Pac Po: Ho Chi Minh’s Cave

Right on Vietnam’s northeastern frontier with China, Pac Bo Cave is an important historical site in an enchanting location. The landscape along the Chinese border, in Vietnam’s Cao Bang Province, is characterized by forested limestone mountains, blue rivers and rice fields. Small villages of mud and straw houses dot the narrow valleys. The scene can’t have changed much since 1941, when Ho Chi Minh walked across the border from China, entering his native Vietnam for the first time in 30 years. Tours North Vietnam

In 1911 Ho had left Vietnam from the Saigon docks on a French ship. Working as an assistant cook, the ship took Ho to five continents, before he finally settled in Paris with a friend. During his 30 years of absence from Vietnam, Ho travelled widely, making many powerful friends (and enemies) in the process. He formed close attachments to communist and socialist parties in Europe, the USSR and China. Although Ho was often many thousands of miles from his homeland, he never lost sight of his goal of the liberation of Vietnam from French colonial rule. He learned from and made alliances with nationalist and independence groups across Europe and Asia. Ho was himself co-founder and founder of several ideological movements and political parties, notably the French Communist Party and the Indochinese Communist Party. In the winter of 1941, Ho finally crossed the Chinese border, near Pac Bo Cave, and set foot on his native soil once again. He lived in Pac Bo Cave for several weeks before moving on to avoid detection. Four years after Ho’s clandestine return to his homeland, Vietnam celebrated its independence from French rule and Japanese occupation, when Ho read the Declaration of Independence to a crowd of thousands in Hanoi, on September 2, 1945. Vietnam Mekong river cruise

Grandiose shrine to Ho Chi MinhPac Bo Cave is an hours’ drive from Cao Bang, the provincial capital, on the Ho Chi Minh Highway. This new road now runs the length of Vietnam; starting, appropriately, at Pac Bo and ending nearly 2,000km to the south, in the Mekong Delta (read more about this road HERE). After a beautiful drive through steep, verdant valleys the road comes to an abrupt end at a big car park. If you visit on a weekend or national holiday, chances are this car park (and the rest of Pac Bo site) will be full of coaches, carrying Vietnamese tour groups, who make the pilgrimage here. However, if you come on a weekday, especially during the middle of the day, the car park will be empty and you may well have this beautiful site all to yourself. Tickets are bought (10,000vnđ [$0.50]) at a kiosk by the car park. On the left, before entering the site, there’s a huge pagoda-esque shrine to Ho Chi Minh. Reached via a long staircase, you can purchase sticks of incense and place them in front of a grandiose gold statue of Ho, seated in a throne, as if he were an imperial monarch; an image he never cultivated during his lifetime. There’s a small museum behind the shrine but, at the time of writing, a much grander one was being built next to the ticket entrance. Alova Gold Cruise Halong bay

Lenin CreekFrom the car park it’s a pretty 10 minute walk – or 5 minute drive – along a paved lane to the beginning of a pathway, which loops around the Pac Bo Cave area. There’s a basic map of the path printed on the back of the entrance ticket. At the start of the pathway there are stalls selling Ho memorabilia, refreshments, and ‘ethnic’ trinkets. The gorgeous pool of turquoise water opposite the stalls is Lenin Creek, and the limestone hill behind it is Karl Marx Peak, both named, in the revolutionary spirit of the time, by Ho during his stay here.

Pac Po: Ho Chi Minh’s Cave

Once you start on the stone path around the area you’ll see information plaques amongst the foliage and by the stream. As this site is aimed at domestic tourists, none of the signs have English translations. This is a pity because, unlike other revolutionary sites where plaques usually regurgitate socialist mantras, at Pac Bo they simply mark spots where Ho would fish, swim, pick fruit, or write poetry during his time here in 1941. Rather bizarrely, Ho himself revisited Pac Bo as a ‘pilgrim’ in 1961. By then, at the age of 71, Ho was regarded as one of Vietnam’s greatest national heroes, and his brief stay at Pac Bo Cave had become the stuff of legend. On his return to the cave Ho made several speeches and gestures at the site, which are now also commemorated with stone tablets along the path.

Pac Bo Cave entranceIt’s a beautiful walk, with the blue waters of Lenin Creek on one side and dense jungle foliage – screaming with cicadas and tropical birdsong – on the other. The path leads away from the stream, up some steps, to Pac Bo Cave. In the summer it’s extremely humid under the canopy of trees, so it comes as a relief when – after entering the small, concealed entrance – the air inside the cave is cool and damp. Shafts of light enter the cave through small holes in the limestone. A couple of soft light-bulbs help to illuminate Ho’s wooden bed, a kettle over a campfire and the strange, Daliesque formations in the limestone, that Ho named Karl Marx. The cave is small and so well-hidden that one wonders how anyone could have found out Ho was sheltering here.

The stone path continues on the loop, passing under creepers and vines growing out over the water in all directions, creating a web of roots and branches. Next to a small sand beach by the creek, a block of limestone has been fashioned, through millions of years of erosion, into the shape of a table. Ho used this as his ‘office’ for writing poetry and translating texts. It’s forbidden to sit at this ‘table’ but the beach by the creek is a lovely place to sit a while and soak up the serenity of Pac Bo. Lenin Creek would be perfect for a refreshing swim but bathing is not allowed; this is a sacred place for most Vietnamese people.

Lenin Creek running through Pac Bo area

The whole area, despite its popularity with domestic tourists – which, unfortunately, is usually a catalyst for kitsch decoration and trash – is exceptionally well-kept, tasteful and understated. There are signs every few metres reminding visitors to throw their rubbish in the ample number of bins provided. This site, unlike the majority of revolutionary monuments in Vietnam, manages to induce a contemplative, respectful mood while not forcing its significance on the visitor or embellishing the site unnecessarily. It’s by far the ‘best’ commemorative attraction I’ve visited in Vietnam, and one of the most engaging historical sites too. It would be better if the information plaques were also in English, but perhaps the new museum will offer some background information in languages other than Vietnamese. Unlike the brash, ostentatious shrine to Ho Chi Minh that greets you by the car park, the rest of Pac Bo Cave area is elegant, sophisticated in its simplicity, and unpretentious; a fitting monument to the man who lived here from February 8 to the end of March, 1941.

Hoi An The Old city

Hoi An is a quant, unique town that you want to linger on while backpacking through South East Asia. It’s lovingly preserved Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can soak up the surrounds by simply walking or cycling the streets. Along the streets of the historic centre are speakers which play soft instrumental music, that literally feels like you are in a movie. Hoi An is full of vibrance and Vietnamese culture, a must see stop on your backpacking adventure of Vietnam.

Once the sun sets Hoi An is set alive with nightly events. Music and dance performances often take place along the riverfront where people release floating candles as well wishes into the Thu Bon River – a magic site to see. Shopping continues as you cross the bridge over to An Hoi island filled with night time markets.

The best way to get around Hoi An is by stretching your legs and exploring by foot, especially through the old town. Cycling is another great way to explore and get to near by beaches.

Hoi An’s beaches

Top up your tan with a short pedal out of Hoi An to laze over cheap beer and sunsets. Two nearby beaches; An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach are located 3-5km out of the city that vary in tourist numbers. Travel Halong bay Vietnam

Hub of Tailor Made Clothing

Hailing as the capital of tailor made clothing in South East Asia, Hoi An is famous for its custom made clothing. Temptations will be running high to get measured up and take home a spanking new outfit from a new suit to dresses, blazers and more. Scattered across the city are countless tailor made clothing shops producing quality made to order items within 24 hours at a reasonable price. Allow yourself time for fittings to come away looking extra sharp. Vietnam Mekong river tours

Hoi An & The Old city

Local Cuisine

Hoi An is a real haven for those people with a sweet tooth and interest in scoring secret recipes of local vietnamese cuisine. Thanks to the French influence of the town, you can find delicious cakes and pastries on every street corner. The lively local markets are a taste of organic living, with crops being grown in the surrounding farming countryside. Tea is serious business in Vietnam in particular Hoi An. It’s not just the flavorsome drink, but it comes with a whole ceremony and practice.

Visit the ruins of My Son Ruins of the Cham dynasty

Hidden in a valley surrounded by mountains one hour bus ride out of Hoi An lies the ruins of My Son of the Cham Dynasty. The impressive Hindu structures of My Son now recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site were badly damaged during the Vietnam War, still standing as a sight to see when in Hoi An.

Getting to Hoi An

Getting to Hoi An from Northern Vietnam is a breeze. Our backpacker dedicated Boomerang Bus Vietnam departs from Hanoi Backpackers Hostel and travels south to Hoi An as the last stop on route. The Boomerang Bus Vietnam covers many insanely stunning locations as stops between Hanoi and Hoi An. Another option is to get on a Top Gear Motorbike Tour that departs from our Hue Backpackers Hostel zipping over the renowned High Van Pass.

Top 7 Souvenirs to Buy in Vietnam

The top 7 souvenirs to buy in Vietnam, whether you are on holidays or on a business trip.

Apart from the joy of discovering a new culture, taking photos and tasting the exotic flavors of Vietnam, shopping might bring you more opportunities to get in touch with local habits.

A shopping tour is usually the last step of a trip and it is always a bit tricky. The second “HCMC 100 exciting things”, a campaign promoting activities in the city, announced some time ago the top 7 souvenirs to gift to friends, family members and loved ones. The results came from a poll voted on by travelers and expats. Travel to Vietnam

Hopefully more of these events will be coming to other major cities, such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue and others.

CONICAL HAT

Ao dai

Non la (leaf hat) is a circular cone made of bamboo cataphylls, notable for it’s romantic adornments. The non la is more than an indispensable tool for people in Vietnam: it has become a cultural symbol. The style differs by region, so for example those of the Tay people have a distinct color, while in Thanh Hoa they use only a 20-hem frame. Hue’s is thin and elegant, while Binh Dinh’s is thick. Mekong delta tours

Vietnamese wear the non la all year. The shape protects the wearer from the downpours of the rainy season like an umbrella, and provides shade and protection from the heat during April and May, when temperatures climb to unbearable levels.

Top 7 Souvenirs to Buy in Vietnam

Local Insight: At a workshop, you can get a hat for only VND 3,500 - VND 10,000. Depending on the quality, price at souvenir shops range between VND 30,000 and VND 100,000.

Since the 18th century, the ao dai (long dress) has been Vietnam’s national costume. There are three main styles of ao dai nowadays. Halong bay cruise

“Trendy” ao dai reach to the floor and fit the curves of the body by using darts and a nipped-in waist; the “hippy” ao dai is brightly colored and very popular among young teenagers; and the “mini” ao dai have slits extended above the waist and the panels reach only to the knees.

The usual way to acquire an ao dai would be to pick the fabric first. Usually there are two different colors, one for the long dress itself and a second contrasting color for the trousers worn underneath. After the fabric is chosen, you bring it to a tailor specialized in creating ao dais. Usually it takes around one week until you can pick up the finished product, but please keep in mind that during the preparation for Tet (lunar new year), it can take significantly longer.

Local Insight: An ao dai costs at least VND 700,000. If you can spend the time and have experience finding decent cloth and a good tailor, you might have your stylish ao dai at a reasonable VND 1,500,000.

Silk is woven from the cocoons of the silkworm. Thus, It has always been considered extremely luxurious and only available to the nobility. The days when silk had only been manufactured for Vietnamese royalty is long gone, and the fabric has become widely used throughout the country. Silk and its beautiful products are affordable nowadays, so tourists have a chance to choose their favorites and gift them to friends and family.

Local Insight: The price for regular Vietnamese silk is at least VND 70,000/m and over VND100,000/m for premium kinds. Silk below that price is originating from China and of questionable quality.

The art of hand-embroidered pieces of clothing and framed silk pictures is an old handicraft tradition in Vietnam. You will mostly encounter picturesque natural scenes like flowers, trees, animals and birds, patiently stitched one colorful thread at a time. But also daily life scenes, even portraits can be created with this ancient technique. Tourists are frequently baffled by the vast variety of designs, offered in hand embroidery shops, the vibrant colors and the intriguing depth of the artwork.

In some shops, tourists can explain or sketch their individual idea to the artist, who creates a personalized present for friends and family.

If you visit Da Lat, there is a workshop & gallery for marvelous and artful hand embroidery images upstairs in the central market.

Local Insight: You can buy a small hand embroidered product for around VND 500,000. For bigger pictures, the price can be VND 2,000,000 and above.

Sand painting is the art of pouring colorful sand and powdered pigments on a sticky surface and fixating it later with spray, so it doesn’t come off again. However, there is a second art form called sand painting, which is practiced in Saigon: The artist pours the colorful sand between two glass panes or in a specially designed mug or vase. The layers of sand form an enthralling piece of art, that looks stunning on every shelf and makes an excellent souvenir. Vietnamese sand picture art comprise 4 categories: Landscape, portrait, labor scenes and the traditional art of calligraphy.

Local Insight: The price for artful sand pictures ranges from VND 300,000 to VND 700,000.

GUOC MOC

wooden clogs

Wooden clogs (guoc moc) were a sort of traditional footwear for men and women alike in the past. After the feudal period, they mostly remained in a trio of Non la, Ao dai and Guoc moc to increase the gracefulness of Vietnamese ladies when attending important festivals or any special events in town. Guoc moc are rarely used nowadays, but tourists can catch a glimpse of them at traditional activities like the Cai Luong and Ca Tru performance.

Local Insight: Being considered as quite old fashioned footwear, the real Vietnamese wooden clogs are hard to find. If you can find some around VND 150,000 then go for it.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

A handmade musical instrument can also make a nice keepsake. Bamboo flutes and mini t'rungs are very popular among visitors. Since the flute is just a small bamboo pipe and the t’rung can be easily disassembled for transport, they are convenient to carry home and don’t use up too much space in your already stuffed luggage.

The sweet tone of these instruments will thrill your ears and remind you of the most memorable moments from your trip to Vietnam.

If you are in Saigon, there is a nice old man, playing and selling simple flutes in Le Loi street at the sidewalk. If you are interested in hearing more traditional flute play, there is a student club of young flutists, who meet in the evening hours at 23/9 Park near Ben Thanh Market to play and practice. Nguyễn Thiện Thuật street in D1 is also known as “guitar street”. There are many shops and workshops for instruments, mainly guitars and their relatives - like the ukulele.

Local Insight: Prices for a t’rung range from VND 300,000 to VND 1,000,000. Simple bamboo flutes come at around VND 10,000.

You should expect to bargain for the items you want to take home as souvenirs. One “trick”, that can be applied in Ben Thanh Market is to browse the fixed-price shops outside and negotiate with the inside shops for the items you want to buy. We also have a blog post on bargaining at the market which shows you some tips to bargain and suggest some of the best places for shopping apart of the Top 10 Shopping Places in HCMC.

7 tourist traps to avoid when traveling in Vietnam

When you travel, especially to a country with the culture, lifestyle and mentality that are absolutely different from yours, sometimes it’s quite hard to avoid different kinds of troubles and traps. Some people even say that Vietnam itself is one big trap for a tourist. But we strongly disagree with it and believe that traveling smart can reduce the risks to the minimum. Read the article to learn about the potential traps (which hopefully, will not happen to you) and figure out how to avoid them! South Vietnam tours

Taxi Scams
Probably, most of the travelers which have visited Vietnam, have some stories connected to taxi services. There’s a lot of traps that may happen to tourists: sometimes the drivers don’t take the passengers where they have to; or they will not agree on the price according to the counter; or they will not give your change back; or even make a few circles on the same street just to have a bigger distance on the counter. In a word – the taxi drivers in Vietnam are very creative when it comes to making a fool of tourists! So choose only reliable taxi services, don’t pay till you reach your destination and be confident, like you know the city perfectly! Image Cruise

Overpriced Bus
When you take a bus in big cities in Vietnam or especially, bus from the airport, there is a chance that when the bus driver understands you are a foreigner, he may charge you a double or even triple price for a ride! The regular price for a bus ticket is between 25,000 – 30,000 VND (about $1), but be ready that the driver can ask you to pay up to 100,000 VND. What is the most funny is that the locals will happily support him and try to persuade you that the price is actual, such a solidarity! SONG XANH CRUISE

No Change
If you are in Vietnam, if you are a tourist and if you pay with a large banknote, most probably, you will hear the answer that there’s no small money to give you a change. It can happen in the markets, bars, even restaurants. That’s why it is better always to have some small banknotes to be able to pay without a change or at least to say the waiter (or seller) that you have it, so it may help to avoid the scamming and save your money.

7 tourist traps to avoid when traveling in Vietnam

Street Vendors
Whenever you walk in the more or less touristic areas, especially in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, lay streets vendors will approach you and offer to buy different stuff – from fruits to souvenirs. The price for a foreigner may even seem low and acceptable, but comparing to regular prices in Vietnam, it may be 10x higher. Why should you pay more if it always possible to go to the stores and markets which are just a little bit far away from the downtown?

Women With Fruits
If you see on the street of Vietnam a woman carrying a yoke, usually with fruits, be careful. It is common for villages and small towns, but for sure not for city centers of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. It actually looks beautiful and you will probably want to make a photo of her. So be ready, after that a woman may ask you to pay for a photo, usually it is approximately $4 (50,000 VND). This is one of the popular tourist traps in the country.

Silk Markets And Tailor Shops
Vietnam is famous for its high-quality silk and fine tailors. However, in the towns like Hoi An, which is considered to be one of the best in the industry, there’s such a big number of silk markets and tailor shops, that the chances to become a victim of a cheater. If you are planning to get a new piece of cloth in Vietnam, better make a research and find some trustful and reliable places in advance.

Travel Agents
At the train or bus stations, especially in big cities, you may meet so-called “travel agents”, people who will kindly offer you their help in booking tickets and arranging your trip. If you meet one of them, better go away. Their fees may be not that high, but after all, you may, for example, end up in the 2nd class train, instead of the 1st one, for which you’ve actually paid.