On the north-south highway, when descending the Hải Vân Pass towards the south, travelers can spot a small forest surrounded by golden-brown rocky cliffs glistening under the sun. From one angle, the forest resembles a phoenix spreading its wings over the sea; from another, it looks like an ancient, million-year-old turtle. This is the Nam Ô Forbidden Forest, steeped in …

Six years ago, I attempted to reach an abandoned village hidden along a deserted beach by carrying my bicycle down from the Hai Van Pass. This village was once a refuge for people suffering from leprosy. However, I was disappointed—I lacked the strength and courage to navigate the jagged cliffs jutting into the sea, where waves relentlessly crashed against the …

Located about 35 km west of Da Nang city center, the Million-Year Rock Field  sits at the confluence of the Nam and Bac rivers, which form the Cu De River. Nestled in Ta Lang village, Hoa Bac commune, Hoa Vang district, this breathtaking natural wonder will leave you in awe with its mesmerizing beauty. This stunning landscape is a true …

Already owning a road bike, a mountain bike, and a touring bike, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by those charming folding bikes I often saw around town. The idea of having one to casually ride around the city for coffee meetups or conveniently store in my car for spontaneous trips sounded incredibly appealing. However, choosing the right folding bike …

Trúc Lâm Bạch Mã Zen Monastery is perched atop Linh Sơn Mountain, nestled within the tranquil waters of Tỉnh Giác Lake in Truồi, located in Lộc Hòa Commune, Phú Lộc District, Thừa Thiên Huế Province. It is the first Zen monastery in Central Vietnam, founded and developed by Zen Master Thích Thanh Từ, the head of the Trúc Lâm Zen …

Nestled among pine forests on the south of Hải Vân Pass, a small hotel has been abandoned for years, for reasons unknown. On rainy, gloomy days, when the sky is shrouded in mist, its desolate and eerie appearance easily evokes images of “haunted hotels” from Hollywood horror movies in the minds of those with vivid imaginations. This morning, amidst the …

Bốn năm trước, trong chuyến đạp xe đến Tam Kỳ để thưởng thức món mít hông trứ danh, tôi có dịp ghé quán của bà Nam. Khi ấy, tôi ngồi trò chuyện cùng bà và các cô con gái về món ăn vặt dân dã của xứ Quảng. Câu chuyện thú vị đến mức, về nhà, tôi còn viết một …

Along the celestial road that winds through Hai Van Pass, travelers can pause at various spots to marvel at the majestic pass—once honored by Emperor Minh Mang as “The world’s most majestic pass”. Among these stops, one place stands out: Giant Turtle Rock. About 6 km from the foot of Hai Van Pass, a row of hillside cafés clings precariously …

It was a beautiful day when I set out on an 80 km cycling trip to visit Tra Kieu Parish, one of the oldest parishes in the Vietnamese Catholic Church, established around 1630, shortly after Hoi An Parish. Located 40 km southwest of Da Nang, Tra Kieu Parish, also known as the Tra Kieu Marian Center, is an important pilgrimage …

Riding a bike with friends is fun, but cycling alone amidst vast mountains and forests has its own unique charm—it’s like listening to your inner voice, facing yourself, and understanding who you truly are. Pedaling solo on deserted roads, with not a soul in sight, brings an unusual mix of emotions: a touch of excitement, a hint of melancholy, a …