when visit sapa all things you know

Sapa is a popular destination in Vietnam. If you are sketching a plan to visit the artful land, maybe this article is of much help.

Schedule3 days 4 nights or 2 days 3 nights. That’s quite enough for you to get to visit major attractions in Sapa.

When to visit
It’s not exaggerating to say that Sapa is beautiful all year round. It portrays itself in different charm throughout annual seasons. However, you may want to visit Sapa in April and September, when rice paddy fields are stepping in their gathering season.

You will marvel at the artless and picturesque beauty of terraced paddy fields and photographers will be overwhelmed with the amount of potential art they can create. In winters, Sapa is likely to be freezing cold and covered in snow, which is a rare thing to find anywhere in Vietnam’s winters. This couple-suiting kind of weather lasts from December to February.

visit Hanoi welcome !

Preparation
Clothes: lightweight and warm travel clothing is prior. Sapa’s summer is quite cool and you should squeeze in your bag a jacket. If you are going to Sapa to see its winter, you need a panoply of warm-keeping wearing items ranging from extreme winter gloves to extra-thick parkas. They allow you to be carefree exploring romantic sapa in winter. Avoid carrying too much stuff since it might take 2-3 days for you to enjoy Sapa thoroughly. There are plenty of clothes and trekking equipment shops in Sapa catering to your various needs.
Shoes: bring sporty footwear. You are going to spend most of the time on your feet walking around.
Personal paper: your ID, driving license is crucial to hire accommodations and to ride you bike legally.
Means of transportFrom Sai Gon: After flying to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Jetstar, you hire a room there, waiting till the evening to board a sleeper bus/ train heading Sapa.
From Hanoi:
Trains to Sapa depart at Tran Quy Cap Station.

A one-way ticket for hard/soft seat in sitting compartment costs 200-300k vnd.
A one-way ticket in air-conditioned compartment costs 400-600k vnd.
A one-way ticket in sleeping hardwood compartment costs 600-800k vnd.
Once you reach Lao Cai Station, you can contact your pre-booked hotel staff to be picked up or catch a bus for around 50k vnd.

Sleeper buses to Sapa costs 220-250k vnd/one-way ticket/ person

You should travel train in rain season since roads can be very muddy and dangerous.

List of sleeper buses
It takes around 4 hours to drive from Hanoi to Lao Cai on new high way and one hour from Lao Cai to Sapa. Ticket bus prices vary from 300k to 350k vnd. If you are able to get a slot on a package tour bus, you can have discount price and better service.

Accomodations

You will spend most time of a day away from your room so the pressure on finding a comfortable room isn’t too much. We are categorizing accommodation in terms of price.

Mid-range and Budget
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Luxury
Destinations in Sapa

There are numerous spots in Sapa for your desire to visit to revel in. Yet you should not miss these destinations: Ta Van, Lao Chai, Ta Phin, Cat Cat mountain villages; Ham Rong mountain; Bac waterfall. Since they scatter throughout Sapa, it would be economical for you to hire your own motorbike to move around or a car if you are traveling with your family. Motorbike rent is 80k-120k vnd. Ask your hotel for more car rental information.

On the way to Ta Van and Ta Phin, there is marvelous scenery of terraced paddy fields. Ta Van, Ban Ho and Sapa ancient stonefield can be reached within the same route. Trekking-lovers love to visit Ta Van and Cat Cat in the fall and winter-spring period when the weather shifting to being mildly cold.

Little notes

You may want to ask for permission before take pictures of the locals and visit locals’ house.
Do not buy antiques if the sellers are not aware of their properties.
If you would like to give away gifts, please give them to adults, not children.
sapa
see more : dalat Vietnam

Eating in ho chi minh

If you have been to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s fastest-developing rising star, you may think life doesn’t have to be dull, ever.

things to do in ho chi minh

The country has become a spirited, pulsating destination in recent years. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city with the estimated population of 9 million, can be the best example. Saigon, the formerly name of the city, is changing at a speed exceeding that of the city’s most reckless motorcycle taxi drivers.

Urban regeneration projects, visually stunning new bridges, high-end real estate, business towers, office blocks, glitzy shopping malls – you name it, HCMC has it and promisingly get more.

While old-timers sometimes mourn about the fast-paced and major progress, once you are in the thick of it, life is never slow.

Actually, the allure of HCMC comes from its limitless vitality.

Here are some Best of Ho Chi Minh City – Dinning.

mausoleum ho chi minh

Pizza 4P’s
The best authentic Neapolitan pizzas in HCMC is traced back to a Japanese chef.

temple of literature Hanoi

The restaurant’s atmosphere gives a pleasing first impression but the pizzas’ quality is what lingers longest in the memory.

The toppings vary from classic Italian numbers such as Quattro formagio and margarita to Japanese fusion creations like marinated beef and teriyaki. They are judiciously combined and bolstered by the application of creamy freshly made mozzarella. All laid on perfectly textured chewy yet crispy bases.

The restaurant offers a good selection of beers and comprehensive wine list which complete the recipe for an decent evening out.

Address 8/15 Le Thanh Ton Street District1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Tel +84 120 789 4444
Quan Ut Ut
The country’s most loved dishes are bun cha ( grilled pork meatballs served with vermicelli noodles) and thi kho (caramelized pork). Those porcine-centered creations portray a strong Vietnam’s culinary love affair with the pig that was established forever ago.

Considered a humble barbecue joint by foreigners, Quan Ut Ut is the one of the hottest tables in HCMC, whose name translates as “Restaurant Oink Oink”.

The restaurant daily witnesses one-hour queue patiently wait to fill up on the palatable barbecued pork, which in the words of the owners is “get their ut ut on”, while sipping on imported or local beers. That’s due to Quan Ut Ut’s unique rule of not accepting bookings and the main attraction of Quan Ut Ut — great grilled meat on charcoal brazer.

Address 168 Vo Van Kiet Phuong Cau Ong Lanh, Q.1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Tel +84 839 144 500
Monsoon
Monsoon feels like a high-end venue with its immaculate interior design and airy setting. Yet the restaurant sticks to the ideal of great food at low prices, typical to the Asian street dining.

This is one of rare places where eaters can mix and match a feast boasting Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Burmese and Thai dishes.

The banquet from across Southeast Asian often stars top picks like a gorgeous take on Khmer fish amok and a Burmese-style sweet pork curry.

Address No.1, Cao Ba Nha, Nguyen Cu Trinh ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 84 Vietnam
Tel +84 8 6290 8899
Cuc Gach Quan
Short-term visitors find the location of Cuc Gach Quan, which is on the outer limits of District 1, a deterrent. According to what have been known about the best Vietnamese food served here, in a serene converted house, it shouldn’t be.

You might be a bit overwhelmed when you lay eyes on the restaurant’s weighty-tome menu.

Homemade tofu is pliant and creamy.

Red rice, which is beautifully texture, and soft shell crab among are what keep gourmets coming back.

Among other things, reasonable prices and extensive wine list make it more imperative to fit in the trip.

Address 10 Dang Tat Ward Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Tel +84 8 3848 0144
Banh Xeo 46A
The most addictive treats in Vietnamese cuisine title may go to Banh Xeo (Sizzling pancake).

Turmeric powder added to rice flour to create the pancakes’ vivid yellow coloring, water and coconut are blended to make the outer coat. Once the batter are poured onto the pan, it is filled with shrimp, bean sprouts and fatty pork. After some ingenious pan flipping, the crisp result  is served alongside aromatic herbs then dipped in dipping sauce, which is fish sauce drawn out by sugar, lemon and water).

Unlike duck fetus or other Vietnamese creations, Banh xeo is no challenge to eaters but one bite can totally wow your tongue.

Address 46A D Dinh Cong Trang District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Tel  +84 8 3827 1372
The experience of the best evening out is still in your memory? Share with us in the comments.

Travel Vietnam with Souvenirs

Travelers always want to bring home some souvenirs that remind them of their journey. However, they often get into trouble of deciding what to buy. Here is a special list of products that you should buy as souvenirs when you travel to Vietnam.

Silk
Silk used to be a luxurious and notable material. It signified social status since it was only worn by Vietnamese royalty. It is now an affordable product.

The silkworms after feeding on mulberry leaves will attach themselves to the mulberry tree then spin cocoons. Silk is woven from that cocoons. Silk products of Vietnam are famous for its brilliance, skilful technique, and its color.

vietnam things to do

Van Phuc Silk Village is the best place to buy silk products. It’s the cradle of Vietnam’s silk


Conical hats

Non la or conical hat is circular cone made of bamboo and young palm leaves, notable for its romantic adornment. It is an indispensable tool for Vietnamese people of all age. It is rain and sun protector.

Non la is a typical cultural symbol in Vietnam.

Depending on the quality, the price may range from 30,000 – 100,000 VND at souvenir shops.

dalat Vietnam

Ao Dai
Ao Dai is the traditional dress of Vietnamese women. It’s a great work of art signifying women’s elegant beauty. Ao dai has changed with many innovations through the impacts of time. It current form is a tight-fitted long silk tunic worn over long pants.

If you want to get an ao dai, you will need to pick the fabric first then bring it to a tailor. It may take about a week until you can get the product.

An ao dai may cost about 700,000 – 1,500,000 VND

Reasons to visit Vietnam
“Ao dai” – Vietnam’s traditional costume
Ceramic products
You can easily find various kinds of ceramic products in Vietnam such as vases, plates, cups, bows, etc. They are hand-crafted by experienced Vietnamese people.

Bamboo and wooden products
These products are hand woven and available in Vietnam with a large variety of colors.  They are eco-friendly in nature.

mausoleum ho chi minh

vietnam souvenirs
Bamboo dragonfly
wooden clogs
“Guoc moc” – Wooden clogs – typical kind of footwear in Vietnam
Embroidered paintings
Hand embroidery is a 700-year-old tradition in Vietnam. It’s made from the patience and skill of the artisans sewing, tinting tiny threads then create a graceful work. Theme can be varied. It can be picturesque natural scenes or it can be life scenes or portraits.

A small hand embroidered product may cost about 500,000 VND. The bigger ones may cost 2,000,000 VND.

Spring – Summer – Autumn – Winter
Silk paintings
Silk paintings are a unique art of Vietnam. Silk paintings have elegant beauty due to its rustic and poetic themes including the countryside, pagodas, and scenes of daily life.

You can easily find them in many gift shops or find art galleries in Hanoi and Saigon city. Price may range from $5 – $50/piece.

Interesting about Vietnam

This is your chance to get some interesting information about Vietnam while you can enjoy below fun facts. This will definitely bring you enjoyment and pleasure.

#1 Vietnam – the S-shaped land

The first interesting fact about Vietnam lies in its shape. While Cuba is shaped like a crocodile, Italy is shaped like a boot; Vietnam’s shape resembles a letter S.

>>  temple of literature hanoi

#2 Motorbikes are everywhere

The number of motorbikes in Vietnam has increased in the fast pace. You can see the overwhelming number of motorbikes in streets. There are about 39 million of motorbikes nationwide since it is an affordable means of transportation. Its price and tax are far much cheaper than a car. Motorbikes are everywhere.

A motorbike is used to transport all kinds of things
You may catch sights of people transporting giant packs of things just in their little motorbike and I guess you can never find out how they could handle that.

#3 Coffee paradise

Vietnam, the second largest producer of coffee in the world, is the paradise of coffee. You can find a café in every street corner. They are all tasty, aromatic. You may find various kinds of coffee in this country.

#4 White is beautifulWhile tanned skin is regarded as a sign of strength to Western people, Vietnamese considered that color as sign of low class of laborer working at the fields. To Vietnamese people, white color skin is the symbol of high class and is an ideal skin color. Hence, they wrap themselves up as much as possible when they go outside.

more >>  best time to travel to Vietnam

#5 The most popular family nameNguyen (Nguyễn), the most popular family name in Vietnam, shared by 40% of the population. This surname dates back to emperor period of Nguyen Dynasty.

#6 Kitchen god

Vietnam is the only country that has the deity for the kitchen – Ong Tao. On the 23rd day of the 12th month in lunar calendar, people will buy a carp – a means of transportation for Ong Tao to rush up to heaven and report to the God of Heaven what family members had done in that year.

Visit in Vietnam – How to make it more convenient?

Visit Vietnam can sometimes be awkward, sometimes disturbing. A few years ago, I had always thought that taking the train should only be my last resort. However, recently, I have learned a few things that can make your train ride a bit smoother.

Don’t be cheap

A cabin like this will make sure that you are ready for action in the morning
Getting a cheap seat means you’re going to share that space with the people who aren’t willing to pay for a seat. If you’re planning to travel just a few hours, then that might not be a problem. But if you’re taking a night train, believe me, this will be a pain. Just spend some extra Dong to get a bunk bed or an exclusive cabin. Make sure you get a good night rest to get enough energy for a day of excitement.

Book in advance, but not online
Online booking doesn't always work. So it's best to buy ticket at the station
Online booking doesn’t always work. So it’s best to buy ticket at the station
There are many ways for you to secure tickets in advance. However, booking tickets online is not one of them. Your booking would eventually get lost because of “reasons”. If possible, head to the station yourself to get the tickets a few days early. This will make sure that you get the desired seat while taking a train in Vietnam.

welcome sapa !

If you can’t make it to the station, ask the front desk of your hotel. For some extra cash, they will get you the tickets.

Prepare food and power
You can get some refreshments on the train, though I wouldn’t recommend them. They don’t cost much. They just suck. There are no breaks on the trip long enough for you to get out and buy something. So it’s best if you just pack some snack for the road. Also, there is no way to charge your phone on the train. So make sure that your devices are fully charged, and bring some backup batteries as well.

Short distance makes taking a train in Vietnam better
If you’re only planning to spend 2-3 hours on the train, there shouldn’t be any problems at all. Instead of spending many hours on a train, why not consider making multiple pit stops along the way? Our website has information on every city and province of Vietnam. So no matter where you choose to visit, there is always something worthwhile. Consider this option if you are a fan of spontaneous exploration and willing to take the time.

more:  things to do in ho chi minh

The Temple of Literature ( Văn Miếu)

The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu, 文廟) (known as Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám in Vietnamese) is a Temple of Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple hosts the "Imperial Academy" (Quốc Tử Giám, 國子監), Vietnam's first national university. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of King Lý Thánh Tông. It is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The temple is located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Đại Việt took place. The temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese đồng banknote. Just before the Vietnamese New Year celebration Tết, calligraphists will assemble outside the temple and write wishes in Hán characters. The art works are given away as gifts or are used as home decorations for special occasions.

The temple was built in 1070 and was reconstructed during the Trần dynasty (1225–1400) and in the subsequent dynasties. For nearly two centuries, despite wars and disasters, the temple has preserved ancient architectural styles of many dynasties as well as precious relics. Major restorations have taken place in 1920, 1954 and 2000.
see more other places in vietnam : things to do in ho chi minh
"In the autumn of the year Canh Tuat, the second year of Than Vu (1070), in the 8th lunar month, during the reign of King Lý Thánh Tông, the Temple of Literature was built. The statues of Confucius, his four best disciples: Yan Hui (Nhan Uyên), Zengzi (Tăng Sâm), Zisi (Tử Tư), and Mencius (Mạnh Tử), as well as the Duke of Zhou (Chu Công), were carved and 72 other statues of Confucian scholars were painted. Ceremonies were dedicated to them in each of the four seasons. The Crown Princes studied here."
In 1076, Vietnam's first university, the "Quốc Tử Giám" or Imperial Academy, was established within the temple to educate Vietnam's bureaucrats, nobles, royalty and other members of the elite. The university remained open from 1076 to 1779. In 1802, the Nguyễn dynasty's monarchs founded the Huế capital where they established a new imperial academy. The academy at the Hanoi temple lost its prominence and became a school of the Hoai Duc district.

You can see more: best things to do in vietnam

Under the French protectorate, the Temple of the Literature was registered as Monument historique in 1906. Campaigns of restoration were pursued in 1920 and 1947 under the responsibility of École française d'Extrême-Orient (French School of the Far East) and again after the World War II.

The King Lý Thánh Tông built the school. It was built in 1076 AD at the time of King Lý Thánh Tông. It was built as a school for the rich and royals to study because education is very important. After that, it was used as university for everyone because there weren't enough universities for everyone in Hanoi. They wanted that a lot of people would go to the school so they expanded to make more space for more people and since it was expanded for more people wanted to go to the school to study well. It was rebuilt because the wood that the kings used in the olden days had been so old that it started to break and fall apart. As the days went by, the kings kept replacing the wood and now we have replaced the wood with concrete or metal,stone and new wood. When the French ruled Vietnam at around 1945- 1954, they destroyed some parts of the temple for sick people and wounded people since the hospitals were full and there was no where for people to go when they are sick or wounded.

The Best places to visit in VietNam

 A long, narrow country squeezed in between the South China Sea and the Laos and Cambodia borders, Vietnam is a land of striking landscapes that range from the lush rice terraces and forested mountains in the north to the picturesque valleys of the Central Highlands and the fertile delta and beautiful beaches of the south. Included in the mix are booming modern cities, colonial towns, traditional villages, archaeological sites and otherworldly islands. An overview of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

Best Hotels in Hanoi

Dalat Climate
Year-round cool weather and idyllic scenery of misty valleys, lush pine trees and colorful flowers are some of the reasons that Dalat was once used by Vietnamese emperors and French colonials as a summer retreat. Today, this charming town in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam is a popular destination for those looking for relief from the heat. A walkable city, Dalat is a beautiful scene of French colonial architecture and villas set amid picturesque landscapes.

My Sonflickr/besar bears
Located on the central coast of Vietnam near the Duy Phú village is the important archaeological site known as My Son. One of Southeast Asia’s most notable ancient sites, My Son was once a significant center of religious Hindu ceremonies where the kings of the Champa Kingdom built numerous temples devoted to the worship of the god, Shiva, between the 4th and 14th centuries.

Ho Chi Minh City Climate
Lying along the Siagon River near the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon and served as the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city of the reunified country, offering plenty of reasons to visit, from its blend of historic and modern attractions to vibrant shopping, dining and nightlife.

Hue Climate
Situated on the banks of the Perfume River in Central Vietnam, Hue once served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty. Today, the vestiges of this former glorious period are reflected in the city’s architecture, culture and cuisine, making it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. Of the city’s monuments, the Citadel is the most famous. Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, the Citadel is a sprawling complex of grand palaces, ornate temples, walls and gates Another important landmark on the river is the city’s official symbol, the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Mekong Deltaflickr/jorgecab
Colorful floating markets, fruit orchards, rice paddies, sugar cane groves, bird sanctuaries and quaint villages are all what draw many to the Mekong Delta in southwestern Vietnam. Nicknamed “Vietnam’s Rice Basket,” the Mekong Delta is an agricultural region made fertile by the maze of canals and streams fed by the Mekong River. Stretching from the Gulf of Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta feeds more than a third of the country from its rich plantations, orchards, rice paddies and fish farms.

Nha Trang Climate
Located on one of Asia’s most beautiful bays off the coast of South Central Vietnam, Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort city. Picturesque mountains, beaches and lush islands all make it a favorite destination among tourists, Vietnamese and scuba divers. Adorned with resorts, palm trees and a lovely promenade, Nha Trang’s beach is its main draw. Amusement and water parks provide fun for everyone with roller coasters and wave pools.

Sapa Climate
Surrounded by pictorial mountains, rice terraces and a diversity of hill tribes in the remote northwest of Vietnam, Sapa is a quiet town frequently used as a base for trekking in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains and touring rice paddies and traditional villages. From the town, there are many organized tours that aide tourists in mountain hikes and exploring the nearby rice paddies and remote villages. These tours present views of beautiful waterfalls and the opportunities to experience the food, customs and way of life among the local tribes.

Hoi Anflickr/jmhullot
Located off the coast of the South China Sea in South Central Vietnam, Hoi An is a beautiful, old city dating back 2,000 years to the Champa Kingdom. The city’s historic architecture, traditional culture and textiles make it a popular destination in Vietnam. At the heart of Hoi An is its atmospheric Old Town which is small enough to walk around easily. The narrow, winding lanes of the Old Town are lined with beautiful old architecture, traditional wooden houses and hundreds of tailor shops selling clothing, shoes, bags, souvenirs and custom-made services.

Hanoi Climate
For the last century, Hanoi has the Indochina and Vietnam Wars to emerge as the booming capital city of a reunified Vietnam. At the heart of Hanoi is its Old Quarter, an open-air museum of historic Asian and French colonial architecture that has largely remained intact despite the bombings of the Vietnam War. Here among scenic tree-lined boulevards, tourists can browse busy markets, sip coffee at quaint cafes and visit prominent sites like the Grand Opera House, the Presidential Palace and Saint Joseph Cathedral.

Ha Long Bay

With its aqua-green water and cluster of limestone rocky outcrops rising from the water like sea dragons, Ha Long Bay resembles a scene from a fantasy story. Located about 130 km (80 miles) east of Hanoi in northern Vietnam, this otherworldly bay features more than 2,000 jungle-covered islands pitted with intriguing caves, grottoes, sinkholes and lakes. Many of the islands have been sculpted over the centuries by natural processes into fantastic formations.

see also: places to visit in vietnam

Ho Chi Minh travel

Saigon’s Top Sights
You may be surprised to know how many tourists put the former American Embassy at the top of their list of things to see in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are one of them, resist temptation and head first for the History Museum near the entrance to the zoo. This unassuming, musty place, with its grimy glass cases, houses a formidable collection of artifacts from Vietnam’s two thousand years of recorded history. Even a very brief visit will help put many of the other things you will see as you tour Saigon in some kind of historical perspective. The museum also has a water puppet theater and one of the best stocked and most reasonably priced gift shops in the city.

From the museum, head down Le Duan Boulevard towards Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace occupied for nine years by Nguyen Van Thieu. Tourists stop at the front gate to snap photos by the thousands, but few venture inside. You might find yourself practically alone and wander from floor to floor as though you owned the place. Maps still hanging in the underground military operations rooms remind visitors how close the ‘‘enemy’’ was. On the top floor you will find yourself in a party room with a stage and a huge lanai. Below, lavish reception halls and office, a gambling room, and a private movie theater are all self-indulgent and tasteless reminders of why our side lost.
Only a few blocks away the new U.S. Consulate sits on the site of the former U.S. Embassy. Before it was torn down you could you stand at the gate it is easy to imagine the helicopter removing a fortunate few from the roof, while thousands fought and screamed outside the fence. The building became a scar and was thankfully torn down.

Ben Thanh Market should be your next stop. Here, you will find practically every staple commodity imaginable except automobiles and real estate. If consumerism offers intimate glimpses of how people live, wandering among the tiny, packed stalls here will give you some unique insights into modern Vietnamese life. The food court here has delicious and very tasty local specialties. Produce, flowers, and meats are sold on the sidewalks surrounding the building.
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A visit to Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, can take an afternoon, if not an entire day. Like Chinese districts in San Francisco, London, New York and Bangkok, Cho Lon is one of the oldest and most mysterious parts of Saigon. Cho Lon means ‘‘big market,’’ and the best place to begin your visit is at the overwhelming Binh Tay Market. Although it is likely to be hot and crowded, take your time here. The variety of goods here is positively astounding and will give you uncanny glimpses into modern Vietnamese life. Friendly bargaining should save you from 20% to 40%.
Although there are many beautiful pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most interesting is the Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda on Nguyen Trai. It is certainly one of the most lavishly decorated. Enormous coils of incense hang from the ceiling, looking like great skeletons of Christmas trees. Stand quietly along the shady wall inside for a few minutes to observe visitors dropping in for a quick prayer.
If you have an afternoon or two to escape the frenetic pace of Ho Chi MInh City, several nearby places make interesting day trips. Within sight of Saigon Gòn, the Cu Chi Tunnels are part of an extensive network of underground passages which extend as far as Cambodia. Built by the Viet Cong, the tunnels played a strategic role in the Communists’ victory. Since the vast network included hospitals, kitchens, dormatories, weapons factories and even classrooms, thousands of guerillas could move themselves and their weapons undetected for great distances. A section of the tunnels is open to visitors. If you are small enough, you can try to wiggle through some of the narrow passageways. Another tunnel system at Ben Duoc was constructed just for tourists to crawl around in. If that’s not enough wartime nostalgia, you can even fire a variety of automatic weapons.
Another fascinating day trip is to Tay Ninh, the center of the Cao Dai religion, which has perhaps two million followers in Vietnam. Cao Dai is a 1920’s invention which took the best of Catholocism and Asia’s great religions, plus a dab of Hollywood. (The sect has bestowed sainthood on Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill, among others.) Visiting the ostentatious but breathtaking cathedral is the highlight of the trip to Tay Ninh. The noon worship service is open to visitors has been compared to a scene from Disney’s Fantasia.
Travel agencies around town offer a somewhat-hurried combination Cu Chi and Cao Dai Temple tour for about ten dollars.
Shopping
As corny as it sounds, Saigon is a paradise for shoppers. Beautiful handicrafts and deliciously tacky tourist junk are in endless supply. If you love to shop and have at least elementary bargaining skills and a good eye, your money will go a long way and you can enjoy virtually endless retail entertainment. Your bargaining skills will come in handy everywhere except major tourist shops. Generally speaking, anything not marked with a price sticker can be had for about two thirds the price first quoted.
While there are fine shops throughout District 1, there are several streets which are especially good for shopping, particularly Dong Khai, and Le Thanh Ton behind the Rex Hotel. Many shops here sell jewelry, amber, ceramics, antiques, furniture, silk and apparel. The stalls along Le Loi Street between Ben Thanh Market and the New World Hotel sell all kinds of war surplus and hardware items.

Lacquerware made here is practically the best in the world and is still a real bargain. Scores of shops around District 1 sell boxes, trays, desk accessories, vases and other lacquerware items. Rosewood boxes and bowls are especially lovely. These make wonderful gifts.
If your friends at home love tacky tourist crap, you are in luck! You will find an astounding array of toy helicopters made from Coca Cola cans, fake Zippos and cigarette lighters made from hollow M-16 ammunition, and Good Morning Vietnam T-shirts.
HCMC’s tailors are reminiscent of Hong Kong’s before the seventies. Custom made shirts usually take three to four days and cost seven to ten dollars, not including the fabric.
If you are a Coffee lover, buy enough to fill those empty corner of your luggage. Vietnamese coffees are among the best in the world, and very inexpensive. Because Saigonites drink so much of it, the beans on display in scores of shops around District 1 are always quite fresh. Whole beans sealed in a plastic bag will last quite well until you return, and provide a lingering souvenir of your visit to Ho Chi Minh City.
you can visit vietnam VietNam have many beautyful sights