VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout it´s history, Vietnam has been heavily influenced by foreign countries. From its early Chinese origins, through French rule, to Japanese wartime occupation, and finally the Vietnam War ending in 1975. Today, visitors to Vietnam will find a country with a fascinating blend of ancient and modern sights, Western and Oriental ideas. Also, with over 2000 km of coastline North to South and mountains rising to over 3000 meters the scenery is as diverse as it´s people and history.
Ho Chi Minh
The old capital of the South and the largest city in the country, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City (previous known as Saigon) is fast regaining it´s reputation as one of Asia´s most vibrant cities. The tree lined boulevards, French colonial architecture and street side cafes are prominent reminders of the city´s recent past, however, it is the vast, bustling markets and feeling of young ambition which offer a more telling picture of the new Vietnam.
Tour Highlights:
Jade pagoda: Built in 1892 the pagoda is dedicated to a pantheon of mythical Chinese-Vietnamese divinities, in a mixture of Taoism and Buddhism. It was an important meeting place for Chinese secret societies who hoped to overthrow the Manchu Dynasty ruling in Peking.
Giac Lam: Built in 1744 this is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Situated close to Chinatown the Pagoda evokes a feeling of ´another world´ with it´s pungent incense, funeral tablets and carved inscriptions.
Thien Hau Pagoda: Built in 1863 by the ethnic Chinese of Saigon, the pagoda is dedicated to the Goddess of the sea and decorated with intricate ceramic friezes. On the main dais there are no less than 3 figures of Thien Hau, together with servants and guardians.
Notre Dam Cathedral: Built in between 1877 and 1883 it is one of the cities major landmarks. It is built in a neo Romanesque from and represents the major seat of catholic religion in southern in Vietnam. On Sunday´s evening the whole of the square in front of the Cathedral fills, are the congregation gathers for the service.
Unification Place (President Palace): The modern style former palace of President Thieu and his predecessors is today seaside as a museum and venue for official receptions. Inside the building visitors can see the private rooms of the President, the ´War Room´ where from where the South Vietnamese forces were controlled, and most poignantly the room where the North Vietnamese army finally took control in 1975. There are many original photographs depicting the famous events of Saigon´s fall.
Day tour Highlights:
The Cao Dai Temple of Tay Ninh: Tay Ninh is the town that is the home to the Cao Dai religion. Exclusive to Vietnam, this mysterious sect draws it´s origin from Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Islam. Visitors are currently allowed to observe the daily prayers and chanting (service from 12.00 AM to 1.00 PM)
The Tunnels of Cu Chi: One hour drive from Ho Chi Minh city, the Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the few remaining monument to the Vietnam War. Beneath the group lie 200km of tunnels, dug by hand and inhabited by the forces of the Viet Cong during the conflict which ended in 1975. At its peak prior the crucial Tet offensive, the tunnel complex was base to almost 10,000 troops and to this day remains one of the most powerful examples how the war was fought.
The Mekong Delta: A visit to the rich flood plain of the Mekong Delta is one of the best way to experience Vietnamese rural life and the existence of over 80% of the country´s population. As well as producing over half of the nation rice, the delta area is abundant with fruit orchards and traditional fish farms. From a cultural point of view, the region is particularly interesting because of it´s diverse of ethnic Khmer and Chinese.
Hanoi Capital
Hanoi is without question one of S.E. Asia´s most fascinating cities. None of other can compare in terms of the concentration of the quality architecture, built during the Chinese and French colonial era. As a result of the country´s isolation from western development after 1954 the capital has thus been preserved as a magnificent tributed a great era of colonial architecture and city design. In addition to this architectural legacy the city is home to wonders such as the Old Quarter with it´s 36 narrow streets each famous for goods or crafts that have remained unchanged for centuries.
As the country´s capital Hanoi is also home to many of the countries fine art collections and museums particularly those which celebrate the ´revolution´. Hanoi has a timelessness which one cannot help feeling will slip way as the economy lurches toward capitalist progress.
Tour Highlights:
One Pillar Pagoda: Built in 1049 the pagoda was built at the order of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a celebration and thanks for the birth of his only son. It is 3 meters square and designed to resemble a lotus flower emerging from the lake.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: It is here that the nations leader was laid to rest and to this day his body remains, embalmed on display for visitors to pay homage. The shrine itself is a huge imposing building made of concrete and granite.
Temple of Literature: Built in 1070 the complex consist of 5 courtyards, dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of Confucian thought and behavior. It is here that Vietnam´s first university was founded.
Hoan Kiem Lake: (Lake of the Restored Sword) is situated in the middle of the city and a short walk round the lake is an excellent way to take in the beauty of the city.
The Old Quarter: This part of the city has traditionally been home to the city´s artisans and merchants. The maze of narrow streets with each house acting as a shop-front outlet selling all manner of goods is a ´browsers´ paradise.
Hanoi Water Puppets: Perhaps Vietnam´s most famous performing art form is the water puppet theater. This involves had made and painted characters acting out traditional tales originating from both the countryside and the old Royal Court.
Water Puppetry is traditionally a Northern specialty and Hanoi has a number of excellent theaters which have evening performances year-round.
Day trips from Hanoi
- Bat Trang Ceramic Village: For centuries the village of Bat Trang has specialized in the production of high quality ceramic ware. Today the abundance of rich clay and increasing demand has turned the traditional skills into a thriving cottage industry. In addition to the traditional designs for urns, pots, tableware some of the more innovative craftsmen are now introducing the more avant-garde designs of Hanoi painters and artists. Bat Trang can be visited in a half day from Hanoi.
- Traditional Craft Villages: Indovillage has discovered a number of small villages outside of Hanoi which each specialized in traditional crafts of the region. In each of these villages the skills have been passed down through many generations and it is possible to observe some of the country´s most skilled artisans at work. The three principle villages can be visited in a day trip from Hanoi as follows: Du Du (wooden Buddha carving), Van Diem (carved wooden furniture and ornaments), Duyen Thai (lacquer-wares)
- Halong Bay: From the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin 3000 islands rise steeply from the water to create an extraordinarily dramatic seascape. Said to be where the “dragon descends into the sea”. Halong Bay is one of the most spectacular and romantic of all Vietnam´s physical wonders. To fully explore the bay takes 2-3 days by boat, but a one day excursion provides a goods taste of the life around the rugged shores of the North.
