Travelling Mekong Delta - FAQs part II

After pulishing Travelling Mekong Delta - FAQs, we've asked many questions which you coundn't find from any website about travelling around the Mekong Delta. So today we make it easier for those who are interested in exploring the Mekong by giving you some helpful information below. There we go.

1/ Is it easy to find a travel agent in the Mekong Delta, especially in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province.

Yes, you can find it easily in any cities around the Mekong Delta. Just tell them what you want and where you want to go then they can help you to plan your trip. And of course, if you are going to Rach Gia and want to find a travel agent, You can contact us any time you wish. for contact information please check it at:

http://exploringmekong.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

2/ Do the flood seasons affect to tourism? Could I drive during the flood seasons?

As we said in privious post, It's doesn't matter and coudn't affect to tourism. You can go from this city to one another easily. If you are going to the Mekong Delta in that seasons you shouldn't miss visiting Chau Doc because you will see something very unique that you coundn't see in the rest of Vietnam.

3/ Transportations:

There are some commom questions : How far from Tra Vinh City to Rach Gia, bus from Tra Vinh to Rach Gia City, Bus from Rach Gia City to Ha Tien... and so on..

If you are going to Rach Gia City, you need to take two buses: The first one to get to Can Tho City, from there, you will take another bus to Rach Gia city.

If you are going to Ha Tien from Rach Gia City, you just simply go to Rach Gia station and buy a ticket to Ha Tien which takes about 1 hour to get to Ha Tien. As we mentioned before that you should only take Phuong Trang or Mai Linh.

How to get to Ha Tien without stopping by Rach Gia City: You can take a bus to Chau Doc, then you can get to Ha Tien easily from there.

4/ Some questions about Phu Quoc island:

Could I find a homestay in Phu Quoc ( Phu Quoc homestay) : there was no homestay in Phu Quoc island before, but fortunately, We've finished our new house there for travellers who are interested in Homestay. So if you are looking for homestay in Phu Quoc, please contact us.

Could I find a hotel on my arrival in Phu Quoc island :

It depends on whether you are going on holiday seasons or not. If you are going there on holliday seasons, you'd better book your hotel in advance. If not, It's impossible to find a room to stay.

We also got some questions from those who need us to book for them. Our answer is yes, we can help you to book a room for you, but you have to deposit 50% the price of the hotel. for example, if you coundn't find a room and want us to book for you, You should deposit 50% the price. We will return your money for you when you are going back to Rach Gia City or by transferring through a bank.

Another common question is: Could I buy the ferry tickets to Phu Quoc on my arrival? 

More people around the world, as well as other parts of Vietnam, are coming every season to see the island of paradise - Phu Quoc Island. It makes you coudn't buy a ferry ticket when you are coming here on Holiday seasons. So many people have asked us that could they buy some ferry ticket to Phu Quoc on their arrival. My answer is, definately no, you can't find a seat in holiday season to Phu Quoc island.

Can I buy the ferry tickets online?

for some reasons, their don't save ticket online so you can't buy online. So you'd better join a travel agent then they can help you to buy your tickets before your arrival.

So if you are looking for a travel agent to help you buying your ferry tickets to Phu Quoc, do not hesitate to email or call us. We can help you. We can also help you to have a seat on the ferry if you cound't buy the ferry tickets. As well as to check for your bus schedule to HCMC or any part in Vietnam.


4/ What and where should I eat in Mekong Delta, Rach Gia City :

We're also asked where to try some snake soup and snake wine. Is it easy to find one in Mekong Delta or Rach Gia City.
If you are going to Rach Gia City, you should try some special dishes including snake soup and snake wine. Not every restaurant has snake in the menu. But if you have a local friend or a tour guide, You can find it easily around the city.

There are many nice restaurants around the city. But if you want to try something different then go to the beach and try some seafoods.




Can you find a volunteer in Rach Gia city - Kien Giang Province?


Yes, You can. We also have some students who are studying tourism in college and want to practice their skill before being hired. So you will have good chance to get a free tour guide in Rach Gia or around the Mekong Delta. So if you are looking for volunteers in Rach Gia or Mekong Delta, please contact us. 


You can do a day trip around Rach Gia city or Ha Tien with our volunteer. Or you can do a trip around the Mekong Delta with our volunteers. but if you are going to do a trip around the Mekong Delta, you should send a request to us at least 1 week before your arrival then we can check if there is any  volunteer available on your shedule or not. 

How to book? Just send us an email including your infomation. We well check and let you know as soon as possible. 


email: Exploringmekong@gmail.com

Read More

Exploring Ca Mau National Park

Exploring Ca Mau National Park 

Covering an area of 41,862ha, Cape Ca Mau National Park is located in Dat Mui commune, Ngoc Hien district, Ca Mau province, nearly 400km away from Ho Chi Minh City. 

Cape Ca Mau National Park is originally covered by natural mangrove forest; however, the vast majority was destroyed during the Second Indochina War. Most of the aqua cultural ponds have been abandoned and now support extensive areas of re-colonizing mangrove forest. There are extensive mudflats which are also being colonized naturally by mangrove. These areas are continually growing due to accretion rates along the coastline of up to 50m per year in places.
Biodiversity values. The Park is a submerged area with a floral complex, mainly including mangrove and Mam (avicenia, black mangrove) trees. This is an ecological system of natural salt-marsh forests with high values in terms of bio-diversity, landscapes, environment, culture and history.
Some small areas of old Rhizophora apiculata mangrove remain at Mui Ca Mau. This vegetation type probably covered much of the area in the past. Evidence of over-exploitation is abundant with many old logged bases of large Rhizophora apiculata trees. There are still some big trees over 10 years old, though the habitat is degraded. There are also extensive Rhizophora apiculata plantations at the national park; the density of them varies from one to six trees per square metre. Each year, the submerged flora on the western beach of the park extends nearly 100m into the sea, creating an ideal environment for the reproduction and development of shrimp, fish and mollusk.
The park has a rich fauna with 13 species of animals belonging to 9 families, including 2 species listed in the Red Book of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). They are the long-tailed monkey and ca khu (Trachypithecus cristatus). The park is also considered to be an important site for a number of migratory water birds with 74 species of birds belonging to 23 families, including 5 species listed in IUCN Red Book, namely the Chinese stork, grey-legged pelican, ibis leucocephalus, curved beak snipe and black-headed ibis
The mangroves at Mui Ca Mau perform an important coastal protection function, which was strongly emphasized on coastal protection in the management of the site to date. The national park also has high potential for recreation, ecotourism, conservation education and scientific research. Although present visitor use of the national park is low, visitor numbers are likely to increase in the future.

Read More

Exploring Bat Pagoda - Soc Trang Province

Exploring Bat Pagoda - Soc Trang Province,  A tranquil destination for visitors

Located in Soc Trang Province, Doi Pagoda is attractive not only for its beautiful architecture but also for its very large roof that houses millions of bats.
It is said that Doi Pagoda (Bat Pagoda) was built during the 16th century, and it has been renovated several times since. It is the forth oldest pagoda in Soc Trang township. From the gate, the pagoda, built by the Khmer, attracts passersby with skilful, symbolic decorations on its pillars and roof, reproducing Khome art. The walls are also covered with large paintings. Other halls in the pagoda are decorated with sophisticated designs and paintings depicting story of the Buddha. The windows are small, casting a mesmerising light inside that is particularly good for photography. Of the 600 Khmer pagodas in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta, Doi Pagoda is so famous that regular tours from Ho Chi Minh City City, Can Tho and Ca Mau visit Soc Trang township. It was even featured on the TV show, Vietnam Guinness Records. The pagoda is located in a lush garden and a pointed tower sits at the summit. In the sunlight after a heavy downpour, the pagoda emerges with four snake-head shaped roofs hand-carved with masterful skill. On each support pillar, a Kemnar statue clasps her hands as if to welcome visitors. Inside the pagoda, soot-blackened statues keep mournful watch; a full year after the fire, the pagoda remains un-repaired. An ancient Buddha statue and a prayer-book written on palmyra leaves can be admired here. In 1999, Doi Pagoda was recognized as a national historical treasure. The pagoda is known among domestic and international tourists as a “Mecca” for bats, which provide fertiliser for local farmers. The bats in the pagoda cling to tree branches all day, then fly away at dush to seek food, and usually home by four the next morning. Small bats always cling to their mother, even in the search for food. If visiting the pagoda, you can see bats hanging upside down from branches like over-ripe fruit. May to August is breeding season. Those visiting the pagoda at this time of year are expected to walk quietly for fear a sudden noise may startle a bat mother into dropping her child. The bats in the pagoda are actually flying-foxes. A new-born weighs 0.5kg with a wing span of about 50cm. Mature bats can weigh 1.5kg with a wing span of 1.5m. According to the monks, the flying-fox appeared at the pagoda 200 years ago. Interestingly enough, the presence of the bats has not affected the plants growing in and around the pagoda, they never eat the fruit in the garden.
Doi Pagoda with a large space for trees, making it a tranquil place to sit, is one of the best tourist attraction in Soc Trang. Watching the bats take to the skies, it will occur to you that the pagoda is a unique natural reserve. Though neither large nor particularly exquisite, all who hear of it wish to visit…

Now you may be wondering how to get to the pagoda. Actually, Soc Trang province is located 60 km away from Can Tho city. It's very easy to get to the pagoda. If you are from HCM city then just take a MaiLinh bus to Soc Trang then you can take a taxi or motorbike river to get to the pagoda. Just tell them that you want to visit Chua Doi (Bat pagoda). 

Read More

15 Tips for Avoiding Hotel Bedbugs

 

If you're sleeping somewhere other than home, beware. Bedbug prevalence is on the rise, and hotels and motels are some of their favorite hangouts. These pesky critters can cause severe itching and welt-like bites, and it's costly to get rid of them if they follow you home. What's more, research suggests they can cause financial distress, anxiety, and social isolation. But no need to get depressed just yet. With these easy tips, you can cut your chances of critter trouble while on the road.
1. Head Straight for the Bathroom
Before you check out your hotel room's mini bar or oceanfront view, give it a thorough bedbug inspection—and until you've done that, stash your luggage in the lobby. "Bedbugs are least likely to be found in the bathroom," says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. "They don't like the tile floors and there aren't as many hiding places. They like to be closer to where people may be sleeping."
2. Inspect the Bed
Here's how to check for a bedbug infestation: Pull back the linens, and check all the way around and under the mattress and behind the headboard. Look for blood stains or small black dots that look like mold or ground pepper, says Christine Johnson, Ph.D., a behavioral ecologist in the American Museum of Natural History's Division of Invertebrate Zoology, in New York City. Check for the critters too. Bedbugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and you may find them hiding in corners or seams of the bedding. If you see any suspicious signs, alert the hotel staff immediately.
3. Check The Room
Next, broaden your bedbug search to the area immediately surrounding the bed: behind picture frames, under the telephone and alarm clock, and even in books, says Johnson.Studies have shown that most bedbugs are found in or within 15 feet of a bed, but some may still be further away. Check in the cushions and seams of any couches or soft chairs, and in the closet before putting your clothes away.
4. Keep Luggage Off the Ground
Leaving suitcases and bags on the floor—or on a second spare bed—may be one way to bring home an unwanted souvenir, says Henriksen."Bedbugs can travel (from) room to room, so even if initially you don't have them, they could be in the room next to yours and they may come looking for meal sources," she says. For the duration of your trip, keep your bags on the desktop, on top of the dresser, or on a luggage rack in the room. (Don't leave clothing lying out, either!)
5. Wrap Suitcases in Plastic
For extra protection, keep your suitcase encased in plastic during your trip, says Henriksen. Storage and luggage retailers also sell zip-up bags specifically for this purpose."I've even seen people traveling with garbage bags wrapped around their suitcases," Henriksen says. This precaution can protect your belongings not only in your hotel room, but also in transit; bedbugs can also hide in airplanes, trains, and taxis.
6. Teach Kids Hotel Protocol
Tell your children why you're inspecting the hotel room and what you're looking for. "We teach kids our concerns about other insects, like bees and mosquitoes; bedbugs should be on that list as well," says Henriksen. Also watch for traces of white powder, says Johnson; it could be a pesticide used to treat a previous problem."Insecticides aren't good for anyone, especially young children, and you might want to ask for another room or switch hotels if you think you're being exposed."
7. Move Two Floors Away
Any suspicious marking or evidence of bugs should be enough to warrant a new room, and when it comes to a bedbug scare, hotel staff should be more than willing to oblige. Request that your new room be at least two floors away from the initial room, says Henriksen, because chances are good that the bugs may spread via the wallboards or electrical sockets.
8. Speak Up
If you don't like to make waves, it may be tempting to stick with the room you've got, despite a little dirt on the mattress. "Now's the time to be a little bolder and ask the right questions," says Henriksen. "You do not want to be a victim, especially when most hotels will move you without question and will do a proper inspection right away. They don't want their guests to leave the hotel with bedbugs and they don't want the problem to go untreated, either."
9. Ask About Bedbug Prevention Plans
Prior to check-in, ask the hotel what practices they've put in place to deal with bedbug prevention and treatment."The overwhelming majority of businesses in the hospitality industry are doing a great job in having an action plan in place to protect themselves and their guests," says Henriksen. Many hotels conduct proactive inspections and work with pest management companies to quickly remedy any problems.
10. Read Reviews (Cautiously)
With a little Internet research, it's easy to find out if bedbugs have been reported at your hotel. Don't put too much stock in these resources, though, warns Henriksen. "There's no accountability for what people are posting," she says. "It could be a disgruntled employee or a competing property. And even if the hotel does have a room with a problem, they will jump on it right away. Just because one guest room has a problem on Saturday, it certainly doesn't mean they'll be there on Wednesday or that it's a hotel-wide problem."
11. Pitch a Tent
One way to make sure bugs aren't lurking in your bed on vacation? Bring your lodging with you. "Bedbugs are hitchhikers," says Henriksen. "They come into your life based on you being somewhere else where they are." Because of this, there's little chance you'll come in contact with them if you're pitching a tent in the woods, for example, or traveling in your own mobile home.
12. Have a Post-Vacation Plan
When you return home from vacation, wash all your clothing—even the items you didn't wear—in hot water. Bedbugs can't survive in temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit, says Henriksen, so this will assure they don't take up residence in your drawers and closets. (Sending delicates to the dry cleaner will work, too.) Inspect and vacuum out your suitcases before storing them away, as well—and if you've invested in a plastic luggage case, keep it sealed up until you need it next.
13. Watch for Bedbug Bite Marks
Bite marks are one sign that you may have brought bedbugs home with you, says Henriksen. "They often bite in a line-shaped pattern, in threes: In the industry we call that breakfast, lunch, and dinner." Itching or bites alone aren't enough to confirm an infestation, however. If you experience these symptoms, you'll need a professional home evaluation before you can seek treatment.
14. Call a Professional
"Bedbugs are not a do-it-yourself pest," says Henriksen. If you suspect that you've brought home bedbugs from a recent vacation, call a pest-management service to conduct an inspection. A professional will look around your bed for signs of the insects, and may use a bedbug-sniffing dog if he can't identify the source. Once an infestation is confirmed, he may use heat, freezing, vacuuming, or steaming methods to clear your home.
15. Don't Make Yourself Crazy
Bedbugs have been found in all 50 states, in many locations—rural, urban, and suburban. "They're an equal-opportunity pest," says Henriksen. "They can be in budget properties as well as four-star resorts." But there's no reason to douse yourself, your kids, or your home with insecticides, says Johnson."Panic and paranoia doesn't help at all," adds Henriksen. "Vigilance is the most important thing—following the checklist, doing an inspection—and those are the things that are going to minimize your likelihood of an infestation."

by Amanda MacMillan, Health.com

Read More

Tra Vinh - photoset

I'm going to post some pictures of Tra Vinh Province including Tra Vinh City, Duyen Hai district, Ba Dong beach.. etc. Please note that all pictures here are copyrighted by the author and may not be used or reporducted in any form without written permission. If you are interested in and want to use one of them please email to the author for more information.

1/ Hang pagoda which is located right in Tra Vinh center. you can find there are many storks live around there. 

2/ Harvesting salt in Duyen Hai District where is 60km away from Tra Vinh City

Ba Dong Beach in the morning.

If you wanna do a trip to Tra Vinh Province, do not hesitate to ask. You can email to : ExploringMekong@gmail.com

Read More

Before you pay to volunteer abroad, think of the harm you might do

A damning report says that well-intentioned westerners do little to alleviate the lot of poverty-stricken children in developing countries

By 10pm, the aptly named Bar Street is pulsating with tourists drawn to Siem Reap by the famous Cambodian ruins of Angkor Wat. As hip-hop blares from clubs, children playing traditional instruments are led along by men with placards reading: "Support our orphans." The kids offer sweet smiles to the diners and drinkers and anyone making a donation is invited to visit the nearby orphanage, one of several in the city, and perhaps spend time working there.
This is the most direct attempt to lure tourists, seducing them with wide eyes and heart-wrenching stories of abandonment. Other orphanages rely on websites filled with pictures of happy children. Some have hooked up with guest-houses, taxi drivers and, best of all, western tour companies that offer voluntary work alongside the holiday of a lifetime.
But behind those smiles can lie untold misery. For in Cambodia, as in other parts of the globe, orphanages are a booming business trading on guilt. Some are even said to be kept deliberately squalid. Westerners take pity on the children and end up creating a grotesque market that capitalises on their concerns. This is the dark side of our desire to help the developing world.
Look again at those cute children. Those "orphans" might have been bought from impoverished parents, coerced from loving families or simply rented for the night. An official study found just a quarter of children in these so-called orphanages have actually lost both parents. And these private ventures are proliferating fast: the numbers increased by 65% in just three years.
Once again, clumsy attempts to do good end up harming communities we want to help. We have seen it with foreign aid, corrosive in so many countries by propping up despots, fostering corruption and destroying local enterprises. We have seen it with the dumping of cheap food and clothes, devastating industries and encouraging a dependency culture. And now we see it with "voluntourism", the fastest-growing sector of one of the fastest-growing industries on the planet.
Insiders call them guilt trips. All those teenagers heading off on gap years, fired up with enthusiasm. Those middle-aged professionals spending a small fortune to give something back to society. And those new retirees determined to spend their downtime spreading a little happiness.
Now the flipside of these well-intentioned dreams has been laid bare in an incendiary report by South African and British academics which focuses on "Aids orphan tourism" in southern Africa, but challenges many cherished beliefs.
The study reveals that short-term volunteer projects can do more harm than good. Wealthy tourists prevent local workers from getting much-needed jobs, especially when they pay to volunteer; hard-pressed institutions waste time looking after them and money upgrading facilities; and abused or abandoned children form emotional attachments to the visitors, who increase their trauma by disappearing back home. "The more I delved into it, the more disturbing I found it," said Amy Norman, one of the researchers.
Development charities offering professionals the chance to use skills abroad have raised similar concerns; Voluntary Service Overseas even condemned this burgeoning industry as a new form of colonialism. VSO asked what right unqualified British teenagers had to impose their desire to do good at schools in developing countries. And Norman is correct: the more you look below the surface, the more these trips raise profound questions about misplaced idealism and misconceived attitudes.
In recent years, a disturbing form of slum tourism has taken off, with rich visitors sold a glimpse into the lives of the very poor. In Asia, unbelievably, tourists pay for trips to hand out food to impoverished rural families. In Africa, tour firms throw in a visit to an orphanage alongside a few days on the beach or watching wild animals. Critics argue that dropping in to take photographs of orphaned children, who may have seen parents recently waste to death, reduces them to the status of lions and zebras on the veld.
Many orphanages let tourists work with children. But what would we say if unchecked foreigners went into our children's homes to cuddle and care for the kids? We would be shocked, so why should standards be lowered in the developing world? Yes, resources might be in short supply, but just as here, experts want children in the family environment or fostered in loving homes, not in the exploding number of substandard institutions.
As the authors of this report point out, the harsh truth is that "voluntourism" is more about the self-fulfilment of westerners than the needs of developing nations. Perhaps this is unsurprising in a world in which Madonna thinks it is fine to take children from African families.
In Ghana, just as in South Africa and Cambodia, there has been a boom in unregistered orphanages. Last year, police investigated one after the rape of an eight-month-old boy and discovered 27 of the 32 children were not orphans. A government study found up to 90% of the estimated 4,500 children in orphanages had at least one parent and only eight of the 148 orphanages were licensed. Unicef officials said children's welfare was secondary to profits and it is thought less than one-third of income goes on child care.
Too many travellers carry a naively romantic idea of doing good alongside their luggage. "Unfortunately, they are led by their hearts and not their heads and unknowingly support environments that may be abusive to children," said Mark Turgesen, international co-ordinator of ChildSafe Network, which protects children from abuse. Last month, the British owner of an orphanage near Siem Reap was charged with sexual assault of a teenage boy; up to 100 children were moved to a safe house by investigators.
Inevitably, the needs of impoverished communities are subverted by the demands of wealthy visitors. Alexia Nestora ran the North American arm of a major "voluntourism" group and admitted such firms loved orphanage stops. "They sell the best and are the most tearjerking projects to pitch to the media. Volunteers come away with the classic picture with an orphan and tell all their friends about their experience – as a business person I loved this." However, she started to question their validity once she went into the field and discovered the work carried out by volunteers was often unnecessary, as admitted by organisers. "The funding they bring with them is the attractive part."
The desire to engage with the world is laudable, as is the desire to volunteer. But we need to tread more carefully. Unless we have time and transferable skills, we might do better to travel, trade and spend money in developing countries. The rapid growth of "voluntourism" is like the rapid growth of the aid industry: salving our own consciences without fully examining the consequences for the people we seek to help. All too often, our heartfelt efforts to help only make matters worse.

 From : http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna

Read More

How to access to facebook in Vietnam

How to access to Facebook in Vietnam.

Newest update: I tried to login facebook today but opendns doesn't work today. So if you wanna login facebook. Change your DNS into Google DNS or Norton DNS. 

I have read that many travellers have problem to access facebook while staying in Vietnam. So I am trying to give some tips which help you to access facebook easily.

1/ Change your DNS into OpenDNS or google DNS.
Open your network connection choose Internet protocol then -> properties ->

You will see the text : Use the following DNS server addresses -> choose it -> change into:
Only pick one of them. 

Open DNS

208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
Google DNS
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4
Norton DNS
198.153.192.1
198.153.194.1

Go to : C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc you will see a host file which is named : hosts . Open it with Notepad or worldpad. 

Copy and past the following code into your host file :

153.16.15.71 facebook.com
153.16.15.71 www.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 apps.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 login.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 graph.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 static.ak.connect.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 developers.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 error.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 vupload.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 upload.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 secure.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 connect.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 channel.facebook.com

Or

96.17.180.162 www.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 www.login.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 facebook.com
153.16.15.71 apps.facebook.com
153.16.15.71 login.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 upload.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 graph.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 register.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 vi-vn.connect.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 vi-vn.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 static.ak.connect.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 developers.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 error.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 channel.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 upload.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 register.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 bigzipfiles.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 pixel.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 upload.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 register.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 bigzipfiles.facebook.com
96.17.180.162 pixel.facebook.com

You can aslo download the Ultrasulfer to access facebook at:

http://www.ultrareach.com

Done!

If you have any difficulty accessing facebook, please let me know. I will try my best to help you. 
Cheers. 

Read More

Exploring Rach Gia Stork Garden - Mekong Delta

 Exploring Rach Gia Stork Garden - Mekong Delta

You may have heard a lot about Can Tho Stork garden, but you haven't heard that there is a stork garden in Rach Gia city, Kien Giang Province. Located only 30km from Rach Gia City. I've seen that many travellers come to Rach Gia and just stay in the city, walking around, and dont know where else to go. And you may be curious about it, there you go. Click on the pictures to enlarge.


1.  Rach Gia Stork Garden 1

Rach Gia Stork Garden 2

Rach Gia Stork Garden 3

Rach Gia Stork Garden 4

Rach Gia Stork Garden 5

Rach Gia Stork Garden 6

Rach Gia Stork Garden 7

How to get to Rach Gia: If you want to get to Rach Gia from HCM City. You can take a Mai Linh or Phuong Trang Bus which takes you to Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province. Then you have to take another bus at Rach Gia bus station to get to Ha Tien. There are no direct buses from HCMC to Ha Tien. So I suggest you stay a night at Rach Gia City to enjoy Rach Gia nightlife. It's very exciting where you can find nice bars, clubs and you can drink as late as you want. And you may be surprise that you haven't known that before. 

How could I find a travel agent in Mekong Delta, Or Rach Gia? Just contact Exploring Mekong Travel agent, we also offer photo tours for photographers. Email: Exploringmekong@gmail.com

Join Exploring Mekong today to explore the Stork Garden. Contact : Exploringmekong@gmail.com


Can you find a volunteer in Rach Gia city - Kien Giang Province?


Yes, You can. We also have some students who are studying tourism in college and want to practice their skill before being hired. So you will have good chance to get a free tour guide in Rach Gia or around the Mekong Delta. So if you are looking for volunteers in Rach Gia or Mekong Delta, please contact us. 


How to book? Just send us an email including your infomation. We well check and let you know as soon as possible. 

Read More

Exploring Ha Tien - Mekong Delta (photoset)

Ha Tien located on the gulf of ThaiLand, which is 100km from Rach Gia City - Kien Giang Province. I'v been there many times, and I have some pictures of Ha Tien to show to everyone who want to see more pics of HaTien. By the way, I just give you guy a little bit more information about Ha Tien. You can get there by catching a bus in Rach Gia bus station, and It takes 1 and half an hour to get to Ha Tien.


If you're a photographer, you may be interested in Ha Tien by its beautiful seascape. This picture was taken when I and my clients on the way to HaTien.

Not only surrounded by beaches, but also many rice fields and mountains. I was standing on Da Dung moutain to take this picture.

And no matter who you are photographer or traveler, if you are interested in beautiful beaches, you may love the Long beach of Ha Tien which nearby Hon Phu Tu. Come and enjoy some seafoods at Long Beach.

Our clients seemed so excited.

Many mountains turn into caves. If you love hiking, you may visit this place.

 

How to get to Ha Tien: If you want to get to Ha Tien from HCM City. You can take a Mai Linh or Phuong Trang Bus which takes you to Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province. Then you have to take another bus at Rach Gia bus station to get to Ha Tien. There are no direct buses from HCMC to Ha Tien. Another common question is that: is there a direct bus to get to Ha Tien from Can Tho? NO, There are no direct buses to get to Ha Tien. You need to stop at Rach Gia. So I suggest you stay a night at Rach Gia City to enjoy Rach Gia nightlife. It's very exciting where you can find nice bars, clubs and you can drink as late as you want. And you may be surprise that you haven't known that before. 

How could I find a travel agent in Mekong Delta, Or Rach Gia? Just contact Exploring Mekong Travel agent, we also offer photo tours for photographers. Email: Exploringmekong@gmail.com

Can you find a volunteer in Rach Gia city - Kien Giang Province?


Yes, You can. We also have some students who are studying tourism in college and want to practice their skill before being hired. So you will have good chance to get a free tour guide in Rach Gia or around the Mekong Delta. So if you are looking for volunteers in Rach Gia or Mekong Delta, please contact us. 


How to book? Just send us an email including your infomation. We well check and let you know as soon as possible. 

Join us to day to save up to 20% until 1/June/2011

You can Email directly to Mr. Lane for more information at:

Exploringmekong@gmail.com

Read More

To explore My Tho - Tien Giang

To explore My Tho - Tien Giang

My Tho, the quiet capital city of Tien Giang province, is the traditional gateway to the delta, owing to its proximity to HCMC. Visitors on a whirlwind Vietnam tour often take a day trip here to catch a glimpse of the famous river. In order to visit floating markets, however, you'll need to continue on to Can Tho. The town itself is an important market town, and its quaint but busy waterfront is easily explored on foot.
My Tho was founded in the 1680s by Chinese refugees freeing Taiwan for political reasons. The Chinese have virtually all gone now, having been driven out in the late 1970s when their property was seized by the government. The economy is based on tourism, fishing and the cultivation of rice, coconuts, bananas, mangoes, longans and citrus fruit.
Typhoon Durian
In 2006 several eastern provinces in the delta sustained serious damage by Typhoon Durian. It left nearly 100 dead, damaged or destroyed more than 200,000 homes and sank more than 800 fishing vessels. Ben Tre province suffered the worst damage, with hundreds left homeless. 
Orientation
Sprawling along the bank of the northernmost branch of the Mekong River, My Tho is laid out in a regular grid pattern.
The bus station is 3km west of town. Coming from the bus station, you enter My Tho on D Ap Bac, which turns into D Nguyen Trai (oriented west-east).
Parallel to the Mekong River is D 30 Thang 4 (also written as D 30/4), named for Saigon Liberation Day.
What to see in My Tho - Tien Giang

 Phoenix Island 
Until his imprisonment by the communists for his antigovernment activities and the consequent dispersion of his flock, the Coconut Monk (Ong Dao Dua; see the boxed text, opposite) led a small community on Phoenix Island (Con Phung), a few kilometers from My Tho. In its heyday the island was dominated by a wildly imagined open-air sanctuary (admission 5000d; 8-11.30am& 1.30-6pm). The dragon-enwrapped columns and (he multiplatform lower, with its huge metal globe, must have once been brightly painted, but these days the whole place is faded, rickety and silent. Nevertheless, it's good kitsch - there's even a model of the Apollo rocket set among the Buddhist statues! With some imagination you can picture how it all must have appeared as
THE COCONUT MONK
The Coconut Monk was so named because he once ate only coconuts for three years; others claim he only drank coconut juice and ate fresh young corn. Whatever the story, he was born Nguyen Thanh Nam in 1909, in what is now Ben Tre province. He studied chemistry and physics in France at Lyon, Caen and Rouen from 1928 until 1935, when he returned to Vietnam, got married and had a daughter.
In 1945 the Coconut Monk left his family in order to pursue a monastic life For three years he sat on a stone slab under a flagpole and meditated day and night. He was repeatedly impris-oned by successive South Vietnamese governments, which were infuriated by his philosophy of achieving reunification through peaceful means. He died in 1990.
Plaques on the 3.5m-high porcelain jar (created in 1972) on Con Phung tell all about the Coconut Monk. He founded a religion, Tinh Do Cu Si. which was a mixture of Buddhism and Christianity. Representations of Jesus and the Buddha appeared together, as did the Virgin Mary and eminent Buddhist women, and the cross and Buddhist symbols. Today only the symbols remain, as the Tinh Do Cu Si community has dissolved from the island.
the Coconut Monk presided over his congre gation, flanked by enormous elephant tusks and seated on a richly ornamented throne.
If you really wish to experience the fullness of the island, you can spend the night at the simple Con Phung Hotel (Tell; 075 822198; fax 075 894 940; r with/without air-con US$10/7; Rooms are comfortable, clean and simple, and the best quarters have river views. A restaurant serves decent traditional mains (set menu 50,000d to 80,000d).
Private boat operators can take you to and from the island as part of an organised tour (around 50,000d per hour). You might also keep an eye out for the Coconut Monk's complex as you chug by on the My Tho-Ben Tre ferry.
Dragon Island
Famed for its well-known longan orchards, Dragon Island (Con Tan Long) makes for a pleasant stop and stroll. The lush, palm-fringed shores of the island are lined with wooden fishing boats; some of the residents of the island are shipwrights. There is a small restaurant on the island. Dragon Island is a five-minute boat trip (per person 10,000d) from the dock at the southern end of D Le Loi.
Other Islands
Two islands in the vicinity. Tortoise Island (Con Qui) and Unicorn Island (Thoi Son) are worth popular stops for the coconut candy and banana wine workshops. On Tortoise Island is an excellent restaurant, the Du Lich Xanh Con Qui .
(Tell: 610 988; set menu 40,000-80,000d; lunch). It's a peaceful thatched-roof setting, surrounded by water hyacinths. Although you can visit these islands as part of a package tour from HCMC, you'll have much more fredom if you hire a boat yourself in My Tho. Budget around US$10 to US$14 for a three-or four-hour cruise, making stops along the way.
Dong Tarn Snake Farm
Operated by the Vietnamese military for profit and open to the public, the snake farm (admission 20,000d; 7am-5pm) at Dong Tam lies about 10km from My Tho in the direction of Vinh Long. It breeds snakes - mostly pythons and cobras - for eating, for their skins and for producing antivenin. At certain times the keep ers feed live animals, including ducks, to the pythons and other snakes. If this bothers you, you may want to forego a visit. A 15-minute video tells the history of the snake farm.
The restaurant here includes cobra on the menu and there's a shop where you can stock up on snake wine and cobratox - a cream made from venom, that's said to be good for treating rheumatism.
You'll need your own transport to get to Dong Tam Snake Farm. Coming from HCMC, continue for 3km beyond the turn-off to My Tho and turn left at the Dong Tarn Junction (signposted). From the junction, follow the dirt road for 4km, turn right and continue for 1 km until you reach the snake farm.

CAO DAI TEMPLE
If you missed the one in Tay Ninh, My Tho has its own colourful but smaller Cao Dai Temple (D ly Thuong Kiet) that's worth a look. It's west of the town centre between D Dong Da and D Tran Hung Dao.
MY THO CENTRAL MARKET 
This market (D Trung Trac & D Nguyen Hue) is in an area of town that is closed to traffic. The streets are filled with stalls selling everything from fresh food and bulk tobacco to boat propellers. In an attempt to clear these streets, the local government has built a three-storey concrete monstrosity on the riverside, intending to relocate vendors inside. With the high rent and taxes, however, there have been very few takers and the top two floors remain empty.
VINH TRANG PAGODA
The monks at Vinh Trang Pagoda (60A D Nguyen Trung Truc; admission free; "9-11.30am&1.30-5pm"), a beautiful and well-maintained sanctuary, provide a home fur orphans, disabled and other needy children. Donations are always welcome.
The pagoda is about 1 km from the city centre. To get there, take the bridge east across the river on D Nguyen Trai and after 400m turn left. The entrance to the sanctuary is about 200m from the turn-off, on the right-hand side of the building as you approach it from the ornate gate.
Tours
Boat trips are the highlight of a visit to My Tho. The small wooden vessels can navigate the mighty Mekong (barely), but the target for most trips is cruising past pleasant rural villages through the maze of small canals. Depending on what you book, destinations usually include a coconut-candy workshop, a honeybee farm (try the banana wine!) and an orchid garden.
THE RIVER OF NINE DRAGONS
The Mekong River is one of the world's great rivers and its delta is one of the world's largest. The Mekong originates high in the Tibetan plateau, flowing 4500km through China, between Myanmar and Laos, through Laos, along the Laos-Thailand border, and through Cambodia and Vietnam on its Way to the South China Sea. At Phnom Penh (Cambodia), the Mekong River splits into two main branches: the Hau Giang (Lower River, also called the Bassac River), which flows via Chau Doc, Long Xuyen and Can Tho to the sea; and the Tien Giang (Upper River), which splits into several branches at Vinh Long and empties into the sea at five points The numerous branches of the river explain the Vietnamese name for the Mekong: Song Cuu Long (River of Nine Dragons).
The Mekong's flow begins to rise around the end of May and reaches its highest point in September; it ranges from 1900 to 38,000 cubic metres per second depending on the season. A tributary of the river that empties inio the Mekong at Phnom Penh drains Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake. When the Mekong is at flood stage, this tributary reverses its flow and drains into Tonle Sap, thereby somewhat reducing the danger of serious flooding in the Mekong Delta. Unfortunately. deforestation in Cambodia is disturbing this delicate balancing act, resulting in more flooding in Vietnam's portion of the Mekong River basin.
In recent years seasonal flooding has claimed The lives of hundreds and forced tens of thousands of the region's residents to evacuate from their homes. In some areas inhabitants are not able to return to their homes until the waters fully recede several months later. Floods cause millions of dollars worth of damage and have a catastrophic effect on regional rice and coffee crops.
Living on o flood plain presents some technical challenges. Lacking any high ground to escape flooding, many delta residents build their houses on bamboo stilts to avoid the rising waters Many roads are submerged or turn to muck during floods; all-weather roads have to be built on raised embankments, but this is expensive. The traditional solution has been to build canals and travel by boat. There are thousands of canals in the Mekong Delta - keeping them properly dredged and navigable is a constant but essential chore.
A further challenge is keeping the canals clean. The normal practice of dumping all garbage and sewage directly into the waterways behind the houses that line them is taking its toll. Many of the more populated areas in the Mekong Delta are showing signs of unpleasant waste build-up. The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) is one organisation that's working with local and provincial governments to improve conservation techniques and sponsoring environmental education and awareness programs. 
The My Tho People's Committee almost has a monopoly on boat travel, charging around US$25 for a two- to three-hour tour (book at the tourist office). However, private touts operate customised tours cheaper than the 'official' rates (per hour around 50,000d), but they are illegal and there's a small chance your boatman may be fined by the river cops. The best place to look for these freelancers is along the riverfront, but they'll probably find you first.
Inexpensive boat tours can also be booked at the out-of-the-way but friendly Viet Phong Travel 94 D Le Thi Hong Gam; "8am-5pm"); it's best to contact its staff at Trung Luong Restaurant, as its pier office is difficult to find.
Where to sleep in My Tho - Tien Giang
BUDGET
Rang Dong Hotel (Tell: 874 400; 25 D 30 Thang 4; r130,000-150,000d) Privately run, this decent, friendly spot remains popular with budget travellers. Third-floor rooms open onto a terrace with river views.
My Tho Minihotel (Tell: 872 543; 67 D 30 Thang 4; r 100,000-200,000d) This basic waterfront hotel has simply furnished rooms. Pricier rooms are bigger and have better ventilation. Room No 1 has a river view.
Hung Vuong Hotel (Tell: 876 777; 19 D Hung Vuong; r 120,000-220.000d) This popular place has very clean rooms with tall ceilings and simple wood furniture. Some rooms lack natural light.
Song Tien Hotel (Tell: 872 009; fax 884 745; 101 D Trung Trac; r/ste 160,000/260,000d) The Song Tien has comfortable rooms with red and white tile floors, TV and fridge. Suites are spacious with polished lacquer furniture. There's also a lift.
Trade Union Hotel (Khach San Cong Doan; 61 D 30 Thang 4; r 90.000-210.000d) This ageing government-run hotel has a mix of rooms from dingy and stifling to clean and roomy - the best are on the upper floor with a shared balcony facing the river.
Chuong Duong annex (Tell: 882 264; 1 D Truong Cong Dinh; r US$15-30) This new annexe is up the street from the Chuong Duong Hotel, with a polished feel, but no views.
Chuong Duong Hotel ( 10 D 30 Thang 4; r US$25-35) My Tho's most luxurious accommodation, this place boasts a prime riverside location and respect-able in-house restaurant. All rooms overlook the Mekong River.
Other options: overnighting in a bunga-low on Unicorn Island (Thoi Son) or in the rarely visited hotel on Phoenix Island; inquire at Tien Giang Tourist. There are also home stay options around Vinh Long .
RICE PRODUCTION IN My Tho
The ancient Indian word for rice, dhanya ('sustainer of the human race'), is apt when describing the importance of rice to the Vietnamese.
A Vietnamese fable tells of a time when rice did not need to be harvested. Instead, it would be summoned through prayer and arrive in each home from the heavens in the form of a large ball. One day a man ordered his wife to sweep the floor in preparation for the coming of the rice. but she was still sweeping when the huge ball arrived and struck it by accident, causing it to shatter into many pieces. Since then, the Vietnamese have had to toil to produce rice by hand.
Rural Vietnam today is in many ways similar to what it would have been centuries ago: women in conical hats (non bai tho) irrigating fields by hand, farmers stooping to plant the flooded paddies and water buffalo ploughing seedbeds with harrows.
Despite the labour-intensive production process, rice is the single most important crop in Vietnam and involves more than 50% of the working population. While always playing an important role in the Vietnamese economy, its production intensified considerably as a result of economic reforms, known as doi moi ('renovation'), in 1986. The reforms helped transform Vietnam from a rice importer to exporter in 1989. Today rice is a substantial part of the country's earnings. In 2006 Vietnam exported around 4.5 million tonnes of rice, earning around US$1.4 billion.
The importance of rice in the diet of the Vietnamese is evident in the many rice dishes available, including rice omelette (banh xeo), rice porridge (chao) and extremely potent rice wine (ruou gao), to name a few. Vietnam's ubiquitous com pho (rice-noodle soup) restaurants serve white rice (com) with a variety of cooked meat and vegetables, as well as rice-noodle soup (pho).
Despite advances in rice production, much of the work is carried out without modern machinery. Fields are ploughed and harrowed with the assistance of water buffaloes, seeds are planted by hand, and when the seedlings reach a certain age they have to be individually uprooted and transplanted to another field to avoid root rot. This painstaking process is mostly undertaken by women. Irrigation is typically carried out by two workers using woven baskets on rope to transfer water from canals to the fields. When the water level is high enough fish can be raised in the paddies.
Rice plants take three to six months to grow, depending on the type and environment. In Vietnam the three major cropping seasons are winter-spring, summer-autumn and the wet season. When ready to harvest, the plants are thigh-high and in about 30cm of water. The grains grow in drooping fronds and are cut by hand, then transported by wheelbarrows to thrashing machines that separate the husk from the plant. Other machines are used to 'dehusk' the rice (for brown rice) or 'polish' it (for white rice). A familiar sight at this stage is brown carpets of rice spread along roads to dry before milling.
In recent rice news (2006), Vietnam, along with Thailand, announced a ban on growing genetically engineered varieties of rice. Citing health concerns. The announcement came in the wake of scandals caused by the US and China contaminating the global rice supply with unapproved and illegal genetically engineered rice varieties.
Where to eat in My Tho
RESTAURANTS
Chi Thanh (Tell: 873 756; 279 D Tet Mau Than, mains 20,000-40,000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner) A tidy spot for delicious Chinese and Vietnamese fare, Chi Thanh has two locations, both with menus in English.
Ngoc Gia Trang (Tell: 872 741:196 D Ap Bac; mains 25,000-45,000d;lunch & dinner) This charming, restaurant sits among greenery on the road into My Tho from HCMC. Its pleasant court yard is a good spot to enjoy traditional dishes. There's an equally attractive cafe attached.
Mekong Rest Stop (Tell: 858 676; Hwy 60; mains around 30,000 40,000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner) About 5km west of town, this airy, thatched-roof restaurant serves an excellent assortment of fresh seafood and traditional dishes amid pleasant water-garden environs.
Trung Luong (Tell: 855 441; Hwy 60; set menu 50,000-60,000d;brea'cfast, lunch & dinner) A few kilometers west of town, Trung Luong is near the gate marking the entry point to My Tho. Here too is a nice garden and nicely prepared dishes (elephant fish is a favorites).
Other good spots:
Cay Me (60 D Nam Ky Khoi Nghia; mains 10,000-15,000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Thuan Kieu (Tell: 876 636; 47 D Nam Ky Khoi Nghia; mains 10,000-20,000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner)
HU TIEU RESTAURANTS
My Tho is known for a special vermicelli soup, hu tieu my tho, which is richly garnished with fresh and dried seafood, pork, chicken and fresh herbs. It is served either with broth or dry (with broth on the side) and can also be made vegetarian.
Although hu lieu can be found at almost any eatery in town, there's a handful of speciality restaurants. Carnivores will enjoy Hu Tieu 44 (44 D Nam Ky Khoi Nghia; soups 7000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner), while vegetarians should look for Hu Tieu Chay 24 (24 D Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, soups 4000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner).
How to get to My Tho - Tien Giang

BOAT
The car ferry to Ben Tre province leaves from Ben Pha Rach Mieu station about 1km west of My Tho city centre, near 2/10A D Le Thi Hong Gam (the continuation west of D 30 Thang-Thang 4). The ferry operates between 4am and 10pm and runs at least once an hour (per person/motorbike 1000/5000d). Ten-person trucks shuttle passengers between the fern terminal and the bus station. A new bridge under construction (due for completion in early 2009) will link My Tho with Ben Tre by road, greatly diminishing travel time between the two towns.
BUS
My Tho is served by buses leaving HCMC from Mien Tay bus station and from the bus station in Cho on. Buses from Cholon have the added advantage of dropping passengers right in My Tho, as opposed to the bus station outside of town. The trip takes 11/2 hours.
The My Tho bus station (Ben Xe Khach Tien Giang; 4am-5pm) is several kilometers west of town. To get there from the city centre, take D Ap Bac westward and continue on to Hwy 1 (Quoc Lo1).
Buses to HCMC (18,000d, two hours) leave when full from the early morning until about 5pm. There's also daily bus service to most points in the Mekong Delta.
CAR & MOTORBIKE
The drive from HCMC to My Tho along Hwy 1, by car or motorbike, takes about two hours.
Road distances from My Tho are 16km to Ben Tre, 104km to Can Tho, 70km to HCMC and 66km to Vinh Long.

Read More

exploring Cu Chi Tunnel - Ho Chi Minh City

exploring Cu Chi Tunnel - Ho Chi Minh City

A great evidence and memorial site of southern Vietnam’s heroic and heart-breaking war against foreign invaders is found in Cu Chi Tunnel, northwest of Saigon (Hochiminh city)

Location. Around 70 kilometers northwest of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnel is right near the so-called “Iron Triangle” of Southern Vietnam. Both the Saigon River and Route 1 pass through this region which used to serve as major supply routes in and out of Saigon during the war. Hence, the Cu Chi (in Vietnamese: Củ Chi) and the nearby Ben Cat districts had immense strategic value for the NLF (National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam), contributing to persuading the weary Americans into withdrawal, and has now become a popular tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
Significant historical role. The Cu Chi Tunnel is a huge network of underground tunnels in the Cu Chi district, and part of a larger tunnel network underlying much of Vietnam. It became legendary in the war for facilitating the local guerrillas to  win over the American troops. At first, there was no direct order of building the tunnels. However, many patriots who worked secretly in the region and were hidden by local families were caught in the French sweep operations. The locals thus had to dig secret shelters as hiding places for these patriots in the ground around their houses, which was the very early part of the tunnel. Still, the French found out and many more were captured hiding in these secret shelters. Gradually they learned to dig tunnels from one shelter to another, making the Cu Chi complex. Finally, in 1965, the tunnel was completed for the Viet Minh to hide from French air and ground sweeps.
If you are historians, or simply history-desirers, and would like to figure out how hard and heart-breaking the Vietnamese people lived and won over the past war, you should come here and try a real supposed day of the Viet tough life in the underground shelter of Cu Chi by yourself.
A classroom inside the Tunnel
Tunnel content. The tunnel network stretches over 250km in total length, and comprises numerous shelters, classes, sleeping chambers, kitchens and wells inside, which were built to house and feed the growing number of residents. Several rudimentary hospitals were created to treat the wounded. Most of the supplies and materials were stolen or scavenged from U.S. bases or troops.

The tough life underground
Today, tourists flock to the tunnel so as to figure out the tough life endured by the Vietnamese guerillas during the war time of hiding from the invasion troops. In the gone days, air, food and water were scarce and the tunnels were infested with ants, poisonous centipedes, spiders and mosquitoes. Guerrillas would spend the day in the tunnels working or resting and come out only at night to scavenge supplies, tend their crops or engage the enemy in battle. Yet, during periods of heavy bombing or American troop movement, they would be sometimes forced to remain underground for many days at a time. Sickness was rampant among the people living in the tunnels; especially malaria, which accounted for the second largest cause of death next to battle wounds. A captured NLF report suggests that at any given time half of a PLAF unit had malaria and that “one-hundred percent had intestinal parasites of significance.” In spite of these hardships, the NLF managed to wage successful campaigns against a conscripted army that was technologically far superior. For such a meaningful historical value, the tunnel is now absorptive to hundreds of thousands of tourists, particularly foreign ones, to come and explore the heroic and harsh period of the Vietnamese guerillas.
Today’s Cu Chi Tunnel – an important tourism destination
After the nation gained back its independence, this 75-mile-long complex of tunnels has been preserved, and turned into a war memorial park, attracting a huge number of tourists. An activity approved by the majority of tourists is crawling around in the safer parts of the tunnel system. Some tunnels have been made larger to accommodate the larger size of western tourists, while low-power lights have been installed in several of them to make traveling through them easier and booby traps have been clearly marked. Also, if you join our tour to Cu Chi tunnel, you are offered a meal inside the tunnel, which is exactly the same as what was experienced by the past guerillas. If you are fond of adventure and secret-exploration, this would be of great captivation to you! More importantly, touring Cu Chi, you would learn more about the war and the resilience of the Vietnamese. Hence, just come and explore a hard but heroic and resilient Vietnam on your own, you will surely never regret!

Internet

Read More

Exploring Ba Dong Beach - Tra Vinh province

Exploring Ba Dong Beach - Tra Vinh province

Ba Dong Beach stretches nearly 50 kilometers over three communes in southern Tra Vinh Province in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, with the very picturesque beauty, beautiful long beach suitable for bath and holidays…
Ba Dong Beach belongs to Truong Long Hoa Commune, Duyen Hai District, approximately 55 km from Tra Vinh City. Ba Dong coast is lined with pristine white sand for 10km, with clear and fresh air.
During the colonialism era, the French built a resort and used it to rest and swim. This resort is also enjoyed by Vietnamese who spend weekends and vacations there.
Unfortunately, wars have destroyed all the road system to Ba Dong Beach. Tra Vinh Province authorities are now evaluating the possibility to rebuild the road system. Tra Vinh tourism office also plans to renovate and exploit Ba Dong seaside resort and turn it into an attractive tourist site in Cuu Long River Delta.
Upon arriving at the oceanic site, you will surely be taken by surprise by the breath of salty sea air that is so distinctive to the sweet scents of fruits that pervade the delta’s environs. The beach’s tourism potential began to be tapped in early 20th century when the French colonialists built a guesthouse there for local officials to spend their weekends.
From the hotels and restaurants hiding themselves among the poplars rustling in sea wind, you can look beyond at the far sea,where fleets of fishing boats are sailing industriously to bring back inexhaustible resources to enrich the country. In this resort, you can savour many types of fresh seafood at surprisingly cheap prices. Ba Dong Beach hosts numerous seafood restaurants specializing in typical southwestern Vietnamese cuisine fished directly from the ocean. Specialties include crab sauce eaten with bananas, carambola, girdle cakes or rice rolls and boiled meat.
The beach is dotted with bungalows and cots ranging in prices, which offer tourists a chance to lay back and unwind to the rhythmic sound of undulating waves. You can play on numerous sand dunes on the beach. Other places of interests here is a lighthouse, shrimp lakes, and small islets.
On the beach that stretches as far as the eye can see, you can fly kites, play sports, meander among numerous sand dunes or drive motorbikes fast enough to get thrills otherwise hard to attain elsewhere. As night falls, you can sleep in “underground houses” built during the war to avoid shells and bullets. They are protected from above by luxuriant trees.
From the beach just 7 kilometers away rests an imposing mangrove forest. A light wind invigorates beachgoers with its fresh and clear breezes. When famished from the physical activities, you can indulge in a range of culinary delights offered right on the beachside.
Ba Dong is currently an attractive spot for short holidays for numerous average-income tourists in Tra Vinh and neighboring provinces. The whole of Ba Dong Beach is picturesque, colourful, exciting and lively with tens of thousands of tourists from everywhere who come here for sightseeing and relaxing.

Read More

When to go to Vietnam?

When to go to Vietnam?

That is a commont question I have read on many website. So I hope this articles will answer these questions: When to go to Vietnam, When is the best time to go to Vietnam, How is the weather in Vietnam.

  When it comes to weather, it's a tough call, as Vietnam's climate is so diverse. Think frosts and occasional snow in the mountains of the north, and temperatures soaring to 40АC in the south during the dry season. Vietnam's weather is dictated by two monsoons. The winter monsoon comes from the northeast between October and March, bringing damp and chilly winters to all areas north of Nha Trang, and dry and warm temperatures to the south. From April or May to October, the summer monsoon brings hot, humid weather to the whole country except for those areas sheltered by mountains. For the best balance, try the months of April, May or October. For those sticking to the south, November to February is dry and a touch cooler. From July to November, violent and unpredictable typhoons hit centrel and northern Vietnam, which can dampen the spirits of even the most enthusiastic traveler. It gets pretty crowded from November to March and in July and August. Prices tend to peak over the Christmas and New Year period, and if you don't fancy sharing the sites with the masses, try to avoid these busy times. Some travelers like to time a visit with Test (Vietnamese New Year), which is the biggest festival in the calendar in late January or early February;a nice idea, but not ideal, as the whole country is on the move. High season in Vietnam runs from November to March, with a summer surge in July and August, particularly for domestic tourists. May, June and September are usually the quietest months.

source: the internet.

Read More

Travelling to Long Xuyen - An Giang

Travelling to Long Xuyen - An Giang

This moderately prosperous town is the capital of An Giang province and does a moderate trade in agriculture, fish processing and cashew nuts. Aside from a few sites, a lively market, and perhaps a short trip along the river, there's little to detain travellers here.
Long Xuyen was once a stronghold of the Hoa Hao sect. Founded in 1939, the sect emphasises simplicity in worship and does not believe in temples or intermediaries between humans and the Supreme Being. Until 1956 the Hoa Hao had an army and constituted a major military force in this region.
The town's other claim to fame is being the birthplace of Vietnam's second president, Ton Duc Thang. There is a museum in town dedicated to Bac Ton (Uncle Ton) as well as a large statue bearing his likeness.
Information


LONG XUYEN CATHOLIC CHURCH
One of the largest churches in the Mekong Delta, Long Xuyen Catholic Church (7.30am - 5.30pm) is an impressive modern structure that boasts a 50m-high bell tower. It was constructed between 1966 and 1973 and can seat 1000 worshippers.
AN GIANG MUSEUM
This sleepy little museum (Bao Tang An Giang; Tell: 841 251; 77 D Thoai Ngoc Hau; admission free; 7.30-10.30am Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun, plus 2-4.30pm Sat & Sun) is a proud highlight of An Giang province and features photographs and personal effects of the former president. Ton Duc Thang. There are also some artefacts from the Oc-Eo site near Long Xuyen and displays that de tail the history of this region from the 1930s to the present day.
CHO MOI DISTRICT
Across the river from Long Xuyen, Cho Moi district is known for its rich groves of fruit such as bananas, durians, guava, jackfruit, longans, mangoes, mangosteens and plums.
Cho Moi district can be reached by boat from the ferry terminal at the foot of D Nguyen Hue.
LONG XUYEN CROCODILE FARM
For a close-up view of the reptile that once ruled the Mekong, this farm (44/1 A D Tran Hung Dao; admission 5000d; 7am-6pm) is home to thousands of crocodiles, ranging in -size from 10cm to 4m. The meat and skin of these animals is largely exported, though some Vietnamese drop-in for fresh or frozen crocodile meat (50,000d to 140,000d per kg). The farm lies 8km south of town on the road to Can Tho.
Where to sleep when travelling Long Xuyen, An Giang
Thai Binh Hotel II (4 D Nguyen Hue A; r 70,000-220,000d; The cheapest rooms are stifling at this older, privately run place, but the air-con quarters are spacious and airy with balconies. Friendly staff are a bonus.
Long Xuyen Hotel (19 D Nguyen Van Cung; r 140,000-270,000d; This ageing classic has rooms in fair shape with shared balconies and baths with hot water.
Dong Xuyen Hotel (D 9A Luong Van Cu; d 300,000-500,000d, ste 600,000d). Long Xuyen's fanciest digs are located right in the centre of town. Well-appointed rooms (satellite TV, minibar etc) are matched by facilities and services like massage and steam bath. Even the staff sparkle with friend liness and good English skills.
Where to eat when travelling to Long Xuyen, An Giang
Besides the hotel restaurants, it's slim pickings for decent eating spots in Long Xuyen.
Hai Thue ( 245/3 D Luong Van Cu; mains 15,000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner) A popular choice serving up excellent and cheap Vietnamese food.
Buu loc (246/3 D Luong Van Cu; mains 15,000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner) There's no English menu, but this is another top local place for satisfying, inexpensive meals.
Hong Phat (Tell: 842 359; 242/4 D Luong Van Cu; mains 15,000-30,000d; breakfast, lunch & dinner) A good, value place for its simple seafood dishes.
There's good coffee and a happening scene at the riverside cafes (coffee 4000d) on D Pham Hong Thai.
How to get to Long Xuyen, An Giang
BOAT
To get to the Long Xuyen ferry dock from D Pham Hong Thai, you'll need to cross Duy Tan Bridge and turn right. Passenger ferries leave from here to Cho Vam, Dong Tien, Hong Ngu, Kien Luong, Lai Vung, Rach Gia, Sa Dec and Phu Chau (Tan Chau). Boats to Rach Gia (15.000d, nine hours) leave at 6.30am and/or 8am. You can also catch boats from here to Sa Dec (10,000d, four hours) at noon.
From the An Hoa ferry terminal you can also catch boats to Cao Lanh and Sa Dec.
BUS
The buses heading from HCMC to Long Xuyen leave from the Mien Tay bus station; (around 35,000d).
Long Xuyen bus station (Ben Xe Long Xuyen; Tell: 852 125; opposite 96/3B D Tran Hung Dao) is at the southern end of town. Buses from Long Xuyen to Ca Mau. Can Tho, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, HCMC and Rach Gia leave from here.
CAR & MOTORBIKE
Long Xuyen is 62km from Can Tho, 126km from My Tho and 189km from HCMC.
Getting Around
The best way to get around Long Xuyen is to take a cyclo, xe dap loi (a two-wheeled wagon pulled by a bicycle) or a xe loi.
Car ferries from Long Xuyen to Cho Moi district (across the river) leave from the ferry terminal near the market every half-hour between 4am and 6.30pm.

- Ancient City of Oc-Eo
During the 1st to 6th centuries AD, when southern Vietnam, much of southern Cambodia and the Malay peninsula were ruled by Funan, the Indian-influenced empire, Oc-Eo was a major trading city. Much of what is known about the Funan empire, which reached its height during the 5th century AD, comes from contemporary Chinese sources and the excavations at Oc-Eo. The excavations have uncovered evidence of contact between Oc-Eo and what is now Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as Persia and the Roman Empire.
An elaborate system of canals around Oc-Eo was once used for both irrigation and transportation, prompting Chinese travellers of the time to write about 'sailing across Funan' on their way to the Malay peninsula. Most of the buildings of Oc-Eo were built on piles and pieces of these structures indicate the high degree of refinement achieved by Funanese civilisation. Artefacts found at Oc-Eo are on display in HCMC at the History Museum and Fine Arts Museum, in Hanoi at the History Museum and in Long Xuyen at the An Giang Museum.
Though there is in fact very little to see here, the remains of Oc-Eo are not far from Long Xuyen. Inquire at An Giang Tourist for guides and travel information. Oc-Eo is most accessible during the dry season. Special permission may be required to visit (for more information).  

internet

Read More