The most beautiful rivers in Vietnam: Activities not to be missed

Vietnam offers many interesting riverboat tours. In the North, tourists can float on the Nho Que River or visit Trang An, and in the South, you can explore the Tra Su cajeput tree forest or Cai Rang floating market...

1. In the middle of the mysterious Da River

The Da River today becomes a vast lake with three of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the country. During the storage season of the power stations, the surface of the lake is more than 5 km wide. Hundreds of large islands and islets hidden under clear water, covered with rich vegetation, create a beautiful landscape like a miniature Halong in the Northwest mountains.

>> Read more: 27 Best things to do in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Tourists like to walk around the lake in summer, due to the natural landscape as well as the cool atmosphere of the lake. The boat cruise on the lake in the fall or early winter would also be an experience not to be missed. Travellers can stop in the villages of the Muong and Dao ethnic groups for lunch or spend the night, contemplate the sunset behind the mountains and taste the typical dishes of the region.

>> Read more: Top things to do in Mai Chau and the surrounding area

2. Nho Que River Cruise

Coming from China, the Nho Que River crosses the Cao Bang and Ha Giang provinces. The most captivating is the first part that flows from Seo Lung village in Lung Cu commune through Tu San, one of the deepest gorges in Southeast Asia with a unique geological structure.

The Nho Que River has become one of the most beautiful riverboat destinations in Vietnam in recent years. Tourists can choose a motor boat or a rowing boat to admire the breathtaking beauty that nature bestows on this place.

3. Harvesting on the Ngo Dong River

Ngo Dong, a small river, flows through the beautiful limestone mountains of Ninh Binh province. It is also the only waterway that takes travellers to visit Tam Coc, a mountainous area equated with "Halong Bay on land".

>> Read more: Top 10 must-sees at Halong Bay on land

In late May and early June, many tourists choose Tam Coc-Bich Dong-Ngo Dong as their place to walk, due to the fresh air and beautiful nature there. At this time, the rice on both sides of the river is beginning to ripen. At the bottom of the clear water, you can even catch shrimp nestling in the grasses and green algae.

>> Read more: Tam Coc and its unique floating market

4. Songs of Hue on the Perfume River

After a boat cruise on the Perfume River, it will be hard to forget the captivating songs of Hue (ca Hu? in Vietnamese). This traditional music, composed of songs and lutes, is made up of two lines: folk and royal. Possessing an extremely diversified and rich system of compositions, ca Hu? has around sixty basic tunes performed with traditional Vietnamese musical instruments.

>> Read more: Nha Nhac - Hue Royal Court Music

In the past, taking dragon boat trips on the Perfume River while listening to the songs of Hue were elegant pleasures, usually reserved for kings. This boat is now becoming a unique vehicle for tourists. During the day, one could take this transportation to visit famous sites in Hue, such as Thien Mu Pagoda, Hon Chen Temple, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Minh Mang Tomb...

>> Read more: 10 things to do in Hue

5. The colours of the Hoai River

Right in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town is the famous Hoai River. From early morning until late at night, boatmen are always ready to meet visitors' needs for sunrise contemplation or the beauty of the city when the lights are on.

>> Read more: Thu Bon River, a trip in time

The boats used are rowed entirely by hand, without the use of mechanical engines. Tourists will thus feel the peaceful atmosphere of the old town. In the boat, one could also listen to the ferryman's stories about Hoi An and the life of the locals. For an evening excursion, the lights of the lanterns floating on the water will leave a memorable impression in the hearts of visitors.

>> Read more: Hoi An of Vietnam: Top 10 things to do in Hoi An

6. Flood Seasons at Tra Su Cajeput Tree Forest

Tra Su, an ecological forest with a total area of 845 hectares, with thousands of cajeput trees, brings a simple and rustic beauty to the poetic landscape of the Mekong Delta.

>> Read more: Top 10 unmissable activities in the Mekong Delta

The flood season, from July to October of the lunar calendar, is the most ideal time to travel to Tra Su. Green duckweed covers the entire surface. The Delta also offers many delicious dishes that you should not miss like sour soup and braised fish etc.

>> Read more: The 3 most attractive routes for visiting Mekong Delta in the flooding season

7. Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho Province is a famous river market model of the Mekong Delta people. Its most attractive feature is the bright colours of the region's fruits and vegetables.

>> Read more: Top 5 unmissable floating markets in Mekong Delta

Early in the morning, people exchange typical agricultural products of the Delta. Mobile food stalls sell delicious food such as noodle soup, banh tet, bread, and coffee… serving peasants and visitors. Despite the fatigue, the smile is still on the lips of the people here.

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