For a very long
time, Vietnam was well known
for its" Tower
of Hanoi” algorithm in
the worlds of mathematics and programming languages. If you are not familiar
with this Tower, then you probably associate Vietnam
with its war for independence [1945-1975], the celebration for which President
Bill Clinton visited Vietnam in
November 2000. Consequently, Dien Bien Phu, Truong Son Road and
the famous Cu Chi Tunnels should be the first views of our country when you
arrive.
Vietnam’s past
reads like a romantic legend, full of heroic struggles and outstanding
victories, but this will prove to be only one of the many reasons for your
holiday here. You will discover unparalleled opportunities for cultural
exploration. The Vietnamese nation was primarily influenced through a process
of anthropological cross-pollination between ancient Chinese and Indian
cultures. The Kinh (Viet) people make up the majority of the population,
however, Vietnam
counts no less than 54 ethnic groups within its borders. Many of them live in
remote areas and follow their own language and cultural identity, thus
contributing to a harmonious blend of independent ethnicities. However, from a
historical standpoint, and during the course of national development, all
ethnic groups have been closely united, sharing the fight against foreign
invaders, defending the country's sovereignty, and eventually gaining the right
to national independence and self-determination.
Vietnam is the
proud recipient of three World Heritage Site cultural awards: 1) the Imperial
City of Hue; 2) Hoi, an ancient town trade center; and, 3) My Son holy land.
Other cultural attractions include the capital city of Hanoi,
dubbed the “Pearl of the Far East” Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), the town of Sapa, the village
of Mai Chau, and many
others.
Vietnam's
magnetism also comes from its landscape, offering a breathtaking 3260
kilometers of coastline which extends along the eastern boundary of the country
and wraps around its southern tip. Our shoreline is flanked by stretches of
virgin, white sand beaches and islands. Vietnam’s topography is blessed by
unspoiled mountains and forests, hundreds of beautiful lakes, pristine rivers,
waterfalls, and scores of unforgettable caves. Most famous amongst our natural
resources is World Heritage designated site, Ha Long Bay, with thousands of
islands and limestone rocks of different sizes and shapes. You can see Nature’s
hand at work in the wondrous caves and grottoes that inhabit the islands. For
your enjoyment, one or more of twenty stunning resorts along the coastline
await you: Cat Ba Island in the north; in the Central region, Da
Nang, Nha Trang and Mui Ne (Phan Thiet); and in the south, Vung
Tau, Con Dao
Island and Phu Quoc Island.
Vietnam's
attractions also come from its landscape with virgin beaches and islands from
3260km long coastline, unspoiled mountains and forests, hundreds of beautiful
lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and many unforgettable caves. Vietnam has a
long coastline that extends along the eastern boundary of the country and wraps
around the southern tip for 3,260 km, features endless stretches of empty,
white sand beaches. The most famous is World heritage Halong bay, with
thousands of islands and rocks of different sizes and shapes. But it is more
attractive since Nature create a lot of wonderful caves and grottoes in those
islands. But you also may enjoy at one of more than 20 beautiful resorts
along the coastline, such as Tra Co, Cat Ba island in the north and Da Nang, Nha Trang,
Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) in the Middle, Vung Tau, Con Dao island and Phu Quoc island
in the south.
Vietnam's
National Parks are home to the tropical zone’s largest collection of flora and
fauna. The most renown are Cuc Phuong National Park
in Ninh Binh
Province, and Cat
Tien National
Park in Dong
Nai Province.
Nonetheless, there exists several regions in Vietnam that have been preserved as
gardens and bird sanctuaries; one such area is the Minh Hai Sanctuary which
houses more than 80 species of birds.
Stretching long
up to 1,600km in the eastern coast of Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam’s
varied topography allows for an incredibly varied travel experience. Along the
central coast, the driest season runs from June to October. Visitors to the
north are often surprised by the region’s distinct season; summers are hot and
humid while winters are invigoratingly cool. The country offers
everything from tropical coastal lowlands to temperate zones above 2,000
meters. Among temperate zones spots, tourists cannot miss Da Lat with European
style sweet pine forests, but it is also the city of waterfalls and
flowers.
The East Coast
of the Indochinese Peninsula stretches for more than 1600 kms, and Vietnam’s
diverse geography allows for an incredibly varied travel experience. Along
the Central Coast, the driest season runs from June
to October. Visitors to the north are often surprised by the region’s
distinctive season; summers are hot and humid while winters are invigoratingly
cool. The country offers everything from tropical coastal lowlands to temperate
zones above 2,000 meters. Among temperate zones settings, tourists should not
miss Da Lat with its European-style sweet pine forests, its magnificent
waterfalls and its vast array of flowers.
Have you ever
tried Vietnam's
famous dishes ''Nem' (spring rolls) and 'Pho' (soup) ? Traveling here will
allow you sample the extraordinary and exotic tastes of Vietnamese cuisines, as
well as freshly caught sea food and an abundance of tropical fruits.
Your travel
fantasies will be further realized in Vietnam with its affordable
accommodations, reasonable tour packages, and wide range of services. It is one
of the most secure destinations in Southeast Asia.
With its new
“Doi Moi” policy, Vietnam
has now opened its doors to the world, and is unequivocally a 21st century
destination. We are busy at work improving all of our country’s infrastructures
to insure that your holiday with us will be unforgettable. We look forward to
being of service to you. Hanoi and HCM city
HCM city Information
Until 1975 was called Ho Chi Minh City,
Saigon, a name still used. Ho Chi Minh City is a city of approximately 5
million inhabitants. It is fascinating to walk around here, or cycling the
city by cyclo to see. Much of life takes place on the streets,
particularly in the center of the river in Saigon and Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown
. There are incredibly many
mopeds and cars in the cyclo city. Everywhere there are stalls with food
markets and restaurants. Occasionally it seems that the Vietnamese always
are eating.
The city is divided into 17
districts and 5 rural districts. The city districts are divided into
tracks. For example, District 1, the very center of Saigon
and District 5, Cholon. These numbers are often displayed on the houses,
so you can find easily on the map where you are.
Temples and pagodas
The city has a number of interesting temples and pagodas (shrines). One of
the oldest pagodas, the Giac Lam pagoda in District 10.This was built in 1744
and last renovated in 1900. Ten monks live now in the Vietnamese
pagoda. Definitely worth a visit. Giac Vien Pagoda Nearby is situated
in a slightly quieter surroundings. Also here are still living
monks. Giac Vien Pagoda is the approximately two hundred years
old. Much newer is the Dai Giac Pagoda which was built in the
’60s. In the inner sanctum contains a two and a half meter tall Buddha
with a neon halo. In Cholon, the Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the
Chinese goddess of the sea. This is currently one of the most visited
pagodas in HCMC. Finally we call the Jade Emperor
Temple, a magnificent
temple where believers burn their incense sticks come. This is one of the
most colorful and largest temples in HCMC, filled with images of gods,
including the Jade Emperor himself.
Cholon
Cholon is the Chinese district of Ho Chi Minh City. Cholon literally means
“big market”. Cholon was an area of significance when many Chinese
immigrants began to settle here since 1778. By the anti-capitalist and
anti-Chinese campaign in 1978-79 in the district are much less Chinese than
before. But with the opening of the borders are many Chinese businessmen
are now back. Fortunately it is still a vibrant area, full of street
life. There is plenty of trade everywhere. Visit the Binh Tay Market,
near the bus station, is certainly recommended.
The Vietnam War
Ho Chi Minh City,
many museums to find you a picture of the Vietnam War. This war by the
Vietnamese “The American War” called.First there is the War Remnants
Museum. Outside the
museum is a collection of small bombs and a helicopter. Inside are
pictures of all the horrors that took place during the war. There are also
pictures of the effects that Agent Orange had. It is good here somewhat
prepared, because the photos leave nothing to your imagination.
The Revolution Museum
takes you through different periods of insurgency in Vietnam. Pictures of the
resistance to French colonization go slowly at pictures from the American
violence. There are heroes of Vietnamese garments on display.
The symbol of the end of the Vietnam War, the Reunification Palace. Until
the end of the Vietnam War the palace served as home to the rulers of South Vietnam. This
is where the first Communist tanks drove into on April 30, 1975. After
passing through the iron gates were driven around, the Viet Cong flag from the
roof raised and seized the power by the Communists. The building is still
in the same condition as before and is open to tourists. There are guided
tours in English, where you also can see in the basement bunker. This was
built by President Ngo Dinh Diem, who was so hated by his own army, they tried
to murder him in 1962.Unfortunately for Diem made to build a bunker for his
safety no difference. In 1963, his troops managed to kill him anyway.
Hanoi information
The capital of North Vietnam with one million inhabitants
situated on the banks of the Song Hong, or Red River. A
beautiful city where many French influences can be found. Some call Hanoi even the Paris
of the East. Stately embassies, lakes, boulevards and the mausoleum of Ho
Chi Minh in Hanoi
to make a stately city. Especially in spring when the trees on the
boulevards are in bloom, the city has a European character. With all the
little shops, markets, the many lakes and local eateries and stalls Hanoi is a pleasant
city.Despite all the cars, mopeds and cyclo there’s not really an atmosphere of
a metropolis. Unfortunately, the number of cars and motorcycles every
year. This makes crossing the street in both Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City
to an exciting adventure. It happened to me a few times that after five
minutes waiting at the side of the road, but still waiting on a Vietnamese to
join them to stabbing.Basically it is not dangerous crossing, the traffic moves
around you just as long as you calmly walk. The people of Hanoi are known stiffer and more detached
than the inhabitants of the south. Nevertheless, they are very
hospitable. Remarkably, all the small houses all over Vietnam to
find. The houses here were built earlier in the depths. This has to
do with the tax that was imposed on the width of a house. Furthermore, the
buildings were previously not exceed the royal palace, which is now relatively
little buildings can be found.
The Old Quarter The Old Quarter “
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is one of the liveliest parts of town. Located on
the banks of the river here was once the trading started.Small streets running
crisscross each other. On the sidewalks all sorts of merchandise on
display. Slalom between all the parked mopeds, you can find everything you
need. In the 13th century, the 36 streets of this district split. A
craft for every street. That is until today still be found. For
example, the only street with shoes shoes shops. All street names begin
with Hang what commerce means, followed by what had happened in the street
sold. Thus at the Hang Bac silver sold on the Hang Dong buyer. A more
sinister street is the street where gravestones are made including photographs
of the deceased. At the Hang Gai can find silk, handmade souvenirs and
traditional Vietnamese dress. After a day of shopping experience and
atmosphere in the old quarter, you can close the day in the same sphere by a
visit to the Water Puppet Theatre (Municipal Water Puppet Theater). Lying
on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake where every evening except Monday, between eight
and nine a presentation is given. Traditionally move through water
puppets, as the farmers that once existed on the rice fields, to the boredom in
quiet times. I myself did not know what to expect when I went there, but
it was certainly one of the nicest evenings I’ve experienced in Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Like Lenin in Moscow is for Ho Chi Minh mausoleum built after his death, he in
a glass sarcophagus for the whole world admired. The enormous building
with a large square in front for official occasions was built between 1973 and
1975, against the wishes of Ho Chi Minh himself, who wanted to be cremated
rather. Surrounded by guards, anyone for an inward to an “Uncle Ho”, which
looks a bit orange, view. They have him in orange / red light so the light
enveloped no harmful influence on the body (fade). Every few feet we have
impeccable guards to ensure that no out of tune or too long standing
still. For the Vietnamese is to visit the embalmed body of a huge
honor. It is therefore now more important to you right here to adjust
their habits. It is inappropriate to talk inside, photographing or
revealing or offensive clothing. Do not forget your hands in your pockets
to get. Behind the mausoleum is the home of Ho Chi Minh. The house is
like many homes especially in rural areas, built on stilts and is still in the
same condition as he left it. The house is a garden with a pond. It’s
not really clear how long the leader here is actually spent. On the other
side of the mausoleum is the Ho Chi Minh Museum. This division has a
division in a past and future. You walk slowly through the Vietnamese
history. |