Oliver PHUNG
Oliver PHUNG
Cao Bang
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Oliver Phung is a Northern Vietnam-based tour guide and blogger. His favorite topics to write about include cuisine, culture, travel, and under-the-radar experiences. Oliver possesses a deep, detailed understanding of the region, from the indigenous culture of the Hmong in the Northwest to the highland lifestyle of the Tay in the Northeast. Whether he is exploring ancient architecture or geological landscapes, he is always eager to share his insights with his readers. Beyond his work at Kampá Tour, he produces specialized travel content on platforms such as Reddit, Instagram, LinkedIn, and various other publications.
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Ta Van Village: Is It Worth Adding to Your Sapa Itinerary?
Oct 18, 2025 | 11 mins read
Ta Van Village: Is It Worth Adding to Your Sapa Itinerary?
Nestled about 12 kilometers from Sapa town, Ta Van village was named by Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post as one of the six most beautiful villages in Asia (July 2025). Described as a hidden gem tucked within a lush green valley, Ta Van is home to the Giay and H’mong ethnic groups, with traditional stilt houses scattered across terraced rice fields, streams, waterfalls, and bamboo forests. Sapa has long been a dream destination for travelers seeking authenticity, and Ta Van stands out as one of its most captivating corners: a serene village where the landscape and local life blend harmoniously, preserving a deep sense of cultural identity. So, what makes Ta Van so alluring? Let’s find out together.
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Why Luang Namtha is Laos’ Best-Kept Secret Treasure?
Dec 08, 2025 | 9 mins read
Why Luang Namtha is Laos’ Best-Kept Secret Treasure?
Luang Namtha (Lao: ຫລວງນໍ້າທາ, literally "Land of Sugar Palms" or "Land of Green Rivers"; transliterated as "Luang Namtha") is Northern Laos' largest city, located along the scenic Nam Tha River about 650km (approximately a 15-hour drive) from Vientiane. To the north, it borders China's Yunnan Province and to the east, Phongsaly Province, which connects with Vietnam.
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Trang An, Vietnam: 10 Tips to Avoid Crowds and Confusion
Jun 16, 2026 | 15 mins read
Trang An, Vietnam: 10 Tips to Avoid Crowds and Confusion
Officially named the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, this site is often called "Halong Bay on Land". It is about 7 kilometers from the heart of Ninh Binh and 90 kilometers (a 2-hour drive) from Hanoi, the capital. But geologically, it is even older and structurally more complex. It is vital to understand the history of Trang An. Recognized in 2014, it is Vietnam's first and only mixed natural and cultural property. The karst mountains here were formed over 250 million years ago, preserving traces of prehistoric humans from 30,000 years ago. From my point of view, when you visit, you are not just seeing mountains; you are exploring a natural fortress. In the 10th century, King Dinh Tien Hoang chose this spot because the limestone peaks acted as "impenetrable walls" and the rivers served as "roads" to protect the capital from invaders. Later, the Tran Dynasty used these same caves as a secret military base to defeat the Mongols in the 13th century. In more recent history, these
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Bai Dinh Pagoda: Ninh Binh’s Record-Breaking Marvel
Jun 10, 2026 | 10 mins read
Bai Dinh Pagoda: Ninh Binh’s Record-Breaking Marvel
"Bai" stands for the practice of worship, and "Dinh" stands for naming the summit. Thus, Bai Dinh suggests "the worship of Heaven and Earth, as well as the Buddha and the heavenly angels," a name that invigorates the belief of its followers. The greatest pagoda complex in Bai Dinh itself extends over about 530 hectares, and part of its ground rises to 187 meters above sea level from the summit of Mount Dinh, a limestone mountain clothed in verdant greenery.
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Hoa Lu: Vietnam’s Ancient Capital That Time Almost Forgot!
Jun 10, 2026 | 11 mins read
Hoa Lu: Vietnam’s Ancient Capital That Time Almost Forgot!
Hoa Lu, the former glorious imperial capital, is located in Ninh Binh Province, north of Hanoi, just 100 kilometers away. This place is regarded as rich in history, culture, and nature because it was the center during the reign of three feudal dynasties in Vietnam between AD 968 and AD 1010. When you visit Hoa Lu, you will probably also visit sites such as Tam Coc Nature Reserve and the Trang An Ecological Complex, where you will enjoy scenic boat rides on lakes and rivers among dense karst formations and rice paddies. Follow this all-inclusive guide, along with all our wonderful tips, for your next trip to Hoa Lu.
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Van Long Nature Reserve: A Jewel in Ninh Binh’s Natural Landscape
Jun 10, 2026 | 13 mins read
Van Long Nature Reserve: A Jewel in Ninh Binh’s Natural Landscape
Welcome to Van Long, the largest wetland nature reserve in the northern delta plain of Vietnam! This place impresses with its tranquil and pristine beauty, as well as its diverse ecosystem with limestone mountains and rare animal species like langurs and birds. This article will provide you with an overview and useful information for exploring the Van Long Nature Reserve. Now, let's begin.
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