The world’s most important memorial museums

These memorial museums and remembrance halls demonstrate that cultural awareness, public education and honoring memory can, at least in part, aid the recovery process.

Japan | Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

An oasis of tranquility in the heart of Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum honors the memory of those who lost their lives during the American atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange and constructed in 1955, a decade after the indescribable explosions killed over 200,000 Japanese civilians, the memorial hall preserves objects that once belonged to the victims, including personal items like a watch that stopped when the first explosion occurred, and materials showing Hiroshima and its residents before, and after the attacks. The museum is surrounded by a sculpture garden and exhibition space, where historic architectural elements meet the forward-looking modernism in a setting that is both mindful of its history, and optimistic about the future.

Cambodia | Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng, also known as the Security Prison-21, was one of the most infamous detention centers of the Khmer Rouge regime, a building where almost 20,000 people were tortured and killed in the four years of the regime’s existence, most of them innocent civilians. Today, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum conveys the atrocities of that time with undeniable directness, its collection of poignant photographs taken by the Khmer Rouge, torture devices and human skulls creating a narrative that strikes the visitor with its intimate, bone-chilling tragedy. Along with the notorious Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, Tuol Sleng is one of the few existing reminders of the bloodiest chapter in Cambodia’s history.

Israel | Yad Vashem

Erected in 1953, four short years after the establishment of the Israeli state, Yad Vashem stands as a monument to the Jewish people, the six million who perished in the Holocaust, those who fought, and those who survived. As a research and education facility, Yad Vashem’s schedule revolves around talks, ceremonies and events to deepen public understanding of a people’s struggle to survive in a hostile world. At the heart of the 45-acre site sits the Museum complex, including the Holocaust History Museum, Hall of Names, Museum of Holocaust Art and more, which are collectively visited by over one million people per year. There is also a more symbolic dimension to Yad Vashem: at the center of the Moshe Safdie-designed museum sits the Hall of Remembrance, a basalt-covered space engraved with the names of Nazi concentration camps, and illuminated by a single eternal flame, beyond which the ashes of the Holocaust victims are stored.

China | Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum

Although it lasted only six weeks, the 1937 Nanking Massacre (or the Rape of Nanking) was one of the most painful episodes in Chinese history, where around 200,000 Chinese were robbed, raped and slaughtered by the invading Japanese army. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum stands on top of one of the biggest burial sites of the time, its roots and exhibitions bound profoundly to the fate of the victims. Surrounded by symbolic sculptures in the outdoor exhibition space, the interior of this tomb-like museum houses a vast, coffin-shaped memorial containing the victims’ bones, as well as a hall where historic documents and photographs are stored.

Read more: The incredible and unique museums in Shanghai, China

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Top amazing water parks in Vietnam

Summer is here and there is no better time than now to visit a Water Park. It is the perfect place not only for children but for you adults as well to let go of your inhibitions and scream your head off on super-steep water slides, basically have lots of uninterrupted fun with your family and friends.

Vietnam has some of the best water parks in the world, and two of them, Suoi Tien Theme Park and West Lake Water Park were even featured on Buzzfeed US’s “Ridiculously Cool” Water Parks List.

Ho Tay Water Park, Ha Noi

Inaugurating on 19 May 2000, Ho Tay Water Park used to be a phenomenal at that time which was the first rank attraction in not only Ha Noi but also Northern Vietnam. Huge amount of investment brings to this 35,560 m2 complex the most modern facility in the South East Asia at the time.

Visitors seeking for strong high surf do not need to go to the seas because Ho Tay Water Park features a 3m depth wave-making pool with its waves of 1,2m high. Extreme experiences can be collected in a system of swinging ropes and diving pool of 3,5m in depth. For ones enjoy relaxing moment may lay on a buoy, then let the artificial currents of the 450m long “lazy-stream” drive you around the park while sunbathing and sightseeing the poetic West Lake outside the complex. Children are prioritized with a large area well designed with funny cartoon characters and colorful lanes of lower height. Near this zone are a wide array of food and drink serving stalls as well as many eye-catching fountains and statue for taking photos.

Suoi Tien Water Park, Saigon

Despite being quite far away from the downtown center of Ho Chi Minh City (about 40km), Suoi Tien (Fairy Stream) is still a deserving amusement park for your Vietnam day trips. It derives from a legend that there were seven beautiful girls died and magically became fairies in this area, which was also the inspiration for building and developing such a large amusement park as you see nowadays.

As for the structure and design of the park, it is easy to realize the Oriental architectural elements everywhere, ranging from statues, buildings to outdoor games; all are based on Vietnamese’s oriental beliefs and represent their desire for happiness, fortune, and wealth. Besides entertainment games, here is also where you can take a chance to experience traditional activities as well as cultural festivals, e.g. Hung King Anniversary, Lunar New Year, and Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.

Dam Sen Water Park, Saigon

Dam Sen Water Park in Saigon is divided into 30 parts, and features several activities, restaurants, and shows including a floating restaurant and a lake similar to West Lake where you can fish. There is even more such as a puppet show, a bird garden, a sports center, a water park of course and the Nam Tu Royal Garden.

A trip to a Water Park should be a mandatory event for every family, the adrenaline rushes and fun there simply cannot be matched anywhere else. There is something very relaxing about floating down on one of the ‘Lazy Rivers’ that make you feel as if the waves were carrying all your stress away.

Vinpearl Land Nha Trang Amusement Park, Khanh Hoa

Another fantastic attraction in Vietnam is The Vinpearl Land Nha Trang Amusement Park, which is designed to be an independent recreational area and is conveniently linked to the 5-Star International Vinpearl Resort. The Water Park is proud to accommodate South Asia’s biggest wave pool and if you thought that was impressive, wait till you hear this, Vinpearl Land Nha Trang is also home to the longest sea cable car in the world.

The water slides in the park operate on a timely schedule so grab a copy beforehand to ensure you do not miss out on anything. There are numerous water slides for you to enjoy and if you need a quick break then you can relax on the all year round blue sea while enjoying a panoramic view. The aquarium there is also worth a visit as it features a conveyor belt which moves under a body of water holding a variety of aquatic creatures.

Read more: Top markets in Nha Trang, Vietnam

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The ideal destinations for summer in Vietnam

If you have a plan to travel to Vietnam in summer but not know where to go. Just check some attractive places that are well worth taking a visit. It will be the best choice for tourists when coming to Vietnam in the hot wet season.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is renowned for its crescent-shaped coastline, pristine beaches, and turquoise bay. The bay is dotted with small islands and is surrounded by an array of hills. Those visiting this part of Vietnam in summer can also enjoy windsurfing, parasailing, undersea walking, and fly-boarding.

Mui Ne

This tourist attraction of Phan Thiet has been famous for its long white sandy coastal line, crystal-like water and endless lines of green coconut trees. There are plenty of best places that you must visit in June whilst in Mui Ne, such as Hon Rom beach, Fairy Spring, Cham Temple – Poshanu, fish market.
Not only will you have the opportunity to contemplate the beautiful scenery, but also to try many different water activities such as kite surfing or scuba diving. And do not forget to taste various delicious seafood dishes which as well are the pride of the residents here.

Da Lat

Da Lat is not too hot in comparison to other cities in Vietnam in June. It offers travelers the best weather, fun shopping, great food and a surprising number of wonderful places to visit. In this city of thousands of flowers, you may find the French colonial buildings, deeper island, pagoda and temples interesting and also many waterfalls and hill-tribe villages amazing. The best places to visit include Love Valley, Mong Mo Hill, Than Tho Lake, Da Lat Cathedral, Bao Dai Palace and Elephant Falls.

You will never run out of activities to amuse yourself in Da Lat. There are plenty of activities to choose such as biking, hiking, cruising, or simply enjoying the fresh and cool air. Da Lat offers a lot more interesting outdoor and indoor activities, especially in the summer.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is yet another beach destination for a summer in Vietnam. The largest island in Vietnam can be accessed by ship or plane. Khem Beach, Sao Beach, Ham Ninh fishing village, splendid corals, and unique seafood dishes make it a perfect summer getaway.

Ha Long Bay

The UNESCO-listed world heritage site of Ha Long Bay needs to be on the itinerary of every traveler, especially if one is visiting Vietnam in summer or spring. The destination is most famous for the cruise tours past the towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. However, those visiting in summers can discover the bay in an entirely different way. Tourists can relax on the shores, visit the cool caves, swim in the glittering waters, or take a seaplane ride.

Read more: Top 10 activities in Ha Long Bay

Sapa

Sapa is rated as one of the most dramatic nature mountain sites in the northeast of Vietnam. It lies at an altitude of about 1500 meters above sea level, the annual temperature in Sapa town is 15.4°C with a maximum of 29.4°C. Therefore, it is highly seasonal with a subtropical climate and an ideal place to visit in the summer. Sapa is the home to many minority traditional tribal villages, primary the Black Hmong and Dao tribespeople and you can trek through their villages to understand more about the unique local customs.

Visiting Sapa in the summer, you will have a chance to admire the breathtaking view of terraced rice fields. They will turn green to yellow for harvesting season. To get the amazing view, immerse into the pleasant atmosphere or record the images of Sapa town, tourists can go to Tram Ton Pass or Heaven’s Gate, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam.

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