Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam Travel Guide

Shaped like an elongated 'S', Vietnam stretches along the east coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. A local metaphor likens it to a long bamboo pole hung with two baskets of rice, represented by the two fertile regions at either end of the country. The lush Red River Delta and the highlands in the north, known for their magnificent scenery and colourful hill tribes, complement the agricultural plains and floating markets of the Mekong Delta in the south perfectly.

The impact of Japanese and Chinese trade, French occupation and American intervention has had on obvious influence on Vietnam. These influences are readily apparent in the vivid legacy from different cultures evident in the character of its towns, as well as in the architecture and food. The quaint town of Hoi An, once a major trading port, boasts the perfectly preserved architectural influences of the Asian merchants from the north, while the broad leafy boulevards of the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are reminiscent of France.

Vietnam is known for its cuisine and offers an abundance of flavorful options for travellers to choose from. Hue is the old imperial capital of Vietnam with its royal palaces and palatial mausoleums, and nearby the battle sites of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) are reminders of the brutality of war.

Despite rapid economic expansion over recent years, Vietnam's cultural roots remain strong. Visitors will find ancient temples and colourful pagodas scattered throughout urban centres, interspersed with luxurious hotels and sleek skyscrapers. A country with a complex history, boundless natural beauty and facinating cultural influences, Vietnam provides a wealth of different activities and unique experiences.

Best time to visit Vietnam

There is no clear-cut best time to visit Vietnam. However, spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) offer temperate weather and are the driest times of year. Travellers may want to avoid Monsoon season: roughly May to September in the southwest and October to April in the Northeast. Nonetheless, most people travel over the December to January period. Travellers should remember that the regions have such varied weather patterns that it ultimately depends on where they intend to visit.

What to see in Vietnam

-See the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

-Explore the Cu Chi tunnels of the Viet Cong.

-Search for the mythical dragon of Halong Bay.

-Tour Hanoi's renowned Old Quarter.

What to do in Vietnam

-Ride a boat along the Perfume River and visit the Royal Tombs.

-Indulge in the big city nightlife of Pham Ngu Lau.

-Explore Sa Pa and Bac Ha near Hanoi.

-Enjoy the culinary delights of Hue.

Getting to Vietnam

Getting to Vietnam is easy and there are dozens of flights throughout the month. There are many cheap direct flights to Vietnam from the UK and indirect flights cost even less. There are some direct flights to Vietnam from the US, but many indirect flights to Vietnam from major airports in the US are cheaper. Nearly all flights to Vietnam arrive at either at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at Ho Chi Minh City or at Noi Bai International Airport near Hanoi.

Read

Rising Dragon by Bill Hayton, Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong and Life in Hanoi by Pam Scott.

Listen

Pham Duy, Khan Ly and Le Thu.

Watch

Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass (2015), The Quiet American (1958), Living in Fear (2005), Pearls of the Far East (2011) and Owl and the Sparrow (2007).

Drink

Dua Tuoi (fresh coconut drink), Nuoc Sam (herbal tea), Ca Phe Sua Da (coffee with condensed milk) and Ruou Nep Cam (Sticky rice wine).

Eat

Pho (one of many fantastic Vietnamese soups), Banh Xeo ('sizzling pancake') and Bun Tom Nuong Xa (shrimp and vegetables).

What to buy

Vietnamese silk and Ao Dai (national dress), snake wine, local handicrafts and arts, jewellery and cheap electronics.

What to pack

Sandals are a must. Travellers should bring padlocks for their bags and should carry or leave valuables anywhere without locking them up. Moisture-wicking clothing is best and modest clothing is essential for visiting pogodas and temples. Basic medical supplies are always useful.

What's on in Vietnam

The O Loan Lagoon festival at the Black Dragon Lagoon is famous for its colourful setting and lively competitions- including boat racing, dancing, wrestling and much more. The Tet Festival is another major event and ushers in the Chinese New Year in magnificent style.

Did you know?

-The Vietnamese use traditional gongs instead of school bells in schools.

-One third of the world's cashew nuts come from Vietnam.

-The Vietnamese keep potbelly pigs as pets.

-Although a developing nation, Vietnam has a literacy rate of 94 percent.

A final word

Vietnam offers the perfect blend of energetic city life and rural tranquillity. It is one of the most inexpensive holiday destinations, and its tourist culture provides a kaleidoscopic view of this compelling nation.