(Vietnam) - Saigon in my heart - History

From the first to the sixth centuries, the area where Saigon now stands was under the sway of the Funan empire and was occupied by Khmer fishermen. They found its stable ground an ideal base for fishing in the nearby Mekong Delta, though it amounted to no more than a village at the time, which went by the name of Prey Nokor.

(Vietnam) - Saigon in my heart - History

 

Little more is known about the city’s development until the 17th century, when the Nguyen lords based in Hue expanded their sphere of influence this far south. By this time, the village had grown to be a town that attracted traders from China, Malay and India. In order to protect the town from attack, an octagonal walled citadel was built in the centre called Gia Dinh. It was around this time that the Khmer name of Prey Nokor was changed to Saigon.

(Vietnam) - Saigon in my heart - History

During the mid-19th century, French colonial interests began to focus on this region and in 1859 they conquered the city. By the Treaty of Saigon (1862), the French declared Saigon the capital of French Cochinchina, and set about re-building the city along European lines. Financing for filling in canals, road building and erecting showy, colonial villas came mostly from the rice and rubber barons who were making a fortune out of plantations they controlled.

(Vietnam) - Saigon in my heart - History

In the late 19th and early 20th century, the colonial era reached its peak, and visitors were often amazed by what became known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’, with its shady boulevards and sturdy mansions. However, the Second World War brought about unexpected change as the Japanese overran Southeast Asia. After the conflict, the British Army were given the task of clearing out the Japanese from this region and they promptly restored the French to power.

(Vietnam) - Saigon in my heart - History

Hatred of their colonial oppressors had led to minor uprisings in the past, but it was not until the French returned to power that the fight for independence really got started. Even then, there was little fighting in the area around Saigon, but when the French were finally defeated at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 in the north, most Vietnamese thought their troubles were over.

(Vietnam) - Saigon in my heart - History

Sadly, this was not to be. By the terms of the Geneva Accords, Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel, splitting the country into two, and Saigon became the capital of the Republic of South Vietnam in 1955. Rather than solve the country’s problems, it just polarised the north and south and led to what was to become one of the most famous wars of the 20th century.

Though most Westerners know this conflict as the Vietnam War, for obvious reasons it is known to the Vietnamese as the American War, to distinguish it from other wars with the French and Chinese. It is also sometimes referred to as the Second Indochina War.

This was when the name Saigon appeared in regular news bulletins, as it became the main base for American troops eager for some rest and recreation after nerve-racking spells at the front line. The city remained a dangerous place, however, with student demonstrations, occasional bombings and monks immolating themselves in protest at the war.

After American troops withdrew in 1973, it was only a matter of time before the Communist north overran the south to reunify the country, and Saigon was the last city to fall in April 1975.

(Thoang Saigon and Google Search)

(Thailand) - The Bridge On the River Kwai

During World War 2, the Japanese used Allied prisoners of war to build a railway from Thailand to Burma so they could supply their army without the dangers of sending supplies by sea.  Many prisoners died under appalling conditions during its construction, and the line became known as the 'Death Railway'.  It was immortalised in David Lean's 1957 film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' which centres around one of the line's main engineering feats, the bridge across the Kwae Yai river just north of Kanchanburi.  Although the film was shot in Sri Lanka, the Bridge on the River Kwai really exists, and still carries regular passenger trains from Bangkok as far as Nam Tok.  For anyone interested in 20th century history, a visit to Kanchanaburi and the infamous Death Railway is a must.

(Thailand) - The Bridge On the River Kwai

 This page gives all the necessary information for train travel from Bangkok to Kanchanburi, the Bridge on the River Kwai & Nam Tok, along with an overview of what there is to see in the area, including the Bridge Over the River Kwai, the Wampo (Wang Po) Viaduct and the museum at Hellfire Pass (Konyu Cutting).  You can see the Bridge on the River Kwai as a day trip from Bangkok using the morning train out and afternoon train back, but it's better to make it a 2 or 3 day trip as there's a lot more to see than just the Bridge.  For example, you could take the morning passenger train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi on day 1, stay a night or two in Kanchanaburi, then take the afternoon train back on day 2 or 3, so you can visit Hellfire Pass (less well known than the Bridge, but not be missed) and travel the Death Railway through fantastic scenery over the dramatic Wampo Viaduct as far as its current terminus at Nam Tok.

(Thailand) - The Bridge On the River Kwai

(Thailand) - The Bridge On the River Kwai

(Thailand) - The Bridge On the River Kwai

(Thailand) - The Bridge On the River Kwai

(Thailand) - The Bridge On the River Kwai

(Seat 61)

(Thailand) – 10 things to do in Phuket

1. Phang Nga Bay – North East of Phuket

Phang Nga Bay is unique. A day out here is an unforgettable experience that will definitely get you thinking. A distinctive feature of the bay is the sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald-green waters. These islands are home to sheltered fauna that are possible to observe on certain tours. James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay.

Thailand - Phang Nga Bay – North East of Phuket

 

By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.

2. Old Phuket Town

Sino-Portuguese splendours and funky shops in the most unlikely places will surprise and delight you in the heart of Phuket's sleepy provincial capital. Phuket town offers much more than you think with some excellent restaurants and local sights. The unique blend of colonial and Chinese architecture along with a tangible quaintness makes for a fascinating and unforgettable afternoon spent sauntering around Phuket's Old Town. Expect the unexpected and don't forget your camera.

Thailand - Old Phuket Town

3. Bangla Road Nightlife – Patong Beach

There are few things in this world to prepare you for an after-dark stroll down Patong's Bangla Road. However, a sense of humour and an open mind are prerequisites if you're looking to have some fun. In fact, there's only one undeniable and obvious fact about Bangla – it's nothing like home. With its ladyboys, exotic girls, enchanted westerners (mostly male) and enough extraverts to fill a Disney cast of thousands, shopping or sipping on a beer at Bangla Road at night is a definite 'Dear Diary' moment.

Thailand - Bangla Road Nightlife – Patong Beach

4. Simon Cabaret Show – Patong Beach

Simon Cabaret - probably the biggest transvestite cabaret show to be found locally. This show features a spectacular musical floor show performed by the world famous ladyboys of Simon Cabaret. See for yourself - guys, can you tell the difference? And ladies - wouldn't you just die for a figure like that? Fabulous costumes, glitzy and fun.

Thailand - Simon Cabaret Show – Patong Beach

5. Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples – Chalong

Wat Chalong is one of Phuket's most important temples and visited by thousands each year. It's beautifully decorated with infinite reflections from hundreds of tiny glass pieces and several pagodas. On special holidays Wat Chalong hosts 'country fairs' with a real local flavour where you can buy just about anything and snack on Thai food to your heart's content. Wat Chalong has an interesting history and is Phuket Island's spiritual centre. You haven't seen Phuket if you've never visited this fascinating temple.

Thailand - Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples – Chalong

6. Big Buddha – Chalong

Visible from most of the south of Phuket, the Big Buddha is a recent arrival to the island. The image stands on the top of the Nakkerd Hills and looks down over Chalong, Kata and Rawai. It cost 30 million baht to construct and is 45 metres high. Next to it stands a smaller, golden image that is actually made of brass and there is a shrine near the site's car park. The drive up to the Big Buddha takes you through the 'real' Thailand and the view from the top is enhanced if you take a map to identify the many, many sights.

Thailand - Big Buddha – Chalong

7. Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) – Patong Beach – Rawai

Rapidly gaining popularity all over the world, Muay Thai is an electrifying spectacle to watch. Visit Saphan Hin Stadium in Phuket City to see regular matches with well-trained martial arts experts. Or try Patong Beach, where you can also see the skill and dexterity of these super-fit fighters. Tradition and courtesy are at the heart of this dangerous contact sport and a good Muay Thai participant is ultra-disciplined in spirit as well as body. Join the spectators and feel the rush. to see regular matches with well-trained martial arts experts

Thailand - Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) – Patong Beach – Rawai

8. Phuket Vegetarian Festivals and other Events – Phuket Town

Whether they're held to honour a religious belief or just for fun, the festivals of Phuket are exciting, sometimes bizarre spectacles – and they're certainly never bland. The Vegetarian Festival draws people from all over the world. It's colourful, it's deafening and sometimes fascinatingly gruesome. Vegetables gruesome? Come and see for yourself… Phuket's Gay Festival falls at the same time as Thailand's Songkran Water Festival and both are fun-filled, full-on parties that celebrate life's exuberance in a most decidedly Thai way

Thailand - Phuket Vegetarian Festivals and other Events – Phuket Town

9. Phuket Viewpoints – Kata – Nai Harn – Panwa

There are many viewpoints looking out over east and west Phuket affording sunrise as well as sunset views. Ok, so everyone goes to Promthep but it doesn't make it any less spectacular. There, you'll get fabulous views over the ocean stretching as far as Phi Phi Island on a good day. Check out Phuket's other viewpoints such as the 'Three Beaches' hilltop venue on the road between Nai Harn and Kata or sip a cocktail at the After Beach Bar (also on the same road) while the golden ball slips into the western horizon

Thailand - Phuket Viewpoints – Kata – Nai Harn – Panwa

10. Phuket FantaSea Show – Kamala Beach

It's wacky but fun and very professionally done. Trapeze artists, elephants on stage and pyrotechnics combine in a Las Vegas-style show. You'll see nothing else like it anywhere on the planet. Combining Thai traditional myths with humour, fantasy and a loose plotline that keeps getting more and more amusing, FantaSea's extravaganza is a highly entertaining and riveting show that deserves to be top of our Top Ten Must See and Do in Phuket list.

Thailand - Phuket FantaSea Show – Kamala Beach

(Phuket)

(South Korea) - Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for visitors. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches.

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Although tourism is one of the main industries on the island, many of the hotels and other tourist areas are run by mainland companies, so much of the income never gets put back into the local economy. Also, since the attractions are geared towards tourists, many of the entrance fees can be hefty (although the locally owned and operated ones tend to be cheaper).

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

Wind & stone in Jeju island – Island of the Gods

(Life In Korea)

(Laos) – Visit Vientiane - City of Sandalwood

For most overseas visitors, and even many Laotians, Vientiane remains something of a mystery yet the country's largest city have plenty to offer in terms of cultural, religious, historical, entertainment and fun activities.

Vientiane - City of Sandalwood -Pha That Luang

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos with a population of around 700,000, near Nong Khai, Thailand. Annual events such as the Boun That Luang Festival, Boat Racing Festival and the Lao New Year (Songkhan) Festival draws in visitors from throughout the country, Thailand and overseas, who also take time out to visit the many ancient temples, markets and nightclubs in the capital. Many Vientiane residents are also attracted to the city by its outstanding tertiary educational facilities.

Vientiane - City of Sandalwood

Vientiane has a wide range of accommodations for you to choose. You can find 5 stars hotels to a simple guest house to suit your needs and budget. You can check and compare Vientiane accommodation and guest houses before you make a booking. To save you time and money our recommendation for you is to book your accommodation online before you leave home.

Vientiane - City of Sandalwood  - Ho Phra Keo

Talat Sao (Morning Market) is a favorite place for locals and oversea visitors. Here you can shop for local products and Lao fine arts. The market is situated in Lane Xang Avenue and only walking distance from hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Vientiane - City of Sandalwood -Buddha Park

Around the city there are some historic attractions like Pha That Luang, Ho Pra Keo, Buddha Park and Patuxay that you do not want to miss while you're in Laos; most of these sites are related to Buddhism. If you're not sure how to get to visit these sites by yourself do not worry, there are tours agents that can take you where you want to go. Remember everywhere you go in Laos you will find temples and temples in nearly every city, town and village because majority of Lao people believes in Buddhism.

Vientiane - City of Sandalwood - Patuxai

Further north about 120km from Vientiane situates a small town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination. Here if you are active and like cool fresh river water for tubing, charming mountains for climbing and bike riding then this is the place for you. Vang Vieng hotels provides good services, friendly people and comfortable accommodation while you are away from home. So don't leave home without booking as you will get discounts and save time by booking online.

Vientiane - City of Sandalwood

How to get there

- By air: Lao Airlines, Thai Airways International, China Eastern Airlines, Vietnam Airline

- By Road: From Thailand, or from Hanoi, Vietnam.

How to get around

There are many mini electric buses that run on specific route from Tala Sao (Morning Market) to many different suburbs around Vientiane. The fares are very cheap, riding from Talat Sao to Dong-Dok about 9km away is only 1,500 kips (US$0.20 ). These mini buses are also environmental friendly, make sure to use them and you will save money too.

Do not like mini bus no worry, you can jump on tuk-tuk or hire a taxi and go anywhere you like. Transport in this city is much more better than a few decades ago.

(Vientiane Life and Laos Travel Guide)

(Bolivia) - Salar de Uyuni: A Mirror That Reflects The Sky

Salar de Uyuni is with its 10,580 km² (4,084 square miles) the world's largest salt flat. It is an arid, windswept salt flat in southwestern Bolivia. It lies on the Altiplano, at 3656 m (11,995 f) above sea level. Salar de Uyuni is estimated to contain 10 billion tons of salt of which less than 25,000 tons is extracted annually. The major minerals found in the salar are halite and gypsum. The salt is over 10 meters thick in the center. In the dry season, the salt planes are a completely flat expanse of dry salt giving it a appearance of frozen arctic sea, but in the wet season (November-April), it is covered with a thin sheet of water of varying depth. It is surrounded by volcanoes of which the Mt. Tumupa at the northern shore is the most dominating. There are also several so-called islands which provide spectacular scenery, two of the most famous ones are Fish Island (Isla Cujiri) and Fishermens Island (Isla Inkawasi).

Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia

It is a place where the salt flats reflect the sky. It is the world’s largest mirror created by more than 4,000 square miles in the “Potosí and Oruro departments in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes.”

And it is breathtaking. Salar de Uyuni is a place where nature rules majestically and reflects snow-covered mountains which reflect off the salt covered in water. During the dry season, salt lies the area but when the rains come, it is the gods’ mirror of exquisite and finite grace and elegance.

Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia

How to get there

Rail from Oruro, Bolivia

Bus (including a tourist bus) from Oruro, Potosi, or La Paz, Bolivia.

Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia

(Bolivia Experience, Stumbleupon and Wiki)

(Taiwan) - Volcanic island – Lanyu – Orchid Island

Lanyu (蘭嶼) or the Orchid Island is a tiny island located 60 km off the south east of Taiwan. Though stretching for merely 45sq km, the small island with its serene locale, is one of the most popular destinations of Taiwan. It is called Orchid Island because of the butterfly orchids that once grew there in abundance. It is a wonderfully interesting, friendly and unspoiled weekend destination and well worth a visit.

Lanyu - Orchid Island - Taiwan

There are no beaches of note and much of its rugged mountainous hinterland is inaccessible, but the island nevertheless boasts a verdant picture postcard beauty. Orchard Island was once populated by just the Yami tribe, which made its living raiding villages and breaking heads in Taiwan, as well as in China's Fujian Province. Orchid Island is home to around 3,200 people, most of whom are Yami, or are descendants of the tribe. Islanders rely on farming wet and dry taro, yams and millet and they also rear pigs and goats. Sinicization programs, which ran from the mid-1950s until as recently as 1980, have been responsible for the collapse of much of the traditional Yami way of life.

How to get there

Lanyu - Orchid Island - Taiwan

The island is accessible by sea or air.

Daily Air (德安航空) is the airline to offer flights to Orchid Island. The flight duration is half an hour and the daily frequency (six flights per day) is dependent on weather conditions. Purchasing tickets for these flights is problematic, however, as unless visitors have an exceptional amount of political clout the company doesn't take reservations.

Ferry trips to the island is available from Taitung's Fukang harbor. Two boats run daily trips to and from Orchid Island, and both are based out of Fukang Harbor in Taitung. Roundtrip tickets cost between NT$2,000 and NT$1,550 and are available on the boat before sailing time.

Hotels

Lanyu - Orchid Island - Taiwan

There are a couple of hotels on the island but neither the Lanyu Ocean International Hotel (蘭嶼海洋國際飯店) or the Lanyu Hotel (蘭嶼別館) could be described as four-star in quality. And their prices are not cheap.

The best way to enjoy a few days is to stay at one of the many smaller hostels run by locals. Costing from NT$300 to NT$500 per night the hostels are clean and offer both single and dorm rooms. Guests are allowed to use the kitchens and some owners will even offer to cook for their visitors.

There are hostels in five of the island's major townships, but if you're looking for a picturesque and rustic setting, then one of the best villages to stay in is Yehyin (野銀村). Located on the west side of the island, it's home to 100 people and is the only place on the island where village elders still reside in traditional Yami underground housing.

How to get around

Lanyu - Orchid Island - Taiwan

 

Visitors can circumnavigate Orchid Island on foot in a couple of days, but the best way to see it is to rent a scooter. The condition of the scooters isn't that great and chances are that either the speedometer, gas gauge, or both, will not work. But with daily rental costing an average of NT$300 per-day you can't really complain.

Helmets are not mandatory, but do take care as gravel trucks, cement mixers and buses can cause problems for the unwary. In addition to large vehicles, sections of the road are in pretty bad shape and there are plenty of blind corners.

Visitors can also explore the island by bus. It traverses the island every hour from between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

Some necessary information for Lanyu travel:

Yehyou village (椰油村): The Lanyu Ocean International Hotel (蘭嶼海洋國際飯店), call (089) 229 482.

Hongtou village (紅頭村): The Lanyu Hotel (蘭嶼別館), call (089) 342 226.

Hostels:

Yehyin village (野銀村):

The Fuyin Hostel ( 恩民宿), call (089) 732 763.

The Yinhui Hostel (恩惠民宿), call (089) 732 979.

Yehyou village (椰油村):

The Lanshang Hostel (籃翔民宿), call (089) 732 236.

Hongtou village (紅頭村):

The Lanyu Hostel (蘭嶼民宿中心) (089) 731 601.

Yuren village (魚人村):

The Mingyun (明霞民宿) (089) 732 554.

Air transport

Daily Air Corporation (德安航空), call (089) 362 489.

Sea transport

The Golden and Common Star Ferries (金星/恆星), call (089) 281 477.

(Wiki, Taiwan and Taipei)

(Vietnam) – Nha Trang - One of the most beautiful bays in the world

Nha Trang Bay, lying between the other two bays, has been acknowledged as one of the most beautiful bays of the world. With such natural gifts as the position, landscape, climate, together with its rich background in culture and humanities, Nha Trang - Khánh Hòa is fully capable of developing many diverse forms of tourism.

Nha Trang - Vietnam

How to get there

- By plane: Cam Ranh Airport built on the grounds of an old American airbase in 2004, is located 30km from the city and serves only domestic destinations

- By train: Nha Trang is a stop on the main railway-line connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC or Saigon). The railway station is close to the cathedral in the northern part of town

- By bus: Most open tour buses arrive from Ho Chi Minh City in the south (10-12 hours) and Hoi An to the north (10 hours). North to Qui Nhon 4-5 hours.

- By car: Private car rental with a driver are usually modern air-con cars and can be rented. Car rental prices (as mostly anything in Vietnam) usually increase during holiday seasons especially around Tet (Vietnamese’s New Year). Make sure to avoid high prices by booking it beforehand with the car rental services.

Nha Trang - Vietnam

How to get around

Tran Phu is the backbone of the city, accompanied by a pleasant waterfront promenade, palm trees and the nearly 6km of beach.

- Nha Trang has a reliable and easy to navigate public bus system, where the ticket fare does not exceed 3000 dong for a ride on a modern, air-conditioned bus with Vietnamese music. You will find buses nr. 3 and 2 the most useful, since they pass through the southern quarters.

- Alternatively, you'll find the usual selection of taxis, cyclos and motorbikes. Taxis are a good option, but be sure they turn on the meter to get the cheapest price.

- A wonderful option for seeing the sites is to hire a cyclo-driver for the day.

- Its also easy to get around by bicycle. Nha Trang is quite flat and bicycles are easily found for hire.

Hon Mun - Nha Trang - Vietnam

See

- National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam: 01 Cau Da (on the left of the commercial port entrance). This is like an aquarium with popular and rare species of the sea. A perfect place to bring kids as they will get to see sharks, turtles, coral reefs, lionfish, sea horses, and many other creatures.

- Alexandre Yersin Museum: 10 Tran Phu St. This is a scientific museum of a Swiss-born, Dr. Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943), who arrived in Vietnam in 1891 to study infected animals. He then later on produced a serum from horses and buffaloes. In this museum, you will be able to view all of his work as well as his equipment. Yersin never went back to Switzerland as he spent the rest of his life in Nha Trang. Don’t try to take pictures. Do respect the rules since they're quite serious here.

- Long Son Pagoda: Thai Nguyen St. At this pagoda, you will see a 79 ft. tall white Buddha. The pagoda was established in 1963 to honour the monks and nuns who died demonstrating against the Diem government.

- Po Nagar Cham Towers: 2 April  St. These towers were built by the Cham civilization between the 7th and 12th century to honor Yang Ino Po Ngar, mother of the kingdom. The local Buddhists of Nha Trang occupied this place for prayers and worshipping, and there are many incense lighted giving the place an interesting aroma. The Po Ngar Kalan is a very glorified structure with amazing architectures filled with stunning colors. It is a 20-25 minute walk from the main beach strip, however be prepared to wander through the 'real' Nha Trang, quite a shocking change from the showy built up beach side resort.

- Bao Dai Villa:. The Bao Dai Villas are located on top of a small hill. You have a beautiful view of the Nha Trang bay from there.

- Vinpearl land: you can take the cable car over to the island where Vinpearl resort and Vinpearl land is located. There are underwater World (aquarium), Water Park complete with many exciting water slides and wave pool, Amusement Park with roller coaster, pirate ship, bumper cars, 4D cinema and many modern arcade machines and musical fountain and laser show at night time.

- Doc Let beach, (around 40 km north of Nha Trang). Doc Let beach is more tranquil, cleaner and beautiful than the beach in Nha Trang. It is well worth taking a tour there. Local fishermen families sell and prepare seafood which they will cook for you on the beach for a very reasonable price.

Doc Let beach - Nha Trang - Vietnam

- Yang Bay Waterfalls, (40 km west of Nha Trang). You can swim there, and walk around in the area. You should probably bring your own food and drink when you go there though.

- Thap Ba Hot Springs and Mud baths,  On the north side of Nha Trang. for hot and cool swimming pools and thermal waterfall.

 - Nha Trang Cathedral. Located on a hill overlooking the city, the cathedral shows the influence of French Catholicism. It's a Quaint, free and quick sight to see. The Nha Trang area still has a strong Catholic population.

Things to do

- Boat Cruses: The going rate for a one-day multi-island tour with snorkeling, fishing, and many other activities among the possibilities. Tours may provide lunch with drinks on board. Booking agents abound, so compare itineraries to find the best fit for you.

- Sailing : Get a group together and rent out a captain for a best sailing experience.

- Biking and Rafting Tour: Combination fast 30km downhill biking passing through minority village and meeting Raglai people. Then a 12km rafting trip down the Cai River.

- Relaxing – Thap Ba natural hotsprings: Located on the outskirt of the city, this place provides the most relaxing services you can imagine (hot mud bath, mineral water bath and hot water pool and massages also available).

- Live music at the cafes: Many cafes in Nha Trang have live music at night time. They vary in type and quality, so ask around.

- Enjoy the fresh sea food. The sea food in Nha Trang is famous in Vietnam. All kinds of cuttle fish shell fish, fresh fish etc can be found and it is very delicious

- Cooking Classes - Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant: Half day cooking classes for visitors to Nha Trang. It is a great experience and a must do for someone looking for variety to their trip to Nha Trang and something a little different. It involves travelling to the local market in a cyclo, a guided tour of the marketplace, where you get involved in buying the food. You then return to the restaurant where you prepare 3 dishes as chosen by the guests.

- Diving & snorkeling: Close off-shore from Nha Trang sit a series of islands that offer decent diving and snorkeling, easily accessible by day trip. The city has about two dozen dive shops, making for fierce competition and great value. For certification training, Nha Trang offers perhaps the best value in the world.

Yang Bay Fall - Nha Trang - Vietnam

Hotels

- Yasaka Saigon Nhatrang Hotel:

Located right on the beachside,Yasaka-Saigon-Nhatrang Hotel is an international four star Hotel with 201 luxurious guest rooms, facilities and services that meet to the requirement of both leisure and business travelers. With a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi on top, a tropical garden, and other services like massage, steambath, tennis court, fitness center, we would like to say : Yasaka-Saigon - Nhatrang is a Beach Resort Hotel and Spa.

Add:     18 Tran Phu, Nha Trang City, Viet Nam

Tel:         (84-58) 3820090  ; Fax: (84-58) 3820000

- Nha Trang Lodge Hotel:

Guest staying in Nha Trang Lodge Hotel will be pleasant by the well skilled & professional staffs.In fact , from its opening in July 1996, our hotel has been the center of important events in the city.

Add:     42 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang City, Khanhhoa, Viet Nam

Tel:         (84-58) 3521500/521900 ; Fax: (84-58) 3521800/522922

- Hai Yen Hotel:

Hai Yen hotel was built with french style architecture. It is located right in the heart of  Nha Trang city and 5 minutes from the airport and train station. Especially, it is just opposite the white sandy beach.

Add: 40 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang City, Viet Nam

Tel: (84-58) 3522422 ; Fax: (84-58) 3522252

- Que Huong Hotel:

Que Huong - an international standard hotel stands right in the heart of Nha Trang city. It is situated on the most picturesque and romantic Tran Phu Boulevard of the municipal beach. The hotel consists of 56 international standard and comfortable rooms with fully well-equipped facilities, excellent services and courteous hotel staff.

Add: 60 Tran Phu St., Nha Trang City, Viet Nam

Tel: (84-58) 3827365 ; Fax: (84-58) 3825344

(Nha Trang Travel and Wiki)