Hanoi or Saigon?
Many people coming to Vietnam on holiday, ask me the same question, “I want to see a big city as well as some of the countryside, which is better Hanoi or Saigon?” It is an almost impossible question to answer, but I will at least attempt to give you some information on which to base your choice.
First, a bit of background information. Hanoi is the capital of the country and is based in the north. It was already the capital of North Vietnam and when the country was reunified in 1975, it got the nod ahead of its southern rival. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, as it is now officially called, is 720 miles south of Hanoi. The former capital of South Vietnam it is by far the largest city in the country, and one of the largest in Asia. It is home to about 12 million people and a staggering 3.4 million motorbikes.
One of many broad tree-lined boulevards in Saigon
Choosing a holiday destination is about, of course, more than just what is available inside the city. The surrounding areas and local hot destinations have to be taken into consideration. In the north you have Sapa and Halong Bay. These are the two biggest attractions in the country, with Halong Bay considered one of the finest destinations anywhere in the world. However, in the south you will find the Mekong Delta and no Vietnam trip can really miss out on seeing one of the world’s truly great rivers.
Saigon, as it is still known by most people, is quite simply one of the greatest cities anywhere. It is a huge sprawling city with a mixture of architectural styles that is very easy on the eye. Ancient Asian structures, fabulous French Colonial buildings and ultra modern glass towers, all rub shoulders here, in a riot of design. That it all works is something of a miracle, but work it does. The broad sweeping, tree-lined boulevards and the many parks, bring space and give the city its lungs.
Hanoi on the other hand, is smaller, quieter and not so dramatic. Of course the same three types of architecture are present, but the buildings are not quite so imposing and iconic. St. Joseph’s Cathedral is all very fine and much loved, but compared to the Notre Dame Basilica in Saigon, there really is no contest. Whilst the two highest glass towers in the country, The Landmark 72 and the soon to be completed Lotte Centre are found in Hanoi, the boldest and most iconic one, the Bitexco Financial Tower, is in Saigon.
The iconic Bitexco Financial Tower in Saigon
For culture and entertainment, most people head, in Saigon, to District One. There are many bars, restaurants, stores and cinemas. Everything you would want for a great night out. But Hanoi does it with more style. The Old Quarter is a fabulous maze of small streets with incredible restaurants and bars lending an almost Mediterranean feel to an evening out. However, if it’s shopping you want, then head to Saigon, the fashion stores here rival Paris or Milan.
A view of the old district in Hanoi.
So what is it to be, Hanoi or Saigon? There really is only one solution. Take a longer break and do both!
Keith Hancock is a singer/songwriter and writer based in Saigon, Vietnam. He has lived in Asia for more than 5 years and travels throughout the continent researching and writing. He owns and writes for Saigon Districts, an informative website about life in Vietnam’s largest city, aimed at the expat community. Keith is one of only two DIAMOND STATUS rated writers on Ezine articles in the whole of Indochina He has had work published in magazines and websites in the UK, Europe, USA, Australia and Asia. His great loves are music and travel, but he writes on a whole range of subjects.
The 5 Most Underrated European Cities
Europe might be the most popular continent for tourism with amazing beaches, cultures, cuisines, languages and of course cities. The most common cities visited by tourists, including: Rome, Athens, Paris, Barcelona, and other popular places, hold true beauty and a music in the air that no one can resist. But, behind these well-known wonders, there are cities that do not shine as brightly. It’s a shame, because these urban centers hold mysteries and a magic of their own that are dying to be revealed. The list below will enlighten individuals to the 5 most underrated European cities that truly need to have their voices heard!
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is dotted with astounding castles, with crumbling stones, that announce their age and endurance throughout time. Inside the walls, history replays the stories of the royals and their scandalous affairs. The air of this historical city rings with the clash of swords from the feuds between the clans. The stories of Edinburgh date back to the Celtic rituals and Christian fathers. The city is now bustling with thick-accented locals; yet, needs tourists who are interested in understanding one of the most mystical and romantic cultures known to man.
2. Bucharest, Romania
Who could resist visiting a city that the real life Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, called home? Capital of Romania, Bucharest came into existence in 1459 and since then has grown into a beautiful city with elegant architecture. The wide tree lined boulevards of this city earned its name as the “Little Paris” for its grandeur. You can’t visit this city without going to see the towering Arch of Triumph and the stunning Cantacuzino Palace that were both built in the early 1900s. Bucharest is definitely a fun place for a city break with its unique food, culture and awesome nightlife.
3. Oslo, Norway
Oslo was founded by King Harald Hardrade and became the capital of Norway in 1300 AD. Tourists can enjoy a tour through the Royal Palace or take stroll through the medieval castle, Akershus. The numerous parks and museums tell stories of Oslo’s interesting past. The devastating fire of 1624 left ruins for tourists to visit and lands that were turned into farms. Unfortunately, the fire ruined most of medieval Oslo; however, you can research the history and see it displayed in their museums and enjoy the beautiful modern city that emerged from the ashes.
4. Tallinn, Estonia
This beautiful capital of Estonia lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. The first fortress ever built was in 1050; however, it is believed that this city dates much farther back. The city has many wounded memories from World War 2 when the Soviets bombed it extensively in order to regain it from the Nazi Germans. Today, with its towering glassy buildings, its 400,000 residents have made it a charming and rustic town. Tallinn has some of the most beautiful cathedrals found in Europe. Visiting inside them will take you back to a simpler time that was uprooted by devastating war.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a prominent tourist town with its glistening clear blue beaches. The beauty of its essence has had it nicknamed as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” When visitors come to this stunning place, they must visit the most beautiful church possibly ever built, the Church of St. Ignatius. The artwork can take anyone’s breath away, instantly. With its beaches and a multitude of synagogues, this tourist town is incredibly humble and the perfect place for a comforting vacation.
Top Reasons to Visit Spain
There are plenty of top reasons to visit Spain. And if you just consider how colorful and long-standing its history is, you’d be convinced of its worth as a tourist destination. Tourism in Spain developed around the 1960’s and 1970’s. And back then, the country was herald as a great summer vacation spot. Today, it presents an array of alternative tourism significance, which attracts as many as 53 million visitors per year (allowing it to earn a whopping $53 billion tourism direct GDP. Spain is essentially a Mediterranean country that is run by a constitutional monarchy. And it was among the countries the nations that pioneered in world exploration, thereby making it a very influential force as far as culture and religion goes.
Many of the tourist attractions in other countries, especially the Caribbean and Pacific involve remnants of Spanish architecture, which are often represented by town halls, forts, churches and old houses. The top reasons to visit Spain are no different. And here, folks can actually appreciate a more sophisticated depiction of its artistic side with landmarks like the Palacio de la Diputacion in Bilbao, Cathedral of Seville in Seville, Fort Sebastian and Santa Catalina in Cadiz, and the Old City of Cordoba. El Escorial is among the most interesting places to visit in the nation’s capital as it was once the center of the Spanish Empire. And in this vicinity, people will get to appreciate multiple facets of Spanish construction. Also known as the Monastery or Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de (El) Escorial, this massive building functioned as a religious sanctuary, royal palace, museum and school. It is a complex made up of a number of well-designed buildings, influenced by 16th and 17th century aesthetics. And it is surrounded by a vast woodland area, which served as the royal family’s hunting grounds. It was inaugurated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and currently attracts as much as 500,000 guests. And the best part about it is that it’s only 45 kilometers away from other highlights located in Madrid.
If you are interested in more nature-centric destinations, you could schedule a trip to Almeria, where you could indulge in local picturesque natural beaches. As mentioned earlier, one of the top reasons to visit Spain has always been its summer getaways. And Almeria has the best lineup in the world. Las Salinas and La Almadrava de Monteleva are among the undisturbed coastlines it affords people. And as an alternative, Valencia also has a nice beach waiting for foreigners to try out. More commercialized strands are found in Coastal Blanca, Brava and del Sol. And if you are particularly fond of pairing water-sports with that of party facilities, Ibiza and Mallorca are definitely some of the places you should include in your itinerary. If you want to read some more about these places, check out reviews from On The Beach.
Sierra Nevada is another one of the top reasons to visit Spain that is serving ecotourism interests. But unlike the previous, this mountain range in Andalucia offers guests more rugged outdoor experiences, from hiking to climbing, canyoning, paragliding and skiing during the winter. Tenerife is an overseas territory of Spain that also serves tourists the same set of activities, but pairing it up with spectacular beaches and a lively nightlife, making it the ultimate holiday retreat.
A guide to dressing for the different conditions on the Inca Trail
Although the Inca Trail in Peru isn’t a particularly long trek (typically it takes four days to complete), you’ll experience varied conditions along the route. This means you need to be well prepared for your hike and make sure you pack appropriately.
We’re going to give you a brief rundown of the different weather you’re likely to encounter while on the Inca Trail, as well as make packing recommendations. If you’d like to know more about what you’ll see along the way, check out Walks Worldwide for detailed itineraries.
Weather on the Inca Trail
The main season for trekking the Inca Trail is from April to October, as these are the driest months. It’s still possible to hike during November and December, but these tend to be wetter and also warmer.
Even if you travel between April and October, you shouldn’t expect the rain to hold off – it is not uncommon to encounter wet weather at any time of the year in the Andes, so make sure you’ve got waterproofs in your luggage.
One of the other important things to remember is that temperatures vary widely between the day and night. Once the sun goes down the temperature can drop to below freezing, while during the day it can be warm and humid. This means you need to be prepared for a variety of conditions.
Essential items to pack
No matter where in the world you are trekking, one of the most important things to have is a pair of comfortable, well worn hiking boots. Knowing that your shoes won’t give you blisters or cause you pain when you’re walking for long hours over the course of several days is a godsend.
Of course, it never hurts to take blister plasters in your daypack just in case, but wearing shoes that fit you and that you’ve hiked in before is the most important thing. Thick, good quality walking socks are another item you’ll want to bring. It’s worth taking spare pairs with you in case your feet get wet and you need to change your socks.
Waterproofs are another essential – a poncho that you can throw on quickly if you get caught in an unexpected downpour is a good addition to your daypack, while taking a breathable waterproof coat is also a sensible idea.
In terms of clothes, the key is layers to allow you to effectively regulate your temperature. Peru has some of the most variable weather in South America. Choose garments in a moisture-wicking fabric to wear against your skin and pack thermals for the evenings. Gloves, scarves and hats are other things you should take – you’ll be glad for them when you’re crossing Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the trek.
Mosquito repellent, rehydration salts, hand sanitiser and wet wipes are just a few of the other things you should have with you at all times.
A word about packing
Although you need enough clothes to keep you dry and warm on your trek, remember that it only lasts for four days. You will be limited to taking 8 kg worth of luggage with you, as this prevents the porters from being overloaded.
If you have more gear than this, you can usually leave the things you don’t need at your hotel in Cusco and collect them once you’ve completed the hike. As an extra precaution from the rain, pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your main backpack to help prevent them from becoming damp.
Welcome to Home Town Travel Guides.com , your source for travel guides written by locals and those who've been there and done that! ~Jeremy