Summer outside the city

      While the hot and bustling capital keeps most at bay during the Hanoi summer, a quick daytrip to neighboring Ha Tay Province’s Ao Vua, or King’s Pond, is a breath of fresh air and scenery.
Just 70 km from the center of Hanoi, Ao Vua is a stress-relieving oasis where a simple lake and a waterfall transport travelers worlds away from home.
Located in Ba Vi National Park, Ao Vua’s Tan Vien Mountain is famous as the spot where a legendary war was fought between the mountain deity Son Tinh and the water god Thuy Tinh, both of whom were competing to marry the kingdom’s princess.
It is said that the typhoons that sweep the country each year are a result of the battle between Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh.
While those seeking to relax and take a nap in Ao Vua’s wooden hut or take a dip in the pond (which is more like a lake), adventurers can go rock climbing, hike to the top of a waterfall or rent out small boats.
This site is also home to old temples and pagodas where visitors often pray to bring happiness and good luck to their families.
And a day at Ao Vua would not be complete without sampling some of the area’s local fish specialties.
Ao Vua also boasts an eco-tourism resort with 105 rooms, a 300-seat hall and a range of restaurants.
The resort also offers a campsite where visitors can sleep in tents, gaze at the stars and keep warm through the wee hours of the night beside a campfire.
Ao Vua provides the fire pit and wood.
And don’t think twice about bringing the kids as they can enjoy Ao Vua’s swimming pool, zoo, sculpture garden and playground.
Tours to Ao Vua can be bought at any Hanoi travel agent.
Ao Vua Eco-Tourism Site:
Address: Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District, Ha Tay Province
Tel: (031) 881020
Website: http://www.aovua.com.vn