Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels by Waterway

The Cu Chi Tunnels is a favorite tourist site for many international travelers. I have been few times, and each time, I return with a new story, discover a lesser known point of interest, and find a new way to experience the Saigon River and Cu Chi via its waterways.

One of Vietnam's most famous war memorials the, Cu Chi Tunnels is where visitors come to experience what life was like for revolutionary soldiers fighting in the jungle. The tunnels allowed the Vietnamese guerillas to control a large rural area only 30 to 40km from the former Sài gòn. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from the economic hub to the Cambodian border.

All travelers go by road to Cu Chi, we will take a half day excursion by waterway to the famous tunnels, which stretched for over 200 km and became legendary during the 1960s when they played a vital part in the American War.

My friend Nhan and I had trouble deciding between a morning and afternoon trip, but we opted finally to take the tour in the morning. At 8 am, we joined 8 people with our tour guide on the waterway journey from Bach Dang Pier in HCM City to the Cu Chi Tunnels on Sunday.

The new way to visit the tunnels is very convenient, taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Ho Chi Minh City, with NO traffic jams! You can admire the perspective of the HCMC skyline as you cruise upstream on the new yacht.
  
Binh Duong Province is on the right hand side and Ho Chi Minh City on the left as we cruise up the frontier and I am always amazed that just a few minutes from Bustling Saigon, there lies a peaceful countryside and amazing life in the world of water. That is why I understand why Vietnam is the country of “Dat Nuoc” (land and water).
 
The yacht cruise is a new development on Saigon River, as local business seeks to develop new products to attract travelers to HCMC and encourage them to stay longer. Our yacht was new and comfortable, and had an on board toilet. The uniformed captain welcomed us on board with a smile, and we had a safe feeling on our river adventure. Our guide Chung was a friendly young lady (like most Vietnamese women), and she served us fresh water and fruits. With her excellent English, she guided everyone through the safety regulations and overview of the trip.

We were also informed that the favorite trips are Saigon – My Tho and Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, and Saigon to the Can Gio biosphere and to Cu Chi Tunnels. Other tours include cruises from Saigon to Siem Reap, Cambodia or you may go the reverse way.

Chung explained that many businessmen prefer the privacy of the cruise, as well as a sunset cocktail or dinner aboard ship.

After some conversations with the tour guide and tour members, we arrived at the Ben Dinh Pier near the Cu Chi Tunnels. Then we stepped into a jungle of banyan trees and took a short walk to the iron triangle of Cu Chi. We had plenty of time to explore the tunnel system and watch a video about them, which included commentary from former soldiers to help visitors better understand the history.

There are two sections of tunnels to open visitors, at Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh. The latter are in original condition, while the Ben Duoc tunnels have been recreated for tourists and visitors. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens. Also, an impressive temple was built to honor martyrs at Ben Duoc.

Upon request, travelers can meet living Viet Cong veterans, many of whom are ready and willing to tell their stories to the world. Yet on the surface, Cu Chi is like every other rural district in Vietnam. Women chat over mounds of vegetables at the local market. Young men lounge in the dusty open fronted restaurant.

Today, it is hard to believe that this area, part of which is just 30 km far from downtown Ho Chi Minh city, occupies some of the most heavily bombed land in the history of warfare. This area was a “free bombing” zone, which allowed the US army to bomb at any time and anywhere they suspected enemy activity.

The secret of the Cu Chi lies underground. Beginning in the late 1940s, resistance fighters dug a series of tunnels into the rust colored earth of Cu Chi to allow them to evade French army patrols. The old tunnel network was renewed and enlarged when the National Liberation Front (NLF) insurgency began around 1960.

Within a few years, the tunnel system became the lifeline of NLF operations, snaking all the way from Saigon to the Cambodia border. The attacks that rocked the southern Vietnamese Capital during the Tet Offensive were launched from Cu Chi.

In a bid to break local community ties with NLF forces, the southern regime launched its strategic hamlets program in 1963. Government forces destroyed villages in suspected pro communist areas, and relocated the people to their controlled, fortified
encampments.

Instead of isolating the people from NLF influences, the program had the opposite effect, strengthening sympathy for the communists. Thanks to the tunnels, the NLF had access to the strategic hamlets anyway. To try to regain control of the Iron Triangle, as the region was known, the Americans built a larger base camp at Cu Chi.

Only after several months of unexplained sniper attacks did they discover that their camps lay directly on the top of an intricate network of NLF tunnels. Thousands of Americans, Australians and southern Vietnamese ground troops descended on the Iron Triangle to try and seize control of this strategic area.

Unable to find the tunnels, they decided instead to try and cut off the NLF supply routes. They eradicated and burned villages and destroyed paddy fields. This area was doused with chemicals and set ablaze with napalm. Yet despite the devastation above ground, many NFL fighters survived, tucked away deep inside their earth fortress.

“Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels was a memorable experience. In the pouring rain, we walked around the site where battles were fought and so many lives were lost.
Venturing into the claustrophobic dark tunnels was something I will never
forget.” a tour member told to me after the trip.

“It was the blind leading the blind into the darkness of those narrow tunnels, relying on the feel of the walls as we were hunched over double. Ten minutes underground
felt like much, much longer. It was a relief to come back to ground level, but
also gave me a huge sense of appreciation for the amazing survival techniques
that the Vietnamese used in this dark period of their history.”

Malcolm and Fran Surman, working for the UK Embassy in Bangkok said “Of all the wonderful places that we were taken to I think that Cu Chi tunnels made the greatest impact as we came to realize the awful conditions that were endured by those who want their freedom.”

Also as part of the tour, we arrived at Bach Dang, in time for lunch, and we walked to the impressive bonsai garden (Vuon Kieng) on the bank of Saigon River.

As all the tourists headed back to the city and their next adventure, they all agreed that a tour of this area is a “must do” for anyone visiting Vietnam. We are happy to help others experience this unique destination.


This article is copywrited and provided by Mr. Pham Ha who is an award-winning CEO and founder of Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravels.asia), the first luxury travel and tour operator in the Mekong region. He is also a travel guru, tourism speaker, travel writer, consultant and a leading designer of luxury tourism industry training programs.

Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards including the most recent The Guide Awards 2013: “ The Leading Specialist in The Art of Travel With Luxurious and Private Service”

The uber-luxurious Aman Resort in Vietnam

The beach town of Nha Trang is popular beach heaven for holidaymakers, and now you head north (1.5hour from Cam Ranh Airport) to Vinh Hy Bay for the new Amanoi, the latest property by the uber-luxurious Aman Resorts.

Tucked away in a national park, Amanoi--opened in September 2013 --sprawls within 100 acres of the lush and vibrant landscape, comprising hilltops, coastlines and a very private beach. In this tranquil oasis, the air is fresh, breathtaking views abound and the feeling of being far from home is ever present.

The resort's design feels more like a gracious, private residence rather than a hotel. Staff is personable (and treats you like a house guest), centuries-old antiques and contemporary furnishings adorn public spaces and the 31 individual guest pavilions and five villas are strategically set throughout the forest, ensuring plenty of privacy and space.

All pavilions are equipped with king-size bed, sofa, writing desk, LCD TV, wireless Internet and sound-docking systems.

Bathrooms feature stand-alone bathtubs with separate rain showers and priceless views of the bay or forestry through floor-to-ceiling windows. Most pavilions also include a large, private timber deck with pool and sun beds.

The 20,000-square-foot spa is situated next to a calming, lotus-filled lake anchored by a yoga pavilion, and the fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, in addition to a Pilates studio.

Some guests, however, just want to unwind, and the perfect setting is the Beach Club, comprising an outdoor restaurant, an infinity pool and a stretch of white-sand beach flanked by million-year-old rock formations.

The turquoise water shimmers, and guests have the option to snorkel, kayak or take out a Hobie Cat.

There's also an outdoor pool by the Main Pavilion, with a restaurant serving Vietnamese and Western fare.

http://www.amanresorts.com/amanoi/resort.aspx

05 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84.4.3927 4120, 6273 3071 or 6273 3087 Ext 108 

Fax: +84.4.3927 4118  Cellphone : +84.912303096

Skype: phamhaluxurytravel  YM: phamhaluxurytravel

Email: phamha@luxurytravelvietnam.com    

Websites: www.luxurytravels.asia   

International Trading Name in English: LUXURY TRAVEL CO., LTD.

Company Name in Vietnamese: CTy TNHH Du Lịch Sang Trọng Việt Nam

A Member of VECOM, VITA, VNAT, ASTA, PATA

Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards including the most recent The Guide Awards 2013: “ The Leading Specialist in The Art of Travel With Luxurious and Private Service”

Jet Airways signs codeshare agreement with Garuda Indonesia

SINGAPORE - Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, and Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier of Indonesia, announced the signing of a codeshare agreement, open for sale for travel effective 4th October 2013.

Under the codeshare arrangement Jet Airways will place its marketing code on Garuda Indonesia’s flights between Singapore and Jakarta. In turn, Garuda will place its marketing code on Jet Airways’ operations between Singapore and Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The codeshare will provide more choice for customers between India and Indonesia, by offering seamless and convenient connections over the international gateway of Singapore.

Furthermore, both carriers announced the launch of a full-fledged frequent flyer partnership. With this, Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege and Garuda Indonesia’s Frequent Flyer members will enjoy the benefit of frequent flyer mileage accrual and redemption on not only the codeshare routes but the entire network of Garuda Indonesia across Indonesia and beyond as well as Jet Airways' unmatched pan-India domestic and international networks.

According to Mr. Sudheer Raghavan, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways, “We are delighted to announce a code share partnership with Garuda. Indonesia is a popular tourist destination for Indian travellers and a strategic trade and investment partner for India. With the seamless connections offered by this arrangement, we are confident that this codeshare will see a further increase in demand for business and leisure travel between India and Indonesia.”

Erik Meijer, Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales of Garuda Indonesia, said, "We are pleased to have the codeshare partnership with Jet Airways as it will further strengthen the global network of both airlines and provide increased benefits to all our passengers. Through this agreement, Garuda Indonesia will be able to extend its service to India, and further enhance the SkyTeam alliance network globally -in which we will be a full member in March 2014-, while Jet Airways will provide more convenient connections for their passengers to Indonesia."

Garuda takes delivery of A330s

September 30, 2013 Asia, Aviation News, Top Stories

Garuda Indonesia has begun to take delivery of its new Airbus A330 aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation efforts.

Indonesia’s national carrier placed an order for 18 new A330-300s and the first of these aircraft, powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, have now arrived.

The new aircraft form a major element in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme.

“The A330 has been a key element in the success of Garuda Indonesia,” Garuda Indonesia president and chief executive Emirsyah Satar said.

“It remains one of the most efficient aircraft types on the market today and is a firm favourite with our passengers, offering the highest levels of in-flight comfort.”

The A330-300s feature a two class premium layout, including 36 full flat beds in Business Class.

Garuda Indonesia will operate the aircraft from its hubs in Jakarta and Denpasar (Bali) to destinations across Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific.

Source = ETB News: P.T.

Another Traveller finds the Wonders of Albania with Past and Present Journeys of Albania.

www.pastandpresent.al

Just a quick note to thank you very much indeed for putting together such a great itinerary – I really enjoyed the trip to Albania & got a lot out of it.

The flights out were straightforward with Austrian Airlines behaving themselves – but then I had plenty of time in Vienna for my connection.  The flights back with Lufthansa were also fine.

I was met in Tirana by the hugely enthusiastic Gentian – who had spent 6 years living in Bedford, of all places – and we then drove into Tirana & had a tour of the city.  The hotel Vila Alba was nice & friendly – quiet, too, for such a central location.  Breakfast on the 6^th floor terrace in bright sunshine was an absolute treat.

The visit to Ohrid was really interesting – we saw 7 old Zastavas – I mean the really old ones based on the Fiat 600 – that in addition to all the usual Zastavas & other old cars – Macedonia seems to be a haven for old vehicles.  Yes – I know I didn’t go to see old cars.  That was a bonus J

Korça seemed really interesting & it would have been nice to have had some free time in Korça to wander around the city – the itinerary had us arriving at 16.30 but with so much to pack in during the day it is hard to see how that could have been achieved – and as it was we saw the old & new cathedrals & the icon museum the next morning………

Gjirokaster is just a gem of a place & I appreciated having 2 nights in one town – the stop in Sarandë was quite fun & reminded me of my visit to Yalta last year that your colleague Christina put together for me as part of a brilliant trip to Moldova & southern Ukraine – and, of course, Berat is fabulous.

The above completely ignores all the fantastic scenery, the castles & churches – the excellent food & good beer – and generally getting a feel for a country I knew nothing about.  A good example of this is that Edi Rama was being inaugurated the weekend I arrived – I was oblivious to the June elections so had no idea that there was a new prime minister – the OSCE report on the election makes interesting reading………..

The hotels throughout were great; the itinerary worked well; the local guides were good and Past & Present were very good & efficient – overall a great holiday – so thank you very much indeed!

And if any of your future clients need persuading that Albania is great place for a holiday – well, a country that has such friendly people; good food & beer (wines were ok, too); good hotels; great scenery; endless history (if a bit confusing at times) & monuments – plus the “singing trees” in Tirana & Berat (maybe other cities, too) – how could you not go?

Best wishes,

Barnaby

Unspoilt Albania’s beautifully slow reveal

Amy Hughes

“We sit on the border of East and West, but we’re always looking west,” says Dritan Xhengo, who established Past and Present Journeys ten years ago, to introduce tourists to his native Albania.

For decades, this small country, on the western side of the Balkan Peninsula, surrounded, on one side by sea, and the other by Slavic dictatorships, was shut off completely to the outside world.

Food was rationed as recently as the early 1990s, until Albania finally became free and independent in 1992.

From 1961-67, Albania’s borders were fenced in, with no one going in and no one going out.

The beauty in simplicity … Saranda Beach

Even the beautiful southern beaches were off-limits to Albanians for their close proximity to the Greek border, just 1 km away, by sea. But, with the lifting of those restrictions twenty years ago, Albania has become a destination on the rise. In 2014 it will join the list of countries hoping to be considered for EU membership.

But for the intrepid traveller who prefers beating a new path rather than following one, Albania offers some of Europe’s last undiscovered beaches, as well as surprising culinary appeal.

We begin our week-long tour from the Greek island of Corfu, just a 30-minute ferry (on a fast boat), from the Albanian port of Sarande.

Our primary interest is the coastline, with a bit of culture and cuisine mixed in.

Regular flights to Tirana make a northern Balkan tour of neighbouring Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzogovina and Croatia all accessible by car.

Our first lunch is just near the port, where we feast on fresh oysters caught hours before, in the Ionian Sea, washed down with white wine as crisp and clean as a green apple, from Albanian’s biggest vineyard, Cobo, in Berat.

Small production limits the export market, and it’s hard to source the wine even a few hours away; our first glimpse of the very regional nature of Albanian food.

A local chef prepares a multi-course, formal meal using only local products – black olives from an orchard just 10 miles away for a paste on thick country bread, and kiwis from the kitchen’s garden macerated, then lightly dosed with champagne and topped with a small dollop of vanilla cream for a chilled puree I’d love to eat again and again.

Wandering around Sarande after lunch, we take in the ruins of an ancient synagogue, home to Albania’s Jewish community.

The country has the unique and admirable distinction of being the only European country to save all of its Jews from deportation during the Holocaust.

Albanian Prime Minister Mehdi Frasheri struck a deal with the Nazi’s who came here en route to Greece, to protect its Jews, part of the long-standing Albanian tradition to treat guests better than yourself, and ensure their safety.

Frasheri instructed all Albanians to take in any Jewish children at risk and treat them like their own.

By nightfall, we reach the hilltop town of Gjirokaster, heading northeast, towards Tirana.

Hotel Kalemi … Gjirokaster

The UNESCO world heritage site is known for its stone once sourced locally, now a precious commodity.

The Hotel Kalemi, with its traditional decor of stone archways and carved wood ceilings commands views of the valley below.

Whereas lunch was sophisticated, European-style seafood, dinner in the mountains is warm, homey comfort food.

Two different kinds of “meatballs” are the lightest I’ve ever tasted, absent of any sauce, simply seasoned with local herbs.

Architectural and political buffs will relish walking through the Ottoman-style homes and the former residence of Communist leader Enver Hoxha is now an ethnographic museum.

The drive to Tirana is three hours, the roads filled with crazy drivers, making Dritan all the more valuable.

We find Tirana’s only fresh seafood restaurant at the fish market, where the proximity to Bari and other Italian ports is present.

Here, the bread tastes home-made and crusty; the pasta is al dente, served with fruit de mer, perfectly coated in a light tomato sauce.

Skenderberg Statue … Tirana

Tirana, with its wide, quiet boulevards, and massive, squatty, Communist-era buildings is a fascinating view to the past and the present.

Bicycles for rent and entire, dedicated cycle lanes are a great way to explore the city.

Our boutique hotel, the Sokrat is well-situated on the “block,” the area open only to government officials until 1991.

It has become Tirana’s trendiest spot, filled with outdoor cafes, bars and boutiques.

For serious foodies in the know, the Sokrat also serves a breakfast of an Albanian-style “cronut” – a very lightly sugared croissant, filled with either apricot jam (my favourite) or custard.

We forgo the National Museum for the National Arts Gallery, another homage to the Communist era, when “bigger is better” was the dominant design theme.

We are the only visitors on a Saturday afternoon, wandering several rooms of the popular Social Realist style of the 1960s.

Much of the work is highly competent, demonstrating the government’s emphasis on artistic education.

The Sheraton Hotel already exists in Tirana, and will be joined by a Hilton later this year, the first one in the Balkans.

Sofitel is soon to follow.

If multinational hotels are anything to go by, Tirana is moving up in the world.

From Tirana, we make a loop, heading back down south, via a 13th century monastery in Ardenica.

Its frescoes rival those found in Florence.

As we wind down through the seaside town of Vlore, known for its fresh seafood, the wide, four-lane roads and pastel-coloured apartment buildings leading to the sea, are reminiscent of Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

We pass through a short tunnel, and the water turns from the sapphire Adriatic to the turquoise Ionian Sea.

The White Seagull sits on the edge of a white pebble beach in Palasa, with views of the water, and the mountains as a backdrop.

Warm, toasted bread is served with a fresh tomato salsa (think bruschetta), and a mild, white cheese and yogurt spread with hints of mint that’s so local we’re unable to satisfy future cravings for it.

Small fillets of tender white fish are delicately laced with lemon peel, and octopus carpaccio is drizzled in Albanian olive oil.

We could be anywhere in the Med, except we’d be paying at least twice as much.

Sunsets to die for … Ksamili Beach

A small, Caribbean-looking cove, with pebbles and pale turquoise water makes up Llamani Beach with its handful of cool, chilled out restaurants and lounges lining the small inlet.

It’s one of many alluring stops en route to Albania’s famous beach area, Ksamil.

We’re expecting simple food, but are surprised and delighted by a vegetable risotto so good the chef must have been schooled by an Italian nonna.

The tres leches is light and creamy, consistent with the Albanian habit of serving European desserts.

Creme caramel, tres leches and panna cotta all feature heavily.

Ksamil is famous for its well-photographed white, sandy beaches and clear, azure water.

There are no resorts in Albania, and the beach is no exception; no luxury, and little tourism infrastructure outside of basic, small, family owned hotels.

In return, our reward is a balcony where we have breakfast staring out at the sea, and spend quiet nights viewing paintings in the sky as a streaky sun smudges oranges and pinks before setting.

Each sunset is more beautiful than the last.

A small island beach is accessible by boat, or an exhilarating 700 metre swim, which isn’t as far as it sounds.

The water is safe, still and shallow and a few tiki umbrellas at the front of the island offer seclusion.

Around the back of the island, the Lion Club pumps up the volume with bass-thumping beats and a beach bar.

Ksamil, and Albania, in general, is a great place for single travellers, couples and families to take an adventurous tour through a developing nation.

Past and Present Journeys specialises in bespoke, niche tours, sending PhD’s on archaeological excursions with tourists who want a more academic insight, and political tours can be arranged to include thoughtful meals with former ministers and Balkan political analysts.

Treks, kayaking, rafting and horse-back riding are popular in the Albanian Alps, and Korce in the southeast, holds a weekly foodie festival gathering local chefs to prepare a multi-course meal together.

Sea swimming and souvlakis … Corfu

We opted for tranquillity by the sea, but more than one Albanian sign instructed, “Less clothes, more music,” and there are plenty of party beaches for a mini-Ibiza.

Our transit in Corfu only added to our trip, offering a few hours to compare the lovely, yet highly developed Greek island with unspoilt Albania.

There’s a fortress in Corfu town, access to sea swimming just below the old town, and plenty of good souvlaki.

For those hoping to uncover one Europe’s few remaining island paradises, as well as a bounty of culture and history, Albania’s simplicity will tick the boxes.

In five to ten years, luxury may be in the offing, but along with it, will come the hoards of people, and the usual trappings of commercial destinations.

Go now, before everyone else does.

Accommodations and board provided by Past and Present Journeys.

www.pastandpresent.al

Luxury travel

Luxury Travel Co., Ltd

Orient-Express has announced the launch of Orcaella, which will offer visitors opportunities to experience the sights and culture of Myanmar starting this July 22. Orcaella (promounced as “Or-kay-la”) will embark on both an Ayeyarwady River schedule, as well as a Chindwin River schedule, allowing tourists to explore the popular cultural sites along the way. The craft’s size (at 200 feet) is expected to allow the tourists to sail along untouched waters and through remote destinations.

Among Orcaella’s 25 river-facing cabins, 17 are suites. These suites will feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and ensuite bathrooms. There is also a lounge area, bar, and swimming pool. Orcaella will offer seven- and 11-night itineraries between Yangon and Bhamo and will operate from January
Tony: to April and July to December.

Meanwhile, Road To Mandalay, Orcaella’s sister ship, has been cruising the Ayeyarwady for 17 years. The company also operates The Governor’s Residence, a colonial-style hotel in Yangon. Highlights of the Ayeyarwady River schedule will include: “Gorges of the far North”, an 11-night cruise departing from Mandalay and ending in Bagan, with visits near the Chinese border, at the foothills of Yunnan, and the temples in Bagan; “Jewels of the Ayeyarwady”, a seven-night cruise departing from Yangon and ending in Bagan, with guided excursions to Bagan and a visit to the Pyi Taw Pyan Pagoda; and the “Ayeyarwady Experience”, a seven-night cruise departing from Bagan and ending in Yangon, with a visit to a 20-foot Buddha made of straw lacquer.