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Ha Tien, with its lush green landscapes, has captivated many travelers (Photo: Collected)
Ha Tien is a town located in the northwest of Kiên Giang province, bordering Cambodia to the north with a coastline stretching 13.7 km; to the east and south adjacent to Kiên Lương district; to the south, it faces the Gulf of Thailand with a coastline of 22 km. With such an excellent geographical location, Ha Tien boasts incredibly attractive tourist destinations that you cannot resist.
Ideal Time to Visit Ha Tien
One remarkable aspect of the land of Ha Tien is that you can travel here at any time of the year. With distinct rainy and sunny seasons, rarely affected by storms, Ha Tien is ready to welcome you at any time you wish to experience this place. The dry season runs from December to April, with the highest temperature reaching only around 31 degrees Celsius, causing no hindrance or fatigue throughout your journey. The rainy season extends from May to November, and those who do not enjoy cool rainy weather can avoid traveling during this period.
Ha Tien generously favors tourists by welcoming them at any time of the year (Photo: Collected)
Transportation to Ha Tien
1. By Plane
Using a plane to travel to Ha Tien has a slight limitation as there is only one Saigon – Kien Giang flight per day. You will arrive at Rach Gia Airport and then take a taxi from Rach Gia to Ha Tien, Kien Giang. The airfare from Saigon to Kien Giang is 350,000 VND. You can visit the Vntrip flight search page to find cheap tickets.
For those coming from afar, you can choose flights to Ho Chi Minh City and then take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien.
You won't have too many options when using a plane as a means of transportation (Photo: Collected)
2. Bus to Ha Tien
Covering a distance of 340km, it takes about 6 – 8 hours by car to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien. For neighboring provinces to Ho Chi Minh City such as Da Lat, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Vung Tau, you can take buses to Ho Chi Minh City and then catch another bus to Ha Tien.
Some bus companies from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien:
- Kumho Bus – Tel 08 37527878
- Mai Linh Bus – Tel: 08 39292929
- Phuong Trang Bus to Rach Gia, then proceed to Ha Tien – Tel: 08 38841562
- Mien Tay Bus Station – Tel: 08 3752953.
Buses to Ha Tien Kien Giang (Photo: Collected)
3. Train
For those in distant provinces choosing the train for transportation, the schedule is quite similar to flights and buses. You will take the train to Ho Chi Minh City and then proceed to Ha Tien by bus from Ho Chi Minh City.
4. Motorbike
Covering a distance of 340km, it is quite far for those not used to long-distance motorbike trips. Therefore, motorbike adventures to Ha Tien are suitable for resilient and experienced riders. You will travel along National Highway 1 to the Mekong Delta, cross the My Thuan Bridge, move along Long Xuyen, Chau Doc, and follow the Vam Te Canal to reach Ha Tien.
Another route for those who want to explore the border belt is to take National Highway 62 to Moc Hoa and then continue the journey through Hong Ngu, Tan Chau, Chau Doc, and finally, the destination is Ha Tien.
Choose a skilled rider for your Ha Tien adventure (Photo: Collection)
Tourist attractions in Ha Tien
1. Standing Rocks Mountain
For those who have explored or read about Ha Tien, surely have heard of the Standing Rocks Mountain, a beautiful, majestic, and splendid symbol of Ha Tien. The Standing Rocks Mountain is located near the Vietnam - Cambodia border, also known as Chau Nham Mountain. The mountain is about 100m high, shaped like a trapezoid. From a distance, the Standing Rocks Mountain has a square shape as if skillfully carved by a hand, covered by a vast expanse of green foliage, creating a gigantic and picturesque vegetation carpet.
Standing Rocks Mountain (Photo: Collection)
To reach Ha Tien, tourists depart from Ha Tien town, follow National Highway 80 for about 6 km towards the Xa Xia border gate. When reaching Thach Dong, there is a road to the right, about 1 km away is Standing Rocks Mountain. This mountain is also called the Jade Mountain because from ancient times, it was the residence of ancient Phu Nam residents. At that time, the Siamese and Cham invaded this area, so the people had to hide their precious jade in the caves. In the late 17th century, some people came here to find precious jade, so they named the mountain Jade Mountain.
Exploring Standing Rocks Mountain (Photo: Collection)
Visiting the Standing Rocks Mountain means entering the majestic and mysterious world of caves and natural stalactites. Travelers can start their exploration of the Standing Rocks Mountain with a small flashlight. The mountain includes many different caves, each with its unique beauty: Bat Cave with lotus-shaped stalactites; Golden Tortoise Cave with green flat stones resembling a mythical tortoise; Bong Lai Cave captivates with its fairy-like atmosphere; Khổ Qua Cave nurtures fascinating stalactites shaped like giant bitter melons,...
Standing Rocks Mountain with beautiful stalactites (Photo: Collection)
Standing Rocks Mountain with many mysterious caves is associated with fairy tales about Thach Sanh and Li Thong. This is where Thach Sanh lived, and the main cave is where he used a bow and arrow to shoot an eagle to save the princess.
2. Tô Châu Mountain
Tô Châu Mountain is a beautiful natural masterpiece in Ha Tien, attracting many tourists. Tô Châu gracefully shines amidst a vast expanse of land and sea. Standing on Tô Châu Mountain offers a panoramic view of the stunning Ha Tien.
Exploring Tô Châu Mountain in full color (Photo: Collection)
Tô Châu Mountain consists of two peaks, Đại Tô Châu and Tiểu Tô Châu. Đại Tô Châu may seem taller, but it gracefully yields to the smaller Tiểu Tô Châu, always reflecting its beauty on the surface of the charming Đông Hồ pond. From Tô Châu, a picturesque scene of Đông Hồ unfolds, with its pristine, green appearance. A bit further, Ha Tien emerges with a harmonious blend of nature and daily life, featuring villages, rustic fields dotting the lively natural backdrop. Together, they create a captivating picture of Ha Tien that touches the heart.
Beautiful image of Tô Châu Mountain by Đông Hồ pond (Photo: Collection)
3. Stone Cave
When visiting Ha Tien, one cannot overlook Stone Cave, a famous landscape of ancient Ha Tien. The route to Stone Cave is quite straightforward, from the center of Ha Tien town, follow the asphalt road towards the Southwest border for about 3 km, and you will encounter the majestic image of Stone Cave standing proudly amidst a beautiful green landscape.
Stone Cave is open from 7 am to 5 pm with ticket prices ranging from around 50,000 VND and below.
Stone Cave (Photo: Collection)
From the foot of the mountain, you must overcome a steep path of about 50m to reach the cave entrance. Stone Cave has two main entrances, one facing Ha Tien town, and the other facing My Duc fields. A historic wooden temple built in 1790 is located inside Stone Cave. The temple has been renovated, adorned with granite tiles, making it both solemn and beautiful.
Stone Cave, adorned with glittering granite, is a beautiful sight (Photo: Collection)
Inside the cave, there are small openings leading to the sky, where visitors can stand in the cool cave, gaze at the clear, vast sky, and welcome the radiant, fresh sunlight shining into the cave, illuminating the colorful stalactites. There is another opening leading down to Mui Nai Beach. These two paths are known as the path to the sky and the path to the underworld. For safety reasons, the path to the beach has been sealed, leaving only the path to the sky, allowing the harmonious light to fill the cave.
Skylight with sparkling light from heaven (Photo: Collection)
Stone Cave stands out for its incredibly beautiful stalactites. Under the dazzling flashlight of tourists and the gentle light near the skylight, the stalactites become even more glittering and beautiful.
Stone Cave with mysterious, unique stalactites (Photo: Collection)
4. Mac Cuu Tomb
For those who love history and want to explore prominent historical relics, Mac Cuu Tomb is a must-visit destination. Located near Binh San mountain, Mac Cuu Tomb is a quite imposing complex, an architectural ensemble with tombs of different generations of the Mac family, a lineage with a significant history.
Mac Cuu Tomb enveloped in ancient colors (Photo: Collection)
The front face of Mac Cuu Tomb faces East, where the beautiful Tô Châu mountain stands gracefully beside the flowing Dong Ho River. The temple gate bears two couplets, 'Nhất môn trung nghĩa gia thinh trọng, Thất diệp phiên hàn quốc lũng vinh' (A house of loyalty and fame throughout the family, Seven branches and leaves spread, the country loves and cherishes.) bestowed by the Nguyen dynasty.
Traveling to Mac Cuu Tomb in Hà Tiên (Photo: Collection)
In front of the tomb is a lotus pond, according to tradition, dug by Mac Cuu to provide water for the people of Hà Tiên. The Mac family temple exudes ancient, sacred beauty, enhanced by intricate carvings, exquisite and beautiful. Visiting here, lighting incense to express reverence, feeling the scent of incense spreading in the breeze, one can truly sense peace and develop a deeper love for the country's history.
Enchanting lotus pond next to Mac Cuu Tomb (Photo: Collection)
Mac Cuu Tomb (Photo: Collection)
5. Tam Bao Pagoda
Another beautiful temple in Hà Tiên is Tam Bao Pagoda. Located on Road 75 Phuong Thanh, Binh San Ward, Hà Tiên town. The temple has a spacious and cool courtyard. Although the temple was damaged in the past, after restoration, it still retains some prominent architectural features: the serene statue of Avalokiteshvara, the main hall, the ancestral house, the statue of the Celestial Guardian,...
Explore Tam Bao Pagoda (Photo: Collection)
Visit Tam Bao Pagoda (Photo: Collection)
Tam Bao Pagoda with beautifully restored architecture (Photo: Collection)
6. Mui Nai Beach
Hà Tiên not only captivates with historical relics bearing ethnic imprints but also charms tourists with its rich and unique natural beauty. One of the prominent scenic spots here is Mui Nai Beach, praised as one of the 'Top 10 Beauties' in Mac Thien Tu's poem 'Loc Tri thon cu.' The dreamy, pristine, and vast beauty of Mui Nai is one of the enduring 'Hà Tiên ten scenes.'
Visit Hà Tiên and explore the beautiful Mui Nai Beach (Photo: Collection)
Mui Nai's name originates from an ancient legend when a young deer, belonging to the divine deer species, often came here to drink water. One day, while immersed in admiring the beautiful scenery of this blue sky and sea, the young deer lost track of time. The sea surged, transforming the small deer into a rock that drifted towards the shore. Therefore, visitors now see a beautiful rock shaped like a young deer nestled near the beautiful blue sea.
Mui Nai Beach attracts a crowd of tourists for leisure and relaxation (Photo: Collection)
Unlike many other beaches with pristine white sand, Mui Nai's sand has a dark brown hue, contrasting with the deep blue sea. There are two sandy areas in the Mui Nai region: No Beach and Bang Beach. No Beach is located near the fishing village, showcasing the beauty of coastal life with small houses, bustling chatter, and the laughter of fishermen heading out to sea. In contrast, Bang Beach features a flat and spacious sandy area, perfect for the leisure and beach activities of tourists. When the waves hit the shore, the sand rolls up into a unique black strip. Locals say the black color is due to the mud in the sand, making it beneficial for your skin when bathing here.
Mui Nai beach tourism with waves crashing on the sandy shore (Photo: Collection)
Heading to the beach, you can't miss the evening scene over the sea, with the sun hanging low above the water, painting a red hue across the sky, illuminating the distant fishing boats. Mui Nai is a prominent tourist destination in Ha Tien, so it offers a full range of accommodation services as well as catering to dining needs, enjoying local specialties, and indulging in delicious forest fruits, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Mui Nai Beach with exciting sea activities (Photo: Collection)
7. Dong Ho Lagoon
Dong Ho Lagoon is situated at the foot of Tô Châu mountain, covering a vast area of 1,300 hectares. The water surface extends over 900 hectares, the mangrove forest area spans more than 200 hectares, and the miscellaneous garden covers the remaining 30 hectares, bordering between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Image of Dong Ho Lagoon, Ha Tien (Photo: Collection)
Dong Ho Lagoon boasts an incredibly diverse ecosystem. The lagoon features 25 species of mangrove trees, including familiar ones like sedge, avicennia, fungus, and purple kandelia. This natural plant barrier plays a crucial role in expanding the land, nurturing tidal zone creatures, and protecting the sea dyke. Dong Ho Lagoon is also home to various valuable seafood. Visiting here means entering a world of fresh, delightful, and enticing seafood.
Gathering at Dong Ho Lagoon (Photo: Collection)
Dong Ho Lagoon holds significant value in tourism with its picturesque landscapes. To the upstream, there is the Ngũ Hổ mountain, to the downstream, the Tô Châu mountain, the eastern side is embraced by the Giang Thanh River, and to the west flows the Hà Tiên River.
Evening scene at Dong Ho Lagoon (Photo: Collection)
Scenic view of Dong Ho Lagoon (Photo: Collection)
8. Xa Xia Pagoda
Visiting Xa Xia Pagoda is immersing oneself in the spiritual life of the Khmer people. Hence, all the architecture here reflects the color, style, and cultural characteristics of this ethnic group. Located 3km from Hà Tiên town, Xa Xia Pagoda offers tourists a chance to step into the lives of the local people, understanding their beauty and sophistication. The roofs, with multiple elegantly carved peaks, showcase the exquisite and beautiful craftsmanship. The captivating drawings run along the column legs and walls inside the pagoda. It's also a venue for traditional festivals of the Khmer people in the region.
Xa Xia Pagoda with the vibrant architecture of the Khmer people (Photo: Collection)
Xa Xia Pagoda (Photo: Collection)
9. Ha Tien Prison
Ha Tien Prison stands as one of the historical witnesses of the anti-French resistance on Ha Tien land. The entire prison space vividly portrays the atrocities and brutality of the French colonialists towards the captured revolutionaries during the war against invasion. Dark, dismal prison cells lacking light and vitality; harsh and cruel punishments inflicted by the French colonialists on our troops; difficult and deprived living conditions during the days of imprisonment—everything is reenacted within the confines of Ha Tien Prison. Witnessing such cruel historical realities illuminates the resilient spirit, patriotism, and revolutionary fervor of the Vietnamese people during the turbulent era of war and bombardment.
Exploring Ha Tien Prison (Photo: Collection)
The ruthless torture methods employed by the French colonialists against our people (Photo: Collection)
10. Ha Tien Night Market
An intriguing traditional cultural feature that you must experience when setting foot in Ha Tien. The market is located on Tran Hau Street, right in the center of Ha Tien town. At night, the market area sparkles with lights from colorful stalls offering a variety of goods. Tourists enjoy exploring the night market not only for purchasing small, charming souvenirs from the Ha Tien region but also for embarking on a journey to discover the simple and rustic cultural beauty of the Khmer people.
The night market with a variety of goods (Photo: Collection)
The bustling and dazzling night market lights (Photo: Collection)
Delicacies – Ha Tien Specialties
1. Crab Noodle Soup
Crab noodle soup is a well-known dish in the central and southern provinces, each region having its unique flavors. A bowl of delicious crab noodle soup with firm and sweet crab meat is truly irresistible. In Ha Tien, a coastal area with diverse ecosystems, seafood plays a significant role in the local cuisine.
Crab noodle soup (Photo: Collection)
Indulge in the delectable bowl of soup featuring a broth crafted from simmered bone broth, dried shrimp, and tuna heads, resulting in an irresistibly sweet flavor. The noodle soup is seasoned to perfection to balance the seafood's natural aromas. The fish cake, made from tuna meat combined with mock fish, imparts a deep-sea essence to your bowl of noodle soup. The fish meat is finely minced, seasoned with spices, and meticulously ground in a mortar for a chewy texture.
Crab noodle soup (Photo: Collection)
Grouper takes the spotlight as the main ingredient for your noodle soup and should be carefully chosen. Opt for fresh grouper, just caught and still alive. Avoid overly large grouper; those with moderately firm meat will be tastier. Grouper doesn't need excessive seasoning, as it already has a moderate saltiness. Steam until cooked, then remove and extract the meat. Some restaurants showcase the whole grouper or split it in half, presenting the brick-red color for added visual appeal instead of extracting the meat.
The noodle strands are white, soft, and chewy, immersed in well-seasoned broth. When served, it is accompanied by quail eggs, a hint of cilantro, sautéed garlic, chopped chili, and more, enhancing the aroma.
2. Trumpet Noodle Soup
While the people of Rach Gia boast about their fish noodle soup, the residents of Ha Tien proudly present their hometown specialty, Trumpet Noodle Soup. The main ingredient of this dish is sea fish such as barramundi, rabbitfish, and it reaches its pinnacle of deliciousness when cooked with golden ponyfish. The fish is cooked thoroughly, then the meat is separated from the bones. A portion of the meat is used to make shredded fish floss. The next step involves stir-frying lemongrass, chili, and turmeric until golden, then adding the fish and seasoning (without fish sauce). Once the fish is boiling, the pan is removed before adding coconut milk. To create an attractive red color, powdered annatto is stirred in, releasing a captivating aroma. Trumpet Noodle Soup is served with various vegetables like cucumber, papaya, providing a perfect balance between the sweetness of the sea and the freshness of greens. The price of Trumpet Noodle Soup ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 VND per bowl.
Exploring Kien Giang Ha Tien to savor Trumpet Noodle Soup (Photo: Collection)
Trumpet Noodle Soup (Photo: Collection)
3. Triangle Shell Trumpet
In the list of delicious and unique dishes of Ha Tien, the Triangle Shell Trumpet cannot be overlooked. From its intriguing name to its delicious aroma, the Triangle Shell Trumpet captivates tourists and is a must-try when visiting Ha Tien.
The 'trumpet' here refers to the trumpet-shaped shells of the trumpet shell, a marine creature with a triangular shape, as large as a hand, and usually deep-sea dwelling. As the flesh of this shellfish is not very tasty, people only select the 'trumpet' part for consumption. There are various preparations such as hotpot, sweet and sour stir-fry, or grilling, but the most enticing is the grilled Triangle Shell Trumpet with salt and chili.
Delicious Triangle Shell Trumpet (Photo: Collection)
The Triangle Shell Trumpet is marinated with spices, mixed well, and then skewered into sticks for grilling on a charcoal stove. When eaten, it is accompanied by various types of vegetables, creating fascinating taste combinations: the salty flavor of salt, the spiciness of chili, the sweetness of the meat, the freshness of the vegetables, combined with the chewiness of the trumpet shell, forming a unique culinary gift.
Grilled Triangle Shell Trumpet is considered the most enticing preparation method (Photo: Collection)
4. Salted Ca Xiu Fish Sauce
Salted Ca Xiu fish sauce is an exclusive dish of Ha Tien. Ca Xiu fish thrives in environments like rivers, estuaries, and brackish water, living in the mud with long antennae reaching down to find food. Fishermen catch Ca Xiu, wash away the mud, leaving the tail to make fish sauce. Sprinkle a layer of Ca Xiu, then add a layer of salt, a bit of sugar, and a hint of sour taste. Ca Xiu salted fish sauce can be eaten in the morning and is ready to eat in the evening. It is often enjoyed with white rice, creating a delightful meal.
Dried Ca Xiu (Photo: Collection)
5. Sticky Coconut Rice
If you're looking for a delightful dish for a beautiful morning, Ha Tien's Sticky Coconut Rice is a highly enticing choice. It's not overly complex but easy to eat, sticky without being too greasy. The rice is cooked to perfection, neither too soft nor too firm. Thai sticky rice is used for cooking because it's stickier than Vietnamese rice. The filling includes beaten chicken eggs, marinated with coconut milk and pandan leaf juice. Therefore, the sticky rice has a sweet, creamy taste with a unique fragrance.
Sticky Coconut Rice (Photo: Collection)
6. Steamed Hu Tieu
Steamed Hu Tieu is a dish imported from Cambodia but has been highly integrated to the point of being considered a distinctive dish in Ha Tien. The main component is steamed hu tieu served with coconut broth, accompanied by mixed shredded pork skin, sliced pork, spring rolls, and herbs. For those unfamiliar with coconut broth, it can be replaced with tangy and spicy dipping sauce. Simple, rustic, and rich in flavors, like the very heart of the beloved people of Ha Tien. The dish features the chewiness of hu tieu noodles, the richness of coconut broth, the sweetness of meat, the freshness of herbs, and the tangy spiciness of accompanying spices. A dish that evokes admiration.
Steamed Hu Tieu (Photo: Collection)
7. Ha Tien Razor Clams
Visiting Ha Tien is not just about savoring the famous banh canh ghe but also indulging in delicious dishes prepared from razor clams, a familiar seafood in Ha Tien.
Razor clams, also known as Emperor Clams, are encased in a large shell, with plenty of edible meat, including the firm and crispy body and the tender and fatty gut. The clam's body is chewy, resembling a piece of chicken skin, while the gut has a rich and fatty taste. Razor clams can be prepared in various ways such as grilling, stir-frying, boiling, etc. Each cooking method brings a different taste experience, but still preserves the freshness, tenderness, and aromatic, fatty flavor of the clam. Sitting by the seaside with a plate of grilled razor clams, accompanied by a bit of fresh beer, is truly an enjoyable experience.
Grilled razor clams with a touch of onions and garlic create a truly enticing aroma (Photo: Collection)
Explore affordable and beautiful hotels in Ha Tien:
Located in the city of Ha Tien, within a 20 km radius from Kep city, Doi Nai Vang Resort Ha Tien offers spacious, clean, and well-equipped accommodations with all the necessary resort services, ensuring to meet your needs. The resort features a spa center and a private beach area. There is also a playground for children and a sun terrace, while guests can dine at the restaurant or enjoy drinks at the bar. Free Wi-Fi and private parking on site are provided.
Doi Nai Vang Resort (Photo: Collection)
All rooms here are equipped with a TV and a private bathroom with a shower.
The property has a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge, steam ironing service, and a gift shop.
Doi Nai Vang Resort (Photo: Collection)
Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in the area. The resort also offers car rental services. The nearest airport is Phu Quoc International Airport, which is 54 km away.
Clean and luxurious accommodations (Photo: Collection)
River Hotel is located by the peaceful Giang Thanh River, an excellent stop to explore Ha Tien town. On the left side of the hotel is Dong Ho lagoon, on the right is To Chau Bridge, and in front are two To Chau mountains shaped like two elephants lying on the other side of the Giang Thanh River.
Elegant River Hotel (Photo: Collection)
Immerse yourself in the allure of River Hotel Ha Tien, designed and built inspired by a majestic cruise ship on the enchanting Giang Thanh River. The hotel graces a stunning landscape facing the sea, offering a sense of luxury harmoniously blended with nature. Booking a room at River Hotel Ha Tien provides an opportunity to experience high-quality rooms with beautiful views of the sea, mountains, or the panoramic town of Ha Tien.
Elegant River Hotel (Photo: Collection)
River Hotel provides modern amenities in each room, including a flat-screen TV, complimentary wireless internet, non-smoking rooms, and air conditioning. The hotel features two banquet halls, A and B, where guests can organize important events such as weddings, birthdays, conferences, and corporate meetings. To cater to guests' entertainment needs, the hotel is equipped with 4 karaoke rooms, a floating restaurant, a yacht coffee shop, a riverside barbecue village, and a riverside café. The hotel also organizes captivating and romantic outdoor wedding galas. Whatever your reason for visiting Ha Tien (Kien Giang), River Hotel Ha Tien is always a fantastic choice.
Riverside Inn (Photo: Collection)
Experience pet-friendly accommodation at Thanh Loc Hotel in Ha Tien town, just 21 km from Kep town, offering complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant and enjoy drinks at the bar.
Thanh Loc Hotel (Photo: Collection)
Each room at this establishment is equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen cable TV. Some rooms feature a seating area for guest convenience. Some rooms offer views of the swimming pool, garden, or city. Private bathrooms with bidets are included in the rooms. Complimentary slippers and toiletries are also provided.
Charming Thanh Loc Hotel (Photo: Collection)
The hotel offers 24-hour front desk service and provides car rental services.
Du Hung 2 Hotel offers accommodation in Ha Tien town, just 22 km from Kep city, with free Wi-Fi in all areas. Free private parking is available on site. Some rooms here feature a seating area to relax after a busy day. A flat-screen TV is also provided in the rooms. The hotel's front desk operates 24 hours a day. The nearest airport is Phu Quoc International Airport, 59 km away.
Du Hung Hotel (Photo: Collection)
Several other hotels in Ha Tien still have affordable rooms on Vntrip:
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Check out: 5 ideal hotels in Ha Tien for a relaxing vacation
