Song Be Golf Resort is located in Lai Thieu Townlet, Thuan An District, Binh Duong Province. It takes tourists in Vietnam travel about 35 minutes to drive from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City and from the Tan Son Nhat airport. This is Vietnam's first International Standard Championship Golf Course. Song Be Golf Resort is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and stimulating in the country.

Covering an area of 100 hectares, the golf resort was built out of the natural landscape of fruit orchard and coconut palms and was opened for play since 1994. The resort style layout features at least 10 lakes with tree-lined fairways. 

The resort comprises of an 18-hole, Par 72 Championship Golf Course that measures over 7,200 yards (6,339m) at its longest. Carved out of natural surrounds, the Golf Course is officially rated in accordance with USGA/SGA (United States Golfers Association / Singapore Golfers Association requirements).

Other facilities include driving range, pro-shop, tennis courts, locker rooms, two restaurants, guest villas, children’s playground, swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, reading room and function rooms.

At Song Be, the emphasis is on offering golfers a challenging course which they will enjoy playing on a regular basis. At the same time, the course aim to provide golfers and tourists in Vietnam travel a warm atmosphere in relaxing surroundings.

te fresh fruits from the trees such as mangosteen, durian, rambutan, lichee, mulberry, etc. Arriving to Cau Ngang, visitors in Vietnam travel may go by two roads: walking along bridges, along red soil roads with shady trees and aroma of fruits. The gardens here are rich of fruits. Just passing a small ditch, visitors come to a garden. Walking on carper made from leaves under cool shade of trees with all types of rip fruits above and so peaceful and quiet atmosphere, visitors can hear birds singing and rustle of leaves falling. All fatigued of stress and tension are seemed disappear. 

If the visitors in Vietnam travel want to have a trip on canals, there are many motorized boats waiting in Cau Ngang. On the boats, they can visit gardens by sailing along canals. Looking at canal’s banks from the boats, they will feel as if they were traveling in hick canal region of rich South of Vietnam. Motorized boats are ready to stop at their request. They also can go along tens of kilometers of canals to see at will the gardens, wallowed in water and cool breeze, really indulge themselves in the nature.

If you have time and make some tour to Vietnam, you should once come to this green tourist area where you can enjoy fresh fruits at the gardens and enjoy peaceful atmosphere.

Lying charmingly in the heart of the city's District 1 area, at the start of the famous Le Loi Avenue, the building still retails many lively evidences for the influence of French architecture in Vietnam. Tourists in Vietnam travel certainly can't take their eyes off the elegant architecture of the Saigon Opera House (or Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater) when paying a visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

At the turn of the 20th century, this magnificent building, designed by French architect Ferret Eugene, was built as a classical opera house with 800 seats to entertain French colonists. nyone who has been to France can recognize many similarities between the Opera House and the Petit Palais. In fact, just like the Reunification Palace, the applied ornament, balustrades, cartouches, and roof were imported directly from France.

In order to celebrate the 300th birthday of Saigon, the municipal government invited some of famous architects and artists to restore the house in 1998.

Saigon Opera House - Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam

 Today, renovated with new materials, the theatre is equipped with state-of-the-art electric appliances, lighting and sound systems, and safety equipment. Many original architectural and decorative features have been incorporated, including a stone veranda, white stone statues at the entrance, colorful granite tiled floors, chandeliers, bronze statues in front of the stairs and richly-engraved auditorium arch and wall statues. The Opera House is surrounded by new shopping plazas and posh hotels, which allow you to combine the trip to the Opera House with a shopping tour.

The Saigon Opera House becomes a theater for a variety of Vietnamese traditional and classical performances such as plays, concerts, ballet, opera, and Vietnamese traditional dance. Moreover, this house - the brightest building of Ho Chi Minh City - is also one of the exciting destinations which visitors joining tours in Vietnam should not miss when visiting this city.

Dam Sen Water Park's infrastructure is divided into 30 parts and features several activities, restaurants, and shows, including a smaller reproduction of the Giac Vien Pagoda, the Thuy Ta floating restaurant, a lake similar to West Lake in Hanoi where one can fish, a puppet show, a bird garden, a water park, a sports center, and the Nam Tu Royal Garden.

The park is inside an entertainment, enjoyment, shopping complex, it has 26 types of water entertainment equipment they are unique and a wave pool of surface of 3000m2 under green trees is an joyful entertainment address ideal for your family and you after days of working and studying that are full of stress.

Joining tours in Vietnam, visitors arriving at Dam Sen Water Park feel immediately about a green heaven in the middle of the city. Breathe in deeply to enjoy the fresh air of romantic nature and enjoy the waves of up and down as if caressing you. You, young people, would like to conquer the height? You shall be challenged with strong feeling games such as: high speed Kamikaze of height 19m, or you become Tarzan in the film studio of the games Rope swinging overcome waterfall, as for those of you who love peaceful feeling you can have your body inside the water of the Wandering river floating along the stream of length of 400m or really relaxed with Massage Pool in the middle of green nature. And still more interesting games are waiting for you to discover and to conquer.

 In order to bring to tourists in Vietnam tourism new feelings, the Park always invest, upgrades more new games; such as high speed slide Tornado, of height of 20m, length 119m, Black Thunder slide with sound, and lighting effects that are special unique, Multi Slide with 4 lanes for you and your family to test the talents who is the fastest; Love Storm height 12m with 3 unique turing twisting. Especially in summer of to 2006 the park introduced into operation that is completely new and unique: Twister Space Bowl slide.

Visiting the park, you really have a space of peace in the soul when you participate in the games of the park because there is always a group of professional rescuers who are ready to support and care for you. Moreover, the park has a system of canteens selling fast foods and 400 seats restaurant with nice menus, food attractively repaired ready to serve customers.

Dam Sen Water Park is the interesting place that brings you joy and new feelings.

Duc Ba  (Our Lady’s) Cathedral is located on Han Thuyen Street, facing down Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It was inaugurated in 1880, and became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient.

After the first French colonizing force arrived in Vietnam in the mid - 19thcentury, it took only 21 years before the country had a cathedral to match the hulking Gothic edifices of France itself. The cathedral was supposed to represent the glory of the French Empire. Yet, as is always the case with colonization, this attempt to import French traditions into Vietnam transformed the colonizers' culture in the process. Even though the cathedral was built in a Western architectural style, it has a uniquely Eastern aspect.

Several architects put forward design proposals for the cathedral, but in 1877 the authorities selected Mr Bourard, who was famed for his religious architecture. He envisaged, and executed, a basilica-like structure with a square plan. The cathedral is composed of two main central bays with two sidereal corridors, with tall pillars and light coming in through sets of high windows, and a semi-circular shrine. The style follows a Roman pattern, although the outside contains some modifications: the cathedral's vaults are Gothic, and a modern steel skeleton supports the whole building. 

In 1894 a pointed minaret was added to the bell tower, at the behest of an architect named Gardes, who was also responsible for the Xa Tay Palace, the building that now houses the Municipal People's Committee. The cathedral is a much smaller than those in France, but it was the largest in the French empire. The interior is very large: the principal shrine and two additional bays are 93m long, and reach 35m in width at one point. The semi-circular shrine at the rear seats a choir during services, and there are five chapels.

The walls are made of Bien Hoa granite, combined with red tiles from Marseilles, all without coating. Red tiles from France were also used on the roofs, but they were later replaced with tiles of equal quality from Phu Huu. Natural light streams in through stained-glass windows which were made by the Lorin Company from the French town of Sartre. 

The whole building is well-ventilated thanks to a system of air-holes placed above and under the windows. The belfry is 57m high. For a long time it was the highest structure in the city centre, and was the first thing an arriving traveller would see when approaching the city by boat. Six bells weigh a combined 25,850kg. In 1885, the floor was taken apart and new pillars were added, because the original foundation could not bear the cathedral's weight. Stepping inside the cathedral, tourists in Vietnam travel can see a line of Chinese characters eulogizing the Jesus' mother, "the innocent and unblemished Virgin Mother", and stained-glass portraits of Vietnamese believers amid Asiatic plants. On the square in front of the cathedral, there is a statue of the Virgin Mother made of white marble, symbolizing peace. All told, it's an unusual building: a Western architectural and religious style that has been transplanted into, and adapted to, the East. The colonizers were trying to impose French beliefs and customs onto Vietnam but once that culture arrived on Asia's shores, it took on a life of its own. The cathedral is seen as a unique synthesis, adding an unmistakable Oriental flavour to an ancient Occidental recipe.

If you pay a visit Ho Chi Minh city, Duc Ba Cathedral is a visit-worthy place that you should not ignore.

Established in 2000 under the management of Phu Tho Tourist Service Company, the Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Site was built in accordance with the natural environment to preserve and develop a rich flora and fauna. By road and waterways, visitors in Vietnam travel can discover the amazing nature of this place.

Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Site

Covering an area of over 1,862 ha, Vam Sat has nearly 140 species of plants belonging to over 60 families. A majority of the area is mangrove and mam (Avicennia) forests. The Site is known for having many shrimp, crabs, shellfish and aquatic products of high economic value, such as barramundi, grey eel-catfish and pangasius kunyit. It also has many precious animals such as pythons, crocodiles, varans, monkeys, wild boar and otters.
Vam Sat bird sanctuary covering over 700 ha including nearly 200ha of core area and 500ha of a buffer zone has tens of thousands of storks, night herons and cormorants. The sounds of the birds can be heard a kilometer away.

Nguyen Thai Hoa who has managed the bird sanctuary for more than 35 years said: “When my grandfather was alive he said that nobody knew when this bird sanctuary was formed. In the past, there were countless birds here. During wartime, the bombs and shells of the US and southern puppet regime destroyed most of the forests, making almost all the storks flee. It was not until the 1990s that the bird sanctuary was revived and developed. “

At present, the bird sanctuary has over 10,000 birds of over 30 species, including many valuable species such as white storks, black storks, night herons, great cormorants, sea swallows, herons, lesser whistling-ducks, boucals and adjutants. There is Mycterria leucocephala, a rare and precious species which has been listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world. The birds often build nests on tops of date trees to evade predators such as snakes, monkeys and varans because the trees have many thorns on the top.
Every year, from May to October, a large number of birds flock to this area to build nests and incubate. At 7 am or 5 pm, standing on the observation tower, the manager makes only several claps of his hands and immediately hundreds of birds fly to the sky, creating a bustling scene.
In contrast to the boisterous atmosphere of the bird sanctuary, Dam Doi (Bat Swamp) is a very quiet place. With a dinghy, a common means of transport of the people in the southern watery area, the forest guard takes visitors in Vietnam tourism through interlacing canals to go deep into the lush mangrove forests. Forests are on both sides of the canal. On the mangrove trees, many saffron-coloured bats hang by their legs with their heads down to sleep after a long night seeking food in fruit gardens in the surrounding provinces. According to the forest guard, in November according to the lunar calendar, the mother bats embrace their children in sleep. Tourists joining tours in Vietnam are advised to keep quiet so as not to awaken the bats.
The bats have saffron coloured hair. They weigh about 0.5kg and have a wingspan of 0.7-0.8m. Their main food is fruit in the garden. Nobody can explain why they chose Vam Sat forests to reside because there is almost no source of food for them in the swamp or the surrounding area. At night they must fly hundreds of kilometers away to seek food and fly back the next morning to sleep before sunrise.

Apart from the bird sanctuary and Dam Doi, Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Site is also home to long-tailed apes which usually live in groups of 10 to 100 apes. The females reproduce year round. They have a pregnancy period of 160-170 days and have one baby per pregnancy. The long-tailed apes in this area are rather daring. Whenever visitors arrive, they come out of the forest to steal food, creating an interesting atmosphere. Vam Sat also has a reserve of wild animals, such as deer, wild boars, pythons, snakes and varans.

Visiting Vam Sat Eco- tourist Site, apart from discovering the amazing natural wildlife, visitors in Vietnam travel will have a chance to learn about the interesting cultural traits in the life of the local people. They can join the fishermen in catching fish with nets, angling for crocodiles and crabs, walking through the forest and enjoying local specialties of Can Gio watery area.

The Lady Thien Hau Pagoda was built on Huong Chu Hien Canal, in the middle of the 19th century. In 1880, an additional back house was built and in 1925 the pagoda was moved to its current location. 

Several deities are worshipped inside the pagoda, including Lares, Mon Quan Saint Mother Thien Hau, Bon Dau Cong Couple (Chinese General) and also Ngu Hanh Nuong Nuong (Five Lady Saint of the five basic element of eastern philosophy): Saint Kim (Metal), Moc (Wood), Thuy (Water), Hoa (Fire), Tho (Earth). 

Annually, on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, which is the anniversary of the death of Lady Thien Hau, there is a ceremony at the Lady pagoda. This ceremony attracts many pilgrims from all over the country.

Coming to Binh Duong province in this period of time, tourists in Vietnam travel also have chance to join the ceremony.

Tuong Binh Hiep Village is located in Tuong Binh Hiep Commune, Thu Dau Mot Town, Binh Duong Province, about 7km north of town centre. 

In early 18th century, the people in traditional lacquer trade migrated to Thu Dau Mot Town from the North, the Central and set up a village. After their life was rather stable, they made first lacquer paintings to commemorate homeland. Those lacquer paintings were known and bought by the richer in the village. There was more and more demand for this product and households gradually specialized in lacquer trade to set up Tuong Binh Hiep Lacquer Village.

Each Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer product made scrupulously by artisans is an art work in high aesthetic value. In order to make a lacquer product on traditional mode, it must spend time and effort with 25 strict steps. There are some steps which must be made many times such as bamboo framing of painting. Painting step must spend 3 - 6 months to ensure quality for each product. 

After many generations, the Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer still keeps traditional beauty. It’s sophistication of Orient art. The Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer product has better quality and more multiform design than other ones. According to some experts, the Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer product can bear frigid climate of Europe, not be cracked, peeled off or deformed. 

At present, lacquer workshops can produce many multiform products. Beside traditional lacquer products are still being loved, series of products made have modern design, suitable for different demand. In addition, new materials have been used to create unique feature for lacquer products here. The lacquer products inlaid with bamboo, tree skin... instead of oyster, snail, egg shell have been accepted by domestic and international tourists in Vietnam travel, especially from United State, France, Holland. 

It is obvious that Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer village has more and more developed. The Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer has stilled been had feature of traditional culture. It is not only the pride of the trade village, but also the cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Chau Thoi Mountain Pagoda is located in Binh An Commune, Thuan An District, Binh Duong Province. According to the history of the Nguyen Dynasty, Chau Thoi Mountain Pagoda was founded by the Buddhist monk Khanh Long in the 17^th century.

The present building was constructed in 1954, while the three-entrance gate was built in 1970. In the Main Hall of this famous pagoda of old Gia Dinh, there are three ancient stone Buddha statues.

Every year, many visitors in Vietnam travel come here to visit and worship Buddha. The pagoda is located on Chau Thoi Mountain. It has a quiet solemn aura and a beautiful surrounding landscape.

If you travel to Binh Duong in Vietnam tourism, you should pay a visit to this Mountain Pagoda. It is surely a worthy-visit destination.

Shopping – a ubiquitous custom of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ever since the Vietnam’s policy shifted the nation into a market economy, buying and selling has been as ubiquitous as breathing. You are young and fond of modern stylish fashion, jewelries, etc.? Well, Diamond Plaza and Saigon Square Shopping Center should be your initial stop-over.

If you, tourists in Vietnam travel, are looking for toys for your kids, those shopping zones also offer a lot to choose, or you may spend your time in the wooden toy store for special wooden kinds. Or, should you seek some low-priced goods, many street-front shop houses are available everywhere welcoming you to step inside! Yet, it’s ideal that you visit several markets such as Cholon (Big Market) (or Saigon's Chinatown) and Ben Thanh market for further choices. 
If you are here, I can assure that you will much desire shopping in the city because of the mass quantity, the good prices, and last but not least, the hospitality of numerous Vietnamese charming female sellers!

Shopping Guide.

No one ever shopping here can deny that the range of merchandise in Saigon is truly fantastic. Should you can't buy it here, you may not really need it! 
Bargaining is considered the most common way to buy things in Saigon. Some often relish bargaining, others hate it. Yet, it is not that much complicated if you think of it as a a harmonious Yin-Yang balance. You want the item, and the seller wants your money. Yin-Yang! The maximum price you are willing to pay is the value of your desire for the item. The minimum price the vendor is willing to accept is the value of their desire for your money. Yin-Yang! Bargaining is simply a search for the Yin-Yang balance between your desire and the seller's. However, should the items have price labels, there is almost no bargaining. 
Normally, you will fill your suitcase when shopping in Saigon. If you get hungry during your shopping spree, stop for some finger food or relax in one of the Saigon Restaurants along the city's shopping streets.

Where should I go?

As the most active city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City offers an excellent variety of clothing, ceramics, ethnic fabrics and lacquered bamboo. Once you are in Ho Chi Minh City, you will surely get spoilt for choice of shops. Thus, to facilitate your selection, we offer a suggested shopping zone list as follows:

Big shopping centers

• Tax Department Store - Intersection of Nguyen Hue and Le Loi Streets, Dist.1, HCMC
• Ben Thanh market - Dist.1, city center, HCMC
• Binh Tay market - Dist.5, one of the main markets of Cholon
• Diamond Plaza - 37 Le Duan, Dist.1, HCMC

Bags

• Anh Thu – 48 Le Lai Str., Dist.1, HCMC
• Saigon – 2 Nguyen Trai Str., Dist.1, HCMC

Clothing

• Oriental Home - 2A Le Duan, Dist.1, HCMC
• Trends - 23 Dong Du, Dist.1, HCMC
• Bao Nghi - 127 Dong Khoi, Dist.1, HCMC
• Cam Tu - 10-12 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Dist.3, HCMC

Silk

• Emotion - 89 Dong  Khoi, Dist.1, HCMC
• Silk Road - 98 Mac Thi Buoi, Dist.1, HCMC
• Toan Thinh Silk - 12-14 Pham Phu Thu, Tan Binh Dist., HCMC
• Khai Silk - 107 Dong Khoi, Dist.1, HCMC

Crafts & Souvenirs

• Cocochine Saigon - 95 Nguyen Hue, Dist.1, HCMC
• Handicraft - Shop 115, Me Linh Point Shopping Center, HCMC
• Indochine House - 27 Dong Du, Dist.1, HCMC
• Ju Ju shops - 58 Dong Du, Dist.1, HCMC
• Unique Viet Art Objects - 11 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, HCMC

Pottery & Ceramics

• Celadon Green - 29 Dong Du, Dist.1, HCMC
• Q Home - 65 Le Loi, Dist.1, HCMC
• Van Hien Pottery Shop - 91A Pasteur, Dist.1, HCMC

Supermarket

• Citimart - 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Dist.1, HCMC
• Co-op Mart - 189C Cong Quynh, Dist.1; or 168 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Dist.3, HCMC