3D: Plan a Vacation

Goal: Plan a vacation

Reading

Activities that I'd like to do:

Read the article again. Does the author agree or disagree with this advice? Circle A for agree or D for disagree.

1. D

2. A

3. D

4. D

5. A

Reading: Make Your Vacation More Interesting

Aziz Abu Sarah has a travel company and often gives advice to tourists. Here he answers the question: "How can a vacation be more interesting?"
Don't plan everything
Tourists often study maps and plan everything before they go on vacation. It's fun to go sightseeing, but sometimes it's interesting to leave the map at the hotel. When I was in Tokyo for the first time, I traveled to the suburbs. Two hours later, I was singing karaoke and dancing with local people.
Try the local food
Eating local food always makes a vacation more interesting. Go to food markets where local people sell fresh food that they grew or cooked. You can learn more about their food and culture. It's much more interesting than going to a supermarket - and the food is better!
Find out where local people go
When you arrive in a new place, find out about festivals and events. Local magazines and posters have information about art galleries and live music. If you like sports, find out where people play. When I was in Tunisia, I played soccer on the beach with a group of local men.
Ask for advice and suggestions
All around the world, people are always happy to give advice. Don't always use the guidebook or the Internet. Ask local people for suggestions on where to go or where to eat. Once, in Curitiba, Brazil, I asked a local group where I should have dinner in the city. They invited me for dinner and I am still friends with them!

Goal check

Day One: Explore the Heart of Hanoi

Morning:

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Start the day with a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a beautiful and iconic landmark in Hanoi. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the middle of the lake, accessible via the picturesque Bridge of the Rising Sun.

Tip: Don’t forget to try egg coffee at one of the lakeside cafes!

Lunch:

Traditional Vietnamese Pho

Head to a local restaurant to enjoy the famous Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), a must-try dish in Hanoi. Popular places to try Pho are Pho Gia Truyen or Pho Bat Dan.

Afternoon:

Old Quarter Walk

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The 36 streets of the Old Quarter are known for their colonial architecture, narrow alleyways, and local markets.

Evening:

Water Puppet Show & Dinner

Watch a traditional Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a unique cultural experience.

Dinner at Quan An Ngon or a local street food market for some Banh Mi or Goi Cuon (Vietnamese spring rolls).

Day Two: Historical and Cultural Tour

Morning:

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. It’s a significant historical site. Afterward, explore the Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.

Tip: Wear respectful attire when visiting the mausoleum (no shorts or sleeveless tops).

Lunch:

Vietnamese Cuisine at Ba Dinh

Try some local dishes such as Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) at a restaurant near the Ba Dinh district.

Afternoon:

Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and a beautiful example of ancient Vietnamese architecture.

Explore Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam, located by West Lake.

Evening:

West Lake & Sunset at Sunset Bar

Head to West Lake for a relaxing evening by the water. Enjoy a drink at Sunset Bar, known for its scenic views of the lake and sunset.

Day Three: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay (for a natural escape)

Morning:

Depart early for a Ha Long Bay day trip (about 3-4 hours by car or bus from Hanoi).

Take a cruise around Ha Long Bay, exploring its stunning limestone karsts and islands. Enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, or a visit to Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave).

Lunch:

Have a seafood lunch on board the boat, featuring fresh fish, shrimp, and other local specialties.

Afternoon:

Continue cruising and exploring the bay before heading back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.