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Locally informed, Globally inspired.

FreeTRAVEL GUIDE

ISBN: 978-604-77-2538-0 THẾ GIỚI PUBLISHERSNOT FOR SALE

www.mydestinationvietnam.com

Compatible with all devices.

www.mydestinationvietnam.com

Compatible with all devices.

Perfectly situated along the coastal road of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Vietsovpetro Resort offers over 600 meters of pristine, white-sand beach. Blue waters, sandy beaches, beautiful mountains off in the distance, and fresh air along the iconic Ho Tram strip produce excellent conditions for traveling guests. More than half the resort is covered in sprawling greenery, making it ideal for picnics, outdoor activities, team building, and so much more.

Ho Tram, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Viet Nam

(+84 64) 378 2266 info@vietsovpetroresort.com

www.vietsovpetroresort.com

Discover luxury by the sea!Vietsovpetro Resort

“Winner of the Best Hotel Awards 2016!” – by Mytour.vn

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Tuan Dinh

Perfectly situated in the center of bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Spa provides its customers with world-class spa services. Your body and soul be relaxed and restored by the hands of our highly qualified and passionate staff. Whether you're looking for compre-hensive beauty care, general improvement of your well being, and/or a de-stress after a hard day's work, we've got you covered.

We offer extensive services from facials, body and foot massages, to acne treatments with state of the art technology. In addition to our treatments, one of our most unique appeals is our classic, nostalgic interior design, telling the stories and anecdotes of "old Ben Thanh".

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1st Floor, 34-36 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh ward, District 1, HCMC.

(+84 62) 787 187 www.benthanhspa.com

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SUMMARY

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

Top Destinations

Go

Stay

Do

Eat & Drink

Nightlife & Shopping

Travel

NORTHERN VIETNAM 37-62

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51

57

38

48

53

59

LOCAL INSIGHTS 09-36

37-115

Welcome to Vietnam 09

Weather 20

Culture & Customs 16

General Cost Index 22

Important Numbers 19

Internet & Phone 28

Visa Information 30

Country Information 13

Money Matters 21

Do's & Don'ts 18

Transportation 23

Basic Vietnamese 19

Health & Safety 29

Embassies / Consulates 32

SUMMARY

Nightlife & Shopping

Travel

Eat & Drink

Do

Stay

Go

Top Destinations

CENTRAL VIETNAM63-90

69

79

Top Destinations92

Eat & Drink103

Travel87

Stay 98

110

64

73

80

Nightlife & Shopping85

Go94

108

SOUTHERN VIETNAM91-115

Do102

FREE TRAVEL GUIDE

THẾ GIỚI PUBLISHERS46 Trần Hưng Đạo Str., Hoàn Kiếm Dist., Hà NộiTel: 04.3825.3841 – Fax: 04.3826.9578Email: thegioi@thegioipublishers.vn

Responsible for publication Dr. Trần Đoàn LâmEditingPhạm Trần Long

In cooperation with My Destination Vietnam Co., Ltd.Print-run: 10000 copiesSize: 11 x 16 cmPrinted at Sun South Advertising Service Trading Production Co., LtdAd: 25/20 Nơ Trang Long Str., Ward 13, Bình Thạnh Dist., Hồ Chí Minh CityPublication registration No: 1791-2016/CXBIPH/06-95/ThGPublication permit No: 441/QĐ-ThG issued on 10th June 2016.Deposited in 2016.ISBN: 978-604-77-2538-0

COMPANY INFORMATION & LICENSEMy Destination Vietnam is a member of the global online travel network MyDestination.com - an authoritative global travel brand offering local expert advice from every major continent and travel hotspots around the world. My Destination is a global travel resource powered by a diverse community of local experts, providing unrivaled knowledge and unique local deals. We make travel experiences more enriched, more enjoyable and quite simply, better.

MY DESTINATION VIETNAMRoom 402, 29-31 Dinh Bo Linh Street, Binh Thanh District, HCMC(+84 8) 3898 1858vietnam@mydestination.comwww.mydestinationvietnam.com

DIRECTOR Dinh Cong TuanPROJECT MANAGERVu Hoang Thuy LinhEDITOR-IN-CHIEF & WRITER Daniel RobbinsWRITERS & EDITORSMark RatcliffLe Bui Ngoc ChauDoro TranTran Bao HieuDESIGNER TEAM LEADDuong Anh TuanADVERTISING MANAGERZam George Kappadakkunnel

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVEJames LamNguyen Thi Kim HongHoang Thi VinhNguyen Thi HauNguyen Hong NhiADMIN SUPPORTHo Thi Thuy TranPHOTOGRAPHYAlan DoyleRobert MitreskiDavid Ruiz LunaPham Minh KhanhDao Duc QuyDinh Van Huong

08

Vietnam has been growing into a major tourist destination since the 1990’s. Now reaching its full potential, the country is ripe with world-class accommodation, remarkable restaurants, activities, tours and, of course, natural beauty. With so many different destinations (small and large) to explore, experiences in each region are boundless.

We want you to enjoy your visit to the fullest, and hope that our Regional Information helps guide you in mapping out your special journey through Vietnam.

Vietnam can be sectioned into three parts: Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam.

Welcome to Vietnam

09

Northern VietnamNorthern Vietnam consists primarily of highlands and the Red River Delta. Nestled within the natural sites is Vietnam’s capital and second largest city: Hanoi. The highest point of the mountainous North is Mount Phan Xi Pang, (pronounced Fansipan when Anglicized), standing 3,143 m (10,312 ft.) above sea level. Its surrounding town of Sapa is home to different ethnic tribes, many who are willing to share their traditional way of life with visitors. The world renown Halong Bay, possibly Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonder, is located in the waters just east of the Red River Delta. On the way south to Central Vietnam, you will find what’s often described as “Halong Bay on land,” the lesser-known Ninh Binh city & province.

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From the former imperial capital of Hue to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hoi An and My Son, Central Vietnam holds some of the country’s most historically significant lands. Visitors to this region will also be dazzled by the stunning natural coastline and its idyllic beaches- some of the best in Vietnam! The beaches of Nha Trang attract tourists all year long, while Mui Ne (often mistaken as part of southern Vietnam) is well known for its wind surfing and beautiful waters. Another must-see is the central highlands of Dalat: often coined as the “French Alps of Asia.”

Saving the best for last… The recently declared UNESCO World Heritage site (2003) Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is unlike anywhere else in the country. One of the most revered natural destinations in Southeast Asia, this park is home to Son Doong, the largest cave in the world. In addition to Son Doong, the park also houses a complex network of underground caves and rivers (400 million years old) stunning karst formations and fascinating tropical jungles.

Central Vietnam

11

Southern Vietnam is divided into coastal lowlands, the extensive tropical forests of Cat Tien National Park and a delta basin known as the Mekong. Of all the south’s destinations, perhaps the most famous is Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, it is Vietnam’s most modern metropolis and the business/economic engine of the country. Despite HCMC’s prominence in the south, nature still abounds throughout the region. The island of Phu Quoc, located in the gulf of Thailand, is a gem of pristine natural beauty and seclusion, while the islands of Con Dao are incredibly exclusive, naturally stunning and soaked in as much history as sun rays. For short trips from Saigon, Vung Tau and Ho Tram are a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the coast.

Southern Vietnam

12

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost country on Southeast Asia’s Indochina Peninsula. The name “Vietnam” translates to “Southern Viet,” synonymous with the much older term Nam Viet. It was first officially adopted in 1802 by Emperor Gia Long, and was adopted again in 1945 with the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh.

The country itself stretches 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) north to south, but is only about 40 kilometers (25 miles) wide at its narrowest point (near the country’s center.) The Red River Delta lowlands of the north are separated from the expansive Mekong Delta in the south by long, narrow coastal plains backed by the forested Annam highlands. Hanoi, the country’s capital, is the main city on the Red River and Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is the main city on the Mekong.

02

(as of 2015)

Population of 91.7 million inhabitants

The 8thmost-populousAsian country.

The world’s

14th-most-populouscountry.

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03

AGRICULTURE

Paddy Rice

National Geographic Atlas of the World, 8th Edition and Wikipedia

ECONOMY

Corn Potato

Rubber

Poultry

Fishing

INDUSTRY

Food processing Garments Shoes Machine

building

National Geographic Atlas of the World, 8th Edition and Wikipedia

ECONOMY

14

03

RubberCrude Oil

Marine products

Rice

National Geographic Atlas of the World, 8th Edition and Wikipedia

Coffee

ECONOMY

EXPORTS

Land Boundaries: 4,639km

FAST FACTOfficial name: Socialist Republic of VietnamPopulation: 91,700,000 ( estimated 2015 )Capital: Hanoi 3,977,000Area: 332,698 square kilometers (128,565 square miles) of which 6,4% is water.Language: Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, Khmer, local languagesReligion: Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian, indigenous beliefs, MuslimCurrency: Dong (VND)Major Cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Hue, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Quy NhonBodies of water: Gulf of Thailand, the Gulf of Tonkin and the Eastern SeaWTO member: 11 January 2007Import: 134.06 billionExport: 136.94 billionLife Expectancy: 72GDP per Capita: U.S $2.300Literacy Percent: 94Time Zone: UTC+07

2,130km

1,228km

3,444km

(excluding islands)

1,281km

CHINA

LAOS

CAMBODIACOASTLINES

Extreme Points: High: Phan Xi Pang

3,143m (10,312ft)

Low: The Eastern Sea 0.0m

15

CULTURE AND CUSTOMS

DRESS CODE

Clothing in Vietnam is simple and conservative. Although much of this stems from religious backgrounds, modern beauty trends also play a considerable role. For example, more revealing clothing (i.e. shorts and short skirts) are both acceptable and fashionable in big cities such as HCMC. Vietnamese also prefer a fair skin complexion, so you will often see women wearing masks, gloves, and long skirts for total sun protection.

HANDS AND FEET

Pointing your finger is seen as offensive, so try to use yourwhole hand if you can. While lying down, make sure you don’tpoint your feet towards anyone or towards a family altar.Patting on the head: This gesture is improper and should beavoided.

NUDE SUNBATHING

This is considered completely inappropriate anywhere.

PDA

Personal digital assistant is not what we’re speaking of. It’s publicdisplays of affection – even though you may see the occasionalintimacy between lovers, it is generally considered impolite if ithappens too frequently.If you are invited to someone’s home:Remove your hat and sunglasses. If you see footwear at theentrance, take your shoes off. Show respect to the elderly byusing both your hands when giving or receiving something.

DONATIONS AND GIFT GIVING

As a visitor, you’re not obliged to give money or material thingsto people who are less fortunate. Sometimes a warm smile andgenuine friendliness are the best gifts you can give. If you seea child begging, please don’t give them money. Though thismay seem harsh, it only reinforces begging as a sustainablelivelihood.

16

CULTURE AND CUSTOMS

PHYSICAL CONTACT

The personal distance at which Vietnamese feel socially comfortableis much different than it is for other foreign countries. There is littlephysical contact between friends and acquaintances meeting eachother socially (i.e. Vietnamese do not hug and kiss when meetingfriends). In addition, they usually don’t appreciate physical contactbetween strangers.

EMOTIONAL APPROACH

If you find yourself in a potentially uncomfortable situation,don’t lose your temper and keep your composure. Consider thepossibility that you are perhaps experiencing cultural differences ormiscommunication.

BARGAINING

When purchasing food, you generally don’t bargain for a lowerprice. If you’re buying souvenirs and commodities, particularlyin the tourist areas, you may initially be charged a higher rate.Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price (starting at half price isa good basis) and be sure to stand firm.

TIPPING

This is not a part of Vietnamese lifestyle. However, with theadvent of Western culture, tipping is slowly becoming morecommon. If you are eating in a “Quán” or houses that openup onto the street, tipping is neither required nor expected. Ifyou’re dining in a fancier place however, tipping is hoped for.• Delivery guy - a small tip of around 10,000 - 15,000 VND.• Taxi driver - you can pay the round – up fare.• Bellboy or chambermaid – 20,000 VND per room.• Guide - this is an exception where tipping is expected. 100,000VND per group (depending on group size and satisfaction level).

CHOPSTICKS

Yes, try to use them – they are part of the in-depth experience!If you need to use a fork, just ask or motion to your waiter.Never stick your chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice as this isa gesture only for the dead.

17

Ensure you have a hotel business card and a local map when going out for your return to be much easier.Have some packs of tissues in your pack or purse. You’ll never know when you need it.Leave any excess cash, airline tickets, passports and valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box.Remember to drink plenty of water. After drinking tea, coffee, or alcohol, you should increase your water intake properly if you don’t want to get dehydrated.Check the rate carefully before exchanging any money and only withdraw money from recognized and safe places.Check the travel agency you are going to book a tour with before paying the deposit.Always keep your receipts when you do some shopping or park your bicycle/motorbike/car.Ask for the price first before getting in a car/taxi/bus/boat.Keep some small notes in your pocket, just in case.Go shopping in the supermarket if there is any around you.Use both hands to pass things to older people, which is an act of respect to their age and religious beliefs.

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DO'S

DON'TSDon’t drink tap water unless it’s boiled. Drink bottled (water) instead.Don’t sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar in someone’s house.Don’t take a photograph of someone without asking for permission first. If they indicate that they do not want you to, then abide by their wishes. Please don’t push the issue or offer money. Furthermore, there are some times when you shouldn’t even ask.Don’t try to take photographs of military or government installations. This can be seen as a breach of national security.Don’t go out alone too late at night, particularly to isolated places.

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IMPORTANT NUMBERSPolice 113 Fire Brigade 114City Ambulance 115 Telephone Directory 1080

BASIC VIETNAMESEHello ! Xin chào ! - Sin chow !

How are you ? Khoẻ không ? - Kway come ?

I’m good Khoẻ - Kway

Thank you ! Cảm ơn ! - Come urn !

You're welcome Không có gì - Come caw zee

Sorry ! Xin lỗi ! - Sin loy !

Goodbye ! Tạm biệt ! - Tahm bee-ut !

What is this ? Cái gì đây ? - Kai yee die ?

I don’t understand Tôi không hiểu - Toy come he-yoo

Iced tea Trà đá - Cha dah

Delicious food Ngon - Ng-on.

Spicy / Not spicy Cay / Không cay - Kay / Come kay

Can I have the bill ? Tính tiền - Tin tee-un

How much ? Bao nhiêu ? - B-ow nee-you ?

Where ? Ở Ở đâu ? - Err dow ?

Toilet / Restroom Toilet - Toy let

Help ! Cứu ! – Koo !

Police Công an - Kong ang

Emergency ! Cấp cứu ! - Cup koo !

19

WEATHER

The Mountainous North (Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha)

Oct - late MarDry season

Wet season

Utterly cold

Dec - Jan

Apr - Sep

Northern Vietnam(Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh)

Coldest

Summer

Heavy rainfall

Jul - SepCentral Vietnam(Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang)

Mid Jan - Aug

Hue & Hoi AnHot & Dry

30 C

Summer

Jan - Sep

Nha Trang

30 C

Rainy season

Oct - Early Dec

Jun - Oct

Wet season

Nov - MayDry and cold

Southern Vietnam

Nov - Early MayDry season

Wet season

May- Nov

Feb - May

25-35°C

25-35°C

Hot

Wet winter

Hot Season

Central Highlands(Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot & Kontum)

20

Nov - Apr

Jan - Mar

May - Oct

(Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc)

MONEY MATTERSCURRENCY

National currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND).No foreign currencies are accepted outside hotels or travel agencies in tourist areas, even though prices may be quoted in USD. Also, try to keep separate the VND 500,000 and 20,000, as they are extremely similar in color. Always have a choice of smaller denominations with you.

DEBIT AND CREDIT CARDS

MasterCard, American Express, JCB and Visa are widely accepted in midrange and high-end restaurants, hotels and shops. However, be aware that most of the time, a 3%-5% charge will be added to the bill when you use your card. In most daily shopping and transactions, cards are rarely accepted.

ATMs

They are easy to use as English instructions are provided. Most ATMs have a maximum withdrawal amount of VND 5,000,000 (~225 USD) and please be mindful of withdrawal fees that can differ from bank to bank.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

At official currency exchange offices and banks, exchange rates seldom fluctuate. The VND/USD rate can slightly differ, but generally remains steady around 21,000-24,000/US$1. To get the best exchange, please check the rates offered by gold shops, which display their rates on the walls. Do not change currency with people on the street as they will most likely give you fake bills or the wrong amount.

TRAVELLERS CHEQUES

You can convert traveler’s cheques at exchange desks in major hotels and at foreign exchange banks in main cities, but they may be more difficult to exchange in smaller destinations. Commission rates are slightly lower if traveler’s cheques are changed into dong rather than dollars.

21

GENERAL COST INDEX

ITEM USD VIETNAM DONG

Bottle of water $.50 VND 10,000

Soft drinks $.50 VND 10,000

Saigon Beer $.50 VND 10,000

Fruit Juice or Smoothie, fresh

$1.50+ VND 25,000+

Spirit and Mixer drink at a bar

$4+ VND 80,000+

Shorts/ T-shirts $4+ VND 80,000+

DVD’s $1 VND 20,000

Sim Card $3 VND 60,000

Cheap old basic phone $12 VND 250,000

Street food $1 VND 20,000

Cigarettes $1 VND 20,000

Banh mi $.50+ VND 10,000

Noodle soup $1.50 VND 30,000

Black filtered coffee $0.75+ VND 15,000+

Laundry (per kilo) $.50 VND 10,000

Bicycle rental (24 hours)

$4 VND 80,000

Motorbike (per day) $5-7 VND 100-140,000

These charts are only shown to help you get a rough idea of what to expect. Please do not be surprised if the estimations/averages aren’t exactly what you find. For a general pricing reference on every day items, please refer to the list below.

22

TRANSPORTATION

AIR

Vietnam Airlines offers the country’s most extensive network with regular flights but slightly more expensive prices. Budget carriers (Jetstar and Vietjet Air) offer very affordable prices (check any extra costs), though punctuality comes second. The price of a one-way ticket can range anywhere between US$25-100 depending on availability, travel times, chosen airline and destination. Tickets can either be booked online or at one of the many travel agents found in city centers.

TRAIN

The train is a very comfortable way to explore the breathtaking scenery of Vietnam. In regards to comfort level and seating, there are several different options to choose from; prices for tickets vary accordingly. You can either go directly to the train station to book tickets yourself (do not expect a lot of English) or for a couple of extra VND, you can let a travel agent arrange it for you.You can find extensive information and timetables here: www.dsvn.vn.

TOURING CAR/BUS

The most popular destinations (south to north) are conveniently located just off the HCMC/Hanoi Highway, but there are also many options inland towards the Central Highlands. Tourist buses are cheap and night buses can be a very convenient way to travel.Pricing depends on the distance of the route and type of chosen seats. You can use services from popular companies such as Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Hoa Mai, Hai Van… or “open tour” agencies such as The Sinh Tourist, Hanh Cafe, etc.

23

TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC BUSES

Buses are the cheapest and most convenient means oftransportation for tourists and locals alike. You can travel to alllocal districts as well as some tourist destinations for between6,000 and 10,000 VND (for a short trip.)Bus routes are indicated at bus stops and maps are also providedat the main bus stations. Tickets are purchased on board, usuallyfrom the conductor.Hanoi:#86: Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi Old Quarter – Hanoi Train Station ($2/ticket)*There’s also an airport minibus that takes you to the city center.Ho Chi Minh City:#109 (recommended): Tan Son Nhat Airport – City center. #152 and #147 have the same routes.The bus routes that take you to Dam Sen Park, Suoi Tien Park, and Cu Chi Tunnels are #11, #19, #13, respectively.

XE ÔM (MOTORBIKE TAXI)

Literally translating to “hug vehicle,” “xe ôm” gets its name from the passenger sitting on the back of a motorbike; hugging the driver (usually an older Vietnamese male) is optional. This mode of transportation may seem a little foreign at first, but it actually is one of the most efficient ways to travel within the city. Most of the riders are very friendly and willing to take you anywhere in the city. Find them on any given corner in the city… you’ll hear them call out as you walk by! A short ride with a “xe ôm” costs around 20,000-30,000VND and should be around 50,000-60,000VND for a cross-city journey. Agree on a price before hopping on the bike!

24

TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

The easiest way to get where you want to go is by taxi. You can get almost anywhere inside the city for between $5-10 (100.000-200.000 VND); it’s best to write down the street where you wish to go instead of speaking its name.

THE MOST RELIABLE COMPANIES ARE:Mai Linh Hanoi 04 3861 6161Hanoi Group Taxi 04 3853 5353 Mai Linh HCMC 08 3838 3838Vinasun Taxi HCMC 08 3827 2727

Try to use the list above if possible as others might have dodgy meters or be unlicensed. Also be aware of similar looking companies that use the same colors and names minus a letter. Moreover, you can use mobile apps such as Uber and Grab to book a ride and pay by credit card or cash (choose the payment method on the appropriate smartphone app.)

CYCLO

This is a three-wheel bicycle taxi with a front seat to sit on, usually being peddled by an old Vietnamese man. You’ll see hundreds of them around big cities and popular destinations such as Hanoi, Hue, Nha Trang, HCMC and so on. The prices vary between 20,000 to 100,000VND per journey. Be prepared for a much higher asked price which can be bartered down to something more realistic.

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TRANSPORTATION

BOAT

There is a long running hydrofoil service to Vung Tau that leaves from the Saigon Port (5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4.) You can also take a short boat trip to the Cu Chi Tunnel area or just around Saigon.

Other memorable boat trips are around the UNESCO World Heritage Halong Bay region (thousands of limestone islets sitting in turquoise waters), through the Mekong Delta (learn how the locals have made a living on the water throughout history), or through Vietnam into Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It’s easiest to book these boat trips through local travel agencies.

MOTORBIKE RENTAL

Tourists can rent motorbikes in specialized shops found in popular tourist districts (the Old Quarter in Hanoi, District 1 and Pham Ngu Lao area in Ho Chi Minh City, Hung Vuong Boulevard in Hue, etc.)It should cost around $12/day for an automatic motorbike. Parking may cost anywhere around 5,000-10,000VND, depending on time and location. Most of the time, shops and restaurants will have security looking after your bike, free of charge.When renting a bike you’ll need to submit a copy of your passport and one type of formal identification (i.e. a driving license.) Some shop owners also require clients to deposit an amount of money, equivalent to 50-70% of the bike’s value.

27

INTERNET & PHONE

INTERNET

In Vietnam’s larger cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang andHo Chi Minh City, excellent high-speed Wi-Fi is readily available.Local Tip: You are allowed to use wifi services offered by almostevery hotel, restaurant, café, etc. Just ask for the password!

MOBILE PHONES

It is advised to bring a phone from home. Local SIM cards can be used on any “unlocked” or “GSM” phone. Oncein Vietnam, simply purchase a SIM in small shops selling snacksand drinks or look for a sign saying “SIM, Mobifone, Viettel orVinaPhone”. If you don’t have a phone, you can purchase a cheapone at one of many electronics shops near the backpacker areas or use public phones in hotels and hostels. Depending on your usage, 100,000 VND for calling and texting should be enough for an entire month; remember to check your individual carrier’s 3G rates since they can be as little as 40,000VND for one month.

POST OFFICES

Interested in sending a souvenir to a friend/family member backhome? Perhaps you’d like to practice the bygone arts of callingsomeone on a landline or sending a postcard by mail? Scatteredthroughout the country are post offices, which offer all theseservices, but seldom speak English. Some larger post offices offer money exchange services.

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

In Vietnamese households and hotels you will primarily find 220 volt, 50 hertz outlets, though you may occasionally find 110 volt, 50 hertz outlets. The typical socket accepts two round pins (Type A), but you may also findType B, C and D in more modern hotels. Newer laptops andcell phones can usually handle a range of voltage, but be sureto check each of your devices before leaving to see what theyrequire!

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HEALTH & SAFETYTRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

Travel health insurance is always a good idea to have. Accidentsdo happen, so it’s better to be safe than sorry! Also, over-the-counter medicines and small-level treatments are widelyavailable at pharmacies in Vietnam, which tend to be sold atmuch lower costs than in more developed countries.

VACCINATIONSThe yellow fever vaccination is the only one required by international regulations. Proof of vaccination is only required if you have visited a country within the yellow fever zone within 6 days of coming to Vietnam.

TAP WATERTap water is not safe to drink. However, almost all cafés or hotels will offer you free iced tea, which has either beenboiled or made from clean water. Just ask for a “Trà Ðá” (Cha-Da).

VIOLENT CRIMEVietnam’s cities have very little violent crime, but don’t get tooinebriated at night or go wandering down dark alleys in theearly hours. Steer clear of places where you feel uncomfortable,especially when you’re alone, and be aware of your belongings(particularly in HCMC), as snatchings are quite common.

INFECTIOUS DISEASESAny edible product is subject to certain contaminants that can cause travelers’ diarrhea. If you get sick, ion replenishment drinks and vitamins should get you back on track and keep you hydrated.

CROSSING THE STREETIt does look dangerous, but it’s also a memorable experience. Don’t panic! All you have to do is to keep yourself focused on the oncoming vehicles, look for spaces in the traffic and move through them slowly but steadily. Once you get onto the road, don’t stop suddenly. You must keep moving as the drivers expect you to and they’ll guide themselves accordingly.

ACCIDENTSCrossing the road might be interesting but also very dangerous. Whether you’re walking or riding, keep well aware of what’s going on around you. Pay extra attention to avoid walking near trucks or buses; because of drivers’ obstructed vision, that’s when most people get hit.

29

VISA INFORMATION

The government has issued a decision extending unilateral visa exemptions for tourists from Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia for another five years starting January 1. We’ll assume that if you’re now holding the My Destination Vietnam travel guide, you’ve already obtained your visa and entered the country safe and sound. If so, welcome! Vietnam’s current guidelines for obtaining a visa are actually the trickiest in the region, but foreseeable changes are planned to come into effect over the next few years. Vietnam is working with other ASEAN nations to create a more flexible and streamlined visa process, which tourists can hopefully look forward to in the near future. Exemptions:Citizens from the following countries are exempt from entry visas for Vietnam – though the number of days varies. Note: Some nationalities may also require proof of onward travel, so please check your relevant agencies before traveling.

30 days – Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia.21 days – Philippines.15 days – Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Italy, Spain, UK, France and Germany.14 days – Brunei and Myanmar.ư

Exceptions: Traveling to Phu Quoc islands does not requirea Vietnam visa and tourists can stay up to 30 days.

30

VISA INFORMATION

Visa Extensions: When in Vietnam, regardless of what you might have been told, it is possible to extend your visa without leaving the country. Most tourist agencies in any major city can help you to perform a fairly straightforward renewal, though fees can slightly differ… so shop around for the best price! You can extend your visa up to 9 months, three times at most, before having to leave the country and re-enter again.

Note: Internally extending a stay on a passport (which is exempt from visa) can be quite expensive. At the time of printing, there actually is pressure from Vietnamese Tourism to get the 15 days exemption limit increased. Visa types for all other nationalities:

-1 or 3 months (business or tourist). -Single entry: Once you leave Vietnamese borders, you must apply for a new visa before you return. -Multiple entry: You may leave and re-enter Vietnam as many times as you want during the stated time period. This may be a good option for those who also wish to visit Laos and Cambodia. Overstaying visa: If you overstay your visa for only a day or two, don’t fret. Keep in mind that every additional day you stay will cost you US$10 when exiting Vietnam. You’ll be charged US$30 (or equivalent) for overstaying for 3 days. Though you can pay for the charges, it’s still not recommend to overstay your visa.

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EMBASSIES (HANOI)

SOUTH KOREA 360 Kim Ma Tel: (+84 4) 3831 5110 SPAIN 4 Le Hong Phong Tel: (+84 4) 3771 5207 SRI LANKA 55B Tran Phu Tel: (+84 4) 3734 1897 SWEDEN 2 Nui Truc Tel: (+84 4) 3726 0400 SWITZERLAND 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Tel: (+84 4) 3934 6589 THAILAND 63-65 Hoang Dieu Tel: (+84 4) 3823 5092 TURKEY 4 Da TuongTel: (+84 4) 3822 2460 UKAINE6 Le Hong PhongTel: (+84 4) 3734 4492 UNITED KINGDOM 31 Hai Ba TrungTel: (+84 4) 3936 0500 UNITED STATES 7 Lang Ha Tel: (+84 4) 3850 5000

MYANMAR 298A Kim Ma Tel: (+84 4) 3845 3369 NETHERLANDS 360 Kim Ma Tel: (+84 4) 3831 5650 NEW ZEALAND Level 5, 63 Ly Thai To Tel: (+84 4) 3824 1481 NORWAY Hanoi Tower, 8th Floor, 49 Hai Ba Trung Tel: (+84 4) 3974 8900 PHILIPINES 27B Tran Hung Dao Tel: (+84 4) 3943 7873 POLAND 3 Chua Mot Cot Tel: (+84 4) 3845 2027 QATAR 43 Tran Hung DaoTel: (+84 4) 3943 0222 RUSSIA 191 La Thanh Tel: (+84 4) 3833 6991 SINGAPORE 41-43 Tran Phu Tel: (+84 4) 3848 9168 SOUTH AFRICA 31 Hai Ba Trung Tel: (+84 4) 3936 2000

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1133

EMBASSIES (HANOI)

ARGENTINA 41A Ly Thai To Tel: (+84 4) 3831 5262 AUSTRALIA 8 Dao Tan Tel: (+84 4) 3774 0100 AUSTRIA 53 Quang Trung Tel: (+84 4) 3943 3050 BANGLADESH 675 Lac Long Quan Tel: (+84 4) 3771 6625 BELGIUM 49 Hai Ba Trung Tel: (+84 4) 3934 6179 BRAZIL D6/7, 14 Thuy Khue Tel: (+84 4) 3843 2544 BULGARIA 5 Nui Truc Tel: (+84 4) 3845 2908 CAMBODIA 71 Tran Hung Dao Tel: (+84 4) 3942 4788 CANADA 31 Hung Vuong Tel: (+84 4) 3734 5000 CHILE 14 Thuy Khue Tel: (+84 4) 3935 1147 CHINA 46 Hoang Dieu Tel: (+84 4) 3845 3736 CUBA 65A Ly Thuong Kiet Tel: (+84 4) 3942 4775 CZECH REPUBLIC 13 Chu Van An Tel: (+84 4) 3845 4131 DENMARK 194 Tran Quang Khai Tel: (+84 4) 3823 1888

FINLAND 54 Lieu Giai Tel: (+84 4) 3826 6788 FRANCE 57 Tran Hung Dao Tel: (+84 4) 3944 5700 GERMANY 29 Tran Phu Tel: (+84 4) 3843 0245 GREECE 27 Au Co Tel: (+84 4) 3715 2254 HUNGARY 360 Kim Ma Tel: (+84 4) 3771 5714 INDIA 58-60 Tran Hung Dao Tel: (+84 4) 3824 4989 INDONESIA 50 Ngo Quyen Tel: (+84 4) 3825 3353 IRELAND 41A Ly Thai To Tel: (+84 4) 3974 3291 ISRAEL 68 Nguyen Thai Hoc Tel: (+84 4) 3843 3140 ITALY 9 Le Phung Hieu Tel: (+84 4) 3825 6246 JAPAN 27 Lieu Giai Tel: (+84 4) 3846 3000 LAOS 22 Tran Binh Trong Tel: (+84 4) 3942 4576 MALAYSIA 43-45 Dien Bien Phu Tel: (+84 4) 3734 3836 MEXICO 11th Floor, 14 Thuy Khue Tel: (+84 4) 3847 0948

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CONSULATES(HO CHI MINH CITY)AUSTRALIA 20th Floor, Vincom Center, 47 Ly Tu Trong, District 1 Tel.: (+84 8) 3521 8100 | Fax: (+84 8) 3521 8101 www.hcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au BELGIUM 105 Duong Van An, District 2 Tel: (+84 8) 6281 8001 | Fax: (+84 8) 6281 8010 www.diplomatie.belgium.be/vietnam CHILE 79/1/1 Phan Ke Binh, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 9102 108 | Fax: (+84 8) 9102 903 chileconsul@hcmc.netnam.vn CUBA 5B, 45 Phung Khac Khoan, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 3829 7350 | Fax: (+84 8) 3829 5293 cubacons@hcmc.netnam.vn CAMBODIA 41 Phung Khac Khoan, District 1 Tel.: (+84 8) 3829 2751 | Fax: (+84 8) 3822 2773

CANADA 10th Floor, The Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi, District 1 Tel.: (+84 8) 3827 9899 | Fax: (+84 8) 3827 9935 www.canadainternational.gc.ca/vietnam CZECH REPUBLIC 18bis/28 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 3829 0585 | Fax: (+84 8) 3822 6043 consulate_hanoi@mzv.cz CHINA 175 Hai Ba Trung, District 3 Tel: (+84 8) 3829 2459 | Fax: (+84 8) 3822 4686 vn.china-embassy.org/vn DENMARK Suite 505, Centec, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3 Tel: (+84 8) 3821 9373 | Fax: (+84 8) 3821 9371 www.vietnam.um.dk FRANCE 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1 Tel.: (+84 8) 3520 6800 | Fax: (+84 8) 3520 6819 www.consulfrance-hcm.orgFINLAND Suite 501, Sailing Tower, 111A Pasteur, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 3827 2029 | Fax: (+84 8) 3823 4436 www.finland.org.vn

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CONSULATES(HO CHI MINH CITY)

GERMANY 126 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3

Tel: (+84 8) 3829 2455 | Fax: (+84 8) 3823 1919 www.ho-chi-minh-stadt.diplo.de

INDIA 55 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3

Tel: (+84 8) 3823 7050 | Fax: (+84 8) 3823 7047 www.india-consulate.org.vn

INDONESIA 18 Phung Khac Khoan, District 1

Tel: (+84 8) 3825 1888 | Fax: (+84 8) 3829 9493 www.indonesianconsulategeneral.vn

ICELAND 80 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District3

Tel: (+84 8) 3827 4462| Fax: (+84 8) 3827 4461 JAPAN

261 Dien Bien Phu, District 3 Tel: (+84 8) 3933 3510 | Fax: (+84 8) 3933 3520

www.hcmcgj.vn.emb-japan.go.jp LAOS

93 Pasteur, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 3829 7667 | Fax: (+84 8) 3829 9272

MALAYSIA 2 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1

Tel: (+84 8) 3829 9023 | Fax: (+84 8) 3829 3132 www.kln.gov.my/web/vnm_ho-chi-minh-city/home

NETHERLANDS Saigon Tower, Suite 901, 29 Le Duan, District 1

Tel: (+84 8) 3823 5932 | Fax: (+84 8) 3823 5934 www.hollandinvietnam.org

NEW ZEALAND Suite 909, 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1

Tel: (+84 8) 3822 6907 | Fax: (+84 8) 3822 6905 www.nzembassy.com/viet-nam

NORWAY Somerset Chancellor Court, 5th Fl, 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Dist1

Tel: (+84 8) 3822 1696 | Fax: (+84 8) 3827 2696 www.norway.org.vn/Embassy/Consulate-HCMC

POLAND 3 Chua Mot Cot, Hanoi

Tel: (+84 8) 3845 2027 | Fax: (+84 8) 3823 6914 www.hanoi.msz.gov.pl/vi

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CONSULATES(HO CHI MINH CITY)

PHILIPPINES 40-5 Pham Viet Chanh, Binh Thanh District Tel: (+84 8) 3518 0045 | Fax: (+84 8) 3518 0047 philippineconsulate-hcm@fmc.com.vn SWEDEN 186 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2 Tel: (+84 8) 3519 2334 | Fax: (+84 8) 3519 2337 generalconsulatesweden@gmail.com RUSSIA 40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 3930 3936 | Fax: (+84 8) 3930 3937 vietnam.mid.ru/english SINGAPORE Saigon Centre, Level 8, 65 Le Loi, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 3822 5174 | Fax: (+84 8) 3914 2938 www.mfa.gov.sg/hochiminhcity SOUTH KOREA 107 Nguyen Du, District 1 Tel.: (+84 8) 3822 5757 | Fax: (+84 8) 3822 5750 www.vnm-hochiminh.mofat.go.kr TAIWAN 336 Nguyen Tri Phuong, District 10 Tel: (+84 8) 3834 9160 | Fax: (+84 8) 3834 9166 www.taiwanembassy.org THAILAND 77 Tran Quoc Thao, District 3 Tel: (+84 8) 3932 7637 | Fax: (+84 8) 3932 6002 www.thaiembassy.org/hochiminh UNITED KINGDOM 25 Le Duan, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 3825 1380 | Fax: (+84 8) 3822 1971 www.vfsglobal.co.uk/vietnam UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 4 Le Duan, District 1 Tel: (+ 84 8) 3520 4200 | Fax: (+84 8) 3520 4244 www.hochiminh.usconsulate.gov UKRAINE Nguyen Van Thu, District 1 22-24 Tel: (+84 8) 3910 4054 | Fax: (+84 8) 3910 4053

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NORTHERN VIETNAM

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NORTHERN VIETNAM Top Destinations

Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi is one of the most romantic and po-etic cities in the country. Rich in over 1,000 years of history, Ha-noi has a vast number of insightful & fascinating destinations to explore. From the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, National Museum of Vietnamese History and Museum of Vietnamese Revolution to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, visitors will be captivated and enthralled. Culturally, the mix between colonial and pre-colonial architec-ture has greatly contributed to the unique look and feel of the capital. The Temple of Literature, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Fine Art Museum and temples such as Bach Ma and Ngoc Son are a few extant examples. Last but not least, Hoan Kiem Lake always makes the list of “must-sees.” It makes for a fresh, relaxing rest stop during your city tour and has its own interesting historical and cultural fea-tures.

HA NOI

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NORTHERN VIETNAMTop Destinations

Ha Long Bay - Halong offers visitors a veritable feast of natural beauty. Its lush, limestone karsts and emerald green water make for unforgettable boat tours, kayaking, spelunking, rock climbing experiences and more! Always a favorite destination!

Ninh Binh - Vietnam’s “Ha Long Bay on land.” Trang An Grottoes and Van Phong Nature Reserve both charm with their serene, natural beauty, while Hoa Lu, the 10th/11th century capital of Vietnam, fascinates with its inner and outer citadels.

NINH BINH

HA LONG

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NORTHERN VIETNAM Top Destinations

SAPA

BA BE LAKE

Sapa - One of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. A former French hill station, this charming town is often packed with for-eign & local tourists. Trek through Sapa’s mountain terrain with a H’mong tour guide for a truly unforgettable and revitalizing experience.

Ba Be Lake - Vietnam’s largest natural lake & the heart of Ba Be National Park. A breathtaking destination surrounded by forests, valleys and caves, perfect for boating, kayaking and trekking. Ex-cellent alternative outdoor visit in Vietnam.

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For those who love to discover new places, Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces must be on the map. Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) and Ho-ang Su Phi (Ha Giang) are among the country’s most marvelous destinations with their stunning rice terrace fields and expansive mountain ranges. Moc Chau, another must-visit, is a large pla-teau in Son La province, famous for its poetic nature, giant grass steppes and agreeable climate.

HA GIANG & YEN BAI

MOC CHAU

NORTHERN VIETNAMTop Destinations

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Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located and minutes’ walking dis-tance from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Stroll along the lake, enjoy the tranquil views, chat with locals or join them in their early morning lakeside exercise routines. Such a peaceful experience!

The Huc Bridge - a splendid example of Buddhist architecture and famous destination in Hanoi, this iconic Hoan Kiem bridge was constructed by fine timbers and painted in a vibrant, red color to inspire elegance and beauty.

Ngoc Son Temple is one of Hanoi’s most visited cultural attrac-tions. The temple itself is filled with fascinating symbolism and boasts an intriguing history. Understanding its background will make for an enhanced visiting experience.

NORTHERN VIETNAMGo

HOAN KIEM LAKE

THE HUC BRIDGE

NGOC SON TEMPLE

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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a grand complex commemorating President Ho Chi Minh. No short skirts/tank tops; taking photos, talking or finger pointing are strictly prohibited inside the mau-soleum.Entrance: Free; open 9AM to 12PM, except Monday & Friday.

One Pillar Pagoda: one of Vietnam’s most iconic structures. Built of wood on a single stone pillar (1.25 m in diameter), it’s designed to resemble a blossoming lotus, a Buddhist symbol of purity.Entrance: Free. Opening Hours: 9AM to 4PM.

Ba Dinh Square is where President Ho Chi Minh read the Viet-namese Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945. It is in the center of Ba Dinh District, surrounded by several histori-cally significant buildings.

NORTHERN VIETNAM Go

HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM

ONE PILLAR PAGODA

BA DINHSQUARE

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Hanoi Opera House is one of Hanoi’s main cultural centers. Housing a range of art shows, concerts and other national/in-ternational performances, this French/European designed icon opened in 1901. Located within the Hoan Kiem District.

Saint Joseph Cathedral is situated on the west side of Hoan Kiem Lake in a small square within the Old Quarter. A neo-gothic Ro-man Catholic church (Hanoi’s oldest) built over 120 years ago.Entrance: Free. Opening Hours: 8AM-5PM.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a village in Gia Lam district, famous for producing a unique style of ceramics called Bat Trang Por-celain. Tourists can create their own pots for a truly unique sou-venir. Entrance: Free. Opening Hours: 8AM-5PM.

NORTHERN VIETNAMGo

HANOI OPERA HOUSE

SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL

BAT TRANGCERAMIC VILLAGE

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Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a small peninsula on the east side of Hanoi’s West Lake. Over 1,500 years old, it is regarded as the oldest pagoda in Hanoi.

The National Museum of History offers exhibits focusing on Viet-nam’s ancient history with an extensive collection of over 7,000 artifacts. Entrance: 40,000VND. Opening Hours: 8:30AM to 5:30PM, closed on first Monday of every month.

The Ethnology Museum is located in Cau Giay District, dedicated to the 53 ethnic minority groups of Vietnam. It’s considered one of the most impressive museums in Hanoi.Entrance: 40,000VND. Opening Hours: 8:30AM to 5:30PM, ex-cept Monday.

NORTHERN VIETNAM Go

TRAN QUOC PAGODA

ETHNOLOGY MUSEUM

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY

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Van Phuc Village is situated on the banks of the Nhue River, 10 km southwest of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 1,200+ years old, this fa-mous silk village is renowned for its traditional weaving & premi-um quality silk products; the best in Vietnam!

Dong Xuan Market is located at the west end of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Surrounded by Dong Xuan, Hang Khoai and Cau Dong streets, its proximity to the river (easy transport & trade) made this location ideal for Old Hanoi residents.

Duong Lam Ancient Village is located in Son Tay Town, 40 km tothe west of Hanoi. A truly authentic destination in Vietnam withancient houses, a peaceful atmosphere and rice fields. The idealplace to explore unique architecture and traditional houses.

NORTHERN VIETNAMGo

VAN PHUC VILLAGE

DONG XUAN MARKET

DUONG LAM ANCIENT VILLAGE

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NORTHERN VIETNAM Stay

UPSCALE HOTELS

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake VillageAdd: 5 Tu Hoa, Tay Ho, HanoiTel : (+84 4) 6270 8888

Sofitel Legend Metropole HanoiAdd: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel : (+84 4) 3826 6919

Hanoi Daewoo HotelAdd: 360 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, HanoiTel : (+84 4) 3831 5000

Hilton Hanoi OperaAdd: 1 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3933 0500

Lotte Hotel HanoiAdd: 54 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3333 1000

Hanoi Melia HotelAdd: 44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3934 3343

Mövenpick Hotel HanoiAdd: 83 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3822 2800

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Victoria Sapa Resort & SpaAdd: Xuan Vien Street, Sapa District, Lao Cai ProvinceTel: (+84 20) 3871 522

Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh HotelAdd: Block 1, Area 2, Hoang Quoc Viet, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh ProvinceTel: (+84 33) 3646 618

Vinpearl Halong Bay ResortAdd: Dao Reu, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh ProvinceTel: (+84) 948 198 254

Aristo International HotelAdd: 28 Yet Kieu, Kim Tan, Lao Cai City, Lao Cai ProvinceTel: (+84 20) 3826 668

Sheraton Hanoi HotelAdd: 11 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3719 9000

Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh Add: Van Long Reserve, Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh BinhTel: (+84 30) 3658 333

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & ResortAdd: 9 Tam Coc, Ninh Thanh, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh ProvinceTel: (+84 4) 3942 2788

Tam Coc Garden ResortAdd: Hai Nham, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh ProvinceTel: (+84 30) 2492 118

NORTHERN VIETNAMStay

Apricot HotelAdd: 136 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3828 9595

Hotel de l’Opera HanoiAdd: 29 Trang Tien street, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 6282 5555

JW Marriott HanoiAdd: 8 Do Duc Duc, Nam, Me Tri, Tu Liem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3833 55881.

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MOC CHAU ARENA RESORT

It’s 5 km from Moc Chau Town, 180 km from Hanoi and situated on the hill where is surrounded by the fields of Tea and Plum, most of the rooms are container and this is unique in the North of Vietnam.

Leading organization for the tour with profession-al guides and many activities: Picking Tea leaves, Sightseeing with famous places, Tea-bath, Milk-bath, Thai – H'Mong music performance, Bamboo dancing... you will have unforgettable experiences.

A fascinating place which will bring to you a sense of extreme relaxation and with healthy climate, peaceful atmosphere, this is the best destination for your holiday.

Gray Line Halong Cruise

Add: Reception No.21, Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay, Quang Ninh provincePhone: +84-437173366 Website: http://www.graylinehalong.com/

Proud to be the first overnight cruise of Gray Line Worldwide, with 3 decks and 14 luxury cabins decorated in boutique style and convenient amenities, Gray Line Halong Cruise pleasantly provides guests a unique access to discover and enjoy spectacular scenery of Halong Bay. Joining our cruise, guests not only have a chance to enjoy the most luxurious and comfortable services by the friendly, skillful and caring staffs but also experience fun and exciting activities, which is the combination of beautiful nature and local special culture. Tantalize the taste buds by foods with authentic ingredients and Asian-inspired flavors, guests are promised to have an unforgettable trip to Halong Bay.

MOC CHAU ARENA RESORT

It’s 5 km from Moc Chau Town, 180 km from Hanoi and situated on the hill where is surrounded by the fields of Tea and Plum, most of the rooms are container and this is unique in the North of Vietnam.

Leading organization for the tour with profession-al guides and many activities: Picking Tea leaves, Sightseeing with famous places, Tea-bath, Milk-bath, Thai – H'Mong music performance, Bamboo dancing... you will have unforgettable experiences.

A fascinating place which will bring to you a sense of extreme relaxation and with healthy climate, peaceful atmosphere, this is the best destination for your holiday.

Gray Line Halong Cruise

Add: Reception No.21, Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay, Quang Ninh provincePhone: +84-437173366 Website: http://www.graylinehalong.com/

Proud to be the first overnight cruise of Gray Line Worldwide, with 3 decks and 14 luxury cabins decorated in boutique style and convenient amenities, Gray Line Halong Cruise pleasantly provides guests a unique access to discover and enjoy spectacular scenery of Halong Bay. Joining our cruise, guests not only have a chance to enjoy the most luxurious and comfortable services by the friendly, skillful and caring staffs but also experience fun and exciting activities, which is the combination of beautiful nature and local special culture. Tantalize the taste buds by foods with authentic ingredients and Asian-inspired flavors, guests are promised to have an unforgettable trip to Halong Bay.

Experiencing cultural activities is an ideal way to learn more about a new country, its unique lifestyles and cultural identity. Below are some featured cultural activities that you might enjoy while traveling Northern Vietnam:

Vietnamese Water Puppetry is a traditional form of folk art. Colorfully painted water pup-pets act out delightful myths and stories from ancient Vietnam; a uniquely Vietnamese expe-rience that you shouldn’t miss!

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Opening Hours: 2:00PM to 8:00PMLocation: 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem Dis-trict, HanoiThere is an additional fee if you wish to photo-graph or film the show

Ca Tru Singing is an ancient genre of chamber music featuring female vocalists, with origins in northern Vietnam.

Ancient HouseTime: 8:00PM to 9:00PM, every Tuesday, Thurs-day, and SaturdayLocation: 87 Ma May, Hoan Kiem District, HanoiCa Tru Thang Long Club – Vietnamese Cultur-al AssociationTime: 8:00PM to 9:00PM, every Tuesday, Thurs-day, and SaturdayLocation: 28 Hang Buom street, Hoan Kiem Dis-trict, Hanoi

Cheo is a form of popular theatre in the Red River delta that consists of folk songs with pantomime, instrumental music and dances. It combines instructive or interpretive sketches dealing with stories from legends, poetry, his-tory and daily life.

Hanoi Cheo TheatreLocation: 15 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

NORTHERN VIETNAMDo

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Having more than 10 years of experience in student programs including culture exchange and praticing outdoor skills, we help your kids practice what they've learned the most effectively. They can build a house for the poor, a bridge for the highland pupils, or make a sampan for the unlucky children in Mekong delta by them-selves while joining a relaxing tour. Even if you simply look for a package tour or a hotel to stay, please do not hesitate to contact us. You'll get what you pay for, you have our words.

www.muiviet.com info@muiviet.com

(+84) 43 87 40 114 hotline: (+84) 986 365 493

96A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien - Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Viet Nam

(84-62) 374 3456 sales@novelaresort.com

www.novelaresort.com

Having more than 10 years of experience in student programs including culture exchange and praticing outdoor skills, we help your kids practice what they've learned the most effectively. They can build a house for the poor, a bridge for the highland pupils, or make a sampan for the unlucky children in Mekong delta by them-selves while joining a relaxing tour. Even if you simply look for a package tour or a hotel to stay, please do not hesitate to contact us. You'll get what you pay for, you have our words.

www.muiviet.com info@muiviet.com

(+84) 43 87 40 114 hotline: (+84) 986 365 493

96A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien - Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Viet Nam

(84-62) 374 3456 sales@novelaresort.com

www.novelaresort.com

The North’s cuisine has a vast array of flavors and rustic elegance that will undoubtedly impress you. From street side dining to elegant restaurants and food stalls, don’t miss a beat when it comes to food in the north! Some highlighted tasty dishes:

Cha Ca - Not too bony, not too ‘fishy’- this care-fully prepared fish-based dish is seasoned with garlic, ginger, turmeric and dills, then stir-fried and served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, green onions and shrimp paste.

Bun Cha - A great combination of grilled pork patties, crab spring rolls, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs and a dollop of sweet sauce with pickled green papaya.

Banh Goi - Deep-fried pastries crammed with minced pork, salted egg yolks, wood ear mush-rooms and vermicelli noodles; you’ll want more than one!

Bun Thang - One of the most popular foods in the North. A delicious chicken broth served with sliced, fried eggs, rice noodles, shredded boiled chicken, onions and herbs. It’s not only a tasty dish, but also boasts a beautiful blend of colors.

Mien Xao Luon - Your stomach will be satisfied with this flavorful dish! Stir-fried rice noodles, crunchy fried eels, turmeric, bean sprouts, onions and fried shallots.

NORTHERN VIETNAMEat

Cha Ca

Bun Cha

Banh Goi

Bun Thang

Mien Xao Luon

MUST-EAT

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Nem Chua Ran: Don’t miss this delicious fried, fer-mented pork roll! Available at Tam Thuong lane… just follow the appetizing scents leading to delicious nem chua.

Banh Cuon: While walking around Hang Ga Street (Old Quarter), grab a savory Vietnamese steamed rice roll, filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and ground shrimp. A light dish & perfect snack.

Kem Trang Tien: Ice cream that’s well known for its special flavors. Sweet ice cream scoops in a crispy waffle cone- definitely worth the wait! Find it at Trang Tien in Hoan Kiem District.

Banh khoai, Banh chuoi: Try these popular foods on Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ton Duc Thang or Trieu Khuc Mar-ket. Nothing’s more satisfying than eating a crunchy, crispy-fried sweet potato cake or a fried banana cake while walking around the city!

Xoi Xeo: A special type of sticky rice found at Hang Bai Street (Old Quarter) made with glutinous rice, mung bean and fried shallots. A simple dish but very appetizing.

Bun Dau Mam Tom: A rustic dish comprised of vermi-celli, fried tofu and shrimp paste/shrimp sauce mixed with kumquat, chili and sugar; served with aromatic greens such as shiso, marjoram, basil and lettuce … try it on Hang Khay Street (Old Quarter)

Bun Oc: Satisfy your hunger with this snail noodle soup and fresh herbs, located around Dong Xuan Market, Bach Mai, Cau Go or Hang Chai (Old Quarter).

NORTHERN VIETNAM Eat

STREETFOOD

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La Verticale Hanoi - a perfect combination of tastes and tex-tures, East meets West fusionAdd: 15A Ngo Van So, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3944 0288

La Terrasse Du Metropole - a sliver of France in the heart of VietnamAdd: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3826 6919

Don’s - several distinctive dining areas, each with their own unique concept Add: 16 Quang An, Tay Ho, Hanoi Tel: (+84 4) 3719 2828

Khai’s Brothers - an exquisite garden with tasteful decoration Add: 26 Nguyen Thai Hoi, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: (+84 4) 3733 3866

Viet Deli - a delectable menu of traditional dishes Add: 58 Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84 4) 3928 6789

The Gourmet Corner - offering a beautiful panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake Add: Rooftop, 32 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84 4) 3935 1632

El Gaucho - a contemporary, specialized steakhouseAdd: 11 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3824 7280

BaoBQ - it serves one iconic, delicious dish: “Cha Ca La Vong” Add: 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3825 3929

IL Vino - the finest wine cellar in the town!Add: No 2, Alley 86 Duy Tan, Cau Giay, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 6261 8618

Red Bean - experience elegant dining in a relaxed atmosphereAdd: 94 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84) 902 022 444

NORTHERN VIETNAMEat

RESTAURANTS

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Café Dinh Add : 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3824 2960

Cong Caphe Add : 46 Trang Tien, HanoiTel : (+84) 911 811 136

The KafeAdd: 18 Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3747 6245

Café de ParisAdd : 12, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3926 1327

Cafe Pho CoAdd: 14, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3928 8153

The Seek Bakery & CafeAdd: 48 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3266 8323

Tang Tret CosmoAdd: 10 Khuc Hao, Ba Dinh, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 6686 0517

Lutulata Desserts & DrinksAdd: 39 Hang Cot, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 6259 7311

Xofa CafeAdd: 14 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3717 1555

City View CafeAdd: 1-3-5 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3934 7911

DRINK

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The Rooftop Bar & RestaurantAdd: 83B, Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84) 913 706 966Bar +84Add: 23 Ngo Van So, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84) 912 485 620The Sidewalk Beer & GrillAdd: 199D Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, HanoiTel: (+84) 975 039 434Binh Minh’s Jazz ClubAdd: 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3933 6555Hanoi Rock CityAdd: 27/52 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, HanoiTel: (+84) 163 316 6170

Tan My DesignAdd: 61 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3938 1154Kitonali Bespoke TailoringAdd: 22B Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84) 936 364 161Work Room FourAdd: 49, An Duong Vuong, Tay Ho, HanoiTel: (+84) 120 260 8562Tohe StyleAdd: 70 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3775 4230IndochinaSilkAdd: 4 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84) 904 139 250

NORTHERN VIETNAMNightlife / Shopping

NIGHTLIFE

SHOPPING

Between the streets dedicated to specific trades (the same for hundreds of years) and the city’s modern, air-conditioned shop-ping centers, you can find anything and everything in Hanoi’s West Lake and Old Quarter areas.

Whether shopping or just escaping the heat, below are some helpful recommendations:

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Hidden Hanoi - learn to cook Vietnam’s most iconic dishes.Add: 147 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, HanoiTel: (+84) 912 254 045

Amadora Wellness & Spa – a paradise of wellness and beauty.Add: 250 Ba Trieu, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3978 5407

Le Spa du Metropole - the antidote to frenetic urban agitationAdd: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3826 6919

Zen Spa – a perfect way to escape the madness and relax in the moment.Add: 164 Tu Hoa, Quang An, Tay Ho, HanoiTel: (+84 4) 3719 9889

Hanoi Free Tours - discover Hanoi by foot with kind locals.Website: www.hanoifreetourguides.com/en/Email: hanoifreetourguides@gmail.com

NORTHERN VIETNAM Further Suggestions

SPA

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WALKING TOUR

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First time in the Capital?

For starters, be conscious of the arrival via Noi Bai Airport. The ride into Hanoi’s Old Quarter can take up to an hour (depend-ing on time of day/traffic), so don’t get nervous when you turn off that first highway into (what seems to be) the middle of nowhere. Also, be wary of taxi drivers looking to take you on the proverbial ride; if possible, book your transport into the city ahead of time through your hotel… taxi meter scams are unfor-tunately widespread.

Starting Off

The easiest place to begin a tour of Hanoi is in the Old Quarter region. Almost all the major sights are within walking distance, food is (somewhat) easy to come across, and hotels are more than prevalent.

“From the iconic & charming to daunting & morose, Hanoi’s attrac-tions span all ends of the spectrum”

by Daniel Robbins

Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi sits in the northeast region of the coun-try, about 120 kilometers inland from the coast. Thanks to its 1,000+ years of history, the city has a cor-nucopia of incredible experiences to offer its visitors. From the iconic and charming to the daunting and morose, Hanoi’s attractions span all ends of the spectrum.

While ‘first timers’ are going to want to cover all the must-see’s, return visitors presumably aren’t going to want to re-visit the same haunts. Luckily, Hanoi has a lot of tricks up its sleeve. This ‘crash course’ will take you from the standard spots to the unique getaways, providing you enough material to explore the city on your own accord.

A CRASH COURSE TO EXPLORING HANOI

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Start your experience by soaking in the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake area. Ambitious visitors can take an early morning stroll/jog/dance around the perimeter with locals (a daily ritual for Ha-noians living in the area), or they can cross the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. Located at the heart of the lake, here you will find a 19th century temple dedicated to national hero Tran Hung Dao, with some beautiful buildings, pavilions and water-front views to soak up.

Bring on the Cultural Marvels

If the temples have grabbed your attention, make sure not to miss the One Pillar Pagoda, Perfume Pagoda or the beautiful Temple of Literature, sitting just west of Hoan Kiem Lake. Viet-nam’s first university, the Temple of Literature dates back to the 11th century and has some brilliant architecture & cultural relics to explore. While you’re in the area, make sure to swing by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the country’s revered Uncle Ho lies in state. Admission is free, but hours/days open depend on the time of year, so be sure to check ahead before you visit.

Bringing your cultural explorations to Hanoi’s 21st century, the next stop along the visit will be the Old Quarter. Ripe with expe-riences that will stimulate all the senses, this aspect of the city can be the most full on.

Exploring the Old Quarter

While it is one of Hanoi’s biggest draws, the Old Quarter doesn’t have many specific attractions to visit. Instead, it is an all encom-passing experience of ancient alleys, wild traffic patterns, cob-webbed electrical wires, stall hawkers, mobile vendors, rowdy beer halls and quiet retreats.

The best approach? Get lost! Dive into the maze of interchanging alleys, lose yourself amongst the similar sounding street names, explore the chaotic, pungent local markets, retreat into cool ca-fes, try out the local eateries and, most importantly, be care-ful when you’re crossing the streets! If you get remarkably lost during your explorations, just grab a cheap taxi back to the hotel for a breather.

(Tip: always carry the hotel’s business card!)

Feeling the pangs of hunger?

Hanoi has some amazing food options. While they may be dupli-cated throughout the country… many of the favorites originated right here in the capital.

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Pho: Vietnam’s original noodle soup. While Pho Bo (beef) is of-ten a go-to, Hanoi has some of the best Pho Ga (chicken) in the country! Look for the stalls that also offer banh quay- fried breadsticks that are deliciously dip-able. Banh Cuon: Steamed rice cake filled with meats, herbs and spic-esGa Nuong: Chicken prepared with a honey marinade, grilled di-rectly on the street! Bun Cha: Rice noodles with chargrilled porkNem Ran/Cha Gio: Spring rolls… everyone’s favorite! Banh Mi: While it didn’t originate in Hanoi, it’s still one of the best “street food staples.” Fresh baguettes, herbs, meat of choice, vegetables and homemade sauce… spectacular.

Another exciting adventure to look out for is Bia Hoi. Since when is beer an adventure? Since it costs 5.000-10.000 VND per glass and is brewed fresh, on-site every day with no preservatives! You will see these beer halls all over the city: concrete rooms with giant silver vats surrounded by plastic furniture and patrons hovering around with plates of peanuts, pork belly, veggies and clinking glasses filled with ice and “bia.”

(Tip: give a local your best “mot, hai, ba… dzo!” — Vietnam’s ver-sion of “cheers”)

If you’ve had your fill of the touristic Old Quarter, need a gentle break or are looking to get off the beaten track a bit… Hanoi has another side to the city that tourists seldom experience…

West Lake: A Hanoian Oasis

About 15-20 minutes away from the Old Quarter is the West Lake District of Hanoi. Where the majority of the city’s expatriates live, West Lake makes you feel as if you’re in an entirely different city.

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Quiet alleys lead out to open waterfront promenades with fewer people, a greater range of authentic restaurant, bar & cafe choic-es and practically no hawkers. The more modern face of the capital, visitors will find contemporary shops, beautiful homes, friendly, un-intrusive locals and a much more laid-back vibe.

Some of the most popular shops, restaurants and cafes are found around Quang An, Xuan Dieu, Quang Ba, Tay Ho & Dang Thai Mai streets… so just have a wander and enjoy the peacefulness!

Getting Out of the City

Like most destinations in Vietnam, amazing day trips and unique multi-day adventures are only a car, bus or train ride away. From Bat Trang, Vietnam’s most famous pottery village, and Ninh Binh (the country’s inland Halong Bay) to Halong Bay itself and the mountain town of Sapa… new adventures are always just around the corner!

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CENTRAL VIETNAM

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CENTRAL VIETNAM Top Destinations

Hue was Vietnam’s capital city until 1945. A true feast for lovers of history and culture, it offers a range of palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples that make for some fascinating visits.

One of Hue’s greatest attractions is the collection of Nguyen Em-perors’ imperial tombs (Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, to name a few.) Another visually stunning site is the Imperial Citadel, which com-bines different royal complexes within its expansive confines.

Last, but not least, is a night boat trip on the tranquil Huong Riv-er. Beautiful surroundings combined with traditional live music make for a truly unforgettable experience.

HUE

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CENTRAL VIETNAMTop Destinations

Da Nang is a safe, beautiful and fun city to explore... not to mention it’s one of Vietnam’s hottest new tourist destinations!

While visiting, be sure not miss the pristine, natural beauty of Son Tra Peninsula, the gorgeous Ba Na Hills region and the historic Mar-ble Mountains region. Named after five essential elements (earth, water, fire, metal, and wood), the Marble Mountains boast a fasci-nating complex of karst formations, caves, tunnels and pagodas.

Be sure to take the time to enjoy Da Nang’s tasty, fresh seafood and delicious local dishes. Your trip will be all the more fantastic if you indulge in these incredible experiences!

DA NANG

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Hoi An, voted “best city on earth” by Wanderlust (a leading U.K Tourism Magazine), is the most charming and atmospheric town in Vietnam. It offers a stunning ancient town experience with antique architecture and amazing local cuisine.

The town is even more charming when night falls and colored lanterns light up the narrow, enchanted streets. Riding a bicy-cle out of town is also a fascinating adventure, where you can discover the dazzling countryside lined with fishing villages and amazing beaches. Alternative experiences are visiting the pic-turesque Cham and Cam Kim Islands- two fascinating day trips.

One of Vietnam’s most captivating and unique destinations, you’re bound to fall in love with this ancient town!

CENTRAL VIETNAM Top Destinations

HOI AN

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In addition to its landmark destinations, there’s a range of other beautiful visits along the South Central Coast: Thi Nai Lagoon, Ky Co Beach of Quy Nhon City in Binh Dinh Province, the various picturesque landscapes of O Loan Lagoon, Nhan Mountain, Xep Beach and Da Dia Reef in Phu Yen Province.

CENTRAL VIETNAMTop Destinations

PHU YEN

QUY NHON

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CENTRAL VIETNAM Top Destinations

DA LAT

NHA TRANG

PHAN THIET

Da Lat is Vietnam’s most romantic locale, boasting a rugged charm with its valleys, hills, waterfalls & winding roads. Surround-ed by lush pine trees, tea and coffee plantations, Da Lat also offers some of Vietnam’s best mountain biking and hiking trails.

Nha Trang offers a bit of everything! Between its miles of tur-quoise coastlines, colorful coral reefs, nearly 20 islands and mod-erate climate, Nha Trang can be a relaxing trip or an adventurous journey.

Phan Thiet is a beautiful year-round visit. A great place for es-caping from the hustle and bustle of city life, it boasts pure blue waters, a historic 100 year old light house and the pristine Ke Ga Beach.

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Hue Imperial Citadel is a walled fortress and palace in the city of Hue. One of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it acted as the hub of the former imperial capital of Vietnam (1805-1945) under the Nguyen Dynasty.

Thien Mu Pagoda is a symbol of the ancient city Hue. Visiting this iconic destination you can soak in beautiful landscapes and the typical traditional architecture of Hue’s pagodas. Entrance: Free. Opening Hours: 8AM to 5PM.

Tu Duc Tomb was constructed between 1864 and 1867. The tomb is about 8 km from Hue & paints the image of a scenic park filled with lakes & hills amongst fragrant frangipani trees & pine groves.Entrance: 55,000VND. Opening Hours: 8AM-6PM.

CENTRAL VIETNAMGo

HUE IMPERIAL CITADEL

THIEN MU PAGODA

TU DUC TOMB

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Minh Mang Tomb beautifully combines man-made and natural beauty in Hue, where architecture fits harmoniously into the sur-rounding landscape. Located in Huong Tho Commune (Huong Tra District)Entrance: 55,000VND. Opening Hours: 7AM to 5:30PM.

Dong Ba Market is the largest commercial center of Thua Thien – Hue Province. Enjoy a stroll around the market where you can find special cultural gifts and traditional souvenirs to commem-orate your visit.

Truong Tien Bridge has undergone many changes and is an in-tegral part of Hue’s history for more than 100 years. While many bridges span the Perfume River, Truong Tien is the most sym-bolic.

CENTRAL VIETNAM Go

MINH MANG TOMB

DONG BAMARKET

TRUONG TIEN BRIDGE

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Ba Na Hills is a mountain resort with cool weather, gorgeous views and a 5 km-long cable car system carrying guests up to Ba Na’s peak. There is a colossal 24m-high white seated Buddha and the Linh Ung Pagoda at the top of the mountain.

Son Tra Peninsula belongs to Son Tra District and offers fantas-tic natural scenery. Transparent coastlines, pristine beaches and primitive jungles boast a vast diversity of plants and animals; try staying at one of the mountain villas!

Hai Van Pass is a 21-km mountain pass on Vietnam’s National Route 1A. It traverses the border of DaNang City and Thua Thien/Hue Province, near Bach Ma National Park. One of the most sce-nic hillside roads in Vietnam!

CENTRAL VIETNAMGo

BA NAHILLS

SON TRA PENINSULA

HAI VANPASS

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The Dragon Bridge is a fire-breathing, dragon-shaped bridge spanning Danang’s Han River. This bridge provides the shortest inner city connection from Da Nang International Airport to My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach.

Carp-Becomes-Dragon Statue - Legend states a carp with a pearl in its mouth beat all other animals in crossing three huge waves, growing into a dragon (one of Asia’s legendary creatures.) The reincarnation is symbolic of success and auspiciousness.

Asia Park is a theme park focusing on Asian culture, located in Danang’s Hai Chau District. On the west bank of the Han River, it consists of an amusement and cultural park connected by a central zone.

CENTRAL VIETNAM Go

THE DRAGONBRIDGE

CARP-BECOMES-DRAGON STATUE -

LEGEND

ASIA PARK

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Vedana Lagoon Resort and SpaAdd: Zone 1, Phu Loc Town, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue ProvinceTel: (+84 54) 3681 688

La Residence Hotel and SpaAdd: 5 Le Loi Street, Hue CityTel: (+84 54) 3837 475

Banyan Tree Lang CoAdd: Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue ProvinceTel: (+84 54) 3695 888

Fusion Maia Da NangAdd: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3967 999

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and SpaAdd: 5 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3981 234

CENTRAL VIETNAMStay

UPSCALE HOTELS

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Novotel Danang Premier Han RiverAdd: 36 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3929 999

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula ResortAdd: Bai Bac, Sontra Peninsula, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3938 888

Vinpearl Da Nang Resort & VillasAdd: Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City Tel: (+84 511) 3968 888

Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery by SofitelAdd: 39 Dao Duy Tu Street, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3950 777

Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi AnAdd: Cua Dai Beach, Au Co, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3937 777

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & SpaAdd: Cua Dai Beach, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3927 040

The Nam Hai Hoi AnAdd: Block Ha My Dong B, Dien Duong, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam ProvinceTel: (+84 510) 3940 000

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & SpaAdd: Le Lai Street, Ward 5, Da Lat, Lam Dong ProvinceTel: (+84 63) 3555 888

Green WorldAdd: 44 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang CityTel: (+84 58) 3528 666

Diamond Bay Resort & SpaAdd: Nguyen Tat Thanh Blvd, Phuoc Ha, Phuoc Dong, Nha Trang CityTel: (+84 58) 3711 711

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UPSCALE HOTELS

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Established in 1991, Hoi An Hotel is admired for its location, charm, and world-class facilities with 150 international-standard rooms. Guests can access stunning Cua Dai beach, 4km East, by hopping on a shuttle bus that runs on the fifteen minutes. It is also a quick walk to the Old Town (where clients will inevitably go to visit the tailor’s).Make your stay more enjoyable and memorable with the relaxed atmosphere at Hoi An Hotel.

An enchanting destination to enjoy the great food with friendly locals.

10 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

084 510 3861 445

www.hoianhotel.com.vn

A fascinating place for relaxing at the seaside and exploring its surrounding areas.

Historic Hoi An has become a flourishing commercial port town, renowned for its gracious hospitality. Four km from the town's ancient quarter, in between De Vong River and Cua Dai beach, is Hoi An Beach Resort – "An Oasis of Peace Where The River Meets The Ocean." The resort provides 121 luxurious deluxe and villa rooms.Long beach with blue water, sun shining on white sand, nice breeze, and all of which evoke a traditional Vietnamese village style, it's an truly ideal resort for your vacation.

Address : 01 Cua Dai Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

T: +84 510 3927 011

W: hoianbeachresort.com.vn

The Novela offers luxurious accommodations, countless modern facilities and amenities; we intend to give attentive services to vacationers and convention delegates. Residing at the Novela Resort and your stay will truly be an unforgettable experience.

Novela Mui Ne Resort & Spa is adorned in elegant architecture with expansive balconies, arches, columns surrounded by coco-palm garden. Inside, the resort is cool and luxury with a largely nautical in�luence featuring tiled lounges and sumptu-ous wooden furnishing. The Novela offers luxurious accommodations, countless amenities, and our devoted attention to vacationers and convention delegates’ alikeness. Novela Resort & Spa Architectural was rewarded 3th prize of Viet nam National Architectural Award Year 2010

96A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien - Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Viet Nam(84-62) 374 3456 sales@novelaresort.com www.novelaresort.com

Novela Mui Ne Resort & Spa

The Novela offers luxurious accommodations, countless modern facilities and amenities; we intend to give attentive services to vacationers and convention delegates. Residing at the Novela Resort and your stay will truly be an unforgettable experience.

Novela Mui Ne Resort & Spa is adorned in elegant architecture with expansive balconies, arches, columns surrounded by coco-palm garden. Inside, the resort is cool and luxury with a largely nautical in�luence featuring tiled lounges and sumptu-ous wooden furnishing. The Novela offers luxurious accommodations, countless amenities, and our devoted attention to vacationers and convention delegates’ alikeness. Novela Resort & Spa Architectural was rewarded 3th prize of Viet nam National Architectural Award Year 2010

96A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien - Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Viet Nam(84-62) 374 3456 sales@novelaresort.com www.novelaresort.com

Novela Mui Ne Resort & Spa

Hue family-style meal: Experience authentic family lifestyles and local cuisine! Enter-tainment consists of local legends or fun stories about Hue fam-ily life. Find these unique experiences at Boi Tran, Garden Tea House, Princess Temple, Y Thao Garden & Tha Om.

Hoi An Lantern Festival Takes place twice per month (1st and 15th day of the lunar calen-dar). Visitors can play traditional games, sample delicious vege-tarian food and buy candlelit cardboard lanterns to float on the river – bringing luck, happiness & love.

Explore Co Tu ethnic minority culture: An interesting way to learn about the traditional agriculture and lifestyles of the Co Tu ethnic minority. Visit the brocade weaving village and maybe try some brocade weaving yourself!

CENTRAL VIETNAMDo

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Central Vietnam’s cuisine is a blend of two styles from North and South. It’s complex, fla-vorful and spicier than other regions.

Bun Bo A well-balanced dish with spicy, sa-vory, somewhat sour and sweet fla-vors. The broth takes hours to prepare by simmering beef bones and beef shank with lemongrass and seasoning it with fermented shrimp sauce and chili for individual taste.

My QuangThe broth is made by simmering chicken bones in stock for maximum flavor and is often seasoned with fish sauce and spices. It’s the perfect combination of rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, chicken and shrimp, all topped with peanuts and sesame rice crackers.

Cao LauOne of the tastiest dishes in Central Vietnam! Thick rice-flour noodles, pork, bean sprouts and pork-rind croutons in a light soup flavored with mint and star anise, served with grilled rice-flour crackers or sprinkled with crispy rice paper.

Banh BeoThis small, delicate steamed rice cake can satisfy your belly with its shrimp, scallion, mung bean paste and shallot filling, served with fish sauce and pick-led carrots.

Com HenA wonderful combination of cooked rice with tiny clams, peanuts, crispy noodles, basil, Vietnamese mint, fried pork fat, sesame seeds and savory soup, which is made with star fruits, lemongrass and tiny clams.

CENTRAL VIETNAM Eat

MUST-EAT

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THE SAILING CLUB72 – 74 East Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.+84 (0) 583 525 528 www.sailingclubnhatrang.com

Located right on Nha Trang Beach, with the surrounds of crystal clear water, Sailing Club is the definition of “chill”. Enjoy an utterly relaxed atmosphere and unwind on the beach being served an ice cold coconut or a flavorsome bite as you take a dip in the refreshing East Sea. With a selection of menus, including Indian, authentic Vietnamese and Progres-sive Fusion cuisine! As the sun sets, there is a natural transformation from restaurant to unique nightclub. People from all over the world gather to enjoy the iconic beats dropped by our famous DJs, while dancing under the stars!

CENTRAL VIETNAMEat

Limoncello – A touch of Italy in the midst of Da NangAdd: 187 Tran Phu Street, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3561 064

Kushiyaki Banjiro - Offers the quintessence of Japanese cuisineAdd: 23 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3849 880

Paradise Garden Restaurant - Experience elegant, traditional food plus Chinese and Indian selections.Add: 27 Chu Van An Street, Hue City,Tel: (+84 54) 3838 485

RESTAURANTS

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THE SAILING CLUB72 – 74 East Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.+84 (0) 583 525 528 www.sailingclubnhatrang.com

Located right on Nha Trang Beach, with the surrounds of crystal clear water, Sailing Club is the definition of “chill”. Enjoy an utterly relaxed atmosphere and unwind on the beach being served an ice cold coconut or a flavorsome bite as you take a dip in the refreshing East Sea. With a selection of menus, including Indian, authentic Vietnamese and Progres-sive Fusion cuisine! As the sun sets, there is a natural transformation from restaurant to unique nightclub. People from all over the world gather to enjoy the iconic beats dropped by our famous DJs, while dancing under the stars!

Ancient Hue Restaurant - Brings you back to Hue’s splendid his-tory!Add: 104/47 Kim Long Street, Hue CityTel: (+84 54) 3590 902

Royal Park Restaurant - Combining traditional Royal cuisine with European and Asian flavors. Add: 3 Nguyen Sinh Sac Street, Vi Da, Hue CityTel: (+84 54) 3897 202

Good Morning Vietnam - Good selection of wines and excellent Italian food Add: 102 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3910 227

Orivy Restaurant - Healthy, local delicacies made with fresh in-gredients.Add: 578 Cua Dai Beach, Hoi AnTel: (+84) 909 647 070

The Square Restaurant - The only open-air buffet in Danang! Of-fering freshly grilled meats and seafood paired with fine wines.Add: 36 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3929 999

Madame Lan Restaurant - A classic option for delicious, tradi-tional and hygienically prepared Vietnamese dishes.Add: 4 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang CityTel: (+84) 905 697 555

Red Sky Restaurant And Bar - Excellent menu of high quality steaks, salads and great international optionsAdd: 249 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3894 895

RESTAURANTS

CENTRAL VIETNAM Eat

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Oc HutA simple but tasty combination of sau-téed snails with lemongrass and chili. Find it around Con Market, Tran Cao Van or Le Duan Street, Danang City- it may become your favorite dish!

Mit TronMixed salad with young jackfruit, crispy pig skin, boiled shrimps, sliced pork, peanuts, chili, herbs, fish sauce… hard to resist with grilled sesame cracker! Try it at Dien Bien Phu, Trung Nu Vuong Street or around the same places which sell the aforementioned sautéed snails.

Banh Trang Cuon Thit HeoA perfect match of steamed pork and fresh herbs wrapped in rice paper, served with spicy seasoning sauce. Try this delicious dish at Hai Phong, Duy Tan or Le Duan Street, Danang City.

Banh DapA simple but impressive combina-tion for those visiting the Cam Nam Commune. Place a wet pancake in the middle of 2 crispy rice papers, crack them softly and add mung bean, fried chopped shallots, shredded spring on-ion. Roll them and enjoy with special sauce of fermented fish paste.

Banh Uot Thit NuongA fantastic dish of grilled pork, served with a thick sauce made from minced pig’s liver, chopped garlic, and roasted sesame. Try it around Dong Ba market or Kim Long Street in Hue.

STREETFOOD

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Vy Da Xua CaféAdd: 131 Nguyen Sinh Cung, HueTel: (+84 54) 3933 636

The One Coffee & BakeryAdd: 3 Hung Vuong, HueTel: (+84) 909 588 718

Nina’s CaféAdd: 16/34 Nguyen Tri Phuong, HueTel: (+84 54) 3838 636

The Keys CaféAdd: 54 Le Lai, Hai Chan, Da NangTel: (+84) 122 345 1467

HiBou Coffee ShopAdd: 248A Phan Chau Trinh, Da NangTel: (+84) 975 368 420

Fusion CafeAdd: 35 Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3930 333

STREETS Restaurant CafeAdd: 17 Le Loi, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3911 948

White Sail CafeAdd: 134 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An

May Concept Hoi AnAdd: 8C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hoi An Tel: (+84 510) 3938 686

CoticAdd: 60 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3916 060

DRINK

CENTRAL VIETNAM Drink

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Surrounded by fragrant scents of herbs and spices, try your best at bargaining in Vietnam’s markets! Local markets (“chợ”) are where you can find food, household goods, clothes, souvenirs, crafts, stationary and more. There’s always a ‘wet area’ where fresh meat, fruit and vegetables are usually sold by smiling, wel-coming stall holders. Plenty of souvenirs and local handicrafts can also be found… just browse around the plethora of stalls!

CocoonAdd: 70 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hoi AnTel: (+84) 128 909 1939Hay HayAdd: 155 Tran Phu, Hoi AnTel: (+84) 122 970 8299Blue Eye TailorAdd: 48 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi AnTel: (+84) 905 385 375Reaching Out Arts and CraftsAdd: 103 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 391 0168Friendly Shoe ShopAdd: 18 Tran Phu, Hoi AnTel: (+84) 935 211 382

Tipsy Pub n’ BistroAdd: 16-18 Pham Ngu Lao, HueTel: (+84) 122 248 6899Perdu - Cocktail BarAdd: 29 Ngo Gia Tu, Da NangTel: (+84) 977 295 939Laluna Bar & RestaurantAdd: 187 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Da NangTel: (+84) 905 787 337Fatfish Restaurant & Lounge BarAdd: 85-87 Tran Phu, Da NangTel: (+84 511) 3945 707Q BarAdd: 94 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3911 964

CENTRAL VIETNAMNightlife / Shopping

SHOPPING

NIGHTLIFE

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Taste Vietnam cooking class - Learn first hand the harmony of flavors and textures in Vietnamese cuisineAdd: 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi AnTel: (+84) 914 044 034

The Spa Riverside Da Nang - Indulge yourself with a caring beauty treatment.Add: 58 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang CityTel: (+84 511) 3849 009The Royal Spa - A combination of herbal products and modern treatment techniques.Add: 8 Hung Vuong Boulevard, Hue cityTel: (+84 54) 3882 222Palmarosa Spa - A relaxing massage in a private, peaceful atmo-sphere accompanied by soft, soothing music.Add: 90 Ba Trieu Street, Hoi AnTel: (+84 510) 3933 999

Hoi An Free Tour - Offering tourists exciting experiences and discoveries in Vietnam’s ancient town.Website: www.hoianfreetour.com/ Tel: (+84) 979 587 744

CENTRAL VIETNAM Further Suggestions

SPA

COOKING CLASS

WALKING TOUR

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Day 1: The Introduction

Morning:

Start your day off in true Vietnamese fashion: with a bowl of noodles. You’ll have a selection of dishes to choose from, but either go for the classic Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) or the local specialty: Mi Quang (“Quang Nam Province” noodles with beef, chicken, pork or shrimp.) Dish should cost 20.000-30.000 VND.

Both are easily found in Hoi An’s central covered market- a sort of all-in-one place for tourists & locals to eat. With your belly full & adventure sparked, head out straight towards the river for a walk through the market (the earlier the better, as activity lessens towards the midday hours.) Explore the open-air fish & seafood stalls, covered meat & vegetable sections, peruse the surrounding sections for kitschy trinkets and unique souvenirs… but watch where you step and keep an eye on the traffic!

CENTRAL VIETNAMTravel

Hoi An, Vietnam: you’ve read about it, seen the antiquated photos or perhaps know someone who’s traveled there. It’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations - and for many different reasons. History & culture are extremely well preserved, the locals are sweet & welcoming, the food is great, the attractions vary and, like very few other popular tourist destinations, it still retains its innocent charm.

“Since its origins, Hoi An has been charming & captivating; a magnetism still experienced today.”by Daniel Robbins

72 HOURS IN HOI AN: THREE DAYS EXPLORING THE ANCIENT TOWN

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After getting your market fix, take for the iconic mango-col-ored streets of the Old Town. Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc & Bach Dang are your main areas to explore and are pedestrian/bicycle only between 9:00-11:30 & 14:30-21:00. You can either purchase a ticket from one of the entrance stalls (to explore the historic buildings, museums & temples) or just walk the streets on your own… there are plenty of attractions that don’t require entrance fees.

Don’t Miss:-Japanese Bridge-Assembly Halls (choose a couple to vis-it)-Tan Ky Old House-Quan Kong Temple

Tip: Don’t be afraid to get lost! The an-cient alleys and side streets are all OK to stroll… plus they provide some beautiful photo ops!

Lunch & Afternoon:

Head for 22 Nguyen Hue and enjoy a delicious local lunch at Ms. Ly’s Cafe. All items on the menu are spectacular, so don’t be afraid to go overboard. If you fancy a coffee and a bit of people watching, head for Mia Coffee (20 Phan Boi Chau) or Hoi An Roastery (135 Tran Phu)- both sell local beans & roast their coffee in house.

Spend your afternoon soaking in the old town charm, pop in to get some clothes made, grab a ridiculously cheap “fresh beer”, walk the river promenade and en-joy all the charms that make Hoi An so unforgettable.

Evening:

Evening in the Old Town is magical. As the sun goes down, lights begin to dim, lanterns come out and true Hoi An charm comes to life. For dinner, grab a fantastic meal at Green Mango, Mai Fish, Mango Mango, Mermaid or Morning Glory- all are deli-cious, authentic and popular… so call ahead for reservations!

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Day 2: Cycling Day

Depending on your personal comfort levels, there are two ways to approach today’s itinerary: a guided tour or on your own. If you prefer guided adventures, contact Heaven & Earth Bicycle Tours. Options range from half to full day, so contact them di-

rectly.

Otherwise, for the ambitious type:

After you hire a bicycle (20.000 VND/day- can generally rent from a hotel), start your day by grabbing a Vietnam essential: the Banh Mi Sandwich. Com-bining the French-inspired baguette with delicious local ingredients, the banh mi is a quick, easy and filling meal.

Recommended spot: Banh Mi Phuong (2 Phan Chau Trinh.)

Options for the day:

-Take the ferry to Cam Kim Island. Ex-plore what old world Hoi An really looks like on this beautiful, quiet island. Home to reed mat makers, incense producers, farmers and the Kim Bong Carpentry Vil-lage, where amazing hand carved wood-works are done. Break periodically for food & drinks at any cafe on the island. (Ferry is located on Bach Dang Street- east of the fish vendors)

-Head to Tra Que Herb Village. Off both sides of Hai Ba Trung Street (just after the rice paddies if you’re heading away from Hoi An city), Tra Que is where most local restaurants get their herbs & veg-etables. Tours are available (call ahead) or just stroll the brilliant organic gardens. Lunch recommendation: Baby Mustard Restaurant.

-Cruise the Paddies. Head for the rice paddies along Hai Ba Trung Street and turn onto their dirt paths. While the pathways are bumpy at times, you will get as close to nature as ever. Roads connect to the opposite side of town on Cua Dai Street. Make sure you bring lots of water for this trip! Grab lunch at 328 Restaurant on 328 Cua Dai Street.

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-Ride the Coast. Cycle to Cua Dai Beach and turn right towards the Victoria & Sunrise Resorts. There are beautiful rides along the water with few people and great views of Cham Island. Grab lunch at 328 Restaurant on 328 Cua Dai Street.

-Explore the Villages. If you cycle along Nguyen Dieu Hieu, you will ultimately hit the village of Cam Thanh. Here you will en-counter super friendly locals, sprawling rice paddies and a feel for life in Hoi An’s countryside! Grab some lunch at “the Field Restaurant & Bar”- located in the middle of the rice paddies of Cam Thanh Village.

After a long day’s ride, head back to the hotel for a brief rest & clean up. For dinner, head to The Market (3 Nguyen Hoang- An Hoi Islet). Absolutely amazing food options… go for the all you can eat option!

Alternative to Cycling: If you prefer to get motorized, Vietnam Vespa Adventures offers some amazing tours!

Day 3: Time to Chill

After two full days of exploration, your final day in Hoi An is for relaxing! Head to Cargo Club (107-109 Nguyen Thai Hoc) for that long, delicious western breakfast you’ve been waiting for. Coffee, juice, toast, Eggs Benedict, pastries, fruit, yogurt- it’s all here.

Spend your last Old Town hours picking up a few final souvenirs (Hay Hay Hoi An, Metiseko, Reaching Out, the O Collective, Kim-my Tailor & Bebe Tailors & Jewlery are a few local favorites.) For a light lunch, grab a bowl of Hoi An’s famous Cao Lau noodles at the stall in front of the Japanese Bridge- a must try for anyone visiting Hoi An!

With a half day still left, hail a taxi and head for An Bang- Hoi An’s most beautiful beach. Grab a lounge chair at any of the beach-front bungalows and soak in your final hours. There are some excellent restaurants along the beachfront that offer everything from Vietnamese & French to burgers, salads & wood-fired piz-za, so don’t hesitate to linger! Enjoy a delicious final meal, have a few sundowners and reflect on an unforgettable 72 hours in Vietnam’s Ancient Town! “

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SOUTHERNVIETNAM

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SOUTHERN VIETNAM Top Destinations

Ho Chi Minh City - As Vietnam’s commercial and economic hub, ‘HCMC’ has an unmistakable vibe that pulsates and refuses to rest. Thanks to its complex blend of cultures, historical traits and Western influences, the city offers its own eclectic mix of culture, architecture and street life that will both fascinate and thrill.Step back in history by visiting some of HCMC’s museums, un-cover the region’s spiritual mysteries by touring temples & pa-godas or traverse some featured attractions like City Hall, the Opera House, Saigon Centre Post Office, Independence Palace and more. No matter where you go in HCMC, the sights, sounds and flavors will stimulate all your senses.

HO CHI MINH CITY

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SOUTHERN VIETNAMTop Destinations

Vung Tau is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a quiet beach. Offering delicious seafood and nice beaches, it’s a suit-able weekend destination for locals as well as a popular go-to for international tourists.

Mekong Delta - The Mekong River flows through this delta and feeds into 9 small rivers (known as the ‘Cuu Long’), ultimately emptying into the sea. An interconnected maze of rivers & ca-nals, where much of Vietnam’s rice, fruits and vegetables orig-inate

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s idyllic paradise! Boasting amazing beach-es, romantic sunsets, picturesque nature and some of the coun-try’s best seafood. Nature lovers will also love Phu Quoc’s ver-dant rainforest- so much to explore!

VUNG TAU

MEKONG DELTA

PHU QUOC

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Notre Dame Cathedral is a neo-Romanesque Catholic Church built between 1877-1883. This twin-towered cathedral is an archi-tectural marvel in the city center with orange-red bricks import-ed from Marseille, France.Location: 1 Cong xa Paris, District 1

Saigon Central Post Office was designed between 1886-1891 by the City’s Chief Architect Alfred Foulhoux. After renovations in 2015, this HCMC icon retains its colonial splendor, reminiscent of a classic European railway station.Location: 2 Cong xa Paris, District 1

The Independence Palace - Built in the mid 1960’s, the current palace is the replacement of an original French mansion. Inside are formal meeting rooms, reception rooms, living quarters, and entertainment areas.Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1

SOUTHERN VIETNAM Go

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE

THE INDEPENDENCE PALACE

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Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 by French architect Eugene Ferret. It’s a majestic building adjacent to the Continental and Car-avelle hotels, right in the heart of the city. The theatre is now mainly used for cultural and entertainment purposes.Location : 7 Cong truong Lam Son, District 1

Ben Thanh Market is a large covered market and an important symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s popular with tourists seeking lo-cal handicrafts, textiles, tea, coffee and souvenirs as well as local cuisine. Great central location for shoppers!

China Town is a small area with a lively atmosphere and distinc-tive Oriental lifestyle. Home to some popular destinations such as Thien Hau Pagoda, Binh Tay Market and traditional Chinese medicine shops. Location: Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 5

SOUTHERN VIETNAMGo

SAIGONOPERA HOUSE

BEN THANHMARKET

CHINA TOWN

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War Remnants Museum is Saigon’s most popular museum. Its forecourt displays one of HCMC’s largest collections of military paraphernalia with an interior showcasing somber displays of the atrocities from Vietnam’s painful past.Location: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 1

Jade Emperor Pagoda is quite distinct from other famous at-tractions in HCMC. Locals pray during their lunch hours at this quaint, beautiful pagoda; a lovely place to relax & experiencelocal culture.Location: 73 Mai Thi Luu, Da Kao, District 1

Kito Statue is a tourist attraction of Vung Tau facing the southern sea. It’s a harmonious combination of natural scenery, religious art and national cultural identity.Location: Thuy Van Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province

SOUTHERN VIETNAM Go

WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM

JADE EMPEROR PAGODA

KITO STATUE

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Located over 1500 meters above sea level, Dalat Cadasa Resort is surrounded by verdant pine trees amid exotic, wild flowers and just four minutes' drive by car from Dalat market center and Xuan Huong lake. This unique destination comprises twelve fully restored French Colonial villas and a romance coffee and restaurant. All villas are originally constructed in the 1920’s by the French settlers. Each villa retains its unique architectural style of Northern France, while being delicately restored to preserve original design, luxury decoration and charm. Dalat Cadasa Resort offers you a peaceful heaven away from the stressful city life. Come and enjoy with us the cool weather, walk along the stone roads under the pine forest, and relax in a cozy armchair nearby a warm fireplace.

DALAT CADASA RESORT16 Tran Hung Dao, Da Lat, Lam Dong Tel: (+84 63) 3586 699www.dalatcadasaresort.comreservation@dalatcadasaresort.vn

Connecting the past, present and future.

SOUTHERN VIETNAM Stay

UPSCALE HOTELS

New World Saigon Add: 76 Le Lai, District 1, CMCTel: (+84 8) 3822 8888

Intercontinental Asiana SaigonAdd: 39 Le Duan, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3520 9999

Lotte LegendAdd: 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3823 3333

The Grand Ho Tram StripAdd: Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria - Vung TauTel: (+84 64) 378 8022

The IMPERIAL Add: 159 Thuy Van, Thang Tam, Ba Ria - Vung TauTel: (+84 64) 362 8888

Six Senses Con DaoAdd: Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao Dist, Con SonTel: (+84 64) 383 1222

Cassia Cottage ResortAdd: Phu Quoc island, Kien GiangTel: (+84 77) 384 8395

Vinpearl Phu Quoc ResortAdd: Phu Quoc island, Kien GiangTel: (+84) 1900 1109

La Veranda ResortAdd: Phu Quoc island, Kien GiangTel: (+84 77) 398 2988

The Shells Resort and SpaAdd: Phu Quoc island, Kien GiangTel: (+84 77) 371 8888

Novotel Phu Quoc Resort & VillasAdd: Phu Quoc island, Kien GiangTel: (+84 77) 626 0999

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SOUTHERN VIETNAMStay

UPSCALE HOTELS

Strategically located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City - Nguyen Hue Boulevard - the most modern pedestrian square of Vietnam, Royal Hotel Saigon is a luxury 4-star hotel offering a refined and relaxing environment for business and leisure travellers alike.

Your Warm Home In The Heart Of Ho Chi Minh City

Add: 133 Nguyen Hue Ave, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamTel: (84-8) 3822 5914 - 3822 5915 | Fax: (84-8) 3822 5913Email: hotel@royalhotelsaigon.comWebsite: www.royalhotelsaigon.com | www.kimdohotel.com ROYAL HOTEL SAIGON

KIMDOA member of

The Reverie SaigonAdd: 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3823 6688 Caravelle Saigon Add: 19-23 Lam Son Square, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3823 4999

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & TowersAdd: 88 Dong Khoi, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3827 2828

Pullman Saigon CenterAdd: 148 Tran Hung Dao, District 1, CMCTel: (+84 8) 3838 8686

The annual ITE HCMC is an effective trade platform for domestic and international enterprises to explore opportu-nities for both inbound and outbound travel businesses in Vietnam and the Mekong region. ITE HCMC 2016 provides exhibitors an excellent stage to launch and better under-stand the tourism market in this region. It will be held at the the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City from 8th to 10th September 2016. In 2015, ITE HCMC attracted 250 exhibiting companies from 21 countries and 27 provinces in Vietnam, as well as 25,000 international and domestic visitors. In 2016, we are expecting to host 250 quality international buyers, 20 in-ternational media and more than 250 exhibiting companies and brands. ITE HCMC 2016 is proundly supported by: Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia; Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR; Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, Myanmar; and Ministry of Tourism and Sports; Kingdom of Thailand. ITE HCM is also privileged to gain the recognition as a national tourism event endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Vietnam and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. The exhibition is also participated by most states, provinces and cities in Vietnam. Key highlights events during 3-day exhibition:• Opening Ceremony – Gala Dinner• Mekong Tourism Alliance Awards – MTAA• Hosted Buyer Programme• Hosted Media Programme• Travel Fun Fair Day for public visitors• Seminars and Conferences on the prospective markets

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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO HO CHI MINH CITYThe largest and most established travel ex-hibition in Vietnam and the Mekong region is staging its 12th edition.

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Vietnamese Water Puppetry is a truly unique cultural aspect of Vietnam. A thousand-year tradition that celebrates religious festivals and other important occasions. Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1, HCMC

Nha Trang Water Puppet Theater: 46 Tran Phu, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

Cai Luong is a form of modern folk opera in Vietnam. It blends southern Viet-namese folk songs with modern spoken drama.Tran Huu Trang Theatre: 515 Tran Hung Dao, Cau Kho Ward, D1, HCMC

A O Show offers audiences a variety of mod-ern art forms and live performanc-es inspired by and teaching about Vietnamese cultural heritage.Saigon Opera House: 07 Cong Truong Lam Son, D1, HCMC

SOUTHERN VIETNAM Do

SOUTHERN VIETNAMEat

The south’s tropical climate provides perfect conditions for rice paddies, coconut groves, jackfruit trees, and herb gardens. The food in southern Vietnam is generally sweeter, but still well balanced with spices, herbs and various in-gredients.

Here are some must-try dishes while traveling to Southern Vietnam:

Banh Mi An extremely convenient food which can be found anytime and (almost) anywhere. Doughy, crispy baguettes are filled with delicious fried fish or var-ious types of meat, pate, cucumbers, pickled car-rots and radish with a sprinkle of peppers.

Com TamBroken rice served with grilled pork chops, toma-toes, cucumbers, fried eggs, pickled carrots and fish sauce. It’s one of the tastiest street foods!

Bun MamA special dish from the Mekong Delta with rice noo-dles, seafood, pork and eggplant in a broth fla-vored by ginger root and fermented fish sauce;served with fresh herbs like sawah-flower rush andwater lily stems.

Banh XeoA crispy pancake made from rice flour, bean sprouts, fresh spring onions, mung beans, pork, shrimps and turmeric- providing its fancy yellow color. Wrapped in mustard leaves, lettuce leaves and stuffed with mint leaves, basil and other herbs. Enjoy it with fish sauce and pickled carrots.

Hu TieuA flavored noodle soup topped with a combina-tion of sautéed ground pork, pork liver, fried garlic, shrimps and fried shallots.

SeafoodIt is very popular and you can find it almost any-where in Southern Vietnam. Surprise your stom-ach (and wallet) with savory dishes of octopus, crab, shrimp, snail, squid and so much more…at an unbeatable price!

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SOUTHERN VIETNAM Eat

Pendolasco – A tranquil leafy garden for those want to taste traditional Italian cuisine.Add: 87 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1Tel: (+848) 3821 81813G Trois Gourmands - An unforgettable dining experience with true passion from French wine and cuisine.Add: 39 Tran Ngoc Dien Street, Thao Dien, District 2Tel: (+84 8) 3744 4585Yoshino - Enchant yourself with delicious traditional Japanese cuisine!Add: 2nd Floor Lotte Legend Hotel, 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Bou-levard, District 1Tel: (+84 8) 3823 3333Ming Dynasty - Fine Chinese seafood cuisine and amazing “Bei-jing roasted duck”.Add: 23 Nguyen Khac Vien Street, Saigon South, District 7Tel: (+84 8) 5411 5555

SOUTHERN VIETNAM Eat

RESTAURANTS

Located in the heart of the restaurant there is a theater kitchen where diners can enjoy all the action involved in cooking their superb Western culinary delights. Guests are thrilled by floor - to - ceiling continuous glass walls proffering unparalleled panoramic cityscape from nearly every table.The contemporary interiors, infused by vintage-touched furnishing, perfectly merge with the building's ultra-modern structure and create a sophisticated ambience. Soak up this atmosphere while enjoying a highly professional service.

Level 51, Bitexco Financial Tower,2 Hai Trieu, Dist 1.(+84) 8 6291 8751 www.eon51.com

Perched 200m above the ground, EON51 Fine Dining is no doubt the highest haute dining concept in Saigon, offering unique experience in truly unrivaled settings.

EON51 FINE DINING

Quan an Ngon - Many regional specialities are available here.Add: 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 Tel: (+84 8) 3852 7179Skewers Restaurant - Enjoy some of the south’s iconic dishes with inspirations drawn from Mediterranean cuisine.Add: 9 Thai Van Lung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1Tel: (+84 8) 3822 4798The Deck Saigon - A top dining choice thanks to its romantic setting, scenic locale and excellent pan-Asian cuisine.Add: 38 Nguyen U Di Street, District 2.Tel: (+84 8) 3744 6632Cham Charm - Gallery Cuisine - Exquisite buffet of international cuisine with a view overlooking the picturesque riverside.Add: 02 Phan Van Chuong St., Saigon South, District 7Tel: (+84 8) 5410 9999Delices Fine Dining Saigon - A French villa-style restaurant with fantastic dishes in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.Add: 74/7D Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1Tel: (+84 8) 3520 4888

SOUTHERN VIETNAMEat

RESTAURANTS

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Located in the heart of the restaurant there is a theater kitchen where diners can enjoy all the action involved in cooking their superb Western culinary delights. Guests are thrilled by floor - to - ceiling continuous glass walls proffering unparalleled panoramic cityscape from nearly every table.The contemporary interiors, infused by vintage-touched furnishing, perfectly merge with the building's ultra-modern structure and create a sophisticated ambience. Soak up this atmosphere while enjoying a highly professional service.

Level 51, Bitexco Financial Tower,2 Hai Trieu, Dist 1.(+84) 8 6291 8751 www.eon51.com

Perched 200m above the ground, EON51 Fine Dining is no doubt the highest haute dining concept in Saigon, offering unique experience in truly unrivaled settings.

EON51 FINE DINING

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Eat SOUTHERN VIETNAM

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and type-setting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scram

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and type-setting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scram

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and type-setting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scram

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

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Goi kho bo

A mixed salad with green papaya, simmered beef liver, peanuts, mint leaves, sweet and sour sauce and chili sauce on top. You can try it at 107 Nguyen Van Thu Street (the almost oldest stall in Saigon) or Le Van Tam Park, Ho Chi Minh City.

Banh trang nuong

A popular street food with amazing flavors.Grilled rice paper with egg, minced pork, chopped spring onion, dried tiny shrimp, of-ten called “Vietnamese pizza” because of itsshape and color. Try it at Dalat Night Market,Tran Nhat Duat, Hoang Dieu Street or in HoChi Minh City around Turtle Lake, Dinh TienHoang, Cao Thang Street.

Banh khot

A Vung Tau favorite, this delicacy is made from rice flour, corn starch, turmeric powder and coconut milk, topped with prawns and served with dipping fish sauce and fresh veg-etables. Find this amazing dish at Nguyen Truong To, Luong Van Can, Hoang Hoa Tham Street.

Banh bo

A famous cake in the southern Vietnam re-gion, banh bo offers sweet flavors and beau-tiful aromas from a base of coconut milk. You can find this little cake easily in the Mekong Delta (Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Can Tho city...)

SOUTHERN VIETNAM Eat

STREETFOOD

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L’usineAdd: 151/1 Dong Khoi, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 6674 3565

Cafe RuNamAdd: 96 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3825 8883

Khanhcasa Tea HouseAdd: 48-50 Dong Khoi, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84) 126 666 6605

Saigon GardenAdd: 99 Nguyen Hue, District 1, HCMC

Phuc Long Coffee & TeaAdd: 29 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84) 1800 6779

Mojo CafeAdd: 88 Dong Khoi, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3827 2828

The Vintage EmporiumAdd: 95B Nguyen Van Thu, District 1, HCMC Tel: (+84) 904 413 148

Chat Coffee Roasters & BistroAdd: 55/1 Le Thi Hong Gam, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 6685 3391

Trung Nguyen CoffeeAdd: 34 Le Duan, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3837 3229

Shin CoffeeAdd: 13 Nguyen Thiep, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84) 989 024 362

SOUTHERN VIETNAMDrink

DRINK

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Chill SkybarAdd: 76A Le Lai, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84) 938 822 838

Glow SkybarAdd: 93 Nguyen Du, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84) 938 874 569

Piu PiuAdd: 97 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, HCMC

Vespa Sofar BarAdd: 99 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84) 938 801 498

Saigon OutcastAdd: 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, Dist2, HCMCTel: (+84) 902 365 780

Saigon KitschAdd: 43 Ton That Thiep, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3821 8019

Thuy Design HouseAdd: 132-134 Dong Khoi, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3824 8343

ArtbookAdd: 46 Le Loi, District 1, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 3827 9745

Shimmer SilverAdd: 238A Ly Tu Trong, District 1, HCMC Tel: (+84) 906 863 536

Peony HomeAdd: 151A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3, HCMCTel: (+84 8) 6686 4299

SOUTHERN VIETNAM Nightlife / Shopping

NIGHTLIFE

SHOPPING

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Vietnam Cookery Center: A simple way to understand more about au-thentic Vietnamese cuisine.Add: 4th Floor, Suite 45, 26 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1Tel: (+84 8) 3827 0349

Xuan Spa - Pamper your senses with treatments using fresh herbs, local grains and fruits.Add: 3rd Floor Park Hyatt Hotel, 2 Lam Son Square, District 1Tel: (+84 8) 3520 2356L’Apothiquaire Spa & Retreat - Expe-rience exclusive skincare and beauty services with natural, organic ingredi-ents.Add: The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat Tien Street, District 7Tel: (+84 8) 5413 6638 The Spa - A fully-tailored sensory ex-perience fit to suit the needs and de-sires of each individual guest.Add: 6th Floor The Reverie Saigon, 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1Tel: (+84 8) 3823 6688

Saigon Free Walking Tour - Explore Saigon, its lifestyles and culture alongside friendly locals.Website: http://saigonfreewalkingtours.com/Tel: (+84) 933 009 642

SOUTHERN VIETNAMFurther Suggestions

SPA

COOKING CLASS

WALKING TOUR

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TravelSOUTHERN VIETNAM

“A perfect escape from the busy streets of Saigon”by Mark Ratcliff

Before the 17th century, modern day Saigon was actually a lit-tle Khmer fishing village known as the “Forest City.” As far as the eye could see, the vast, muddy, low-lying area was covered in swampland and mangrove forests. Since the arrival of Viet-namese in the early 1600’s, this swampland has slowly been re-claimed and, more recently, a modern metropolis built upon it.

Fear not! All of Saigon’s swamps and jungles haven’t entirely dis-appeared under rubble, concrete and neon lights. Without trav-elling too far, you can still get a glimpse of what it might have looked like many, many moons ago.

Listed as a “UNESCO Protected Biosphere,” Can Gio is a huge seventy two thousand hectare district of Ho Chi Minh City and includes dozens of species of rare plants and animals. Most im-portantly, these “green lungs” of Saigon work as a natural sea barrier to help protect one of the world’s most susceptible cities from rising sea levels.

GET LOST AMONG THE MANGROVES AT CAN GIO

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After a short ferry crossing from Sai-gon’s District 7, you’ll find Can Gio’s road recently upgraded and pleas-antly free from traffic. As previously mentioned, it’s an expansive area and it’ll take about 1.5 hours by private car, motorbike or via a pre-booked tour to get there. Public bus is another option, but a little more complicated and harder to get around once you are there after a 2 to 2.5-hour bus trip.

My tip would be to head down to the beach in the early morning – before the sun gets too fierce. Located at the business end of the Saigon River and past a network of mangrove filled islands, you really can’t compare it with other beaches in Vietnam. Can Gio’s sand will never be as white or its water never as blue as Mui Ne or Nha Trang. In saying that, it’s a pleas-ant place with fresh breezes and nice views spanning across the bay to the mountains of the Vung Tau Peninsula.

It’s understandably many local’s top choice for a day trip. Most of the doz-en or so beachside cafés and eateries get pretty packed on weekends and you’ll be happily welcomed by the lo-cal families and groups of friends eat-ing cheap, local seafood or enjoying a beer or two. Weekends are great fun, while the weekdays become a much more peaceful affair. It’s possible to stay here with several accommoda-tion options ranging from simple bud-get rooms to the 3-star Can Gio Beach Resort.

After lunch at the beach, don’t be in too much of a rush to get back to the city. On the way back, a visit to the “Rung Sac Guerrilla Base,” known to locals as “Monkey Island”, is highly recommended. On the site of a former Viet Minh base during the Vietnam War, it’s a truly one full stop.

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Once there, you can hire a boat and after about ten minutes of twisting and turning through the meandering mangroves, you’ll end up at the aforementioned historic base. You’ll see some orig-inal and replica huts and learn how soldiers lived and planned highly successful attacks from deep within the croc-infested jun-gle. It’s well worth the 600,000 VND boat hire fee, but check the tide charts the day before to organise your itinerary – it won’t run at low water levels.

With a nickname like “Monkey Island,” I probably won’t need to tell you that the place has hundreds of macaque monkeys enjoy-ing the shady mangroves with you. They’re all quite disciplined actually and don’t have any reputation as bag or wallet thieves… but they’ll definitely go for any food you’re carrying – so be pre-pared to share!

Another highlight of Rung Sac is the always-exciting crocodile pit. As you wander along the rickety bamboo boardwalk above the backs of dozens of resting crocodiles, keep in mind that they’re hungry! For a small fee, you can feed them a piece of raw pork off the end of a bamboo fishing pole – a truly exciting ex-perience! It’s actually a little surreal to get the chance to witness their dominating behaviour, aggressive snaps, growls and slow

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motion aerobatics as they jump for the the dangling morsel.Keep a wary eye out for their ‘monster-croc.’

As well as Rung Sac Guerrilla Base (Monkey Island), My Destina-tion Vietnam has also visited Vam Sat Salt Marsh. With some of the most beautiful forests in Can Gio District, it’s another great place to experience the beauty of this protected area.

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A NOTE FROM THE TEAM

What is it that makes Vietnam so special?

Is it the destinations or culture? Perhaps the food, history, or its resilient people? Whatever it is, most travelers will agree that Vietnam is unlike anywhere else in the world. The elemental and topographical extremes, electric cities and laid-back villages, ex-tremely frank inhabitants who don’t mind telling you like it is… it’s a refreshingly honest society that is exceedingly proud of their past and rightfully optimistic for the country’s bright future.

Whether our birthplace or adopted home, the entire My Destina-tion Vietnam team has a great passion and affinity for Vietnam. Coming from all different corners of the country (and walks of life), we have worked hard to bring the best of our local experi-ences to you, the visitor and reader.

Vietnam is our destination. Now it’s your turn to explore this re-warding country to make it yours.

Happy Travels,

The My Destination Vietnam Team

MY TRAVEL NOTES

MY TRAVEL NOTES

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TANDOOR INDIAN RESTAURANT

HCMC’s premier Indian restaurant for over 18 years. Tandoor serves great food, has excellent service and the newly opened location is beautifully decorated. Expect a cozy atmosphere and contemporary, Indian decor, plus a full range of menu selections perfect for family or business meals. The helpful and attentive staff will be at your service to help you make an educated dining choice. A convenient location near the Opera and Nguyen Hue Boulevard makes Tandoor the perfect stop and delicious variation in cuisine during your sightseeing tours.

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