The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong’s base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.

The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort.

TRAVEL HO CHI MINH CITY & CU CHI TUNNEL IN 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS:

3D2N ~ Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) + Cuchi Tunnel Tour

Don’t miss to visit Cu Chi Tunnels in Sai Gon
Nguyen Thanh Van

Vietnam is a nation always on the move. Look away for a moment, and a business pops up, a new experience breaks ground, a route appears where there was none before. In 2019, travellers to Vietnam have more options than ever before, and it only gets better from here. Below are seven inspired ways to get to know Vietnam now.

PLAN AN URBAN GETAWAY

Countrysides are nice, but Vietnam’s cities are flourishing at a pace that simply can’t be ignored. For a hit of the energy that has the country in its sway, plan a long weekend in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. What you find might surprise you: modern Vietnamese kitchens, trendy rooftop bars, hole-in-the-wall boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and craft beer houses wait around each corner. Grab a ca phe and enjoy the non-stop action.

Da Nang 1 Day Tour

EXPERIENCE ETHNIC CULTURE IN A HOME STAY

Vietnam’s ethnic homestays  consistently win travellers over with their warm hospitality and excellent value. Here’s the chance to interact with ethnic minorities on a personal level, taste authentic countryside cooking, and bed down in breathtaking locations on a budget. Start your search with homestays in Vietnam’s national parks and reserves such as Pu Luong and Phong Nha, and in Tai and Hmong villages surrounding of Sapa and Mai Chau.

Mai Chau – Ban Lac Village 02 Days 01 Night –> Book now!!!

CHECK YOURSELF IN FOR A WELLNESS RETREAT

Not many people know it yet, but Vietnam’s central coast is poised to become Asia’s next big wellness destination. Already the spas in the area are snapping up industry awards for thoughtful programs and striking design. HARNN Heritage Spa and Fusion Maia are two pioneers leading the pack, however the zen-like mineral hot springs at Alba Wellness Valley and lagoon-facing villas in Lang Co are worth at least a few nights. Yoga practitioners can make their way to Hoi An, where 200-hour teacher training courses and wellness retreats now take place on an almost monthly basis. Beyond Central Vietnam, the islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc also present amazing world-class wellness breaks.

LEAD UP FOR A VIETNAM MARATHON

Who says holidays have to be indulgent? A new crop of marathons and triathlons have sprung up around Vietnam, opening fresh trails to runners from all over. The Vietnam Mountain Marathon is the perfect excuse to spend a few days in the stunning highland town of Sapa, but you’ll find plenty of other options throughout the year, including beachfront races in Da Nang, heritage runs in Hanoi, and more marathons in destinations such as Moc Chau, Ha Long and Ho Chi Minh City.

SAMPLE NEW FLAVOURS ON A FOODIE TOUR

Vietnam’s delicate, delicious cuisine is reason enough to visit. In 2019, you’ll find contemporary restaurants challenging old ways, and dedicated foodies opening their kitchens and neighborhoods to visitors via personalised tours. Vietnam’s tour operators are embracing the trend, with north-to-south foodie tours that delve deep into Vietnamese culinary philosophy.

Copyright by Vietnamtourism

How exploring Vietnam Culture?
quản trị viên

We believe you don’t need a special excuse to take a vacation with your partner. But if you’re looking for one, Vietnam has you covered. Vietnam is a surprisingly enchanting destination for couples, blessed with rich culture, mouth watering food, and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re reconnecting after a busy season, celebrating a romantic milestone, or going on a spur-of-the-moment adventure, Vietnam will give you moments to treasure for a long time to come. Here are our best trip ideas for couples in Vietnam.

Best for pure romance: Ha Long Bay Cruise 

Much has been said about this striking seascape in Northern Vietnam, and for good reason. The bays of Ha Long, and Lan Ha never get tired. The marina is just a short two-hour drive from the airport in Hanoi. Whisk your partner away on a luxury cruise, and spend the hours watching the karsts drift by, kayaking around floating villages, and taking in spectacular scenery from the deck.

2D1N Genesis Regal Cruise Ha Long + Lan Ha Bay

Best for local culture: Exploring Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is what most people think of when they think of Vietnam. This part of the country is awash in exotic visuals: bustling floating markets, children riding bicycles, tiny sampans floating down leafy canals, sun-drenched rice paddies, and ornate pagodas. The areas surrounding Chau Doc, and Can Tho are especially compelling. Here, life goes on peacefully in the shade of fruit trees, and the food is always fresh and nourishing. Wake up early and take a boat to the nearest floating market for an unforgettable bowl of Hu Tieu.

Can Tho – Chau Doc – Mekong Delta 4 Days 3 Nights

Best for cosy weather: Romance Traveling  in Da Lat

04D / 03N ~ Da Lat Flower City (New Program)

Vietnam’s best getaways for couple
Nguyen Thanh Van

Hanoi will simultaneously surprise, charm and chew you up. Founded along the Red River, Hanoi was named Thang Long (soaring dragon) by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1010. Over a thousand years of war, natural disasters and new administrations, the city grew from swamplands into the charismatic capital it is today. Take in details of the ancient architecture, battle the barrage of millennials on motorbikes and drink fresh bia hơi  in the Old Quarter. Here are 11 must-see stops in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This commanding construction was built from 1973 to 1975 to house the embalmed body of Vietnam’s greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. Visitors and Vietnamese queue for hours every morning to pay their respects to the cadaver, dressed in a khaki wardrobe and encased in a glass sarcophagus.

Admission: 35,000 VND
Hours: 8am – 11am, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun (December to September) last entry at 10:15am
Address: So 1, Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh

One Pillar Pagoda

This Buddhist wooden pagoda was built in the middle of a lotus pond on a single stone pillar by the Emperor Ly Thai To in 1049. Archives suggest it was built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, who answered the Emperor’s prayers for a male heir. The structure is designed to resemble a lotus flower blossoming from muddy waters, a symbol of purity in Buddhist philosophy.

Admission: 25,000 VND
Hours: 8am – 11:30am everyday, and 2pm – 4pm, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun
Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh

The Old Quarter

Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter is a single square kilometre comprised of 36 streets. Since the 15th century, each street has been home to artisans and craftsmen who traded in the specific merchandise for which their street was named. Today, the charm of these streets still remains. Prepare to marvel as you wander from silver street to bamboo street, silk street to decoration street, all within a stone’s throw of each other.

Admission: Free
Hours: 7am to midnight
Address: North of Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Opera House

Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this beautiful colonial building is the largest theater in Vietnam. After nearly 100 years of operation, the Opera House was carefully refurbished in 1997 and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Today the venue attracts renowned performers, productions and musicians.

Admission: 300,000 VND
Hours: Check the website for performances
Address: No. 01, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is one of the most modern museums in Vietnam. Housing a series of excellent exhibitions presenting artefacts, costumes, crafts, memoirs,and photographs from the past 100 years, the museum reveals the pivotal role of Vietnamese women in their country’s history and society.

Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am – 5pm, Tue-Sun
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem

The Water Puppet Theatre

Dating back to the 11th century, water puppet performances are ideal for light entertainment and insight into Vietnamese folklore. Wading around in waist-deep water holding bamboo poles, puppeteers operate the lacquered wooden characters from behind a screen, reenacting scenes from rural village life.

Admission: 100,000 VND
Hours: 3:30pm, 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm, 9:15pm every day, and an additional performance on Sundays at 9:30pm
Address: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem

Hoan Kiem Lake

Legend says Emperor Ly Thai To was gifted a magical sword by a giant golden turtle who lived in the lake in order to defeat the Ming dynasty. Once victorious, Ly Thai To gave the sword back to the turtle who dove down to return the sword to the gods. Hoan Kiem Lake is admired for its beauty as well as insight into the daily life of Hanoians. Watch locals practicing their daily exercise and Tai Chi routines in the gardens by the water’s edge.

Admission: Free to the general public

Ngoc Son Temple

The Ngoc Son Temple, or The Temple of the Jade Mountain, is situated on a small tree-sheltered island on the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Connected by a stunning scarlet bridge, this classic Vietnamese structure was built in honour of the intellectual scholar Saint Van Xuong, and national hero General Tran Hung Dao. In 1884, the Confucian scholar made a series of renovations to the site, including adding parallel sentences (câu đối) or word puzzles to the walls.

Admission: 20,000 VND
Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm, every day
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake

Temple of Literature

Built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong during the Ly dynasty, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu in Vietnamese) was erected in honour of the philosopher Confucius and his disciples in 1070. In 1076, it became home to Hanoi’s first university, Quốc Tử Giám. The site is one of the oldest in Hanoi and a national symbol of Vietnamese education and architecture. Today, the temple houses five court yards, records of Vietnamese scholars, and statues of turtles which are said to bring students good luck in their exams.

Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am – 5pm, from November until March; 7:30am – 6pm for the rest of the year, Tue-Sun
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da

Museum of Ethnology 

This amazing museum examines the everyday life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. Designed by ethnic Tay architect Ha Duc Linh and French architect Veronique Dolfus, the museum hosts three main exhibition areas. Exhibitions display cultural costumes, handicrafts, videos and artefacts; while the outdoor space showcases impressive life-size replicas of ethnic architecture.

Admission: 40,000 VND
Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm, Tue-Sun
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghia Do, Cau Giay

Saint Joseph’s Cathedral 

Saint Joseph’s Cathedral (also known as Hanoi Cathedral), was built on the site of the  Bao Thien Tower, which was the most famous landmark in the capital during the Ly Dynasty. The architect was inspired by the Neo-Gothic style of the Notre Dame de Paris. When visiting, expect to see a multicultural crowd of worshippers and plenty of Vietnamese newlyweds having romantic photo shoots.

Admission: Free
Hours: 8am – noon, 2pm – 6pm, every day
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem

Copyright by Vietnamtourism

11 must-see attractions in Hanoi
Nguyen Thanh Van