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The magnificent sight from above took our breaths away. Within the crater was a banana plantation occupying a quarter of the crater. We also had a bird's eye view of nearby plantations, which could reap rich harvests with the help of alluvial soil from the volcanic land. Banana plantation in crater of the volcano... Dreading the way down, we took a last good view of the terraced slopes from great heights, and a deep breath of the fresh air, something which seemed impossible to do in our developed motherland, Singapore. On the way back to the tour bus, many picked up solidified lava rocks as a momento. Hugging a banana tree for support... More pictures taken at Volcano117: More photos of
volcano 117 in photo album Click here copyright�1999Beyond Our Shores, All rights reserved.
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Volcano 117 is one of the many volcanos that can be found in Ho
Chi Minh City. As its name reveals, it is located 117 metres away from the city centre.
Although only standing about 60 metres above sea level, the massive crater of the
now extinct volcano will leave you gaping in awe. It seemed impossible at first but we
"conquered" it in 15 minutes with the help of ropes and of course, hard toil and
sweat, though the soil was loose and dry.
Within and around the volcano, many activities are carried out,
from farming to the growing of papaya and tobacco. Other types of crops grown are
jackfruits and bananas, with the bananas playing a major role. Local children
scampered up and down the slopes in childish play, probably amused that we took
such a long time to reach the top.
