Introduction

Vietnam is a wonderful destination to experience the culture, lifestyle, and history of Asia . The heritage of its historical past and the modern development are blended to give Vietnam a colorful image. Despite its modernisation the country still preserves the immaculate beauty of her natural environment, the distinctive traits and traditional values of her cultural heritage as well as time - honored vestigial monuments of her 4000-year -old history.

Vietnam is a country of contrasts -from the dozens of tropical islands in the south to the misty, mysterious beauty of Ha Long Bay, and from the flat, fertile land of the Mekong Delta to the rugged mountain ranges in the center and north of the country. To meet the nature loving ethnic minorities of the highlands, to experience the quiet inside of pagodas, or to breath the vivid noise of Vietnam's historic metropolis Saigon that once again is starting to become the cParis of the Easte, is an experience of its own.

Mystical temple ruins constructed by the Charm people of a once very flourishing Champa Kingdom, the romantic capital of Hue, the still dreamlike beaches along the coastlines of the central region of Vietnam, picturesque landscapes of the Mekong Delta in the South, the marvelous Ho Long Bay in the north and colorful life of ethnic minority people in the remote northwestern mountainous region are awaiting to be discovered/ and in some cities, especially in Saigon and Hanoi, the distant charm of the French colonial era seem still hidden behind the many old city mansions and tree - lined avenues. The Vietnamese people ( now about 80 million ) have wrested themselves from the decades of conflict and are building a future of peace and prosperity. Visitors to the country will find smiles and friendliness, and the traditional hospitality from the people that they will meet. You will feel welcome and at home, while marveling at the beautiful sights that Vietnam has to offer.

Place to visit

Hanoi

This romantic city is the capital of Vietnam . The city's beautiful old center with broad avenues and historic mansions constructed during the colonial period reminds visitors of a French city. Despite time going by, Hanoi still keeps its charm that few other cities in Asia ever do. The city has many remarkable museums, pagodas, ancient towers and temples. A prominent feature is the lush greenery that abounds the lakes and parks giving the people a feeling of peace and tranquility in the evenings when walking around the city.

An absolute must when visiting Hanoi is to see the wonderful Water Puppet Show which is a unique puppet show handed down from generations before. Other paces of interest are the cTemple of Literature, Vietnams first University set up in 1076, the Old Quarter dating form the 15 th century with 36 streets reflecting the names of the businesses which were located there: Rice street , Silk street , Paper street ..The area is still famous for its array of shops and Dong Xuan general market. A pagoda well worth a visit is the One - Pillar Pagoda built of wood on a single stone pillar in the year 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of Asia 's world natural heritage sites. It is located about 170 km east of Hanoi . A magnificent bay which has thousands of islets scattered throughout a large area of limpid emerald water, this bay surely ranks among the most impressive landscapes in the world. Thousands of small islands and curiously shaped rocks full of cave scatter in the blue water of the East Sea - a legend tells that this beautiful place was created when a dragon descended into the sea bringing to the bay the name cHa Long Baye, which means the Bay of the Descending Dragon. A day trip by boat to enjoy this natural heritage of the world is almost a must for every tourist to Vietnam .

Ninh Bin and Hoa Lu

Hoa Lu, is now located in present-day Ninh Binh Province , was Vietnam 's first ancient capital. Visiting the ancient capital, tourists will find two temples dedicated to the two first Kings of Dinh and Early Le Dynasties who ruled Vietnam form the 10 th to the 11 th centuries. The place is even more attractive with its three caves - the cTam Coc: caves. A trip on small boats oared by local people along a stream passing by small limestone mounts to the caves will recall to you a similar image of the world wide famous Ho Long Bay. One day trip form Ha Noi to this province is surely worthwhile.

Hoa Binh and Mai Chau.

Hoa Binh ( Peace ) is also the name of Vietnam 's biggest hydro-electric power plant which provides Vietnam with most of the electric power. Form this provincial town, tourists can visit villages of several ethnic minority groups such as Thai, Muong, Hmong, Tay , Dao, etc. Time seems to have stopped as century ago - people are very friendly and hospitable and they still observe ancient rites and habits. For those who like trekking, walking from village to village, or spending time with the mountain villages it is a great experience. Another interesting experience is to stay overnight in house-on-stilts of local people.

Spa & Bac Ha

Once a resort established by the French in the early 20 th. century, and located on a plateau ( 1,600 m. above sea level ) of pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes in the mountainous region of North West Vietnam, present-day Sapa offers more with divers cultures and colorful costumes and traditions of many ethnic minority peoples living in the area. For those with a more adventurous mind, conquering Fansipan - the tallest mountain in Indochina - at the height of 3,142 m. is another challenge besides trekking to remote villages on mountain sides. Around 100 km. from Sapa, Bac Ha is the place for all the ethnic minority people in the region to gather for their weekly market on Sunday.

Hue

This imperial city of the 19 th century had been representing the cultural and spiritual center of Vietnam for a long period of time. This city is famous for its magnificent architectural citadel's palaces, pagodas and royal tombs erected during the Nguyen Dynasty - the last dynasty of the feudal Vietnam , reigning from 1802 to 1945. The majestic royal mausoleums and also a boat trip on the renowned cPerfume River must not be missed for tourists once having a chance to come here. Another attraction of Hue is the traditional music of Hue that was once exclusively royal. Now the visitors can enjoy the music on a boat drifting on the perfume River in the evening as well as enter for revived royal courts activities. Hue is officially recognized as a world cultural heritage site.

Da Nang and Hoi An

Built on the bank of the Han river and being Vietnam 's fourth largest city, Da Nang offers both spectacular mountain scenery and white sand beaches with crystal - clear water. Most of the remaining evidence of the once flourishing civilization of the Champa Kingdom at the site of the present central and southern regions of Vietnam can still be seen around Da Nang , either in ancient Cham towers or in stone sculptures at the museum of Cham , sculpture. Places worth visiting also include Marble Mountains with interesting grottos and China Beach - once very famous among American soldiers during the Vietnam war. Nearby is Hoi An which was also known as Faifo and one of the most important sea ports of South-each Asa form the 15 th to the 19 th century. Recently officially recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's cultural heritages, Hoi An is trying to preserve its architecture through which the town's ancient past is reflected.

My Son

70 km, southwest of Da Nang and situated in a valley, My Son was a religious sanctuary of the once flourishing Champa Kingdom from the 4 th century. Many temples and towers were built here dedicated to the kings and Brahman divinities, because of wars and time, only around 20 architectural works and stand until today and are vivid examples of Cham culture and history. At the same time with Hoi An, My son has just been accredited as a cultural heritage of the world by UNESCO.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang has some of the country's finest beaches with clear water as well as many unspoiled coral reefs and a colorful marine life. Tourists can take boat trips to some of the outlying islands for swimming and sunbathing in the secluded coves. Seafood is abundant here. This resort city is much more crowded during holidays when local people come here to enjoy the beach. Many nice cafes and restaurants are located along the municipal beach as perfect stops in long walks. Modern entertainment facilities have been brought here already for tourists to enjoy during their stay.

Da Lat

Located at the altitude of 1,500m. above sea-level, Da Lat is surely one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam . The city has a temperate and pleasant climate, and is surrounded by evergreen forests with waterfalls, beautiful lakes and rich vegetation. Also being called the choneymoon city, Da Lat has long been famous as a favoured spot for not only courting couples but other local people for their annual holidays as well. On the way to Da Lat from Saigon , tourists can visit the huge waterfall of Dambri in Bao Loc town. About 125 km. form Da Lat, Dambri waterfalls is the most beautiful and biggest one of the region.

Phan Tiet

At just 200 km, form Saigon ( a 4-hour drive ) Phan Tiet is a suitable place for a relaxation tour. Large sand dunes and long nice beach in Mui Ne are just ideal for a retreat. A number of resorts set up along the beach give tourists a quiet place to enjoy the dun, the sea and the various water activities. The sand dunes in red colour give a good backdrop for your photos.

Ho Chi Minh City ( Saigon )

This major city in the southern part of Vietnam is still the largest city and the industrial and trading centre of Vietnam . Since the interruption by the war, Ho Chi Minh city is now on the way to regain its vitality. This can be seen through its development velocity and changes taking place almost everyday. The modern life of the city shows in the manay hotels of international standards, restaurant, cafes and night life establishments. However, Ho Chi Minh City is still much more with pagodas, temples, museums and markets which give visitors knowledge of the city's history and evolution as well as local people's daily life. Tourists of course should not miss a visit to Ho Chai Minh's bustling China Town ( or cCholone in Vietnese). Form Ho Chi Minh city , one-day excursions are easily arranged for tourists to the famous system of underground tunnels of Cu Chi and/or to Tay Ninh province, or for a boat trip on the Mekong river in the Mekong Delta.

Mekong Delta - Land of the Nine Dragons

On the map this vast are encircles the downstram of the Mekong River , which is to Vietnamese people the cNine Dragon rivere. The nine dragons here correspond to the river's nine estuaries through which the river flows into the East Sea . Being called the circe baskete of Vietnam , the delta boasts large rice paddies with beautiful landscapes. Tourists can also take small boats into small canals to visit local farmer's houses hidden in large orchards of Longan, Rambutan, Sapodilla, Mango etc. a trip to know thoroughly the farmer's daily life and to enjoy the seasonal tropical fruits and the shady gardens with fish ponds is truthfrlly an unforgettable and rewarding experience for those coming here to the Vietnamese countryside.

Cu Chi underground tunnels

Situated in a suburban district of Ho Chi Minh city of the same name - Cu Chi, this renowned network of over 250 km long tunnels became famous around the world during the Vietnam war. Once coming here tourist will comprehend how Vietnam could survive the onslaught of a huge war machinery with the few resources that it had. This network of tunnels which was dug out underground with simple tools and used as the Vietnamese fighters nearest base to Saigon during the Vietnam war, is now an arrtaction for foreign tourists as well as for local people. As the tunnesl are located only about 75 km west form the city, a half day trip is easily arranged from Ho Chi Minh city . Visitors can enter the tunnels for those strctches that have been maintained.

Tay Ninh

The province of Tay Ninh has long veen the headquarters for Caodaism, a religion that can only be found in Vietnam . This unique religion, which is a mixture of Buddhism. Confucianism and Christianity, was once very popular among the people of the region and in the Mekong Delta. Tourists will amazed by the magnificent Great Temple where four times a day masses will be held of which the noon service is most important. As for those who do not have much time in Vietnam , a visit from Ho Chi Minh to the Great Temple in Tay Ninh can be combined with the trip to the Cu Chi underground tunnels, and one can have a full-day trip to both these interesting places.

Travel Tips  

Travelling to Vietnam

By air

Since recently there are many airlines that have opened up routes to Hanoi . Danang and Ho Chi Minh City . This means that there are ample opportunities to travel to Vietnam both from regional centres as well as from Europe and the USA .

By road

By road one can travel to Vietnam from Laos and Cambodia ( see the respective sections and the Map for more imformation ) through a number of international border crossings. Some roads are more convenient than others. The best road runs from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City .

By boat

By boat it is possible to travel over the Mekong river from Ho Chi Minh city or Chau Doc to Phnom Penh in Cambodia . This is a trip that is warmly recommended. An excellent programme is to do sightseeing in Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam , after which one can travel to Chau Doc and spend the night there. The next morning take the boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh in Cambodia . Form Phnom Penh one can easily travel onward to Siem Reap to see the temples of Angkor and later proceed to Bangkok overland.

Domestic travel in Vietnam

Domestically in Vietnam one can travel by car, by train or by plane. Because of the great distances in Vietnam many people opt for travel by plane to save time.

Air safety is good and modern planes are used to most destinations.

By train one can travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi or parts thereof. A journey by train is really exciting because one sees a lot of the beautiful landscape and one meets many people. But at the same tiem it is time consuming. Plan you trip well!!!! A special train trip is form Hanoi to Sapa. This is specially interesting for those who want to visit Sapa. Sapa is located at the border with China .

By car one travel everywhere in Vietnam . Self-drive is not recommended because fo poor road safety.

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