A day in Baku City, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, a modern country worth visiting. Baku is its Capital. In this blog we are visiting this city, virtually.

We recently travelled to Azerbaijan for a quick four-day trip. However, let us know more about Azerbaijan before we visit Baku.

Azerbaijan has a dramatic blend of East and West, offering everything from the walled Old City of Baku—a UNESCO World Heritage Site amid striking modern skyscrapers—to the vast landscapes stretching from the lush Caucasus Mountains to the Caspian Sea shores. Known as the "Land of Fire," this country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia is celebrated for its ancient Zoroastrian temples, bubbling mud volcanoes, Silk Road caravanserais, and a patchwork of thriving artisan villages.  Its capital Baku is an ultra-modern city that takes pride in its glorious past.

Most travellers from India spend four to eight days at Azerbaijan. The direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi, along with a quick visa that can be obtained online, are other factors that contribute to this.

What to do in Azerbaijan

Generally, the four-day itinerary can be divided into three parts as follows (the fourth day being the departure day).

One day is utilised for the Baku City tour.

One day is meant  for an excursion to Gobustan Rock Carvings, Ateshgah Fire Temple, Mud Volcano and Yanardag Fire Mountain. Time permitting, one can also visit Bibi Heybat Mosque, a very aesthetically designed, beautiful building.

One day can be spent for excursion to Shahdag Mountain, Candy Cane Mountain and one or two enroute destinations.

There are a few more day excursions that can be done, but the above-mentioned ones are by and far the best. We only did the city tour and , Gobustan, Ateshga, and Mud Volcano.. We kept day three free and enjoyed the Boulevard vibes that day.

We will now do a virtual trip of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan

Baku City Tour

Baku has the right mix of ancient and modern. This being the capital of oil-rich Azerbaijan, its new area has skyscrapers, wide roads, and well-organised squares and gardens. Baku gives a feeling of being in Dubai.

What can we see in Baku in a day? Baku has  many places worth a visit, but what gets covered in a day is as follows-

(a) Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center and Museum. This massive and artistically designed building is named after the first president of independent Azerbaijan. The building's fluid form. by itself is a visual delight, but that is not all, it also houses a vintage car museum and eight floors of various spaces, including an auditorium that can house 1000 participants. There are many exhibitions that happen here on a day-to-day basis. 

The big I love Baku sign for Instagrammers is also located here. A detailed visit can take over two hours, but if one wants to enjoy the aesthetics of the building and see one odd exhibition, it may still take about one hour. Heydar Aliyev Center is omnipresent landmark as almost all major roads from Airport and other places flow around this place. Now let us see some photos -

Heyder Aliye Centre 

Vintage Cars in the Vintage Car Museum in this Center

(b) Flame Towers - These are three tall towers shaped in such a way that they appear like leaping flames coming out of the fire. They signify eternal fire and also represent what the name "Azerbaijan" means, the Land of Fire. one of the towers houses a housing complex of 130 apartments, the second one is a hotel, and the third one is an office complex.

Flame Towers

Highland Park - This large park, not far from Flame towers and (Caspian Sea) Boulevard, this park has viewing points giving an almost 360 degree view of Baku and its shoreline. More importantly, it also serves as a sacred place as it has a Alley of Martyrs where memorial stones of the Azerbaijani Soldiers who died for the nation and an eternal flame are placed along the longest walkway. Since there are walkways and gardens at multiple levels in this garden, it is a walker's paradise. This park also serves as a cultural space to hold cultural programmes. This park also features the upper station of the Baku Funicular.

Baku Funicular - Built in 1960, this half-kilometer funicular has two coaches that alternately go up and down. It connects Highland Park to Neftchilar Avenue at a square right next to the beginning of the Boulevard. Since Highland Park is situated on higher ground, the Funicular makes it easy, comfortable, and a unique way to descend to the areas around the Boulevard. 

The Boulevard - The rich and famous of oil-rich Azerbaijan built huge mansions along the shore of the Caspian Sea about 100 years ago. Along came this Boulevard, which was artificially created on this Caspian Seafront. Today, Boulevard has over 5 kilometres (or maybe more as when certain areas are considered, this Boulevard actually extends to 24 km). It is a place that has something to offer for everyone. There is a Carpet museum along it. There is also a mini Venice where gondola boats take you through a small canal. It also has gardens, a performance arena, and food courts. It also has a toy train which runs along the length of the main Boulevard, and it is fun to enjoy this ride. There is also a big mall at the funicular end of the Boulevard, called Deniz mall, where many food outlets are available. One can spend at least half a day at Boulevard.

The Boulevard

Mini Gardens at Boulevard

Daniz Mall

Nizami Street - a street that is the happening place and the centre of activities in Baku. Nizami Street is where the original trading areas developed around 175 years ago. During detailed urban planning to manage the increasing population, this street was developed in the Baku (old) town around 1860. This street today boasts many big brand stores, restaurants, and other places of entertainment. This street also had houses of the rich and famous of Baku, and they are architectural marvels even today. Nizami street today is a pedestrian-only street, and when one chooses a hotel, be mindful to select a hotel in the old city around Nizami Street, but not on Nizami Street, unless you are comfortable lugging your luggage.

Nizami Street is where one should go for fun and nightlife. Don't miss visiting Nizami Street during your stay in Baku. 

Food Outlet By-lane of Nizami Street

Fountain Square  - This Square is on a radial of Nizami Street. This radial has mostly eating joints of various types, and this street originates from Fountain Square, where there is also a food court. This square, which has a huge arena, is used for public gatherings and functions. It is a lively place throughout the day and transforms into a happening place at night.

Practically, the Nizami Street, Fountain Square, and the Boulevard form the area where one should be to have a good time.

The Fountain

Icheri Shahar - Contiguous to the Boulevard, Nizami Street, Old Baku and Highland Park stands the old Citadel of Baku, called Icheri Shahar, meaning Inner City (old walled city). This was the only settlement in this place from 1200 CE (some say from 700 CE) till the Russians captured it in 19th century. With the arrival of the Russians, the outer settlements started coming up, which were obviously called Behari Shahar, meaning Outer city. 

As of today, there are two major attractions in the Icheri Shahar area. First is the Maiden Tower, a bastion of the old fort. History has it that it was part of a period when Iran and Azerbaijan adhered to Zoroastrianism and housed a fire temple. There are stories of the fortress of Baku under siege when a heavenly maiden appeared and saved Baku, hence Maiden Tower. Today, the tower houses a small museum on every floor, and there is a good view of Baku, including Icheri Shahar, from the tower top.

Another important landmark of Icheri Sheher is Shirvanshah Palace, which was built by the Shirvanshah dynasty king in the 15th century CE. It is a complex consisting of a palace, a diwanhana, a mosque, a burial place for the royals, and a mausoleum of a Sufi Saint.

This place is one of the two landmarks, the other being the Maiden Tower.

A Mosque entrance near the palace

Icheri Shahar Street

Maiden Tower

This, by and large, finishes the Baku city tour. This city is a delightful place to visit.  Baku has a variety of hotels, hostels, and B&Bs. Our favorite area to stay is Old City and Nizami Street, but there is a caution: Nizami is supposed to be a vehicle-free street. Staying at Nizami may entail carrying your own luggage for a short distance.

Food options are also aplenty, and vegetarian food is available. That means vegetarians can travel worry-free.

Baku is a safe city for everyone, including single female travellers. Overall, this place is worth visiting.

Georgia in Ten Days, Itinerary and Highlights

 Georgia in 9 days

Introduction. 

Georgia is a beautiful country in the Caucasus region. It has Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Türkiye as its land neighbours. It also has a long coast of the Black Sea.

Georgia, along with Armenia, was one of the first two countries to adopt Christianity outside the Middle East. Christianity, therefore, is deeply rooted in the life of Georgians. This country offers great nature, snow-clad mountains, wine-producing regions, and ancient towns full of history. There are fortresses (caution - they are nothing compared to mammoth forts that we see in India, go with your expectations duly modified), convents, monasteries, churches, and cathedrals.

And one cannot describe Georgia without discussing its great food and wine. The Georgian food options are plenty, including vegetarian food. Vegan food has also caught up in Georgia.  It is said that wine was invented in Georgia some 4000 years ago. It is obviously great to have wine where it all started, and Georgian wines are great wines.

Now that we have told you about all the things you can do there, let's create a 10-day / 9-night itinerary to experience everything mentioned by us.

Itinerary

Day one and two (Two Nights)

Spend them in Tbilisi (pronounced as Bilisi with T silent). Day one is to be utilised for a city tour of Tbilisi, and Day two for visiting nearby places like the Chronicles of Georgie, Sabaduri Forest, etc. 

Tbilisi Skyline

Day three and four (Third Night)

Travel to Signaghi and then to Telavi. This is the most important wine region of Georgia. Make sure that you visit and tour a winery. Stay 3rd night at Telavi. If you can stay in one of the vineyards, that is even better. Day four is spent in travel to Guduri / Kazbegi, the hills of Georgia. On the fourth night, stay at one of these two places.

Vineyards of Telavi

Day five and six (fifth night) 

Visit Trinity Church, Dariali Monastery, etc, enjoy many moods of Mount Kazbegi. Spend the 5th night at this place. On day six, travel to Kutaisi. Sixth night is at Kutaisi,

Mount Kazbegi -  night mood

Day seven 

Visit nearby places around Kutaisi. Visit the Green Market in Kutaisi. 7th Night also at Kutaisi.

Colchis Fountain, Kutaisi

Days eight and nine

There are three options for day 8 : 

(a) Either continue staying at Kutaisi and enjoy this beautiful town. Stay at Kutaisi on the 8th night and go to Tbilisi, visiting Borjomi on the way, and spend 9th night there.

(b) Or travel to Batumi,  spend a good time at Batumi sea shore and the city and spend the evening and 8th night there. On the ninth day, travel to Tbilisi via Borjomi and spend the ninth night at Tbilisi.

(c) Else travel to Borjomi on the eight day after lunch from Kutaisi, and spend the 8th night there. The next day, visit Borjomi and then head to Tbilisi for the 9th night.

Borjomi, as seen from a viewpoint

Alphabet Tower, Batumi

Day ten - Departure day.

This way, one can spend 10 productive days in Georgia.

Highlights of this trip will be -

(a) Get to know Georgia as a country and Georgians as its people.

(b) Enjoy Georgian Cuisine, almost always freshly made, and plenty of things available for Vegetarians and Vegans.

(c) Georgia is a paradise for people seeking adventure and treks.

(d) Beautiful Nature and Plenty of fresh fruits, etc.

(e) History and monuments.

(f) Above all, vineyards and full-bodied local wine. Remember, Georgians invented wine and even today, some of the wine is still made the same way as it was made 3000 years ago.

Our verdict - Go to Georgia.

Andharban Trek, Fun Way to Spend a day near Pune

 ANDHARBAN, AN ENERGISING DAY TRIP FROM PUNE

Are you tired of a back-breaking work schedule? Is frustration taking over your psyche? Are you seeking a challenge to get over all these?

Andharban Trek, just 70 km from central Pune has the perfect answer. Let's go.

Andharban can be reached by any mode of transport like Bike, Car, Taxi or bus. The route goes through Chandani CHouck and then on to the Tamhini Ghat route. The start point is about 3 km off the main Tamhini Ghat road and the route to this start point is available on Google Maps.

Andharban Trek Start Point

What are the ways to do this Trek?

Andharban Trek can be done in two ways, from the start point at Pimpari Village to a viewpoint about 5 and a half km and back to the start point, in which case, your transport can remain parked at the start point or Start your trek from the start point and go all the way to Bhire dam, covering nearly 13 to 14 km. Your vehicles will have to be taken by the drivers to the endpoint because if the trek is done with this option, the start and the ending points are different. 

One of the Restaurants and Parking

Let us call the first option a round trip and the second option a full trip. For doing the full trip, apart from the requirement of your vehicles going to the end point after dropping you at the start point, carrying packed lunch and having some trekking essentials like ropes, etc are a must. While one may choose to do a round trip without a guide though taking a guide is recommended, for a full trip, taking a guide is a must unless one is a regular at Andharban.

Any which way this trek is done, few things will remain constant. They are the fun, the adventure, the natural beauty and the magical effect.

Andharban is mostly a plain and downhill mixed trek but if you are doing a round trip, the downhill turns to uphill, but the elevation gain or loss is not much. The whole trail is over mud walkways, crushed stone pathways or rocky pathways. 

A stream, See the clouds around the hill

Kundalika Gorge and Bhire Dam at a distance

What to Wear?

A good pair of trekking shoes are recommended though regular sports shoes can do. A Hiking Pole also is recommended (I did the trek without one but those who had the Hiking pole were happy about it). Attire should be a trekking trouser (No Denims) and a half or full slive comfortable T-Shirt and a cap. One must carry a change of clothes in a waterproof bag and also a polythene bag to put wet clothes in because either rain will make one wet and if the rain does not (if you are lucky) the call of waterfalls will lure you under them. That simply means you will be wet either way.

Any Possibility of staying DRY`

What will you see at Andharban?

Andharban will mesmerize the trekkers. The trek has lush greens all around. The deep valley of Kundalika River is always with you, There are lots of waterfalls, small and big, some accessible and some on absolute vertical sheers of Sahyadri hills. The Music of flowing streams is yours to enjoy, Crossing fast-flowing streams will add to this adventure. Sometimes thick fog, rain clouds, mist or all three of them will accompany you. And rain? Andharban is a monsoon trek. Rain is the most essential element of this trek and in this season, if you don't get the rain, your trek is not counted as done😉😉😉.

When you Trek the Andharban, you are in Sudhagad Wild Life Sanctuary

Valley covered in Mist

The trail

Constant companions, Streams

It can really get dark (Dark = Andhar in Marathi) in this forest 

Waterfall and its downstream flow

Shivaling!

Clear View of Kundalika Valley and Bhire Backwaters

The Trail

Who can do it? 

Practically anyone who can walk about 12  to 13 km at a slow pace with adequate breaks can do this trek. Children and children within we adults will love this trek. But if I have to be precise, a child of 10 years till a not-so-old adult of 75 years, can certainly enjoy this trek.

Most people in this photo (Faces erased) are between 55 and 70

And when to Go?

Monsoon is THE season to have the best of everything. Waterfalls can be enjoyed till the end of October, otherwise for its natural beauty, this trek is a year-round trek.

Chalo Andharban!

Guys and Girls, what are you waiting for, let out the child inside you, have fun and have a good time. Heed the call of the great Andharban. 

Viet Nam - Blog Part 2 - Ho Chi Minh City (SAIGON)

Ho Chi Minh City  

Ho Chi Minh City, fondly called HCMC by Vietnamese and formally known as Saigon, is situated inland on the navigable Saigon River. Since the Saigon River is navigable, HCMC has a functional port, that makes it a port city. It was the most populous city in Vietnam, was most populous because, during our recent visit, we were told that Hanoi had now taken over HCMC.

It is the most well-known face of Vietnam and it is a happening city. Our first blog, "Vietnam, General Information" covers the accommodation scene, food and local transport at HCMC and all other locations. You can read this blog here - Harshad: Vietnam - General Information (harshad-datar.blogspot.com).

HCMC is a very modern city yet it has a bloody history of the Vietnam War era. In fact, this war was over only after Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese forces. It therefore has some of the war-related places as tourist attractions.

Let us go on a virtual trip to HCMC. The images you see are copyrighted through my DSLR and Mobile lenses, except when specifically mentioned.  If the image credit is not mine, I have given due credit to the original photographer or Internet, as the case may be. Ittakes two days to visit all these places. It goes without saying that at least two days are needed to visit HCMC. But we will travel together and finish this trip in one blog post😆😆.

Our virtual tour will take us to the following places-

Museum of War Remnants. Vietnam fought a prolonged and bloody war first with French forces and subsequently with America. There were many things, mostly bad and very very bad that happened during this war which lasted for 20 long years (1955 to 1975) and finally ended with the fall of Saigon (Now called Ho Chi Minh City) and the withdrawal of American forces.

There was an exhibition of some kind at the present location to showcase and document the war crimes of American forces since the war ended, however, it was in 1995 that this place was named War Remnants Museum. The present-day building construction started in 2002 and finished in 2010.

This museum is housed in a three-story building, with various displays on each floor, which are well-classified and exhibited. There are weapons, photos, AV rooms, displays of models, etc. Visiting this Museum leaves the visitors moved to the core by looking at what one human being can do to another. This visit may disturb a visitor for some time but we would still recommend visiting this place.

I did not have enough courage to photograph the human tragedies chronicled inside this museum. Only a few photos outside are posted below:-

Some War Trophies

Some more

Independence Palace. Independence Palace is a fairly recent building replacing an older building of the same name which got damaged in a bombing by some defecting Air Force pilots. The construction of this palace was started in 1962 by the then Head of state of South Vietnam.  The Palace was completed in 1966 and inaugurated on 31 Oct 1966. from 1967 to 1975 it was the office and residence of the South Vietnam Head of State. This palace was a moot witness to the bloody Vietnam War. 

The war effectively ended when a Tank numbered (See photo below) of the North Vietnamese Army entered the palace on 30 Apr 75.

There is a helicopter on the roof of this palace which symbolises an actual Helicopter of American forces which had landed to extricate the President of South Vietnam on 29 Apr 75.

There are also some areas of the roof which suffered minor damage due to a bombing raid just short of the end of the war.

The palace has various state rooms like a cabinet room, President's office, meeting room, etc, besides a war room in the basement. The premise also has the original tank of the Communist North Vietnam Army, which was instrumental in making the Vietnam War officially over (Actually very little was left of the war because the whole of Vietnam was already under North Vietnamese Army control except symbolic resistance by way of Independence place which was yet to be conquered).

This palace has a well-laid-out garden and one can have a commanding view of the garden and parts of Ho Chi Minh City from its rooftop

Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh CIty

This is THE North Vietnamese Tank that entered Independence Palace. Its appearance ended the war

Cabinate room

Conference Hall

Escape Helicoptor (representative piece) meant to pick up President of South Vietnam.

Central Post Office. Central Post Office is a colonial building built by the French between 1886 and 1891. Vietnam then was part of French Indochina. This building has a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and French influences which can be discerned when one visits here. On the outside wall of the building, there are memorials to the scientists and engineers who contributed to the advancement of Communication technology in those years.

It has an imposing hall housing the Post office counters and some souvenir shops. There are three old-time telephone booths on the right side almost at the entrance of this hall. There are two maps in the hall, one depicting the Saigon region and the other the telegraph lines in South Vietnam and Cambodia.

Today, this is more of a tourist place than a Post Office (though it exists and is operational). There is a tradition of writing and sending a postcard(s) from here with memories of Saigon.

Notre Dame Cathedral. After conquering Vietnam, French colonist built a community after their conquest. However, finding that church way too small, French Admiral Bonnard constructed this new and large church in two years starting in March 1863. The use of this church commenced in 1885. While the church was named Notre Dame Cathedral. it is popularly called Saigon Church.

This Cathedral is located centrally and has a square in front of it called Paris Square. This square is a very lively place frequented by tourists and locals. The streets around this Cathedral also are frequented by people for Cafes and bookshops.

Jade Emperor Temple. Built by a Chinese Businessman in the early 20th century, this centrally located Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the well-known Pagoda.

.It is one of the most visited places of attraction in HCMC. It has seen 4 renovations from the time it was built. Jade Emperor is the most powerful of the Buddhist gods who heads and manages all the affairs in the Haven and Earth.

This pagoda is also revered by locals as the place which grants Fertility and hence often visited by couples desirous of having a child visit this place and seeking blessings. 

Ben Thanh Market. Once upon a time in the 18th century, there was an informal market of street vendors along the Saigon River. In the 19th century, when the French colonised Vietnam, they created a formal market of these vendors by giving a proper marketplace to these vendors. After a few years, they were shifted to a proper market in central Saigon (present-day HCMC). 

What is now famous as Ben Thanh Market was constructed in French style about a hundred years ago. this market has four entrances and is divided into 4 quadrangles, each assigned to a group of similar types of items like fruits and vegetables. Cloths and cosmetics, etc. 

This market is one of the most visited places in Saigon. For Indian travellers, the only major drawback is, that this place shuts down at 7 PM. That means if an Indian tourist wants to visit this market (who are used to having markets open till 9 to 10 PM back home), they must tailor their programme in such a way that they get clear one hour to one hour and a half to visit this place if they want to explore all four section

Another interesting thing is, that when the formal market closes, an informal food and fruit market opens along the external streets of this main market.

Ben Thanh Marekt, Photo from Internet

Inside View (Photo from Internet)

Vinh Trang Pagoda. One of the best-known Pagoda in the Mekong Delta region, this 19th-century Pagoda is situated in the village of My Tho. This temple has seen destruction and rebuilding/renovations multiple times because it is situated within the most war-ravaged area of Vietnam from the time of Vietnam Vietnam-French War.

This temple has beautiful entry gates and an even more beautiful central building having the status of various Buddhas. The temple complex also has a massive statue of Bodai, a Chinese Buddhist Monk. The name actually refers to the loose cloth bag that he always carried. He is also called Laughing Buddha for his jolly nature.

This Pagoda is generally included in the itinerary of visitors along with the Mekong Delta.

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Mekong Delta and Tropical Fruit Garden. The Mekong River originates from Tibet, traverses through six nations, and meets the sea around Saigon aka Ho Chi Minh City. This river is the lifeline for all these countries. It helps these countries in producing the staple food of the countries, which are, growing Rice and Fishing. 

Mekong Delta, in South Vietnam, has another distinction. Apart from growing rice and fisheries, this area has a large production of tropical fruits. There are a large number of fruit gardens in this area. This has made this area a tourist attraction. During a trip to the Mekong Delta, the boat ride through narrow waterways using traditional Sampan boats rowed mostly by Women, yes, Women and visiting the fruit garden and sampling some of the tropical fruits while enjoying traditional Vietnamese music are the main highlights.

Sampan, Traditional Vietnamese Boats in Mekong Delta

Water Coconut Plant

Cu Chi Tunnel. Vietnam at some point in time, after the French-Vietnam War, the expected unification did not happen and Vietnam got split into North Vietnam, a part of Vietnam governed by Communist and South Vietnam, the area under the control of Non-Communist forces.  Soon a war erupted between North Vietnamese and South Vietnam forces. Originally, America took an advisory role to help South Vietnamese forces in this war but soon became a party to the war. With America joining the war, it became a war between North Vietnam Forces and the combined forces of America and South Vietnam.

American forces were defeated and finally, the fall of South Vietnam was sealed with the fall of Saigon is well-known history. What many did not understand then was how come a rag-tag force of the North Vietnamese Army could defeat the mighty American Army. There were many contributory factors to this win, but the most important contributor was an underground tunnel system spread across Vietnam and extensively used by Vietcong (North Vietnamese) fighters. 

The most notable tunnel system was in Cu Chi area of HCMC. It had a full life support system and military utility areas. The tunnels had schools, hospitals, ammunition dumps, operational rooms, living quarters, etc. The tunnels were very difficult to live in and were infested with rodents, snakes and other insects but the North Vietnamese grit was obviously stronger than the odds. Two concentrated attempts by American forces to tackle these tunnels failed.

Today, the Vietnam government has preserved a relatively small section of about 71 km of these tunnels. A smaller section is what is open for the tourists to visit. Today these parts draw the biggest number of tourists. Tourists get to visit these tunnels, experience the life in these tunnels, see the booby trap systems, ventilation systems, etc. 

Representation of Tunnels in Cu Chi (Image from Internate)

Actual Tunnel

If a visitor is fit enough to travel through these tunnels, whatever small sections are open, then Cu Chi tunnels are a must-visit destination in HCMC.

Eat Street in District One of HCMC. Street food is available all over HCMC and it is a must to try street food when visiting this city.  The variety of Street Food and a number of stalls across this city (in every district) that many visitors call Saigon one gigantic open-air restaurant. 

In the centre of Saigon, in District One, when Beh Thanh market closes at 7 pm, both sides of this market convert to Street Food markets. There is also a dedicated Ben Thanh Street Food Market (called Ben Nghe Street Food Market), just six hundred meters from Ben Thanh Market. 

This place boasts of about 25 to 30 stalls of a variety of Street foods. Amongst many such stalls and places, we recommend this, because we have visited this place, found it good and hygienic and hence the recommendations. If you are at Independence Palace or Ben Thanh Market and it's around lunch or dinner time, you can safely visit this place,

Ben Thanh Street Food Market (Image from Internet)

Inside view (Image from Internet)

Wrap Up. The above blog post is a curtain raiser for travellers. Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon is an immersive place. This place has something for every traveller, from History, Culture, Food, Nightlife and much more. One blog post can not do full justice to the beauty of Vietnam, a charming big city with a mix of Vietnamese and French charm. If one is visiting Vietnam, HCMC is a MUST destination.

Our recommendation, HCMC, यह नही देखा तो क्या देखा, If you have not seen HCMC, you haven't seen anything.