Cantho is the political, economic, cultural and
transportation centre of the Mekong Delta. Rice
husking mills provide the main source of income
and the area is linked to most other main
centers in the Mekong Delta via the waterways
and road/rail systems.
Boat Trips
are available that take you across the water or
through the local canals on many interesting
sightseeing excursions that definitely require a
camera. Larger boats venture up the Mekong River
and this is a definite MUST DO if you are in the
area.
Cantonese Congregation
Pagoda was built on a
different site originally but now stands where
it is today. The pagoda occupies a splendid
location facing the Cantho River.
Central Market is where you should go to
stock up on fresh produce either direct from the
farms or the fishing grounds nearby.
Floating markets
are the Delta's prime attractions. Unlike those
found in Bangkok, these markets aren't for the
benefit of camcorder-toting tourists. Early each
morning the Bassac River and its tributaries
swell with vendors in sampans, houseboats and
longtails jammed with fresh Delta produce:
jackfruit, mangosteen, durian, papaya, mango,
bananas, pineapple, guava, fresh vegetables and
smuggled sundries from cigarettes to shampoo.
The best market to visit is about 30 km south of
Can Tho in Phung Hiep.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
is the only museum in the Mekong Delta devoted
to this ruler. It is a large museum, if you
haven't been to a similar one elsewhere, is
worth a visit.
Chau Doc is a riverine commercial centre and is
not that far from the Cambodian border. Once
known for it's dug-out canoe races it is now
better known for it's Cham and Khmer temples in
its environs.
Chau Doc Church
was constructed in 1920 and although small is
interesting and for those of the Christian faith
they hold mass here seven days a week.
Chau Phu Temple
was built in 1926 and is decorated with both
Vietnamese and Chinese motifs. Inside are
funeral tablets with the names and biographical
information on the dead.
Floating Houses,
are well worth a few photos and it's worth it to
hire a boat to see them better.
Mosques
in the area consist of the Chau Giang Mosque and
the Murbank Mosque. There are others in the area
but those mentioned are the largest,. Visitors
are permitted but please respect the faith and
do not enter them during 'calls of prayer' which
occur 5 times a day unless you are of the
Islamic faith.
Sam Mountain is the place to go if you
want to see dozens of temples, pagodas and the
like and is well worth visiting. Located about 6
km from the city. Not only do temples abound but
the trek to the top of the mountain is also
popular though one can go by motorised vehicle
if you so desire.
Tay Anh Pagoda
is renowned for its fine carvings of hundreds of
religious figures most of which are wooden. The
building reflects both Hindu and Islamic
influences and outside stand a black elephant
(with 2 tusks) and a white elephant (with 6
tusks) as well as various monks tombs etc.
Temple of Lady Chua Xu
faces Sam Mountain not far from the Tay An
Pagoda and was founded in the 1820's. The
original was built of bamboo, but this has been
replaced over the years and the last
reconstruction took place in 1972.
Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau
who was a high ranking officer that served the
Ngyen lords and later the Nguyen Dynasty is
buried here. Nearby are several other tombs of
similar officials serving under Thoai Ngoc Hau.
Cavern Pagoda
also known as Phuoc Dien Tu is about halfway up
Sam Mountain and is well worth a visit.
The city of Dalat is the main centre of the
Southern Highlands region. In the past it was
renowned as a cool, green city with a park-like
environment. This is changing fast, as the
economy booms and life speeds up. Still, Dalat
is definitely worth a visit and it's a good base
for trips into the surrounding highlands, which
remain tranquil. In Dalat, make sure you visit
the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery,
nicknamed by locals the Crazy House. It's
created by artist and architect Mrs Dang Viet
Nga (known as Hang Nga).
Dalat is famous for its coffee
shops, and is extremely popular with domestic
tourists and honeymooners. You can fly to Dalat
from Ho Chi Minh City. The airport is 30km from
town; express buses also link the two cities.
The Emperor Bao Dai's
Summer Palace is stuffed with interesting
art and everyday objects, and is well worth a
look. It's also interesting to stroll around the
old French Quarter.
The Valley of Love, 5km
north of the city centre, is a bizarre place
where you can hire a paddle boat on the lake or
a horse from one of the Dalat Cowboys (no
relation to the Dallas Cowboys), who are,
indeed, dressed as cowboys. There are some
pleasant walks or rides (on horseback or bike)
in the countryside around the city, but be aware
that areas signposted with a C-sign are
off-limits to foreigners.
Prenn Falls are worth a visit and are
located at the foot of Prenn Mountain Pass. The
10km long pass is on the route from Dalat to Ho
Chi Minh City.
Further out, you can visit the
villages of some of the hill tribes, such
as Lat Village and the Chicken Village
(with a huge statue of a chicken).
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