Travel in the world - 话题

VIETNAM  
 
INTRODUCTION  
 
In the last few years Vietnam has become a popular holiday destination and we know why. As the narrow piece of land stretches from the tropical south to temperate regions to the north it is not only the climate that changes. The racy commercialism of Ho Chi Minh City gives way to small villages and towns and Hanoi, the capital, is a mixture of French colonial architecture, modern multi-storey buildings and cluttered narrow streets where people squat to eat a bowl of noodles. Between these two major cities lie magnificent coastline, cool highland resorts, many fascinating ancient tombs, the Citadel in Hue and other reminders of past civilisations. And beyond them lie the enchantment of Ha Long Bay to the north and the rich rice fields of the Mekong Delta in the south. There are also tragic reminders of more recent history but the feeling from the people is positive rather than negative. The one thing that is consistent throughout the country is the natural beauty and friendliness of the people. A unique opportunity to see the real heart of Vietnam is through the SAIGON CHILDREN'S CHARITY. In order to support the work of the Saigon Children's Charity we can arrange for you to visit some of their projects in the south-east where children are given homes, education and training. This enables you to meet English speaking people totally unconnected with tourism and of course lots of smiling children. In return the cost of the excursion includes a donation to their work.  
 
DESTINATIONS VIETNAM  
 
HO CHI MINH CITY AND THE MEKONG DELTA  
 
Vietnam is divided by its geography and corresponding cultures into several distinct regions. In the south the Mekong Delta is a low lying region of fertile rice cultivation criss crossed by innumerable waterways. The best way to visit this area is by boat along the Mekong River and then along smaller canals where village life can be experienced first hand. The are fruit orchards, colourful floating markets and many Khmer pagodas to visit. Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as it is commonly known) on the Saigon river just north of the Delta has been a trading port for centuries and is still today a bustling and vibrant city of over 5 million people. This provides us with colourful markets, ancient pagodas, mosques, cathedrals, museums and palaces to visit. The Reunification Hall (formerly the Presidential Palace) is worth visiting for a glimpse of Saigon before and after 1975. Or perhaps a cold beer on the roof-top restaurant at the Rex. A rickshaw ride is a great way to see the sights. East meets West in this city with an obvious influence from the US presence in the 60's and 70's. The surrounding south-eastern provinces include the French colonial seaside resort of Vung Tau and Tay Ninh near the Cambodian border, famous for its extraordinary Cao Dai Temple.  
 
 
 
THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS  
 
Most of the central region is a narrow strip squeezed between the sea and the mountains which form the Cambodian border. The high plateau of the Central Highlands were developed by the French for rubber, tea and coffee plantations and the towns became cool resorts from the heat of the cities. The main centres are Dalat, Pleiku, Ban Me Thuot and Kontum. This area is home to 7 regional ethnic groups. Dalat is the most popular of these resort towns and offers a cool and tranquil escape from busy Saigon. Along with the climate it is particularly picturesque with waterfalls, lakes, pine hills and elegant hotels and villas. All this and with excellent food, who can resist!  
 
THE CENTRAL COAST  
 
The Central Coast is not only the location of the best beaches it also has some beautiful old towns and was the centre of successive ancient civilisations which have left their monuments as evidence of their culture. Nha Trang boasts 6 kilometres of white-sand beach and range of facilities which make it a popular destination, especially as there is a direct train link with Saigon. There are many beachfront bars and restaurants and the seafood is delicious. The town itself has some interesting architecture but the real highlight is to visit some of the nearby islands by boat. The snorkelling is good and visiting the fishing villages is fun especially a ride in a coracle to get there. This region was once the Cham Kingdom (4th -14th Century) and may relics of that era remain in the form of Cham Towers. It is possible to visit the sites at My Son or see some of the art at the Cham Museum in Danang. Danang is a port town surrounded by several limestone mountains such as Marble Mountain and beaches such as China Beach. Both of these places were significant in the Vietnam War. A highlight of this area, is the small and well-preserved village of Hoi An. Allow a day to explore this delightful village on foot. With its low roofed, red tiled houses, narrow passages and covered bridges. A walk along the river will take you by many eating places and to the markets. There is a great small village feel to Hoi An. Cau Dai Beach is only 5 kilometres away and is a pleasant alternative to China Beach. Hoi An is also a good place to buy local silk and paintings.  
 
Whether you travel to Hue by road, train or even fly, the journey is spectacular. The railway follows the coastline at times almost hanging over the sea, while the road makes a steep climb to the Hai Van Pass where the views are magnificent. Arriving at Hue you may notice the wide streets, the mixture of old and new architecture and the Perfume River. A closer look will reveal the remnants of the long history of Vietnam and reminders of the recent. It was the capital of Vietnam from 1802-1945 under the 13 emperors of the Ngyuen dynasty. The Citadel is not quite as imposing as it was before the war but there is still a lot to explore within its massive walls. A journey up the Perfume River will take you to the Imperial Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Tu Duc and others. The architecture and landscaping of these temples create a peaceful atmosphere which of course, was the intention. Other places of interest include Thien Mu Pagoda, Dong Ba market and the Royal Relics Museum or the Museum of Ancient Objects.  
 
 
 
HANOI AND THE NORTH  
 
Hanoi is capital of the North. It was laid out on a grand scale with broad boulevards, parks and lakes which combine the charm of French and Vietnamese architecture. Although the administrative capital of the country it has a more relaxed pace than the busy business centre of Saigon. This will change and already big businesses are buying up land to "modernise" the city. Still it is not uncommon to see motorcycles with a pig strapped to the back and a traffic jam is usually of rickshaws (cyclos) and bicycles rather than privately owned cars. Hanoi can be explored on foot or by cyclo. You can visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum which is an austere event. Nearby are One Pillar Pagoda and The Temple of Literature which date back to the 11 century. As a contrast you might like to visit the Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the city and the old city where the narrow streets each sell local produce. Hanoi is a good place to buy silk, handicrafts and antiques. It is also the only place to see the traditional Water Puppeteers perform their unique skill. It makes an entertaining and colourful night out.  
 
Ha Long Bay and the Northern Coast are famous for the limestone karst islands which have featured in many films. There are over 3000 islands rising from the clear emerald waters of the Bac Bo Gulf (Gulf of Tonkin). Some have sandy coves and others fantastic caves which you can walk through. Less well known is the Cat Ba Island National Park which has a wide range of flora and fauna. A boat ride through this region is something you will never forget.  
 
The Northern Highlands are best known for the many different Hilltribes who live here. The area is relatively undeveloped but half a dozen passable roads and two railway lines fan out from Hanoi up the valleys to the borders of China and Laos giving access to the mountains. Treks through Hilltribe villages away from the roads can be arranged. You can base your stay in the pleasant highland town of Sapa and visit the villages of Hmong, Dao and other ethnic groups. Son La also offers a chance to visit various minority hilltribes such as the Black Thai, Hmong and Muong people. From here the road passes tea plantations and orchards to Dien Bien Phu, the site of the final battle between the French and the Viet Minh in 1953.