THAILAND CHIANG MAI - MUST SEE CITY ATTRACTIONS

1. WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP 
Chiang Mai's most famous landmark and most venerated treasure, Phra That Doi Suthep is the first Lanna style pagoda constructed on a mountain. The temple is considered a very holy establishment as its large glittering golden pagoda contains a holy relic of the Lord Buddha. Throughout the year, Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit this temple to ask for blessings. Apart from featuring Chiang Mai's time honored architectural heritage, Phra That Doi Suthep offers a panoramic view of the city of Chiang Mai, which looks even more spectacular when illuminated at night. The temple can be reached by climbing 185 step stairway line with balustrades of Naga, the Serpent King. Alternatively , cable car service is available . Located only 4 km from here is Phu Phing Winter Palace, a place that can only be visited when the Royal family is not in residence . The Palace is famous for rose gardens which are in full bloom in January.

2. CHIANG MAI ZOO
Located at the foot of Doi Suthep , the zoo is home to both native and foreign creatures such as penguins , seals and pandas. But it's not just animals that make this zoo a must visit place. The open zoo boasts natural magnificent surroundings of flora and fauna, a combination which is rarely found elsewhere . The Nakhon Phing Bird center  is also recommended for a brief visit.

3. WAT CHET YOT  or WAT PHOTARAM WIHAN
Built duringt of  the reign the King Tilokkara of the Mengrai Dynasty, Lanna's golden age of Buddhism when Thailand's first revision of the Thai Buddhist Canon was carried out in 1477, th of time temple 's stupa has survived the test of time and has become one of the city 's splendid historical highlights . Unique in shape and form, the temple's seven tapering final stupa is a duplicate the famous Buddhakhaya Pagoda in India. Also found around the temple are divine sculptures.

4. WAT SUAN DOK
As a pleasure garden for Lanna monarchs,subsequently , the place was transformed into a splendid royal chapel. The main attraction is the circular Lanna style stupa that contains holy Buddha relics formerly enshrined in Phra That Doi Suthep. There are also white pagodas where the ashes of Chiang Mai 's former royal family, including arasami, King Rama V's Royal Consort are kept. Located nearby is Kao Tue Temple, a holy compound housing the great bronze Buddha image.

5. WAT PHRA SING
Located within the temple's walls is Wihan Lai Kham, the Lanna Kingdom's timeless treasure and architectural masterpiece. The Wihan ( Chapel) is splendid decorated with ' Lai Kham " ( gilded woodcarvings ) in almost every square inch and is where Phra Phutthasihing , a highly worshipped Budhha image in Chiang Mai , is enshrined.
The chapel's internal walls depict spectacular murals based on Buddhist scriptures.

6. WAT CHEDY LUANG
The temple has Chiang Mai's largest pagoda which was originally built during the reign of King Sea Mueang Ma some 500 years ago. The 98 meter high and 54 meter wide pagoda had enshrined the Emerald Buddha for 20 years. But later, in 1545, the pagoda was damaged by an earthquake and has never completely restored . Nevertheless  the pagoda's remaining bottom half is still outskirts of the city. The locally known Inthakhin or City Pillar shrine is also situated in the temple.

7. CHIANG MAI ART & CULTURAL HALL
A unique repository of Lanna's fine arts and culture , the museum displays the rich history of northern Thailand from the establishment of Lanna Thai Kingdom , its development and finale  until becoming part of the Kingdom of Thailand. The compound was once a  royal residence of the northern royal family and later became the city hall. Splendidly constructed , the building is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary Lanna architecture. Located in the front of the hall is a monument to the 3 great Lanna Kings.

8. WAT CHIANG MAN 
Chiang Mai 's oldest temple has  a history that dates back over 700 years . The temple was once the residence of King Mengrai , founder of the city. The temple boasts amazing architecture . The pagoda encircled by row of elephantine buttresses is the most unique combination of Lanna and Sukhothai art ever seen in the city. A stone tablet located in front of the chapel is worth exploring , as it tells an interesting story about the establishment of Chiang Mai. The chapel also houses 2 famous Buddha images : Phra Setangkhamani and the other is a stone image of the Lord Buddha in the attitude of subduing an elephant.

9. WAROROT MARKET
Locally referred to as " Kat Luang ", Kat ( market) Warorot is the city's biggest marketing offering local food , snacks or even souvenirs. " Kaep Mu" ( fried pork rind) , " Nam Phrik Num " ( a Northern Thai Chili Dip) , Chiang Mai sausages and Thai Pork sausages are frequently enjoyed by both locals and foreigners alike. Located on the banks of the Mae Ping River is Kat Ton Lamyai , the city's major flower market which is similar to Bangkok's well known Pak Khlong Talad.

10. THA PHAE GATE AND SRI PHUM CORNER FORT
The city of Chiang Mai was once protected by walls with 6 main gates : Tha Phae Gate, Chang Phuek Gate, Suan Dok Gate, Suan Prung Gate, Chiang Mai Gate and Chang Moi Gate. In the old days, Chang Phuek Gate was the most elaborate Gate and strictly reserved for the Royal Family. While Chang Moi Gate loner exists, Tha Phae Gate has now become a lively tourist spot as it is also the only gate where the restoration work is closest to the original. It is also interesting to see " Chaeng " or fortress which are located at 4 corners of the walls, They include : Chaeng Kha Tam, Chaeng Ku Hueang , Chaeng Hua Lin and Chaeng Sri Phum . The latter dates back to the day when the city was established.

THAILAND CHIANG MAI - MUST NOT MISS ATTRACTION OF DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK

1. NAMTOK MAE YA
One of the Chiang Mai's largest and most stunning waterfalls. Namtok Mae Ya is set amid spectacular views of verdant forests. The waterfall is truly unique as it cascades from 1 280 meter steep cliff onto 30 different levels of rock formations. What makes it a must visit destination is the fact that it combines special characteristics of waterfalls across the country.

2. NAMTOK MAE KLANG
One of Thailand's best known and most popular waterfalls, Namtok Mae Klang is an ideal spot for those who enjoy outdoor fun and picnics. Swimming is also recommended as there are many pools en route to the falls.

3. NAMTOK WACHIRATHAN 
A popular one tier waterfall known for its remarkably high cliff. This is made possible by sunlight and rainbow hitting the mist, especially when water gushes forth and plunges over the edge of a cliff.

4. DOI INTHANON ROYAL PROJECT
Come enjoy a wide range of colourful cold weather flowers rarely seen elsewhere in Thailand. Carnations and chrysanthemums , to name but a few , are cultivated by the Hmong in Khun Klang Village. Having followed the King's initiative to replace mobile plantations with cash crops, they have succeeded in exploring their products to major markets around the world.

5. NAMTOK SIRIPHUM
Seen en route to Doi Inthanon is the waterfall that generates the grand Huai Mae Klang estuary. The waterfall looks its best towards the end of winter, when the leaves start to change color.

6. BIRDWATCHING ON DOI INTHANON
For nature enthusiasts , there are plenty of activities that offer the most fun outside of a tent. Doi Inthanon features several birdwatching spots set amidst stunning scenery .

7. VIEWPOINT
The best spot to catch a glimpse of the sunrise over Doi Inthanon is also the best place to enjoy a panoramic view of the park. The most thrilling early morning activity is to witness the sun ascending from Doi Suea Mup or Doi Hua Suea. During the winter, the scene becomes even more magnificent , with the sea of midst blanketing the valley below.

8. PHRA MATHTHAT 
Phra Maththat Noppha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Nopphon Phumisiri are located almost at the top of Doi Inthanon. These twin pagodas were built by the Royal Thai Air Force to commemorate the sixtieth birthday anniversaries of Their Majestis King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Overlooking the awe inspiring, panoramic view of Doi Inthanon , the pagodas are complemented by flowerbeds.

9. KIO MAE PAN TREKKING
Nature lovers cannot afford to miss a chance to explore Doi Inthanon on foot via  a 2.5 km trail that winds through diverse terrain ranging from mossy rain forests , tributaries and waterfalls, to golden meadows. The 3 hour trip is worth taking as you will be able to catch glimpse of the world's renowned rhododendrons which are in full bloom from December to February . It is only here in Thailand that you can admire their beauty. Permission from the park headquarters located at KM 31 is required prior to taking the trip.Information and official guides are also provided at the headquarters.

10. ANG KA LUANG NATURE TRAIL
A 300 meter trail that allows visitors get closer to the nature, the Ang Ka Luang trail passes through verdant rain forest, where almost every single tree is covered with moss.

THAILAND CHIANG MAI- WHAT TO SEE ??

1. DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK
Thailand's highest mountain peak ( 2565 meters above sea level) where nature remains intact, Doi Inthanon is part of the majestic Himalayan mountain range which originates from Nepal. The park is famous for its valuable heritage of flora and fauna found in diverse forms , ranging from evergreen Rain Forest to Pine Forest and Mixed Deciduous Forest . During the winter, the park greets its visitors with breathtaking views of misty valleys and many other picturesque tributaries - an exceptional combination that always rewards exploring. Bird watching is a must do activity.

2. BO SANG VILLAGE 
Skilled artisans at the village are proud of their legacy . For decades , they have exquisitely created hand painted paper parasols and fans made by an ancient process. The road to the village leads tourists to one of the province's biggest shopping districts , as both sides are lined up with souvenir shops that offer charming locally made products. The Bo Sang Handicraft Center Visitors can take a closer look at how parasols are made.

3. SAN KAMPHAENG HOT SPRINGS
Renowned for its natural scenery and curative power, the hot springs in San Kamphaeng District are an ideal destination for those seeking to revitalize their well being. High in minerals , they are set against a stunning backdrop of green mountainous range and shady trees. There are plenty of bathing facilities available, mineral water bathing rooms, swimming pools and mineral stream. Some offer free dipping. Another local attraction near by is a natural fountain featuring a 20 meter high eater jet.

4. DOI PUI TRIBAL VILLAGE 
A worthwhile stopover after paying a visiting  to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Doi Pui, a mountain that shares border with Doi Suthep. As well as offering spectacular of the surrounding areas , Doi Pui has  fine attraction called the Tribal Village home to the long settled Hmong Tribe. Despite being the tribal village located closest to urban centers, the Hmong's inherited customs and traditions still remain intact. Traditional tribal architecture and gardening co exist with various dried and preserved fruit shops. For those looking to add more fun to your trip , testing your aim with traditional tribal wooden guns at the Tribal Museum is recommended.

5. BAN TAWAI VILLAGE
There is so much to explore and marvel at Chiang Mai 's biggest shopping center for handicrafts products . For decades , the village has been recognized for its wood carving expertise - the art that has been handed down from generation to generation. To this day, the village is nothing but a tourism and OTOP village that attracts tourist vying for the finest pieces of furniture and accessories ranging from simple bookmarks to exquisitely carved doors. Other high quality products include silverware, lacquerware , handwoven  textile , basketry and earthenware.

6. MAE RIM SAMOENG ROUTE ( MAE SA ELEPHANT CAMP AND QUEEN SIRIKIT BOTANICAL GARDEN)
A shady evergreen Doi Suthep- Pui's northern shoulder is a route dubbed as one of Chiang Mai's most scenic trails. Two of the most popular en route attractions are the Mae Sa Elephant Camp and Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden.
Mae Sa Elephant Camp is located close to the city of Chiang Mai. This eco-friendly compound is built to take a full advantage of its co existence with nature. The main attraction of the camp is an elephant show that not only features elephants at work, it also highlights the creature's other striking skills such as drawing , playing soccer and musical instruments.

Cruising further along the route you will enter the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Thailand's finest international botanical garden that features an exquisite collection of Thai and foreign plants. Explore botanical wonders and learn more about different types of plants by walking on the trails provided. As some of the plants are rarely seen anywhere in the country and elsewhere in the world, this place is considered a must visit.

7. HUAI NAM DANG NATIONAL PARK 
Driving along the road that leads to the park is somewhat challenging, as it is well known for its steep and winding curves. Nevertheless , the trip is very rewarding in the end, especially when it offers marvelous natural scenery : seas of mist, beds of flowers and the evergreen forests . For those interested in spending a night or more here, a full campsite service is provided. Major attractions include Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint and Doi Kiu Lom, the most awesome spot overlooking Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand's third highest mountain.

8 THAM CHIANG DAO
Chiang Mai's most famous cave boasts magnificent rock formations. It is located in the area for trekking and the caves are illuminated by oil lamps and electricity and are equipped with well constructed paths. Must not miss attractions are Tham Phra Non and Tham Ma, both of which are still pristine. Services such as local guides and torches are available for an extra charges.

9. DOI ANG KHANG
verdant forests dotted by colourful and fascinating plants are the natural sights of Doi Ang Khang ,Chiang Mai's coolest area. Frosty as if the place is in winter throughout the year, Doi Ang Khang is a tranquil destination with plenty of accommodation options . Here, you can always find something to suite your style. Located nearby is the Royal Agricultural Station - the Ang Khang Royal Project - a demonstration site under the patronage of His Majesty the King. Visit the station to learn more about cool climate crops and flowers which are also available for sale.

10. OP LUANG NATIONAL PARK
Not just another one of Chiang Mai's natural wonders , Op Luang National Park  majestic  product of an erosion of Mae Chaem River. The highlight of the park is the Op Luang Gorge, a steep river valley set amid scenic mountains and shady forests. No more than 5 meters wide and strung across the 32 meter deep canyon, the bridge offers a remarkable view . Prehistoric archaeological sites have also been found inside the park.

THAILAND CHIANG MAI

Over 700 years ago, King Mengrai built the capital of this Lanna Kingdom on a strategic location" a fertile plain between Doi Suthep and the banks of the Mae Ping River. Developing in leaps and bounds , they went from a period of prosperity to a period of decline after it had been ruled by Burmese forces for over 2 centuries ( 1558 -1774)

Chiang Mai continued to exist as a major city of the north. It wasn't until the reign of King Taksin that the city was declared independent. King Taksin, who joined forces with General Cha Ban and Chao Kawila of Lampang, successfully forced the Burmese of Chiang Mai and repopulated the city with locals who once fled to the forest . Chiang Mai was then integrate as another part of Siam.

To this day , Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city, where modernity is second only to Bangkok . Amidst the fast paced city lifestyle , Chiang Mai has what many see as fine treasures of northern tradition and culture. Travelers to Chiang Mai are amazed to see Lanna style temples co -exist alongside skyscrapers in the downtown area. What's even more exciting speak in the urban people wear traditional costumes to the temple and is how northern dialect over their high tech phones. These are a testament to how Chiang Mai 's deep cultural roots have harmoniously been integrated into a modern way of life.
Apart from having an acute sense of cultural stability , Chiang Mai's natural beauty, characterized by verdant mountains and forests , has earned it " Rose of the North" . But its natural beauty is  just a fraction of the allure that draw endless tourist to Chiang Mai. A unique combination of cultural deposits in hospitality and local cuisine has added a magical touch to Chiang Mai - a city where simplicity becomes charm itself.

WELCOME TO MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpr or “ KL” is Malaysia’s capital city . This vibrant metropolis offers a stunning combination of modern skyscrapers, chic shopping malls, lush green parks and unique heritage buildings. Most of KL ;s attractions are situated at the city centre and are accessible by the city’s comprehensive rail network. Enjoy your visit to Malaysia’s dazzling capital city!

POPULAR TOURIST SPOTS

1   1. DATARAN MERDEKA

A heritage site commemorating Malaysia’s independence . Attractions include a stately building, a 100 m high flagpole and a landscaped garden with terrace and fountains.

2. PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

A popular icon of modern Malaysia. The 451.9m tower is the world tallest twin structure.

3. KL TOWER

Get a stunning view from a top the world's fourth tallest communication tower. Attractions include a mini zoo, cultural village , forest reserve and an F1 simulator.

4. KUALA LUMPUR LAKE GARDENS

Sprawling over 200 acres , this scenic tropical enclave is made up of lakes ,exotic blooms , luxuriant foliage, majestic raintrees and animal sanctuaries.

5. KL BIRD PARK

Welcome to the world's largest free flight walk in aviary. It is home 3000 or more birds of 200 local and foreign species. 

6. PETALING STREET ( CHINA TOWN)

Find anything and everything from textiles , souvenirs to fresh flowers and fruits . Bustling with hawker stalls, restaurants and street shops, Petaling Street possesses a distinct character of its own.

7. BINTANG WALK

A chic and stylish area offering excellent shopping and great entertainment.Find your favourite brands at the malls or dine alfresco at the trendy sidewalk cafes.

8. CENTRAL MARKET

Central Market is an enclave for arts and crafts . Browse through the fascinating display of antiques , jewellery , gemstone , glassware and pottery.

9. KUALA LUMPUR CRAFT COMPLEX 

Styled like a Malay Village , the complex offers the best in local ethnic handicrafts from batik outfits , ornaments  to filigree jewellery.

10. NATIONAL MUSEUM

A repository of Malaysia's rich cultural heritage and history.

11. MASJID NEGARA ( NATIONAL MOSQUE)

One of the most distinguished mosques in the country, Masjid Negara boasts a unique star shaped dome and a 73 metre high minaret.

12. JALAN AMPANG /JALAN TUN RAZAK

This stretch has some of KL's most prestigious landmarks including the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower. Major tourist attraction here include the Suria KLCC shopping centre and KLCC Park. 

13. JALAN BUKIT BINTANG

Bukit Bintang is the city foremost shopping district strategically located in the vicinity of major hotels and chic entertainment outlets. Among the major shopping complexes here are Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery , Sungei Wang Plaza ,KL Plaza and Fahrenheit

14. JALAN SULTAN /JALAN YUN H.S.LEE/JALAN TAN CHENG LOCK /JALAN PETALING

This bustling area is the site of KL 's China town and Central Market . The pre war shophouses here are fine examples of ornate Neo-Classical designs. Visitors can find a wide range of budget accommodation in the area.

15. BANGSAR -JALAN MAAROF

Suburban Bangsar has its own shopping facilities that cater the large expatriate community in the neighbourhood. The numerous dining outlets and entertainment spots here make it a magnet for social gatherings especially in the evenings.

MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR - BEYOND THE CITY

1. PUTRAJAYA
Visit the nation's new federal administration  capital, just half  hour's drive from the city. Hailed as an intelligent garden city, Putrajaya is famed for its innovative design harmonising nature and development. Attractions include the Perdana Putra administrative building and Seri Perdana, the official residence of the Prime Minister. Both are the prominent for their remarkable architectural styles. The striking pink domed Putra Mosque and Putra Square are other unique attractions. A striking feature of this township is the numerous bridges that span the water bodies, each boasting distinctive designs. Nature lovers will be delighted to explore Putrajaya's Wetland Park and Botanical Gardens.

2. KUALA SELANGOR FIEFLIES
Visit one of the world's most enthralling natural wonders. The firefly colonies of Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing in Kuala Selangor are among the largest in the world. Join  a tour to feast your eyes on the spectacular display of fireflies , which live on Berembang trees that grow along Kuala Selangor's riverbanks. It is situated about 2 hours from the KL city centre.

3. CAMERON HIGHLANDS
The largest hill resort in the country, situated about 3 1 /2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, is a refreshing retreat with majestic hills and undulating valleys. Situated at about 1524m above sea level, it is home to sprawling tea plantations,terraced flower gardens, orchards with colourful exotic blooms and lush vegetable farms.

The atmosphere here is cool and calm with picturesque views everywhere. Go on a guided tour of the tea estates and tea processing factories to witness how tea is made and packaged. Visit a strawberry farm and sample delicious homemade jams. The flower nurseries, with their multihued blooms make for great snapshots. Visitors can play a round of golf in a temperature like ambience. Accommodation in Cameron Highlands unclude charming cottages and chalets reminiscent of the British era.

4. BATU CAVES 
This majestic limestone formation lies in the state of Selangor on the outskirts of the city.Situated within are 3 big caves, including the main cave which is home to an ancient Hindi temple. This famous destination draws people from all parts of the world during the annual Thaipusam festival. Scale the magnificent 272 step staircase leading up to the cave. Just nearby is the Ramayana Cave, which features wall paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics.

5. FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA ( FRIM)
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to this forest reserve , situated on the northwestern fringe of the city. FRIM is home to a wealth of flora and fauna, including herb gardens and nearly 15000 species of plants. Walk through its arboretums, nature trails or wetland areas to experience nature in its purest state.

The park's canopy walkway, suspended 30 metres above ground level, is a favourite with visitors. On clear days, enjoy a breath taking view of the city skyline and a surrounding greenery. FRIM has a camping ground, picnic areas, jogging trails and a souvenir shop.

6. PORT DICKSON
Located just 2 hours drive from KL, Port Dickson is a popular weekend getaway for locals and foreigners alike. Its 18 km stretch of beach overlooking the Straits of Malacca boasts a string of 5 star hotels ad private bungalows. Enjoy a range of beach and water sports activities here.

7. MELAKA
Melaka, the historical city of Malaysia traces its origins to  the year 1400, when the state was founded by an exiled prince from Sumatera. It gained fame as the trading emporium of the region under the Melaka of Sultanate. This colourful destination is a melting-pot of various communities and a veritable treasure trove of the past

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - THE EXCITEMENT OF FESTIVALS AND CARNIVALS

DISSOLVE IN AN EXCITING ATMOSPHERE AND FRIENDLY CAMARADERIE AT THE CITY'S FESTIVALS SEASONS.

1. Ho Chi Minh loves festivals and carnivals . They are an integral part of the city lifestyle to commemorate , party and reunite friends together for any reason.

Most Vietnamese festivals are fixed by the lunar calendar and take place in spring ; the days of the full moon ( day fourteenth or fifteenth) and the new moons ( first day ) are particularly auspicious.

Vietnamese calendar shows both the lunar and solar ( Gregorian ) months and dates.

2. TET NGUYEN DAN is Vietnam's most important festival of the year, which lasts a week ( with rites beginning a week earlier) , marking the new lunar year.

This is a time when families get together to celebrate renewal and hope for the new year , when ancestral spirits are welcomed back to the household and when everyone in Vietnam becomes a year older- age is reckoned by the new year and hot by individual birthdays.

Everyone cleans their house from top to bottom , pays off debts and makes offerings to Ong Tao, the Kitchen God in Vietnamese culture.

The eve of Tet explodes into a cacophony of drums and percussion and the subsequent week is marked by feasting  special foods.

For tourists, Tet would be a great time to visit Vietnam. They can enjoy the Spring flower street traditional cultural activity taken place during Lunar Year in HCMC - recreates a flower garden right in the heart of the city centre along Nguyen Hue Avenue and Le Loi Street showcasing numerous kinds of flowers from across the country.

Visitors will also have chance to join " Banh Tet ( glutinous rice cake) " Festival ( 2 days of month  of Lunar Calendar) to experience " Banh Tet " procession.

3. NGHINH ONG CAN GIO FESTIVAL 
WELCOMING THE LORD WHALE FESTIVAL 
( Location : Ca Gio District , date : anuually in Mid Autumn , on August 15th Lunar month)

or the cult of the Lord Whale is popular in many coastal localities from Ngang Pass in central Vietnam to Ha Tien , Phu Quoc Island in the South.

This constitutes one of the biggest festivals for fishermen. The tomb of the Whale that King Tu Duc conferred the title of nam Hai Tuong Quan ( the General of the southern sea) is the venue for the annual ceremony of the fishermen in Can Gio in remembrance of the whale.

4, HUNG KING MEMORIAL CEREMONY
Location : National Cultural - Historical Park ( Colivan), Date : Annually on the 10th of the third Lunar Month)
Thurification ceremony of the First King, who founded the country , when Vietnamese people organise many activities including traditional music programs, martial arts show , classical theatre
performances , Cai Luong ( southern Vietnamese operas) , popular games , food and drink festivities.

Venues: Temple of Hung King at the city museum of history ( in zoological and botanical garden) and Suoi Tien Park)

5. SOUTHERN FRUITS FESTIVAL
5th of the 5 th month of Lunar Calendars
The Southern Fruit Festival showcases the various types of fruits in the South. Many activities take place such as fruit arrangement competition fruit carnival and games.

This festival attracts participation of famers displaying special fruit to the public for the first time.

Venue : Suoi Tien Cultural Park District 9 - HCMC

VIETNAM HO CHI MINH - THE GREEN SCENE

LEAVE THE BUSTLING CITY BEHIND AND HEAD OUT INTO THE GREENER SIDE OF SAIGON WHERE YOUR LOVE OF NATURE RETURNS.

1. SUOI TIEN PARK
Meaning Fairy Stream in Vietnamese , at 35 hectares , it is the largest park in HCMC. This park has over 60 built up areas including the big hall of principle, the square , a preservation area, a sight seeing area, entertainment and games areas, an area for display of strange artifacts and restaurants.

All of them are inspired by Vietnamese culture and history.

2. THAO CAM VIEN ( ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDEN)
The construction of the garden began in March 1864 under the helm of a French tropical botanist , J.B.Louis Pierre and was completed in 1865. Covering an area of 33 hectares , Thao Cam Vien is home to many rare animals and ornamental plants , including famous collection of orchids  and recreational areas for children and adults.

There are thousands of trees and rare plant species from different parts in the region, as well as from Africa and America.

The Zoo houses hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Many of the cages are fairly spacious outdoor enclosures for tigers, monkeys, lions , deer, apes, crocodiles , pythons , snakes and hippos.

3. CAN GIO MANGROVE FOREST
The Can Gio Mangrove Forest was recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2000.

Covering an area of 75740 hectares ,he avergreen forest is a lively world of 150 kinds of flora, 137 species of fish , 31 species of reptiles , 4 species of mammals and 130 species of birds which has inspired biologists and nature look alike.

At Can Gio, visitor will have opportunities , not only to indulge themselves in a fresh green environment but also explore the mysteries of the tidal swampy ecosystem and thrill to the legends of amphibious commandos during the Vietnam War.

4. BINH QUOI TOURIST VILLAGE
Stretching along the Saigon River, Binh Quoi Tourist Village is well known for its relaxing atmosphere, is unelaborate and plain cuisine of the South , its quietness and freshness with greenery and the shade of water coconut lines reflected on the ancient canal of So Hot, which creates the unique feature for Bing Quoi Village

VIETNAM HO CHI MINH - SHOPPING

1. FINANCIAL TOWER
Bitexco Financial Tower is 262 meters tall with 68 floors including 6 floors of commercial area ( more than 8000 square meters) and a grade A office block with an area of 37000 square metres. The group has spent US270 million for this project. In addition, more than 600 square meters are used for cuisine on the 48th floor and 49th floor restaurant area. The first helicopter pad in Vietnam was built on the 50th floor and an observatory in the 47th floor can see the city of landscape.
The Bitexco Finacial Tower inauguration is designed by Prisme International ( France) with the screen light show, which will be held for the first time in Vietnam.

2. LUXURY STREET
Dong Khoi is possibly the best street for a stroll in town . This 600m street has come fascinating sights including old French style buildings of which the Opera House is the most impressive. Dong Khoi  is teeped in history, albeit recent. Built by the French in 1985, this was where foreign reporters congregated during the American War. From morning till late night, tourist can shop here as Dong Khoi is a center for handicrafts, you can also step into some unusual bars, maybe just for a coffee or just lounge, watching the intriguing sights of Saigon Street life. After several name changes ,in 1975, it came Dong Khou street , in honor of a revolutionary movement which started in Ben Tre and was led by a brave woman , Nguyen Thu Dinh.

3. BEN THANH MARKET
The market was built in 1914 in an area of 1 sq kilometer. The clock tower with 4 clocks facing 4 directions is considered the symbol of the city . Nowadays , Ben Thanh Market is one of the biggest markets in the city where everything can be found, from vegetables and fish to spices and electronic gadgets.

4. CHINA TOWN ( CHO LON)
Over here is bustling town for more than 5 million Chinese inhabitants. China town was set up by the end of 18th century when the Minh dynasty in China town set up by the end of 18th century when the Minh dynasty in China was overthrown. China town has many shops and family factories. The most interesting place is Binh Tay Market built by a Chinese Business man, always crowded as a wholesale market. Most merchandizes can be purchased at wholesale price in China town.

5. BACKPACKER AREA 
Backpacker Area is located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City . The intersection of Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham streets are referred to as the backpacker district of Saigon. This area is frequented by Ho Chi Minh city locals and tourist who flock to the area markets ( both open air and indoors) to buy cheap clothes ( some of which are counterfeit) , DVDs , souvenirs and war memorabilia. The many bars and cafes in this district area. In the Vietnamese language, this area is called " Khu Tay Ba Lo" ( Backpacker's area) . This is among the most favourite places f tourists because of its vast of budget guest houses, mini hotels and international food shops. This area remains good value and becomes lively when night falls.

VIETNAM HO CHI MINH - GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

1. WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM
Established in September 1975, the museum was formerly know as the Museum of American War Crime and then changed as the War Remnants Museum.

The Museum keeps things remained from the war such as tools of torture,photographs of atrocities committed during the 20th century and in particular the Vietnam War.

At the front yard of the museum there is a small collection of military hardware and most interestingly, the mobile guillotine used by the French colonists to dispense justice throughout the country before world war II.

2. NHA RONG WHARF MUSEUM
The Nha Rong Wharf or Uncle Ho's Memorial area, is located at the juction of Ben Nghe Canal and Saigon River . This museum displays mostly pictures and objects relating to President Ho Chi Minh. It is from this area that 21 years old Ho Chi Minh set off on a French ship named Admiral Latouche Treville in June 1911.

The Dragon House Wharf, originally called Nha Rong, belonged to a French shipping company and was buily in 1862. The first ship left Nha Rong in November 1862. In September 1979, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City chose Nha Rong as the Ho Chi Minh Musuem - Dragon House Wharf. The name was taken from the 2 dragon shaped symbols on the top of the building.
Over time, approximately 10 million people, local as well as international , have visited Ho Chi Minh Museum.

In addition, events such as artistic festivals and the admission of new members into Youth Union and Communist Part have been held in this museum.

3. HO CHI MINH CITY NATIONAL CULTURAL -HISTORICAL PARK
This is a cultural park introducing selectively and lively legends, historical events and typical cultural works of the nation, with a village of culture of ethnic groups to introduce traditional architectural structures , festivals , games , customs and traditions of the communities of the Vietnamese ethnic groups with recreational and ornamental plant village......appropriate with the rich diversified economic , cultural , scientific - technical development of Ho Chi Ming City. The Ho Chi Minh City Historical - Cultural Park Company would like to introduce briefly the ideas and content of the project construction . We look forward to the multi aspected support , cooperation of the people of all walks, organisations and local and international investors so that the project can be implemented and developed.

4. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SITES
About 70 km from downtown to Ho Chi Minh City , Cu Chi used to be a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. Visitors should not miss this intricate network of over 200 km of tunnels at Ben Duoc or Ben Dinh.

The digging of the tunnels began in 1946 during the anti French resistance and continued until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

Pleasant eye catching sights on the way to Cu Chi include green rice paddies, peasants at work and children riding aimlessly on water buffaloes.

5. MUSEUM OF HO CHI MINH CITY
This museum was built in the 1884 -1890 period and the beautiful building displays artifacts from various periods of the Communist struggle for power in Vietnam.
Most exhibits recount a brief history of Saigon , the anti French demonstrations  before the historic
August Revolution and the bravery and tenacity of the Vietnamese , particularly the Saigonese , during the French and American Wars.

6. HISTORICAL MUSEUM
In 1929, this museum was built within the boundaries of Zoological and Botanical Garden the serve as " Musee blandchard de la Bross" and later became the " National Museum of Vietnam" with a collection of ancient art from several Asian Countries.

1n 1975, the Museum was renamed ' History Museum in Ho Chi Minh City " The museum now displays an excellent collection of artifacts representing the evolution of Vietnamese people and featuring the characteristic of its culture.

The artifacts are divided into 2 group : the Vietnamese history from the first human vestiges ( some 300000 years ago) until the establishment of the Vietnamese Communist Party ( in 1930) and the second group represents the cultures of the southern provinces such as the Oc Eo culture, the Cham art, the culture of Ben Nghe Saigon area , the ethnic groups in Vietnam , the collection of Buddha statues in Asia and the ancient ceramics from Asia countries.

7. FINE ARTS MUSEUM 
This French Colonial building with its decaying grandeur houses an eclectic display of art. Spread over 3 floors, the collection features works from classical periods alongside abstract and modern Vietnamese pieces. The garden cafe is a preferred spot for elderly gentlemen to exchange stamp collections and sip ice tea.

VIETNAM HO CHI MINH - ORIENTAL HERITAGE

1. VINH NGHIEM PAGODA

Inaugurated in 1971, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is the biggest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in modern style,but the structure draws its inspiration from traditional Vietnamese culture and a touch of Japanese architectural style. The pagoda features vast sanctuary and an 8 strorey tower.

On the first and fifth of lunar month, believers throng the pagoda to pay their respects , make offerings and pray for blessings.

2. XA LOI PAGODA

Xa Loi Pagoda is a famous Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Its modern architecture has still maintained the identity of national culture. The building is in a Saigon style and also a scenic spot with an imprint of the historical struggle of Buddhists who fought against Ngo Dinh Diem's dictatorial regime that persecuted Buddhism.

3. GIAC LAM PAGODA
Built in 1744, Giac Lam , the oldest pagoda in HCMC , reflects the architectural style of pagodas in southern Vietnam.

The pagoda impresses visitors with remarkale 98 carved wooden pillars , gilded descriptions in old Vietnamese characters and 113 Buddha statues made from jackfruit wood. The Buddha statues of Giac Lam pagoda are famous for their fine sculpture.
On the left of the pagoda 's main gate is a 7 storey built in 1994 in which each level is reserved to worship a Buddha and the top level for the sacred relics of the Sakyamuni Buddha.Giac Lam Pagoda is acknowledged as National Heritage.

4. NGOC HOANG PAGODA
Built in 1909 by Cantonese and being on of the most colourful and beautiful pagodas in HCMC, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda boasts Buddhist and Taoist grotesque statues of phantasmal divinities and heroes and exquisite woodcarvings decorated with gilded Chinese characters.

5. SAIGON CENTRAL MOSQUE
Constructed by south Indian Muslims in 1935 on the site of an earlier Mosque , Saigon Central Mosque is an immaculately clean and well kept island of calm in the middle of bustling central Saigon.

Saigon's Muslim population is small and visitors are welcome . As at any mosque, remove your shoes before entering . In front of the sparkling  white and blue structure with its 4 non functional minarets is a pool for ritual ablutions before prayers.

6. QUAN AM PAGODA
Cho Lon has a wealth of wonderful Chinese Temple including Quan Am Pagoda, founded in 1816 by the Fujuan Chinese community.

The roof is decorated with fantastic scenes rendered in ceramic from traditional Chinese plays and stories. The tableaux include ships , people and several ferocious dragons.

The door are decorated with old gold and lacquer panels.

7. MARIAMMAN HINDU TEMPLE
This is the only Hindu temple still in use in HCMC. Known as Chua Ba Mariamama in Vietnamese , it was built at the end of the 19th century and dedicated to the Hindu Goddness Mariamman.

Originally from Southern India , the Goddess is now also revered here by many ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese. In the sanctum, she flanked by the guardian is deities, Maduraiveeran and Pechiamman.

Remember to take off your shoes before stepping onto the slightly raised platform. Favourite offerings to bring here are stick incese, jasmine , lilies and gladioli.

8. THIEN HAU TEMPLE
Dating back to the early 19th century , the temple is dedicated to Thieu Hau, who protects fisherman , sailors, merchants  and other seafarers.

Though there are guardians to either side of the entrance, it is said that the real protectors of the pagoda are the 2 land turtles living here.

The temple's interior courtyard with intricate ceramic friezes is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques , commenmorating the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants from Canton.

On the 23rd days of the 3rd Lunar month, the biggest ceremony is held in Thieu Hau temple the honour. People pray to her for happiness, prosperity and solidarity.

9. REUNIFICATION PALACE
This is one of the most fascinating sights in HCMC because of its striking modern architecture and the eerie feeling you get as you walk through the deserted halls. The building is President almost as it was on the last day of Republic of Vietnam in 1975. A statue of Ho Chi Minh and a viewing room are the latest additions.

Located in the heart of downtown Saigon the building was  built on an area of 12 hectares, surrounded by immense walls and high trees in its gardens, the palace 's main building is a modern magnificent example of the 1960's architecture - airy and open, with spacious chambers and tasteful modern decorations. The building is still used for official functions.

The most interesting section of the Reunification Palace is the basement - a network of tunnels and rooms, including a war room and a telecommunication room. One of the tunnels stretches all the way to Gia Long Palace, now known as the Revolutionary Museum.

VIETNAM HO CHI MINH CITY - COLONIAL CHARM

1. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

Built between 1877 and 1883, Notre Dame Cathedral is located right in the heart of the city .
Its red brick , neo Romanesque style and two 40 metre high square steeples make it a central landmark. Visitors can ael. It was attend mass held 3 times on weekdays and Saturdays and 6 times on Sunday.

2. OPERA HOUSE
The Municipal Theatre is on Dong Khoi Street just opposite Caravelle Hotel. It was built at the turn the century and later renovated in the 1940s. The 3 storey building has seating capacity of 1800 . It was built in French architectural style to which the materials were mainly transported from France. A group of French artists was in charge of interior decoration with pattern similar to those in France's late 19th century opera houses.

The theatre finished with spacious ventilation and state of the art sound a a lighting system. In front of the theatre  is a park where young people like to sit around. The theatre offers different programs such as concert , drama and ballet. The performance typically begins at 8 pm . It also has rooms for meeting, conferences, ceremonies , workshops  and other gatherings.

3. CITY HALL
Standing at the end of Nguyen Hue Boulevard, the People's Committee building in the City Hall of Ho Chi Minh City , formerly called the Hotel de Ville. In French style, the building is modeled after Paris own Hotel de Vile and was completed in 1908.

Facing towards Saigon River, the building is notable for its ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers.

The small park in front has a memories statue of Ho Chi Minh . Nowadays the building is used for the city administration in daily working and meeting occasions.

4. CENTRAL POST OFFICE
With construction started in 1886 and completed in 1891 under architect Villeddieu's design, this magnificent building was located on a high hillock by the side of the municipal cathedral with Hai Ba Trung Avenue in the back.

The building's front side was adorned with rectangle squares inscribed with the names of telegraphic and electric inventors together with figures of men and women wearing laurel wreaths.

a big clock was hung over the dome of the building , Inside the building ,visitors can see 2 historical maps, one is " Saigon and its environments: created in 1892 and " Telegraphic network in South Vietnam and Cambodia " created in 1936.

VIETNAM - THE GLIMPSE OF HO CHI MINH CITY

Come to the Pearl of the Far East to astonishingly witness the new dynamic rhythm of life.So much to discover , so much to stretch your legs on every corner of the city.

Ho Chi Minh is the city where oriental meet western.

Saigon is the name of a fantastic river flowing through the city. The river gave birth to the Saigon - Cho Lon Port and the most buoyant riverside city in the South East Asia as early 18th century.

Over the past centuries , Saigon once praised as the " Pearl of the Far East" was known as an important trading center for Chinese , Japanese and Western merchants who traveled upstream Saigon River to Pho Island.

At the stroke of noon 30 April 1975, the world watched history being made when the Saigon regime collapsed and the whole country became reunited.

In 1976, Saigon was favourbly renamed Ho Chi Minh City in memory of the greatest leader of Vietnam " Uncle Ho".

With a population of more than 7.5 million , parts of urban Ho Chi Minh City are among the most densely populated areas in South East Asia.

The city is the heart and soul of Vietnam . It's a bustling , dynamic and industrious centre, the largest city in the country, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an age -old culture.

This is a city that churns , fements , bubbles and fumes . The streets , where much of the city's life take place, are a jumble of street markets ,shops , pavement cafe, stands - on -wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks.

The city is a focus of many unique and convenient travel lines with high class facilities and the diverse tourist products , worthy of its population as a leading tourist centre and travel hub of the region and the whole country.

Ho Chi Minh City has several excellent museums featuring everything from harrowing images of the war and revolution to tribal and traditional costumes.

Outside, botanical gardens , waterways , temples , pagodas and churches lure and inspire. Now yoour adventure begins........

VIETNAM BINH THUAN'S SPECIALTIES ( PART 4 )

LOCAL CUISINES

10. No one can remember where " quai vat cakes" came from and when they had been created , Even ways of calling " vat" or " vac" are still disputed , but according to surveys , people usually call this dish as " quai vat cake".

" Quai Vat Cakes" are processed into 2 tastes  of sweetness and saltiness , steamed fried or grilled but they are always semicircular with rolling edge. Phan Thiet is famous for steamed shrimp " quai vat cakes". Red shrimps hidden under the cover made of white cassava powder are served with concentrated fish sauce highlighted by red spicy chili. The cakes are arranged on a dish with a few slices of lemon and a cup of yellow dried onions and greaves. When eating, eaters take cakes into a cup, sprinkle dried onions and fish sauce, some slice of lemon and chew them slowly to enjoy the quite sweet ,quite tough , quite greasy, quite spicy tastes and uncomparableness of the dish.

There are also many other delicious dishes and specialties such as " Inks teeth", grilled chopped fish noodle, Quang Noodle in Phan Thiet . So , if you have a chance to come to Phan Thiet City, do not forget to enjoy some of the local specialties to never forget the interesting characteristics of the rural simple dishes.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN'S SPECIALTIES ( PART 3 )

LOCAL CUISINES

8. Phu Long rice scrolls used with cooked pig's tripe are known as a famous breakfast dish of residents in Phan Thiet City. It is still unknown of who has created this unique dish. According to local sellers of Phu Long, rice scrolls used with cooked pig's tripe, the dish has a long life and its secret had been inherited just within family's members . extremely small rice fibers joined to pieces of steamed pig tripe , added with herb leaves , some fresh vegetables , dipping into Binh Thuan fish sauce processed with garlic , chili , sugar , lemon , offer pleasantly delicious taste.

9. Who has been in Phan Thiet and enjoyed " Can Cake" - a quite familiar dish to people living in Phan Thiet City ? Previously , it was an interesting custom of residents in Phan Thiet to enjoy a bowl of " Can Cake during rainy days with chopped star fruits and fish sauce.

Gradually , there are more and more visitors coming to enjoy the heat of cakes , the fragrant smell of fish sauce, joining to sour taste of chopped star fruits or tamarind fruits in sweetness and greasiness of " mam nem " ( like sauce fish but not in liquid form) . So far, this is not only a local food , but also a specialty attracting many visitors including international " addicts".

VIETNAM BINH THUAN'S SPECIALTIES ( PART 2 )

LOCAL CUISINES

5. " Dong" ( or Leiolepis belliana Gray - akind of lizards) in Binh Thuan is famous not only for it's good taste, but also for the story slating to Uncle Ho's soldiers during the fights against the French - the American. Those days , because of insufficient food supply, those soldiers caught the lizards with the ugly appearance initially making them scare to eat, but after discovering the fragrant smell and delicious taste of those lizards, they began to use " Dong" instead of rice.

Dong's meat can be processed to various delicious dishes , such as " melon soup", " Dong " cooked with fish sauce or fried , stir fried  or salad " Dong" . Particularly , it would be great to enjoy " Dong" meat dipping in chili fish sauce , using with a few pieces of mango and full bodied strong wine.

6.Noble scallops in Binh Thuan live at depths of about 10 km, concentrated in Hon Rom , Rang Beach . Noble scallop meats can be processed to many dishes such as fried Scallop. Scallop stir fried with pineapple, cucumber and onion. Binh Thuan people often use cooked Scallop with salt and chili, or salt and pepper , lemon or tamarind fish sauce. But the more remarkable one is Scallop grilled on charcoal , dipping into lemon and pepper salt take a cup of strong wine in warm friendship . How interesting it is !

7. After a day satisfactory soaking in waves and visiting historic, scenic beauty of Binh Thuan , travellers might feel hungry, so it is a great idea to look for some restaurants , cafes to enjoy wonderful dishes and specialties of Binh Thuan. In which, the pancake restaurant on Tuyen Quang Street , Phan Thiet City should be a really interesting destination.
Afternoon , the road becomes busy with people because these pancakes have become a particular brand which cannot be found in anywhere. Binh Thuan pancakes are not as greasy as at of other places. The hot yellow cakes just taken out from steamer pleasing the eyes are used with rice paper and fresh vegetables, dipping into a cup of spicy sweet chili fish sauce.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN'S SPECIALTIES ( PART 1 )

LOCAL CUISINE
1. Coming to Binh Thuan is not only for swimming, discovering beautiful landscapes, visiting historical -cultural relics but is also a chance to buy gifts and souvenirs for loved one with many kinds of special handicraft products. Dried inks , one day sunny dried ink, dried yellowstripe scads ,dried shrimp , spice dried seafood are so popular with people throughout the country.

2. Binh Thuan also has the famous special fish sauce of " nuoc mam nhi" ( liquid drips from big ceramic jars of fermented fishes) and different cakes such as " banh re" ( made from sweet potato coved by liquid sugar) , " banh com sua" ( rice milk cake), " banh kep" ( made from rice powder , milk , sugar and coconut extract ). These products are packaged and stored carefully to ensure safety , so visitors often prefer to buy as a gift to their loved ones.

3. In addition to Huynh De crabs ( imperial crabs), lobster, " Oc Vu Nang " ( cellana testudinaria or predatory sea snails), there is another specialty that anyone visiting Phan Thiet also wants to enjoy is one day dried inks.

4. Squid dried under bright sunshine of Binh Thuan for one time only, then grilled over charcoal , they will turn into sunny yellow with fragrant smell. The sweetness of inks used with fragrant smell and slightly salty taste of fish sauce joining to deliciously spicy flavor of chili will surely make travelers feel more inspired. There is nothing more than that, but surprisingly , the extremely simple dish is really unforgettable for those who have enjoyed.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - TRADITIONAL VILLAGE

1. PHAN THIET FISH SAUCE

On Vietnamese cuisine, there is always a cup of fish sauce. There are famous fish sauce brands as Phan Thiet, Nha Trang or Phu Quoc fish sauce. Should anyone come to Binh Thuan , fragrant smell and salty sauce of Phan Thiet fish sauce are really unforgettable.

Raw materials used in production of fish sauce are fresh small anchovies , scads , fermented by workers in big ceramic jars before drying under sun light. Perhaps , the sunny and windy weather of this place makes the savory, lightly sweet and salty taste for Phan Thiet hundred year famous fish sauce.

At Phan Thiet, there are currently many fish sauce production areas known as : Thanh Hai, Ham Tien, Mui Ne. Apart from fish sauce, kinds of " mam nem " ( not loquid) , shrimp sauce , shrimp paste sauce is equally delicious of Phan Thiet -Binh Thuan.

2.RICE PAPER MAKING

a). CHO LAU PRICE PAPER ( BAC BINH )

In memory of elders in Cho Lau Rice Paper village, Mrs Kiem Phap and Mrs Giao Them are those who had rebuilt and inherited the secrets of this professional for the local people before 1945. There are about 60 rice paper plants , concentrated in 3 villages of Xuan An, Xuan Hop, Hiep Phuoc.

Once visiting the village , visitors will witness craftspeople coating rice paper, taking rice paper from steamer out, then drying under the sun on large panels their yards. Travelers can enjoy some delicious cakes just dried by a burning charcoal to feel the sweet taste of Cho Lau rice papers.

b) PHU LONG RICE PAPER ( HAM THUAN BAC)

Phu Long Town - Ham Thuan Bac is situated on National Highway 1A, 7 kilometres from Phan Thiet City's center to the North. It is quite easy to recognize Phu Long rice paper village thanks to stopples running panels of rice paper dried on yards, gardens, fences and along roads in the neighborhood.

Unlike sesame rice paper, Cho Lau - Bac Binh thick rice paper ( used to be dipped into water to roll or grilled over charcoal), Phu Long rice paper is thinner and contains fewer sesame seeds ( white sesame) . Fried rice paper of Phu Long is very thin , almost transparent , round as a sieve , made by only experienced craftspeople and only people in Phu Long who are ingenious , talent and hard working are successful ones.

3. VILLAGE OF BROCADING
Brocading of the Cham concentrates in Phan Hoa  and Phan Thanh Communes, Bac Binh District , about 80 kilometers from Phan Thiet City's Center to the North.According to legends , the Mother of Polnu Nagar country taught Cham women how to brocade to honor their beauty. in " Van dan loai ngu" book, author Le Quy Don wrote : " Lam Hamlet has a kind of flower tree, once blooming, looks like goose feathers , used by the local people as fibers to brocade blooming, looks like goose feathers , used by local people as fibers to brocade suits and clothes on which there are Cham dragons, sacred Garuda Birds to serve their Kings , Lords or Royal Relatives.

4. BINH DUC CERAMIC VILLAGE
The traditional ceramic village of the Cham at Binh Duc Hamlet , Phan Hiep Commune , Bac Binh District , Binh Thuan Province is about 70 kilometers from Phan Thiet City to the North. Coming here, visitors are able to witness traditional ceramic methods created hundreds of years ago.

Soil used to make out products is taken from land mines at Phan River.Ways of shaping products have been completely preserved to date ; the turning table used to shape ceramic products is a small round fixed one, a craftsperson goes around the table to shape the product according to his will. After finishing the shaping stage, the craftsperson uses a small bamboo bent stick to trim the excess parts of the product.

Tourists, welcome you all to visit the traditional ceramic village of Binh Duc to enjoy the ingenuity and diligence from craftspeople hands and buy meaning gifts for loved ones, these might be also something celebrating for a fully fantastic tour!

5. BINH THUAN DRAGON FRUITS 
Before 1990s in Binh Thuan , dragon fruit is not a well known fruit because there is only few family planting dragon fruit for bonsai or worshiping ancestor on holidays. From 1990s onwards, dragon trees have become high economic value and popular trees . Dragon tree is drought resistant , easy to plant , suitable with climate and soil of Binh Thuan.

So far, Binh Thuan is the capital of dragon fruit in the country with total area of over 18600 hectares. Binh Thuan targets by 2020 will have 200% of the dragon fruit meeting VietGap production  standards ( good agricultural production standards of Vietnam). Dragon fruit has high fiber ingredients , especially cholesterol, good for digestion , constipation , limiting detoxification , supporting to prevent many serious illness such as cancer , heart disease, high blood pressure. In addition to fiber, dragon fruit is also rich in beta carotena, which is a substance helping bodies metabolize vitamin pro-vitamin , supporting to eliminate cells without infection.

VIETNAM'S RECORDS CREATED IN BINH THUAN

1. PHAN THIET - The locality with the first branded fish sauce in Vietnam

2. Mui Ne, Dune of Flying Sand - the most natural transforming dunes of sand in Vietnam.

3. Co Thach Rocky Expanse with the most shapes and colors in Vietnam ( Lien Huong , Tuy Phong , Binh Thuan)

4. The locality having the highest number of coastal resorts -hotels in Vietnam ( Phan Thiet , Mui Ne)

5. The largest Nghinh Quan Thang De Quan in Vietnam

6. The longest blue dragon made from clothes , rattans , bamboos in Vietnam ( 49 meters long)

7. Symbol of Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana - the longest lying Buddhist symbol in Vietnam ( 49 meters long , 11 meters high)

8. The locality cultivating the most dragon fruit in Vietnam

9. The first successful business in cultivation precious Spirulina algae( Vinh Hao Mineral Water JSC)

10. The largest whale skeleton in Vietnam , at Van Thuy Tu Temple, Phan Thiet City ( 22 meters  long , weighing 65 tons)

11. The most completed and ancient version of Lotus Sutra carved on wood in Vietnam, at Phat Quang Pagoda ( The Buddha's Light Pagoda) , Hung Long Ward , Phan Thiet City

12. The biggest wooden bell in Vietnam at Phat Quang Pagoda, Hung Long Ward, Phan Thiet City.

13. The biggest blessing bell in Vietnam , at Phat Quang Pagoda, Hung Long Ward , Phan Thiet City

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -CULTURAL TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - RAMUWAN FESTIVAL

RAMUWAN FESTIVAL

Ramunan festival takes place annually , every three months in a year and slowly counted backwards. The festival is typical one of the Cham Bani ethnic group. It is both religious and traditional believes , which is preserved for a really long time.

Ramunan festival is associated with each person life from birthing, growing up to his death , which is recorded in book Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi ( an ancient history book) . Ramuwan festival includes many ritual and various different phases such as Amuram Festival ( opening festival ), Shoot Yang ( turning festival), cleaning and praying at ancestral graves, Ramuwan month, Vaha faestival which are anciently traditional festivals of the Cham.

In addition to formal ceremonies, visitors to Ramuwan festival can also enjoy many special cultural plays of Cham people.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -CULTURAL TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - BOAT RACING FESTIVAL

BOAT RACING FESTIVAL ( ON CA TY RIVER)

In annual spring, Ca Ty River is put on her a new shirt of brilliant flags and colorful flowers to  participate in a joyful atmosphere of the earth and sky through the Boat Racing Festival to welcome new year taken play on every 2nd morning of lunar New Year.

The traditional boat racing festival is organised with 2 forms of boat and basket races. In warm sunny spring days, Ca Ty suddenly becomes gorgeous , noisy and joyful by loud cheers of thousands of cheering audience and attendants . Continuously raising wages  made by hundreds of strong arms of skillfully experienced fishermen.

Welcome Spring Boat Festival looks like joyful tunes in happy rhythm of Phan Thiet City - Binh Thuan Province on the way of development s future days. 

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -CULTURAL TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - THAY THIM PALACE FESTIVAL

THAY THIM PALACE FESTIVAL

Thay Thim Palace Festival has become a culture of Binh Thuan. Annually, on 14th to 16th days of the 9th lunar month, at the historical - cultural relic of Thay Thim Palace , Tan Tien Commune, Lagi Town ,Binh Thuan Province, a big festival is taken place for Thay Thim anniversary.

On this occasion, a large number of local people and visitors come to the Palace to pray for health , family happiness and convenience in jobs.

In addition to ceremonies preserved , festival activities with many folk games attract tourists such as Trao singing ( Traditional operetta) , Thay Drama , basket shaking , carrying fish and walking , tugging of war competitions making a festival joyful atmosphere.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -CULTURAL TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - NGHINH ONG QUAN THANH FESTIVAL

NGHINH ONG QUAN THANH FESTIVAL

Traditionally , every 2 years, the festival is held every full moon day of the 7th lunar month ( in even -numbered years ) . Nghinh Ong is the traditional folklore festival of the Chinese in Phan Thiet. So far, the festival is still keeping originally humanitarian folklore elements of the Chinese.

The main content of the festival to express the general wishes of these people for weather, peaceful country , happy and wealth people.

The Festival was recognised by Vietnam Guinness as the largest Nghinh Ong festival in the country, attracting a great number of tourists and local people to involve in, particularly the community of Chinese people living in Phan Thiet City - Binh Thuan. 

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -CULTURAL TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - PRAYING FOR FISH FESTIVAL

PRAYING FOR FISH FESTIVAL 

Praying for fish is a folk festival associated with religious beliefs and lives of Central Coast residents. In Binh Thuan, the festival can be found in almost Dinh Van ( temples) worshiping Ong fishes ( Sir - referring to whales in a respectful way) thoroughout  the province. Praying for fish festival vividly describes the traditional customs to worship Ong fishes according to legendary folklores.

Praying for Fish Festival at Van Thuy Tu Temple, Phan Thiet City often takes place on 29th of the 6th lunar month annually and has become a traditional festival of the local people. At the festival, people celebrate with many solemn rites. Besides in festival part, they often sing BA TRAO or BOI udring ceremony

The worships , sacrifices, festivals organised at the Van ( temples ) are aimed to bring people to their roots with the ancestor of fishing and tighten mutual fraternity.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -CULTURAL TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL

MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL 

Mid Autumn Festival to be held annually on 14th of the 8th lunar month at Nguyen Tat Nguyen Tat Thanh Squre , Phan Thiet City starting with the Light Greeting Festival and light competition participated by hundreds of colorfully glistening lights.

Night of Light Greeting Festival is a special cultural and spiritual charateristic with each person regardless of age as everybody has his own unforgettably childhood memories. Thanks to interesting feature in the night festival of flowers and lights , Phan Tiet  Mid Autumn Festival was recognised by Vietbooks Magazine as a  Vietnam's record of " The biggest Mid Autumn Light Greeting Festival in Vietnam'. In 2005, the festival was granted " the Guide Award' with recognition of " the most special and successful cultural festival  in the tourism industry.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -CULTURAL TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - KATE FESTIVAL

KATE FESTIVAL

Every year , in October of solar calendar ( or 1st of July of Cham's calendar) , Kate Festival of Cham people takes place in Po San Inu Tower. This is the most important festival of Bhama Cham community to memorize their ancestor and pray for good weather for abundant crop.

Kate is the festival also to pay tribute to Gods, Heroes, ancestor , Kings who has great contribution to the country and divinized such as : PoKlong , Giarai , porome ....This is an occasion for people to go on a pilgrimage , visit , gather and give respectful cult to their ancestor.

Kate Festival of Cham community in Binh Thuan Province take place in mausoleums, temples and families of Cham people in all Play ( village ) in the province. If you join Kate Festival, you will live in bustling atmosphere in festival songs and melodies of Cham people with Baranung drum, Saranai escort presented by artistes with their all respects and passion beside beautiful , charming Cham girls in their so attractive traditional paper fan dance.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -CULTURAL TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - BINH THUAN TOURISM FESTIVAL

BINH THUAN TOURISM FESTIVAL

Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan is the only destination to see the sun completely obscured .This attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to Binh Thuan, in which , there are about 3500 foreign visitors , including scientists and visitors at home and abroad coming to Binh Thuan to study  contemplate this phenomenon. Hence, they discovered the wildly seductive beauty of this sunny and windy lands along with yellow sand stretches , blue sea, creating a newly ideal beach destination and those tourists have  contributed to promote the image of Binh Thuan's tourism from the wild beginnings . Annually, Binh Thuan Province celebrate and honor collectives as well as individuals who have highly contributed to the provincial tourism industry. 

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - MO THAY PALACE

MO THAY PALACE ( TOMB OF THAY) 

also known as Thay Nai's Tomb was built in 1665, in Dong Hai Village , Long Hai Commune, Phu Quy Island District. Annually , on 4th of  the 4th lunar month, the Ceremony to Worship Thay takes place with lot of ritual activities, including " boi" singing for peace . In addition, Thanking ceremony takes place from the 10th lunar month to Lunar New  Year of the Islanders after a convenient and abundant year.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - LINH QUANG TU

LINH QUANG TU ( SACRED LIGHT PAGODA)

which is located in Tam Thanh Commune, standing on a gentle hill, whose scenery is as quiet as being separated from the mundane life. The whole scenery emerging as a red mark cleverly contained into charming aquatic paintings of Phu Quy Islands.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - VAN AN THANH

VAN AN THANH ( WEALTH AND PROSPER TEMPLE)

is located on a white sandy stretch next to coast line, under Trieu Duong Village, Tam Thanh Commune, Phu Quy Island District. The temple is 2.5 kilometres from Phu Quy District's center to the Southeast and 1 kilometre from People's committee of Phu Quy Commune to the east. The name Van An Thang refers to wishes for wealth and prosper lives of the local fisherman.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - BAN TRANH PRINCESS TEMPLE

BAN TRANH PRINCESS TEMPLE

is named after the Princess Ban Tranh of Champa Kingdom . The Temple was built by the Cham people in about the late of fifteenth century and the early of the sixteenth century to worship the princess.Legendarily the princess Ban Tranh is the first person to brings food plants to Phu Quy Islands  and guide the people on the islands how to clear land for fields and gardens , from villages and teach people a ways of cultivation . Ban Tranh Princess Temple was classed by Binh Thuan  Provincial People's Committee as Provincial Historical - cultural relic in Decision No 2960/ QD -UBND dated on 16th November 2007.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - THAY THIM PALACE

THAY THIM PALACE

Thay Thim Palace is located in a peaceful oil tree forest on a sandy ground, under Tan Thien Commune,La Gi Town, Binh Thuan Province. The palace was built by local people to worship Thay Thim - the character , who according to the local legend was a gentle, moral herbalist healing and rescuing the poor.

Thay Thim Palace was built on 25 th December ,1879, under village hall style architecture including :  a main hall ( the place used to worship ancestral tablets and horizontal lacquered boards of Thay Thim), front worship house and other worship places.

Annually, Thay Thim Palace organises 2 major holidays : Tomb Sweeping Festival ( every 5th of the 1 st lunar month ) and Autumn Worship Ceremony ( lasting from 14th to 16th of the 9th lunar month)

Thay Thim Palace Relic was classed by the Ministry of Culture Information as National Historical - Cultural Relic on 27th September 1997.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - HANG PAGODA (ANCIENT ROCKY PAGODA)

HANG PAGODA ( ANCIENT ROCKEY PAGODA)

Co Thach Tu, also known as Hang Pagoda, is located near the coast of Binh Thanh Commune, Tuy Phong District , about 100 kilometres from Phan Thiet City to the North , nestled in natural cave with charming water scenery. The pagoda was built from 1835 to 1836 on a group of low hills, situated at a height of 64 , in comparison with the sea level. People had taken advantage of caves to build the Pagoda. During the era of King Thieu Tri, the pagoda was enlarged in both space and art. People keep the pagoda 's mostly original lines to date. The entire pagoda's area is about 1200 square metres, including a main hall area, external areas and different subareas.

Daily tourists to Pagoda is quite large, particularly on anniversaries of Pagoda ( on 25th of the 5th lunar month), Nghinh Ong Anniversary ( on 16th of the 6th lunar month), Thanh Minh Festival ( Pure Brightness Festival ) , the pagoda attracts thousands of tourists. On 21st December 1993, Hang Pagoda was recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Information as National Historical  Cultural Relic.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - THE CHAM'S CULTURAL EXHIBITION CENTER

THE CHAM'S CULTURAL EXHIBITION CENTER

The Cham's Cultural Exhibition Centet is located on Binh Tien Village , Phan Hiep Commune, Bac Binh District, more than 65 kilometers from Phan Tiet City to the North. With architectural style modeled ) Composite ,metal, ceramic, wooden , fabric materials) such as : God Siva, Apsara dancer, King Po Rome, Po Anit . The more important one is the collection of Artifacts of Cham 's King Po Klong Munai in the 17th century  which has become the most valuable highlight of the exhibition space. This is the only remaining collection in the last dynasty of Champa Kingdom including symbols of the King, Queen, a set of seal and sword, clothes , guards' caps and ritual items such as betel trays , ceremony trays, aloe wood burner ( used as container of burning aloe wood pieces) . In which, the most valuable one is the gold crown which an amazing Makara pattern carved on. These objects have been completed on Etyket content including 3 types of words( Cham , National Language and English ) to be recommended to visitors and researchers.

  The collection is recognised by the Government as National Historical - Art Relic on 13th July 1993. Additionally, the center also exhibits 159 images to describe festivities , traditions  and customs of the Cham people in Binh Thuan.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - TA CU MOUNTAIN PAGODA

TA CU MOUNTAIN PAGODA

Historical  relic of Chua Nui ( Mountain Pagoda) also called by the local people as Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda, including 2 pagodas with different names; Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda donated by King Tu Duc in 1880 ( the original pagoda or lower pagoda) and Linh Son Long Doan pagoda ( lower pagoda) . Chua Nui is located on the Southern slopes of Ta Cu Mountain , at an altitude of about 475 meter above sea level, in Ham Thuan Nam District, about 30 kilometres from Phan Tiet City's center to the Southeast. The Pagoda has a huge symbol of the " Buddha Shaykyamuni entering Nirvana", which is 49 m long, 7 m high. Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda relic was classed by the Ministry of Culture , Sports and Tourism as National Historical Relic on 11st  September ,1993.

Annually , a substantial number if visitors come to Chua Nui. typically on holidays, Tet holidays and especially on the Ancestor anniversary ( on 5th of the 10 th lunar month) Chua nui is an attractive destination for tourists.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - PO SAH INU TOWERS

PO SAH INU TOWERS

Po Sah Inu towers are rare and precious relics of remaining Cham towers of ancient Champa Kingdom .Located on Ba Nai Hill, Phu Hai Ward, from Phan Thiet City 's center 7 kilometers to the Northeast, the tower system was built around the eighth century in Hoa Lai architecture style, one of ancient pagoda - tower architectural styles of Champa Kingdom . Inside the tower, there are places to worship Shiva, the God especially devoted by Cham people. Inside the main tower's body, there are altars of Lingga and Yoni, symbols of the god Shiva's survival.

During festivals ( in annual 1st of lunar month) at the monument, many festival are held , such as Rija Nuga , Poh, Mbang Kate, Yang etc or ceremonies praying for rain , for peace , organised by the Cham in an extremely solemn way. Visitors to Phan Thiet on this occasion will have opportunities to visit and learn more about customs , traditions and culture of the Cham in Phan Thiet.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - QUAN DE MIEU (ONG PAGODA)

QUAN DE MIEU ( ONG PAGODA)

Quan De Mieu ( Ong Temple) is an institution of the Chinese 's belief in Binh Thuan built in 1778. The pagoda is located at 161 Tran Phu Street, Ward Duc Nghia, Phan Thiet City with an architectural area of about 3000 square meters. In addition to typically ancient relics including 111 worship cabinets , 14 old pictures , 2 great bells, 60 horizontal  lacquered  boards, 42 parallel sentences , 2 text steles , 3 version of text on bells, especially symbols of Quan Cong, Thien Hau Lady. These great bell were made in China sent to Vietnam. At Ong Pagoda, there are also many ceremonies to be held, such as : Lunar New Year Eve, Worshipping Gods , Anniversary Day of the Holy One, of Holy Mother, of Thien Hau Lady, Lunar New Year , in which the most special and important festival is Nghinh Ong Quan Thanh ( Anniversary Day of the Holy One) taking place for 3 continuous days in a time period of 2 years ( even numbered years) in middle of the 7th lunar month. This is a particularly traditional festival, not only held for the Chinese community in Binh Thuan, but also participated by of the Chinese in Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring provinces. In addition to ceremony parts with dozens of traditional rituals, there are activities of impressive and attractive festival to be held on streets of Phan Thiet City.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - VAN THUY TU

VAN THUY TU

Van Thuy Tu is one of the most universal and ancient temples of Binh Thuan Province. Located on Ngu Ong Street , Duc Thang Ward, Phan Thiet City. The temple was built in 1762, including a worship place of Southern Sea God in the main block. The temple is preserving 24 certificates of knighting of Nguyen Kings, various cultural heritages in Chinese - or Chinese characters in Vietnamese relating to fishing shown in the spiritual content in worship places, worship symbols, horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences , or of texts on the great bell. In front of the Temple , there is a large area used to bury Ong( meaning Sir, a respectful way of calling a giant Whale) called as Ngoc Lan Thanh Dia( Holy Land  of Gem Unicorn). For over 200 years , the Temple has had more than 200 sets of Ong's skeletons, with dozens of extremely huge ones including the largest in Southeast Asia with 22 meters long, 110 years old while being alive , the Whale weighs about 64 tons. The temple has been classed as national historical relic since 1996.

In addition to saving many valuable ancient relics relating to fishing, Van Thuy Tu is also home to the Praying for Fish Festival at early seasons participated by local fishermen as well as other neighbouring provinces.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - HO CHI MINH MUSEUM

HO CHI MINH MUSEUM ( BRANCH IN BINH THUAN)

In addition to Duc Thanh, the local government  and people has built Ho Chi Minh Museum, parks and the group of symbols " Uncle Ho with children". Ho Chi Minh Museum - Binh Thuan Branch which is inaugurated on 19 May 1986,is currently displaying objects relating to the life and activities of Uncle Ho.

The place is often select by agencies , units inside and outside the province to be organizing place of activities such as Anniversary of Uncle Ho.Admission into the Communist Party , travelling or learning about Uncle Ho 's thought.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN - HISTORICAL CULTURAL RELIC - DUC THANH SCHOOL

Historical Relic of Duc Thanh School is located at number 39, Trung Nhi Street , Duc Nghia Ward, Phan Thien City. The school was built in 1907 ( same as the time Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc  Built) , Duc Thanh refers to " education of young generations to wake up the ethnic consciousness', at the time, the school is considered one of famous advanced schools. In 1910, one the way finding the solution for the country, the young person of Nguyen Tat Thanh had stopped and taught in the school. There had been a noble relationship among Him and His colleagues, students as well as people in Binh Thuan in those days.

The original school where Uncle Ho used to teach was damaged due to long time , so it has been recovered on the model of the old one. Currently visitors to the Duc Thanh School will find out the school restored as a copy the old one ( 03 rows of desks and chairs , 01 black board ) with Nha Nghu ( Fishing House) , Ngoa Du Sao , Uncle Ho's Star fruit tree, a well and surrounding landscape pleasantly arrange , making visitors feel Uncle Ho is still in this place.

The relic was classed as National Historical Relic by Ministry of Culture and Information in 1986.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - PHU QUY ISLANDS

PHU QUY ISLANDS

From the seashore  of Phan Thiet City to the East - Southeast more than 56 nautical miles, Phu Quy Islands are located along the intersection between mainland and Spratly Islands. This is a rich and beautiful islet as the name given by people long time ago.

Should you visited Phu Quy Islet , it would be great to choose vessels of BT 16, BT 18 etc and it only takes 6 hours for the trip. Phu Quy is now no longer too far to come.

They have an area of 16.5, population of over 20000. They consists of 10 islands, where there are many rare animals and poetic beauty. Favored by the nature, this place has fresh air suitable for resorts. Among such destinations, Hon Tranh and Trieu Duong Bay should be highlighted to the most.

Once coming to Hon Tranh, visitors have opportunities to enjoy the fresh air , blue sea water , that you can be delightful to swim and dive under the sea to see wonderful coral reefs; besides , tourists can also catch crabs in the coastal stabs of rocks or seeking for various kinds of snails.

Trieu Duong Bay is familiar to many local people and tourists with a flat and wide fine white sandy beach , blue sea, a shady casuarinas forest on the seashore that is suitable for outdoor travel . From the district center, it takes only 7 minutes to ride a motorbike to the beach. The place is ideal for tourists who want to swim or those who want to take a rest and explore natural landscape in Phu Quy. 

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - THAC BA DESTINATION ( TANH LINH)

THAC BA DESTINATION ( TANH LINH)

Thac Ba eco toursim destination is one of the oldest famous scenery in Tanh Linh, with area of 250 hectares located in natural conservation park of Nui Ong ( among a jungle having 10 - 20 meter height ancient trees and many hundred year old precious wood species ) within the administrative boundaries of Duc Thuan Commune, Tanh Linh District . Visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery , flora and fauna diversity , richness and rarity as well as the local specialty known as Gia An chickens, Bien Lac Lake Fishes ( grilled snakehead clash covered by clay or banana leaves ; Quang Noodle used with Lac Tanh snakehead fishes) and local products of the Cham and the K'ho to bring to home such as knitting products with palm leaves ( especially , there are boxes containing food made of forest pineapple leaves of K "ho people); or wine gourds.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY -KHE GA LIGHTHOUSE

KHE GA LIGHTHOUSE ( A  HUNDRED YEAR LIGHT)

Khe Ga Lighthouse , also known as Ke Ga Lighthouse is located at Thuan Quy Commune , Ham Thuan Nam District  , from Phan Thiet City about 30 kilometres to the South. The reason for this name is that the lighthouse is located on a promontory of about 500 meters to the sea looked like a chicken's head. 

Khe Ga Lighthouse was being built from 1897 to 1899 wit design of the French architect Chnavat . This lighthouse was made entirely of marble material with the height of 65 meters compared to sea level , which is considered one of the highest and oldest lighthouse in Vietnam and in Southeast Asia.

On the tower , there is a 2000 w lamp used as signal light guiding ships and boats . At night, the lamp illuminates as far as 22 knots. Below the tower there is a square house with 40 meters for each side., a 3  depth water  tank used for employees working in the tower. Inside the tower, 184 steel spiral stair steps lead to the top of the tower.

Nowadays , the lighthouse is not only a unique architectural relic but also associated with Khe Ga Island to form beautiful landscape for tourists. From the lighthouse tower, a vision of panoramic Ta Cu Mountain along with vast blue sea is presented .All of which give visitors a surprisingly peaceful and quite feeling.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - DOI DUONG SEA BINH TAN

From the center of La Gi Town , Binh Thuan Province about 4 kilometres, Doi Duong Beach - Binh Tan is considered one of the perfect beaches of La Gi town with a wide and long sandy beach , warm sea , nestled on a green casuarinas forest whispering in wind all years.

From Doi Duong  Beach - Binh Tan , it is able to see Hon Ba - a small tottery island lying among continuous waves, where a temple was built by the local people to worship the Cham's god Ponagar named Y Ana Mother.

The festival is the anniversary  of Goddess Y Ana, called as the Holy Lady's Day by local fishermen. to be held on 23 rd of the 3rd lunar month with large participation of Cham people, as well as travelers inside and outside the province.

When arriving here, it feels like living in your beloved houses as for the rural lifestyle in warm hospitality fishermen. 

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - TIEN THANH SEA

Across forest of eucalyptus and casuarinas , on the coastal winding mountain with looming villages and hamlets , you will come to Tien Thanng. The attractibe eco tourism destination is located 10 kilometres from Phan Thiet  City ( Binh Thuan ) to the South.

This is nothing worse than Ham Tien - Mui Ne - Hon Rom groups of landscape . Passing over 3 kilometres of coast , you will see a golden sandy expanse at dawn and sunset named Hon Gio on a hill jutting into the sea.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - DISCOVERING CAU ISLAND

Cu Lao is a small and young island rising in the middle of the sea , located in Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan , about 9 kilometres away from the seashore. Tourists can spend 30 or 40 minutes to get there by boat. This island stays about 119 kilometres away from Phan Thiet City to the Northeast.

It covered a long distance of over 1.500 m with the widest area of nearly 700m and the highest one of  7 meters above sea level. Around this isle, the water is always clean and blue. When the tide goes down , on the seashore we can see numerous beautiful shells and corals pleasing the tourists' eyes.

There are quite many kings of sea creatures living around this island . It would be very great of tourist bring a fishing rod and some preys to fish. On the island, there is also a fresh water well, which is called a Fairy Well from an old book. Although the water amount is small, the well is the sort of permanent leaking water.

Cau island is one of the places that has Vietnam's best ecological environment . With beautiful neglected beach, presently it is has been planned to be a marine life preservation zone and an eco tourist side. The island will promisingly become an ideal ecological tourist attraction.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - CA DUOC ROCKY EXPANSE IN HANG PAGODA

CA DUOC ROCKY EXPANSE IN HANG PAGODA

Located on the beach of Binh Thanh Commune, Tuy Phong District , tourist coming here will see a surprisingly rocky expanse stretching with continuous rocky layers overlapping others , seemed just a gentle wind is enough to make them fail . Near the edge of the sea , there is a smooth pebble expanse with 7 colors in various sizes, looked quite nice ( the only seven colorful rocky expanse in Vietnam)
Tourists must not forget to add to their collection with beautiful samples of rock as memories.

The sea water here is so blue that we could look to the bottom , next to a clean white sandy beach. There are sand stretches which are as flat as having never ever been footed by humans. 

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - GANH SOON

AN AWESOME NATURAL PRODUCT - GANH SON

Ganh Son is of Chi Cong Commune, Tuy Phong District , Binh Thuan Province, from Phan Thiet City  80 kilometres to the Northeast. By sea way, we will see a red burning stretct of Ganh Son, enchanting travelers on the way through this place.

Ganh -Son -the name making us think of rugged cliffs, is an interesting beauty that nature bestowed Binh Thuan with red seams, coastal lava impacted by rain , winds and waves over time, creating a variety of rocky stretches, caves , stalactites , pebbles expanse etc in many strange shapes. Tourists coming here can enjoy yourself in the spectacular natural scenery ; breathe fresh air from the sea, go fishing with fisherman, enjoy fresh seafood dishes caught from the sea, which give us a sense of peace  to forget the hardships and worries of urban lifestyle.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - HON ROM BEACH

HON ROM BEACH

As a beautiful bathing beach with fine white sand stretch and pure blue sea water , especially Hon Rom beach - Mui Ne still keeps its wild and romantic lines. Hon Rom - Mui Ne is a familiar destination of visitors in home and abroad, of fancy vacations for years . Coming to Hon Rom - Mui Ne , in addition to soaking in blue sea water, there are many other activities of going picnic on the beach or exploring the ocean , enjoying fresh seafood dishes from the sea, visiting famous scenery gifted by the natural such as Dune of Flying Sand , Bau Trang, etc

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - TRINH NU SAND DUNES ( BAU TRANG)

BAU TRANG - TRINH NU SAND DUNES

From Phan Thiet City to the Northeast over 60 kilometers , visitors will arrive at Bau Trang. This is the only freshwater lake in Hong Lam Village. Hoa Thang Commune , Bac Binh District . Bau Trang is separated into 2 parts which are anciently called as Bau Ong and Bau Ba by a white traversing sand dune. Bau Ba's area is 70 hectares with the depth of about 19 meters , width of 500 meters and lotus growing around the lake. Bau Ong is smaller but longer . Bau Trang has an abundant flora system and a variety of delicious freshwater fishes such as perch , mullet , catfish , grass carp etc. especially , the lake is always covered all year by blooming lotus in delicate fragrance. Sitting on a small boat rowing around the lake or just fishing preferences of many travelers when arriving the place.

also in the place,visitors can explore the remains of a Cham Temples ,where Yana God brought water to humans and animals in dried days. Going to Bau Trang to experience the beauty  of the pristine sand dunes ; watch the lake softly shaken in breeve to temporarily forget your daily lives!

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - DESTINATION OF HAM TUAN ( DA MI)

DESTINATION OF  HAM THUAN -DA MI

Ham Thuan - Da Mi Lake flows from La Nga River . Located about 50 kilometers from Ma Lin - Ham Thuan District's center to the North, on the route linking Phan Thiet to  Bao Loc,with the favourable geographical position under improvement of the human's hands, the place has been turned into a hydro electric construction meeting the country's needs and interests . Today , Ham Thuan - Da Mi Lake is not only valuable in terms of hydropower but also planned for a cultural travel center with various new and attractive forms of entertainment.

With wild and beautiful landscapes along human generated scenery , Ham Thuan -Da Mi will be surely an indispensable stop on the ways of visitors to Binh Thuan. 

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - MUI NE DUNE OF FLYING SAND

MUI NE DUNE OF FLYING SAND ( THE MYSTERY OF SAND)

Mui Ne Dune of flying sand is located in Quarter 5, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City . The dune is formed long time ago , stretching over a wide area  with a total area 50ha. There are many colors of sand, which mostly are yellow, white ,ivory, dark red , light red etc mixed together look very nice.

Mui Ne sand dune is the only romantic " desert" in Vietnam , which has been recorded by the Viet King Center. It was also known as Dune of Flying Sand because the dune's shape is constantly moving, creating highly attractive geographic patterns, making a deep impression for visitors.

If in the West, visitors can entertain by snowboarding . In Vietnam, you can ski on the sand, which is an unique sport of Binh Thuan. From the the top of the sand dune, visitors can see panoramic Mui Ne covered by a vast green of sea mixed with yellow of sunny sand, creating wild and romantic dazzling scenery , making visitors feel like flying on nature.

Therefore Mui Ne Sand Dune is an invaluable gift which nature has bestowed for Binh Thuan. Years,but this place has become a sightseeing attraction of domestic and foreign tourists. Moreover, it is also a subject o, inspiring many photographers.

VIETNAM BINH THUAN -NATURE SCENERY - MUI NE FISHING VILLAGE

Located on the street  to Phan Thiet, Mui Ne is an interesting destination  for those who want to learn and integrate to the daily activities  of local fisherman. From the road, visitors can see the fishing village hidden behind green oars and fish coconut groves, where there are some small baskets with oars and fishing nets lying on the white sands. If visitors want to witness the scene of busy early  morning session fish market, they must  be present from 4 am to 5 am . Nothing more exciting than  that, visitors can buy some fresh seafood  at very cheap prices for meals such as milk ink, squid , lobster, mackerel, scallops, etc

If having a chance to take steps deeper into the for fishing village, visitors will see stages of making dried fish, dried squid  and fish sauce meticulously and detailedly. In addition, visitors are welcomed with fresh and sweet coconut fruits , as smiles , friendliness and hospitality of these fisherman.