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Districts: District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, District 6, District 7, District 8, District 9, District 10, District 11, District 12, Tan Binh, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Thu Duc, Go Vap, Binh Tan,Tan Phu.

In the core of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is second the most important in Vietnam after Hanoi. It is not only a commercial center but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist center. The city is bathed by many rivers, arroyos and canals, the biggest river being the Saigon River. The Port of Saigon, established in 1862, is accessible to ships weighing up to 30,000 tons, a rare advantage for an inland river port.

Climate: The climate is generally hot and humid. There are two distinctive seasons: the rainy season, from May to November, and the dry season, from December to April. The annual average temperature is 27ºC. The hottest month is April and the lowest is December. It is warm all year.

Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East. After the reunification of the country, the 6th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2nd of July, 1976, has officially rebaptized Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. The history of city relates closely with the struggle for the independence and freedom of Vietnam.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi

Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses... Recently, many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa..., which draw numerous tourists.

Despite its quite recent past, Ho Chi Minh City nevertheless possesses various beautiful buildings, displaying a characteristic combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and European cultures. These include Nha Rong (Dragon House Wharf), Quoc To Temple (National Ancestors Temple), Xa Tay (Municipal Office), Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre as well as many pagodas and churches (Vinh Nghiem, Giac Vien, Giac Lam, Phung Son pagodas...). After more than 300 years of development, Ho Chi Minh City presents many ancient architectural constructions, famous vestiges and renowned sights. It is remarkable for its harmonious blending of traditional national values with northern and western cultural features.

Ho Chi Minh City is the main junction for trains, roads, water, and air transportation systems for domestic trips and for foreign destination.

- Roads: Ho Chi Minh City is 1,730km from Hanoi, 99km from Tay Ninh, 30km from Bien Hoa (Dong Nai), 70km from My Tho, 125km from Vung Tau, 168km from Can Tho, 308km from Dalat, and 375km from Buon Ma Thuot. The City has National Highway 13 which connects Vietnam with the rest of Indochina.

- Train: Thong Nhat express train connects Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, vie many provinces in Vietnam.

- Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 7km from center of city, is the biggest airport with many domestic and international routes. There are flights from Hanoi and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City and between ?the City to many regions as well a lot of countries on over the world.

Location: Ben Duoc Monument was built in Cu Chi District, about 70km from Ho Chi Minh City centre.
Characteristic: The Ben Duoc Monument to the War Martyrs is a harmonious architectural complex. The monument was built according to the design of a traditional Vietnamese temple.
The monument is dedicated to the war martyrs from 40 cities and provinces, who laid down their lives on the battle fields in Saigon - Cho Lon - Gia Dinh during the anti-French and US resistance wars for national independence and freedom.
It has a three-entrance gate. In the main shrine are worshipped 44,357 martyrs and heroic mothers whose name are carved on marble plates and gilded with gold. On the ground floor, a mini-mock up, pictures, and many other show pieces about the hard life and battles of the army men and local people during the wars are displayed. There is also a nine-storey tower, 39m high, surrounded with gardens with flowers that blossom all the year round and with diverse kinds of ornamental plants.
Since its establishment in 1995 the monument has welcomed thousands of visitors, both domestic and foreign, especially on Martyrs' Day - July 27th - who come to enjoy the local scenery and show their respect to the national heroes.

Location: The Betel Hamlets are situated in Hoc Mon District, about 10km centre of Ho Chi Minh City.
The betel gardens have such lush and green foliage that one can stand under these frames when it is raining without getting wet.

Location: Cu Chi Tunnels are located approximately 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City centre in Cu Chi Rural District.
Characteristic: Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels.
Cu Chi District is known nationwide as the base where the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968.The tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough space for a person to walk along by bending or dragging. However, parts of the tunnels have been modified to accommodate visitors. The

upper soil layer is between 3 to 4m thick and can support the weight of a 50-ton tank and the damage of light cannons and bombs. The underground network provided sleeping quarters, meeting rooms, hospitals, and other social rooms. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels provides a better understanding of the prolonged resistance war of the Vietnamese people and also of the persistent and clever character of the Vietnamese nation.
For a place that’s physically invisible, the Cu Chi Tunnels have sure carved themselves a celebrated niche in the history of guerilla warfare. Its celebrated and unseen geography straddles – all of it underground – something which the Americans eventually found as much to their embarrassment as to their detriment. They were dug, before the American War, in the late 1940s, as a peasant-army response to a more mobile and ruthless French occupation. The plan was simple: take the resistance briefly to the enemy and then, literally, vanish.
First the French, then the Americans were baffled as to where they melted to, presuming, that it was somewhere under cover of the night in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta. But the answer lay in the sprawling city under their feet – miles and miles of tunnels. In the gap between French occupation and the arrival of the Americans the tunnels fell largely into disrepair, but the area’s thick natural earth kept them intact and maintained by nature. In turn it became not just a place of hasty retreat or of refuge, but, in the words of one military historian, "an underground land of steel, home to the depth of hatred and the incommutability of the people." It became, against the Americans and under their noses, a resistance base and the headquarters of the southern Vietnam Liberation Forces. The linked threat from the Viet Cong - the armed forces of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam - against the southern city forced the unwitting Americans to select Cu Chi as the best site for a massive supply base – smack on top of the then 25-year old tunnel network. Even sporadic and American’s grudgingly had to later admit, daring attacks on the new base, failed for months to indicate where the attackers were coming from – and, importantly, where they were retreating to. It was only when captives and defectors talked that it became slightly more clear. But still the entries, exits, and even the sheer scale of the tunnels weren’t even guessed at. Chemicals, smoke-outs, razing by fire, and bulldozing of whole areas, pinpointed only a few of the well-hidden tunnels and their entrances. The emergence of the Tunnel Rats, a detachment of southern Vietnamese working with

Americans small enough to fit in the tunnels, could only guess at the sheer scale of Cu Chi. By the time peace had come, little of the complex, and its infrastructure of schools, dormitories, hospitals, and miles of tunnels, had been uncovered. Now, in peace, only some of it is uncovered – as a much-visited part of the southern tourist trail. Many of the tunnels are expanded replicas, to avoid any claustrophobia they would induce in tourists. The wells that provided the vital drinking water are still active, producing clear and clean water to the three-tiered system of tunnels that sustained life. A detailed map is almost impossible, for security reasons if nothing else: an innate sense of direction guided the tunnellers and those who lived in them.
Some routes linked to local rivers, including the Saigon River, their top soil firm enough to take construction and the movement of heavy machinery by American tanks, the middle tier from mortar attacks, and the lower, 8-10m down was impregnable. A series of hidden, and sometimes booby-trapped, doors connected the routes, down through a system of narrow, often unlit and invented tunnels. At one point American troops brought in a well-trained squad of 3000 snuffer dogs, but the German Shepherds were too bulky to navigate the courses. One legend has it that the dogs were deterred by Vietnamese using American soap to throw them off their scent, but more usually pepper and chilly spray was laid at entrances, often hidden in mounds disguised as molehills, to throw them off. But the Americans were never passive about the tunnels, despite being unaware of their sheer complexity. Large-scale raiding operations used tanks, artillery and air raids, water was pumped through known tunnels, and engineers laid toxic gas. But one American commander’s report at the time said: "It’s impossible to destroy the tunnels because they are too deep and extremely tortuous."
Today the halls that showed propagandas films, housed educational meetings and schooled Vietnamese in warfare are largely intact. So too are the kitchens where visitors can dine on steamed manioc,

pressed rice with sesame and salt, a popular meal during the war, as they are assailed with true stories of how life went on as near-normal, much of the time. Ancestors were worshipped there, teaching was well-timetabled, poultry was raised – and even couples trusted, fell in love, were wed, and honeymooned there. But visitors have it easier: those re-constructed tunnels give the flavor of the tunnels but not the claustrophobia and the sacrifice of the estimated 18,000 who served their silent and unseen war there with only around one-third surviving, the rest casualties of American assaults, snakes, rats and insects.
Now the unseen and undeclared No Man’s Land is undergoing a revival, saluted as a Relic of National History and Culture with its Halls of Tradition displaying pictures and exhibits. The nearby Ben Duoc-Cu Chi War Memorial, where the reproduced tunnels have been built, stands as an-above ground salute to a hidden war.

Location: Duc Ba Cathedral is located on Han Thuyen Street, facing down Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: The resplendent Governor’s Palace, completed in 1875, symbolized the regime’s political power in Asia. And five years later, the Duc Ba (Our Lady’s) Cathedral was inaugurated, and became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient.
After the first French colonizing force arrived in Vietnam in the mid - 19thcentury, it took only 21 years before the country had a cathedral to match the hulking Gothic edifices of France itself. The cathedral is supposed to represent the glory of the French Empire. Yet, as is always the case with colonization, this attempt to import French traditions into Vietnam transformed the colonizers’ culture in the process. Even though the cathedral is built in a Western architectural style, it has a uniquely Eastern aspect.

Several architects put forward design proposals for the cathedral, but in 1877 the authorities selected Mr Bourard, who was famed for his religious architecture. He envisaged, and executed, a basilica-like structure with a square plan. The cathedral is composed of two main central bays with two sidereal corridors, with tall pillars and light coming in through sets of high windows, and a semi-circular shrine. The style follows a Roman pattern, although the outside contains some modifications: the cathedral’s vaults are Gothic, and a modern steel skeleton supports the whole building.
In 1894 a pointed minaret was added to the bell tower, at the behest of an architect named Gardes, who was also responsible for the Xa Tay Palace, the building that now houses the Municipal People’s Committee. The cathedral is a much smaller than those in France, but it was the largest in the French empire. The interior is very large: the principal shrine and two additional bays are 93m long, and reach 35m in width at one point. The semi-circular shrine at the rear seats a choir during services, and there are five chapels. The walls are made of Bien Hoa granite, combined with red tiles from Marseilles, all without coating. Red tiles from France were also used on the roofs, but they were later replaced with tiles of equal quality from Phu Huu. Natural light streams in through stained-glass windows which were made by the Lorin Company from the French town of Sartre.
The whole building is well-ventilated thanks to a system of air-holes placed above and under the windows. The belfry is 57m high. For a long time it was the highest structure in the city centre, and was the first thing an arriving traveller would see when approaching the city by boat. Six bells weigh a combined 25,850kg. In 1885, the floor was taken apart and new pillars were added, because the original foundation could not bear the cathedral’s weight. Stepping inside the cathedral, tourists see a line of Chinese characters eulogizing the Jesus’ mother, "the innocent and unblemished Virgin Mother", and stained-glass portraits of Vietnamese believers amid Asiatic plants. On the square in front of the cathedral, there is a statue of the Virgin Mother made of white marble, symbolizing peace. All told, it’s an unusual building: a Western architectural and religious style that has been transplanted into, and adapted to, the East. The colonizers were trying to impose French beliefs and customs onto Vietnam but once that culture arrived on Asia’s shores, it took on a life of its own. The cathedral is seen as a unique synthesis, adding an unmistakable Oriental flavour to an ancient Occidental recipe.

Location: Giac Lam Pagoda is located at 118 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: It is one of the city’s oldest pagodas with many Buddha statues made of brass and precious timber.

Giac Lam Pagoda (also known as the Cam Son or Cam Dien Pagoda) was built in 1744, under the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat. Unlike many other local religious structures, it has not been renovated since 1900; the architecture, layout, and ornamentation remain almost unaltered. The scenery around the pagoda is picturesque and many people come here to write or recite poetry.
Standing in the front garden is a shining white statue of the Goddess of Mercy, perched upon a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity. Inside, on either side of the main altar, are statues of Ameda Buddha and Sakyamuni Buddha, along with more representations of the Goddess of Mercy. Giac Lam Pagoda is open from 6 am to 9 pm.

Location: Giac Vien Pagoda is located on Lac Long Quan Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: It has the ancient architecture of the pagodas built in the Nguyen Dynasty of the 19th century, and typical characteristics of the southern area in terms of the architecture, design and arrangement of the worshipping shrines.

In 1798, a monk who was in charge of taking care of the restoration of Giac Lam Pagoda, built a small pavilion for his daily prayers, called Quan Am Cac (Kwan Yin Pavilion). In the third year under king Tu Duc's reign (1850), the pavilion was rebuilt and named Giac Vien Pagoda. When building Dam Sen Tourist Park, the Management Board decided to preserve Giac Vien Pagoda intact and incorporate it into the park, making the park more attractive due to its cultural-historical value.
Giac Vien Pagoda has typical features, of southern Vietnam. The main shrine, also a big hall, is 360m² in area, and used to worship Buddha. To its east and west, there are corridors, a room for the monks to prepare clothing before assisting the Superior Monk, and a large and spacious compartment at the rear. Along the corridors, there are small altars with worshipping items. In particular, there are rows of wooden pillars engraved with parallel sentences. The letters are carved delicately and painted with red lacquer and trimmed with gold. Around them there are decorative designs of leaves and climbing plants. All 153 statues in the pagoda are made of jack wood. The faces and postures of the statues look honest and they are placed low, creating a close feeling between them and the viewers.
The most attractive items are 60 plates, which are engraved on both sides made of jack wood. They are made with gold. The most beautiful plate is engraved with 18 fat, honest and smiling Arhats, with each riding on the back of a buffalo, a cow, a pig, a goat... Some plates are engraved with birds, ducks, fish ... but all looking alive. Other plates are carved with fruits popular in the South, such as coconut, mangos teen, durian, rambutan… These wooden engravings are the only ones that have been kept intact in Vietnam.
The Buddhist spirit of the ancient Viet people, during their migration south, accepted different religious tendencies and sects, on condition that they were useful to society. This is clearly seen through the items preserved at Giac Vien Pagoda. For this reason, Giac Vien Pagoda became a centre for worshipping ceremonies and discussions on Buddhism of the six southern provinces in the 19th century- a prosperous time for buddhist followers and talents whose works remain valuable until today.
Giac Vien Pagoda has been classified by the State as a cultural relic and a mini-museum of wooden engravings of historical and artistic value. For this reason, it attracts a lot of researchers and visitors all year round.

Location: Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum is located on 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum was set up as the result of a decision made by the City’s People's Committee in September 1987, but it was not officially opened until 1991.
On the first and second floors, there are exhibits of works by Vietnamese and foreign artists. On the third floor are rooms with displays of works from between the 7th and early 20th century, including Champa and Oc Eo art work, Vietnamese antiques (ceramics, red-lacquered and gilded products, mother-of-pearl inlaid wood, etc.), traditional handicrafts of the Vietnamese ethnic groups and Western art.

Location: Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre is located on Dong Khoi Street, Ho Chi Minh City, between the Caravelle and Continental Hotels.
Characteristic: With a rotating stage and a 800 - seat hall, the theatre meets the required standards for various artistic forms such as singing, music, dancing and traditional and modern dramas.

Built at the beginning of 1897, under an original architectural design by French architect Ferret Eugene, who won a prize for theatre designing in July 1895, the Municipal Theatre was restored and renewed to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the foundation of Saigon (1698-1998).
The architectural style and staple material of the Municipal Theatre of the old days are reflected in its stone veranda, a pair of white stone statues of pretty girls at the gate, the colourful granite tiled floors, the chandeliers, the bronze statues in front of the stairs, the audience's hall with its arch engraved with decorative designs and rows of statues on the two sides of the theatre.
In the years of the Second World War, France was involved in many battles. In Vietnam the revolutionary high tide shook the colonial regime. The Municipal Theatre was closed and deserted. During the French re-invasion of the South after 1945, the Theatre was restored. When the French invaders withdrew from the South under the Geneva Agreement in 1956, the Ngo Dinh Diem regime turned the theatre into the headquarters of the lower House, therefore the inside and outside structure of the theatre was changed considerably.
Regaining the power after the Spring 1975 Great Victory, the City authorities allowed a temporary repair of the theatre, returning its function to a central theatre. In 1995, a hundred years after the start of the initial building project, a restoration project was approved by the Municipal People's Committee. Many experienced historians and architects were invited to participate in this project. The theatre was renewed with new materials and equipped with state-of-the-art electric appliances, light and sound systems and fire and safety equipment. With a rotating stage and a 800 - seat hall, the theatre meets the required standards for various artistic forms such as singing, music, dancing and traditional and modern dramas. It is a good place for artistic performances by domestic and foreign art ensembles and well - known artists, who visit Ho Chi Minh City.

Location: Ho Chi Minh Museum is located on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: This museum mostly contains pictures and objects relating to President Ho Chi Minh.
The Dragon House Wharf, originally called Nha Rong, is located at the junction of the Ben Nghe Channel and the

Saigon River. It was built in 1863 and served as the office of a French shipping company. From there, Nguyen Tat Thanh, later President Ho Chi Minh, set sail on a French ship named Admiral Latouche Treville in June 1911.
In September 1979, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City chose Nha Rong as the Ho Chi Minh Museum–Dragon House Wharf. The name was taken from the two dragon-shaped symbols on the top of the building. Over time, approximately ten million people, local as well as foreign, have visited the Ho Chi Minh Museum. In addition, events such as artistic festivals and the introduction of new members into the Youth Union and Communist Party have been held in this museum.

Location: Nam Bo Women's Museum is located on No.202 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: The Nam Bo Women's Museum is opened in 1985 as a center for educational and cultural activities,

traditional meetings, scientific seminars and cultural exchanges for women.
This building once belonged to Nguyen Ngoc Loan, Director of the General Police Department under the former Saigon government. In 1984, it was turned into the Traditional House of Nam Bo Women. Later, another four-storey building was added and the whole complex became the Nam Bo Women's Museum.
The 2,000m² display areas of the museum is divided into 10 rooms, each showing the tradition of national construction and defense of Nam Bo Women. A 500-seat meeting hall, a movie theatre, a library and a boutique are also included in the complex. The museum aims to preserve and highlight the fine traditions of women.

Location: Phung Son Pagoda is located at 1408 Duong 3 Thang 2, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: Phung Son Pagoda was established in the early 19th century by Bonze Lieu Thong. Since then, it has undergone two major restorations. Many statues found in the pagoda were created by a group of craftsmen from Sa Dec.
Many years ago, it was decided that it should be moved to a different location. All of the ritual objects were loaded on to the back of a white elephant for transportation. On the way to the new site, the elephant slipped and all of the precious objects fell into a nearby pond. This event was interpreted as a sign that the pagoda should remain at its original location. All of the ritual objects were retrieved, except the bell, which locals say was heard ringing whenever there was a new or full moon up until a century ago.
A number of valuable statues, such as Di Da Tam Ton, Ngu Hien Thuong Ky Thu, a stone statue of Buddha covered with gold leaves, and a ceramic statue of Tieu Dien are also found in the pagoda. The surrounding area is an archaeological site from which many artifacts were excavated, such as a baked earthen head statues and ceramic items belonging to the Oc-Eo culture. The Ministry of Culture has recognized the pagoda as a historical and cultural relic. People pray three times a day from 4 to 5 am, 4 to 5 pm, and 6 to 7 pm.

Location: Revolutionary Museum is located on No.65 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: The Revolutionary Museum used to be enlisted as the Governor of Nam Ky’s residence.

The construction of the museum started in 1885 and was completed in 1890 under the design of French architect Alfred Foulhoux. Following that, the building became the residence of Japanese Governor Minoda. It was also the office of the Nam Bo Provisional Administrative Committee (1945) and of the Republic of France High Commissioner. The building was later reconverted into the residence of the Governor of Nam Ky. Until August 1978, the building was finally turned into the Ho Chi Minh City Revolutionary Museum.
The museum displays items related to the invasion of Vietnam by French colonialists, the founding of the Vietnam Communist Party, the anti-French resistance in Saigon-Gia Dinh (1945 to 1954), the anti-American movement, the national resistance of Saigon-Gia Dinh and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

Location: Thong Nhat Conference Hall is located on No.106 Nguyen Du Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: Thong Nhat Conference Hall, also called Reunification Hall or Presidential Palace, was built in 1865 on the grounds of Norodom Palace as a residence for the French Governor General of Cochinchina.

After 1954, Ngo Dinh Diem and his family lived in the Norodom Palace. In February 1963, a dissident launched an air bombardment and heavily damaged it. Diem rebuilt the palace, which was later replaced by another one, called the Independence Palace. It was designed by Western-trained architect Ngo Viet Thu. The construction was undertaken by Saigon engineers and was completed in 1966.
The five-story building consists of 100 rooms and chambers decorated with the finest modern Vietnamese arts and crafts. The ground floor room has a boat-shaped table that was often used for conferences. Upstairs, a room called Phu Dau Rong was where Nguyen Van Thieu received foreign delegations. The residential quarters are in the back of the building. On the third floor, there is a card-playing room. This floor also possesses a terrace with a heliport where a helicopter is parked. The fourth floor was used for dancing, and even had a casino. The most interesting part of the building is probably the basement containing a network

of tunnels, a telecommunication centre, and a war room.
At 11h30 on 30 April 1975, the palace was overrun by Liberation Army tanks. Duong Van Minh, who was president at that time, together with his 45-member cabinet, surrendered unconditionally. After the liberation of Saigon, the Independence Palace was turned into the Headquarters of the Municipal Military Administrative Committee. In December 1975, the palace welcomed a conference for national reunification. To mark the historical significance of the event, the building was renamed Thong Nhat Conference Hall (Reunification Conference Hall).

Location: Ton Duc Thang Museum is located on No.5 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: The Ton Duc Thang Museum was established on the occasion of the late President Ton Duc Thang's

centennial birthday anniversary (August 20th, 1988).
It was established in the former residence of Tran Thien Khiem, Premier of the Saigon government prior to 1975. The exhibits are a lively reflection of the life and cause of President Ton Duc Thang. The museum has more than 600 items, documents and photos relating to the life of the later president, who is remembered as a great patriot and model fighter. President was the only Vietnamese who participated in the anti-war activities on a French warship on the Black Sea in 1917; these activities supported the success of the world's first proletarian revolution, the Russian October Revolution. He replaced President Ho Chi Minh in 1969.

Location: Tran Hung Dao Temple is at 36 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristics: It was first erected in 1932 as a Buddhist pagoda bearing the name of Van An. In 1958, it was entirely rebuilt, featuring the architecture seen today, forming a T-shape with two-piled up roofs and eight curved corners adorned with dragon and phoenix figures.
It is styled after northern Vietnamese temples and communal houses. Inside, there are many horizontal and vertical lacquered boards, as well as carved and meticulously inlaid incense tables. On the wall, there are pictures of Tran Hung Dao as he chased away Kublai Khan’s Mongol aggressors in the 13th century.
The greatest ceremonies at the temple occur over the New Year and on the 20th day of the eighth lunar month to celebrate Tran Hung Dao. The temple is open daily from 6 to 11am and from 2 to 6 pm.

Location: Van Hanh Monastery is situated near the road between Phu Nhuan and Go Vap Districts.
Characteristic: It includes the imposing Tam Quan (three-entrance gate), the main court hall, Vietnam Buddhism Higher College office, the Institute of Buddhism Research office and the Translation Council of Vietnam Prayer Books office.
Van Hanh Monastery regularly welcomes international Buddhist delegations and other foreign visitors. Devotees from all over the country come to this monastery to celebrate Buddha’s birthday and to take part in preaching sessions.

Location: Vietnam History Museum is located on No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: Through the different exhibits that can be seen, the museum portrays Vietnam’s history from ancient times (approximately 300,000 years ago) up to the 1930s, when Vietnam’s Communist Party was founded.
The History Museum in Ho Chi Minh City was built in 1929 and was called "Musée Blanchard de la Bosse". Until 1956, it was renamed Saigon National Museum, and finally in 1975, after some renovations, the museum was expanded and became the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum.
The museum’s exhibits are divided according to the following topics:

- Rise of the Hung Kings
- Fight for Independence (1st-10th centuries)
- Ly Dynasty (11th-13th centuries)
- Tran Dynasty (13th-14th centuries)
- Le Dynasty (15th-18th centuries)
- Tay Son Dynasty (18th-19th centuries)
- Nguyen Dynasty (19th-middle of the 20th centuries
Other part of the museum displays specific characteristics of the southern area of Vietnam such as the Oc-Eo culture, the ancient culture of the Mekong Delta, Cham art, the Ben Nghe Saigon art, the Vietnamese ethnic minorities, and ancient pottery of various Asian countries.

Location: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is located at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Road, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: The pagoda is noteworthy for its ancient Asian architecture and the seven-storey Kwan-Yin tower.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda was constructed between 1964 and 1971 in the area of 8,000m² following the design of architect Nguyen Ba Lang.
The Kwan-Yin Tower classic style of 35m seven-storey tower with strong Japanese influences was built with the assistance of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association. It is located on the left of the pagoda. This structure is the biggest of the Vietnam Buddhist Association.
A Devotee Relic four-storey Tower (Thap xa loi cong dong) with 25m high was erected behind the pagoda in 1982.

Location: War Remnants Museum is located on Vo Van Tan Street, Ho Chi Minh City.

Characteristic: The War Remnants Museum was established in September 1975 in Ho Chi Minh City. It contains countless artifacts, photographs, and pictures documenting American war crimes.
Such documents illustrate the killing of civilians, spreading of chemicals, torturing of prisoners, and the effects of the war on the north. Planes, tanks, bombs, and helicopters are also on display. Outside the museum are some rooms displaying cultural products of Vietnam. Over the last 20 years, over 6 million visitors entered the museum. Among this number, nearly 1 million were foreign visitors, including American tourists.

Location: Xa Loi Pagoda is situated at 89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: The altar on the first floor, dedicated to Sakyamauni Buddha, is soberly decorated. The Sakyamuni Buddha statue is an excellent work of art made by Le Van Mau in 1954.
Its construction was initiated in August 1956, according to the design of architects Tran Van Duong and Do Ba Vinh. The opening ceremony was held in May 1958. The South Vietnam Association of Buddhist Study built the pagoda to worship the remains of Buddha. The pagoda is open daily from 7 to 11 am and from 2 to 5 pm.

Location: The ecological forest of Can Gio is situated 50km away from downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: With an area of over 70,000 ha, of which 35,000 ha is salt-watered forest, Can Gio has been recognized as a biosphere reserve of the world by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Can Gio has been recognized as a biosphere reserve after evaluation of various aspects, including the people, ecology, environment and biosphere sustainability. Those who visited this place decade ago can hardly recognize it today, due to the countless towering trees and plants that stretch out of sight, and the harmonious biosphere of the coastal mangrove forest. So far nearly 40,000 ha of forest and land have been restored. According to the Can Gio Forest Managing Board, at present more than 600 households with 1,500 people reside in this area. They live on reforestation, forest protection and aquatic production. In the early 1970's, the concept of "Biosphere reserve" was announced with the aim of protecting the species in danger of extinction. The biosphere reserves must preserve the samples of the ecological systems in the world, and work as a laboratory where research and observation of these ecological systems are undertaken. The reserve seeks measures to help the local people benefit from nature.
Before the construction of a 20 km-long road linking Binh Khanh wharf to Can Thanh, which runs along Can Gio to beach April 30, Can Gio was a remote area whose residents lived on catching crabs and mussels. Now it is an interesting eco-tourist site attracting many people from Ho Chi Minh City and other places. The Saigon Tourism Company and Phu Tho Tourism Company have established eco-tours to this area. Visiting Can Gio, you will see crocodiles lying in the swamp and hundreds of monkeys that come from mangrove clumps to the walk-ways of Lam Vien ecological site, to welcome the visitors. They catch sugarcane the visitors give them, and eat them with delight. On holidays, there were averages of 2,000 visitors a day to Can Gio. At peak times there were over 6,000 visitors a day. Visitors could stay at the residential quarter April 30, adjacent to the beach or at Actmang quarter in the 2,100ha Lam Vien area with countless mangrove trees. Quite a few people like to hire hammocks and umbrellas to rest under the canopy of the trees.
In the near future the war zone in the shrub forest, which was home to 800 commando soldiers in wartime, would be restored. It will become a 3,000m² preservation sites with 14 houses-on-stilts, roofed with date palm trunks and water-coconut leaves. When this project is completed, Can Gio will have another traditional tourist site, attracting not only young people, but also those who want to know more about the struggle of the fighters in the shrub forest in the past.
Taking a boat ride on the big Dong Nai and Long Tau Rivers or on the smaller Vam Sac, Dong Thanh and Soai Rap Rivers, which run through Can Gio, visitors will not think that they are visiting a district on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. They seem to be in the watery areas of Ca Mau and Kien Giang, the southernmost area in Vietnam with vast mangrove and cajeput forests. The roots of the mangrove trees on the sides of the river twist with one another then spread out and root deep into the earth. It is these roots that make Can Gio a protective forest safeguarding millions of city dwellers, and an ideal ecological tourist site as well.

Time: The 23rd day of the third lunar month.
Place: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Lady Thien Hau.
Characteristics: The via Ba (her birthday anniversary) ceremony is hold at Thien Hau Pagoda, which is one of the oldest pagodas of the Chinese in Cho Lon. Many Chinese people come to the festival, they make two effigies of Ong Thien (Good God) and Ong Ac (Evil God) with 3m long. At the end of the festival, the effigies are burned for worshipping.

Location: Ben Thanh Market is situated at the intersection of Le Loi Avenue, Ham Nghi Avenue, Tran Hung Dao Avenue and Le Lai Street, 700m south-west of the Rex Hotel.
Characteristics: At first, the market was situated near the Ben Nghe River Dike. After being moved many times, it is now standing in the centre of the city where consumers can conveniently find all sorts of products.

According to Vuong Hong Sen, author of "the book Saigon of the Past", in 1912, the French filled a pond, the Boresse, into a solid foundation of 12,000m² and built a market on it. The market was close to a landing stage (Ben) of the old city (Thanh), hence its name of Ben Thanh. The opening ceremony for the market in March 1914 was a big festive event.
At present, the front of Ben Thanh Market faces Quach Thi Trang Square; its rear faces Le Thanh Ton Street; its right, Phan Chu Trinh Street and its left, Phan Boi Chau Street. At all of its four sides, there are bustling trading shops. Located at the centre of the city, Ben Thanh Market is always loaded with varieties of goods, such as consumer goods, cakes and candies, food and foodstuff, and particularly high-quality fruit and vegetables. Goods are displayed in a very attractive way that always catches the eyes of the buyers. They meet all requirements for the customers' daily life or for their families. The market has four gates that are very convenient for the market-goers. For all of its advantages, Ben Thanh Market is one of the most attractive tourist sites in the city for both domestic and foreign visitors.

Location: Cho Lon is located at Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

In 1788, a group of Chinese from Pho and My Tho Islands came to Ben Nghe River Dike and founded a market which developed into the existent Cholon Market, offering a wide array of products. This is Vietnam’s Chinatown market. It is an attractive site for visitors to observe that lively atmosphere.

Time: From the 10th to the 14th day of the second lunar month.
Place: Ward 7, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Masters of vocational training in the hamlet.
Characteristics: Worshiping ceremony of the ancestor of the work and long for peace ceremony.
Binh Dong Communal House lies on the bank of Ba Tang canal which is one of the two communal houses with the biggest of visitors in the city. The Ky Yen Festival includes: ceremony of worshipping the inventors, memorize the masters of vocational training in the hamlet; ceremony of reciting the Buddhist scriptures for long peace, ceremonies of worshipping god, tien hien, hau hien (sages of former time), who are generations reclain virgin soil, set up the hamlet and built welfare constructions for the hamlet. Boi (tuong) singing for worshipping god.

Time: From the 16th to the 18th day of the first lunar month.
Place: 18 Mai Van Ngoc Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Buddha, gods, talented and righteous men called tien hien and hau hien.
Characteristics: On the first day, it commences with prayers for peace and performances of traditional dance and martial arts, as well as other rites based on southern tradition.
On the second and the third days, worship is held according to northern tradition. At the very end of the festival, there is a nomination of a prince and an evening for geishas, as according to southern tradition.

Time: the 17th day of the second lunar month.
Place: Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: The village's tutelary god, tien hien, hau hien(sages of former time).
Characteristics: The offering must be a living pig. There is no boi (tuong) singing as many other communal houses in the South, because taboo with genies.

Time: From the 30th day of the seventh lunar month to the 1st day of the eighth lunar month.
Place: Le Van Duyet Tomb, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Ta quan Le Van Duyet.
Characteristics: Cau yen ceremony, performance of many people.
This is the biggest festival in the city. It is held on the 30th day of the seventh lunar month, the death anniversary of Le Van Duyet, who was a military dignitary of Nguyen Dynasty, used to be governor of Gia Dinh. During the ceremony of Ta quan's death anniversary, people pray for the safety and the peace of the country, favorable weather, a good crop and happiness. Visitors go on pilgrimage and worship Ta quan, visit his tomb and take part in popular games, enjoy boi singing.

Time: 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
Place: Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Ong Bon, Quan Cong, Quan The Am, Ba Chua Sanh.
Characteristics: Incense-offering ceremony.

Time: The 2nd day of the second lunar month.
Place: 125 Le Loi Street, Ward 3, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Genie of the earth Phuc Duc Chinh Than and many other popular genies.
Characteristics: Bong roi singing, tuong (classical drama) performance.
Ong Dia Temple was built early in the 19th century, honoured in 1852 by King Tu Duc. Every year, the festival is held on the 2nd day of the second lunar month, that is the birth anniversary of the Earth genie Phuc Duc Chinh Than. This festival represents for temple festivals in Ho Chi Minh City and Southern part with the beginning ceremony “giong trong khai trang” beating drum), then followed “moi trau” rite by singing of bong roi, which invites deities to attend the ceremony. A comedy classical drama called “Dia Nang” is performed. Two characters Ong Dia (a genie of the earth) and Nang Tien (a fairy), put together a criticism of the wrong doings of the feudal regime. The festival then concludes with a distribution of gifts.
After that, traditional artists perform dances of mam vang (golden tray), mam bac (silver tray) and do choi (toy game). At the end of the festival is the ceremony of giving gifts.

Time: The 24th day of the sixth lunar month.
Place: 676 - 678 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Quan Cong and many other Chinese gods.
Characteristics: Incense offering ceremony, statue-washing ceremony, unicorn dance, boi singing.

Time: The 25th day of the second lunar month.
Place: Ba Diem Commune, Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Phan Cong Hon who led the people of 18 hamlets of Betel Garden in an attack on the residence of District Chief in 1885.
Characteristics: The death anniversary is held resembling the genie worshipping ceremony.
Every year, on the 25th day of the second lunar month, his kinship and the villagers of Ba Diem Commune organize the anniversary of his death at the temple as the genie worshipping ceremony. There are many people attend the festival to commemorate the hero who sacrificed his life to help the villagers escape from repression and arrestion, bring honour to the tradition of 18 hamlets of Betel Garden.

Time: The 7th to the 9th day of the second lunar month.
Place: Le Chau Congregation, 586 Tran Hung Dao, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: The founder of jewelry.
Characteristics: Ancestor's death anniversary.
The festival includes two rites: the sacrifices - offering ceremony to the ancestor on two first days, and the ceremony of sacrifices - offering to the tien hien, hau hien (sages of former time) on the last day. On the evening of the 7th day, a performance of cai luong (reformed Theatre) is performed by artists and goldsmiths. During the festival, goldsmiths from Ho Chi Minh City and Southern provinces gather to worship ancestor, exchange experiences as well as help each other to develop jewellery trades of the ancestral. Those who could not attend the anniversary may make offering to the ancestors at home, but only after the ancestor's death anniversary that held in Le Chau Congregation.

Time: From the 15th to the 17th day of the eighth lunar month.
Place: Mausoleum of the Water General, Hung Thanh Hamlet, Can Thanh Commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Objects of worship: Ong Fish (The Whale).
Characteristics: The cult of the whale of the fishermen in the coastal areas. Traditional ritual of procession and sacrifice offering.
The festival of welcoming the Lord Whale or the cult of the Lord Whale is popular in many coastal localities from Ngang Pass to Ha Tien, Phu Quoc Island. This constitutes one of the biggest festivals of the fishermen. Different names are given to this festival: the procession of the Whale’s skeleton, the ceremony of praying for fish, the sacrifice offering ceremony dedicated to the Whale, the festival of welcoming the Whale and so on. However it is believed that the Whale is holy sea creatures, the saviour of fishermen and those living in the sea in general. This traditional popular belief has been handed down from generation to generation of fishermen in many localities.
The tomb of the Water General, who King Tu Duc conferred the title of Nam Hai Tuong Quan (The General of the Sea), is the venue for the annual ceremony of the fishermen in Can Gio in remembrance of the Whale.
On the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, many cultural activities take place, stirring up the festive atmosphere.
At about 10 a.m. in the morning of the 16th day of the eighth lunar month, village dignitaries in traditional outfits carry out the procession of the palanquin of Nam Hai Tuong Quan to the sea. The fleet of dragon boats sets out at the Can Gio Wharf in Vung Tau. The fishermen and other people burn incense and present offerings in welcoming the fleet along its way to the sea. The dragon boat welcoming the Water General is accompanied by hundreds of boats of various sizes and decoration. An altar and a tray of offerings are put in the front of the dragon boat. It takes about two hours for the fleet to come back to the departure point. Then a procession of the Water General to his tomb is held. A group of lion and dragon dancers perform to welcome the procession.
The procession follows solemn rites in accordance with traditional rituals. Other cultural and artistic activities also take place inside and outside the Water General’s tomb, even until late into the night.
From 8 a.m to 10 p.m on the 17th day of the eighth lunar month, a ceremony of reading the royal order of promotion of the Water General is held. This ceremony also features religious singing. This ritual also puts an end to the festival.
The festival in the tomb of the Water General is inspired with the sincere wishes of the fishermen for safety in service of their business and their gratitude and honour of the Holy Whale.

Binh Quoi Tourist Village

Location: Binh Quoi Tourist Village is located on the Thanh Da peninsula by the Saigon River, 8km from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: This is the city’s biggest resort with its unique scenery.
There are 55 modern-equipped bedrooms in the village, which nestle under big trees by the river. The village’s restaurant is where big parties can be held and famous grilled dishes and Vietnamese traditional specialties can be found. There are marvellous shows of traditional music in the evening, including “Ky Yen Festival,” “Southern amateur singing on Ghe Hau,” “Traditional Vietnamese Wedding.” Such shows attract a great deal of domestic and overseas tourists. You can also go water-surfing, fishing, swimming, play tennis, and many other kinds of sport. From Binh Quoi, you can boat along the Saigon River to visit the Ben Duoc Underground Tunnel, Lai Thieu Fruit Gardens, and back to the Nha Rong Harbour.

Suoi Tien Tourist Area

Location: Suoi Tien Tourist Area is located in Thu Duc District, northeast of Ho Chi Minh City centre.
Characteristic: It is an entertainment area for local citizens and foreign visitors.
The wild landscape houses many rare species; for example, there are approximately 2,000 crocodiles bred in Crocodile Lake. Another popular attraction is the aquarium where tourists can admire hundreds of fish species and other marine creatures swimming in glass tunnels.

Location: Van Thanh Park is located at 48/10 Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: Van Thanh Park is the entertainment area mostly prized by Ho Chi Minh City citizens.
The park lies on the bank of the Thi Nghe River, a branch of the Saigon River. From the park, there is a view of Vung Tau. At night, Van Thanh Park is filled with music. Festivals, fashion shows, and cast selections are often held in the park.

Location: 03 Hoa Binh St., Ward 3, District 11, HCM City
Tel: (84-8) 963 4963/ 855 4963/ 858 7826
Fax: 9633073
Email: damsenpark@hcm.vnn.vn;
admin@damsenpark.com.vn
Website: www.damsenpark.com.vn
Characteristics: Dam Sen Cultural Park is a center of entertainment attraction for children and teenagers such as Children Amusement Hall, bumper car, Monorail, Animal Circus as well as strongly sensitive games: Roller Coaster, Waterfall jumping, Virtual World Discovery, Standing Ferris Wheel 60 meters height, Heart-taking Swinging…
Dam Sen Cultural Park occupied an area about 40 hectares is one of the largest and the most modern park in the country. It has been built in combination of the two cultures:
- Oriental characteristic: Southern Royal Garden with various kinds of flowers, flowering shrub, bonsai and an enormous orchid garden with numerous styles from all regions of the country.
- European characteristic: On the other side of the lake is European Square that was built with Western architecture that illustrates the distinctive beauty of Rome.
Beside the beauty of nature, Dam Sen Cultural Park is a center of entertainment attraction for children and teenagers such as Children Amusement Hall, bumper car, Monorail, Animal Circus as well as strongly sensitive games: Roller Coaster, Waterfall jumping, Virtual World Discovery, Standing Ferris Wheel 60 meters height, Heart-taking Swinging… Furthermore the Directing Board always pay much attention to the investment of the modern games in the World to reform on site.
There are many magnificent shows such as: Laser show and muvies performance on water screen, submarine hunting water monster, superman eradicating water monster... Many distinctive sight seeing creations: Crocodile Farm, Snake Farm, Water stone musical instrument, the Zoo, Journey to The West, Ice Lantern, Green House for Temperate Climate flowers, Cactus Flower House… Many music shows, Traditional music shows that performed by famous artists and vocalists at many modern stages such as: Fairy Stage, Fountain Music Stage, Oasis Stage, Floating Stage.
Restaurants, food stands, souvenir shops are arranged around the park. In addition, Dam Sen Cultural Park is a place to organize many Festival Events, Cultural Arts Events such as The Hung King Death Anniversary, Tourism Festival, Southern Land Festival, Spring-term Flower Festival.
This is the done thing in Dam Sen Cultural Park, at the end of the year is the time to open the new Ice Sculpture Exhibition with many works bearing the stamp from ancient to modern, diversified cultural from many countries over the world that the excursionists could admire behold. The subject of this exhibition is ancient artistic works of the Ch’ing dynasty in China. Precinct of exhibition has two areas: the area of games mock-up includes tiny train, maze cake, slide, fishbone, tunnel of time. And the area of ancient artistic works of the Ch’ing dynasty in China such as Dragon boat, watch tower gazebo, nine-dragon wall, segments bridge, ancient bell, lantern, Western Tibetan towel,… All of the works are implemented meticulous, lively.
Works will be running in nearly day:
On December 20, 2006 will be opened the Lantern Exhibition of the Most Well-known Brands in Vietnam – 2006. Sixty groups of lanterns exhibition introduce resplendent the well-known brands that it has never had before.
Two new works will serve in Tet Holiday:
Horrible house: with effect of sound, light and compatible sound will make the mysterious and impressive feeling.
Maze house: this is strange and interesting games that attract the excursionists like to discover the secret and adventurous.
Dam Sen – A Wonderful World! This is the place you and your family enjoy the pleasure and happy.

DAM SEN BOWLING CENTER
Address : 03 Hoa Binh St., Ward 3, District 11, HCM City.
Tel : (84-8) 9612099 – 8589926

Belongs to the integated system of Dam Sen Cultural Park, Dam Sen Sport Center, Dam Sen Water Park and Dam Sen Floating Restaurant.
The first floor is the massive Coop Mart supermarket that carries a range a variety of fresh and frozen sea foods, clothes, shoes, etc …The second floor is the bowling game with modern international 32 lanes standard. There are a spacious and comfortable snooker room, fast food booths and a coffee bar where guests can relax and chat with each other at the most soothing moment.

DAM SEN SPORT CENTER
Address : 03 Hoa Binh St., Ward 3, District 11, HCM City.
Tel : (84-8) 8588230 – 8588369

Dam Sen Fitness Center is situated in Dam Sen Cultural Part near the Dam Sen Floating Restaurant, Dam Sen Bowling Center, Dam Sen Supermarket and Dam Sen Water Park.
This is a cool and clean place that is desirable for people to do exercises.Dam Sen Fitness Center has three tennis courses with international standard. Most of the contests both internal district and city wide are organized at there.
Breakfast is also served here, and fresh tasty sea food are served in the evening with reasonable price.
Moreover, there are health services such as: massage, steam, water acupuncture, Jacuzzi, relaxation, beauty salon, and a coffee bar with cable television.
Add : 03 HoaBinh St., Ward 3, District 11, HCM City
Tel : (84-8) 8841193 – 9634963 ; Fax: (84-8) 9633073
Email : damsenpark@hcm.vnn.vn ; admin@damsenpark.com.vn
Website : http://www.damsenpark.com.vn/

Location: Dam Sen Water Park belongs to District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, at the corner of Lac Long Quan and Hoa Binh Streets.

Tel: (84-8) 858 8418; Fax: 858 8419
Email: damsenwaterpark@vnn.vn
Website http://www.damsenwaterpark.com.vn/
www.waterparkrestaurant.com.vn
Characteristic: The park’s infrastructure is divided into 30 parts and features several activities, restaurants, and shows, including a smaller reproduction of the Giac Vien Pagoda, the Thuy Ta floating restaurant, a lake similar to West Lake in Hanoi where one can fish, a puppet show, a bird garden, a water park, a sports center, and the Nam Tu Royal Garden.
Dam Sen Water Park is inside an entertainment, enjoyment, shopping complex, it has 26 types of water entertainment equipment they are unique and a wave pool of surface of 3000m2 under green trees is an joyful entertainment address ideal for your family and you after days of working and studying that are full of stress.
When you arrive at Dam Sen Water Park you feel immediately about a green island in the middle of the city. Breath in

deeply to enjoy the fresh air of romantic nature and you enjoy the waves of up and down as if carressing you. You young people would like to conquer the height? You shall be challenged with strong feeling games such as: high speed Kamikaze of height 19m, or you become Tarzan in the film studio of the games Rope swinging overcome waterfall, as for those of you who love peaceful feeling you can have your body inside the water of the Wandering river floating along the stream of length of 400 meters or really relaxed with Massage Pool in the middle of green nature. And still more interesting games waiting for you to discover and to conquer.
In order to bring to tourist new feelings the past year the Park always invest, upgrading more new games; such as high speed slide Tornado, of height of 20m, length 119 m, Black Thunder slide with sound, and lighting effects that are special unique, Multi Slide with 4 lanes for you and your family to test the talents who is the fastest; Love Storm height 12m with 3 unique turing twisting. Especially in summer of to 2006 the park introduced into operation that is completely new and unique: Twister Space Bowl slide .
When you arrive at the park you really have peace in mind when you participate in the games of the park because

there is always a group of professional rescuers who are ready to support and care for you. Moreover, the park has a system of conters selling fast foods and 400 seats restaurant with nice menus, food attractively repaired ready to serve custumers.
Dam Sen Water Park is the place that brings you joy and new feelings.

Add: 03 Hoa Binh St., Ward 3, District 11, HCM City
Tel: (84 - 8) 858 8418; Fax: 858 8419
Email: damsenwaterpark@vnn.vn
Website: http://www.damsenwaterpark.com.vn/

Location: Ly Nhon commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Tel: (84-8) 8876169/ 8894008
Email: vamsat@phuthotourist.com
Website: http://www.vamsat.com
Characteristics: Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone contains most beautiful forests of Can Gio which is one of the world’s Salt-Marsh biosphere preserve.
Situated between the stream flows of Vam Sat and Long Tau River, Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone contains most beautiful forests of Can Gio which is one of the world’s Salt-Marsh biosphere preserve, sited in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. Historically, this land had been damaged by toxic chemicals that turned the zone into an uninhabited land. Thanks to the hard work of people, the forest has gradually recovered, and its beauty and magnificence feature have been returned.

According to foreign specialists that Can Gio salt-marsh forest is the best recovered, taken care of, protected and managed in Vietnam and in the world. With total area of 75,740 hectares, Can Gio forest is diversified by wide variety of fauna and flora, which is an ideal place for scientific research, ecological tourism and rejuvenation.
Since its establishment in 2000, Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone has created tourist sites based on available natural environment. Bat Swamp is one of tourist points which can win the concern of visitors. The natural scenery is beautiful like a great work of art. Going into the swamp, tourists will see groups of flying foxes hanging themselves behind the foliages of high mangroves. Bats are very sensitive to the environment, so they live only in places that are certainly safe. The most interesting activity in Bat Swamp is crab angling. Giant pincers of crabs with succulent meat will make tourists’ lunch more delicious.
Motorboat will bring tourists to the next tourist point. There is a crocodile farm consisting of 40 crocodiles in Vam Sat Tourist Zone. Tourists come here to observe the living environment and to learn about the habits and manners of how crocodiles hunt for food. There is a unforgettable game named “Cruising while fishing crocodile.” Fishing boat is made of composite plastic with special design and surrounded by high fence of B40 metal grid. Fishers only need to drop their baits and wait for the crocodile to take their baits.
The motorboat takes visitors to central zone for lunch and relaxation. While waiting for their lunch, tourists can check out a unique swimming pool in which they do not have to worry about being drown because the salt concentration in the pool is 10 times higher than that of the ocean. Therefore, a person density is lower than the density of the pool water. Hence, tourists are always afloat on top. They can swim any way that they like, even you can read newspaper while swimming.
After relaxing, tourists will have lunch at Vam Sat’s restaurant. Specialties are mainly made from local available such as shrimps, crabs, fishes, shellfishes,… If there is special request, tourist can have the delicious Mudskippers fish. After all people can take a nap and enjoy cool winds from the river on the swinging hammocks.
Since Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is situated inside the core of the world’s biosphere preserves, the compliance with environment is vital in the strategy of construction and development. Development of Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is always in line with consultancy of specialists, biologists so that no damage can be done to the natural environment.
Thanks to this policy, Vam Sat has successfully constructed a natural bird sanctuary within an area of more than 100 hectares. Taking a view through binoculars from observing station, you can see the birds perching and from time to time flapping their wings as if they were posturing sightseers. The birds build nest, lay eggs, and care for fledglings in summer. Sightseers can use electric boats or, if they prefer, put on dedicated boots adaptable for going on marshes to

start their exploration. A date-palm forest of 100 ha is the fief of those birds. Passing through spiky date-palm clusters, sightseers can see bird’s nests, some of which contain eggs, the other – birdies... When the dark comes, wild birds return in crowds and make a splendid picture of the nature.
To develop the bird sanctuary, forest protectors are using foods to induce birds, including birds listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the World. Besides bird sanctuary, Vam Sat has a preserved zone that protects wild animals like deer, wild pig, python, snake, varan… to help tourists learning more about this special region.
The system of damps for cultivating aquatic products of Vam Sat region is considered most complete and effective one of Can Gio District. This helps forest protectors in both forestation, and water supply controlling to cultivate aquatic products in all seasons. Because of abundant food, the thing that birds come here is very simple to understand. Another vital factor for success or failure in natural conservation is awareness of local people. If environmental resources are exploited in unplanned manner, the ecological system will be eliminated. So, benefits of the people must accompany with environmental protection to create sustainable strength in order to conserve the inherently sensitive ecological area.
Thanks to those accomplishment, in the middle of 2003, the World Tourist Organization (WTO) recognized Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is one of the two sustainable ecological tourist zones of the World in Viet Nam. The Bird Sanctuary and Bat Swamp are approved by the People Committee of Ho Chi Minh City for a conservative zone in Can Gio protective forests in order to reserve and develop the salt-marsh forest ecology zone, conservative biosphere area and to create a place for sightseeing, research and education for both local and foreigners.
Sailing to Vamsat

Traveling to Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Area by sailing is the attracting and interesting new form to the tourists. The journey starts from Bach Dang Wharf in the early morning when Saigon is not yet awake. The tourists could breath in the fresh air and feel satisfied with the sightseeing along the edge of Saigon River. You will be serve food and enjoy the feeling of relaxing. And especially, when you join the Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Area by sailing that you could contemplate sunrise and sunset of the city on the sailing.
Representative Office:
Address: 03 Hoa Binh Str., Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City.
Tel: 963 2760 – Fax: 963 2751.

Address: Ly Nhon commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-8) 8876169/ 8894008
Email: vamsat@phuthotourist.com
Website: http://www.vamsat.com/

Location: Long Thanh My Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, just 20km from downtown.
Characteristic: The 300ha club has two 18-hole golf courses and the Lakeview Villas complex. Vietnam Golf and Country Club is one of the favorite destinations of Vietnamese and foreign golfers.
Occupying 150 ha, the West and East courses, opened in late 1994 and 1997 respectively, impress players with their designs. The West Course follows the Asian tradition of narrow, tree-lined fairways and fast, smooth greens with 12 artificial lakes in a poetic landscape. The East Course features Western-style architecture and offers long, wide fairways with well placed bunkers and water hazards plus challenging, undulating greens.

Many tournaments have been fought out on these lawns. Right after the West Course’s opening, the Asia Professional Golf Tournament took place there in 1995 and 1996.
With the competitions, the club has also received top golfers of many Southeast Asian countries. Overall, the club has welcomed 700,000 players so far. Of them, 500,000 are members.
Both East and West courses have become popular among foreign tourists who come to Vietnam through arranged golf tours. Most of the players have given their thumbs-up to the club’s services and quality. Besides the two courses, the club has 59 luxurious, spacious and well-furnished villas of Western design.
The fresh air, tranquility, safety and world-class facilities surrounded by green grass are certain to enthrall guests. Close to the golf courses, most villas look out to the 12 ha natural Dai Vien Lake. Many senior officers of companies in industrial parks and export processing zones in Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Duong have moved into the Lakeview Villas. The villas are also home to specialists and their families from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong...
All tenants are allowed to use the open-air Sports Club and get discounts when playing golf. In addition, the Vietnam Golf and Country Club has a restaurant, a driving range, a tennis court, a badminton court, boats and a playground area for children.

Location: Ho Chi Minh City Zoo and Botanical Garden is located on No.2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: Ho Chi Minh City Zoo and Botanical Gardens was founded by JB Louis Pierre, a famous French botanist.
Saigoneses like to call the Garden So thu. In Vietnamese it means "the zoological park". Its official name however is the Thao Cam Vien. In Vietnamese "Thao" means "plants and trees" and "Thu" means "animals": indicating that the garden has both plants and animals.
Construction of the garden started in March 1864 and it was opened in May 1865 on a 20ha area. Originally the garden was solely concerned with the growing of some imported industrial plants such as cacao, coffee, vanilla and rubber, as well as collecting exotic animals and birds from tropical Vietnam for zoos in France. The press praised the garden as one of the most beautiful parks in the Far East, second only to the Zoological and Botanical Garden in Singapore. However, from 1942 to 1954, the Japanese and French armies in turn used Thao Cam Vien as their barracks. During these twelve years the cages were damaged and many animals and birds died from lack of care. At this time also, many established old trees were cut down.
Following the Geneva Peace Agreement, the City restored the Thao Cam Vien. For the past twenty years after the country's re-unification in 1975, the garden has expanded its co-operation with many countries and organizations in the world. It has joined the Southeast Asian Zoological Parks Association, it has regular contacts with the Leipzig and Rostock zoos in Germany, it co-operates with the World Wildlife Fund. Through exchange programmed, Vietnamese can now see, for the first time, exotic animals and birds, which they could previously only see in films or books. The garden's staffs spend a lot of time and effort studying their animals and plants. They also make field trips to collect new plants and animals.
The Park forms a green space in the middle of the city. After the main entrance, visitors will find themselves walking between two lines of tall nhac ngua trees. On their left is the History Museum. On their right is the Temple of the Kings Hung, founders of the Vietnamese nation. In the green houses orchids, cacti and bonsai release their fragrances and show their beautiful colours. After visiting the bird and animal cages, the visitors can stop and relax by the lake to enjoy the scene of lotuses, water lilies, schools of carps, anabases and pikes. This is a real blessing in the middle of a busy urban centre.