A far cry from the previous Hello World programs, the Hello World #5: “Việt Nam ơi!” took place between the 3rd and 10th September 2019 in Vietnam, to explore and showcase the beauty of Vietnam to the world.
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Twenty guests from many countries around the world, known as influencers in the travel community, including travel bloggers, photographers and travel editors, got involved in the Hello World #5 program for an unforgettable adventure in a few handpicked destinations throughout the splendid S-shaped land. A particular favourite was the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for the long history of the Cu Chi District and the unique experiences in Can Gio District. Thua Thien Hue Province is home to ancient Hue City and charming Lang Co Beach. The Hello World #5 tour was on a mission to promote the iconic beauty of Vietnam to an international community by showcasing the countries’ diverse culture and organising epic adventures.
DISCOVER BOTH THE MODERN AND ANTIQUITED SIDES TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Ho Chi Minh City has earned a worldwide reputation as a bustling and buzzing metropolis in the eyes of tourists and newcomers. However, for the locals, the hectic city also possesses a quiet and serene beauty imbued with a heroic history.
CENTRAL POST OFFICE
Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, the Hello World #5 guests were completely fascinated when setting foot in Central Post Office for the first time. The beautiful post office was intricately designed with a unique yellow exterior in an ancient architectural style that really stands out against the brilliant Saigon sunshine. A red flag famed with a yellow star flying in the wind and a large clock is prominent features in the middle of the post office. Tourists walking inside the post office were mesmerised by the large domed ceilings, two historical Saigon maps on the two sides of the entrance, old telephone booths and special Saigon postcards.
- Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC
- Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 7am – 7pm | Saturday & Sunday: 8am – 6pm
WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM
Featuring over 2,000 war documents and artefacts, the War Remnants Museum paints a vivid picture for foreign tourists of war crimes, as well as giving them an insight into the heroic years and the sheer courage required to fight for the independence of the Vietnamese army and people.
- Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC
- Phone: (+84) 283 930 5587 – (+84) 283 930 6664
- Opening hours: 7.30am – 6pm
- Price: VND40,000/turn
- Website: http://www.baotangchungtichchientranh.vn
BEN THANH MARKET
When travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, visiting Ben Thanh Market is a must. It is a place where you have the opportunity to enjoy the daily life of the urban people. Taking a meander along with the bustling stalls, the Hello World #5 members really enjoyed the buzzing and colourful space and sampled a variety of items including fresh food, handicrafts, clothing, delicious fruits, junk food and local eateries.
HAO SI WARD
At the heart of the labyrinth of alleyways in Saigon, Hao Si Ward, a 100-year-old alleyway was a must-see destination on the Hello World #5 itinerary. Hao Si Phuong used to be home to the Chinese or Vietnamese-Chinese community. Currently, many Vietnamese people have moved here, creating a unique cultural dynamic. During this part of the trip, the guests were extremely impressed with the peaceful space and the simple lifestyle of residents. The houses located in the old alley form a quiet oasis separated from the hectic sounds of the city.
- Address: 206/17 Tran Hung Đao Street, Ward 11, District 5, HCMC
FINE DINING ON SAIGON RIVER
As dusk fell, the Hello World #5 guests had a superb dinner surrounded by nature on the alluring Saigon River. Floating on the gentle waves, people enjoyed delectable dishes whilst admiring the exotic beauty of Saigon at night. The lights from skyscrapers create a shimmering and fanciful beauty silhouetted against the water. Relishing the cool breeze and the charming natural surroundings, the guests relaxed and enjoyed the musical performances together, creating a happy and unforgettable moment.
- Top Tips: Recommended notable cruises for tourists: Saigon Sensation
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO – ITE HCMC 2019
During the journey, the Hello World #5 guests visited the ITE HCMC 2019 – a prestigious annual travel event. ITE HCMC has established itself as an important international travel exhibition throughout the region. It is a place where travel communities have contributed their responsibility to promote and attract tourists to Vietnam as well as introducing the beauty of Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular to the world. Here, the members visited Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine’s booth and were extremely impressed with the attractive, practical and popular publications that are highly valued by the travel community.
VISIT THE UNDERGROUND WAR TUNNELS IN CU CHI DISTRICT
Located in the north of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels mark the underground battles that brought an inspirational and historical perspective to the Hello World #5 team. From the city centre, tourists can easily travel to Cu Chi District by bus or car. However, the Hello World #5 guests opted for a boat trip along the Saigon River. Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels made the guests surprised and overwhelmed as if they were getting lost in an underground city. The site has 200km of underground tunnels with hospitals, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, working rooms and an intersected system all hidden under the bushes.
- Address: Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, HCMC
- Phone: (+84) 283 794 8830
- Website: www.diadaocuchi.com.vn
DISCOVER CAN GIO DISTRICT – A NEW TRAVEL DESTINATION IN HCMC
Being the only maritime district of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio is an upcoming destination included on the Hello World #5 Vietnam adventure. Surrounded by the sea and the river, Can Gio is like a green island with an extremely diverse and rich ecosystem. In Can Gio District, the Hello World #5 members had the opportunity to take a dip in the cool sea, enjoy the fresh breeze, make friends with mischievous monkeys, enjoy scrumptious seafood and get an insight into the culture and daily life of the locals here.
- Top Tips: Some popular sights in Can Gio include Thanh An Island, Monkey Island, Vam Sat Ecological Tourist Site, 30/4 Beach and Hang Duong Seafood Market.
EXPLORE THE ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE OF HUE CITY
From Ho Chi Minh City, the Hello Word #5 team moved to Hue. The Hue ancient capital is not only extremely attractive with the alluring Perfume River and stunning Truong Tien Bridge but also captivates many travellers because of its royal architecture and unique ancient pagodas.
Hue Imperial Citadel
Hue Imperial Citadel has long been one of the historic monuments and ruins featuring the distinctive architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. From here, the Hello World #5 guests could admire the magnificent and grandeur beauty of the royal artistic architectural structures. For instance, Meridian Gate was oriented to face the stunning Huong River, Thai Hoa Palace is the powerful symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty, the magnificent palaces are the living areas of emperors and the royal family with their imposing temples and shrines. Moreover, tourists can immerse themselves in the natural space filled with charming lakes, colourful gardens and lush green trees.
- Address: Thuan Thanh, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue
- Price: VND150,000/Adult | VND30,000/Child
THIEN MU PAGODA
Among the numerous ancient pagodas in Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda located on the poetic Huong River is the oldest and an imperative cultural feature in the spiritual life of the ancient capital. Climbing the moss-covered stairs, the group reached the seven-storey Phuoc Duyen tower where each floor features one Buddha. The temple was constructed in the style of an ancient palace, with nature as the main influence. Therefore, when visiting here, the Hello World #5 members could feel the peaceful and dreamy ambience of Hue.
- Address: Huong Hoa, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue
TU DUC TOMB
Thanks to its stunningly beautiful architecture existing in harmony with the charming natural scenery, Tu Duc Tomb attracts many international tourists visiting here for the first time. Visitors enjoy wandering around the large park with the crystal-clear lakes, small streams, colourful flowers, pine trees and many birds. The surrounding nature here is considered the inspiration for the tomb’s architectural structure.
- Address: 17/69 Le Ngo Cat, Thuy Xuan, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue
- Price: VND100,000/Adult | VND20,000/Child
KHAI DINH TOMB
On entering the Khai Dinh Tomb, the Hello World #5 guests were mesmerised by its sophisticated and creative beauty formed by a fusion of Eastern and Western culture. The site was built from a wide array of modern imported materials, for instance, Ardoise tiles from France, porcelain and stained glass from China and Japan. The unique architecture of Khai Dinh Tomb is also influenced by many different artistic styles. For instance, the tower-shaped pillars were inspired by the Indian architecture and Buddhist stupas. Its fences are surrounded by crosses or steles framed with octagonal Romanian columns and arches.
- Address: Khai Dinh, Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy, Thua Thien Hue
- Price: VND100,000/Adult | VND20,000/Child
INDULGE IN A DELIGHTFUL RETREAT AT LANG CO BEACH
Hue City is home to a diversity of ancient architectural structures in Thua Thien – Hue Province, but Lang Co Beach boasts a harmonious beauty and lush green nature. Nestled alongside the picture-perfect river, Lang Co Bay is blessed with many magnificent natural surroundings, making it a heavenly destination. Notably, Banyan Tree Lăng Cô Resort is the perfect accommodation for travellers to wholly appreciate the beautiful nature in Lang Co while being filled with nostalgia for Hue through the ancient and modern architecture.
The untouched natural beauty blended perfectly with unparalleled luxury and the state-of-the-art amenities makes the Banyan Tree Lăng Cô the perfect destination. Treat yourself and make a reservation for a luxury escape at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô. The Hello World #5 international guests had an array of unforgettable experiences. Sunrise yoga, followed by a dip in a private infinity pool, a stroll along the private beach and a wander through the lovely gardens to indulge in the fresh breeze and enjoy a round of golf at the high-class golf course. Additionally, the guests were able to embark on a unique culinary journey at four signature restaurants or take a trip to the exclusive spa sanctuary with natural therapies.
- Address: Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province
- Phone: (+84) 234 3695 888
Website: www.banyantree.com/vi/vietnam/lang-co
Hello World #5: Việt Nam ơi! offered the international visitors a new, authentic and closer look at Vietnam and its local people. It is said that the guests are filled with longing for Vietnam’s spectacular untouched nature, the ancient history, the hospitality of the locals and the signature delicacies. Vietnam has gradually become an endless inspiration for their stunning photos and exhilarating stories. What’s more, it is a must-visit tourist destination for travel enthusiasts all over the world.
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