Spend 4 days to discover Southern Vietnam

People often say that northern Vietnam is more beautiful than the south. While the north does have more mountainous terrain, this statement is simply untrue. Here are some of the most beautiful places in the southern Vietnam for you to explore.

Ho Chi Minh City

The economic backbone of Vietnam and the nation’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh is one of the most fun places to visit in the country. The sprawling city is officially home to some 8 million residents, yet in reality, it is far more populous than that. The central business zone or District 1 is the area of the city that is most traveled by tourists.

However, for the adventurous types, head to the less explored, more authentic and interesting neighboring districts, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan or District 3. The city is home to a number of great centrally-located museums, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife. Anyone spending time in Ho Chi Minh should explore Nguyen Hue, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien, the Bitexco Tower, the seafood restaurants along the canal and Binh Thanh’s maze of alleys.

Mekong Delta

Comprised of dense green rice paddies and lazy, winding rivers, the Mekong Delta is like no other region in Vietnam. Whether firmly on land or floating with the river current, this region is flush with wildlife, historical sights, and incredible landscapes.

The River of Nine Dragons, as locals know the area, is where the Mekong splinters into nine separate branches, crisscrossing low landscapes before reaching the sea. Life moves much more slowly here and is often surrounded by water. You will find even homes, farms, and markets take on an aquatic adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels are one of the easiest day trips from Ho Chi Minh City in regards to travel time. Just an hour and half out, the historical site is located a mere 70 kilometers north of the city. This network of subterranean passageways later provided vital access to and strategic control over the rural areas surrounding the city during the Vietnam War (also known as the Second Indochina War or the American War).

You can opt for a half day or full day trip setting off from Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors have opportunity to explore the extremely narrow underground burrows. If you are interested in Vietnamese history, this is a must-see place.

Phu Quoc

This list will not make sense if Phu Quoc does not kick it off. This gorgeous island lies to the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, and is actually closer to Cambodia than it is to Vietnam. The beaches are fantastic, and the sunsets are glorious. The island is also popular for its high-end resorts that line up Long Beach, making it an ideal, luxurious getaway.

There are many undiscovered beaches on this island, so grab a bike and explore. Up north you will find the Phu Quoc National Park which is mostly used for research, but some parts are open for travelers where you are able to trek mountains, camp in the wilderness and sleep under the stars. The island is also a seafood paradise.

See more: Top 5 beaches in Phu Quoc you should never miss

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24 hours in Akihabara Station, Tokyo

Akihabara Station is located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo. The place is known as a busy shopping district with many electronics stores and otaku, the diehard anime and manga fandom in Japan.

Visiting Akihabara Electric Town

Located to the north and west of the station is the Akihabara Electric Town, a shopping district famous for its many electronics shops. Shops range in size from tiny stalls selling specific computer components to large global retailers. Popular stores include Yodobashi Camera, Sofmap, Laox, and the Akihabara Crossfield business complex. Some stores offer international tourists a tax-free shopping experience. The district’s main street, the Chuo Dori, is closed to vehicles on Sundays to allow for increased pedestrian traffic.

Buying Otaku Goods

Akihabara is also known as the center of otaku culture, and as such, many manga and anime-themed shops can be found within the shopping district. Video game and card game shops are also popular. Internet manga cafes and maid cafes – restaurants in which the waitresses dress and act as anime characters – attract many diehard fans. The purpose of such shops is to “create an atmosphere as close as possible to the game and anime worlds.” Cosplayers – fans in costume – can be seen on the streets, often advertising businesses or handing out flyers.

Some Otaku related stores: @Home Cafe, Radio Kaikan, Gamers, Mandarake, Gundam Cafe, etc.

Watch a AKB48 show

The area is also home to a theater run by the musical group AKB48, whose name is derived from that of the district. In fact, the trains of the Metropolitan Intercity Railway play a song by the group upon the train’s departure. Special events, such as anime conventions, are frequently held in Akihabara.

AKB48 related destinations: Don Quijote (store chain where AKB48 perform daily shows at their theater on the 8th floor of the store), AKB48 Cafe and Shop, etc.

Visiting Kanda Myojin Shrine

Finally, you can also visit Kanda Myojin Shrine, which dates back to the year 730, although it has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and fires. A funny fact is that this shrine sells talismans to protect the electronic devices of the Akihabara regulars. Kanda Matsuri, one of the major Shinto festivals in Tokyo, is also held around May 15th of every odd year.

Shopping at Manseibashi

Manseibashi Station is a station in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo which closed in 1943. The station took its name from the nearby bridge “Manseibashi” which connect Akihabara and Kanda and after 100 years, this red brick bridge building has renewed as a commercial facility called “mAAch ecute”.

mAAch ecute is located under the railway bridge between Akihabara and Kanda area. Numbers of shops and restaurants are located inside yet remaining its historical look with red brick interior. At those selected unique and cultural shops, visitors can enjoy shopping very original products and craft works. Temporary pop-up shops take places, too. There are several cafe and bars serving organic coffee, craft beer and fresh bakery. mAAch ecute is a true hidden gem for those seeking for peaceful and relax time in a heart of Tokyo by the canal.

See more: Top Studio Ghibli movie locations in Tokyo

Source: Internet

Things to do in Ha Noi during Tet Holiday

Here are the top things to do during Tet Holiday in Ha Noi. Lunar New Year is probably the most-awaited eve of the year when people in the country finally get to lay down their back after a full year of hard working.

If summer is “the time for holiday” to most people, Tet in Vietnam is just like another “party time” when people eventually find themselves good places to make a getaway. Now follow us to discover your own Tet in the capital.

Explore Ngoc Son Temple

At Hoan Kiem Lake, you can find Ha Noi’s most visited temple Ngoc Son temple, meaning “Temple of the Jade Mountain”. Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 18th century in commemoration for General Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu. It is located on a small island on the lake, and is connected to the shore by the iconic Rising Sun Bridge. The bridge is often lit at night. Also, the pagoda has two towering posts decorated with Chinese writing.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular place for a weekend hang out, especially at Tet. Annually, there will be big flower festival around the lake at Lunar New Year. There is also Tet Flower Market in Hang Luoc Street if you want to enjoy the beauty of peach blossoms or buy some to bring to your hometown. Tet in Ha Noi always bring home to mind, especially to Hanoians, this is the time when they can truly return to their childhood. Hoan Kiem Lake’s Flower Festival will not be a bad choice if you want to find the breath of Tet around the capital.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is a Buddhist center located on the East side of the West Lake. It has a history of more than 1500 years. Although it is definitely worth a visit, it is crowded there during Tet. It was busier at Tran Quoc Pagoda than at Ngoc Son Temple. A lot of local people went to say their prayers, which creates a walking line to get in. If you are interested in seeing the praying, it is definitely worth a visit. However, if you are a bit claustrophobic, go early and avoid the crowds.

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Started in 1973, the construction of the mausoleum was modeled on Lenin's mausoleum in Russia and was first open to the public in 1975. The granite building meant a great deal for many locals as it ensures that their beloved leader ‘lives on forever’.

Security is tight and visitors should dress with respect (no shorts, sleeveless shirts and miniskirts) and everyone has to deposit their bags and cameras before getting in. Visitors are not allowed to stop and hold the constant queue up as the place is constantly busy. Uncle Ho’s remains are sent yearly to Russia for maintenance therefore the mausoleum is closed usually from October onwards. It’s best to recheck with your hotel tour desk before visiting. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

Enjoy street food

It is one of the things Ha Noi is known for awesome street food. A good way to spot a good street food restaurant is if you see a lot of (local) people eating there. Simple as that. Also, if a lot of people are sitting there, you can also sneak peak how the food looks like.

During Tet there are still enough street food vendors open, although less than normally. However, this really was not a problem, because there were enough options.

See more: Discover Ha Noi through its famous structures

Source Chaptertravel