The new year is coming, a different experience far away from home may bring you unforgettable memories. Why not? Try to create your new experiences in new places with some ideas from Luxury Travel.
1. Exploring The beauty of Moc Chau Plateau in Spring
About 200km away from Hanoi capital, Moc Chau (in Son La) is known as the plateau with cool temperature, tea hills, and ethnic villages.
Thanks to the impressive nature, the plateau stands out as one of the most beautiful destinations for springtime. At this time, the white plum blossom is covering valleys and hills. That makes Moc Chau Plateau extremely attractive and charming. Early January is a great milestone when Moc Chau is beautifully covered with white plum flower/ sakura flowers on a vast terrace. Visitors can eagerly capture the background of the unique flower and enjoy the atmosphere of spring among immense nature.
How to get to Moc Chau, Vietnam:
By national highway 6, you can get both motorbiking and taking bus. Bus ticket ranges from 130,000 VND – 160,000 VND, take about 4 – 5 hours to Moc Chau.
2. Experience “wellness on the cruise” on Halong bay
With the pandemic impacting physical and mental wellbeing, global travellers are craving restorative and health-fortifying escapes – Wellness Tourism will be on the rising trend in 2021. This will be a very special experience for you and your friends. The package has the name “Inside flow, wellness travel on the cruise”, which is shown as one of the series of wellness on crusie” by the Lux Group. ” The journey will be the combination of exploring world-class natural World Heritage Halong bay on a 5-star luxurious Emperor Cruise with health care activities physically, mentally, and spiritually. Visitors will have more time to spend with themselves and participate in caring activities such as Yoga, Meditation, wellness classes on the theme, a traditional Indian oil detox massage experience, networking, and social networking sessions, activities relieve emotions … with the companionship of experienced psychotherapists throughout the journey. About Emperor cruises: Emperor Cruises introduces the first-ever exclusive all-inclusive Vietnamese cruise experience, a world where everything is included in the price. Emperor Cruises’ fleet of vessels will combine classic elegance with modern comfort. The newly built, custom-designed, the traditional imperial cruise ship will feature three decks that house 02 smart restaurants, two bars, a small library, a gym, a kid corner, 02 massage rooms plus 10 luxurious en-suite cabins with private balconies.
3. Visting pagodas to experience the local culture
Pagodas are one of the popular attractions in Vietnam where travellers can marvel at intricate carvings and well-preserved architecture as well as experience the local culture during their holiday. At the beginning of the year, the local people trend to go to the pagoda with parying the best things in the new year for their families.
There are many more pagodas you can visit. Surroundings Hanoi, you can visit the biggest pagoda in Southeast Asia Tam Chuc (Ha Nam), Perfume pagoda. In Vietnam Central, Thien Mu pagoda (Hue), Linh Ung pagoda (Danang). Tet is coming around here, pagodas in Vietnam are also decorated splendidly. The pagodas tend to be crowded at this time but you get to interact with the locals, watch them make offerings, pray and feel all set to make a fresh start, now that the past year has gone by. This is will be a great experience as you celebrate New Year in Vietnam 2021.
Source: Flickr @kevints_photos
4. Take photos at Sadec flower village
Sa Dec flower village is located in Dong Thap province (in the south of Vietnam). This garden occupies 60 hectares with 600 households – 3,600 laborers specialized in growing flowers and ornamental plants. Unlike several other flower cities nationwide, Sa Dec’s fields yield flowers all year round. However, the best time to visit Sa Dec village is in spring when all flowers are blooming and Sa Dec becomes the world of colorful flowers.
Cars from everywhere come in crowds. All types of flowers and bonsai hasten to go to Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces to boast their beauty in Tet Holiday. The most typical feature of Sa Dec, which is different from other flower villages, is that Sa Dec farmers plant flowers on shelves. According to some old farmers, owners of flower gardens, in the past during flood season they had to move flower pots to higher positions or shelves to avoid being destroyed by water then they changed to plant flowers on shelves
How to get to Sadec, Dong Thap
Around 145km from Ho Chi Minh to Sa Dec. It takes around 3 hours. It’s easy for you to take the bus or private car to transfer between two places.
5. Relaxing at hidden paradise Con Dao
Located off the southern coast of Vietnam, just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, untouched by the rapid development of the mainland, Con Dao archipelago remains a pristine gem. The island life is as tranquil as the surrounding water. Comprising 16 mostly uninhabited islands and islets, this is an ideal destination for those who expect an ultimate serenity and seclusion. 80 percent of the land area of the islands is National Park, offering sublime and magnificent landscapes, all set in natural splendor. Imagine losing yourself in Con Dao’s nature while hiking through the rain forest. Try to spot the endemic animal species such as Giant Black Squirrel, Macaque, and the Curved-toe Gecko and listen to the multitude of birdsong and chatter of wildlife. What a moment to remember!
Source: Luxury Travel Vietnam
Apart from striking nature, the island rewards travelers with some of the most beautiful and idyllic beaches in Vietnam. Con Dao islands are well-known for soft sandy beaches, clear alluring water with shades ranging from light turquoise to deep blue, and healthy coral reefs. One thing is for sure: the beaches here will never be crowded. The well-preserved condition and the absolute seclusion make this hidden gem stand out from the other nine popular spots on the list. The lesser-known element now becomes the island’s advantage as it arouses the curiosity in travelers who want to discover one of a few untouched paradises left in Asia. This might also be the reason why the Con Dao archipelago has won the top-pick by Forbes Magazine.
How to get to Con Dao:
Now you can get direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao island.
Hanoi – Con Dao: 2 hours by air
Ho Chi Minh city – Con Dao: 45 minutes hour by air
About Luxury Travel
Having been around for 15 years since 2004, we are the first luxury operator and DMC in the country. We design a tour plan based on customer’s needs, duration, and even culinary restrictions. If you are looking for either a private honeymoon holiday, a 4-day celebration for a group of 100 people or a food tour, we can do them all.
We offer the most deluxe accommodations, services, and vehicles. It can be reflected by a 99% satisfaction rate and good reviews on TripAdvisor.
To plan your trip, contact Luxury Travel now!
Click to know more about us on the Luxury Travel official website.
From now, travellers are allowed to visit Thailand but undergo a 14-days quarantine on arrival.
Last months, Thailand had already reopened its borders to foreigners with work permits, residency, or family there. Currently, the country’s government has announced that travellers of all nationalities can apply for new ‘tourist visas’ lasting up to 60 days.
Thailand tours
Under the scheme, international visitors from all countries will be able to stay for up to 60 days – as long as they self-isolate for 14 days at an ‘alternative state quarantine’ hotel on arrival. If they are looking to stay longer, a ‘special tourist visa’ will also be available to those coming from ‘low-risk’ countries including Australia, China, and Vietnam. It will allow stays of up to 90 days and can be extended twice, to a maximum of just under nine months.
All travellers must provide a negative test result within 72 hours of arrival, then take a second test once they land. If they test positive, they will have to quarantine for 14 days in a state hospital (rather than a state-approved hotel, if the result is negative). You must also provide evidence of medical and travel insurance that will cover Covid-19 for at least the length of your stay.
Source: :Luxury Travel Vietnam
Both of the new visa plans are aimed at reviving Thailand’s tourism industry, which contributes 20 percent of the country’s GDP, employing more than four million people in regular years.
So if you’re looking for your fix of street food and tropical islands, Thailand could be back on the agenda – as long as you’re in it for the long haul. Here are seven reasons why Thailand should be on your 2021 travel list.
Remember, many countries are still warning against all non-essential travel and some are quarantining all overseas arrivals, including their own returning citizens. Check all the relevant restrictions before you think about travelling.
A Quick Guide to Apply visa to Thailand
Tourist Visas (TR Visa)
To apply for the certificate of entry travelers must meet the following entry requirements:
Approved Visa
Approved COE
Copy of recent bank statement ($700 per person and $1,500 per family). The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly), In case of submitting a family bank statement, proof of relationship (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate)
Must be provided 14-day‘ state quarantine’ upon arrival
All countries may apply for Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least $100,000 USD in coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
Proof of alternative state quarantine reservation (ASQ) How to Apply:
1. Travelers must apply for a visa at the Thai embassy/consulate in their home country
2. Travelers then can apply for the COE on the official Thai Government website.
2. Long Stay Tourists: STV Visa (Special Tourist Visa)
Thailand announced a 90-day visa for long-stay tourists on September 15th, 2020. The visa is called the ‘Special Tourist Visa’ (STV). Once approved, then travelers can apply for the certificate of entry (COE).
Entry Requirements:
Approved Visa
Approved COE
Proof of payment for 90-day accommodation booking
Copy of recent bank statement ($700 per person and $1,500 per family). The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly), In case of submitting a family bank statement, proof of relationship (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate) must be provided.
14-day‘ state quarantine’ upon arrival
All countries may apply for Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least $100,000 USD in coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
Proof of alternative state quarantine reservation (ASQ) How to Apply:
1. Travelers must apply for a visa at the Thai embassy/consulate in their home country
2. Travelers then can apply for the COE on the official Thai Government website.
Length of Stay and Renewals
The Special Tourist Visa will allow approved travelers to stay in Thailand for 90 days. It can be renewed twice, for 90 days each time.
3. Travelers that fall into the above categories must also follow Thailand’s health protocols including:
Travel health insurance that also covers covid
All travelers arriving in Thailand must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab test taken within 72 hours prior to the flight
A pre-screening health declaration card filled out before the departure
The wearing of masks mandatory on in-bound flights and in the airport
How families should celebrate Christmas and New Year while the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic rages on. Governments fear that relaxing rules and restrictions might usher in another spike in the number of cases when many countries are already witnessing a second wave, each country has their different ways to prepare for the Christmas holiday.
In Itay, the Government banned midnight mass and halted inter-town movements. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the majority of the lockdown measures will be eased from December 15 for the festive break. Shops, cinemas, and theatres will reopen just in time for Christmas. The German government has imposed travel restrictions during the festive period, and limited indoor gatherings over the Christmas holidays to 10 people Christmas markets and New Year’s firework displays both have been cancelled. Currently, 22 states have imposed travel restrictions, with Alaska, California, Hawaii, Connecticut asking travellers to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Surely, this will a different Christmas during Covid-19 Pandemic but that does not mean that it cannot be a merry one. Seeing the pictures of happy people on a different Christmas 2020 (source: the Guardian)
Santas have their temperature taken as they attend a socially distanced Santa school training at Southwark Cathedral in London, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Stan Thompson, dressed as Santa Claus, talks to children in a car during a physically distant drive-through visit in Indianola, Iowa.
Photograph: Jack Kurtz/Zuma Wire/Rex/Shutterstock
Skaters and cyclists dressed in Santa Claus outfits make their way along the Kurfürstendamm boulevard in Berlin on 6 December.
Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images
A chocolate Santa Claus prepared by patisserie owner Tassos Vazakas in Lykovrysi, Athens. Patisseries remain open during Greece’s second lockdown.
Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A man dressed as Santa Claus hands out surgical masks in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Photograph: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images
Penguins walk with a trainer in a Santa costume as part of a Christmas event at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, Japan.
Photograph: Yoshio Tsunoda/AFLO/Rex/Shutterstock
Santa lies on a fake coffin in Lyon, France as shop owners call for the reopening of their stores that were closed as part of government measures to curb the spread of Covid.
Photograph: Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images
Santa Claus greets Jaythan Corbacho with an elbow bump at the Selfridges store in London.
Photograph: Eamonn M McCormack/Getty Images
Children visit with Santa in a snow globe at Automobile Alley’s Lights on Broadway display in Oklahoma City.
Photograph: Doug Hoke/AP
Santa Larry speaks with a virtual visitor at the Santa Experience in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The owners had initially set up a socially distanced set, featuring a cabin with a plexiglass window, but moved completely online after new Covid restrictions were put in place.
Photograph: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Children visit with Santa in a snow globe at Automobile Alley’s Lights on Broadway display in Oklahoma City.
Photograph: Doug Hoke/AP
A child in a mask visits a Santa Clause behind plexiglass at Cabela’s retail store in Hudson, Massachusetts.
Photograph: Allison Dinner/Zuma Wire/Rex/Shutterstock
A child visits Santa Claus inside an old cable car near Sugar Loaf Mountain during a Christmas event in Rio de Janeiro.
Photograph: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters
Matt Quagliotto and Bridie Jabour pose at a distance from Santa with their children Hamish (toddler) and Cormac (baby) in Sydney, Australia.
(Hanoi – Nov, 18th), Luxury Travel was honoured to receive a noble certificate of a merit award from the Vietnam Tourism Association. within the framework of the 8th Vietnam International Travel Fair (VITM 2019), a ceremony to honour outstanding enterprises and individuals of Vietnam Tourism 2019 took place at the Viet Xo Cultural Palace (Hanoi).
Luxury Travel received the award with the title “Vietnam tourism business welcomes the most European visitors in 2019 ″. This is an award honouring businesses that have made excellent contributions to advertising, constantly improved service quality, gradually built its brand, contributed to promoting tourism development in a key economic sector of the country.
Over 15 years of doing business in the field of international tourism, Luxury Travel has striven constantly to maintain its prestigious position in the market. It has done this by ensuring quality service, and through being a reliable tour operator that specializes in organizing high-end tours in Southeast Asia for tourists from all over the world. According to its Company Report in 2019, the number of European tourists served was 9,000 guests, accounting for nearly 70% of their customers. Business visitors mainly came from countries such as France, Germany, England, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
2019 was also the year when Luxury Travel’s business achieved an impressive growth rate of up to 30%. The business welcomed nearly 12,000 tourists travelling to Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries.
Since its inception, Luxury Travel has won many domestic and international awards. The award “Vietnam tourism business welcomes the most European visitors in 2019. It is additional proof of the standing of this company in Asia. It can be said that Europe is a potential market due to its citizens being able to afford long stay vacations of two to three weeks, but this is also a tight market to serve. European travellers demand high standards of service and unique travel products that require travel experts with extensive experience in serving European travellers. On the other hand, destinations in Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries have the advantages of diverse landscapes, a rich natural environment, and traditional ethnic culture which are the main attractions for most European tourists.
To be eligible to receive the title of “Tourism business that welcomes the most European tourists in 2019”, Luxury Travel had to meet strict criteria set by the Organizing Committee. Luxury Travel achieved high standards in areas such as economic efficiency (revenue, profit, budget contribution), well-implemented tax and labour obligations, comprehensive training programs for employees, created the best conditions for employees to work, ensuring the best standards in serving European customers to maintain quality, actively participated in community social activities, contributed to local charities, undertook best practice to ensure environmental preservation and other achievements.
Due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, from the second quarter of 2020 European tourists were not allowed to enter Vietnam. Luxury Travel Company has made flexible and effective changes to their business to attract domestic tourists. The VITM International Travel Fair taking place in Hanoi from November 18 to 21 is also an opportunity for businesses to introduce and display their newest and most unique products to a large number of tourists in the tourism industry. At this forum Luxury Travel introduced its new product “Inside flow- Wellness Travel on Cruise”. It’s one of the products in a series of “Luxwell Retreats” by the Lux Group which combines relaxation, health care activities including physical, mental, and spirituality while exploring the World Heritage Halong Bay on a 5- star cruise. It’s hoped that this innovative product will attract travelers in 2021.
[Hanoi -17th Sep] The Southeast Asian destination management company, Luxury Travel, has rebranded into Lux DMC Travel in Asia, which marks as a major step forward for this company about a ready expansion plan in a larger playground in the tourism industry over 15 years of non-stop development and its achievements.
Monks at The Shwedagon pagoda in Myanmar
Since it was founded in 2005, Luxury Travel has been known as Vietnam’s first luxury travel company specializing in tailor-made tours in Southeast Asia for serving most of the high-end customers from over the world. They mainly focus on promoting five countries in Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.
From now, with the establishment of Lux DMC Travel, they plan to cover their products in Southeast Asia and some of the other countries in Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan…and Korea. At present, they have already had contracts with nearly one thousand suppliers in Asia and especially settled well their branch offices in Southeast Asia. They are planning to expand their net suppliers to almost all countries in Asia with the ambition to bring more luxurious offers for high–end customers traveling in Asia at the most competitive price.
High -end customers from Lux Travel DMC on Bai Tu Long Bay
After 15 years of launching, the rebranding demonstrates how far the company has come by specializing in travel to Southeast Asia and developing a renowned track record for quality, service excellence, and experiential travel delivered to nearly 6 million customers from 300 global travel agents per year. The Luxers’ army today is an organization of more than 200 employees with representative offices globally, achieving several valuable achievements and rewards in the tourism sector. They have their own offices, luxury transportation, cruises, and branch offices throughout Vietnam and Indochina. They aim to open more branch offices in Asia and become one of the top-notch leading high-end DMC in Asia in the next five years.
Their rebranding is featured in the image of their new brand identity with the new look of the logo. Black and Golden Yellow are still used as the main colors in their brand identity as the symbol of luxury and prosperity. The name “Lux DMC travel” is designed simply but elegantly, reflects the professionalism and development of Luxury Travel as a Destination management company in the tourism industry. The “LUX” word is emphasized to guarantee the high-standard services they will serve the most sophisticated travelers. Therefore, their LUX travel experts are highly competent with in-depth knowledge, an excellent set of skills, and the proper attitude, which sets the top quality services for their Lux Services and ensures clients’ expectations are met at all times. They still keep the old slogan “touching hearts” as a certain message to their customers about their sincere services from their hearts, touching their customers’ hearts.
Mr. Pham Ha – CEO of Lux Travel DMC
Despite the transition, “Lux DMC Travel always commits to operating the highest standards of services and professionalism, while continuing to improve on the qualities that make us not just good, but great. Every customer traveling with us will be taken care of in detail. Our Lux team is dedicated to working closely with agents and tour operators and ensures to deliver for our customers authentic luxury travel experiences by using our expertise, know-how, and solid infrastructure”, Mr. Pham Ha – CEO of the Lux DMC Travel said.
Furthermore, Lux DMC Travel is the first and the biggest member of the family of the Lux Group which is embarking on an ambitious phase of growth for the Lux Group in Asia. Lux Group now possesses a diverse range of brands from cruises, accommodations, real estate, resorts, cuisine, media & press, tourism human resource, transportation, and art, etc. Within the last 3 years, the enterprise had launched two exclusive 5-star Emperor Cruises in Nha Trang Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. According to the plan, in May 2019, the third cruise of Lux Group Heritage Cruises will be launched, with an attempt to offer authentic and exclusive experiences to our customers in the Red River and the Gulf of Tonkin. In the future, it is expected to provide a north to South Vietnam trip by cruise.
Emperor Cruises – one of a member of the Lux Group at Bai Tu Long Bay
[Hanoi -17th Sep] The Southeast Asian destination management company, Luxury Travel, has rebranded into Lux DMC Travel in Asia, which marks as a major step forward for this company about a ready expansion plan in a larger playground in the tourism industry over 15 years of non-stop development and its achievements.
Monks at The Shwedagon pagoda in Myanmar
Since it was founded in 2005, Luxury Travel has been known as Vietnam’s first luxury travel company specializing in tailor-made tours in Southeast Asia for serving most of the high-end customers from over the world. They mainly focus on promoting five countries in Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.
From now, with the establishment of Lux DMC Travel, they plan to cover their products in Southeast Asia and some of the other countries in Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan…and Korea. At present, they have already had contracts with nearly one thousand suppliers in Asia and especially settled well their branch offices in Southeast Asia. They are planning to expand their net suppliers to almost all countries in Asia with the ambition to bring more luxurious offers for high–end customers traveling in Asia at the most competitive price.
High -end customers from Lux Travel DMC on Bai Tu Long Bay
After 15 years of launching, the rebranding demonstrates how far the company has come by specializing in travel to Southeast Asia and developing a renowned track record for quality, service excellence, and experiential travel delivered to nearly 6 million customers from 300 global travel agents per year. The Luxers’ army today is an organization of more than 200 employees with representative offices globally, achieving several valuable achievements and rewards in the tourism sector. They have their own offices, luxury transportation, cruises, and branch offices throughout Vietnam and Indochina. They aim to open more branch offices in Asia and become one of the top-notch leading high-end DMC in Asia in the next five years.
Their rebranding is featured in the image of their new brand identity with the new look of the logo. Black and Golden Yellow are still used as the main colors in their brand identity as the symbol of luxury and prosperity. The name “Lux DMC travel” is designed simply but elegantly, reflects the professionalism and development of Luxury Travel as a Destination management company in the tourism industry. The “LUX” word is emphasized to guarantee the high-standard services they will serve the most sophisticated travelers. Therefore, their LUX travel experts are highly competent with in-depth knowledge, an excellent set of skills, and the proper attitude, which sets the top quality services for their Lux Services and ensures clients’ expectations are met at all times. They still keep the old slogan “touching hearts” as a certain message to their customers about their sincere services from their hearts, touching their customers’ hearts.
Mr. Pham Ha – CEO of Lux Travel DMC
Despite the transition, “Lux DMC Travel always commits to operating the highest standards of services and professionalism, while continuing to improve on the qualities that make us not just good, but great. Every customer traveling with us will be taken care of in detail. Their Lux team is dedicated to working closely with agents and tour operators and ensures to deliver for their customers authentic luxury travel experiences by using their expertise, know-how, and solid infrastructure”, Mr. Pham Ha – CEO of the Lux DMC Travel said.
Furthermore, Lux DMC Travel is the first and the biggest member of the family of the Lux Group which is embarking on an ambitious phase of growth for the Lux Group in Asia. Lux Group now possesses a diverse range of brands from cruises, accommodations, real estate, resorts, cuisine, media & press, tourism human resource, transportation, and art, etc. Within the last 3 years, the enterprise had launched two exclusive 5-star Emperor Cruises in Nha Trang Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. According to the plan, in May 2019, the third cruise of Lux Group Heritage Cruises will be launched, with an attempt to offer authentic and exclusive experiences to our customers in the Red River and the Gulf of Tonkin. In the future, it is expected to provide a north to South Vietnam trip by cruise.
Emperor Cruises – one of a member of the Lux Group at Bai Tu Long Bay
Over six continuous years, bespoke as the leading high-end DMC in Southeast Asia, Luxury Travel has been recognized its prestige upon the travelers’ reviews on the world’s largest travel website Trip Advisor.
This year 2020, Luxury Travel is proud to announce to receive the award “Best of the Best Traveller’s Choice Award” by Trip Advisor. For the first time, Luxury Travel received the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor in 2014. It’s been the 6th continuous-time, they are the winner at Trip Advisor by traveler’s choice.
Emperor Cruises at Bai Tu Long Bay
“We greatly thank you our valued customers from over the world who have already chosen us as during the holiday in Southeast Asia. Your consistent trust helps us to be recognized as one of the most tour operators on TripAdvisor over 6 years. This reward will be an encouragement for our entire team to maintain the outstanding and high quality of our services in Southeast Asia and augment it further” said Pham Ha, CEO of Luxury Travel.
TripAdvisor is known as the most world’s largest travel website with more than 860 million reviews and opinions of 8.7 million accommodation, restaurants, experiences, airlines, and cruises. Therefore, it’s considered one of the most trusted sources of information for most travelers around the world. Every year, TripAdvisor announces the certificate excellent award for the businesses which are listed on TripAdvisor. Winners are calculated based on the quality and quantity of the millions of reviews, opinions, and ratings collected on TripAdvisor.
“New this year, all TripAdvisor awards and recognitions fall under the Travelers’ Choice umbrella to more clearly acknowledge businesses and their achievements. Travelers’ Choice winners are now honored as Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best, representing the most exceptional, highest-rated properties around the world. These businesses are among the top 1% of all listings on TripAdvisor (Forbes).
“The Travelers’ Choice program is one way that travelers and diners can benefit from the real-life experiences of other people, so they can plan their perfect trip that meets their needs, budget and style.” – said Lindsay Nelson, chief experience and brand officer at Tripadvisor
As the reward for their achievements over 15 years, Luxury Travel has already won the various awards and recognition from prestigious domestic and international publications besides the award from Trip Advisor, such as the award “Asia’s Leading Tour Operator Touching Hearts” by The Guide, the luxury travel company by the Luxury Lifestyle Award, Asia’s leading luxury tour company and the Asia’s leading tour operator upon the nomination by World Travel Awards…
Happy customers travel to Mekong Delta
Since Luxury Travel found in 2004, Luxury Travel has been continued to grow and flourish and have a firm position in the tourism industry. They have their own three luxury cruises in Halong bay (Emperor Cruises), Cat Ba (Heritage Cruises), and Nha Trang bay (Emperor Cruises). In 2019, they severed nearly 10,000 customers over the world. More than 90% of their customers sent excellent feedbacks after finishing their holidays which are tailored by Luxury Travel. As a result, the percentage of customers who come back and introduce to their friends to this company contributes to over 60% every year.
About Luxury Travel
Founded in 2004 by CEO, Mr. Pham Ha, Luxury Travel is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the travel market. Luxury Travel Ltd. specializes in high-quality travel services with an emphasis on the authentic luxury travel experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Contact Luxury Travel at:
Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 24 3927 4120
Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com
Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96
Website: https://ift.tt/2wS4Mcx
Over six continuous years, bespoke as the leading high-end DMC in Southeast Asia, Luxury Travel has been recognized its prestige upon the travelers’ reviews on the world’s largest travel website Trip Advisor.
This year 2020, Luxury Travel is proud to announce to receive the award “Best of the Best Traveller’s Choice Award” by Trip Advisor. For the first time, Luxury Travel received the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor in 2014. It’s been the 6th continuous-time, they are the winner at Trip Advisor by traveler’s choice.
Emperor Cruises at Bai Tu Long Bay
“We greatly thank you our valued customers from over the world who have already chosen us as during the holiday in Southeast Asia. Your consistent trust helps us to be recognized as one of the most tour operators on TripAdvisor over 6 years. This reward will be an encouragement for our entire team to maintain the outstanding and high quality of our services in Southeast Asia and augment it further” said Pham Ha, CEO of Luxury Travel.
TripAdvisor is known as the most world’s largest travel website with more than 860 million reviews and opinions of 8.7 million accommodation, restaurants, experiences, airlines, and cruises. Therefore, it’s considered one of the most trusted sources of information for most travelers around the world. Every year, TripAdvisor announces the certificate excellent award for the businesses which are listed on TripAdvisor. Winners are calculated based on the quality and quantity of the millions of reviews, opinions, and ratings collected on TripAdvisor.
“New this year, all TripAdvisor awards and recognitions fall under the Travelers’ Choice umbrella to more clearly acknowledge businesses and their achievements. Travelers’ Choice winners are now honored as Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best, representing the most exceptional, highest-rated properties around the world. These businesses are among the top 1% of all listings on TripAdvisor (Forbes).
“The Travelers’ Choice program is one way that travelers and diners can benefit from the real-life experiences of other people, so they can plan their perfect trip that meets their needs, budget and style.” – said Lindsay Nelson, chief experience and brand officer at Tripadvisor
As the reward for their achievements over 15 years, Luxury Travel has already won the various awards and recognition from prestigious domestic and international publications besides the award from Trip Advisor, such as the award “Asia’s Leading Tour Operator Touching Hearts” by The Guide, the luxury travel company by the Luxury Lifestyle Award, Asia’s leading luxury tour company and the Asia’s leading tour operator upon the nomination by World Travel Awards…
Happy customers travel to Mekong Delta
Since Luxury Travel found in 2004, Luxury Travel has been continued to grow and flourish and have a firm position in the tourism industry. They have their own three luxury cruises in Halong bay (Emperor Cruises), Cat Ba (Heritage Cruises), and Nha Trang bay (Emperor Cruises). In 2019, they severed nearly 10,000 customers over the world. More than 90% of their customers sent excellent feedbacks after finishing their holidays which are tailored by Luxury Travel. As a result, the percentage of customers who come back and introduce to their friends to this company contributes to over 60% every year.
About Luxury Travel
Founded in 2004 by CEO, Mr. Pham Ha, Luxury Travel is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the travel market. Luxury Travel Ltd. specializes in high-quality travel services with an emphasis on the authentic luxury travel experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Contact Luxury Travel at:
Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 24 3927 4120
Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com
Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96
Website: https://ift.tt/2wS4Mcx
Luxury Travel Vietnam is honored to announce that it has been nominated again in the three following categories for the 27th annual World Travel Awards including Asia’s Leading Tour Operator, Vietnam’s Leading Tour Operator, and Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator. This is the seventh consecutive year, they are selected into the shortlist of the World Travel Awards.
World Travel Awards has been known as the “Oscars of the travel industry”, the most prestigious awards programme, rewarding for leaders in the tourism, airline, hotel, and hospitality sectors around the world. Each year, the World Travel Awards celebrates individual and collective successes within each key geographical region. All regional winners then go head to head with each other final round of voting to decide who will triumph in the annual World Travel Awards.
In Vietnam, Luxury Travel was listed as in the top of Vietnam’s Tour Operator in 2020. Moreover, this company is also recorded into two different categories: Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator and Asian’s Leading Tour Operator with other big companies such as Asia World Enterprise, Odynovo, Bespoke India Holidays… The voting in Asia will close on September 24, 2020.
Over 15 year bespoke as the leading high-end DMC in Southeast Asia, Luxury Travel has been continued to grow and flourish and have the firm position in the tourism industry. In 2019, they severed nearly 10,000 high –end customers over the world. This year, it will be a challenge year with them however, they are adaptable flexibility to tap into the domestic luxury travel market and outbound department as the current situation in tourism statistics.
In Southeast Asia, they can commit to operating with the highest standards of service and professionalism, while continuing to improve on the qualities that make us not just good, but perfect, with great attention to detail.
In Southeast Asia, they enjoy connections with the best companies in Southeast Asia, such as hotels, cruise lines, local attraction operators & more, they trust that they own the most competitive price at the high- class standard. Their expert advisers are active and trained well to develop their expertise in all aspects of travel, as well as perfect their customer care skills.
They are proud to report that they have a 99% satisfaction rate with much of our business coming from referrals and business network recommendations. In the travel industry and consumer, awards are the testimony to their excellent reputation and that is why more than 60% of their clients are repeat visitors.
About Luxury Travel
Founded in 2004 by CEO, Mr. Pham Ha, Luxury Travel Ltd is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the luxury market. Luxury Travel Vietnam focus on high-end travel services in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. They have their luxury vehicles, and luxury cruises in Halong Bay (Emperor Cruises), Cat Ba (Heritage cruises), and Nha Trang bay (Emperor Cruises). Every year, they serve thousands of satisfied high-end travelers.
Luxury Travel Vietnam is honored to announce that it has been nominated again in the three following categories for the 27th annual World Travel Awards including Asia’s Leading Tour Operator, Vietnam’s Leading Tour Operator, and Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator. This is the seventh consecutive year, they are selected into the shortlist of the World Travel Awards.
World Travel Awards has been known as the “Oscars of the travel industry”, the most prestigious awards programme, rewarding for leaders in the tourism, airline, hotel, and hospitality sectors around the world. Each year, the World Travel Awards celebrates individual and collective successes within each key geographical region. All regional winners then go head to head with each other final round of voting to decide who will triumph in the annual World Travel Awards.
In Vietnam, Luxury Travel was listed as in the top of Vietnam’s Tour Operator in 2020. Moreover, this company is also recorded into two different categories: Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator and Asian’s Leading Tour Operator with other big companies such as Asia World Enterprise, Odynovo, Bespoke India Holidays… The voting in Asia will close on September 24, 2020.
Over 15 year bespoke as the leading high-end DMC in Southeast Asia, Luxury Travel has been continued to grow and flourish and have the firm position in the tourism industry. In 2019, they severed nearly 10,000 high –end customers over the world. This year, it will be a challenge year with them however, they are adaptable flexibility to tap into the domestic luxury travel market and outbound department as the current situation in tourism statistics.
In Southeast Asia, they can commit to operating with the highest standards of service and professionalism, while continuing to improve on the qualities that make us not just good, but perfect, with great attention to detail.
In Southeast Asia, they enjoy connections with the best companies in Southeast Asia, such as hotels, cruise lines, local attraction operators & more, they trust that they own the most competitive price at the high- class standard. Their expert advisers are active and trained well to develop their expertise in all aspects of travel, as well as perfect their customer care skills.
They are proud to report that they have a 99% satisfaction rate with much of our business coming from referrals and business network recommendations. In the travel industry and consumer, awards are the testimony to their excellent reputation and that is why more than 60% of their clients are repeat visitors.
About Luxury Travel
Founded in 2004 by CEO, Mr. Pham Ha, Luxury Travel Ltd is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the luxury market. Luxury Travel Vietnam focus on high-end travel services in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. They have their luxury vehicles, and luxury cruises in Halong Bay (Emperor Cruises), Cat Ba (Heritage cruises), and Nha Trang bay (Emperor Cruises). Every year, they serve thousands of satisfied high-end travelers.
Filled with bunkers, shelters, and traps, there’s no better example for the ingenuity of the Viet Cong military forces than the Cu Chi tunnels. The astounding underground structure not only housed Viet Cong soldiers and personnel but also provided medical facilities and many other amenities. For a day away from Ho Chi Minh city, the Cu Chi tunnels are definitely worth a spot on your bucket list!
I. General Information
Location
First of all, it is important to note that there are 2 systems of tunnels which you visit. Both of these systems are located in Cu Chi, northwest of Ho Chi Minh city.
The closer tunnel system is the Ben Dinh tunnels, which is roughly 50 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh city. This system was once the operation base for the Cu Chi Party Committee. While less of a hassle to travel to, the Ben Dinh tunnels are less extensive than the other and may provide a more touristy experience. You also miss out on the opportunity to completely leave behind urban landscapes and take in the refreshing greenery of the Vietnamese countryside, since this tunnel system is closer to the city.
The farther of the two systems is the Ben Duoc tunnels, located nearly 70 kilometers off Ho Chi Minh city. As mentioned, Ben Duoc is the more extensive of the two tunnel systems and provides a far superior experience in terms of authenticity. The system was also more pivotal during wartime, as it served as the strategic headquarters not only for the Cu Chi District, but also the entirety of Saigon – Gia Dinh resistance operations.
So what’s our recommendation? Simply put, go with Ben Dinh if you’re pressed for time, but visit Ben Duoc if you’re up for the most authentic experience of crawling through a past resistance facility. Keep reading for insights on both destinations!
How to get there
There are many ways to get to the Cu Chi tunnels. If you are planning to travel on the cheap, a good option would be via public transportation.
There is no direct bus line from Ho Chi Minh city to either of the tunnel systems, but you can catch bus 13 at the 23/9 park in district 1 to get to Cu Chi Station. From there, you can take bus 63 to get to Ben Dinh and bus 79 to get to Ben Duoc. The price of bus tickets is minimal, and a two-way trip should not take more than 2 dollars.
If you feel like taking to the waterways, you can also opt to ride the waterbus at Bach Dang station in district 1. Ticket prices range from 150.000 to 200.000 Vietnamese dong, which is quite higher than regular bus rides. However, the cruising experience offers much in terms of sightseeing, convenience, and speed.
Last but not least, you can also reach Cu Chi quite easily on a trusty two-wheeler. While this is more for the adventurous, renting a motorbike and enjoying a scoot through the varying landscape along the way, from bustling urban to picturesque country, is arguably the best way to reach the tunnels.
Opening hours
Both of the two tunnel systems are open everyday, including Sunday and visitor entry is allowed from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Ticket info
Ben Duoc tunnels: 90.000 VND/pax Ben Dinh tunnels: 110.000 VND/pax
Tickets do come with special discounts for national and international holidays.
II. The history of the Cu Chi tunnels
In the late 1940s, as a military effort during the war for independence from the French colonial regime, the Vietnamese resistance forces began to dig a system of underground tunnels. Due to the lack of equipment, human hands were often the main tool to dig through kilometers of underground soil.
Needless to say, progress was rather sluggish, but it was also consistent. In the early 1960s, in light of the increasing military involvement of the US, the resistance forces further expanded the tunnels to prepare for the oncoming Vietnam War. In fact, the tunnels were extended to as long as 250 kilometers, stretching from the outlying areas of Saigon to close to the borders of Cambodia.
The disguise of the tunnel warfare is so sophisticated that it cannot be found out that under it was a whole complicated system
The tunnels were a key component in the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong’s guerilla tactics against their high-tech and well-armed enemies. Specifically, the tunnels provided shelter against aerial bombings – a strategy employed heavily by the US. Underground, soldiers and civilian forces could rest, cook, receive medical care, discuss strategies, or even enjoy some improvised music performances to ease the burden of war.
The disguise is proof of the intelligence of Vietnamese Soldier
Given the importance of the Cu Chi tunnels, the US had launched several campaigns to undermine this extensive underground system. Specially trained soldiers dubbed ‘tunnel rats’ were dispatched to scout the tunnels indicating key areas and traps laid by the resistance forces.
In a 1966 effort called ‘Operation Crimp’, several B-52 bombers were called in to hammer the tunnel area with powerful explosives. This proved vastly unsuccessful and failed to achieve its goal of sweeping the Vietnamese forces out of the Cu Chi jungle, as most of them had already retreated into the deep and nearly unnavigable tunnels. Another approach in this campaign was to seal off tunnel entrances by throwing grenades or pumping poisonous gases into them. Once again, this was to little effect, as the tunnels’ designs and air filtration prevented these attacks from leaving much impact. A similar campaign called ‘Operation Cedar Falls’ one year later at a bigger scale, but only was not able to fully extinguish the resistance forces hiding deep down below.
Overall, in its years of active use, the Cu Chi tunnels were a massive strategic advantage for Vietnamese forces, allowing them to control the battle and giving them a place to retreat to. Nowadays, while parts of the tunnels have caved in, the remnants have been reinforced and turned into an attractive tourist destination.
III. What to do at the Cu Chi tunnels
Explore the tunnels
Regardless of whether you choose Ben Duoc or Ben Dinh, the experience of venturing through the underground tunnels that used to house one of the most ingenious guerilla forces is both exhilarating and enlightening.
To get the most out of your tunneling adventure, we have assembled a few tips to help you out:
Put on comfortable clothing and footwear so you can move easily. While rooms are quite reasonably sized, the stretches of tunnels connecting them are cramped even by Vietnamese standards (especially in Ben Duoc, where for the sake of authenticity the tunnels have not been expanded as much as Ben Dinh). If you are anywhere taller than 150 centimeters, do expect to lower your head or even crawl through some sections.
Be prepared to get dirty. As mentioned, it is expected that you will have to writhe your way through several portions of the tunnels, so make sure you have a change of clothes ready!
Carry a flashlight. The majority of tunnels are lit very dimly to stay faithful to how they were during the war.
Pay attention! As you make your way through the tunnels, you are likely to encounter functional rooms wherein medical procedures, meetings, cooking, or even entertainment activities have taken place. There are quite a few mannequin reconstructions set in these rooms to give context, so do look around to see if you happen to be in a kitchen, office, or surgery room.
The tunnels contain quite a number of insects, so bug repellents would come in handy.
There are also bats in the tunnels. Be prepared!
The Cu Chi tunnels are NOT for the claustrophobic and nyctophobic. If you find yourself prone to extreme reactions in small and dark places, you can opt to visit a few larger rooms that are closer to the surface or look through the war exhibits on display at both tunnel sites.
Check out the shooting range
A shooting range is set up at both locations for visitors to test their marksman skills. You can choose to fire a range of weapons such as the AK47 and M16 rifles or the M60 and M30 machine guns, each with its own cost per round ranging from 20.000 to 40.000 (0.8 – 1.8 USD).
The staff there does offer you proper guidance and safety measures to get the most out of your experience, but only people 16 and above who are in good health conditions are allowed to take this activity.
Feast on Cu Chi cuisine
Like most places in Vietnam, Cu Chi comes with its own delectable eats. Here is our list of some must-try culinary items when you’re in Cu Chi:
1. Cu Chi young beef (Bo to Cu Chi)
Beef is everywhere, but beef as soft and juicy asBo To Cu Chican only be found here. To achieve its melting tenderness, the beef has to be taken from cows that are no older than 5 or 6 months.
There are a variety of ways in which Cu Chi beef can be prepared and enjoyed. One of the most common way the folks here do it is by steaming thin slices and wrapping them in rice paper with various herbs. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Vietnamese dish without some intricate sauce or dipping, and in this case the options include anchovy sauce, fermented shrimp paste, or the southern-style sweet and sour fish sauce.
Additionally, you can also enjoy somebo nhung giam,which is a mouth-watering beef hotpot with vinegar.
4. Young jackfruit salad (Mit non tron thit)
Jackfruit plants can be found in many areas of Cu Chi. Thus, the local produce goes straight into creating one of the tastiest salads of Vietnam.To be made into salad, pieces of young jackfruit are sliced thinly and added to a mix of various herbs or pickled veggies, along with several kinds of meat or shrimp. While the jackfruit itself doesn’t provide much flavor, its chewy texture is the real star of the dish.This salad can be eaten with rice, grilled rice paper, or just by itself.
3. Boiled cassava root(Khoai mi hap nuoc dua)
While not the most inviting dish, boiled cassava roots are culinary icons of the Cu Chi tunnels. The starchy roots were used as the main source of food for the Vietnamese forces residing in the tunnels, as they are relatively easy to cook and fill you up quickly. Nowadays, you can find this dish in restaurants in both the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc tunnels, as well as in most restaurants in Cu Chi. Cassava roots are often boiled and eaten with a mix of crushed peanuts, sugar, and coconut milk.
4. Sugarcane juice with durian (Nuoc mia sau rieng)
Having filled your stomach with some tasty treats, the next thing you need is definitely a good refreshment. While sugarcane juice can be found in stalls all across Vietnam, it’s Cu Chi that takes the credit for one of the most unique variations of sugarcane juice – the one with durian added. While the smell of durian can be hard to overcome, its mildly sweet flavor and soft texture add wonders to the regular version of the drink. If you can’t handle durian, however, rest assured that most stalls do offer the usual plain sugarcane juice for you to rehydrate.
IV. Around Cu Chi tunnels
Ben Duoc memorial temple
At the end of the Ben Duoc tunnels stands a grand memorial temple of the same name. The temple was built by the Communist Party Committee to commemorate those in the Saigon-Gia Dinh area who fought and sacrificed themselves throughout both the war against French colonialism and the Vietnam war.
The solemn temple carries an architectural style that is reminiscent of many Vietnamese pagodas and shrines, except for its bright red roof tiles – a symbol for all the blood that had been shed during the two wars. Behind the gates lie a spacious and colorful flower garden, a tower, a grand temple, an inscription house, along with a basement.
Throughout the Ben Duoc memorial temple, you can find paintings, sculptures and statues that depict the Saigon-Gia Dinh people’s heroic fight for freedom and independence. You can also encounter inscriptions of honoring words for the thousands who sacrificed their lives.
Cao Dai Great Temple
The Cao Dai religion, also known as Caodaism, is a distinctly southern religion of Vietnam. Founded in Tay Ninh in 1926 by a Vietnamese official working for the French administration, the religion is unique in worshipping their deity Cao Dai, as well as honoring a range of figures such as Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Confucius, Julius Caesar, and more.
The Cao Dai Great Temple, situated within the Cao Dai Holy See, is the grandest of all Caodaist temples and serves as a center for pilgrimage and worship. As peculiar as the religion itself, the temple’s cathedral-like layout and colorful wall and ceiling decorations present a blend of architectural styles that intrigues both the mind and eyes.
Coming here, you are promised a visual feast as you admire the gorgeous exterior and interior of the temple. For those passionate about discovering new cultures and religions, you can relish the opportunity to watch Caodaists carry out their daily ceremonies in dozens.
The Cao Dai Great Temple is roughly 55 kilometers away from the Cu Chi tunnels, making it a great addition to your away-from-Saigon trip. To learn more about the temple, check out our Cao Dai Temples article!
V. Travel with us
Ready to dive into the depths of the Cu Chi tunnels? Book a tour with Luxury Travel to get the best out of your trip. We offer custom-made tour itineraries tailored to your demands, along with premium services that cater to your every need and unique cultural insights and experiences from our seasoned guides.
Contact us at:
Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam Phone: (+84) 4 3927 4120 Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96 Website: https://ift.tt/2wS4Mcx
Filled with bunkers, shelters, and traps, there’s no better example for the ingenuity of the Viet Cong military forces than the Cu Chi tunnels. The astounding underground structure not only housed Viet Cong soldiers and personnel but also provided medical facilities and many other amenities. For a day away from Ho Chi Minh city, the Cu Chi tunnels are definitely worth a spot on your bucket list!
I. General Information
Location
First of all, it is important to note that there are 2 systems of tunnels which you visit. Both of these systems are located in Cu Chi, northwest of Ho Chi Minh city.
The closer tunnel system is the Ben Dinh tunnels, which is roughly 50 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh city. This system was once the operation base for the Cu Chi Party Committee. While less of a hassle to travel to, the Ben Dinh tunnels are less extensive than the other and may provide a more touristy experience. You also miss out on the opportunity to completely leave behind urban landscapes and take in the refreshing greenery of the Vietnamese countryside, since this tunnel system is closer to the city.
The farther of the two systems is the Ben Duoc tunnels, located nearly 70 kilometers off Ho Chi Minh city. As mentioned, Ben Duoc is the more extensive of the two tunnel systems and provides a far superior experience in terms of authenticity. The system was also more pivotal during wartime, as it served as the strategic headquarters not only for the Cu Chi District, but also the entirety of Saigon – Gia Dinh resistance operations.
So what’s our recommendation? Simply put, go with Ben Dinh if you’re pressed for time, but visit Ben Duoc if you’re up for the most authentic experience of crawling through a past resistance facility. Keep reading for insights on both destinations!
How to get there
There are many ways to get to the Cu Chi tunnels. If you are planning to travel on the cheap, a good option would be via public transportation.
There is no direct bus line from Ho Chi Minh city to either of the tunnel systems, but you can catch bus 13 at the 23/9 park in district 1 to get to Cu Chi Station. From there, you can take bus 63 to get to Ben Dinh and bus 79 to get to Ben Duoc. The price of bus tickets is minimal, and a two-way trip should not take more than 2 dollars.
If you feel like taking to the waterways, you can also opt to ride the waterbus at Bach Dang station in district 1. Ticket prices range from 150.000 to 200.000 Vietnamese dong, which is quite higher than regular bus rides. However, the cruising experience offers much in terms of sightseeing, convenience, and speed.
Last but not least, you can also reach Cu Chi quite easily on a trusty two-wheeler. While this is more for the adventurous, renting a motorbike and enjoying a scoot through the varying landscape along the way, from bustling urban to picturesque country, is arguably the best way to reach the tunnels.
Opening hours
Both of the two tunnel systems are open everyday, including Sunday and visitor entry is allowed from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Ticket info
Ben Duoc tunnels: 90.000 VND/pax Ben Dinh tunnels: 110.000 VND/pax
Tickets do come with special discounts for national and international holidays.
II. The history of the Cu Chi tunnels
In the late 1940s, as a military effort during the war for independence from the French colonial regime, the Vietnamese resistance forces began to dig a system of underground tunnels. Due to the lack of equipment, human hands were often the main tool to dig through kilometers of underground soil.
Needless to say, progress was rather sluggish, but it was also consistent. In the early 1960s, in light of the increasing military involvement of the US, the resistance forces further expanded the tunnels to prepare for the oncoming Vietnam War. In fact, the tunnels were extended to as long as 250 kilometers, stretching from the outlying areas of Saigon to close to the borders of Cambodia.
The disguise of the tunnel warfare is so sophisticated that it cannot be found out that under it was a whole complicated system
The tunnels were a key component in the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong’s guerilla tactics against their high-tech and well-armed enemies. Specifically, the tunnels provided shelter against aerial bombings – a strategy employed heavily by the US. Underground, soldiers and civilian forces could rest, cook, receive medical care, discuss strategies, or even enjoy some improvised music performances to ease the burden of war.
The disguise is proof of the intelligence of Vietnamese Soldier
Given the importance of the Cu Chi tunnels, the US had launched several campaigns to undermine this extensive underground system. Specially trained soldiers dubbed ‘tunnel rats’ were dispatched to scout the tunnels indicating key areas and traps laid by the resistance forces.
In a 1966 effort called ‘Operation Crimp’, several B-52 bombers were called in to hammer the tunnel area with powerful explosives. This proved vastly unsuccessful and failed to achieve its goal of sweeping the Vietnamese forces out of the Cu Chi jungle, as most of them had already retreated into the deep and nearly unnavigable tunnels. Another approach in this campaign was to seal off tunnel entrances by throwing grenades or pumping poisonous gases into them. Once again, this was to little effect, as the tunnels’ designs and air filtration prevented these attacks from leaving much impact. A similar campaign called ‘Operation Cedar Falls’ one year later at a bigger scale, but only was not able to fully extinguish the resistance forces hiding deep down below.
Overall, in its years of active use, the Cu Chi tunnels were a massive strategic advantage for Vietnamese forces, allowing them to control the battle and giving them a place to retreat to. Nowadays, while parts of the tunnels have caved in, the remnants have been reinforced and turned into an attractive tourist destination.
III. What to do at the Cu Chi tunnels
Explore the tunnels
Regardless of whether you choose Ben Duoc or Ben Dinh, the experience of venturing through the underground tunnels that used to house one of the most ingenious guerilla forces is both exhilarating and enlightening.
To get the most out of your tunneling adventure, we have assembled a few tips to help you out:
Put on comfortable clothing and footwear so you can move easily. While rooms are quite reasonably sized, the stretches of tunnels connecting them are cramped even by Vietnamese standards (especially in Ben Duoc, where for the sake of authenticity the tunnels have not been expanded as much as Ben Dinh). If you are anywhere taller than 150 centimeters, do expect to lower your head or even crawl through some sections.
Be prepared to get dirty. As mentioned, it is expected that you will have to writhe your way through several portions of the tunnels, so make sure you have a change of clothes ready!
Carry a flashlight. The majority of tunnels are lit very dimly to stay faithful to how they were during the war.
Pay attention! As you make your way through the tunnels, you are likely to encounter functional rooms wherein medical procedures, meetings, cooking, or even entertainment activities have taken place. There are quite a few mannequin reconstructions set in these rooms to give context, so do look around to see if you happen to be in a kitchen, office, or surgery room.
The tunnels contain quite a number of insects, so bug repellents would come in handy.
There are also bats in the tunnels. Be prepared!
The Cu Chi tunnels are NOT for the claustrophobic and nyctophobic. If you find yourself prone to extreme reactions in small and dark places, you can opt to visit a few larger rooms that are closer to the surface or look through the war exhibits on display at both tunnel sites.
Check out the shooting range
A shooting range is set up at both locations for visitors to test their marksman skills. You can choose to fire a range of weapons such as the AK47 and M16 rifles or the M60 and M30 machine guns, each with its own cost per round ranging from 20.000 to 40.000 (0.8 – 1.8 USD).
The staff there does offer you proper guidance and safety measures to get the most out of your experience, but only people 16 and above who are in good health conditions are allowed to take this activity.
Feast on Cu Chi cuisine
Like most places in Vietnam, Cu Chi comes with its own delectable eats. Here is our list of some must-try culinary items when you’re in Cu Chi:
1. Cu Chi young beef (Bo to Cu Chi)
Beef is everywhere, but beef as soft and juicy asBo To Cu Chican only be found here. To achieve its melting tenderness, the beef has to be taken from cows that are no older than 5 or 6 months.
There are a variety of ways in which Cu Chi beef can be prepared and enjoyed. One of the most common way the folks here do it is by steaming thin slices and wrapping them in rice paper with various herbs. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Vietnamese dish without some intricate sauce or dipping, and in this case the options include anchovy sauce, fermented shrimp paste, or the southern-style sweet and sour fish sauce.
Additionally, you can also enjoy somebo nhung giam,which is a mouth-watering beef hotpot with vinegar.
4. Young jackfruit salad (Mit non tron thit)
Jackfruit plants can be found in many areas of Cu Chi. Thus, the local produce goes straight into creating one of the tastiest salads of Vietnam.To be made into salad, pieces of young jackfruit are sliced thinly and added to a mix of various herbs or pickled veggies, along with several kinds of meat or shrimp. While the jackfruit itself doesn’t provide much flavor, its chewy texture is the real star of the dish.This salad can be eaten with rice, grilled rice paper, or just by itself.
3. Boiled cassava root(Khoai mi hap nuoc dua)
While not the most inviting dish, boiled cassava roots are culinary icons of the Cu Chi tunnels. The starchy roots were used as the main source of food for the Vietnamese forces residing in the tunnels, as they are relatively easy to cook and fill you up quickly. Nowadays, you can find this dish in restaurants in both the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc tunnels, as well as in most restaurants in Cu Chi. Cassava roots are often boiled and eaten with a mix of crushed peanuts, sugar, and coconut milk.
4. Sugarcane juice with durian (Nuoc mia sau rieng)
Having filled your stomach with some tasty treats, the next thing you need is definitely a good refreshment. While sugarcane juice can be found in stalls all across Vietnam, it’s Cu Chi that takes the credit for one of the most unique variations of sugarcane juice – the one with durian added. While the smell of durian can be hard to overcome, its mildly sweet flavor and soft texture add wonders to the regular version of the drink. If you can’t handle durian, however, rest assured that most stalls do offer the usual plain sugarcane juice for you to rehydrate.
IV. Around Cu Chi tunnels
Ben Duoc memorial temple
At the end of the Ben Duoc tunnels stands a grand memorial temple of the same name. The temple was built by the Communist Party Committee to commemorate those in the Saigon-Gia Dinh area who fought and sacrificed themselves throughout both the war against French colonialism and the Vietnam war.
The solemn temple carries an architectural style that is reminiscent of many Vietnamese pagodas and shrines, except for its bright red roof tiles – a symbol for all the blood that had been shed during the two wars. Behind the gates lie a spacious and colorful flower garden, a tower, a grand temple, an inscription house, along with a basement.
Throughout the Ben Duoc memorial temple, you can find paintings, sculptures and statues that depict the Saigon-Gia Dinh people’s heroic fight for freedom and independence. You can also encounter inscriptions of honoring words for the thousands who sacrificed their lives.
Cao Dai Great Temple
The Cao Dai religion, also known as Caodaism, is a distinctly southern religion of Vietnam. Founded in Tay Ninh in 1926 by a Vietnamese official working for the French administration, the religion is unique in worshipping their deity Cao Dai, as well as honoring a range of figures such as Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Confucius, Julius Caesar, and more.
The Cao Dai Great Temple, situated within the Cao Dai Holy See, is the grandest of all Caodaist temples and serves as a center for pilgrimage and worship. As peculiar as the religion itself, the temple’s cathedral-like layout and colorful wall and ceiling decorations present a blend of architectural styles that intrigues both the mind and eyes.
Coming here, you are promised a visual feast as you admire the gorgeous exterior and interior of the temple. For those passionate about discovering new cultures and religions, you can relish the opportunity to watch Caodaists carry out their daily ceremonies in dozens.
The Cao Dai Great Temple is roughly 55 kilometers away from the Cu Chi tunnels, making it a great addition to your away-from-Saigon trip. To learn more about the temple, check out our Cao Dai Temples article!
V. Travel with us
Ready to dive into the depths of the Cu Chi tunnels? Book a tour with Luxury Travel to get the best out of your trip. We offer custom-made tour itineraries tailored to your demands, along with premium services that cater to your every need and unique cultural insights and experiences from our seasoned guides.
Contact us at:
Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam Phone: (+84) 4 3927 4120 Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96 Website: https://ift.tt/2wS4Mcx
Length of Stay and Renewals
Skaters and cyclists dressed in Santa Claus outfits make their way along the Kurfürstendamm boulevard in Berlin on 6 December.
