Visiting Đồng Hới, travelers are not only captivated by the stunning landscapes but also embark on a rich culinary journey filled with the flavors of local heritage. From bánh bèo, bánh bột lọc, bánh nậm to cactus tea and sour stingray soup, each dish carries the essence of the seaside region. Đồng Hới is more than just a destination to explore; it's a place to return to, where lingering emotions and unforgettable flavors remain etched in the hearts of visitors.

Khe Sanh has long been remembered as a symbol of war, particularly for the infamous 1968 battle that cost countless lives. My friend Huy, who joined me on this trip, reminisced about how almost every inch of this land holds the memory of war. Bombs, ammunition, military gear, and the blood of soldiers have all soaked into this sorrowful soil. The remnants of this painful history can still be seen at places like Tà Cơn Airport, Làng Vây, and Lao Bảo Prison.

But that’s the past. Nature has since healed these wounds, allowing new life to flourish. Today, Khe Sanh is a place full of promise, especially for those looking for something different. The region boasts a mild climate, nutrient-rich soil, abundant water, and stunning landscapes—a perfect combination for a fresh start.

When I planned this two-day weekend escape to Khe Sanh – Hướng Hóa, I was drawn not just by its ideal climate but also its convenient location. It’s about 60 km east of Đông Hà, a four-hour drive from either Phu Bai Airport or Đồng Hới Airport.

I first knew about Bạch Mã in the 1990s, during a visit to a friend's hometown. From afar, Bạch Mã appeared as an endless expanse of green, majestic and draped in morning mist, with clouds gathering to create a mesmerizing landscape painting. This time, our visit to Bạch Mã was not for leisure but to explore new efforts in preserving its natural values. We were scheduled to visit various scenic spots and explore the area. Bạch Mã boasts a cool climate, magnificent scenery, and diverse ecosystems. During this warm trip with colleagues and the charm of nature, I was inspired to write a piece to cherish the nature and appreciate the people here.

In every rural area, every nation has its own unique culinary culture. Cuisine is intertwined with local produce, natural conditions, and the inherent nature of the people of each region. I've had the opportunity to experience various places; for instance, mentioning Sushi or the Tea Ceremony, one immediately thinks of Japan, or talking about Kimchi brings to mind the traditional dish of South Korea – this refers to a nation's identity. Similarly, in Vietnam, mentioning Mì Quảng evokes the produce of Quảng Nam, or Bún bò, Cơm hến immediately brings to mind Huế.

This journey intrigued me because of the phrase "The Dau Mau mountains rise tall like a writing brush and the Hac Hai lagoon spread wide like a vast inkwell" and the fact that some of my friends had made their first steps to breathe life into this land. The boat picked us up at Moi pier, in Hong Thuy commune, following a canal westward for over 1km until we reached the Kien Giang river. 

We  have preparing  for our journey to Quang Binh on a trip that will be primarily an experience of ecological sites to learn more about the natural values of the Quang Binh region – the place with the narrowest distance from the coastline to the Vietnam-Laos border. This land is likened to a yoke carrying both ends of the country. As with other journeys, we will explore the landmarks of this region. One impressive point that I include in our itinerary is the Phong Nha Botanical Garden, due to its biodiversity with a richness of plant and animal species and activities in scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable tourism development. The Phong Nha Botanical Garden is located in the core zone of the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park on Victory Road 20, about 15km from the Phong Nha town.

If you want to have the most memorable trip to Quang Binh at the beginning of the year, you should prepare a specific plan 2-3 months before departure date. Because Lunar New Year tourism has many differences compared to...