The Banaue Rice Terraces: "Eight Wonder of the World"

In Luzon Province of northern Philippines, through mountains and rice terraces the road ends at a church, in a small town called Banaue. About 4,000 feet above sea-level in Banaue sits a small market in Ifugao Province located north from Manila- the Philippines' capital. What is most distinct about Banaue is its century old gigantic man-made structure rice terraces that were carved into mountains of Ifugao by ancestors of Batad indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the “Eight Wonder of the World”. Estimated 2,000 to 6,000 years old years the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand that no doubt, a tourist destination in the Philippines. The terraces are located approximately 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside.

To reach Banaue, one find it more easier to set from Manila rather than to Baguio, and many prefer the former as the gateway for trips to Bontoc and Sagada.

From Manila, the most convenient way is to take the 10pm bus from either Dangwa Bus or Auto Bus (During peak seasons or holy week, you have to at least reserve ticket on week or 3 days before trip whenever possible). Ticket will cost around PHP 290 (approx. 6 to 7 USD). Trips are usually daily. The trip will usually take you around 8 to 9 hours. The trip will pass by Neighboring Provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Bayombong, Solano, Bambang. You will arrive around 5 to 6 am the next day.

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Boracay: White Sand Island

When you want to relax in a tropical white sand beach in the Philippines, Boracay is just one of the hottest travel destinations in attracting thousands of foreign travelers in the country every season.

Boracay Island, the world famous island is located in Aklan province off the northwest corner of the island of Panay 345 kms. South of Manila and belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, or Region VI, of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.

This beautiful island is surrounded by coral reefs wherein its best part is a "White Sand Beach", also known as the Long Beach by its residents. It is located at the West Coast between the villages of Balabag and Angol, and some experienced travelers claim it to be the "Finest Beach of all Asia". The water is shallow, sand is finer and more brighter than any most beaches in the archipelago. There are about 350 beach hotel resorts with more than 2000 rooms to suit virtually everyone's taste.

The white sand beach is blindingly white and powdery sand, is the main tourism beach. It is a bit over four kilometers long and is lined with resorts, hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. In the central portion, for about two kilometers, there is a footpath known as the Beachfront Path separating the beach itself from the establishments located along it. North and south of the Beachfront Path, beachfront establishments do literally front along the beach itself. Several roads and paths connect the Beachfront Path with Boracay's Main Road, a vehicular road which runs the length of the island. At the extreme northern end of White Beach, a footpath runs around the headland there and connects White Beach with Diniwid Beach.

Across the island from White Beach is Bulabog Beach, a secondary tourism beach and Boracay's main windsurfing and kiteboarding area.

Either from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, take flights to Boracay either via Kalibo (45 minutes away) or via Caticlan (30-40 minutes away). From Kalibo airport, air-conditioned vans and buses take passengers to the Caticlan Jetty Port, where boats provide transport to the island. Motorized tricycles will take passengers from Caticlan airport to the jetty port, 3 minutes away. From Caticlan jetty port, boat ride takes 15-20 minutes to get to Boracay.

If you want to take more views on reaching the island you can also take a travel by land. Buses and cars run from Manila to the southern provinces by means of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. A nautical system conceptualized under the term of Pres. Arroyo. Buses leave from the Philtranco terminal in Cubao and Pasay City throughout the day. The journey by bus takes approximately 12 hours. Caticlan is the fourth seaport encountered along the SRNH while traveling south from Manila.

When you reach the island the two main modes of transport are via motor-tricycles along the main road or by walking along the beaches. Pedicabs are also available for transport along the Beachfront Path. Other means of transportation include mountain bikes quadbikes and motorbikes, all of which can be rented.

To explore around the island's coast, motorized bancas and sailing paraws are available for rent. These are outrigger canoes and are common sight in waters around the island. The sailing paraw is a narrow hulled boat with outriggers either side and with passengers sometimes seated on a trampoline platform between the outriggers supports. These are extremely fast off the wind, but can be unwieldy for inexperienced sailors.

Boracay has been known by Filipinos as the "Number One Tourist Spot In The Philippines". While a British publication known as TV Quick, awarded Boracay as the Number One Tropical Beach In The World!

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The Philippine Tarsier

“The world's smallest monkey" is an often heard slogan. However, it is not a monkey. In truth, its classification is somewhat problematic. Some scienties consider tarsiers to be a taxonomic suborder among the primates. While, because they are closely related to lemurs, lorises and bushbabies, others classify them with the prosimians to which these animals belong.

The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), known locally as the Mawmag in Cebuano/Visayan is a tiny animal measuring about 4 to 6 inches (15 cm) in height. The small size makes it difficult to discover. The average mass for males is around 134 grams, and for females, around 117 grams. The average adult is about the size of a human fist and will fit very comfortably in the human hand.

Like all tarsiers, the Philippine Tarsier has a round head that can be rotated 180 degrees. It has a special adaptation in the neck to do this, its eyes being fixed and not being able to move. The large membranous ears are mobile, appearing to be almost constantly moving, causing any movement to be heard. It has uniquely large goggling eyes (disproportionate to its head and body), listed in the Guiness Book of Records as the largest eyes on a mammal. Being nocturnal, having these huge eyes are perfect for night vision.

Today in the Philippines it is more popular of its existence in area of Bohol that somehow aside from the province’s beautiful white sand beaches and the Chocolate Hills boasts the tourism of the province. But sad to say that this tiny and lovely creature is an endangered species in the Philippines.

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Magellan’s Cross

Magellan’s cross is a large Christian cross planted by the Portugese and Spanish explorers upon arriving in Cebu, Philippines, as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan. This historical cross signifies the important event about the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in the Philippines. The original cross is reputedly encased in another wooden cross.This is to protect the original cross from people who chipped away parts of the cross for souvenir purposes or in the belief that the cross possesses miraculous powers. Some people, however, believe that the original cross had been destroyed or had disappeared after Magellan's death, and the cross is a replica that was planted there by the Spaniards after they successfully colonized the Philippines.

Today as a historical landmark one’s trip wouldn’t be completed if this this will not be visited, which rest next to Basilica Minore del santo Niño, just in front of the city hall of Cebu City, Philippines.

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Touring Melaka Historical Sites by Melaka Red Double Decker Bus

23^rd. September 2007

Melaka :

Our historical tour of Melaka on the Red Bus started at about 11.00am. We have heard about Melaka’s newest tourism product – See Melaka historical sites on a Red Double Decker Bus but we have yet to try it until today.

With a baseball cap, a bottle of drinking water and casually dressed for the occasion, we waited for this bus at No. 13 designated stop for the Melaka Red bus. No. 13 stop named “Renaissance Stop” is located opposite Melaka Renaissance Hotel. In fact, it is in front of Hotel Okid at Jalan Bendahara and near Hotel Accordian too. We had to wait for about half an hour before the Red Double Decker was sighted coming down towards us at about 11.00 am. We had earlier spotted the “Panorama Red Bus” but it did not come our way. We found out later that the “Panorama Red Bus” route covered the historical sites and outskirts of Melaka City at only RM 2.00 per adult for the whole day. Very affordable by any standards!!

The “Melaka Red Double Decker Bus” route only covered the historical sites around Melaka City. The fare is priced at RM 5.00 per adult per day. Travellers can hop on this bus and hop off to see the sites at your own leisure. Then, hop on the next bus for the next site. This is certainly a good and cheap way to see Melaka historical sites for the whole day.

After boarding the double decker bus, we climbed up to the Upper Saloon of the bus for birds’ eye view of Melaka. The bus was brought in from London as we can still see some signages in English and fares in Sterling! Driven by one driver whom you have to pay your fares to, this bus is also air-conditioned. A Plus point against the hot and humid weather of the tropics.

The bus first passed Meng Seng Charitable Hall which is linked to the founding of Malaya and turned right towards Jalan Munshi Abdullah.

It crossed over Hang Tuah Bridge and we reached Jalan Hang Tuah where we will see Hang Tuah Mall . Also located on Jalan Hang Tuah is the new Melaka City Campus of Technical University of Malaysia.

It passed Soon Seng Plaza and Legacy Hotel at the end of Jalan Hang Tuah before moving passed Tesco Hypermarket and towards Melaka Sentral (Melaka Bus and Taxi Terminals).

After a brief stop for passengers, it travelled back to Jalan Hang Tuah and veered left into Jalan Gajah Berang. For visitors interested see the “Chitty Museum”, you can hop off at the designated stop. We moved towards Jalan Tranquerah via Jalan Ong Kim Wee and to the end of Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker’s Street).

It continued into Jalan Kubu and turned into Jalan Kampung Hulu where Kampung Hulu Mosque is located. The bus then moved slowly into Jalan Kampung Pantai and visitors can see the old Pre-war Chinese shop houses.

It then crossed over the Melaka River by using the Chan Koon Cheng bridge before turning right to Jalan Laksamana (or Riverside Road). This road will lead us into the historical old sector of “Stadthuys” or the “Red Dutch Square” area.

Besides the “Stadthuys”, the Clock Tower, “Christ Church” and “Youth Museum” are located here. You can stop (Stop No.5 or Stadthuys Stop) here for your photo shoot or enjoy Malacca's famous "Chendol" across the road.


Moreover, the newly discovered “Middlesburg Wall” of A Famosa is also located here.

The historical journey continued by passing by the newly discovered “Middleburg wall" towards the replica ship of “Flor de la Mar”. This Portuguese ship was the flagship of Alburqueque who conquered Malacca in 1511. After capturing Malacca, the Portuguese took Malacca’s treasures and loaded them up into their galleons. However, on their journey back to Portugal, the fleet was caught in a heavy storm and the “Flor de la Mar” with Malacca’s invaluable treasure, sank off the coast of North Sumatra.

After passing this replica ship, we entered the reclaimed land of “Banda Hilir”. Before the area was built up, the site was Malacca’s Esplanade where Malaccans used to enjoy their morning and evening walks besides the Malacca Straits. In the evenings, we enjoyed the sight of sunsets and cool evening breezes. In late 1980’s, the sea in front of the Esplanade was reclaimed and now, the air-conditioned Mahkota Parade shopping mall was built on it.

Recently, in 2006, Malacca’s newest shopping mall, Dataran Pahlawan was opened. This 2 storey shopping mall was built on the “padang” of Banda Hilir.

Since then, the padang has been reduced to a third of her original size. The construction of the mall has been turned the area into another concrete jungle and traffic jams are seen especially during weekends.

By late 2008, Melaka Tower will rise 140 metres in the same area and another hypermarket such as Carrefour will operate just in front of Hotel Equatorial.

The Red Double Decker bus passed by Hotel Equatorial and moved towards Jalan Bandar Hilir. On this road, there are a few hawker complexes which are opened during the evenings. You can get Malacca’s famous ho chien, popiah and delicious local cuisines along this road. At the end of the road is the Henry Gurney Prison for teenagers and the St. John’s hill.

Soon, we reached the Semabok junction and turned left into Jalan Panjang before moving towards Bukit China. We then passed the “Martyrs Memorial” which was built in honour of the fallen heroes against the Japanese Occupation of Malaya during the 2^nd. World War.

Just around this memorial lies the “Poh San Teng” temple and the “King’s Well”. This well never goes dry and a wall has been built around it to protect this well during the Portuguese/Dutch eras. As the legend goes, any person who drinks the water from this well, will always come back to Malacca in his/her lifetime.

Both of these historical sites are located just below the foothills of “Bukit China”. Bukit China or Chinese Hill is now the largest Chinese cemetery outside China. Before, legend said the hill was the area where the Chinese princess, “Hang Li Po” and her entourage stayed thus the name “Bukit China”. Now, Bukit China is the largest green lung within Malacca and many joggers climbed up the hill for their morning/evening runs.

Our historical city tour continued down Jalan Munshi Abdullah. Passing Meng Seng Charitable Hall again, we then turned right into Jalan Bunga Raya. The last stop for us in front of the former “Majestic Hotel” just before Kampung Morten.

Overall, the journey took about an hour and fifteen minutes. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and was able to see Malacca from this double decker bus. We hope to take the "Panorama Bus" in the future to see the outskirts of Malacca from our last stop.

Meantime, we hope you have enjoyed our blog. We hope you will also come and see Malacca on this Red Double Decker Bus. Enjoy.

About Philippines

Philippines (Pilipinas), officially the Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas; RP), is an island nation located in Southeast Asia, with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine Archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean and primarily divided into three major islands as Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

As a former colony of Spain and the United States, the Philippines has many affinities with the Western world including Spain and Latin America due to three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Roman Catholicism is the most predominant religion consisting of more than 80% of the population, making it the 4th largest Catholic nation in the world. Muslims, on the other hand, are major non-Hispanicized population, concentrated in the Sulu archipelago and in central and western Mindanao, and the mountain groups of northern Luzon.

With more than 180 native languages and dialects are spoken, all belonging to the Malay-Polynesian linguistic family, Tagalog is considered as national language and Cebuano is the second predominant. However, only Tagalog and English are used as the official media of instruction within the whole archipelago.

As a democratic country its government body is composed of president who mainly governs as the head of the state, elected by popular vote to a six-year term, during which they appoint and preside over the cabinet. The bicameral Congress is composed of a Senate, serving as the upper house, whose members are elected nationally to a six-year term, and a House of Representatives serving as the lower house whose members are elected to a three-year term and are elected from legislative districts and through sectoral representation. The judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court, composed of a Chief Justice as its presiding officer and fourteen associate justices, all appointed by the President from nominations submitted by the Judicial Bar and Council.

With its land area 40% of its comprised to agricultural and forestry which produce food crops for domestic consumption and cash crops for export and with its 7,107 islands it is expected that it has a very wide range for fishing activities.

Industrial production is centered on the processing and assembly operations of the following: food, beverages, tobacco, rubber products, textiles, clothing and footwear, pharmaceuticals, paints, plywood and veneer, paper and paper products, small appliances, and electronics. Heavier industries are dominated by the production of cement, glass, industrial chemicals, fertilizers, iron and steel, and refined petroleum products.

The Philippines also has significant deposits of mineral wealth such as gold, clay, limestone, marble, silica, and phosphate. The discovery of natural gas reserves off Palawan has been brought on-line to generate electricity.

Talking about foreign tie ups, the government also engage on import-export activities which also give a big contribution to the country’s economic income which the U.S. traditionally has been the Philippines' largest foreign investor.

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The Junagadh Fort - Uparkot

Spectaculor views of The Old Fort of Junagadh, where once upon a time most of the citizens lived in; also, a very protactive hide-out during siege situations with crocodile-inhabitated water channel all along its periferi. Improved time to time by the successors, now a days it serves as a great tourist spot with its fascinating structures like Buddhist Caves, Stepwells, Food & Water reservoirs. It also displays Guns with range of more than 5 kms and whole fort is dotted with the gun-balls all around. In short, worth visiting once...

Junagadh Introductory Snap-tour

FAMOUS TOURIST SITES IN VIETNAM

Lao Cai

Sapa Area: 678,6 sq. km Population: 38,200 habitants Administrative division: - Townlet: Sapa - Communes: Ban Khoang, Ta Giang Phinh, Trung Chai, Ta Phin, Sa Pa, San Sa Ho, Ban Phung, Lao Chai, Hau Thao, Thanh Kim, Ta Van, Su Pan, Suoi Thau, Ban Ho, Thanh Phu, Nam Sai, Nam Cang.

Located 38km from Lao Cai City, Sapa is a mountainous district of Lao Cai Province. Sapa District is very well-known with Sapa Townlet, a beautiful and romantic resort. At the height of 1,600m above sea level, the average temperature of the area is 15-18°C. It is cool in summer and cold in winter. Visitor to Sapa in summer can feel the climate of four seasons in one day. In the morning and afternoon, it is cool like the weather of spring and autumn. At noon, it is as sunny and cloudless as the weather of summer. And it is cold in the evening. With no advance warning of a thunderstorm short and heavy rains may come at noon on any summer day. Subsequently, a rainbow appears, transforming Sapa into a magic land, which for years has been a constant source of poetic inspiration, lights up the whole region. The best time to witness the scenic beauty of Sapa is in April and May. Before that period, the weather might be cold and foggy; after that period is the rainy season. In April and May, Sapa is blooming with flowers and green pastures. The clouds that settle in the valley in early morning quickly disappear into thin air. Sapa has many natural sites such as Ham Rong Mountain, Silver Waterfall, Rattan Bridge, Bamboo Forest and Ta Phin Cave.Sapa is also the starting point for many climbers and scientists who want to reach the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143m. Hoang Lien Mountain Range is also called the Alps of the North Sea area since Fansipan Mountain is not only the highest peak in Vietnam, but also in the Indochina Peninsula. The pyramid-shaped mountain is covered with clouds all year round and temperatures often drop below zero, especially at high elevations. The first thing you notice when approaching the resort town are some detached wooden mansions and villas perched on a hill top or hillside, behind thick pine forests and almost invisible on this foggy morning. Old and new villas with red roofs now appear and now disappear in the green rows of pomu trees, bringing the town the beauty of European towns. Fresh and cool air in Sapa is an idea climate condition for growing temperate vegetables such as cabbage, chayote, precious medicinal herbs, and fruit trees such as plum, pear… Sapa is home to various families of flowers of captivating colours, which can be found nowhere else in the country. When Tet, the Lunar New Year Festival, comes, the whole township of Sapa is filled with the pink colour of peach blossom brought from the vast forests of peach just outside the town. Sapa is regarded as the kingdom of orchids. Here, orchid lovers are even amazed by the choice, when trekking in the forest filled with several hundred kinds of orchids of brilliant colours and fantastic shapes, such as Orchid Princess, Orchid of My Fair Lady's Shoe. Some orchids are named after lovely singing birds such as the canary, salangane's nest, and more. Sapa is most beautiful in spring. Apricot, plum and cherry flowers are splendidly beautiful. Markets are crowded and merry, and are especially attractive to visitors. Minority groups come here to exchange and trade goods and products. Market sessions are also a chance for locals to promenade and young men and women in colorful costumes to meet, date or seek sweethearts. Visitors to Sapa will have opportunities to discover the unique customs of the local residents. Hanoi Hanoi Area: 921 sq. km Population: 3,145,200 habitants (2005). Administrative divisions: - Districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Long Bien, Hoang Mai. - Rural districts: Dong Anh, Soc Son, Thanh Tri, Tu Liem, Gia Lam. Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa... Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the center of culture, politics, economy and trade of the whole country. Geography Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi is located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam. It is encompassed by Thai Nguyen Province to the north, Vinh Phuc and Ha Tay to the west and south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces to the east and south-east.Hanoi means "the hinterland between the rivers" (Ha: river, Noi: interior). Hanoi's territory is washed by the Red River (the portion of the Red River embracing Hanoi is approximately 40km long) and its tributaries, but there are some other rivers flowing through the capital, including Duong, Cau, Ca Lo, Day, Nhue, Tich, To Lich and Kim Nguu. Climate: Hanoi is situated in a tropical monsoon zone with two main seasons. During the dry season, which lasts from October to April, it is cold and there is very little rainfall, except from January to March, when the weather is still cold but there is some light rain. The wet season, from May to September, is hot with heavy rains and storms. The average annual temperature is 23.2ºC (73.7ºF) and the average annual rainfall is 1,800mm. The average temperature in winter is 17.2ºC (62.9ºF), but can go down to 8?C (46.4ºF). The average temperature in summer is 29.2ºC (84.6ºF, but can reach up to 39ºC (102.2ºF). History Co Loa Hanoi is a sacred land of Vietnam. In the 3rd century BC, Co Loa (actually belonging to Dong Anh District) was chosen as the capital of the Au Lac Nation of Thuc An Duong Vuong (the King Thuc). Hanoi later became the core of the resistance movements against the Northern invasions. Located in the middle of the Red River Delta, the town has gradually expanded to become a very populations and rich residential center. At different periods, Hanoi had been selected as the chief city of Vietnam under the Northern domination.In the autumn of Canh Tuat lunar years (1010), Ly Thai To, the founder of the Ly Dynasty, decided to transfer the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La, and so he rebaptized it Thang Long (Soaring Dragon). The year 1010 then became an historical date for Hanoi and for the whole country in general. For about a thousand years, the capital was called Thang Long, then changing to Dong Do, Dong Kinh, and finally to Hanoi, in 1831. This sacred piece of land thereafter continued to be the theatre of many fateful events. Tourism Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities, Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. Famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), the Temple of Literature (built in 1070), Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum... West Lake Hanoi also characteristically contains 18 beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake..., which are the lungs of the city, with their surrounding gardens and trees providing a vital source of energy. Many traditional handicrafts are also practiced in Hanoi including bronze molding, silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery. Hanoi has many famous traditional professional handicraft villages such as Bat Trang pottery village, Ngu Xa bronze casting village, Yen Thai glossy silk... Transportation Road Traffic By road: Hanoi is 93km from Ninh Binh, 102km from Haiphong, 153km from Thanh Hoa, 151km from Halong, 474km from Dien Bien Phu, 658km from Hue, 763km from Danang, and 1,710km from Ho Chi Minh City. By air: Noi Bai International Airport, over 35km from the city center, is one of the biggest airports of the country with various international and domestic routes. There are domestic flights from Hanoi to Danang, Dien Bien, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang and international flights to many countries in over the world. By train: Hanoi Railway Station is Vietnam's main railway station. It is the starting point of five railway lines leading to almost every province in Vietnam. Quang Ninh Halong City Area: 208.7 sq. km Population: 185,228 habitants (year 2001) Administrative division: - Wards: Ha Khanh, Ha Lam, Ha Trung, Ha Phong, Ha Tu, Hong Hai, Cao Thang, Cao Xanh, Yet Kieu, Tran Hung Dao, Bach Dang, Hon Gai, Bai Chay, Hong Ha, Ha Khau, Gieng Day, Hung Thang, Tuan Chau - Communes: Viet Hung, Dai Yen. Ethnic groups: Mainly the Viet (or Kinh) Halong City, formerly the Hon Gai Town, is the cultural, economic and political centre of Quang Ninh Province. It borders Cam Pha to the east, the Yen Hung District to the west, the Hoanh Bo District to the north and Halong Bay to the south with the coastline of 20km. The city is divided into two parts: East Halong and West Halong. The eastern part is an industrial zone where most of the province’s official buildings are also concentrated. The western part, also called Bai Chay, is the animated tourism zone. Thien Cung Grotto Halong's population are most having emigrated from other places to settle here. Halong Bay is famous internationally, and is recognized as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its thousands of natural islands. Also in the city, there are temples, pagodas and historical relics.In addition to the most active branch of tourism, there are other economic activities such as: trade, seaport, coal, marine products and the production of construction materials HaLong Bay Thua Thien-Hue Hue City Area: 70.99 sq. km Population: 311,641 habitants (2002) Administrative Division: - Wards: Phu Nhuan, An Cuu, Truong An, Phuoc Vinh, Vinh Ninh, Phu Hoi, Xuan Phu, Vy Da, Tay Loc, Thuan Loc, Thuan Thanh, Thuan Hoa, Kim Long, Phu Hoa, Phu Cat, Phu Hiep, Phu Hau, Phu Binh, Phu Thuan and Phuong Duc. - Communes: Thuy An, Huong Long, Huong So, Thuy Xuan, Thuy Biều. Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh) Principal Gate Hue City is one of places which have many cultural heritage. Up to now, there is no place like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City. On the northern bank of Perfume River has relics consisting of palaces, which were constructed as arc defensive ramparts with 11km length. This valuable construction includes more than 100 architectural works which were extremely reflected the life of Emperors and mandarins under reign of Nguyen. Perfume River Situated in the middle of hills on the southern bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Kings Nguyen. Among these tombs are the four famous ones with the name and the arrangements of the tomb reflected each Emperor’s points of view, personality and tastes. This is majestic Gia Long Tomb, imposing Minh Mang Tomb, poetic Tu Duc Tomb and magnificent Khai Dinh Tomb. Hue is also an important center of Buddhism. In Hue and its surrounding still exist tens of pagodas constructed more 300 years ago, and a hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early century. Besides, Hue is a place where the royal music is originated, and a place with traditional famous dishes and sophisticated handicraft. Hue Garden Village As a unique city of Vietnam still remains its form of City under Middle Age and the constructions of monarchic, Hue has become a big and invaluable museum. Therefore, vestiges in Hue ancient capital have been classified by the government as a very precious property and on December 1993 Hue has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Danang City

Danang City Area: 1,255.5 sq. km Population: 777,100 habitants (2005) Administrative divisions: - Districs: Hai Chau, Thanh Khe, Son Tra, Ngu Hanh Son, Lien Chieu, Cam Le. - Rural districts: Hoa Vang, Hoang Sa. Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Co Tu, Tay...

Geography Danang City is located in middle of Central Vietnam, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, separated from Laos by the western Truong Son Mountains. It is surrounded by Thua Thien-Hue along the northern border and Quang Nam on the southern border. It is embraced by the East Sea with 150km of seacoast. Topography is rather complex. The south is impressive Hai Van Pass with Mang Mountain 1,708m, Ba Na Mountain 1,487m. The east is Son Tra Peninsula, an ideal site of yellow sand beaches, historical remains, and rare bird and animal species. The south is Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains). The seashore is Hoang Sa archipelago with a large fishery. Climate:Danang is located in the zone of typical tropical monsoon, temperate and equable climate. The city's weather bears the combination of the north and the south climate characters with the inclination to the former. There are two seasons: the wet from August to December and the dry season from January to July, cold waves are occasional but they are of average and short lasting. Average humidity is 83.4%. Average temperature is about 26ºC, the highest is 28-30ºC in June, July, August, the lowest is 18-23ºC in December, January, February. In Ba Na Mountain, the temperature is 20ºC. Average rainfall is 2,505mm per year that concentrates during October and November. Tourism Danang is an ancient land, closely related with the Sa Huynh cultural traditions. Many imposing, palaces, towers, temples, citadels and ramparts, the vestiges from 1st to 13th are still to be seen in Cham Museum Danang has other various interesting attractions as Ba Na Tourist Resort, Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) as well as the Linh Ung Pagoda, Han River, and My An, Non Nuoc beaches, stretching on dozens of kilometers... Transportation Road: Danang is 108km from Hue, 130km from Quang Ngai, 763km from Hanoi, and 947km from Ho Chi Minh City. Air: The Danang International Airport is 2.5km south-west of the city center. There are domestic flights to some cities. There are direct flight from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Siem Riep, Taipei and Singapore to Danang City by Vietnam Airlines, PB Air, Siem Riep Air way, Far Transportasion and Sil Airway. Train:Thong Nhat Express train, which connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stop in Danang. Water: There are marine routes to international and domestic ports. Tien Sa and Han River ports are located in a very wonderful position.

Khanh Hoa

Nha Trang City Area: 251 sq. km Population: 337,803 Administrative division: - Wards: Vinh Hoa, Vinh Hai, Vinh Phuoc, Vinh Tho, Ngoc Hiep, Van Thang, Phuong Son, Xuong Huan, Van Thanh, Phuong Sai, Phuoc Tan, Phuoc Tien, Phuoc Hai, Phuoc Long, Loc Tho, Phuoc Hoa, Tan Lap, Vinh Nguyen, Vinh Truong. - Communes: Vinh Luong, Vinh Phuong, Vinh Ngoc, Vinh Thanh, Vinh Hiep, Vinh Trung, Vinh Thai, Phuoc Dong. Ethnic groups: Mainly the Viet (or Kinh).

The coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province, Central Vietnam, lies on the trans-Vietnam highway, 1,278km from Hanoi, and 448km from Ho Chi Minh City. Nha Trang is endowed by nature with deep, quiet and warm waters all the year round, surrounded by archipelagoes, islands, mountains and white sand beaches - a wonderful and attractive tourist resort. To the north of Nha Trang stands the Chong mount which looks like a wide open hand over the sea. Far offshore, the Yen (Swallow) Island appears with lush green colours where salangane nests have been harvested for years to make the traditional "bird's nest" tonic and food. The 7km white sand beach of Nha Trang is often called Vietnam’s Mediterranean Area, considered one of the jewel along Vietnam's long stretching coast line. Nha Trang is sunny all year round, with an average temperature of 23°C due to northern winds. The rainfall is less than anywhere else in the country and the area is not threatened by storms since it is protected by the Truong Son Mountains and Ca Pass. From Ca Pass, one can see Ro Bay (Vung Ro), Hon Do... Hon Tre Island is 36km² and belongs to a group of islands located southwest of Nha Trang. It takes two hours to reach Hon Tre Island by rowboat and only 20 minutes by ferry. Nha Trang benefits from topographical advantages of the sea, islands, mountains, and deltas. West of Nha Trang, there are endless mountain ranges where a wide variety of animals and birds live. Nha Trang has many specialties. Especially, bird’s nest soup, or swallow’s nest soup is very famous in Nha Trang and round Vietnam. The magnificent coral seabed in Nha Trang makes it ideal for scubadiving and snorkeling. Nha Trang Bay is recognised as one of 29 most beautiful bays in the world.

Lam Dong

Dalat City Area: 390.5 sq. km Population: 130,000 habitants (2001) Administrative divisions: - Wards: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 - Communes: Xuan Tho, Xuan Truong, Ta Nung Ethnic groups: M’nong, Ma, Co Ho...

Dalat, capital of Lam Dong Province, is located approximately 308km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. At an elevation of 1,500 m, Dalat bears the look of an Old French city. It was founded in 1897 when Doctor Alexandre Yersin recommended that the area be developed as a resort town. Dalat has many natural and artificial lakes such as Ho Xuan Huong, Than Tho, Da Thien, and Tuyen Lam bordered by lines of pine trees, which are a well-known feature of Dalat. A trip to Dalat is not complete until one goes to the Dalat Flower Gardens. The temperate climate of Dalat is suitable for flowers such as orchids, roses, lilies, and camellias. Nowadays, tourists not only limit themselves to Dalat; they also visit the area of Langbian Highland and the ethnic minorities. Langbian Mountain’s highest peak at 2,165m is very tempting for climbers. From Lom Bieng Klo peak, one can see endless green mountains reflecting the silver rays of the sun. Many tours are organized in the area, including parachuting and climbing.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Area: 2,095.2 sq. km Population: 5,891,100 habitants (2005) Administrative divisions: - Districts: District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, District 6, District 7, District 8, District 9, District 10, District 11, District 12, Tan Binh, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Thu Duc, Go Vap, Binh Tan,Tan Phu. - Rural districts: Nha Be, Can Gio, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Binh Chanh. Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Khmer, Cham...

Geography In the core of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is second the most important in Vietnam after Hanoi. It is not only a commercial center but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist center. The city is bathed by many rivers, arroyos and canals, the biggest river being the Saigon River. The Port of Saigon, established in 1862, is accessible to ships weighing up to 30,000 tons, a rare advantage for an inland river port. Climate:The climate is generally hot and humid. There are two distinctive seasons: the rainy season, from May to November, and the dry season, from December to April. The annual average temperature is 27ºC. The hottest month is April and the lowest is December. It is warm all year. History Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East. After the reunification of the country, the 6th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2nd of July, 1976, has officially rebaptized Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. The history of city relates closely with the struggle for the independence and freedom of Vietnam. Tourism Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses... Recently, many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa..., which draw numerous tourists. Despite its quite recent past, Ho Chi Minh City nevertheless possesses various beautiful buildings, displaying a characteristic combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and European cultures. These include Nha Rong (Dragon House Wharf), Quoc To Temple (National Ancestors Temple), Xa Tay (Municipal Office), Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre as well as many pagodas and churches (Vinh Nghiem, Giac Vien, Giac Lam, Phung Son pagodas...). After more than 300 years of development, Ho Chi Minh City presents many ancient architectural constructions, famous vestiges and renowned sights. It is remarkable for its harmonious blending of traditional national values with northern and western cultural features. Transportation Ho Chi Minh City is the main junction for trains, roads, water, and air transportation systems for domestic trips and for foreign destination. - Roads: Ho Chi Minh City is 1,730km from Hanoi, 99km from Tay Ninh, 30km from Bien Hoa (Dong Nai), 70km from My Tho, 125km from Vung Tau, 168km from Can Tho, 308km from Dalat, and 375km from Buon Ma Thuot. The City has National Highway 13 which connects Vietnam with the rest of Indochina. - Train: Thong Nhat express train connects Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, vie many provinces in Vietnam. - Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 7km from center of city, is the biggest airport with many domestic and international routes. There are flights from Hanoi and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City and between ?the City to many regions as well a lot of countries on over the world.