Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Once Visit Irresistible Mu Cang Chai


Mu Cang Chai is a rural district of Yen Bai Province consisted of La Pan Tan, Cu Che Nha and De Xu Phin communes in the Northeastern Vietnam. Over 300kms from Ha Noi and 1000 meters above sea level, Mu Cang Chai seems to be gifted with a harmonious combination of clear sky and green extension of terraced fields stretching down the mountain sides, which generates unique and stunning landscape. Terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai were recognized as a national heritage of Vietnam in 2007.

The average temperature all-year round in Mu Cang Chai is 18.5 Celsius degrees. The mountain ranges are home to many different ethnic minority groups such as the Mong ( 90% ),  Thai ( 8%) , Kinh ( 2% ).  Every year, the H’Mong will flood the fields and prepare for the planting seeds in April or May. Then they will wait four months until harvest-time. The early or late harvest season depends on the weather. September and October are suggested as the ideal time to visit Mu Cang Chai because this is advantageous time for harvesting. In recent years, the authorities of Mu Cang Chai have held some celebrations for marking the harvesting time in the middle of September. This event attracts many photographers and travelers to Mu Cang Chai.

During the harvest-time, a motorbike journey to Mu Cang Chai offers adventurers not only off-road challenges but also a fabulous view deep inside the lives of the H’Mong people. The roads to the mountainous are quite damaged. Muddy and rocky roads are everywhere, which requires the motorbike riders to be very firm and strong. Along the roads, you will indulge yourself in the amazing beauty of terraced rice fields, then many little houses that are made from wood, bamboo, cane, or rattan prolonging to the top of terraces. A stop at Khau Pha Pass on the way is the must for a chance to admire its scenic surrounding of green corn fields, rice paddies in Thai villages.

Upon arrival Mu Cang Chai, you may have chance to observe ethnic minority people working in paddies: women with their infants on their back while harvesting; children assisting their parents to gather the crops with smiles on their faces. Most people here wear traditional costumes which are made of hemp cloth decorating with batik and indigo dyed. Moreover, the opportunities to chat with ethnic people then join locals’ daily lives are always available to fulfill your journey experience.

The yellow terraced paddies in Mu Cang Chai are now an enchanting symbol of the Yen Bai Province. Perfect fusion of the mountains, forests and spectacular sights made memorable impressions on those who wish to distinguish the grace and mysterious attraction, keeps tourists coming back to this place again and again. Why not pick this special destination for your travel?  E-mail Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909602370

Monday, November 12, 2012

Craft Villages in Tourism Development – Hue Festival 2013

Hue Festival is a highlight of former royal Hue city, which attracts both domestic and foreign tourists annually. It is celebrated in odd years and once every two years. A special event will be held at the center of Hue City in 2013 from 27 April to 1 May 2013. The 5th Hue Traditional Craft Festival with its theme “Craft villages in tourism development” will promise to be an impressive festival.

The Festival is organized by Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sport and Tourism, Tourism Association and People’s Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province.  The main activity of this event is to introduce the Hue’s traditional villages by fairs and exhibition of art and calligraphy, demonstration and art performances, games and traditional concerts.

 During festival, visitors will be exhilarated and impressed by the exhibition of specific handicraft items (conical hats, lanterns, kites, silver and gold jewelry…) combined with introducing cuisine of Hue in particular and Vietnam in general such as spring rolls, grilled chopped meat, sour shrimp. As expected, all traditional products are more qualified and unique.

The aim of event is to connect people from neighboring areas and Hue for strengthening their union and exchanging cultures. Through this festival, it’s believed that Hue has become a special and must-see destination in Vietnam. Besides, Hue Festival also brings great benefits to Hue city in development of not only tourism but also economy. Hue Festival 2013 is worth a visit, so do not miss Hue Festival in the first week of June.


More details about Hue festival 2013, please visit http://www.huefestival.com/ or contact Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909602370.

Special Cultural Heritage Day in Vietnam

November 23 was officially chosen as National Cultural Heritage Day thanks to a declaration signed by the then Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on February 24. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Government will hold the 4th Cultural Heritage Day at Vietnam Exhibition Center of Arts and Cultures in Hanoi on 23rd and 24th. This event is expected attracting a lot of visitors.

The event aims to introduce the cultural heritages of Vietnam in general and Cham ethic minority in particular to Vietnamese and foreigners. In addition, it also broadens the images of Vietnam to the world and contributes integration, solidarity among minority groups. 

During the event, there are a lot of activities such as inauguration of Cham Towers, the rite of opening the Cham tower at Culture – Tourism village of ethic minorities, traditional weddings of Cham ethnic minority in the southern of An Giang province, Kate festival. Visitors will see many exhibitions of Vietnam cultural heritage including regional specialties, traditional art performances. Besides, they can enjoy folk dance which has been recognized as spiritual cultural heritage of Vietnam.

More details about Cultural Heritage Day 2012, contact Vietnam Jeep Tours at adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or call +84 909602370.