When talking about Vietnam, international tourists often envision colourful local markets or the spectacular scenery of the┬áremote regions of┬áSapa, Bac Ha or the Dong Van Rock Plateau, which have been made famous in┬árecent years through a series of documentaries and feature films.┬áMost visitors, however, are not aware that only a short drive from┬áthe centre of┬áHanoi exists a spectacular area known to Vietnamese people as a highly significant spiritual site┬áÔÇô the sacred Ba Vi Mountain.
Here, on the highest of the three mountain peaks (Ba Vi), about 1,296 metres above sea level, youÔÇÖll find beautiful temples dedicated to┬áworshipping Tan Vien, the highest ranking saint of the four immortals in the Vietnamese Pantheon. With spectacular scenery and┬álush countryside spreading out from the base of the┬ámountain, the area used to be an attractive French hill station in the early 1940s complete with a Catholic Church and holiday villas. The hill station could not stand the war and destruction of time, however, and fell┬áinto ruins. In recent years, the area has┬áinspired tourism authorities and developers in bringing back the good old days and, now part of the Ba Vi National┬áPark, it has been┬ádeclared a special national tourism site. Green resorts have been built around the mountain base along with a 5-star┬áproperty, Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat.
Covering a large area, Ba Vi has a lot to offer. Within a 20-kilometre radius, visitors can find plenty of historical relics and craft villages.┬áRecently, the special Ho Chi Minh┬ámemorial complex, K9, opened to share with visitors the journey of the┬álate presidentÔÇÖs remains since his death until the final settlement in the┬ámausoleum in Hanoi. Nearby┬áethnic minority villages are also in the area. The┬áMan Tapan (Dzao) now specialise in processing traditional herbs and medicines in Ba Vi Commune, the Muongs specialise in┬ácultivating┬ágreen tea in Ba Trai Commune and agricultural farms are open for tourists who want to experience traditional farming life.
At Diethelm Travel Vietnam, we have created half-day and full-day excursions to this area for clients staying at the city hotels or┬áMelia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat,┬átaping into the areaÔÇÖs rich potential for cultural and agricultural experience. Half-day tours include visits┬áto the former Ba Vi hill station in the national park and either the┬áethnic Dzao village or Muong┬ávillage. Full-day tours include agricultural┬áexperiences such as farming and fishing.
Contact us at: sales@vn.diethelmtravel.com
