Travel

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): Saigon – a young and lively mega metropolis filled with vibrant energy and has witnessed the history and modernity intertwining in its space. It is home to nearly 9 million souls who comprise this throbbing city in the southern part of Vietnam. The city has delighted its visitors with nostalgia and strong reminders of the past. The Scared announces: from the appeal of the colonial architecture to the modern skyscraper; from street-side cafes to trendy galleries, the city only evolves leaving behind its rich history. So, here is a fully held guide through the weekend in Saigon from historical places to hidden gems, nature escapes, and buzzing cultural spaces. Friday – A Journey Through History & Modern Flavor1pm – Start at the Heart of the CityFrom the heart of the city, begin your Saigon experience in District 1 (D1), where the blend of old-world charm and modern creation is most apparent. From the French-colonial period Saigon Post Office down to the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, D1 boasts some iconic landmarks to the bustling currents of the metropolitan scene – modernization, including markets and trendy shopping malls and sophisticated coffee houses.Also, in D1, don’t miss Blanc. Restaurant, a singular dining outlet that offers a range of sensations – it’s Vietnamese or international. Sample the duck breast with butternut squash puree and bamboo shoots, while Blanc. provides incredible food while employing the hearing disabled. Vietnamese sign language on the menu adds a poignant note to your meal.3:00pm – A Discovery of Tradition at The Fito MuseumAfter lunch, make your way to District 10 (D10), where the Fito Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine is located. This small but interesting museum comes with insights into the centuries-old healing practices of this nation. The rare display of medical instruments, herbal medicine, and antiques showcases the rich medical heritage of Vietnam. The fine Champa-style architecture, along with the paleontological exhibits, simply makes this museum a must-see for history buffs and cultural vultures alike.6:00pm – Fusion Dinner with an ExperienceWith the setting of the sun, dinner at Organik Kitchen Saigon is on the agenda back in the District 1 area. This little bistro provides a novel twist on international and plant-based fare, ranging from falafel pitas to margherita pizza. The perfect place to chill out and absorb the artistic vibe of Saigon, the venue is also used for live music performances, art exhibitions, and charity events. All the while, sip a tropical rum punch and let the creative surroundings wash over you.Saturday – By Nature and New Horizons7am – Escape to Cat Tien National ParkA day trip to Cat Tien National Park is all what urban dwellers seek when they want a real break from the monotony of a fast-paced city life. Just about 150 kilometers from Saigon, this green park allows one to recline and reconnect with nature. It has diverse wildlife that include the golden-cheeked gibbons and sun bears plus the endangered Asian elephants. It is indeed the heaven of eco-tourism. Here, one can also trek, kayak, or go on an animal night safari. If you wish to spend an entire night out then, enjoy your stay at the Ta Lai Longhouse, a community-based ecotourism project that helps local ethnic groups.11am – Explore Thu Duc CityHowever, if you feel more like staying in Saigon, take a trip out to the rapidly-developing area of Thu Duc City-incredibly fast urbanizing area infused with avant-garde architecture and novel tech industries. Dubbed “Vietnam’s Silicon Valley,” the area is characterized by sleek skyscrapers with modern shopping complexes full of hip restaurants. Here, you find a stark contrast to the colonial architecture of District 1. An interlude at Saigon Outcast, a genuinely bohemian venue, will give you a chance to experience a pop-up market with artisan stalls selling local produce, food stalls, and performances.2pm – Shop Local Art & Eco-Friendly GoodsAnd then, the next stop is The Factory: an avant-garde space in Thu Duc that turns shipping containers into venues for exhibitions, workshops, and social events. This is the ultimate place to experience local culture. For nature lovers, Purr Nature has a store in Thao Dien that sells hand-made, eco-friendly products for entirely good purposes. The profits go to the sole cause of Purr Shelter: a home for orphaned kittens. Nearby to that, The Organik House provides sustainable, plastic-free products that will make good gifts but still support local.7 pm-a Unique Dining Experience at Noir.Dine at Nuit, eating in the dark in the District 1. Eat in darkness here, serving men and women with sight impairments who will lead you through the sensory journey that basically makes you appreciate food in an entirely new way. The ouses braille, and outside it carries an exciting assortment of East meets West dishes to ensure that the meal is delicious and it also carries significant meaning. The dining experience should leave people aware of issues related to inclusion and disability access.Sunday-a slow down before you goNo breakfast at 10am in the Green Bamboo Kitchen. On your last day, you will wake up to breakfast in Green Bamboo Kitchen, a nonprofit restaurant that takes underprivileged boys in Saigon. Founded by the Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Association, this kitchen provides a chance for homeless boys to rebuild their lives. Simply learn to eat home-cooked traditional Vietnamese meals at such price rates that make you a supporter of a cause.1:00 PM – Experience Coffee Culture at Its Very Best in SaigonThere are reasons enough behind Saigon’s booming coffee scene, and to have the enjoyable experience of a complete visit to this city is to taste a glass of ca phe da or iced coffee from an entirely local shop. You can spend a whole afternoon wandering along Phu Nhuan District because this place has countless hidden secret cafes and juice bars loved by the locals. Fin Saigon is in fact the best, selling sustainably grown Robusta coffee beans sourced from the central highlands of Vietnam. Picks up the locally

Among the places you ought to visit in your lifetime, Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina should take the number one spot. It is one of the most naturally beautiful wonders present on the Earth. Bigger than the entire city of Buenos Aires, shimmering blue ice characterizes it as being one of the hugest glaciers in the world. Everything that you need to know to maximize this incredible place in Patagonia includes. Where Is Perito Moreno Glacier?The Perito Moreno Glacier rests on Los Glaciares National Park in the southern part of Argentina. Near this glacier is a tiny town of El Calafate, the most visited destination in Argentina. There are various hotels and eateries that would cater for people visiting the region. It is also very easy to move to other beautiful places in Patagonia from this town.How to Reach Perito Moreno GlacierThe closest airport to the glacier is El Calafate (FTE) and boasts a direct flight profile from Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Ushuaia, among many others. Car access from the airport takes about 60-90 minutes along mostly paved roads-the last stretch being a little winding-directly to the glacier. Alternatively, there are options for renting a car or utilizing a private taxi; however, there is an ample presence of regular bus services departing the El Calafate bus terminal to the glacier. For those without any hassles involved in the trip, there are also many day trips that cover transportation and guidage through El Calafate and in some cases even boat cruises for a closer view of the glacier.Perito Moreno Glacier: Best ToursIf you are short on time, a day tour is probably one of the best ways to appreciate the glacier. GetYourGuide is an excellent platform for booking one of these popular tours. They include a walk along metal walkways with stunning views of the glacier. For something a bit more adventure-oriented, go for the mini-trekking tour that actually involves some hiking on the glacier’s surface! For those who want a bigger adrenaline rush, the “Big Ice” trek is a longer and more challenging glacier hike.For the want of more even-tempered kinds of safari tours, join up the “Safari Azul”; this brings one closer to trekking without the ice. The tour takes one to the beach in front of the glacier, wherein one has the chance of drowning an ice and take a picture of it. This one offers kayaking, as well as boat cruises, for those who may find kayaking interesting.What You Need to Know About Walking the GlacierOne popular way to enjoy Perito Moreno is by walking the metal walkway along the edge of Lago Argentino. This large network of platforms offers stunning perspectives of the glacier from various angles. The walkways, which include red and yellow circuits, are color-coded according to their routes, with the red and yellow routes being those with the best views. On a clear day, you might see huge chunks of ice calving off the glacier into the lake below.Most walkways are open to the visitors, with some wheelchair-friendly areas. However, to reach the best spots, you have to walk a little and climb stairs. If you are stubborn, you may witness the giant condor flying over the glacier or see the massive blocks of ice fall into the lake in a spectacular calving event.Glacier Mini-Trekking Tour: Once-in-a-Lifetime ExperienceAs though that is not sufficient, you can also have a mini-trekking experience on the glacier. This is a full-day glacier adventure that begins with a boat crossing of the lake and follows by safety briefing and gear fitting. Then you are given crampons and a helmet and set off into the small group exploring the ice up close with a professional guide. It is open to almost everyone aged 8 to 65, though good health is required to enjoy it fully.These tours are highly sought after and fill up quickly. You should reserve yours early. You’ll be able to take some stunning pictures on the tour, and to top it off, you’ll be served whiskey on the rocks made from the glacier at the end of the day!The Big Ice Trek: For those with Adventurous SoulsThe Big Ice trek isn’t just about glacial walking; this is the most extreme glacier adventure. This is a real exploration tour into the glacier. Here, you spend more time on the ice and go off the beaten path. This is recommended for the highly fit and those craving a much more serious adventure. This trek is meant only for the 18 to 50 age groups and comes with a pricy tag as compared to the mini-trekking tour. However, if in tip-top shape and want to take the big ice trek, it just might be a worthy investment.What to Bring on Glacier HikingBefore you head into the glacier, make sure to have your packing very well done. Essential things include:Outerwear: The weather goes windy, so bring a jacket and warm hat. Gloves: This must be for a glacier hike. If you forget, the gloves will be provided. Footwear: Hiking boots or any sturdy shoes will work, as crampons will be provided. Backpack: A small backpack with snacks, water, and personal items will be handy. Camera: Don’t forget to capture those beautiful ice-forming sights on your camera or smartphone.Entrance Fees to Los Glaciares National ParkVisitor Fees to Los Glaciares National ParkAs with any part of the park Los Glaciares, there are entrance fees for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier. The pass is independent of the cost of the tour and can be paid for by either cash or credit card upon entry to the park. Additionally, the second day is discounted by fifty percent if a ticket is bought for two consecutive days. Check the Argentina National Parks website to confirm prices before securing your visit.Fun Facts About Perito Moreno GlacierLength: The glacier extends about 30 km (19 miles), with a 250-km2 (100 square miles) area.Color: Bright blue because the ice is densely packed and blocks out lighter colors of light