Buzz
In the Year of the Pig, it would be a massive oversight not to visit pig-named locations like Pig Jaw Mountain, Pig Island, or Pig Hill in Vung Tau.
Pig Jaw Mountain – Hanoi
Situated 40km from Hanoi along the Bac Thang Long–Noi Bai expressway, Pig Jaw Mountain (part of the Doc Ton range in Soc Son, Hanoi) is a well-known weekend getaway for many travelers.
Embark on a journey from Hanoi, where tranquility awaits amidst the hustle and bustle of the urban life.
To conquer the summit of Majestic Mountain standing tall at 426m, you have two intriguing paths to choose from.
The first path is a flat, less dusty trail suitable for those with weaker stamina or less active lifestyles, taking approximately 2 hours to traverse.
The second path winds alongside a stream, featuring steep and rugged terrains, ideal for the adventurous souls seeking exploration. This route takes approximately 4 hours to traverse.
At the summit of Majestic Mountain, there's a spacious, flat area with lush greenery, perfect for camping, sleeping under the stars, and cooking meals.
This spot is an ideal camping ground, perfect for sleeping under the stars and preparing delicious meals.
If mountain climbing isn't your cup of tea, you can pause your journey at Ham Lon Lake located right at the mountain's foothill.
The crystal-clear lake nestled amidst pine trees and wild cedars exudes a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
This area is remarkably flat, making it an ideal spot for setting up camp, cooking meals, and hosting a day picnic with family and friends.
You can also camp overnight and wake up early to witness the enchanting mist at sunrise. At this moment, Ham Lon resembles a “Mini Dalat” nestled within Hanoi.
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Pig Hill – Vung Tau
Situated near Vung Tau's Back Beach, Pig Hill is a small hill protruding from the mountain range. Initially a quarry, it inadvertently sculpted the beautiful and unique hill we see today.
Upon arriving at Pig Hill, the barren hill might initially disappoint. However, pausing for a moment to appreciate the scenery will quickly reignite your joy and excitement.
From here, you can admire the Thuy Van Boulevard, a glimpse of Halong Road, and Hon Ba Island in the distance. Occasionally, you might spot a few ships sailing far offshore.
For this reason, Pig Hill is a preferred spot for panoramic views of the most beautiful aspects of Vung Tau, alongside the Christ the King statue and the lighthouse on the small mountain.
In the evening, Pig Hill dances with the wind, allowing travelers to fully savor the authentic taste of Vung Tau's sea, relishing a sense of tranquility and freshness.
Selecting the right angle for a photo on this unique hill in the coastal city guarantees captivating and 'super cool' shots.
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Pig Island – Kien Giang
As the largest island in the Ba Lua archipelago, situated in Son Hai commune, Kien Luong district, Kien Giang province, Pig Island is a lesser-known but deserving destination to explore in the Year of the Pig.
The whimsical name 'Pig Island' traces back to an old tale. Madame Lua, the wife of a French official, settled on this island. She raised many pigs and meticulously constructed orderly pens. Hence, the locals affectionately named this island 'Pig Island,' while the scattered islands surrounding it are collectively known as the Ba Lua archipelago.
To reach Pig Island, you must take a boat from Ba Hon port (priced at 35,000 VND per person, departing at 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM), and after a 45-minute sea journey, you'll arrive at the island.
The island spans approximately 150 hectares with a 7km coastline. Its unique feature lies not in pristine white sandy beaches but in the stretches of untouched forest reaching the sea's edge, creating a wild, lush green landscape perfect for those passionate about conquering and exploring.
On the island, besides enjoying a beach day, visitors can explore Son Hai Pagoda and Bà Hon Heo Temple. Additionally, immerse in the daily life of local fishermen and savor fresh seafood caught on the same day.
Indulge in freshly caught seafood like sour soup with ponyfish, crispy fried mullet, grilled salt and chili squid, and spider shell, reflecting the daily culinary delights of the island.
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