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Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of
Vietnam, is a charming city of about 4 million people, famous for its beautiful
lakes, tree line boulevards and verdant public parks. The city centre is an
architectural museum piece, its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a
provincial French town of 1930's, contrary to the fast living and bustling air
of Saigon. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South East Asian nations,
Hanoi's Hoan Kiem lakes reflects the modern office buildings, old Buddhist
temples and tangles of ancient streets. The city hums with the never ending flow
of bicycles, cyclos, latest model car and every thing from edible stuffs to
diamond rings!
Halong bay
Located in the Gulf of
Tonkin, the breathtaking secluded Halong bay covers an area of 1500 square km
with more than 3000 thousand towering limestone backdrops emerging from its
crystalline emerald water. The bay is one of the natural wonders of the world
and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The islands are dotted with
innumerable white sandy beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves. Halong
means “dragon descends into the sea”. Legend has it that the islands of Halong
Bay were created by a great dragon who stationed in the mountains.
Haiphong
Haiphong has a
special place in the nation's history books a the sited of glorious victories
over invading forces, the first led by Ngo Quyen and the second by Tran Hung
Dao. Haiphong today is more a port for costal shipping than a destination for
deep-sea trade. In the summer the city is a blaze of color thanks to the red
flowers of the ubiquitous Poinciana trees.
Sapa
Sapa is a charming
former French hill-station, created during the 1920's so that Hanoi's colonial
residents could escape from the stifling summer heat in the plains. At a
altitude of 1650m above sea level Sapa boasts warm days and cool evenings.
Nowadays it is still a popular destination due to its beautiful scenery and
colorful ethnic people. Situated in the country's northwest in an area still
referred to as the Tonkinese Alps, Sapa is reached via winding 40km road from
the town of Laocai. The drive provides a taste of what is to come as the road
winds its way up through some breath-taking scenery. Lush rice-terraced valleys
and mountains covered in pine tower over the ethnic minority villages nestled
below. The valleys surrounding Sapa are home to several of Vietnam's 54 ethnic
minority groups, each with their own distinctive dress, customs and dialects.
Dien Bien Phu
Laying in the heart-shaped Muong Thanh Valley near the Lao border, Dien Bien
Phu is one of the remotest parts of Vietnam. The valley is surrounded by steep
heavily forested hills inhabited by many hill tribes, notably the Tai and H'mong.
Dien Bien Phu was the site of that fierce of military events. It was here in
1954 that Viet Minh forces overran the beleaguered French garrison after a
57-day siege, forcing the French government to abandon its attempts to
re-establish colonial control of Indochina. Dien Bien Phu now bears few scars of
its past except for the occasional rusty tank and is remote and as yet
relatively untapped by tourism. The hill tribes living around the area of Dien
Bien Phu make up 70% of the region's population, and the ethnic minority groups
include the Northern Tai (Tai Dam and Tai Kao) Nung, H'mong and others.
DMZ
The DMZ saw some of the heaviest fighting in the Vietnam War. On the southern
side the Americans established a number of bases running the length of the 17th
parallel to counter North Vietnamese infiltrations. Firebases Lang Vay, Khe Sanh,
Con Thien and others were scenes of fierce fighting. Today, some 30 years on the
DMZ is still littered with cratered landscapes, shell casings and even the odd
tank. Tailor Made Vietnam explores some of these areas, and the history which
has shaped the landscape.
Hue
Situated on the
banks of the Perfume River, Hué was the capital of the old Nguyen dynasty and
traditionally one of Vietnam’s cultural, religious and educational centres. The
remains of the huge, moated Citadel, constructed by Emperor Gia Long from 1802,
contain many interesting sights, such as the Nine Holly Cannons, the imperial
Enclosure, the Palace of Supreme Harmony and the Halls of the Mandarins. Sadly,
the intriguing Purple Forbidden City was largely destroyed during the war. Now
thanks to UNESCO , much of the City is being faithfully restored to its former
glory. South of Hue are the splendid Royal Tombs. Hue has many other places of
religious and dynastic importance and great museums.
Hoian
Hoan is a charming ,
small town which can be easily explored on foot. Between the 16th to 18th
centuries, Hoian was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese,
Dutch, French, Japanese, and Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came to
trade primarily for the high grade silk, ceramics and spices, which is till
produced in the area. Today, Hoian is a quaint riverside town popular among
tourists for its eclectic architecture, souvenir and tailor shops, and cafes.
Some of the buildings in the narrow streets are as they were over one hundred
years ago. More than any other place in Vietnam, Hoan retains the feeling
of centuries past and is a favorite with all travelers. You can spend your time
walking around the historic town soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the many
Chinese assembly halls and fascinating ancestral homes, some of which have been
occupied by the same family for fifteen generation. Nearby Hoian is the lovely
Holy Myson which is former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled
in the central Vietnam area between the second century and the thirteenth
century. These people religion was heavily influenced by Hinduism form India.
Danang
Danang city was founded in 1888. It
is one of the country's major ports and an important economic centre for central
Vietnam. Its tropical climate has two clear seasons, rainy and dry, with an
average temperature of around 28 degrees. The area is home to a variety of rare
animal and plant species, and has a range of landscapes from the lofty Hai Van
Pall to the north of the city, Son Tra peninsula to the east, a long coastline
with a series of beautiful beaches and Ngu Hanh Son to the south.
Hai Van Pass
the 496m peak that crowns Vietnam's great natural barrier between north and
south, with stupendous views.
Ngu Hanh
Son five marble mountains which
symbolize metal, wood ,water fire and earth with peaks that soar above the
clouds, the mountain is famous for its climate of four seasons in a day. Non
Nuoc Craft Village skilled craftsmen specialize in carving marble from nearby
Ngu Hanh Son Mountain. Ngu Hanh Son festivals are held in February of the lunar
year at Quan the am pagoda at the foot of Kim Son mountain. Lasting three days,
the festival has religious elements including mass prayers and recitals of
Buddha's words, plus popular activities such as folk singing and human chess.
China
Beach five km of white sand and clear
green water at the foot of Ngu Hanh Son Mountain.
Furama Resort
located on a sweeping beach of pure white sand, the resort is acknowledged as
one of the finest places to stay in the country with its comprehensive range of
leisure facilities and luxurious standard of accommodation.
Central Highland
(Ban Me Thuot, Kontum, Pleiku)
The
Pleiku Plateau : Located on the National Route 19 and 14, 540km from Ho
Chi Minh City. Pleiku - The Foggy City is well - known for its natural
attractions such as Bien Ho lake which provides deep blue and clean water all
year round. Chu H’Drung mountain can be seen from the center of the city and
bares a striking resemblance to the roof of a Roong House. Add to these natural
features, diverse range of cultural relics, green parks, pagodas and warm
friendly Highlanders and Pleiku becomes one of must-see tourist areas of
Vietnam.The Bahnar
Minority Culture : A
cluster of four villages such as Dektu - Deron - Dedoa and DeKop is 35 km the
east of Pleiku. Here, you can visit and stay overnight and of course you will
enjoy yourselves exploring the traditional culture, custom and Gong ceremony
atmosphere.
The Jarai Minority Culture
: Pleiphun village belongs to
Iamnong Commune, Chu Pah District is considered an ideal place for traveler who
want to visit and learn about Jarai’s traditional custom especially the Wooden
Statues culture.
Waterfalls.
Elephant Ride:
Not only GiaLai is known for its primitive forests, mighty waterfalls and rivers
and original minority villages but for hundreds of years elephants have been a
prominent part of the the Jarai people’s life. You can now experience a ride on
the back of an elephant through highland forests and local villages.
Former Battlefields
: Many former battlefields where
violent confrontations took place can now be visited in GiaLai : These are Tay
Son Thuong Dao area - the vestige of peasant Hero Tay Son Nguyen Hue, Stor
village - The home of Hero Nup, the victory of Dak Po, An Khe and others which
are forever remembered such as Dragon mountain, Plei Me and Ia Drang valley etc…
Trekking
: Ban Me Thuot & Gialai
present an abundance of varied eco-tourism potential. For over ten years,
Different kinds of trekking tours has been arranged. These tours will take you
over mountains and rivers and give you a chance to experience first-hand the
unique culture of the Bahnar and Jarai Minorities as you visit their villages
Nhatrang
Nhatrang is one of the
most pleasant locations on the South central coastal of Vietnam. A busy fishing
town with picturesque scenery in its charming harbor, Nhatrang boasts beautiful
ancient towers built by the architects of Champa Kingdom. No wonder Vietnam’s
last emperor, Bao Dai set his summer villa here overlooking the South China Sea
and Nhatrang Bay. To make it complete, Nhatrang has beautiful beaches, white
sand fringed by a line of coconut trees and stunning diving sites. A boat trip
to nearly fishing villages or a scuba diving trip is absolutely wonderful. stay
in Nhatrang.
Dalat
Dalat is set in the
hills north of HCM city and is a renewed retreat for poets and artist. This
atmosphere typifies this patronage with typical French provincial villas and
lush undulating hills. The city highlights include King Bao Dai's Summer Palace
and unusual Crazy House. The markets of the town are fascinating - an amazing
variety of fresh produce is brought here to sell; fruits of all kinds plus
vegetables, are readily available. Fresh cut flowered are in abundance and
color the streets and laneways. Encounter some of the scenic vantage points and
places around Dalat's hilly country side.
Saigon
Saigon is Vietnam's largest city with a population in excess of 7 million. It
is a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and
vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. The huge
number of people rushing about their daily business gives Saigon a vital and
dynamic atmosphere. Saigon is characterized by a vast verity of sights and
sounds, from ancient pagodas, mosques and cathedrals to the former Presidential
Palace and the War Museum, from historic Dong Khoi str., ( the Rue Catinat from
Graham Greenes' novel The Quiet American ) to the bustling markets of Ben Thanh
and Cholon ( China Town). In 1858 the city was captured by French and became the
capital of Cochinchina. From 1956 until its dramatic demise in April 1975.
Saigon was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today Ho Chi Minh
city is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurs. The city's
skyline is rapidly changing, reflecting the sharp influx of foreign trade within
the last decade. And yet the city still retains its connections to the past,
particularly in Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown. Here dozens of elegant temples and
pagodas can be seen. The French too left their mark here - the city has many
street cafes and patisseries where fresh croissants can be purchased. The visit
to Saigon unravels city's turbulent pass and also provides a glimpse into the
fascinating variety the city has to offer
Cuchi
With a network of
over 200km, Cuchi became legendary during the 1960's. The Cu Chi tunnels played
a vital part in the American war in that they allowed the VC to win back control
a large rural area of around 40 km from Saigon. At its height, the tunnels
system stretched from Saigon to Cambodian border. The network, parts of which
were several storey deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed
living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command
centres and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major attraction
giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life in the
American war was like.
Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta is the
southernmost region of Vietnam. It is often referred to as the rice bowl of
Vietnam producing the majority of the country's food and is easily accessible
from Saigon. The fertile Mekong Delta is also famous for its tropical fruits and
flowers. The Delta area marks the end of a 4,500km journey make by the Mekong
River after having traveled through six countries, Traditional transportation
the Delta is by boat along a vast network of canals and channels. Boating along
these canals and visiting the floating markets always proves to be a fascinating
and rewarding experience.
Vung
Tau
The main city of southern coastal Baria-Vung Tau province. Its
principal feature is a plateau 100 km about sea level, declining gradually to 80
km of beautiful beaches. The city is blessed with plentiful sunshine and sea
breezes. |