Category Archives: Asia

Turkey’s delights beyond Istanbul

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Turkey is a culturally rich country with stunning landscapes, an amazing history and more archeological sites than most European countries. Istanbul is the country’s largest city and economic hub, but the cities on the coasts, the mystery of the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, the travertine ledges of Pamukkale and the cobblestone streets of Antalya have continued to charm visitors. Ready to be charmed? GetAway Travel will help with that.

Amphitheater at Ephesus

 

Ankara, Turkey’s capital city

 The second largest city in Turkey, Ankara was designated the capital instead of Istanbul to reinforce the idea the country was moving into the modern ages. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and made Ankara the capital.

Ankara, Turkey

The city’s skyline is a study in modern development with universities and government offices, but peel that back and the foundation of the city date back to the Stone Age.

Citadel of Ankara

Ankara Castle is a fortified complex of buildings with Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman influences. It overlooks at the city and includes towers, mosques and trade inns. The inner castle area contains the Alaeddin Mosque. The oldest mosque in the city, it has a distinctive design. Instead of the usual domed top, it has a flat roof. In keeping with the practices of the time, it is built of recycled stones from ancient Roman and Byzantine structures as well as columns, capitals and marble from former palaces and temples. The remains of the country’s first museum is also in the inner castle area.

Interior, Haci Bayram Mosque

The Haci Bayram Mosque and Mausoleum reflect Ottoman architecture from the 17th and 18th century. The interior has Arabic calligraphy inscriptions, Kütahya tiles (hand-painted ceramic tiles with bright colors and intricate geometric floral and calligraphic designs), an ornamental wooden ceiling and a beautifully designed pulpit or mimbar where the iman stood to deliver sermons.

The remains of the Temple of Augustus & Rome are nearby.

The Cermodern is a contemporary art museum located in a restored train maintenance facility.

Kocatepe, Mosque

The largest mosque in Ankara is the Kocatepe Mosque. Built between 1967 and 1987 in the Neo-classical Ottoman architectural style, it can accommodate 24,000 worshippers.

University of Ankara

Artifacts in 10 galleries at the Ankara Ethnography Museum showcase Turkish history. Visitors can view Islamic manuscripts, Turkish carpets, woodworks, ceramics and traditional clothing.

Old street market, Ankara

There are opportunities for vineyard tours and winery visits in the Ankara area as well as in the Cappadocia area.

Cappadocia and Pamukkale 

 A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cappadocia is an area of irresistible geological beauty and intricate subterranean structures. The region is renowned for its unusual “fairy chimney” rock formations. Crafted by thousands of years of volcanic activity and erosion, the formations are best viewed with a hot air balloon ride. Often called the hot air balloon capital of the world, Cappadocia offers one of travel’s most unforgettable sunrise experiences.

Winter flights in Cappadocia

As dozens of colorful balloons drift above the fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings, passengers enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the region’s unique landscapes. On favorable weather mornings, more than 100 hot air balloons can take to the skies at once, creating one of the largest and most spectacular balloon displays anywhere in the world.

Cappadocia – world ballon capital

From above you can view the Goreme Open Air Museum. Once a refuge for monks and Christians, there are churches carved out of the rock as well as a museum in the cave network. On the ground, a series of pathways takes visitors through the extraordinary photogenic chimney areas of Love, Monk and Imagination Valleys.

Goreme town

The churches cut out of bedrock date back centuries. Karankik Dark Church, Elamli Apple Church, Tokali Church of the Buckle and the Monastic Complex are remarkably well-preserved. Inside you can view bright frescoes and mosaics from the Byzantine era depicting scenes from the Bible and life of Jesus.

Apple church, Cappadocia

Love Valley is one of Cappadocia’s most famous and photographed landscapes, known for its towering rock pillars and dramatic scenery. The valley gets its name from the unusual shape of some of the natural rock formations, which visitors have long said resemble giant stone columns with a quite distinctive appearance.

Fairy chimneys in Cappadocia “love” valley

In the Denizli Province, Pamukkale is known for its fabulous thermal baths as well as its striking landscape. Pamukkale translates to “Cotton Castle” and the name comes from the shining white stone terraces down the hillside. Formed by calcium deposits from water-heated lava, the travertine rock appears to glow and change colors during sunrise and sunset.

Pamukkale

Some other cities of interest…

 Antalya on the harbor has whitewashed, red-roofed homes that create an amazing picture with the mountains visible on the horizon and pricey yachts parked on the sea off the beach. Check out the Düden Waterfalls and take a cable car about a mile up the Bey Mountains to Aspendos. This ancient outdoor theater is still used for the annual opera and ballet festivals.

Antalya

This is a lovely town to just take a relaxing stroll. The ornate Ottoman homes that are now boutique hotels, art galleries and restaurants are draped with blooming bougainvillea flowers.

Duden wateralls, Antalya

Ephesus was a busy Roman port city. One of the largest cities in the ancient world, its is so well preserved it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The streets are lined with colonnades, there are temples with intricately carved entrances and the Great Theater where St. Paul supposedly preached. The Library of Celsus is one of the largest ancient libraries in the world.

Library at Ephesus

Just off the city center is the Temple of Artemis, and the temple ruins are considered one to the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Vatican recognizes one of the terrace houses here as the final residence of the Virgin Mary.

Library of Celsus detail

Temple of Artemis ruins, Ephesus

Kas is a Mediterranean coastal retreat. Take a boat tour to discover the hidden caves and the underwater archaeological site of the sunken city of Kekova.

Kas, Turkey

Safranbolu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, well-preserved Ottoman homes and it is famous for the cultivation of the saffron flower. An important stop on the trade routes, wealthy town inhabitants built impressive hoes of wood and stucco that still stand. Enjoy all things saffron, from spiced dishes to saffron soap to saffron-flavored coffee and tea.

Historic Ottoman homes, Safranbolu

Are you intrigued by what Turkey can offer? Advisors at GetAway Travel are ready to concoct an adventure that helps you hit all the highpoint of this amazing country.

 

 

 

 

Istanbul: The city that straddles two continents

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Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is not the capital, but it is the historic heart of the country. The city straddles Europe and Asia and its history spans thousands of years from the Romans and the Ottomans to modern day. From the Hippodrome where Constantinople had chariot races to the Blue Mosque, to the Spice Bazaar which is a feast for the senses, the city is an adventure just waiting to happen. And, why wait? Its an add-on for GetAway Travel’s upcoming Egypt trip, but our travel advisors our ready to craft your version of a Turkish delight of a vacation.

Istanbul connects Europe and Asia

Mosques and museums

 First, a word about the Bosphorus Strait, you can enjoy the beauty of Europe and Asia by taking a cruise on the river since there’s a continent on either side. There’s stunning landscapes, gorgeous historic buildings and the mysterious melding of the two seas. One of the world’s most narrow international navigation channels (there will be a quiz later…), it is also where the Mediterranean Sea mixes with the Black Sea. But its not a mix like, red and yellow make orange, its more of a lava lamp effect. The saltier, heavier Mediterranean Sea flows under the cooler Black Sea and they sort of layer and then mix. Take our word for it, you should see it. Back to our regular programming…

Bosphorous Bridge connecting Istanbul

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque, is the only existing six-tower mosque in the world. This 17th century masterpiece was built by Sultan Ahmed I and was created to make a statement of imperial might as well as to pay homage to Allah.

The Blue Mosque

There are 20,000 blue tiles, in every shade of blue imaginable, inlaid on the walls and ceilings. Many of them depict tulips, carnations and lilies and they take on an ethereal glow when the sunlight streams through the 250 windows.

Interior view of dome at Blue Mosque

There is a huge dome and several smaller domes, a huge prayer hall with a soaring ceiling, in infirmary and an Islamic instruction college on the mosque grounds.

Blue Mosque interior

A word on the mosques, they are active worship sites and you must take off your shoes and put them in the handy cubbies, women should have covered shoulders and knees and in some cases, head coverings are required and provided for women. Some of the mosques close during prayer times so check before you visit.

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is a two-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and its dome appears to hover in the sky. Translated to “Holy Wisdom” it was the crown jewel of the Byzantine Empire and was converted into a mosque when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in the mid-1400s. It was then converted into a museum and finally came full circle to a place of worship in 2020. It functions as a mosque and museum now with shimmering gold mosaics and amazing marble pillars.

Hagia Sophia interior

The opulent mosaic decorations are done in Islamic as well as Christian styles, there’s beautiful stained glass windows, sculptures and carved walls and floors as well as columns.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque is a fantastic example of Ottoman architecture. One of the most historic mosques in Istanbul, it has exquisite tile work in Ottoman style designs, beautiful stained glass windows, amazing oil lamps, intricate calligraphies and sultan tombs. A library, medical center, and hospital are part of the mosque.

Interior dome at Suleymaniye Mosque

There’s a remarkable array of temporary and permanent art exhibitions from Turkish and international artists at the Istanbul Modern Museum. In addition to the collections of paintings including watercolor works, there’s sculptures, video art and photographic galleries. There is also a cinema, design shop, contemporary film library and a great book and souvenir shop.

Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

Who knew one of the best museum-like attractions is an underground cistern? The Basilica Cistern is a fascinating and beautiful landmark beneath the streets. This subterranean reservoir once supplied water to the palace and some of the government buildings. It almost seems to be a palace. This 500-foot long chamber is supported by 336 columns. Each column is unique, they were salvaged from Greek and Roman temples from conquered lands. Each is ornately carved and two columns in one corner feature large depictions of Medusa’s head. The cistern is the site of pop-up concerts and impromptu light shows. The cistern shows up in a number of films including the James Bond classic “From Russia With Love” and Dan Brown’s “Inferno.”

Palaces and markets

 There’s 500 years of history tied up in Topkapi Palace, a popular landmark. It was once the administrative headquarters and residence of the Ottoman emperors. Surrounded by walls, the palace has luxury courtyards, exhibition halls, gardens and treasure houses. An iconic example of traditional Ottoman architecture, don’t miss touring the palace treasury areas. Here you can see artwork made of diamonds, jade, pearls, porcelain and emeralds from different countries. There’s Ottoman paintings, Islamic calligraphy, frescoes and exquisite Chinese porcelain on display.

Topkapi Palace – interior

The Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most elegant and extravagant palaces in Istanbul. Once a residence of the Ottoman royal family, it has lavishly decorated rooms, ceremonial halls and beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains and sculptures. The interior reflects Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles. Enjoy lots of gold leaf, crystal chandeliers and an impressive array of fine art and relics from different centuries.

Dolmabahce Palace

Time to shop? Ok… the Grand Bazaar, with its 4,000 (yes, really, 4,000) shops, is the largest covered market in the world. You can find shops with hand-crafted items, souvenirs, carpets, mosaic lams, lanterns in both antique and modern styles, ceramics, metalware in traditional Ottoman designs, spices, sweets ad theme restaurants and cafés.

Aerial view of istanbul Grand Bazaar

The Egyptian Bazaar is the second largest bazaar. It is known as the Spice Bazaar and it smells simply amazing. Shop for herbs, teas, including jasmine, rosebud and fruit selections, sweets, dried fruits and baklava. It is truly a colorful, fragrant and fun shopping experience.

Egyptian Market in Istanbul

Kadiköy Market has seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, pickles, yogurt, freshly roasted nuts, ice cream, Turkish coffee and olive oil soaps. There are traditional shops as well as modern boutiques and cafés. It has been described as a foodies paradise.

Turkish Coffee

Adventure awaits in Istanbul and the travel advisors at GetAway Travel are just a phone call away. We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

 

Bali: “Island of the Gods”

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Bali’s “Island of the Gods” nickname comes from the myriad of sacred Hindu temples throughout the island, many with unique architectural elements as well as diverse spiritual elements. The island is a captivating place of stunning beauty with dramatic black sand beaches, volcanic peaks, iconic rice fields and hidden waterfalls. But it’s also a paradise for foodies, has lots of night life options and diverse outdoor offerings like diving, surfing, hiking and yoga retreats.

If you are interested in an island vacation where you can set your own pace, travel advisors at GetAway Travel can set-up a Bali getaway for you!

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Know your noodles

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Noodles are everywhere, well, not literally, but they are a global staple. There are hundreds of varieties made from dozens of ingredients, served hot or cold and served for breakfast and even for dessert.

There’s hand-pulled, rolled, extruded, gluten free and vegan noodles. With so many varieties, here at GetAway Travel we urge you to not fear the noodle and go forth and adventurously try them where ever you may roam.

Asian Noodles

The difference between noodles and pasta is primarily the ingredients. Italy has the market cornered on pasta with more than 350 varieties made from durum wheat semolina. Pasta can be sheeted, extruded and rolled. Noodles, traditionally Asian, are made from a variety of flours or starches and are usually rolled, pulled or cut.

Pasta, pasta and more pasta

Iconic noodles include Japanese ramen and udon, Chinese chow mien, Vietnamese pho, Italian pasta, Thai pad Thai and Filipino pancit.

Beef Lo Mein

Order them at restaurants, try them from street vendors and embrace the noodles of the countries where you travel. GetAway Travel stands ready to help you plan your next travel adventure and rest assured, noodles are included.

Pad Thai

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Plan a visit to “Oriental Paris”

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Most Yangtze River cruises can include a visit to Shanghai. You should surely take advantage of an opportunity to visit China’s largest city. During the 1800s and 1900s the city was filled with Chinese and foreign residents. The blend of cultures produced a fantastic and memorable mix of architecture and art. Walk on the Bund, the famous waterfront promenade and revel in the stunning colonial buildings. Look across the Huangpu River to the skyline featuring skyscrapers and futuristic buildings. Shanghai, considered China’s “showpiece” city, is a fabulous mix of historic and futuristic buildings. A river cruise and some time either before or after in Shanghai — GetAway Travel can make that happen!

A City with historic charm…

Shanghai cityscape

 Although Shanghai is considered the birthplace of all things modern in China, it still retains its colonial history. Yes, you can take the magnetic levitation train (traveling at 267 mph) from the airport to get to Shanghai, but there are temples, gardens and historic areas that offer an oasis of peace and tranquility for residents and travelers. There may be sports cars zipping around, but you’ll find them during the lunch hour parked in front of traditional noodle restaurants.

Shanghai Bund Promenade

The juxtaposition of old and new is evident walking on the Bund Promenade. The mile or so long stretch along the Huangpu River, lets you enjoy European buildings, including the Art Deco style Peace Hotel.

Yangpu Bridge lit up at night

You may have traveled over the Yangpu Bridge to get to the Bund. The cable bridge is one of the longest cable bridges in the world. As a point of comparison, the Golden Gate Bridge is about 1.7 miles long; the Yangpu is a little more than five miles long. It is quite an architecture feat.

Shanghai Yu Gardens – built in 1559 during the Ming dynasty.

The Yu Gardens are a short distance from the Bund. Stroll in beautifully tended 400-year-old classic gardens including carvings, halls, pavilions, pools, bridges, pagodas, archways, sculptures and rockeries. You can’t miss the Exquisite Jade Rock. The 5-ton rockery was constructed with tons of rock and is nearly 50 feet high. There are tiny sculptures and carvings throughout the gardens.

Mid-lake Pavillion teahouse

Walk across the Jiu Qu Bridge to bring yourself luck as well as to the entrance of the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse, the oldest teahouse in Shanghai.

The bazaar adjacent to the gardens is prime spot to shop for souvenirs. You can find different types of crafts, decorations including traditional lanterns, silks, artwork and jewels. You can get a snack of stuffed, steamed buns or noodles here, or on the grounds of the adjacent City God Temple.

Sacred statues in the City God Temple

The City God temple commemorates Shanghai being elevated to municipal status. There are nine palaces visitors can go through and you can enjoy calligraphy demonstrations as well as acrobatic performances. Vendors sell crab soup buns, barbecued pork buns and vegetable steamed buns. If you are in the mood for a sweet, try cakes flavored with plum flower, date mash or rice.

Buddha statue in Longhua Temple

The largest place of worship in the city is the Longhua Temple. The property has five buildings including a 7-story pagoda with a carved wooden staircase. One of the halls in the complex, Daxiong Baodian has a large golden statue of Buddha surrounded by 500 miniature statues arranged in rows.

Jade Buddha Temple

One of the most beautiful temples in the city is the Jade Buddha Temple. The traditional exterior design has spectacular detailing and the interior is gorgeous with dazzling golden statues displayed on the walls. There are three stunning Buddha statues, two are carved from one large piece of white jade and they seem to glow.

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Experience China on a river cruise

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China is a study in opposites, from the tallest mountain in the world to the largest plateau in the world; dedicated to innovation and growth and fiercely protective of family structure and hierarchy. A great way to experience a taste of this fascinating country is on a Yangtze River Cruise. The world’s third largest river touches a third of the country’s population If you are interested in discovering the mystery of China on a cruise, GetAway Travel can help with that!

Chongqing, Chengdu and Fengdu

 The Yangtze River starts its journey to China in the Tanggula Mountains in Tibet. The longest river in China, it is the third largest in the world behind the Nile and the Amazon rivers. A cruise on the Yangtze, which can go three days, six days or 10 days, is truly a trip that embraces history on the water. Cruises start in Yichang and go to Chongqing, or vice versa.

In Chongqing visit the Three Gorges Museum to get a preview of what building the world’s largest hydroelectric power station entailed. It gives you some insights into the marvel that produces energy, prevents flooding and makes for safe travel on the river.

Chongqing

Known as Little Hong Kong or the Mountain City, Chongqing has fabulous scenery and fascinating historical sites.

Three Natural Bridges – and here’s one of them

Three Natural Bridges, the largest natural bridge group in Asia is magnificent. If it looks somewhat familiar, it was featured in the Transformers 4 movie. The Dazu Rock Carvings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Religious cliff carvings were done here during the Tang to the Early Song dynasties. There are more than 102 places with carvings including 360 giant sculptures including Buddha statues that are more than a mile and a half high!

Get a different view of the Yangtze by taking the Yangtze River Cableway across the river and get your panda fix at the Chongqing Zoo. In addition to 12 pandas, there’s also 230 species of animals, birds and fish.

Giant Pandas

Speaking of pandas, you can take a high-speed train (217 mph) from Chongqing to Chengdu and spend some time at the Giant Panda Research Center. See giant pandas, red pandas and other endangered species such as swans and peacocks. Learn all about pandas and their history at the Giant Panda Museum and enjoy the panda art at the Panda Art Museum. There’s also outstanding works of art in the Chengdu Museum and ancient Chinese architecture is recreated in streetscapes.

Chengdu China historic district

Get something to eat in Chengdu, it is the capital of Sichuan province where the vastly popular Sichuan cuisine comes from. Due to the popularity of the food style, Chengdu is a UNESCO Gastronomy City.

Chengdu Sichuan hot pot

Fengdu is known as the Ghost City due to the vast array of demon-decorated temples and statues that depict what the Chinese people imagine hell is like. Fengdu is the Jade Emperor scenic area that includes 30 different styles of traditional architecture with 208 carved deity statues including the largest image of the Jade Emperor in the world.

Shibozhai red pagoda of Fengdu Ghost City

When the water level of the Yangtze rose due to dam construction, architectural and cultural artifacts were either recreated or relocated to Xianguanshan Park. The park features reproductions of historic and ancient residential buildings, courtyards, temples, gates, wood carvings and temples. There are regular performances of opera, acrobatics, rock music and puppet shows at the park.

Three Gorges Dam

Three Gorges Dam

 At a cost of $23 billion and a construction schedule that took 10 years, Three Gorges Dam is 687 feet high and almost 1 1/2 miles wide. It takes eight hours to go through the series of locks at the dam.

Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge is the first of the three gorges and the most dramatic. Two mountains, Red Passage and White Salt stand guard at the entrance to the gorge. The ancient city, White Emperor City, is at the entrance to the gorge. Future kings and poets supposedly travel here to be inspired by the views.

Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge or Witches Gorge, is the second gorge with sheer cliffs on each side that rise so high they sometimes block out the sun. Six peaks line the North side and six line the South side. The most famous peak is the Goddess Peak which is said to resemble a kneeling maiden.

Xiling Gorge

The deepest of the three gorges is Xiling Gorge. It is actually seven smaller gorges with interesting names like Military Books and Precious Sword based on ancient legends.

The dam is in the middle of Xiling Gorge. The dam has raised the level of the river to 574 feet above sea level.

About 1.5 million people needed to be relocated because of the dam and one of the relocation villages is across the river from Fengdu.

The dam is five times larger than the Hoover Dam and it generates 10 times more hydroelectric power.

Cruise goers through the gorges are treated to breathtaking landscape including the sheer cliffs, narrow river paths and dense forests. Many of the cruises also feature shore excursions which include cultural actives such as calligraphy and tai chi classes, mahjong lessons and lectures about traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

Tai Chi

A touch-off point for the cruises can be Shanghai which will be explored in a future post.

If a fascinating cruise along the Yangtze is on your bucket list, GetAway Travel will make that happen. We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

 

Explore the stunning beauty, intriguing history of Vietnam

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Vietnam is a diverse country of friendly people, breathtaking landscape of untouched beauty with an almost spiritual connection to nature and vibrant, energetic cities. The mostly Buddhist country encourages harmonious interaction and society. In all aspects, Vietnam mirrors its cuisine — bold flavors and colors, exotic spices and aromas and eclectic mixes of meats and vegetables. How about a visit to a country with more than 50 ethnic groups, pagodas, Pho, tropical rainforests, caves and historic imperial dynasties? Travel advisors at GetAway Travel are ready to help you plan your adventure.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s oldest city, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

 This is a city that practically vibrates with a zest for life. Ho Chi Minh City pays tribute to the nation’s iconic Communist leader, but it still embraces Western influences as well as its Colonial French history. There are world-class museums, skyscrapers sharing spaces with temples and fabulous street food

Vinh Nghiem Temple, Ho Chi Minh City

Northeast of the city are the Cû Chi tunnels. The complicated series of tunnels were used by the Viet Cong to evade the South Vietnamese as well as the Americans. The more than 150 miles of tunnels were used to transport supplies, as hiding spaces, hospitals, communication centers and even living space. They are interesting for their history, but they are a somber reminder of a horrific conflict. The same can be said of the War Remnants Museum. The American war time is documented here, but also the French Colonial and Chinese conflicts.

A Cu Chi Tunnel entrance

Reunification Palace, formerly known as Independence Palace is a 1960s style building that seems to be frozen in time. A North Vietnamese tank crashed through the iron gates on April 30, 1975, signaling the end of the war. This palace was the home and office of the president when the North/South split occurred. You can tour the president’s living quarters, the war command center and the basement tunnels. The military vehicles staged outside include tank 843 which rammed the gates.

Independence Palace

Ho Chi Minh City Museum is near the palace. Inside the Neo-Classical style building are exhibits that documents the city’s past including the struggle for independence, nature, archeology, trade, village handicrafts, currency and general culture.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Ho Chi Minh City Museum has informative exhibitions that go into detail about the country’s war-ravaged history. The past is depicted with sensitivity, using photos, artifacts and memorabilia.

The Museum of Vietnamese History sits in the middle of lovely botanical gardens. It covers the country’s evolution from the Bronze Age to early 20th century. It has chronological exhibits that highlight the different ethnic groups in the country.

Embrace the religious heritage

 The stunning Jade Emperor Pagoda was constructed in 1909 in honor of the Jade Emperor. It is crammed with glossy paper mâche statues of divinities and heroes of Buddhist and Taoist religions.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

You can see the exquisite woodcarvings on the woodwork through the wispy incense smoke as well as the intricate tile work in the ceiling. There are elaborate dragon and animal sculptures on the roof and a huge turtle pond in the front. Some of the turtles have inscriptions carved on their shells.

Small altar in the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Thiên Hau Temple in the city’s Chinatown, is one of the oldest and most impressive Chinese temples in the city. It is dedicated to the Lady of the Sea. The altar inside has statues of the goddess and their are intricate porcelain dioramas on the roof that show scenes from 19th century Chinese life.

Thiên Hau Temple

Water puppetry has been performed in Vietnam for more than 1,000 years. Enjoy a traditional water puppetry show, although improved by being in an air-conditioned theatre. The Golden Dragon Water Puppet show includes live music with bamboo flutes and violins.

Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppetry

Twin towers rise about 190 feet above the landscape in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and they belong to the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. The red-brick cathedral is a prime example of Neo-Romanesque architecture.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

The cathedral was a symbol of French Colonial power. The bricks were bought from Marseille and the clock between the two towers came from Switzerland. Inside, there are 56 squares of stained glass from the famous Lorin stained-glass factory in Chartres, France. Twelve pillars represent each of the apostles.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Across the street from the cathedral is the Saigon post office. A favorite meeting place, its architecture was done with the help of blueprints from the Eiffel Tower. The massive foyer has rows of Victorian-era phone booths on each side, there are historic maps on the walls and a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh keeps watch.

Saigon Post Office

Take some time to get to the Bến Thành Market. The huge outdoor market is crammed with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, clothes, candy and souvenirs.

Ben Thanh Market

 The delta, and beyond Ho Chi Minh City

 A day trip along the channels of the Mekong Delta is an unforgettable experience. Get first-hand views of the people who depend on this waterway. The 15,000 square mile waterway produces more than one-half of the country’s grain and 90% of its exports.

In the Mekong Delta

Cát Tiên National Park offers a fabulous opportunity to learn about the country’s wildlife. The park has botanical gardens, low-land forest areas and a number of sanctuaries and rescue centers. You can see golden-cheeked gibbons, silvered langurs (a type of long-tailed monkey) and short or no-tailed primates. The Bear Sanctuary houses sun bears, small nocturnal bears with a brownish-black coat and lighter chests. There are also Asian elephants, clouded leopards and exotic birds including the Asian barred owlet, blue rumped and bar-bellied pittas and orange-necked partridges.

Crocodile Lake at Cat Tien National Park

A short distance from Ho Chi Minh City is Buôn Ma Thuột. Amidst the thundering waterfalls are huge areas of coffee shrubs. This is the heart of the country’s coffee industry. There are a number of coffee attractions, but learn about the country and the coffee industry at the source — the World Coffee Museum.

Ripe Vietnamese Coffee berries

An upcoming blog will cover Hue, Hanoi and the country’s varied cuisine.

 Are you intrigued by the history of Vietnam and its culture? Travel advisors at GetAway Travel can build you a trip that checks all the boxes!