VietnamVietnam

TourismTourism

IntroductionIntroduction

Country Background…WendieCountry Background…Wendie Investment Statistics…AlexInvestment Statistics…Alex Visitor Statistics…KennyVisitor Statistics…Kenny War related Tourism…MeredithWar related Tourism…Meredith Non- War related Tourism…TomNon- War related Tourism…Tom

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam

•1990 the European Union established official diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

•1992 Vietnam signed a 1976 ASEAN agreement on regional amity and cooperation, regarded as the first step towards ASEAN membership

•1996 ASEAN membership

•1992 Vietnam established diplomatic relations with South Korea

•1995 Vietnam and the United States agreed to exchange low-level diplomats.

•1997, the U.S. and Vietnam established full diplomatic relations.http://www.go-vietnam-hotels.com/general_info/history.htm

Vietnam BackgroundVietnam Background

LocationLocation

- Southeastern Asia- Southeastern Asia

- bordering Gulf of - bordering Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, the South Tonkin, the South China Sea, and China Sea, and LaosLaos

- between China - between China and Cambodia and Cambodia

Vietnam BackgroundVietnam Background

Geographic Geographic CharacteristicsCharacteristics

- - total land area is 325,360 sq. total land area is 325,360 sq. km (125,621.496 sq. mi.)km (125,621.496 sq. mi.)

TerrainTerrain - - South and North, low flat delta South and North, low flat delta

- Center, mostly highlands- Center, mostly highlands

- Far North and Northwest, hilly - Far North and Northwest, hilly and mountainousand mountainous

Vietnam BackgroundVietnam Background

• ClimateClimate - tropical in South- tropical in South

- monsoonal in North- monsoonal in North

- hot, rainy season- hot, rainy season

- warm, dry season- warm, dry season

-” In Vietnam there exist a variety -” In Vietnam there exist a variety of ancient tropical fauna and of ancient tropical fauna and about 200 species of animals, about 200 species of animals, 800 species of birds,100 species 800 species of birds,100 species of amphibians and over 150 of amphibians and over 150 species of reptiles. 1,000 species species of reptiles. 1,000 species live in the seas and rivers and live in the seas and rivers and 200 species live in fresh water”- 200 species live in fresh water”- Embassy of VietnamEmbassy of Vietnam

Vietnam BackgroundVietnam Background

EconomyEconomy

- GDP is approx. $83.5 - GDP is approx. $83.5 billion billion

- Agriculture makes up - Agriculture makes up 36% of the GDP.36% of the GDP.

Currency Currency

- new dong- new dong

- US $1~ ND $11,000- US $1~ ND $11,000

Foreign Direct InvestmentForeign Direct Investment FDI in first 7 months focused on Industrial ZonesFDI in first 7 months focused on Industrial Zones

Total licensed projects: 332Total registered investment capital: US$ 794 million (+81% in projects, +0.5 % in capital)

SectorSector Number of ProjectNumber of Project Total Registered CapitalTotal Registered Capital(US$ million)(US$ million)

Industrial & constructionIndustrial & construction 260260 543543

The agricultural forestry The agricultural forestry and aqua-productsand aqua-products 1515 3030

Tourism & hotel Tourism & hotel service, Culture & service, Culture & HealthHealth

5757 221221

(Source: Vietnam Economy Times)

Foreign Direct InvestmentForeign Direct InvestmentInvestment Status : Investment Status : Investment by sectorInvestment by sector

Source: VIR 7-13/Apr/2003)

Foreign Direct InvestmentForeign Direct InvestmentRealized capitalRealized capital

SegmentSegment Total CapitalTotal Capital(US$ billion)(US$ billion)

Heavy industryHeavy industry 4.344.34

Oil & GasOil & Gas 3.343.34

Light IndustryLight Industry 2.402.40

Hotel & Tourism 2.02

ConstructionConstruction 1.921.92

Office - ApartmentOffice - Apartment 1.601.60

Food ProcessingFood Processing 1.471.47

Agriculture, forestry, fisheriesAgriculture, forestry, fisheries 1.221.22

Transport, PostTransport, Post 1.001.00

Source: SGT weekly (01/Apr/2003)

Foreign Direct InvestmentForeign Direct InvestmentNumber of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : yearyear

FDI Projects (1988-2000) Licensed

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Year

Nu

mb

er

of

Pro

ject(

s)

Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics

Foreign Direct InvestmentForeign Direct InvestmentNumber of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : yearyear

FDI Projects (1988-2000) Licensed : Total Registered Capital

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

Year

US

$ m

illio

n

Foreign Direct InvestmentForeign Direct InvestmentNumber of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : economic activityeconomic activity

   Number of projectsNumber of projects Total registered capitalTotal registered capital(US$ million)(US$ million)

TotalTotal 3170 39100.8

Agriculture. ForestryAgriculture. Forestry 321321 1,379.91,379.9

FisheryFishery 9696 355.1355.1

IndustryIndustry 17041704 16,077.516,077.5

Of which: Oil and gas industryOf which: Oil and gas industry 5656 4,200.44,200.4

ConstructionConstruction 282282 4,616.64,616.6

Hotel & TourismHotel & Tourism 202 4,834.8Transport. CommunicationTransport. Communication 140140 3,424.93,424.9

Finance. BankingFinance. Banking 3434 243.1243.1

Cultural. Health. EducationCultural. Health. Education 9898 523.7523.7

Other servicesOther services 293293 7,645.27,645.2

Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics

Foreign Direct InvestmentForeign Direct InvestmentNumber of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : provinceprovince

     Number of ProjectsNumber of Projects

TotalTotalregistered capitalregistered capital

(US$ million)(US$ million)

TotalTotal 363 828.1

Red River DeltaRed River Delta 42 43.4

HanoiHanoi 36 33.5

North EastNorth East 18 18.4

Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics

Foreign Direct InvestmentForeign Direct InvestmentNumber of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : main counterpartmain counterpart

   Number of Projects Number of Projects Total registered capitalTotal registered capital(US$ million)(US$ million)

TotalTotal 3170 39,100.8Of whichOf which

TaiwanTaiwan 605605 4,884.64,884.6

Hong Kong (China)Hong Kong (China) 319319 3,634.33,634.3

Korea of Rep. OfKorea of Rep. Of 309309 3,224.73,224.7

JapanJapan 296296 3,441.23,441.2

SingaporeSingapore 252252 5,886.15,886.1

FranceFrance 158158 2,175.52,175.5

ThailandThailand 135135 1,092.41,092.4

United StatesUnited States 120120 1,339.31,339.3

British Virgin Islands.British Virgin Islands. 106106 1,845.61,845.6

China R.PChina R.P 105105 151.0151.0

Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics

Total Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 – 2002Total Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 – 2002

YearYear 19991999 20002000 20012001 20022002

Total Visitor Arrivals to VietnamTotal Visitor Arrivals to Vietnam 1,781,7541,781,754 2,140,1002,140,100 2,330,0502,330,050 2,627,9882,627,988

1,781,754

2,140,1002,330,050

2,627,988

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

1999 2000 2001 2002

Total Visitor Arrivals to Vietnam 1999 - 2000

ASEAN Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 – 2002ASEAN Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 – 2002

YearYear 19991999 20002000 20012001 20022002

ASEAN VisitorsASEAN Visitors 167,281167,281 265,338265,338 240,883240,883 269,448269,448

167,281

265,338240,883

269,448

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

1999 2000 2001 2002

ASEAN Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002

Other Asian Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - Other Asian Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 20022002

YearYear 19991999 20002000 20012001 20022002

Other Asian VisitorsOther Asian Visitors 824,041824,041 1,067,2231,067,223 1,152,9341,152,934 1,320,2861,320,286

824,041

1,067,2231,152,934

1,320,286

0

200000

400000

600000

800000

1000000

1200000

1400000

1999 2000 2001 2002

Other Asian Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002

Europe Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002Europe Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002

YearYear 19991999 20002000 20012001 20022002

Europe VisitorsEurope Visitors 234,006234,006 272,001272,001 306,620306,620 343,350343,350

234,006272,001

306,620343,350

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

1999 2000 2001 2002

Europe Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002

North American Visitors Arrival to Vietnam North American Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 20021999 - 2002

YearYear 19991999 20002000 20012001 20022002

North American VisitorsNorth American Visitors 241,468241,468 239,487239,487 266,433266,433 303,519303,519

241,468 239,487266,433

303,519

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

1999 2000 2001 2002

North American Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002

Oceania Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - Oceania Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 20022002

YearYear 19991999 20002000 20012001 20022002

Oceania VisitorsOceania Visitors 67,81167,811 73,44773,447 90,98290,982 104,890104,890

67,811 73,447

90,982104,890

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

1999 2000 2001 2002

Oceania Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002

Other Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002Other Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002

YearYear 19991999 20002000 20012001 20022002

Other VisitorsOther Visitors 247,153247,153 242,389242,389 272,198272,198 286,485286,485

247,153242,389

272,198

286,485

220,000

230,000

240,000

250,000

260,000

270,000

280,000

290,000

1999 2000 2001 2002

Other Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002

Comparison of Visitors from Different Comparison of Visitors from Different Markets 1999 - 2002Markets 1999 - 2002

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1999 2000 2001 2002

ASEANVisitors

Other AsianVisitors

EuropeVisitors

NorthAmericanVisitorsOceanianVisitors

Other Visitors

Percentage of Different Markets in 1999Percentage of Different Markets in 1999

1999

9%

46%

13%

14%

4%

14%

ASEAN Visitors

Other Asian Visitors

Europe Visitors

North American Visitors

Oceanian Visitors

Other Visitors

Percentage of Different Market in 2002Percentage of Different Market in 2002

2002

10%

50%13%

12%

4%

11%ASEAN Visitors

Other Asian Visitors

Europe Visitors

North AmericanVisitors

Oceanian Visitors

Other Visitors

Reasons for Increased TourismReasons for Increased Tourism

Modernizing and developing economy.Modernizing and developing economy. Tourist campaigns highlighting beaches, golf Tourist campaigns highlighting beaches, golf

courses, adventure travel, and history.courses, adventure travel, and history. AffordabilityAffordability

International Flights to VietnamInternational Flights to VietnamDistanceDistance & Flying Times& Flying Times

SectorSector DistanceDistance Flying TimeFlying Time SectorSector DistanceDistance Flying TimeFlying Time

   MilesMiles ReturnReturn MilesMiles ReturnReturn

to Hanoito Hanoi    to Ho Chi Minh Cityto Ho Chi Minh City   

BangkokBangkok 602602 1:501:50 BangkokBangkok 461461 1:351:35

BeijingBeijing 1,4581,458 3:353:35   

Hong KongHong Kong 541541 2:002:00 Hong KongHong Kong 938938 2:302:30

Los AngelesLos Angeles 7,6487,648 16:3516:35 Los AngelesLos Angeles 8,1588,158 16:4516:45MelbourneMelbourne 4,7864,786 10:4510:45 MelbourneMelbourne 4,1684,168 8:308:30

MoscowMoscow 4,1934,193 10:2510:25 MoscowMoscow 4,7894,789 12:2512:25

ParisParis 5,7135,713 11:3011:30 ParisParis 6,2886,288 12:1012:10

San San FranciscoFrancisco 7,3047,304 16:4516:45 San FranciscoSan Francisco 7,8197,819 16:5516:55

SeoulSeoul 1,6961,696 4:504:50 SeoulSeoul 2,2322,232 5:505:50

SingaporeSingapore 1,3661,366 4:004:00 SingaporeSingapore 680680 2:002:00

SydneySydney 4,8284,828 11:0011:00 SydneySydney 4,2564,256 8:408:40

TaipeiTaipei 1,0321,032 3:403:40 TaipeiTaipei 1,3851,385 3:353:35

TokyoTokyo 2,3102,310 6:256:25 TokyoTokyo 2,6852,685 6:256:25

Sample Tour Package to VietnamSample Tour Package to Vietnam

Number of PeopleNumber of People 22 55 7 to 97 to 9 9 to 129 to 12 12 to 1412 to 14

Price in US$Price in US$ 895895 727727 677677 653653 627627

INCLUDES:• Twins sharing room at 2-3 star hotel. 12 nights in total.• Meals as mentioned the Program. 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners, 7USD / lunch or dinner / person. Special requirement ( vegetarian, Muslim food ) could be arranged with prior notice from guest.• Land transfer by A/C vehicle for whole trip• Domestic air ticket from Hanoi to Hue• Domestic air ticket from Danang to Sai Gon• Sailing boat trip in Halong bay• Dragon boat trip in Perfumer River in Hue• English/French speaking guides. Other languages are available upon request. • Admission fees for all tourist places.

EXCLUDES:• International flight from/to Vietnam• Visa arrangement• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.)• Drinks• Tips and gratuities

War TourismWar Tourism

Vietnam is most prominently known as a place of war Vietnam is most prominently known as a place of war and political strife. However, as the country opens up and political strife. However, as the country opens up

to foreign investment, war tourism has become an to foreign investment, war tourism has become an increasing attraction.increasing attraction.

Places of InterestPlaces of Interest

Ho Chi Minh TrailHo Chi Minh Trail

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Hue Hue

Ho Chi Minh TrailHo Chi Minh Trail The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a

supply route used by the supply route used by the Vietcong during the war. It Vietcong during the war. It consisted of mazes of jungle, consisted of mazes of jungle, paths, tunnels, and canals paths, tunnels, and canals which the Americans and which the Americans and South Vietnamese failed to South Vietnamese failed to conquer. conquer.

Currently, a 42 kilometer Currently, a 42 kilometer section is under restoration to section is under restoration to become a sightseeing trail. become a sightseeing trail. This is estimated to cost $3.5 This is estimated to cost $3.5 million and should be million and should be completed by 2005.completed by 2005.

Ho Chi Minh TrailHo Chi Minh Trail TourismTourism

Tourists will stop at war sites as well as learn about the ecology Tourists will stop at war sites as well as learn about the ecology and culture of the area.and culture of the area.

– Ta Con airportTa Con airport– Troung Son cemeteryTroung Son cemetery

Includes a memorial for the soldiers who kept the trail openedIncludes a memorial for the soldiers who kept the trail opened– Dakroung forestDakroung forest– Van Kieu-Pa Ko ethnic groupsVan Kieu-Pa Ko ethnic groups

http://www.vnn.vn/english/765/2003/9/15076/http://www.vnn.vn/english/765/2003/9/15076/

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

– War Remnants Museum (Museum of American War War Remnants Museum (Museum of American War Crimes)Crimes) Displays illustrations of violent crimes committed against civilians by Displays illustrations of violent crimes committed against civilians by

American soldiers during the Vietnam War, such as the spreading of American soldiers during the Vietnam War, such as the spreading of toxic defoliant and torturing of prisoners. Includes a mock prison with toxic defoliant and torturing of prisoners. Includes a mock prison with emaciated models that are beheaded and dismembered. 6 million emaciated models that are beheaded and dismembered. 6 million visitors (1 million from abroad) have entered the museum in the past 29 visitors (1 million from abroad) have entered the museum in the past 29 years.years.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)– Military MuseumMilitary Museum

Collection of tanks, shells, bombs and Collection of tanks, shells, bombs and wreckage from American and Vietnamese wreckage from American and Vietnamese troops.troops.

– Rex HotelRex Hotel A popular hangout for American soldiers A popular hangout for American soldiers

during the war. Preserved to look much as during the war. Preserved to look much as it did during the war.it did during the war.

– Apocalypse Now NightclubApocalypse Now Nightclub One of many nightclubs that have emerged One of many nightclubs that have emerged

with a war theme to attract tourists.with a war theme to attract tourists.

– Cu Chu TunnelsCu Chu Tunnels

Cu Chi TunnelsCu Chi Tunnels ““The Cu Chi tunnels, a 75-mile-long The Cu Chi tunnels, a 75-mile-long

underground maze where underground maze where thousands of fighters and villagers thousands of fighters and villagers could hide, are at the top of the list could hide, are at the top of the list of tourist spots for Ho Chi Minh City, of tourist spots for Ho Chi Minh City, 45 miles to the southeast.” New 45 miles to the southeast.” New York TimesYork Times

““Besides housing a huge guerilla Besides housing a huge guerilla garrison that operated safely yet garrison that operated safely yet within easy striking distance of the within easy striking distance of the American forces in Danang, the American forces in Danang, the mountain caves also offered mountain caves also offered sleeping quarters, kitchen and a full sleeping quarters, kitchen and a full

field hospital.”field hospital.” New York TimesNew York Times

War TourismWar TourismCu Chi TunnelsCu Chi Tunnels

War TourismWar Tourism

Cu Chi Tunnels: What to expectCu Chi Tunnels: What to expect

““Following the man in green fatigues, the tourists arrive at an open-Following the man in green fatigues, the tourists arrive at an open-sided hut, where the women in black show them to their seats. sided hut, where the women in black show them to their seats. There, on a big-screen television set, the Vietnam War plays on: B-There, on a big-screen television set, the Vietnam War plays on: B-52's drop strings of bombs, villagers run for cover, communist 52's drop strings of bombs, villagers run for cover, communist guerrillas fight back.” guerrillas fight back.” (New York Times)(New York Times)

A sign outside the tunnels reads: "Please try to be a Cu Chi guerrilla. A sign outside the tunnels reads: "Please try to be a Cu Chi guerrilla. Wear these uniforms before entering tunnel." Black pajamas, pith Wear these uniforms before entering tunnel." Black pajamas, pith helmets, rubber sandals and old rifles are available.” helmets, rubber sandals and old rifles are available.”

(New York Times)(New York Times)

War TourismWar Tourism

Cu Chi Tunnels: What to expectCu Chi Tunnels: What to expectVisitors canVisitors can::

Pay $1 a bullet to shoot an AK-47 rifle.Pay $1 a bullet to shoot an AK-47 rifle. View reproductions of American GI Zippo lighters that View reproductions of American GI Zippo lighters that

say such things assay such things as

– "Death is my business and business has been good." "Death is my business and business has been good." – "I know I'm going to heaven because I've already been to hell: "I know I'm going to heaven because I've already been to hell:

Vietnam.“Vietnam.“

Purchase dog tags and jewelry made from bullet shellsPurchase dog tags and jewelry made from bullet shellsNew York Times and New York Times and www.gluckman.com/vietwarwww.gluckman.com/vietwar

HueHue

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

– A 5 kilometer patch of land stretching from the Laotian A 5 kilometer patch of land stretching from the Laotian Border to the South China Sea that was desecrated by Border to the South China Sea that was desecrated by bombs and battles. bombs and battles.

– Trucks take the tourists around the battlefield area Trucks take the tourists around the battlefield area where there are guns lying next to the road in a where there are guns lying next to the road in a downward position, symbolic of American defeat. Along downward position, symbolic of American defeat. Along the tour, one will see bombed churches, old bridges, the tour, one will see bombed churches, old bridges, and rotting tanks. and rotting tanks.

HueHue

– It is impressed upon the tourists that the fields It is impressed upon the tourists that the fields were planted with mines, which still go off were planted with mines, which still go off occasionally, thus continuing America’s occasionally, thus continuing America’s destruction on Vietnam. The people living destruction on Vietnam. The people living around the area, however, have been creative around the area, however, have been creative with the wreckage. Old shells have become with the wreckage. Old shells have become flowerpots and parts of fences, and tarnac from flowerpots and parts of fences, and tarnac from airfields now appears nailed into roofs. airfields now appears nailed into roofs.

HueHue

Quang Tri TunnelsQuang Tri Tunnels

– Vinh Moc was the first city in North Vietnam to be hit by Vinh Moc was the first city in North Vietnam to be hit by US bombs. These tunnels were built by local villagers US bombs. These tunnels were built by local villagers in order to escape bombings by B-52’s.in order to escape bombings by B-52’s. Each family was entitled to 4 meter’s squared of space, which Each family was entitled to 4 meter’s squared of space, which

then connected to other families spaces to form webs of then connected to other families spaces to form webs of tunnels. tunnels.

The tunnels included meeting rooms and a clinic, where 17 The tunnels included meeting rooms and a clinic, where 17 babies were born underground.babies were born underground.

HueHue

Khe Sang BaseKhe Sang Base– Located in the DMZ, this base was the sight of Located in the DMZ, this base was the sight of

pivotal fighting in the war. Used to deploy US pivotal fighting in the war. Used to deploy US soldiers into North Vietnam.soldiers into North Vietnam.

Ta Con AirportTa Con Airport Important airport of the Khe Sang Base, which had Important airport of the Khe Sang Base, which had

the most modern equipment and best soldiers. the most modern equipment and best soldiers.

HueHue

Today, Khe Sang Base and the Ta Con Airport are Today, Khe Sang Base and the Ta Con Airport are being renovated to better attract war buffs since being renovated to better attract war buffs since most of the actual war remnants no longer exist. most of the actual war remnants no longer exist.

Tourism (not war related)Tourism (not war related)Vietnam possesses variety of tourist Vietnam possesses variety of tourist attractions:attractions:

–HanoiHanoiCapital of VietnamCapital of VietnamHistory, Museums, Temples etc…History, Museums, Temples etc…

–Ha Long BayHa Long BayRecognized by UNESCO as natural wonderRecognized by UNESCO as natural wonderOver 3,000 IslandsOver 3,000 Islands165 km from Hanoi165 km from Hanoi

–SapaSapa““Sapa is still a must-see on any northern Vietnam Sapa is still a must-see on any northern Vietnam itinerary. On a clear day you will treated to views of itinerary. On a clear day you will treated to views of steeply terraced rice fields, towering verdant ridgelines, steeply terraced rice fields, towering verdant ridgelines, primitive mud-thatched villages, raging rivers and primitive mud-thatched villages, raging rivers and astounding waterfalls.” (Vietnamadventures.com)astounding waterfalls.” (Vietnamadventures.com)

HanoiHanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Hanoi is the capital of VietnamVietnam– Large cityLarge city– Located in East Plains Located in East Plains

of North VN.of North VN.– European City European City – Population: 2 millionPopulation: 2 million

HanoiHanoi

Where to stay?Where to stay?– Sofitel Metropole HanoiSofitel Metropole Hanoi– $200 per night for a single or $200 per night for a single or

double.double.– Classic French Colonial Hotel Classic French Colonial Hotel

– recently remodeled– recently remodeled

“Before the recent building boom in upscale hotels, the Metropole was ‘The Place’ to stay in Hanoi. For many, it still is. This classic French colonial hotel in the center of Hoan Kiem District was restored and remodeled a few years ago by the Sofitel chain. Today the Metropole is as much a hub for business and society as it is a hotel.” (Vietnamadventures.com)

HanoiHanoi

Places of Interest:Places of Interest: The Ba Dinh Square The Ba Dinh Square

ZoneZone– Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh

MausoleumMausoleum– Uncle Ho’s house-on-Uncle Ho’s house-on-

stiltsstilts– Ho Chi Minh MuseumHo Chi Minh Museum

The West Lake ZoneThe West Lake Zone– Area of over 800 Area of over 800

hectareshectares

Ha Long BayHa Long Bay

•Main Attractions of Ha Long Bay:•Calm clear waters•3000 Island’s and Limestone Mountains•Sandy Beaches

•Location:•165km from Hanoi•Northern part of VN

Ha Long BayHa Long Bay

•Bai Chay (Scorched Beach)•Dark Sand, 70 deg F•Named Scorched Beach b/c of historical event.

•Perfect place to start a tour of Ha Long Bay

Ha Long BayHa Long Bay Hang Dau Go (Wooden Hang Dau Go (Wooden

Stakes Cave) Stakes Cave) – One of most beautiful One of most beautiful

caves at Ha Longcaves at Ha Long– 3 Chambers to the caves3 Chambers to the caves

Outer ChamberOuter Chamber– Largest Capacity (~3000 Largest Capacity (~3000

people)people)– 25 m high ceilings25 m high ceilings

Middle ChamberMiddle Chamber– Famous for colorful Famous for colorful

stalagmites and stalactitesstalagmites and stalactites Inner ChamberInner Chamber

– Much Smaller than othersMuch Smaller than others– Stone wells full of fresh Stone wells full of fresh

water year roundwater year round

Ha Long BayHa Long Bay Sung Sot CaveSung Sot Cave

– Path to cave is quite steepPath to cave is quite steep– 2 Chambers2 Chambers

Outer ChamberOuter Chamber– Square in shapeSquare in shape– Referred to as waiting roomReferred to as waiting room– 30 m high ceiling with perfectly 30 m high ceiling with perfectly

smooth walls (appears smooth walls (appears manmade)manmade)

Inner ChamberInner Chamber– Known as ‘Serene Castle’Known as ‘Serene Castle’– Formations appear to Formations appear to

resemble a general looking resemble a general looking over his troops.over his troops.

– Light reflected from moving Light reflected from moving water outside makes water outside makes formations in the chamber formations in the chamber seem aliveseem alive

Ha Long BayHa Long Bay

SapaSapa

Characteristics:Characteristics:– Originally created as a Originally created as a

retreat for locals from retreat for locals from Hanoi’s stifling summersHanoi’s stifling summers

– Located in Tonkinese Alps Located in Tonkinese Alps near the Chinese border near the Chinese border

– There are eight ethnic There are eight ethnic groups that inhabit this groups that inhabit this region:region: Hmong, Dao, White Thai, Hmong, Dao, White Thai,

Giay, Tay, Muong, Hao and Giay, Tay, Muong, Hao and Xa PhoXa Pho

Most prominent are the Red Most prominent are the Red DaoDao

SapaSapa

Reasons to visit:Reasons to visit:– ‘‘Love Market’Love Market’

Courting Ritual every Courting Ritual every Saturday nightSaturday night

– Beautiful MountainsBeautiful Mountains– WaterfallsWaterfalls

SapaSapa

Things to know about Things to know about SapaSapa– Times to visitTimes to visit

Spring & Fall is bestSpring & Fall is best Summers are Summers are

muddy/rainymuddy/rainy Winter can be very coldWinter can be very cold

– LocalsLocals Quaint townQuaint town Do not like to have Do not like to have

pictures taken unless pictures taken unless paid for itpaid for it