For
an amazing look into Vietnam's wartime, a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels,
60 km from Saigon, is a must. Visitors will learn through recreations,
models, and a film how the Cu Chi villagers defended themselves from
attackers during the time when their district was a Free Target Zone,
then can climb through the actual tunnels where these people hid,
fought and lived for years. Most all travel agents sell tickets for
half-day tours. TNK Travel on De Tham St. is recommended.
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Eden
bar / restaurant
A
great choice of the many bar/restaurants on De Tham St. as the staff
at Eden are great fun and can't do enough to please you. Free pool,
reasonable drink prices.
War
Remnants Museum
museum
Though
you will leave this museum quite depressed and disillusioned with
humanity, you owe it to yourself to go and learn all the facts and
truths about war. Give yourself a couple of hours for this place,
as the exhibits are very thorough, with eight permanent thematic exhibitions
of photos, displays, written accounts, re-creations, models, and a
film, and in the center courtyard are real tanks, helicopters and
weapons from the Vietnam war. The museum is open every day, but closed
between 11:30-1:30 for lunch. Small entry fee. 28 Vo Van Tan St.
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CENTRAL
PROVINCES - HOI AN
Hieu
Da Leather and Suede
tailor made wares
Tailoring
clothes is the specialty in Hoi An, with leather and suede being two
of the most sought after fabrics. There are around 200 tailor shops
in town, but only this one shop that specializes in these two fabrics
and even sells material to the other shops. The knowledgeable and
attentative staff will show you the different kinds of leather, which
you can feel, smell and even burn to test authenticity. Pick a fabric,
colour and style, and in one day you can have a new leather jacket
designed, fitted and tailored just for you for around $100. 85 Tran
Phu St. 0510-910-094
NO
WEBSITE
Ngoc
Duc
silver shop
Hoi
An is famous for being the place to buy custom made clothes, shoes
and bags, but don't stop there, you can also custom design your own
silver jewellery! The owners and staff of Ngoc Duc are patient and
helpful while you try on and examine sample jewellery and tell them
exactly how you would like your own pieces made. They produce your
creations in less than a day for incredibly low prices. We had our
wedding rings made here. 147 Tran Phu St. 0510-862-390
NO
WEBSITE
NO
EMAIL
Sightseeing
Ticket
cultural sights pass
The
best way to enjoy Hoi An's cultural and historical sights is to buy
a special ticket which covers entry to five places, and gives proceeds
to the preservation of the old centre, now on UNESCO's World Heritage
List. For around $4.50, you'll be able to visit a temple, Chinese
Assembly Hall, museum, merchant's house, handicraft workshop, and
traditional musical performance. Ask at your hotel where to find the
nearest ticket outlet.
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Tailor
Shops
tailor made wares
In
Hoi An, everything from shoes to handbags, swim suits to business
suits can be custom made to order in a day or two, either as a copy
of a piece you already own, a picture from one of the shop catalogs,
a sample item from the shop, or an entirely new creation you designed
on your own. Order the exact fabric and colour you want and go back
the next day for a fitting or two before they make the final adjustments.
The skilled townspeople have opened up a couple hundred tailor shops
vying for your business, so it pays to shop around and to realize
that prices are already so low, any lower and you compromise quality.
We don't recommend ordering embroidery or screen printing though.
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CENTRAL
PROVINCES - HUE
Tuu
Tran Bike Tour
motorbike tour
The
absolute best way to experience Hue is on a half-day motorbike tour.
Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise around the city, out to
villages and between rice fields - stopping at famous tombs, temples,
monasteries and more - while always having a perfect view and proximity
to Vietnamese life. Tuu Tran is the best guide in town, speaking
enthusiastically in great English or Japanese about the country's
history, religion and culture, and he and his staff are all great
guys and relaxed drivers, always allowing plenty of time to enjoy
each part of the day. The tour is based at Xuan Trang Cafe: 16 Hung
Vuong St. 832-480 / 0914-335-1280
NO
WEBSITE
MEKONG
DELTA
Buffalo
Tours
tour agency
Started
as a small operation in 1994, Buffalo Tours is now a leading and reputable
adventure tour company that ensures that even in a short trip, you
will have an amazing experience in this fascinating region. The majority
of tours are private and personalized, and all are led by Buffalo's
knowledgable and professional staff, including over 200 local staff
working in the field, like regional guides, drivers, cooks and boatmen.
Their tours into the Mekong Delta provide an up-close look into delta
life, with boat trips around the islands, visits to factories, farms
and markets, full traditional meals, and homestay accommodation. Up
to five languages are spoken in the offices, which are located in
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as two offices in Cambodia. So
what are you waiting for? Book today!
SOUTH
CENTRAL COAST - MUI NE
Jeep
Tour
sightseeing tour
Besides
relaxing by the beach or kitesurfing, jeep tours are the one other
popular activity in Mui Ne. The main attractions are the gorgeous
sand dunes, which you can attempt to slide down on plastic mats,
but in a 3-5 hour tour, you will also get to see the striking Red
Canyon, walk through the fairy stream past unusual landscapes, and
stop for a view of the picturesque fishing village. Mini-vans do
the tour for a bit cheaper, but it's much more fun to cruise around
in a jeep. Check prices at your hotel, though tour companies are
the cheapest (about $26 per jeep).
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SOUTH
CENTRAL COAST - NHA TRANG
Mama
Linh's Island Tour
island boat trip
Few
people leave Nha Trang without taking a full day boat tour to the
surrounding islands, and Mama Linh's trip, rated as the best for
many years, lives up to it's reputation. Though all companies follow
the same schedule, including stops at four islands, snorkeling,
floating bar, entertainment, lunch and fruit buffet, the difference
is in the staff, food and atmosphere. Mama Linh's boat staff and
guides really know how to show guests a good time with funny commentary,
great food, live music, and friendly service. Don't miss it! 2A
Hung Vuong St. 058-826-693
NO
WEBSITE
NO
EMAIL
Guava
bar / restaurant
With
plush sofa chairs, pool table, stylish decor, cool music and lush
garden, Guava has a casual, yet seductive atmosphere perfect for happy
hours or hanging with friends late into the night. The Bellini cocktail
is to die for. 17 Biet Thu Street
Sailing
Club
bar / nightclub
The
Sailing Club is the place to be for drinks and dancing until the wee
hours. The huge dance floor has nightclub lighting and is surrounded
by contemporary tables, a long bar, and a huge beachfront patio. Music
varies nightly. 72-74 Tran Phu Street
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