: 7.00 am – 6.00 pm everyday Entrance fee: Around 20.000VND/guest Recommend: Dress formerly. Avoid wearing shorts, singlets, etc. Quan Thanh Temple The Temple was built during the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010-1028) – the first Emperor in the Ly Dynasty. Quan Thanh Temple honors Saint Tran Vu, who helped King An Duong Vuong chase demons away while Co Loa Citadel was constructed. The central feature of the temple is a giant, black, bronze statue of Tran Vu cast in 1667. Address: Thanh Nien Street, Ba Dinh District Opening hour: Every day, 5.00 am – 7.00 pm Entrance fee: Around 10,000VND Tran Quoc Pagoda Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years. The architecture of this Buddhist center is a subtle combination between the solemn and beautiful landscape on the peaceful and quiet ambiance of West Lake’s surface. Not only is it a popular place for locals, the pagoda is famous with foreign tourists. Address: Thanh Nien Street, Ba Dinh District Opening hour: Every day, 7.00 am – 6.00 pm Entrance fee: free Water Puppet Theatre Water puppetry is a significant art form of Vietnam, which combines traditional music, fireworks, and elaborate puppets floating elegantly on the water. This game dates back to the 10th century and was held on lakes or ponds. Today, visitors coming to the Water Puppet Theatre can learn about the Vietnamese legends and customs. Address: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang Street, HoanKiem District Show schedule: Every day at 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm – 9.15 pm and Sunday at 9.30 am Ticket fee: 60.000 – 100.000 VND Website: www.thanglongwaterpuppet.org Museum of Ethnology The Museum of Ethnology is where foreign visitors can take a glimpse at the distinctive features of Vietnamese ethnic groups. The museum displays the characteristics of 54 groups. It is a great place to learn about the tradition and legends of Vietnamese ethnic groups. Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Nghia Do, CauGiay District Opening hour: Every day, 8.30 am – 5.30 pm, except Monday Entrance fee: Adult: Around 25,000VND, Child: around 5,000VND, Free admission to child under 6 years-old Bat Trang Ceramic Village Bat Trang is a small traditional village located about 13 km to the southeast of Hanoi. The village is renowned for its ceramic and pottery products of high quality. Recently learning to make ceramic products has become one of the top things to do in Hanoi. In documents, the history of Bat Trang Village dates back to the 15th or the 16th century; however, local people believe the village appeared much earlier. Legend has it that during Ly Dynasty, scholars who had been sent to China came back to Bat Trang Village to teach locals how to make ceramic products. After times, the village has gradually transferred from a normal ceramic village into a famous center. Pottery products from Bat Trang have been widely used as household furniture in Vietnam and other countries. Travelling to Bat Trang, visitors are enabled to understand more about the historical and traditional values of the village as well as its products. Also, it is interesting to try making a ceramic product by yourself. Address: Hamlet Bat Trang, Gia Lam District Opening hour: Every day, 8.00 am – 5.00 pm Entrance fee: Free TRANSPORTATION Hanoi is an important hub of Vietnam and Asia. Three main ways to connect the city with other regions are by air, by road, and by train. Noi Bai International Airport, which is situated just 35 km from the city center, is the biggest airport in Vietnam with several international and domestic routes. It is the safest means of transportation. Regarding traveling by road, Hanoi is the center of the North, which is 93km from Ninh Binh, 102km from Haiphong, 153km from Thanh Hoa, 151km from Ha Long, 474km from Dien Bien Phu, 658km from Hue, 763km from Da Nang, and 1,710km from Ho Chi Minh City. Please note that going a long journey by bus is not a suitable option for the elders and those with ill health. Last but not least, Hanoi is the starting point of the railway routes leading to different parts of the country. Train is exceptionally perfect for traveling to places like Sapa, which are far away from the airport, and the roads are bumpy.