{"id":4614,"date":"2026-01-29T17:35:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T17:35:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paladohotel.vn\/?p=4614"},"modified":"2026-02-02T05:44:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T05:44:19","slug":"complete-2026-english-travel-guide-van-thuy-tu-palace-dinh-van-thuy-tu-mui-ne-da-lat-lam-dong-palado-hotel-perfect-10-day-itinerary-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paladohotel.vn\/en\/complete-2026-english-travel-guide-van-thuy-tu-palace-dinh-van-thuy-tu-mui-ne-da-lat-lam-dong-palado-hotel-perfect-10-day-itinerary-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete 2026 English Travel Guide: Van Thuy Tu Palace (Dinh V\u1ea1n Th\u1ee7y T\u00fa), Mui Ne & Da Lat (Lam Dong) \u2013 Palado Hotel & Perfect 10-Day Itinerary (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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Hello dear travel lovers! My name is Minh \u2013 a Vietnamese travel expert with more than 20 years of experience criss-crossing every inch of our beautiful S-shaped country. From the dusty backpacking days of my youth to leading luxury tours today, I have witnessed countless changes in Vietnam\u2019s destinations. Today, I am truly excited to share with you Van Thuy Tu Palace (Dinh V\u1ea1n Th\u1ee7y T\u00fa)<\/strong> \u2013 the oldest and largest whale-worshipping temple in Vietnam, located in Phan Thiet, very close to Mui Ne<\/strong>, Binh Thuan Province \u2013 and the perfect way to combine it with Lam Dong tourism<\/strong> to create the most memorable journey of your life.<\/p>\n

If you are looking for a place to explore the fishermen\u2019s whale-worship belief, admire a 22-meter whale skeleton, relax on turquoise beaches with white sand, and then enjoy the cool highland climate together with rich ethnic culture \u2013 this is the guide made just for you. I will tell you everything from A to Z, in a friendly tone as if we\u2019re sitting together having coffee and chatting. And remember: in 2026, travel to Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/strong> is hotter than ever thanks to new infrastructure such as the Dau Giay \u2013 Phan Thiet Expressway and the upgraded mountain roads connecting Lam Dong<\/strong>, making travel easy and fatigue-free.First, let me tell you a little about Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/strong> so you can picture it. Built in 1762, it is located on Ng\u01b0 \u00d4ng Street, \u0110\u1ee9c Th\u1eafng Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, with ancient and solemn beauty. According to Wikipedia<\/a>, the palace is the symbol of the whale-worship belief of Binh Thuan fishermen and preserves the largest whale skeleton in Vietnam and Southeast Asia \u2013 22 meters long and weighing 65 tons. It was built by fishermen to worship Th\u1ee7y Long Th\u00e1nh Phi T\u00f4n Th\u1ea7n (the whale), the deity who protects fishermen at sea. The architecture is traditional Vietnamese style, consisting of the main hall, the ancestor worship house, and auxiliary areas. Every year, the palace holds solemn ceremonies on the following lunar dates: 20\/2 (Spring Ceremony), 20\/4 (C\u1ea7u Ng\u01b0 \u2013 prayer for fishing), 20\/6 (main season), 20\/7 (long boat racing), and 23\/8 (closing season), featuring h\u00e1t b\u1ed9i opera, b\u00e3 tr\u1ea1o performances, and dragon boat races.I still remember my very first visit here 15 years ago when I guided a group of fishermen \u2013 the emotion when touching the giant whale skeleton and imagining all the stories of fishermen being saved at sea was overwhelming. Today, with the boom of Mui Ne tourism<\/strong>, Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/strong> has become much more accessible, yet it still retains its original sacred beauty thanks to the preservation efforts of the local community and Binh Thuan authorities \u2013 successfully avoiding over-commercialization.<\/p>\n
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Travel guide to Van Thuy Tu Palace, Mui Ne & Lam Dong 2026<\/p><\/div>

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Before diving deep into travel experiences at Van Thuy Tu Palace, I would like to give you a general introduction about Mui Ne<\/strong>, Lam Dong<\/strong> and the current Vietnamese tourism context so you have a full picture. Mui Ne<\/strong> is a cape belonging to Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, famous for its dozens-of-kilometers-long beaches, shimmering pink sand dunes and rich Cham Pa culture. According to Wikipedia<\/a>, the name Mui Ne comes from \u201cmui\u201d (cape) and \u201cn\u00e9\u201d (take shelter) \u2013 fishermen used to take refuge here from storms. The area was recognized as a national tourism zone in 2018, with a tropical monsoon climate, warm sunshine all year round, average temperature 25\u201330\u00b0C, little rain from April to August \u2013 ideal for beach tourism and outdoor activities such as kitesurfing or sand sliding.<\/p>\n

Notable attractions in Mui Ne include the Red Sand Dunes (also called Flying Sand Dunes) with 18 sand colors that change with sunlight, the pristine Hon Rom for camping and swimming, Hon Gh\u1ec1nh for coral diving and fishing, Bau Trang \u2013 Bau Sen \u2013 a mini Sahara with blooming lotus lakes, Fairy Stream with strange red-and-white rock formations, the bustling Mui Ne Fishing Village with colorful boats and fresh seafood market, Duc Thanh School \u2013 the historic site where President Ho Chi Minh taught in 1910, Mui Ne Bay for swimming and water sports, Po Shanu Towers \u2013 ancient Cham Pa relic in H\u00f2a Lai style with exquisite art, the Old Fishing Village Fish Sauce Museum recreating 300 years of fish sauce history from Cham Pa to French colonial times, and many other places such as Hon Ba Island, Ke Ga Lighthouse with French architecture, Ta Cu Mountain with Vietnam\u2019s longest reclining Buddha, Co Thach colorful stone beach, Hang Pagoda, red Son Cliff, Cau islet, and Phu Quy Island with turquoise water and coral.<\/p>\n

Culture in Mui Ne is a beautiful blend of Vietnamese, Cham and ethnic minorities, with the annual Kate Festival (Cham Pa festival) in the 7th lunar month where you can watch traditional l\u0103m v\u00f4ng dance, listen to paranung drums and saranai flutes, and enjoy Cham cuisine such as fish cake noodle soup or banana-leaf grilled meat. Traditions are also reflected in fishing, handmade fish sauce in giant wooden vats, Cham brocade weaving with intricate patterns symbolizing gods and nature, and sea festivals such as C\u1ea7u Ng\u01b0 at Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/strong> with h\u00e1t b\u1ed9i, b\u00e3 tr\u1ea1o and dragon boat races that recreate fishermen\u2019s lives. Cham Pa art in Mui Ne is highlighted by ancient towers, Shiva stone carvings, fire dance festivals and folk music \u2013 offering deep cultural experiences, especially for researchers or heritage lovers.<\/p>\n

Mui Ne cuisine is truly a \u201cseafood heaven\u201d! From super-fresh seafood salad with herring, mackerel or needlefish served with herbs, rice noodles and special sweet-sour-spicy dipping sauce, to sand lizard dishes \u2013 a dune specialty with meat sweeter and more tender than chicken, prepared grilled with chili salt, roasted, steamed, in salad, porridge or cooked with tamarind. Don\u2019t miss hu\u1ef3nh \u0111\u1ebf crab \u2013 king of Binh Thuan seafood, sweet, firm, fragrant flesh, crispy shell, best grilled or steamed with lime-pepper-salt, or made into porridge in the 12th lunar month when it is fattest. Crispy rice paper rolls with fermented shrimp paste are a popular street snack sold in the afternoon at the intersection of Th\u1ee7 Khoa Hu\u00e2n and Tr\u1ea7n H\u01b0ng \u0110\u1ea1o, while l\u1ea9u th\u1ea3 is the signature dish with thinly sliced raw fish (herring, mackerel, trevally), finely shredded vegetables (lettuce, green banana, sour starfruit), and dipping sauce made from tamarind, chili, garlic, roasted peanuts, ripe banana pur\u00e9e, pure fish sauce and chili paste. According to VnExpress<\/a>, \u201cL\u1ea9u th\u1ea3 is the iconic dish of Phan Thiet that every visitor must try.\u201d I once ate l\u1ea9u th\u1ea3 at a small eatery in Mui Ne Fishing Village<\/strong> \u2013 the sweet-sour-spicy balance was perfect, served with fresh rice noodles and greens \u2013 so delicious I couldn\u2019t stop eating, especially after a day watching fishermen haul nets.<\/p>\n

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Van Thuy Tu Palace, Mui Ne & Lam Dong<\/p><\/div>

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Moving to Lam Dong<\/strong>, this province borders Binh Thuan to the west and has its capital Da Lat \u2013 the world-famous City of a Thousand Flowers. According to Wikipedia<\/a>, the province covers 9,773 km\u00b2 with a cool temperate climate all year round (15\u201320\u00b0C), making it a paradise for eco-tourism and relaxation, with abundant rainfall from May to October creating lush landscapes and majestic waterfalls. Highlights include Da Lat with poetic Xuan Huong Lake for pedal boats or strolls, Datanla for adventurous zipline, Pongour \u2013 magnificent like Vietnam\u2019s Niagara with 7 tiers, Lang Biang Mountain (2,169 m) linked to the K\u2019Ho love legend, Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park with ancient trees, wild orchids and wildlife (elephants, tigers, leopards), romantic Valley of Love with four-season flower gardens and love bridge, bustling Da Lat market selling jams and vegetables, Linh Phuoc Pagoda built from bottles with Guinness record for immortal flower Buddha statue, peaceful Tuyen Lam Lake for kayaking or fishing, Prenn Waterfall with mini zoo and cable car, Bao Dai Palace \u2013 the last emperor\u2019s summer palace with French interior, Da Lat city flower garden blooming year-round with hydrangeas, roses, mimosa, and many other spots such as Cu Lan Village with stilt houses, Cau Dat tea hills, Golden Stream with whispering pine forests, Dankia \u2013 Golden Stream mystical lake, Elephant Waterfall (Lieng Rowoa) 30 m high, Madagui Forest City for team building.<\/p>\n

Lam Dong culture is extremely rich with UNESCO-listed gong culture of the K\u2019Ho, M\u1ea1, Chil peoples, buffalo sacrifice ceremonies praying for good harvest accompanied by sap dancing and antiphonal singing, new rice celebration with rice wine and grilled meat, dug-out canoe races on Xuan Huong Lake recreating river life, and traditional brocade weaving with bird, forest and geometric patterns symbolizing life and belief. Quote from the official Lam Dong website: \u201cThe buffalo sacrifice of the K\u2019Ho people and the dug-out canoe races of the M\u1ea1 people are living cultural symbols.\u201d Traditions are also expressed through coffee, tea and organic flower farming without chemicals, and craft villages such as brocade weaving in \u0110\u1ea1 Sar with hand looms, wood carving in L\u1ea1c D\u01b0\u01a1ng with god statues and mini stilt houses, rice wine making in \u0110am R\u00f4ng with wild leaf yeast. Lam Dong art stands out with Da Lat silk paintings depicting flowers and landscapes, folk gong music with 8\u201312 gongs, x\u00f2e dancing, the annual Da Lat Flower Festival with flower car parades and fresh-flower art installations, and coffee & tea festivals with folk performances.<\/p>\n

Lam Dong cuisine is diverse and healthy thanks to fresh vegetables grown in cool climate and fertile basalt soil. Specialties include Da Lat jams (strawberry, sweet potato, artichoke, persimmon, Laba banana, carrot); refreshing artichoke tea good for the liver; fresh strawberries dipped in chili salt or made into smoothies\/salads; crispy Laba bananas with honey or baked; sweet Da Lat persimmons like apples, eaten fresh or dried; wild vegetables (l\u00e1 b\u00e9p, rau d\u1edbn, bamboo shoots) stir-fried or in sour soup; forest lingzhi mushroom soup or stewed with chicken; fresh salmon from Dankia Lake grilled with salt or steamed with ginger; free-range chicken grilled in banana leaves with highland spices (lemongrass, chili, turmeric); free-range pork roasted crispy skin dipped in shrimp paste; Da Lat b\u00e1nh c\u0103n with fish sauce, chives and optional fish cake or egg; crispy b\u00e1nh tr\u00e1ng n\u01b0\u1edbng with quail eggs, dried shrimp, scallions, dried beef; c\u01a1m lam cooked in bamboo tubes served with sesame salt or grilled meat; rich cua \u0111\u1ed3ng ri\u00eau soup with fresh herbs; aromatic robusta coffee from Di Linh or \u0110am R\u00f4ng drunk hot with condensed milk or iced black; K\u2019Ho rice wine fermented with forest leaves drunk communally through bamboo straws during festivals; and organic salads, Da Lat lettuce with oil-vinegar dressing, boiled vegetables with shrimp paste. According to B\u00e1o M\u1edbi<\/a>, \u201cWild vegetables, forest mushrooms, bamboo shoots, stream fish, wild meat (in the past), now replaced by locally raised livestock\u2026 all carry the breath of the forest.\u201d I especially love Da Lat b\u00e1nh tr\u00e1ng n\u01b0\u1edbng \u2013 super crispy with rich toppings, eaten piping hot in the cool air \u2013 the perfect snack after a day of exploring.<\/p>\n

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Van Thuy Tu Palace, Mui Ne & Lam Dong<\/p><\/div>

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In the context of Vietnam tourism 2026<\/strong>, the connection between Mui Ne<\/strong> and Lam Dong<\/strong> is being strongly promoted with the mountain road upgrade project since 2023, allowing travelers to move from white-sand beaches to fresh green highlands in only 4\u20135 hours. According to Vietnam Tourism<\/a>, this \u201cSea & Flowers\u201d journey not only offers diverse experiences but also helps preserve local culture and boost community economy, with many combined tours such as from Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/strong> up to Da Lat for flower viewing. I strongly recommend combining the two areas for a complete trip \u2013 from exploring sea beliefs at the palace to trekking pine forests in Lam Dong, enjoying both beach and highland culture while learning about fishermen\u2019s worship traditions.<\/p>\n

When is the best season for Van Thuy Tu Palace?<\/h2>\n

Friends, you can visit Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/strong> all year round thanks to Mui Ne\u2019s warm climate, but I recommend April to August when the weather is sunny, dry and little rain \u2013 perfect for outdoor visits and exploring nearby Phan Thiet. Temperature 25\u201330\u00b0C with gentle breezes makes it very comfortable, and you can combine with Mui Ne beach. From August to December winds are stronger (great for kitesurfing), but December may have showers \u2013 bring a raincoat. Quote from Binh Thuan Government<\/a>: \u201cVan Thuy Tu Palace is one of the oldest fishing guild temples in Binh Thuan, built in 1762.\u201d<\/p>\n

If combining with Lam Dong, I suggest spring (Jan\u2013Mar) for Da Lat cherry blossoms, then down to Mui Ne in summer. Summer (Jun\u2013Aug) is perfect for escaping southern heat \u2013 Lam Dong stays cool 15\u201320\u00b0C while the palace enjoys beautiful sunshine for photos. In 2025 AccuWeather forecasts fewer storms in Mui Ne thanks to early warning systems, but always check the weather app. I once led a group in May \u2013 everyone was moved touching the whale skeleton in solemn atmosphere mixed with cool sea breeze. Early morning is the most beautiful time \u2013 sunlight through the skeleton creates magical light effects, or late afternoon to avoid harsh sun. If you like quiet, avoid peak Tet or summer holidays \u2013 choose Sep\u2013Oct when fewer tourists, prices 20\u201330% lower, and weather still lovely with gentle autumn breeze. Note that rainy season (Nov\u2013Dec) can make roads slippery but offers a unique wild beauty, perfect for distant viewing or visiting nearby relics. If your dates coincide with festivals such as Spring Ceremony on 20\/2 lunar, you\u2019ll enjoy h\u00e1t b\u1ed9i, b\u00e3 tr\u1ea1o \u2013 a truly vibrant cultural experience.<\/p>\n

How to Get to Van Thuy Tu Palace & Mui Ne in 2026<\/h2>\n

Getting to Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/strong> is simple and fun! From Ho Chi Minh City you have many choices: ride a motorbike along the stunning coastal road via Cat Lai ferry \u2192 Long Thanh \u2192 Ba Ria \u2192 Ho Tram \u2192 Phan Thiet (230 km, 4\u20135 hrs). I love this route because you can stop anywhere \u2013 for example the pristine Ho Tram beach or Binh Thuan national forest. Sleeper bus from Mien Dong station costs about 130,000 VND\/person, 5 hrs with reputable companies like Kumho or Phuong Trang \u2013 comfortable with beds and WiFi. Train SPT1\/SPT4 from Saigon station costs 110,000 VND, morning departure, beautiful views of rice fields and sea. From Hanoi fly to HCMC then continue, or fly direct to Phan Thiet Airport (operating since late 2023) \u2013 round-trip 1\u20132 million VND with Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways, 1-hour flight.<\/p>\n

New in 2025: the Dau Giay \u2013 Phan Thiet Expressway is fully completed, cutting car time from HCMC to only ~2 hours \u2013 perfect for weekend trips! From Mui Ne center to the palace is ~20 km back to Phan Thiet, 30 minutes by scooter or 200,000 VND taxi. According to Binh Thuan Tourism<\/a>, \u201cThe palace is located on Ng\u01b0 \u00d4ng Street, Phan Thiet City.\u201d My tip: rent a scooter for flexibility and arrive early morning to avoid heat. From Lam Dong, Da Lat to Mui Ne via Highway 28B \u2013 stunning winding road through pine forests and mist \u2013 4\u20135 hrs, bus 150,000 VND. The road is being upgraded and will be much safer in 2025 with new guardrails and signs. I recommend private car for small groups to stop for photos, or tourist bus for convenience. If combining, fly into Lien Khuong (Da Lat) then drive down \u2013 the \u201chighland-to-sea temple journey is unforgettable with views from green pine forests to turquoise sea. Safety tips: check vehicle before mountain roads, avoid night driving due to mist, bring motion sickness pills for winding roads. From Phan Thiet to the palace the city roads are good and easy to find with signs, right by Ca Ty River.<\/p>\n

What to Do at Van Thuy Tu Palace?<\/h2>\n

Oh, Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/strong> is the perfect place to experience sea beliefs and culture! With its ancient beauty, it is ideal for guided tours, viewing the whale skeleton, joining festivals and combining with nearby spots. I will list every activity in detail based on my own guiding experience so you can plan easily.<\/p>\n

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Van Thuy Tu Palace, Mui Ne & Lam Dong<\/p><\/div>

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1. Guided Tour & Learn About Whale Worship<\/h3>\n

The main activity is a guided tour where you learn about whale worship \u2013 the guardian deity of fishermen. You will visit the main hall, ancestor house and the 22 m whale skeleton. I once led a group and everyone was moved hearing stories of whales saving fishermen! According to B\u00e1o B\u00ecnh Thu\u1eadn<\/a>, \u201cThe palace is one of the oldest fishing guild temples in Binh Thuan, built in 1762.\u201d Expert tip: book a group tour for detailed stories and ask about festivals.<\/p>\n

2. Admire the Whale Skeleton & Artifacts<\/h3>\n

Take photos of the 22 m, 65-ton skeleton and fishermen\u2019s artifacts. Discover cultural meaning. Quote from Binh Thuan Tourism: \u201cA long-standing relic (1762) with ancient, solemn beauty.\u201d Reminder: respect the site \u2013 do not touch the skeleton.<\/p>\n

3. Join Festivals & Cultural Activities<\/h3>\n

If dates coincide with festivals such as Spring Ceremony on 20\/2 lunar, enjoy h\u00e1t b\u1ed9i, b\u00e3 tr\u1ea1o and dragon boat races. In 2025 festivals will be more open to tourists.<\/p>\n

4. Combine with Nearby Attractions<\/h3>\n

From the palace visit Duc Thanh School, Fishing Village, or head up to Lam Dong for Pongour trekking. Join Cham cultural tours or brocade weaving classes. Eco activities such as temple clean-ups are popular.<\/p>\n

Food Around Van Thuy Tu Palace, Mui Ne & Lam Dong<\/h2>\n

Eating in Mui Ne near the palace is all about super-fresh seafood: seafood salad, sand lizard dishes, hu\u1ef3nh \u0111\u1ebf crab, rice paper with fermented shrimp paste, l\u1ea9u th\u1ea3. Combine with Lam Dong specialties: Da Lat jams, artichoke tea, strawberries, Laba bananas, persimmons, wild vegetables, lingzhi mushrooms, salmon, banana-leaf grilled chicken, free-range pork, b\u00e1nh c\u0103n, b\u00e1nh tr\u00e1ng n\u01b0\u1edbng, c\u01a1m lam, robusta coffee, rice wine. According to B\u00e1o M\u1edbi: \u201cWild vegetables, mushrooms\u2026 all carry the breath of the forest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Top 10 must-try:<\/p>\n

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  1. G\u1ecfi h\u1ea3i s\u1ea3n Mui Ne \u2013 fresh & tangy<\/li>\n
  2. Sand lizard dishes \u2013 sweet from the dunes<\/li>\n
  3. Hu\u1ef3nh \u0111\u1ebf crab \u2013 steamed with lime pepper salt<\/li>\n
  4. Da Lat jams \u2013 strawberry, artichoke\u2026<\/li>\n
  5. Banana-leaf grilled chicken \u2013 highland aroma<\/li>\n
  6. Robusta coffee \u2013 highland fragrance<\/li>\n
  7. C\u01a1m lam \u2013 ethnic bamboo rice<\/li>\n
  8. Stir-fried wild vegetables \u2013 forest nutrition<\/li>\n
  9. B\u00e1nh tr\u00e1ng n\u01b0\u1edbng \u2013 crispy with toppings<\/li>\n
  10. Rice wine \u2013 shared during festivals<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    Da Lat grilled rice paper \u2013 Vietnamese pizza<\/p><\/div>

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    Enjoy at local markets or restaurants for freshness. My advice: try hu\u1ef3nh \u0111\u1ebf crab right after visiting the palace \u2013 super fresh!<\/p>\n

    Where to Stay in Mui Ne Near Van Thuy Tu Palace<\/h2>\n

    Accommodation in Mui Ne is diverse. Near the palace in Phan Thiet: homestays ~500,000 VND, hotels 700,000\u20131 million VND. But I highly recommend Palado Hotel<\/strong> (Paladohotel.vn<\/a>) \u2013 4-star at 98 Nguy\u1ec5n \u0110\u00ecnh Chi\u1ec3u, Mui Ne (Binh Thuan area). Hotline: 0915520285. Various room types, ocean view, rooftop infinity pool, 4-star 200-guest wine cellar, 300-seat seafront restaurant, luxury spa. According to the hotel website: \u201cA resort that \u2018touches the waves, touches the wind\u2019.\u201d They offer Van Thuy Tu Palace tours and Lam Dong connections. In 2025 they offer green packages supporting relic preservation.<\/p>\n

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    Palado Hotel \u2013 \u201cTouching the waves, touching the wind\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    10-Day Sample Itinerary Combining Van Thuy Tu Palace & Lam Dong<\/h2>\n