Top 10 Most Remarkable Travel Essays

During the last summer vacation, my father took me on a one-week trip to Da Lat. It was a reward for my hard work and achievement as an Excellent Student.

My father had prepared everything thoroughly for this journey. A few days earlier, he had already purchased the tickets from the Vietnam Fire Tourism Center. On Friday morning, my mother saw us off at the bus station. The bus was nearly full, and the driver honked to signal that departure was near. At exactly 5:30 AM, the bus left.

The city was peaceful and cool in the early morning, with few people or vehicles on the road. As we left the city, the bus veered onto National Route I and started to pick up speed. I sat by the window and had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful views along the way. Soon, we reached the fork to Da Lat. From here, National Route 20 twisted through the lush, endless rubber forests.

The landscape changed continuously. The bus climbed hills and descended valleys. Some of these hills were incredibly steep and stretched for tens of kilometers. The driver navigated the difficult roads with calm and skill, one side steep mountains, the other a deep ravine. The passengers felt completely at ease, placing their trust in his capable hands. Some of them leaned back in their seats, peacefully asleep.

By 3:00 PM, the bus had entered Da Lat, a renowned tourist destination. From a distance, I could already see the rows of pine hills. The driver stopped to let us admire the breathtaking Pren Waterfall. Water cascaded from above like a massive white curtain. The sound of the waterfall was steady, and millions of tiny droplets sparkled in the air.

The closer we got to the city, the more captivating the scenery became. It was like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Amidst the pine trees, I saw houses with pointed roofs, red-tiled and looking like magical castles. Half an hour later, the bus stopped at Anh Dao Hotel, a small yet charming and well-equipped place.

For our first meal, my father and I savored delicious highland dishes. That night, I snuggled under a warm blanket and fell into a deep sleep. Over the next few days, I had the chance to visit many of Da Lat’s beautiful spots, such as Xuan Huong Lake, Cam Ly Falls, Cu Hill, Two Graves Hill, Love Valley, Da Thien Lake, and Truc Lam Zen Monastery...

My father took many pictures of me. My favorite photo was of me riding a horse on top of a hill, beneath an ancient pine tree. At the city park, I excitedly posed next to a giant stuffed bear near the entrance for my father to capture the moment. I spent hours watching birds, animals, and flowers, completely losing track of time.

Next, my father took me to Da Lat Market. I was amazed by the vibrant, beautiful cold-weather flowers: red roses, yellow roses, gladiolus, dahlias, carnations, orchids, cymbidiums, and many types of chrysanthemums. The fruits were equally tempting: plums, peaches, strawberries, oranges, avocados, grapes, apples... everything was delicious and affordable. My father bought several boxes of strawberry jam and a bag of nearly ripe avocados. I’m sure my mother and little Hong will love them.

A week of exploration flew by. It was time to say goodbye to Da Lat and return to our family. As the bus pulled away, I leaned out of the window, waving a fond farewell to the pine forests, the mountains, the roads, the misty valleys, the charming houses, and the colorful flower gardens... Goodbye, Da Lat! I’ll be back next year!

This unforgettable trip expanded my knowledge of my country and its people. Everywhere in our country is as beautiful as a painting, and the people are so kind and hospitable!

During the last summer vacation, my father took me on a one-week trip to Da Nang. It was a reward for my excellent performance in school.

My father had thoroughly prepared for the trip. A few days earlier, he had already booked our flight tickets and reserved a room at a hotel in Da Nang. On Friday morning, at exactly 5:30 AM, our plane took off. I was lucky to have a window seat, so I enjoyed the aerial view, where the capital city of Hanoi appeared as green patches of trees from above.

By 3:00 PM, my father and I arrived in Da Nang, a city that tourists often refer to as the most livable city in Vietnam. The weather here was simply perfect, as if supporting our journey. On the first day, my father took me on a tour around the entire city. Although I was tired, I felt very happy.

In the evening, my father took me to enjoy some local dishes while we admired the Han River Bridge, which looked beautiful at night. The bridge seemed like a dreamy princess lying peacefully in the heart of the city. Over the next days, I was able to visit many iconic landmarks in the area, such as the Ba Na Hills Eco-Tourism Resort and the legendary Marble Mountains.

The highlight of the trip was visiting the Son Tra Peninsula. Since it was summer, this was an ideal tourist destination. My father and I only needed ten minutes on a motorbike from the city center to reach the peninsula. The road was smooth and shaded by trees, and the city's hustle and bustle seemed to fade away, replaced by peaceful surroundings.

The Thuan Phuoc Suspension Bridge gracefully spanned across Da Nang Bay, connecting the bustling city center with the tranquil Son Tra Peninsula. The entire peninsula seemed like a princess awakening from a long slumber, coming to life in all her glorious beauty.

My father and I spent our entire vacation here, enjoying the calm scenery, watching the sunset, and listening to the waves gently crashing on the shore. The beauty of the peninsula filled both of us with indescribable emotions. We didn’t want to leave, we wished we could stay here forever.

Throughout the trip, my father took many beautiful photos of me. Before we said our goodbyes to the beloved Da Nang city, my father bought many souvenirs for my mother. I’m sure my mom and little sibling at home will love them. A week of sightseeing passed by in the blink of an eye. It was time to say goodbye to Da Nang and return to our family.

As the plane took off, I leaned my head out the window, waving a fond farewell to the roads, the mountains, the white sandy beaches, and the charming houses. Goodbye, Da Nang! I’ll be back next year! This wonderful trip broadened my understanding of the country and its people. Everywhere in our country is as beautiful as a painting, and the people are so kind and hospitable!

Near the end of the first semester in grade 6, our school organized a trip to visit Nui Coc Lake. This was a very meaningful journey for me.

Since it was my first time going somewhere far without my parents, just with my homeroom teacher and classmates, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Knowing this, my mom had prepared everything for me the night before and gave me plenty of instructions. She made sure I went to bed early, as the bus would leave at 5 AM the next day. Even though I lay in bed, I couldn’t shake off my excitement, and I eventually drifted off just as the alarm rang.

I quickly got up, and my mom had already packed my backpack. After everything was ready, my dad took me to school where we met with the others to begin our trip. At exactly 5 AM, the bus started moving, and we were all filled with joy as we passed familiar roads. The bus quickly drove away from our town, and unfamiliar roads began to unfold before our eyes.

After a short while, our teacher encouraged us to sing some familiar songs, and soon the bus was filled with the sound of our voices and the rhythmic clapping of hands. The atmosphere was lively and joyful. Just over two hours later, we arrived at Nui Coc Lake, and our teacher allowed us a 30-minute break to have breakfast and rest.

Nui Coc Lake unfolded before my eyes, surrounded by the lush green of the forest and the clear blue of the water. The air was peaceful and quiet, so different from the bustling environment we were used to. After breakfast, our teacher took us on a tour of the mountain caves. These weren’t natural caves, but ones crafted by skilled hands, showcasing intricate and beautiful works of art.

After leaving the caves, we climbed some hills covered with pine and casuarina trees. From the top of the hill, we could hear the soothing sound of the pine trees swaying in the wind, as if they were singing a lullaby. Looking down at the lake from the hilltop was breathtaking. The golden sunlight reflected on the surface of the lake, creating thousands of tiny waves that looked like stars playfully dancing on the water.

After spending some time by the shore, our teacher took us on a small boat to explore the lake. The vast lake stretched endlessly, with gentle ripples moving in the direction of the wind. In the distance, quiet villages sat peacefully beside the water. The scenery was absolutely picturesque. While on the boat, our teacher shared the legend of Nui Coc Mountain with us and even sang the song “The Legend of Nui Coc Lake.” Her voice was smooth and heartfelt, sweet and captivating, rising and falling with emotion.

At the end of our day at Nui Coc, we packed up and prepared to head home. Even though we had been out all day, the lively atmosphere kept us from feeling tired. As we boarded the bus, we sang and cheered, filling the street with our joy.

When I returned home, I couldn’t wait to tell my parents about the trip. I thought to myself, the descriptive essay I would write the next day would surely be great, as I had collected so many beautiful images of nature during the journey. It was truly a rewarding experience.

For a long time, I had dreamed of visiting Nha Trang, one of Vietnam's most famous landmarks. Finally, my dream came true, thanks to a summer activity organized by the local community to reward students with excellent academic achievements. This gave me the opportunity to experience the beautiful coastal region. My trip left me with unforgettable memories of Nha Trang's sunny, breezy beach.

That morning, without an alarm clock, I woke up early, took care of my personal hygiene, had a light breakfast, and helped my mother prepare for the trip. At 6 AM sharp, the bus began its journey, and I said goodbye to my mother before boarding with my friends. After a short while, I spotted Hon Vong Phu from a distance. Just as people had described, the rock formation resembled a wife holding her child, waiting patiently for her husband.

There were also mountains with smooth, polished pebbles, creating a magical, dreamlike atmosphere. Unfortunately, we couldn't stop to explore them. Finally, we reached our destination! Nha Trang's beach appeared in the distance, and we all cheered in excitement as the gentle waves lapped against the white sand. In the distance, colorful sailboats drifted slowly, perhaps because they were too far away.

The water was so clear and refreshing that I wanted to run straight to the shore, but I was not allowed by the staff. On the gleaming white sand, children happily built their sandcastles. The bus took us along the beach for a long time, allowing us to enjoy the endless stretches of sand and the crystal-clear water.

We bid farewell to the beautiful Nha Trang beach and set off for our next destination, Monkey Island. This time, we had to take a small boat. As we sailed, we admired the ocean, and soon, Monkey Island emerged with tall palm trees and a small sign featuring a mischievous monkey and the words: “We are happy to welcome you.”

Our group chose a shaded spot under thick foliage to have lunch. Afterward, we visited a group of monkeys on the island, seemingly hundreds of them! They were so intelligent and playful. We had a great time interacting with them, feeding them fruits, bread, and more.

After playing for a while, our tour guide took us to the circus to watch performances by clever and adorable dogs and monkeys. The most popular act was a monkey riding a tricycle while another, dressed in elegant clothes, sat proudly with an umbrella as the “passenger.” Everyone was excited and applauded enthusiastically.

When the circus performances ended, it was time for us to leave the island and head to the Oceanographic Institute. There, I saw numerous types of coral, rare fish, and even witnessed sharks swimming in the water. We also got to touch a giant whale skeleton and met a fish species known as the “mermaid of the sea.”

As the day turned into evening, our trip was coming to an end. We said goodbye to the charming Nha Trang and headed back to our families. The city lights began to shine, casting soft purple hues that gradually turned into green and eventually blossomed into white, illuminating the faces of those walking by. At that moment, Nha Trang appeared to be wearing a new coat of colors.

The city at night, with the colorful lights from restaurants, hotels, and skyscrapers, made the city even more dazzling. Eventually, we had to leave those beautiful sights behind. After a long journey, many of my friends fell asleep on the bus, and the staff entertained us with games and songs until we arrived at the starting point.

This trip was truly amazing! I silently promised myself to study hard so I could visit more of Vietnam's stunning landmarks in the future. The trip left me and my friends with wonderful memories, and we hope to have many more trips like this to explore Vietnam's tourist destinations.

Due to my family's circumstances, traveling has always seemed like a distant dream to me. Yet, last year, this far-off dream finally became a reality. My class, having achieved the highest academic performance in the course, was chosen by the school to visit the Nguyễn Trãi Memorial and the scenic Côn Sơn.

On that morning, my parents joyfully took me to the bus early. After traveling for a few kilometers, without being prompted, our whole bus started singing songs of the Youth Team, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere for the trip. Everyone was excited for the upcoming interesting and meaningful visit. By 7 AM, we arrived at Côn Sơn.

From a distance, Côn Sơn appeared as a vast mountain range covered with green pine trees. The sound of the pine needles rustling in the wind formed a melodic, captivating tune. As we reached the entrance of the tourist area, I noticed a large sign bearing the quote, 'Lấy chí nhân để thay cường bạo' (Use righteousness to replace tyranny). Seeing our puzzled expressions, our literature teacher explained that it was a line from Nguyễn Trãi's 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo,' embodying the ideals of justice and compassion of our people.

We got off the bus and had 30 minutes to rest and eat breakfast. Our first stop was the Nguyễn Trãi Temple. The tour guide, with her gentle and warm voice, led us through Nguyễn Trãi's life story, and we were all deeply moved. We hadn't realized how tumultuous the life of such a great figure had been. Despite all the hardships, Nguyễn Trãi had always risen above to serve his country with loyalty and love.

After leaving the memorial site, we eagerly raced each other up to the Chessboard Peak. The path was long, paved with stones, and lined with refreshing green pines swaying in the breeze. I slowed my pace to hum the line 'Under the green shade, I recite poetry in leisure' from Nguyễn Trãi. We had lunch at the top of the mountain, and for the first time, I enjoyed a meal on the summit of a high, cool mountain. From there, I could even see my hometown, Bắc Giang, and the Lục Đầu River, its waters flowing ceaselessly, carrying the history of countless heroic victories.

At around 2 PM, we descended the mountain, thinking the adventure was over, but to our surprise, the best part of the trip was yet to come. Our teacher took us down a shortcut, a path lined with shallow streams flowing beneath cool tree canopies. We experienced what it must have felt like for the poets of old: sitting, lying on rocks, and dry moss patches, listening to the water flowing like the strings of a zither, feeling the refreshing chill of the stream against our faces... It was a truly marvelous experience.

That evening, we returned home, exhausted but extremely happy. The next day, at school, we joyfully shared stories of our experiences. Some friends even brought back pine cones, resembling small, dark brown Buddha towers, which we had found on our way down to the stream.

For me, this trip was incredibly meaningful. It wasn't just a day to learn more about a national hero, nor was it just a fun outing with my teachers and friends. It was something even more significant: this journey made me believe that the sincere dreams of childhood can indeed come true.

To reward and motivate students with outstanding achievements during the past school year, my middle school organized a trip as an alternative to the usual book prize. I was lucky and thrilled to have performed well academically and was selected to be part of this memorable journey.

This trip was to visit Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, and I was both excited and filled with anticipation. Our school's trip officially began, and to stick to the schedule, we had to be at school by 5 AM. Since it was still quite dark outside, my father took me to school, and he only left once I had boarded the bus. I had been restless all night, eagerly waiting for the day to begin so I could finally go to school.

This was my first time visiting the Mausoleum of President Hồ Chí Minh. The bus arrived at the site at 7:30 in the morning. As soon as I stepped off the bus, the first feeling that overwhelmed me was the vastness and solemnity of the space. The road leading to the Mausoleum was lined with many soldiers standing guard, each of them standing at attention, with a rifle slung over their shoulder.

The soldiers, who protect and ensure the peace of Uncle Ho's eternal rest, do not wear the typical green military uniform. Instead, they are dressed in white uniforms with matching white hats, which only adds to the solemn and reverent atmosphere surrounding the Mausoleum.

That day, not only did our teachers and classmates come to visit the Mausoleum, but there were also numerous other tour groups from all over the country. Sometimes, I even spotted foreign tourists who were being guided through the site and learning about the monumental contributions of President Hồ Chí Minh to the Vietnamese people.

As I observed the groups, I, along with my classmates, was filled with immense pride. Uncle Hồ Chí Minh is not only a national hero and a beloved leader of the Vietnamese people but also a world-renowned cultural figure admired and respected by friends from all over the globe.

We were standing at the historic Ba Dinh Square. As our tour guide mentioned, this is the very place where Uncle Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence to millions of Vietnamese citizens, declaring to the world the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This moment marked a turning point in Vietnamese history.

In front of us stood the Flagpole, from which a large red flag with a golden star fluttered in the wind. As the time approached for the Mausoleum to open for visitors, a meticulously synchronized and dignified military parade was held by the soldiers. All eyes were fixed on the marching unit during this ceremonial display.

After the parade, our teachers directed us to form a line to enter the Mausoleum. With so many visitors, the line was long, and although we had to wait under the sun for our turn, we maintained a solemn and respectful silence, with no conversation or complaints whatsoever.

After waiting, we finally entered the Mausoleum. The interior was not very large, but the atmosphere inside was deeply reverential and sacred. We walked in line, moving past the resting place of Uncle Hồ. He lay there, his gentle eyes closed, as if peacefully sleeping. A faint smile seemed to play on his lips. It felt as though he was radiating a brilliant aura, both commanding and comforting at the same time.

Visiting Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum was an incredibly meaningful experience. It was my first time paying my respects to him, expressing my boundless admiration and love for the father of the Vietnamese nation. This trip also provided me with many valuable lessons, enriching my understanding of Vietnam's history and the immense contributions of President Hồ Chí Minh.

The day I entered grade 6 marked the beginning of new knowledge and experiences, including trips far from home. Among them, Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam - was a destination that left me with unforgettable impressions.

Before going there, I had known about the bustling capital through beloved songs and stories from my parents. But when I arrived, I was finally able to see with my own eyes what this vibrant city, the heart of the nation, was really like. My father and I stayed at a hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake, and during lunch, we discussed our travel itinerary. Hanoi unfolded before me, full of newness and excitement, mingled with a deep sense of curiosity.

I could immediately sense a different lifestyle compared to the rural area I come from. The atmosphere of the city always felt lively and bustling, not just in the morning when people start their day or during rush hour. It could be said that Hanoi has a unique beauty at any time of day, radiating the charm of a vibrant capital.

Early in the morning, there was nothing more delightful than standing on a high vantage point to look at the city. Since the hotel where my father and I stayed was in Hoan Kiem District, the center of the city, everything seemed to fit into my view when I looked out the window. Hoan Kiem Lake appeared as a hazy reflection, blending with the vibrant green.

The young green leaves were still covered with morning dew, like drops of pure crystal. The willow trees along the shore drooped their branches as if they were young girls letting their long hair fall gracefully over the water. The The Huc Bridge curved like a shrimp, connecting the shore to a temple nestled among centuries-old trees. Far in the distance, the Turtle Tower appeared faintly, an ancient sight. Around the lake, people were exercising, their voices and laughter filling the air.

On the streets, many people and vehicles were passing by, mostly cars and buses, lined up without any space between them. The calls of street vendors selling breakfast echoed through the bustling streets. The mornings in the city were very different from those in my rural home. In the city, people were awakened by the sounds of cars, vendors calling out, and people going for their morning exercise. Back in my village, the rooster crowing was the living alarm clock.

Along the road from the city center to Cau Giay, we visited Thu Le Park, a place where children could enjoy playing with friendly animals and eating their favorite cool, strawberry-flavored ice cream. We then visited One Pillar Pagoda, a small pagoda rising from the water like a lotus flower, resembling a graceful lotus reaching up from the muddy pond. Truly, our ancestors demonstrated remarkable creativity in designing these historical architectural works.

The atmosphere became more sacred as my father and I visited Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. The line of people waiting to enter was long, yet everyone remained silent, showing deep respect. Inside the Mausoleum, the Father of the Nation was resting in a glass coffin, and I could gaze upon his beloved face with pride and gratitude. Outside the Mausoleum, rows of bamboo stood side by side like guards, protecting the peaceful rest of Uncle Ho.

Walking along the path, I passed the stilt house where Uncle Ho once lived, and the clear pond filled with hundreds of golden fish swimming playfully. It seemed that Uncle Ho loved nature and lived harmoniously with it, and everywhere he stayed reflected the beauty of nature in balance with human life. The air was so fresh and peaceful.

Returning to the hotel, I prepared my things for the journey home the next day. For me, this trip was full of meaning, leaving behind many delightful memories, and it helped me discover new aspects of life in the bustling city, the beautiful capital of our beloved Vietnam.

With my excellent academic performance, last summer my parents rewarded me with a trip to the dazzling and vibrant Vung Tau Beach. I can't express how I felt – a mix of joy and pride, as this was a reward I earned after much effort.

On the bus, as I gazed out at the streets in the early morning, I thought to myself how beautiful my hometown was! On both sides of the road, rows of lush green trees lined the way, standing tall like soldiers on parade. As we continued, I marveled at the scenery, and soon we arrived at the beach. Vung Tau's beach, both dreamy and full of life, captivated me, and I almost forgot my mother's reminder as I eagerly rushed toward the water.

The salty scent of the sea carried by the breeze felt refreshing as it passed through my hair. When we checked into our room and looked out from the fifth-floor window, I could see the entire beautiful city of Vung Tau, a developing city that truly embodies the spirit of a tourist destination.

The weather today was perfect – the sky was a clear, unclouded blue, with not a single puff of cloud in sight. A few seagulls flew above, seemingly joining in the joy of the tourists below! The sun, like a bright ball of fire, gleamed against the transparent blue sky. When my parents told me it was time to go down to the beach, I ran as fast as a fish diving into water, so eager for the moment I had been waiting for!

The soft, cool sand beneath my feet felt like walking on a light, velvety yellow rug. A few steps further and my feet touched the incoming waves. The mischievous waves gently lapped at my feet, one after another.

The sea was incredibly refreshing! The vast ocean seemed like a giant mirror reflecting the sky above. Suddenly, I stepped on something! Ah! It was a seashell. The water collected in the shell, sparkling under the bright sunlight. The ivory, red, and pale pink colors were beautiful, and I decided to collect them to take home as souvenirs, perhaps to make a bracelet or decorate my small room.

Looking across the beach, colorful umbrellas stood out like enormous lollipops. Many tourists were enjoying the beach, both locals and foreigners, all radiating happiness and friendliness. It seemed like they came here to escape the stress and immerse themselves in the pleasures of life, with every face reflecting contentment and joy.

On the beach, tourists played various sports, like volleyball and water polo, looking like they were having a blast. Far off, some tourists were sailing or windsurfing, while children built sandcastles or ran playfully, frolicking with the waves. My family and I swam and played together, having a wonderful time.

No trip to Vung Tau Beach would be complete without indulging in some seafood! My father took us to a casual beachfront restaurant to enjoy clams, shrimp, squid, and crab. It was delicious! As the afternoon wore on, we returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for the trip home. From the window, I saw the sky turning a warm red. My mother said it was as if the sky was cooking dinner. Unlike the morning, the sunset sky above the beach had a few clouds in various colors, drifting like the cotton candy my mother used to buy me when I was little.

The sea in the evening was calm, more serene than in the morning. The beach was quieter as most people, like us, had already gone back to rest. It was time for us to leave. Before getting on the bus, I took one last look at the beach, feeling a pang of longing. I promised myself I would study hard so that my parents could reward me with more trips in the future. The image of Vung Tau Beach, as beautiful as a painting and full of life, will remain etched in my heart forever as a cherished memory.

If anyone has visited Quang Ninh, they will surely never forget the opportunity to visit Ha Long Bay. Last year, I had a wonderful trip to Ha Long Bay with my parents and younger brother. I was truly excited and will always remember that unforgettable journey.

It was a beautiful sunny day, with fluffy white clouds scattered across the endless blue sky. My family and I drove in our car, packed with lots of luggage for the beach trip. My siblings and I were all eagerly looking forward to arriving. Before long, we arrived at Ha Long. The air here was fresh and pleasant, with gentle sea breezes softly caressing my hair.

The majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay made everyone marvel. From the high vantage point, the bay looked like a vibrant natural painting. The area is dotted with many islands and caves, including the famous Dau Go Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and the iconic Trống Mái Rock. The region is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, some of which are rare and protected. My family and I visited the Thien Cung Cave, one of the most beautiful and renowned caves in Ha Long Bay and throughout Vietnam.

Following a rocky path surrounded by lush green forest, we were amazed when the cave appeared before us in all its breathtaking glory. Our tour guide shared a legend about the ancient Dragon King. The cave walls were adorned with a grand mural, finely carved by nature, depicting characters from ancient fairy tales.

At the farthest chamber of the cave, there is a spot where the mythical princess of the clouds bathed a hundred children. At the end of a winding path, we came upon the place where the princess parted ways with her fifty children, who went on to explore new lands, while she and the other fifty children stayed to build their homeland.

The next place my family visited was Tuan Chau Island, which is known for supplying vegetables to the city. We reached a bamboo house, modestly built a long time ago, where President Ho Chi Minh had rested after his visits to the bay. On Tuan Chau Island, in the evening, there is a water music performance and a dolphin show. My parents took my siblings and me to watch it. My younger brother was so delighted, running around joyfully. It was truly a wonderful evening.

When we returned to our resting place, we were all tired, but still eager to explore the city of Ha Long by night. The whole city sparkled with lights, with the cool breeze from the sea blowing gently. The following morning, I went swimming at Bai Chay Beach, which stretches along the coastline of Ha Long Bay. Here, I joyfully shouted with the strong sea breeze. The golden sand beach extended far and wide, with the gentle waves playfully crashing against the shore.

After swimming, we enjoyed fresh coconuts by the beach and admired the beautiful views of Bai Chay. It’s a popular tourist area with a gently sloping hill surrounded by ancient pine trees. The city’s skyline is filled with towering buildings, giving the coastal city a modern appearance.

The scenery here was so captivating that we didn’t want to leave, but eventually, it was time to say goodbye to Ha Long. Ha Long is truly beautiful! Its beauty is the most unique gift that nature has given to people and the land. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend visiting Ha Long Bay to experience its natural wonders firsthand.

During the recent summer break, I had the opportunity to visit the enchanting city of Huế, a delightful surprise gift from the school for my academic excellence.

On Monday morning, everyone gathered at the school by 5 a.m. After attendance, we all boarded the bus and left the city. The bus sped along the national highway, and soon I could taste the salty air. We stopped for about an hour at Cà Ná beach for lunch. During the break, my friends and I took some pictures as keepsakes.

As the journey continued, I was extremely sleepy, but I stayed awake to enjoy the changing landscapes. I marveled at the rows of trees along the road, with their straight poles and clusters of white flowers that looked so beautiful. I looked for their fruits and discovered that they were dragon fruit trees, with small, round green fruits, some of which had started to turn red—indicating the beginning of the harvest season.

Near Phan Rang, Phan Thiết, I saw vast vineyards and savored the deep flavors of the coastal homeland. After spending the night in Nha Trang to rest, our journey continued. We could already see the towering mountains from afar. Upon reaching the foot of Cả Pass, I began to feel nervous. The pass was high, with steep cliffs on one side, a deep ravine on the other, and the vast ocean below—truly a picturesque scene, both dangerous and stunning.

We passed through central provinces like Bình Định, Qui Nhơn, and Đà Nẵng… At each stop, we listened to Mr. An, who guided us through the geography and history of Vietnam. The bus finally reached Huế one evening. Truly the land of the emperors: Temples, tombs, and moss-covered rooftops, surrounded by wide moats filled with white lotuses.

It felt as if visitors were moving from the real world into a dream. Each royal tomb had its own architectural style, reflecting the character of its respective emperor, but perhaps the most beautiful was the tomb of Emperor Khải Định, with its intricate ceramic carvings of peacocks, dragons, phoenixes, plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, and bamboo. The tomb of Emperor Tự Đức featured statues of elephants, horses, and attendants, which stood guard on either side. Everyone was eager to take photos, and I also snapped a few.

When talking about Huế, one cannot forget the Perfume River, Mount Ngự, Thiên Mụ Pagoda, and the Tràng Tiền Bridge. That day, our group took a boat ride on the Perfume River. The water was as smooth as a mirror, and all we could hear was the sweet, melodic singing of a performer on the boat. The cool breeze brushed past us, while the scenic sky and water combined with the singer's gentle voice made us feel as though we had entered a fairyland. It wasn't until the boat docked that we realized how much time had passed.

The group continued the tour. Even more exciting was when a Huế native, who was invited as a guide, shared stories about the historical landmarks. Her Huế accent, although unfamiliar at first, sounded so gentle and charming.

During the day, we all went searching for Huế's local dishes, such as bún bò Huế, bánh nậm, bánh bèo, and cơm hến—each dish was spicy enough to bring tears to our eyes. At night, the group once again took a boat ride on the Perfume River while listening to traditional folk songs like 'Lý chim kêu' and 'Giận mà thương.' Late at night, we enjoyed Huế's famous lotus seed dessert, a perfect finish to the day.

Saying goodbye to Huế, we all carried unforgettable memories. The landscapes are far away now, but the impressions they left on me are still vivid.