From an elevated perspective, Thiên Thọ Tomb (Gia Long Emperor's Tomb) unfolds as a magnificent panorama, where the mausoleum's temples and structures blend seamlessly with the rolling mountains. Nestled within a vast natural landscape and surrounded by lush greenery, the tomb complex exudes an aura of majesty and tranquility.
Thiên Thọ Tomb (Gia Long Emperor's Tomb) is a large complex encompassing the tombs of numerous members of the royal family, most importantly those of Emperor Gia Long and Empress Thừa Thiên Cao. The entire complex comprises 42 hills, with Đại Thiên Thọ being the largest, forming a prominent foreground feature. Covering an area of over 28 square kilometers, it presents a breathtaking landscape stretching from the foot of the Trường Sơn mountain range to the banks of the Tả Trạch River.
Source: Huế Ancient Capital Conservation Center
Open Thread
Despite the drizzling rain, people are lining up in Hàng Hòm to buy sticky rice for the 15th day of the first lunar month.
"This bag of sticky rice cost 30,000 VND last year, but it's 40,000 VND now," a regular customer shared. This popular sticky rice stall offers various kinds: sticky rice with shredded pork, corn, peanuts, mung beans, black beans... It's authentic Phú Thượng sticky rice, staying soft and moist from morning until evening.
I chose the Superdong high-speed ferry (6:35 am, 7:30 am, or 8:30 am departures); round-trip fare was $12.
We stayed at the Rai Ca - Phuot Hon Son homestay (highly recommended!). The views are incredible for photos.
* Location: The homestay is by the beach, about 1.5km from the pier and 4-5km from Bai Bang beach.
* Prices: Very affordable, perfect for students.
* The owner provides free guidance on island attractions.
* Activities: They offer various activities, including squid fishing, fishing, snorkeling, shellfish gathering, and sea urchin hunting, for just $4.50-$6.
* Food: Delicious Hon Son bun nghe (vermicelli noodles) for breakfast ($1.50). Lunch includes rice dishes with 4 side dishes ($3.50), hotpot ($11-$18), fried rice/noodles ($4.50-$9), and they'll prepare seafood to order at very reasonable prices. Drinks and beer are also available. Evenings are perfect for enjoying dinner and relaxing.
* Staff: The staff are very friendly and welcoming (and there are some adorable dogs!).
* Ambiance: The open-plan design of the homestay makes it very airy and spacious.
* Environment: I was particularly impressed by the meaningful quotes about environmental protection displayed throughout.
Beaches: You can freely take photos at the various beaches; there are no entrance fees or ticket purchases required. Food prices are also reasonable, around $1.35-$2.25 per dish.
Other attractions on Hon Son Island include:
* Ma Thien Lanh Peak
* Ong Rong Peak
* Giong Beach
* Bac Beach
* Island-crossing waterfall... and more.
Hon Son isn't very large, and most incidental expenses are self-sufficient, so it's not very costly. You can hire a fishing boat to visit the fishing village for about $8.50-$13.50, depending on the location, and buy fresh seafood directly from them.
You can also buy seafood and have the homestay prepare it for you cheaply—around $1.10-$1.35 per dish.
The seafood here is amazing—fresh, delicious, and inexpensive (around $6.75 per person for a filling meal).
By evening, hundreds of young people gather at Ba Son wharf to take photos of the sunset. The trend of taking pictures at this "grassy spot" with its "river view" has exploded across social media since the opening of Metro Line 1.
Yen Nhu, a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, shared, "I saw this photo trend on TikTok, and since it's close to my school, I invited a friend to come after class. I live in Thu Duc, so on weekends, my friends and I take the metro here to get some cool photos."
(Photo courtesy of HCMC Metro Confessions Facebook page) Open Thread
Did you know that the name Saigon is a transliteration of the Khmer word "Prai Nokor," meaning "town in the forest"? Saigon in the 1920s resembled a kingdom hidden amongst lush green forests, just as romantic and dreamy as the city of Dalat.
These restored images are courtesy of the Saigon Viewer team.
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Hue's Văn Thánh Temple – Honoring the Nation's Talented Scholars
Hue's Văn Thánh Temple, also known as the Hue Temple of Literature, is a significant historical and cultural relic of the ancient capital. Built in 1808 under Emperor Gia Long, it's dedicated to venerating talented scholars, cultural figures, and those who made significant contributions to education and national development. The temple is not only a symbol of the veneration of knowledge but also a testament to Vietnam's tradition of valuing education and its talented people. With its ancient and majestic architecture, the Văn Thánh Temple is a meaningful destination for anyone wishing to learn about the history and culture of the ancient capital.
A unique, almost unbelievably cheap banh mi stall run by a nearly 90-year-old grandmother has become a local legend. Bà Nguyễn Thị Ngang, affectionately known as Ngoại Sáu, has been selling banh mi for 40 years in Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province, for just 5,000 dong (about $0.21 USD) per loaf.
Before the pandemic, she even sold them for 3,000 dong. Every day, she wakes up at 2 AM to prepare ingredients, and by 4 AM, her banh mi stall is ready for customers.
Despite her children urging her to retire due to the strenuous work, Ngoại Sáu continues, driven by her loyalty to her long-time customers, many of whom are low-income workers and students.
Located on ICC street among countless other cafes, KIOH Coffee maintains a unique, unmistakable atmosphere. The cafe offers various spaces, including indoor and outdoor seating, private meeting rooms, a quiet study area, and outdoor areas on the first and second floors perfect for group gatherings.
KIOH Coffee
Plot 51, Lot BT1, ICC Urban Area, Lach Tray
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Open Thread
A brand new, bright yellow cafe has opened in the heart of Hai Phong! The space is unique and eye-catching, with a giant banana sculpture in front. The menu is quite diverse, with prices starting at just 25,000 VND! I ordered the Banana Cacao and Avocado Smoothie; they were okay, but a little too sweet for me.
If you don't like things too sweet, remember to ask them to reduce the sugar!
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