Category: Travel

Travel attractions and vacation tricks and tips in Vietnam today? For big city fans, no visit to Vietnam is really complete without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, the buzzing and crazy commercial hub of the country. The streets are an insane clog of motorbikes and cars, the restaurant and cafe scene is incredibly cosmopolitan, and the shopping is the best you’ll find in the country. At its center is Dong Khoi, a relatively small and easily navigable central district, which holds most of the city’s sights. Here, you’ll find the HCMC Museum, with a brilliant collection of artefacts that weaves together the story of the city, and the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 19th century. Check out the old district of Da Kao nearby for some of the best surviving examples of the city’s French colonial architecture and also to visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda with its dazzling array of Buddhist and Taoist religious iconography. Afterwards, the History Museum is a must-do for history fans with stacks of relics on display from various archaeological sites. For many visitors, the two big hitter attractions not to miss are just a little out of the center, along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. The Reunification Palace, then known as Independence Palace, was the residence for South Vietnam’s president. It’s chiefly famous as the spot where North Vietnam’s tanks stopped on 30 April 1975, officially ending the war. It’s a completely fascinating place to visit complete with 1960s furnishings still in situ. Nearby is the War Remnants Museum, which although very obviously biased, paints a disturbing picture of the brutality of war and the many atrocities committed by US Forces during their Vietnam campaign. Find extra info on https://khachsandanang.shop/vn/tour-ba-na-hill.html.

The War Remnants Museum once known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes’ first opened to the public in 1975. It’s a shocking reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War with many graphic photographs and American military equipment on display. All these weapons were used by America against the Vietnamese.The War Remnants Museum is in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City and is run by the government. It is open all year round from 07:30 to17:00. A visit to this war museum is a disturbing experience for most people and may not be suitable for children (though they are allowed to enter).

The formerly little-inhabited beach south of the fishing village of Mui Ne has seen some serious development in the last 15 years. Due to strong sea breezes it is a popular destination in Vietnam for kite- and windsurfing. No trip to Mui Ne is complete without a trip to the famous sand dunes located a short distance north of the town. The vast sandy expanse provide some great panoramic views especially during sunset.

Admire the Chinese shophouses and gaudy assembly halls, iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and faded French colonial-era mansions. This old quarter is also home to a strong local community, with markets and artisan workshops and riverside open-air cafés and restaurants, perfect for sampling local culinary delights. The Ancient Town comes into its own after dark, especially during the monthly, full moon lantern festival, when, traffic-free streets are illuminated solely with hundreds of multi-colored silk lanterns and vibrant with traditional festivities.

Traditional water puppetry originated in the North’s Red River Delta, where for centuries, farmers practiced this recreational art form in flooded paddies. Handed down the generations, this unique puppetry nearly died out but has seen a huge revival, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and performed in theatres in major cities and award-winning international tours. Hidden behind a bamboo screen, puppeteers manipulate lacquered wooden puppets using rods while wading in waist-deep water, which act out traditional stories based on ancient folk tales and rural village life on an ever-changing, watery stage, The hour-long shows of short vignettes are accompanied by live traditional music and while all in Vietnamese, the comical, delightful puppetry and music keeps the audience enthralled. In Hanoi, book your tickets at the world-famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and in Ho Chi Minh City, at The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theater or Museum of Vietnamese History.

Premium Atlas mountain trekking travel tours and Morocco travel destinations 2022? Summit the highest peak in North Africa, Mt Toubkal, and enjoy morning views over the Atlas Mountains and rural Morocco. Hike through the rugged mountains with spectacular scenery at every turn and a trusty pack of mules heading up your crew. Experience life in an Amazigh (Berber) village during a stay in an Atlas Mountains village, complete with accommodation in a gite. Embrace the vibrant souqs, sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech on a guided walking tour of the Medina and visit to Bahia Palace. Plenty of free time and optional extras in Marrakech mean you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Discover extra information on https://bucketlist.ma/to_book/toubkal-trek-2-days-atlas-mountain-trekking/.

Step inside the high, sandy-coloured walls of the old citadel of the Kasbah of the Oudaias in Rabat and take a stroll through the narrow residential streets. Many homes are painted white and blue and Spanish influences can be noticed. There are pretty Andalusian gardens to admire within the fortress complex, as well as the imposing ornamental gate of Bab Oudaia. Steeped in myths and legends, Hercules Cave in Tangier sits above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The entrance to the cave displays a number of traditional items and artefacts. Go down the steps and admire the small interior waterfall, rock formations, and statues.

The desert is absolutely a must visit when you’re in Morocco. From watching the gorgeous sunset over the dunes to gazing at the sky full of bright stars, every experience in the desert is captivating and unforgettable. Make sure that out of all the best places to visit in Morocco, you do keep a few days for a trip to the Sahara Desert, one of the finest places to travel in Morocco!

Djemaa El-Fna is the highlight of any visit to Marrakech and one of the top tourist attractions in Morocco. By day this square at the heart of the medina is largely filled with snake charmers and people with monkeys, as well as some of the more common stalls. As the day progresses the entertainments on offer change: the snake charmers depart, and in the afternoon and evening the square becomes more crowded, with story-tellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As dark descends Djemaa El-Fna fills with dozens of food-stalls, and the crowds are at their height.

This lovely old palace built by Vizier Si Said is home to a wonderful collection of Berber jewelry in finely worked silver, oil lamps from Taroudant, pottery artifacts, embroidered leather, and marble. There is also a display of Moroccan carpets and an amazing collection of traditional Moroccan door and window frames, which highlight this country’s local architecture styles. For anyone interested in the evolution of North African art and crafts, it’s a lovely place to potter about for a couple of hours. Near the Dar Si Said, the Maison Tiskiwin has a rather wonderful collection of costumes, jewelry, arms, musical instruments, textiles, and furniture (focused on Saharan culture) put together by Dutch art historian Bert Flint. Another branch of the museum is in Agadir.

In order to make sure that you can get the most of your Mount Toubkal trekking, it would be best if you can hire a local guide. If you think that climbing the Mount Toubkal is not your style, you can choose to take on a hiking route that suits your ability. Many tourists also have a great time taking on a trekking trip on the back of a donkey. This donkey tour will only take you through the foothills. Once you are done enjoying the stunning landscapes, the guide will take you back to your villa safely and easily. Find even more details at https://bucketlist.ma/.

Attractions and villas for rent in Pattaya with poolvillahuahin.com? Family-friendly Art in Paradise is an illusion art museum and the perfect place for fun photo ops. It’s also a great place to visit when you need a break from the heat. Tickle a whale’s belly, touch a rhino, or tackle a marlin in life-like artwork, and capture the moment in a photograph to share with family and friends later. The different themed zones include classic art, Egypt, the underwater world, safari, dinosaurs, and fantasy. This is a great rainy day attraction, and a fun place to round out your vacation photo collection.

For those not in the know Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a chain of museums that show the visitor strange facts about the world we live In, most of these facts you would have no idea existed. This museum in Pattaya is home to over 300 items split over ten different subject areas. You will find a 1937 Jaguar that doubles as a motorboat as well as a replica of the Titanic made from a million matches. There is so much to do that it will take you an entire day, especially if you get lost for hours in the infinity maze. When you are finished with the museum and maze you still have the Tussauds Wax Works and the 4D Moving Theater to explore.

The first and only floating market in Pattaya, this bustling hive of commerce is divided into different sections selling merchandise from the four major areas of Thailand. Souvenirs, arts and crafts, and clothing are among the many items sold here, and it’s also a great place to indulge in some exotic cuisine; you can try everything from scorpions to crickets and crocodile meat. A great way to explore the markets is to rent a boat. Unlike more authentic floating markets, you have to pay for admission here. Your ticket gets you more than just a boat ride, however. There are shows and activities to be enjoyed here, including sea boxing, traditional Thai dances, and even a zipline over the water. Find more details on poolvillahuahin.com.

Billed as “the magnificence of heaven recreated on Earth,” this massive monument, built entirely of wood, is a study in Thai architectural styles. Every available space is intricately decorated with wooden carvings, and the entire structure was built to pay homage to ancient religions and philosophies. The cycle of life, Utopia, and humanity’s relationship to the universe are some of the themes reflected in the artwork here. While visiting the sanctuary, you can enjoy Thai cultural shows and Thai boxing, go elephant trekking or horseback riding, or take a ride on a speedboat.

Have a swim at the world’s only Cartoon Network-themed water park, and enjoy daily shows featuring Cartoon Network characters from shows like Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears, and Adventure Time. Located in Bangsaray it will only take you about a 20 minute drive from Pattaya City to start a day full of thrilling rides and slides. Ban Amphur is a quiet fishing village that happens to have a beautiful beach with gorgeous sand and lots of palm trees. The beach is quiet and uncrowded with ample parking unlike many of the other beaches in Pattaya, because it is a fishing village the various seafood restaurants that are located in the fishing harbor sell the most delicious and fresh fish imaginable. Tourism has not yet caught up here as much as so many places so prices are still quite low and the area uncrowded.

Whenever people think of Pattaya they immediately think of ladyboys, risqué shows and drunk tourists. This does not even begin to touch upon the many things that this city in Thailand has to offer. Pattaya is a place that has beautiful temples and beaches but it also has so many activities to get involved in that it is impossible to get bored. There are a large number of expats living in Pattaya which has led to the city changing over the years, but this has only led to an increase in wealth being brought into the city, with the increased wealth business men have seen an opportunity to create attractions that appeal to holiday makers which is why Pattaya is one of the enjoyable places to stop at for a few days.

For our Thailand visitors :

เช่นเดียวกับวัดที่น่าประทับใจของประเทศไทย (วัด) วัดญาณสังวราราม (หรือที่รู้จักในชื่อวัดญาณ) ไม่เพียงให้ข้อมูลเชิงลึกเกี่ยวกับการออกแบบและสถาปัตยกรรมแบบไทยเท่านั้น แต่ยังรวมถึงค่านิยมของสังคมด้วย วัดล้อมรอบด้วยสวนปาล์มที่แผ่กิ่งก้านสาขา อุทิศให้กับพระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช 2531 เพื่อเฉลิมฉลองปีที่ 42 ในรัชกาลของพระองค์ พระธาตุอันล้ำค่าตั้งอยู่ในอาคารหลัก และทางด้านขวามือของเส้นทางที่นำไปสู่วัดคือทะเลสาบที่มีศาลาจีนที่น่าประทับใจ ซึ่งเต็มไปด้วยโบราณวัตถุและสิ่งประดิษฐ์ ศาลเจ้าวัดญาณสังวรารามตั้งอยู่บนเนินเขา มีบันได 299 ขั้นเรียงรายไปด้วยพญานาค

ไม่เฉพาะในพัทยาเท่านั้น แต่อยู่ระหว่างที่นั่นและกรุงเทพฯ กับไฟลท์ ออฟ เดอะ กิบบอน การผจญภัยที่สมบูรณ์แบบสำหรับทั้งครอบครัว เป็นโอกาสที่ดีที่จะได้สนุกสนานไปกับทัศนียภาพที่สวยงามของป่า หลักสูตรนี้มีความยาวสามกิโลเมตรและประกอบด้วยโหนสลิงยี่สิบสองเส้นและจุดโรยตัวสองแห่ง ด้วยประวัติความปลอดภัยที่ไร้ที่ติ ที่นี่เป็นที่เดียวในประเทศไทยที่คุณควรรู้สึกปลอดภัยอย่างสมบูรณ์ในขณะที่ทำสิ่งที่คุณจะไม่ทำที่บ้าน

สวนสาธารณะที่กว้างขวางที่หมู่บ้านนงนุช มีกิจกรรมหลากหลายสำหรับทุกคนในครอบครัว ทางเดินลัดเลาะไปท่ามกลางสวนที่มีธีมหลากสีสัน รวมทั้งสวนที่มีต้นไม้ชนิดหนึ่ง สวนฝรั่งเศสสมัยศตวรรษที่ 17; สวนยุคฟื้นฟูศิลปวิทยายุโรป และสวนเฉพาะสายพันธุ์ที่มีพันธุ์ไม้อย่างปาล์มเมืองร้อน พันธุ์ไม้อวบน้ำ และบอนไซ สวนกล้วยไม้อันงดงามจะปลุกผู้ปลูกพืชสวนภายในให้ตื่นขึ้นในทุก ๆ คน การแสดงสดที่หอวัฒนธรรมไทยเสริมการแสดงรำไทย การชกดาบ คิกบ็อกซิ่งไทย และการแสดงช้างที่มีคุณภาพทางจริยธรรมที่น่าสงสัย คุณสามารถเช่าจักรยานเพื่อสำรวจพื้นที่ต่างๆ ของอุทยาน และมีบริการรับส่งถึงประตูบ้าน

คุณสามารถหาซื้อข้าวเหนียวมะม่วงได้ทั่วประเทศไทยและเป็นที่นิยมอย่างมากในหมู่นักท่องเที่ยวและคนในท้องถิ่น มีเพียงไม่กี่ร้านที่ขายเพียงรายการเดียวที่จะเข้าสู่ Lonely Planet ไม้สายทองเป็นข้อยกเว้นและได้รับการกล่าวขานว่าเป็นสถานที่ที่ดีที่สุดในพัทยาในการกินข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง มะม่วงสุกในฤดูแล้ง แต่อาหารเล็กๆ น้อยๆ ที่ตั้งอยู่ถัดจากตลาดกลางวันนี้ สามารถหาซัพพลายเออร์ของมะม่วงสุกได้ตลอดทั้งปี เพื่อให้มั่นใจว่าจะจัดส่งให้แก่ลูกค้าที่มีความสุขได้อย่างต่อเนื่อง อ่าน พิเศษ รายละเอียด บน พูลวิลล่าหัวหิน.

หากคุณสนใจในดอกไม้ ต้นไม้ และสวนภูมิทัศน์ ที่นี่เป็นสถานที่ที่เหมาะสำหรับการใช้เวลายามบ่ายอันเงียบสงบ สวนครอบคลุมพื้นที่ 2.4 ตารางกิโลเมตรและมีดอกไม้ที่สวยที่สุดในโลก สวนได้รับรางวัลมากมายสำหรับการออกแบบของพวกเขาและจะดำเนินต่อไปเนื่องจากสภาพที่ยอดเยี่ยมของสวน ไม่ใช่แค่ดอกไม้และต้นไม้เท่านั้น แต่ยังมีกล้วยไม้กว่า 670 สายพันธุ์และแม้กระทั่งการแสดงความสามารถของช้าง

วิธีที่สนุกในการชมความมหัศจรรย์ของประเทศไทยและโลก มินิสยามแสดงแบบจำลองของไซต์นานาชาติที่มีชื่อเสียงที่สุดบางแห่ง อนุสาวรีย์ชัยสมรภูมิของกรุงเทพฯและวัดอรุณ (หรือที่รู้จักในชื่อวัดอรุณ), อนุสาวรีย์เทพีเสรีภาพของนิวยอร์ก, สะพานทาวเวอร์บริดจ์ของลอนดอน, โรงอุปรากรซิดนีย์ และ L’Arc de Triomphe ในปารีส โดยเฉพาะเด็กๆ จะได้เพลิดเพลินกับการชมสิ่งปลูกสร้างที่มีชื่อเสียงเหล่านี้ในที่เดียว มาถึงในช่วงบ่ายแก่ๆ เพื่อชมพระอาทิตย์ตก เมื่อเปิดไฟอันอบอุ่นเป็นพิเศษ ควรทำการจองล่วงหน้าอย่างน้อยหนึ่งวัน

Attractions and vacation advices in Vietnam right now? Under French rule, the Con Dao Islands were known as the Devil’s Island of Indochina, a place where thousands of prisoners of war were kept. Today, this group of 16 islands off the southern coast of Vietnam has a completely different purpose. Visitors come for the beautiful beaches and the abundance of scuba diving and snorkeling spots. However, the history of Con Dao can still be explored at some of the prison buildings that still stand. Find more details on https://khachsandanang.shop/tour-cu-lao-cham.html.

My Son Hindu Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great sample of the ancient Champa civilization located in the southern part of Vietnam. It was an independent state from around the 2nd to the 17th century, at which time it was occupied by Vietnam. The complex houses around 70 structures devoted to Hindu gods and goddesses and the most noticeable one, Shiva, was considered the protector of the Champa’s kings.

Admire the Chinese shophouses and gaudy assembly halls, iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and faded French colonial-era mansions. This old quarter is also home to a strong local community, with markets and artisan workshops and riverside open-air cafés and restaurants, perfect for sampling local culinary delights. The Ancient Town comes into its own after dark, especially during the monthly, full moon lantern festival, when, traffic-free streets are illuminated solely with hundreds of multi-colored silk lanterns and vibrant with traditional festivities.

The southern Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s most productive agricultural area, with an intensively cultivated bountiful landscape brimming with rice paddies, banana, sugarcane and coconut plantations, tropical fruit orchards and more. Visiting the Mekong Delta is one of the absolute musts when in Vietnam. This lush, flat ‘Delta is also dominated by – and highly dependent on – the Mekong River, which branches out into a network of waterways and tributaries that for many is the main way of getting around. This may explain why this region’s traditional means of trading are floating markets, a way of life and trade for well over a century. Above-ground attractions include a shooting range, display of mantraps and burnt-out tanks and a restaurant serving simple meals that the soldiers would have eaten. Some half-day tours offer speedboat transport along the river, for part of the journey here.

Vietnam’s capital is the frenetic heartbeat of the nation and a place that befuddles travelers as much as it charms them. The motorbike frenzy, pollution, and constant clamor of street vendors can get too much for some travelers, but if you want to dive into Vietnamese city life, Hanoi is the place to do it. The old town quarter has plenty of dilapidated charm on offer, while history fans should make a beeline here simply to see the bundle of excellent museums. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Vietnam Fine Art Museum are both brilliant introductions to the diverse artistry of the country, while the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important tribute to the founder of modern Vietnam.

Top rated Bali vacation attractions? If you’re looking for the perfect snack, you can’t go wrong with a banana fritter. It’s a delicious and light snack that is available at any of the food stalls throughout the city. Another must-eat in Seminyak is a Balinese Waffle. Your first bite will have you hooked from the first bite. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, you can’t go wrong with grilled fish. It’s another Bali favorite and will be sure to please your taste buds. Before I became a vegetarian this was one my my favorite places to grab a steak, complete with some complimentary sides. The beef is aged to perfection and cooked just how you want it to be. One of the things that I often find in Asian countries is that they don’t really quite grasp how to do a great steak. This restaurant though puts that comment well and truly in the locker. See additional information on Bali holiday attractions.

Bali is one of the most evocative places to visit in the entire Indonesian archipelago. A visit here sparks the senses. The intoxicating fragrance of incense and clove oil hangs in the thick tropical air. Peanuts sizzle at roadside stalls, petal-strewn offerings smolder on busy sidewalks, and traditional gamelan music jangles against the buzz of mopeds. Despite the clamor and chaos of the main tourist areas, the island is rich in natural beauty, with attractions for every kind of traveler. Surfers come for the legendary swells, hikers can trek up jungly volcanic peaks to misty waterfalls, and cyclists can bike through lush landscapes bristling with rice terraces and dotted with traditional villages.

Sidemen is one of those rare, almost undiscovered places to visit in Bali. It holds the most beautiful rice paddies in all of Bali, and I think it’s way better than Ubud. The accommodation options are filled with beautiful hotels that are settled among the paddies and it’s just a dream. Gianyar is a great place to visit in Bali that’s close to Ubud, so it doesn’t take much effort to get there. The Amlapura region is one of the less discovered areas of Bali and therefore one of the best places to visit in Bali if you’re looking for something different!

Want to visit the beautiful emerald-hued rice fields that you see on all the Bali tourist brochures and Instagram posts? The Tegallalang or Jatiluwih rice terraces should be at the top of your sightseeing list — especially if you’re a photographer. About a 30-minute drive north of Ubud, Tegallalang Rice Terraces are one of the most famous areas to photograph these iconic landscapes and absorb their timeless beauty. Be aware that locals ask for donations along the most popular trail through the rice fields here, and many request fees for entrance and parking along the road. A relaxing way to enjoy the lush landscapes is at one of the many restaurants and cafés overlooking the fields. About a 90-minute drive from Ubud, the Jatiluwih rice terraces cover more than 600 hectares of rice fields along the hillsides of the Batukaru mountain range and tend to be less crowded than Tegallalang. You’ll also find fewer tourist touts here, so it’s easier to walk around and explore without being hassled. Both of these locations use the traditional water management cooperative called “subak,” a UNESCO-recognized irrigation system that dates to the 9th century.

Rafting is actually a very popular sport in Bali but white water rafting increases the difficulty level and along with it, the thrill of it all. If you want to be part of the adventure the Ayung river is the spot to head to. It is the largest river over in Bali and it is located in Ubud. A raft boat will take you over 10 km of thrill and adventure. It is suitable for all kinds of the rafter, from beginners and full families as well as there will be a professional trainer who will guide tourists and help them navigate the distance full of 2 to 3 meter long rapids successfully. Numerous safety standards are put in place to ensure that the experience in Ayung river is memorable. Read additional details at https://rt-discoverbali.com/.

Among the 7 sea temples each within eyesight of the next, is Tanah Lot Temple tour. Situated on a large rock, it is one of the most iconic Bali tourist attractions for photography and exoticism. Things to do: Stroll along the beach; sunbathe; watch the sunset; dine and experiment with the local cuisine. Cant miss: Surfing and swimming. A small town in the southwestern coast of Bali, Seminyak is famous for its high-end boutiques, and five-star restaurants among Bali tourist attractions. With a treacherous surf, it offers a perfect adventure with a panoramic background. Things to do: Indulge in cheap daily massage; watch the gorgeous sunset; shop; chill out at the pool parties; pose at Bali Trick Art Gallery; surf the seas; feel blessed at the Pura Petitenget temple. Cant miss: Cocktails at a cliff at The Rock Bar; a splash in Waterbom water park.

High quality Vietnam destinations and vacation guides? Hue’s crown jewel is the magnificent 19th century Imperial Citadel, a sprawling walled complex containing the Imperial Enclosure, Forbidden Purple City, palaces, temples, gates, and much more. Although much was destroyed during the Vietnam War, many parts are under restoration and worth exploring, including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate and Thai Hoa Palace. Other gems cover several Mandarin Garden Houses and the incredible Emperor’s royal mausoleums lying hidden amid the river valley and low-lying hills. Among Hue’s numerous exquisite pagodas, don’t miss the most historic, the seven-tiered, 17th century Thien Mu Pagoda. Even Hue’s delicious imperial cuisine is descended from the royal courts! Read more information on https://danangopentour.vn/tour-ba-na-hills-1-ngay.html.

Ha Long Bay, in northern Vietnam, is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500sqkm. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, for many visitors, this surrealistic place is like something right out of a movie. Approximately a four-hour drive from downtown Hanoi, the area is also home to different kinds of limestone caves such as phreatic caves, karstic foot caves and marine notch caves. Activities include exploring the many cave formations, kayaking around rocky outcrops and watching the wildlife.

Located in the historical center of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as the locals’ favorite leisure spot. Hoan Kiem means “returned sword”, and the name comes from a legend in which King Le Loi was given a magical sword by the gods, which he used to drive out the invading Chinese. Later he returned the sword to the Golden Turtle God in the lake.

The karst seascape of Halong Bay is one of the world’s most spellbinding sea views and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of limestone islands sit within this bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, eroded into jagged pinnacles by wind and water action over millennia. With the bay’s scenery best seen by boat, this is prime cruising territory. Opt for at least an overnight tour to see Halong Bay’s iconic views as a day trip doesn’t do it justice. There are plenty of caves in the bay that can be entered including the Hang Sung Sot, with three mammoth caverns, and the Hang Dao Go, with superbly weird stalagmites and stalactites. For most people though, the highlight is simply cruising amid the karsts and soaking up the changing scenery of pinnacles as you pass by.

Wartime legacies are prominent attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and these two museums are the most popular, equally fascinating, and a must-do experience. The imposing Independence Palace (or Reunification Palace) is of great symbolic importance in the nation’s history. Formerly, the South Vietnam government’s HQ and official presidential residence, this was where North Vietnamese Army tanks crashed through the main gates on April 30, 1975: the defining ‘Fall of Saigon’ moment and the start of Reunification. Now a ‘National Cultural and Historical Relic,’ museum and VIP function space, this landmark monolith building, ensconced in pretty grounds, stands frozen in time from that fateful day. Take a guided tour through five floors and rooms preserved in the 1960s and 1970s time-warp: highlights include the bomb-proof basement, with secret tunnels and war command room, kitschy cinema and casino, and glittering reception halls.