Vietnam // Thailand
Phong Nha - Ke Bang is a national park located in the middle of the Quang Binh province and honestly, it was the most beautiful part of Vietnam for me. It’s a perfect mix of jungle, rivers, limestone rock formations and impressive caves. Hire a motorbike and visit the Tien Son Cave, the Paradise Cave and the Phong Nha Botanical Gardens. Eventhough it is called a “garden”, its more like a dense jungle with waterfalls, snakes and slippery rocks. Be aware, it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Phong Nha - Ke Bang
The Pongour waterfall is located about 50 kilometers from Da Lat, and is also known as "The greatest waterfall of the South”. The water gushes from 40 meters high and the whole waterfall spans over a 100 meters wide. We stayed here for quite some time and explored the waterfall and surrounding area. We even got offered some food from local people who were celebrating something.
The local people told us that the Pongour Waterfall came from an ethnic legend, a female leader named Kanai, that ruled the land. She could conquer and tame dangerous animals and among those animals were four massive rhinos. The rhinos were devoted to Kanai and protect the people from enemies. On a full-moon day in January, Kanai passed away. The rhinos stayed by Kanai's burial place until they died. The morning after the rhinos died, the legend says that a waterfall had emerged right at the burial place. Kanai's hairs had turned into the water streams, and the fossils of the rhinos became the giant rocks of the waterfall; together creating this incredible landscape.
Pongour Waterfall, Da Lat
The Ho Thuy Tien waterpark was built in 2004, never to be opened. Since then, the park has fallen into a state of disrepair and tourist visit the park for that kick of excitement. Today, it is playground for adventurous people, drawn towards the legends and the eery stories that are being told of this place.
Since February 2018, entering the park is no longer permitted due to it being too dangerous. A security guard watches over the park and prevents anyone from entering. However, as with most people in Vietnam, you can still pay your way in. Apparently, safety can be bought for only ±10,000 Dong (which is around one euro).
Because the exact location is quite far from any city centre, Ho Thuy Tien Park remains a bit of a secret. An adventure, only to be found when you dare to go off the beaten track.
Abandoned Water Park Hue
If you’ve ever heard about dynasties and emperors, exploring the Imperial City of Hué is a must. Located right in the center of Vietnam, it was once one of the most important places of the country.
The location was carefully chosen. The Perfume River and the mountains in Hue looked like snakes and lions, and they would protect the Imperial City of bad omens. The city is surrounded by four walls, each about 2 kilometres long and the most important part was built in the middle, The Purple Forbidden City, where the emperor and those closest to him lived.
During the Vietnam War, Hue suffered a lot of damage due to its location which was right between North and South Vietnam. The place is now known as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its amazing architecture and impressive history the Imperial City left me and Amelieke in awe!
The Imperial City of Hue
Ha Long Bay is located in the North of the country and was one of the highlight of our trip. It is known for its impressive natural beauty and today, it’s also known as an UNESCO world heritage site. Ha Long Bay consists of beautiful blue waters and around 2000 little limestone islands. Ha Long translates literally to “descending dragon”. Dragons play a prominent role in Vietnamese culture, and the most popular legend says that a dragon and her children descended from heaven to defend the Vietnamese people from invaders by shooting jewels. These jewels landed in the bay and formed the limestone islands, which in their turn also prevented invading ships from coming any further towards the land.
At Ha Long Bay, you can experience amazing boat tours, kayaking trips to secluded beaches, explore caves and floating villages and ending the night with an amazing “Bia” under the starry sky.
