Discover the Beauty of Vietnam's Rivers | iGuide

Boat drifting on the Hoai River in Hoi An, bathed in warm sunlight, capturing the peaceful charm of this ancient town

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Drifting Across Vietnam's River Region

Discover the mystical beauty of Vietnam's rivers, from the Da River Lake to Cai Rang floating market, where nature and culture blend together.

Vietnam, with its rich river system, offers visitors unforgettable experiences. From majestic rivers like the Da River to the lush green canals of Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, each place has its own story, a unique beauty. Let's explore these wonderful destinations!

Legendary Song Da Lake

Majestic Scenery

The Da River, once described by Nguyen Tuan with both a fierce and lyrical image, has now become a vast lake. During the flood season, the vast lake surface with hundreds of small islands, covered with rich vegetation, creates a beautiful scene like a miniature Ha Long in the middle of the Northwest mountains and forests.

Fun Activities

Visitors can participate in activities such as rowing, kayaking or trekking. In the summer, the lake comes alive with cool, fresh air. In the fall, the brilliant yellow sunlight and the gentle green of the trees create a beautiful natural picture.

Amidst the brilliant sunlight, lush green forests and limestone islands standing out on the lake, the clear blue sky creates a beautiful picture, making anyone who comes here amazed. Sitting on a boat, you will glide across the clear lake, letting your soul admire the majestic limestone mountains reflected on the calm water, like a charming ink painting. If you want, visit the villages of the Muong or Dao ethnic people to enjoy lunch or stay overnight. Here, you can admire the sunset slowly falling behind the mountains by the lake, along with the mist gradually rising, and enjoy the specialties of the people here, to forget the hustle and bustle of city life behind.

The sunset on the Da River reminds me of the charming scenery of Ha Long Bay.

Exploring the Da River reservoir in Muong Trai commune, Muong La, Son La, surrounded by serene mountains and lush landscapes 1

Exploring the Da River reservoir in Muong Trai commune, Muong La, Son La, surrounded by serene mountains and lush landscapes 5

Exploring the Da River reservoir in Muong Trai commune, Muong La, Son La, surrounded by serene mountains and lush landscapes 4

Exploring the Da River reservoir in Muong Trai commune, Muong La, Son La, surrounded by serene mountains and lush landscapes 3

Kayaking on the Da River, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and calm waters

Drifting on Nho Que River

Jade Beauty

The Nho Que River, originating in China, flows through Ha Giang and Cao Bang, and is notable for its emerald green waters. In particular, the section of the river that flows through Tu San Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Southeast Asia, is an ideal destination for those who love to explore.

Fun Experience

Visitors can choose between motorboats or rowboats to explore the majestic beauty of the steep rocky mountains and feel the peace of life here. The water is as clear as jade, the lake surface is calm and poetic, on both sides of the river are proud rocky mountains, covered with grass and moss, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. When gliding along the river, you will occasionally encounter images of ethnic minorities working hard on the fields, or simply the moment of a fisherman sitting fishing in a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.

The Nho Que River, illuminated by warm sunlight and flanked by stunning limestone rocks

Boat gliding along the Nho Que River, illuminated by warm sunlight and flanked by stunning limestone rocks

Ripe Rice Season on Ngo Dong River

Agricultural Landscape

Ngo Dong, a small river that flows through Ninh Binh, is the only waterway leading to Tam Coc. In late May and early June, when the rice fields are golden, the scene comes alive with boats carrying rice and people tending their crops.

Beautiful Nature

Under the clear water, visitors can see fishing boats, creating a peaceful and poetic picture. When you gently let go, you can touch the cool water flowing through the majestic rocky mountains on both banks. This is also the time when the rice on both banks of the Ngo Dong River begins to ripen. Among the passenger boats, you will see heavy rice boats, hurriedly carrying rice back. In places where the land rises to form banks, the scene of rice harvesting and threshing takes place bustlingly, with straw fluttering on the riverbank. At the bottom of the clear water, you can also see fishing boats, catching shrimp and prawns nestled among the grass and green algae. The beautiful nature and peaceful life here make visitors feel relaxed, romantic and dreamy...

Golden rice fields along the Ngo Dong River during harvest season, creating a breathtaking landscape of vibrant yellow hues

Listening to Hue Songs on the Perfume River

Traditional Music

The Perfume River, associated with the captivating Hue songs, offers visitors a unique cultural experience. Sitting on a dragon boat, you will enjoy traditional music in the poetic setting of Hue city. Hue songs have a rich repertoire, with about 60 vocal and instrumental works, divided into two major modes: Northern and Southern. Northern modes have a cheerful, solemn tone, while Southern modes contain sad, mournful and lamenting emotions. In the past, sitting on a dragon boat on the Perfume River to listen to Hue songs was an elegant pastime, usually reserved for kings. Today, dragon boats have become a unique means of transport for tourists, providing unforgettable cultural experiences.

Romantic Scenery

During the day, you can take a boat to visit famous sights in Hue such as Thien Mu Pagoda, Hon Chen Palace, Khai Dinh Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb. When the sun sets, the shimmering lights reflect on the water, creating a magical space that captivates anyone. If you choose to take a cruise in the evening, the image of the city at night appears under the sparkling stars, along with the magical shimmering light of Truong Tien Bridge, enough to captivate people's hearts.

Truong Tien Bridge over the Perfume River in Hue, bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun 1

Truong Tien Bridge over the Perfume River in Hue, bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun 2

Truong Tien Bridge over the Perfume River in Hue, bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun

Truong Tien Bridge over the Perfume River in Hue, bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun 4

Dragon boat on the Perfume River in Hue, showcasing traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship against the serene river backdrop

Fishing boat with fishermen casting nets in the golden sunlight on the Perfume River in Hue, capturing the peaceful rhythm of river life

Fishing boat with fishermen casting nets in the golden sunlight on the Perfume River in Hue, capturing the peaceful rhythm of river life 2

Hue girls in white ao dai gently release lanterns onto the Perfume River, creating a serene and enchanting scene under the soft glow of candlelight

Hue girls delicately crafting traditional paper flowers, showcasing the region's artistry and dedication to handmade beauty 2

Hue girls delicately crafting traditional paper flowers, showcasing the region's artistry and dedication to handmade beauty

Colors of Hoi An on Hoai River

Explore the Old Quarter

Hoi An, with its poetic Hoai River, is an ideal destination to experience boating services. Here, you will have the opportunity to admire ancient houses and listen to interesting stories from the boatmen. This service is always ready to serve tourists, regardless of the time of day. From early morning to late evening, the boatmen are always willing to take you to see the sunrise or the sparkling beauty of the ancient town when the lights come on.

Night Experience

In the evening, the lanterns and flower lanterns create a sparkling scene that visitors will never forget. The boats carrying passengers on the river are all rowed by hand, without using mechanical engines, helping you feel the peaceful atmosphere of the old town. You will admire the scenery on both sides of the river with hundreds of years old ancient houses and bustling people walking. While sitting on the boat, you can also listen to stories from the boatman about Hoi An and life here. This experience becomes even more wonderful when you take the boat at night, when the lanterns reflect on the water surface along with the floating flower lanterns, creating an unforgettable impression in the hearts of visitors.

at drifting on the Hoai River in Hoi An, bathed in warm sunlight, capturing the peaceful charm of this ancient town 2

at drifting on the Hoai River in Hoi An, bathed in warm sunlight, capturing the peaceful charm of this ancient town 3

at drifting on the Hoai River in Hoi An, bathed in warm sunlight, capturing the peaceful charm of this ancient town

Boat gliding on the Hoai River in Hoi An at night, illuminated by shimmering lanterns and floating flower offerings, creating a magical and serene atmosphere 2

The Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An glisten after the rain, showcasing its stunning architecture and vibrant colors under the clear blue sky

An elderly woman smiles charmingly at the Japanese Covered Bridge, dressed in traditional ba ba attire and wearing a conical hat, embodying the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam

Flood Season in Tra Su Melaleuca Forest

Natural Scenery

If you have the opportunity to visit An Giang during the flood season, remember to explore Tra Su cajuput forest to experience the feeling of sailing on the green canals. Tra Su cajuput forest, with an area of up to 845 hectares, is an ecological forest with a simple and rustic beauty, imbued with the riverine character of the Southwest. From Nha Bang town in Tinh Bien district, you just need to follow provincial road 948 to Km 6, then turn left and continue along the small road about 4 km long to reach Tra Su cajuput forest.

Here, visitors can rent bicycles or boats to visit the cajuput forest. With an area of nearly 850 hectares, most of the trees in Tra Su cajuput forest are cajuput, over 10 years old and 5 to 8 meters high. The cajuput forest is also home to many rich species of animals and plants. There are about 70 species of birds belonging to 13 orders and 31 families, including 2 rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book: Giang sen (Mycteria leucocephala) and dien dien (Anhinga melanogaster). In addition, the forest also has 11 species of animals belonging to 4 orders and 6 families, of which rodents and bats are the two orders with the largest number of species. In particular, the rare short-eared dog bat has also been listed in the Vietnam Red Book.

The flood season, from August to November-December, is the ideal time to explore Tra Su. You will sit on a sampan, weaving through the intricate canals in the cajuput forest. When the floodwaters rise, green duckweed covers the water surface, creating a wild and poetic natural space. Under the water are green duckweeds, while above are cool cajuput leaves, all blending together to create a beautiful scene.

Specialty Food

The flood season is also the ideal time to enjoy unique specialties such as sour soup with linh fish. This is the time when the West is filled with delicious dishes such as sour soup with linh fish and wild sesban flowers and linh fish stewed with pineapple. All are famous specialties that cannot be missed when you visit An Giang.

Traditional wooden boats navigating through the lush, green waters of Tram Tra Sua, showcasing the natural beauty and serene environment of the region

A group of tourists enjoying a boat ride on traditional wooden boats through the lush Tram Tra Sua forest, immersing themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature

Storks gracefully soaring above the Tram Tra Sua forest, showcasing the beauty of nature and the rich biodiversity of the region

Go to the West to visit Cai Rang Floating Market

Explore Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market, a unique cultural symbol of the West, is where you can experience the vibrant life of the local people. From early morning, the market is bustling with bustling trading activities. Located in Can Tho province, Cai Rang Floating Market is a famous river market model that has been around for generations for the people of Tay Do. When you come to the market, you will not see the clear blue water because the river contains a lot of alluvium, but the most attractive thing is the brilliant colors of fruits and vegetables from the garden.

To admire the beauty of Cai Rang floating market, you should go early in the morning to catch the working moments of the people of the Western river region. People loading goods, rowing boats, and busily trading agricultural products typical of the delta create a vivid picture. In addition, there are mobile "food shops" serving all kinds of delicious dishes such as noodles, rice noodles, bread, and coffee for people who go to work early and tourists visiting the market. Despite the hard work, smiles are always on the lips, creating an open and friendly atmosphere for tourists. All of this creates a bustling, vibrant scene that is very unique to the floating market on the river.

Unique Experience

Today, Cai Rang floating market has become a famous boating destination throughout the West. Visitors can choose to go by rowing boat or motorboat if traveling in a large group. When exploring the market, don't forget to bring money so you can buy agricultural products as gifts or enjoy Can Tho's typical delicacies right on the river. This experience will definitely bring you unforgettable memories.

Early morning at Cai Rang Floating Market, bustling with tourists and vibrant scenes of trade, featuring an array of fresh fruits, bread, and livestock on boats

Vietnam, with its beautiful rivers and canals, not only offers visitors wonderful natural experiences but also preserves unique cultural values. Come to these river regions once to feel the beauty and peace they bring.