The Mekong Delta is the name given to the area of south western Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and enters the sea. The Vietnamese refer to this area as the Nine Dragon River Delta and this region is the perfect place to explore and get a feel for the local culture whilst on your Vietnam tour.
The best way to experience the culture of the local people on your Vietnam holiday is by arranging a visit to a local market. In Saigon, Ben Thanh is the place that the locals visit to buy their food and catch up with all the weekly gossip. The market is also the perfect place to do a spot of historic sightseeing on your Vietnam holidays, as the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace are all located a short walk away. The Reunification Palace was historically said to be the place that the Vietnam War ended on 30 April, 1973, as it was here that tank number 843 rammed through its gates after Saigon surrended.
Another well known district worth visiting on your Vietnam holiday is the area of the Chu Chi tunnels. This immense network of underground tunnels was the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War and also an underground base for the Viet Cong. It is possible to arrange a tour by a Vietnam War Veteran and listen to some of their incredible experiences during your Vietnam holiday. You are certain to leave the tunnels feeling incredibly humbled over some of the experiences that you have heard.
If you enjoyed visiting Ben Thanh then take a Vietnam tour, on a traditional flat-bottomed Sampan boat, up the Mekong to the famous fish market. Whilst here you can experience the local culture and visit a traditional Vietnamese village, where the friendly locals are bound to make you feel more than welcome.
The Cai Rang Floating Markets are amongst the third biggest in the country, and when you take a Vietnam tour in this area you're sure to attract the attention of many hawkers. Fresh papaya, coconut candy, beer and even smuggled cigarettes are amongst the items that you will find for sale in the region. From the Cai Rang Floating Market you can also arrange excursions to visit bee farms, orchards and coconut candy factories, all of which will give you ample opportunity to try the local produce.
Before leaving your Vietnam tour and sailing up the Mekong River to Cambodia you may want to stop over in the Khmer town of Chau Doc. Chau Doc is famous for its range of fish sauces and trade in catfish, and as such the floating fish houses are one of the most visited attractions in the area. These houses are lived in by the local population but feature giant floating fish cages underneath the living area.
Sunset at the Sam Mountain is sure to be one of the highlights of your Vietnam holiday. As you extend up the mountain, there are plenty of attractions that can be visited en-route from the Tay An Pagoda, to the Temple of Lady Xu and the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau. However, with the sunsetting over the green paddy fields and views of Cambodia in the distance, here is the perfect place to end your Vietnam tour or Cambodia travel.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Asia Travel Book
Going to a strange continent, especially for the first time, can be a daunting prospect. Asia is a beautiful and exciting place to go and a good Asia travel book is recommended. There is a wide variety to choose from, and several from well established publishers in the travel field.
Asia is a continent of vibrant cities, historic buildings, hill villages, temples, mountains and waterfalls. It can be a great culture shock for many people and it's a good idea to have a companion guide for company. Most people embrace the sights, sounds and food and want to go back for more.
The Lonely Planet Shoestring Guide series includes Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. Countries covered include Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The latest book is a revised edition from March 2008. This part of the world is a very popular destination with young backpackers from the US, UK and Australia and this is the perfect budget travel companion.
The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia claims that "everything you need to know before you go is here". Twenty-one different countries are discussed and there is lots of advice on going there on a budget, health issues and careful planning if traveling alone. This travel guide to Asia has tips on accommodation, eating places, what to take, and transport. The culture of the area is also explored and insurance and visa requirements are explained.
The Asia Book is in the Lonely Planet Pictorial series and is a coffee table hardback. The beauty of the area is captured in color photographs and there is detailed information on every country. Articles feature the terrain, culture, religion and the hippie trail from the 1960s. The Asia travel guide also contains useful maps and journey suggestions.
The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia includes nine countries with Hong Kong and Macau. Advice is given on moving around the region and on borders, ferry crossings and local flight details. There are also lists on the best places to stay and restaurants and bars. There are detailed maps and plans to cover every region with hotels and restaurants highlighted.
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos and the Greater Mekong is a Lonely Planet Multi Country Guide, which takes the reader on an exciting journey down the Mekong River. This Asia travel book also covers Thailand. Maps show border crossings and ancient landmarks. There is also a section on which borders are open.
Southeast Asia (Globetrotter Travel Map) is designed to help first time tourists to the region. There are color photographs, information on where to stay and charts for climate and distance between towns. In addition to the general map of Southeast Asia, there are detailed town plans of major centers, such as Mandalay, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore City, and Ho Chi Minh City. Other plans cover Bali, Penang and Phuket Town, all with places of interest and key attractions shown on the maps.
Asia is a continent of vibrant cities, historic buildings, hill villages, temples, mountains and waterfalls. It can be a great culture shock for many people and it's a good idea to have a companion guide for company. Most people embrace the sights, sounds and food and want to go back for more.
The Lonely Planet Shoestring Guide series includes Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. Countries covered include Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The latest book is a revised edition from March 2008. This part of the world is a very popular destination with young backpackers from the US, UK and Australia and this is the perfect budget travel companion.
The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia claims that "everything you need to know before you go is here". Twenty-one different countries are discussed and there is lots of advice on going there on a budget, health issues and careful planning if traveling alone. This travel guide to Asia has tips on accommodation, eating places, what to take, and transport. The culture of the area is also explored and insurance and visa requirements are explained.
The Asia Book is in the Lonely Planet Pictorial series and is a coffee table hardback. The beauty of the area is captured in color photographs and there is detailed information on every country. Articles feature the terrain, culture, religion and the hippie trail from the 1960s. The Asia travel guide also contains useful maps and journey suggestions.
The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia includes nine countries with Hong Kong and Macau. Advice is given on moving around the region and on borders, ferry crossings and local flight details. There are also lists on the best places to stay and restaurants and bars. There are detailed maps and plans to cover every region with hotels and restaurants highlighted.
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos and the Greater Mekong is a Lonely Planet Multi Country Guide, which takes the reader on an exciting journey down the Mekong River. This Asia travel book also covers Thailand. Maps show border crossings and ancient landmarks. There is also a section on which borders are open.
Southeast Asia (Globetrotter Travel Map) is designed to help first time tourists to the region. There are color photographs, information on where to stay and charts for climate and distance between towns. In addition to the general map of Southeast Asia, there are detailed town plans of major centers, such as Mandalay, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore City, and Ho Chi Minh City. Other plans cover Bali, Penang and Phuket Town, all with places of interest and key attractions shown on the maps.
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