Travel Guide to Yarphei

Yarphei is a long strip of land in Southeast Asia along the Gulf of Thailand. It shares borders with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia, with territory close to Indonesia. It has control of the Teur Islands and several other territories around the world (although this article does not cover these territories). As a major military and economic power, Yarphei has sometimes been excluded as a travel destination due to the totalitarian conditions. However, the country is extremely safe and holds many hidden gems.

Sights
In the heart of Southeast Asia, the country possesses a unique feel of both totalitarian oppression and an inner peace. The Yarphese government has worked to give each province or department a unique identity and a memorable tourist attraction. Among the most famous locations are the peaceful beaches of Ko Samui, the bustling multi-ethnic island of Singapore, the beautiful city of Saigon, and the historic city of Bangkok.

Province 1: Saigon
Yarphei's second most populated province contains the bustling city of Saigon (pronounced SIGH GONE), former capital of South Vietnam, captured by the North Vietnamese and renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the communist leader of that country. It was invaded by the Vietnamese Liberation Army in 1999, and its name was reverted to Saigon. It was the capital of Saigon until 2007, and continues to be an important center of Yarphese rule. The city is famous for its broad streets of the city's core and the nearby Yarphese quarter, constructed in 2002, containing modern buildings. Backpacking travelers most often frequent the "Western Quarter" on Phàm Ngǔ Lãu street. The arts are presented through various theaters and cinemas, with Saigon's cinemas composing a large part of the economy of Yarphei in that industry. The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens are always a stop for tourists. Ben Thanh Marketplace, the Reunification Palace, and the Museum of Vietnamese and Yarphese History are also musts for those traveling in Province 1. The main language is Vietnamese with a distinctive Saigon accent, but many Yarphese living there will understand English as well.

Province 2: My Tho
My Tho (pronounced MEE TOE) was founded in the 1680s by Chinese refugees fleeing Taiwan when the general of the Qing Dynasty Shi Lang defeated the reminents of Southern Ming Dynasty in 1683. The area, at the time, was once part of the Khmer kingdom and it was annexed to Vietnam in the 18th century. Due to its proximity to Saigon, My Tho was the traditional gateway to the Mekong Delta. In 1860s, My Tho, along with Saigon, was a major strategic city during the French colonial campaign towards Vietnam. The city has been popular due to its beautiful scenery. Many choose to visit Vinh Trang pagoda. However, the most common reason to visit My Tho is to take a scenic trip on the Mekong River in a boat. Other musts are to sample the local cuisine at local restaurants. The city will be in demand when it holds Miss World in 2011 and 2012. The principal language is Vietnamese.

Province 3: Vi Thanh
The province is popular for anyone who wants to get out of the mainstream. The capital is Vi Thanh (pronounced YEE TAN in the local dialect), famous for its museums and good quality hotels, hard to find in the area. The province is densely populated, providing authentic cuisine and outdoor experiences. Vietnamese is the principal language.

Province 4: Can Tho
Can Tho (pronounced KUNG TUH) is the capital of Province 4, an inland province. There are several hidden gems in this generally overlooked province such as Chau Ðoc (CHOU DOOK), the location of Phuoc Dien Temple (FOOK DEE-un). Sam Mountain is also an unknown splendor near the border of Province 6. Long Xuyen (LONG SWEE-un) is another famous city next to Can Tho, with cultural centers and museums. Long Xuyen has been developed intensively by the Yarphese government. The main language here is Vietnamese, but Khmer and Cham are also very common languages.

Province 5: Ca Mau
Ca Mau (KAH MOW) is a large province containing the Ca Mau peninsula and the city of Ca Mau. The city has several attractions that draw domestic and international tourists. These include several wild bird parks, the southernmost point in Vietnam, and a number of Khmer pagodas. Near Ca Mau is the U Minh (OO MEEN) area with its famous mangrove forest and swamp cuisine: fish hot pots, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer cuisine. Ca Mau also has several 1- to 3-star hotel restaurants. The city has faced rapid development and is expected to be Yarphei's next metropolis. Rach Gia (RAT YA) is another famous city for its fishing industry and beautiful port and beaches. The main languages are Vietnamese in the East and Khmer in the west.