Vietnam Attractions in Cantho, Chau Doc, Dalat
Can Tho
| Chua Doc | Dalat
| Danang | Haiphong
| Hanoi | Ho
Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Hoi An | Hue
| Long Hai | Nha
Trang | Phan Thiet | Phu
Quoc Island | Vung Tau Beach
Cantho is the political, economic, cultural and transportation centre
of the Mekong Delta. Rice husking mills provide the main source
of income and the area is linked to most other main centers in the
Mekong Delta via the waterways and road/rail systems.
Boat Trips  are
available that take you across the water or through the local canals
on many interesting sightseeing excursions that definitely require
a camera. Larger boats venture up the Mekong River and this is a
definite MUST DO if you are in the area.
Cantonese Congregation Pagoda was built on a different site
originally but now stands where it is today. The pagoda occupies
a splendid location facing the Cantho River.
Central Market is where you should go to stock up on fresh
produce either direct from the farms or the fishing grounds nearby.
Floating markets are the Delta's prime attractions.
Unlike those found in Bangkok, these markets aren't for the benefit
of camcorder- toting
tourists. Early each morning the Bassac River and its tributaries
swell with vendors in sampans, houseboats and longtails jammed with
fresh Delta produce: jackfruit, mangosteen, durian, papaya, mango,
bananas, pineapple, guava, fresh vegetables and smuggled sundries
from cigarettes to shampoo. The best market to visit is about 30
km south of Can Tho in Phung Hiep.
Ho Chi Minh Museum is the only museum in the Mekong Delta
devoted to this ruler. It is a large museum, if you haven't been
to a similar one elsewhere, is worth a visit.
Chau Doc is a riverine commercial centre and is not that far from
the Cambodian border. Once known for it's dug-out canoe races it
is now better known for it's Cham and Khmer temples in its environs.
Chau Doc Church was constructed in 1920 and although small
is interesting and for those of the Christian faith they hold mass
here seven days a week.
Chau Phu Temple was built in 1926 and is decorated with
both Vietnamese and Chinese motifs. Inside are funeral tablets with
the names and biographical information on the dead.
Floating Houses, are well worth a few photos and it's worth
it to hire a boat to see them better.
Mosques in the area consist of the Chau Giang Mosque and
the Murbank Mosque. There are others in the area but those mentioned
are the largest,. Visitors are permitted but please respect the
faith and do not enter them during 'calls of prayer' which occur
5 times a day unless you are of the Islamic faith.
Sam Mountain  is
the place to go if you want to see dozens of temples, pagodas and
the like and is well worth visiting. Located about 6 km from the
city. Not only do temples abound but the trek to the top of the
mountain is also popular though one can go by motorised vehicle
if you so desire.
Tay Anh Pagoda is renowned for its fine carvings of hundreds
of religious figures most of which are wooden. The building reflects
both Hindu and Islamic influences and outside stand a black elephant
(with 2 tusks) and a white elephant (with 6 tusks) as well as various
monks tombs etc.
Temple of Lady Chua Xu faces Sam Mountain not far from the
Tay An Pagoda and was founded in the 1820's. The original was built
of bamboo, but this has been replaced over the years and the last
reconstruction took place in 1972.
Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau  who
was a high ranking officer that served the Ngyen lords and later
the Nguyen Dynasty is buried here. Nearby are several other tombs
of similar officials serving under Thoai Ngoc Hau.
Cavern Pagoda also known as Phuoc Dien Tu is about halfway
up Sam Mountain and is well worth a visit.
 The
city of Dalat is the main centre of the Southern Highlands region.
In the past it was renowned as a cool, green city with a park-like
environment. This is changing fast, as the economy booms and life
speeds up. Still, Dalat is definitely worth a visit and it's a good
base for trips into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil.
In Dalat, make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art
Gallery, nicknamed by locals the Crazy House. It's created by
artist and architect Mrs Dang Viet Nga (known as Hang Nga).
Dalat is famous for its coffee shops, and is extremely popular
with domestic tourists and honeymooners. You can fly to Dalat from
Ho Chi Minh City. The airport is 30km from town; express buses also
link the two cities.
The Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace is stuffed with interesting
art and everyday objects, and is well worth a look. It's also interesting
to stroll around the old French Quarter.
The Valley of Love,  5km
north of the city centre, is a bizarre place where you can hire
a paddle boat on the lake or a horse from one of the Dalat Cowboys
(no relation to the Dallas Cowboys), who are, indeed, dressed as
cowboys. There are some pleasant walks or rides (on horseback or
bike) in the countryside around the city, but be aware that areas
signposted with a C-sign are off-limits to foreigners.
Prenn Falls are worth a visit and are located at the foot
of Prenn Mountain Pass. The 10km long pass is on the route from
Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City.
Further out, you can visit the villages of some of the hill
tribes, such as Lat Village and the Chicken Village
(with a huge statue of a chicken).
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