DISCOVER VIETNAM
Vietnam has become noticed as one of the hottest destinations in Asia. After being closed to the world for nearly 20 years, it has developed a huge travel draw for tourists from all over the world. It is difficult not to be mesmerized by the infections optimism and natural friendliness of the people of Vietnam. Their independent spirit and genuine warmth penetrate into their rich and colorful culture that is experienced by those who visit.
The country is sectioned into three specific areas. North Vietnam represents the historic heart of Vietnam, encompassing the ancient rice lands of the Red River Delta, with the city of Hanoi at its core. Since becoming the capital of Vietnam in 1010, Hanoi has undergone numerous changes, but it is the French influence that has created a special allure for artists and writers. This bustling shopping area is unique since many streets are named after the commodities that are sold through the business located there. For example, Hang Quat was the street of the fan-makers and Hang Bo the street of the basket-weavers.
The region features the rugged mountains of the Hoang Lien Son while forests and jungles cover most of the mountains in the Northern Highlands. The Red River Delta is northern Vietnam’s chief farming area.
A major attraction of the area is Ha Long Bay, located 165 miles from Hanoi, which is known for its calm waters and the more than 3,000 limestone rock islands dotting the seascape. Some of the islands are quite large and contain small alcoves with sandy beaches where swimming is possible. According to local legend Ha Long means “Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea”. The island formations appear to be the petrified tail of a giant dragon believed to have been sent from the heavens to save innocent fishermen from invaders.
The Central Region extends over 1,000 kilometers north to south. It includes the Annamite Range, a chain of mountains running through western Vietnam. Forests cover most of the mountains and the population density tends to be thin. The region is highly populated by an ethnic group known as the Montagnards (Mountain People).
The city of Hue located in this region, was the capital of Vietnam from 1744 when the Nguyen lords governed the country until 1945 when the last emperor abdicated. The city was destroyed in 1968 when house-to-house fighting lasted for weeks. There are still a number of architectural gems which remain and are worthy of a visit to this city.
Hue is a quiet, relaxing city, big enough to be interesting but small enough to bicycle around. The food is great, the best in Vietnam. Visitors come to see the old Imperial complex, the Citadel and the Forbidden City, the pagodas, and the many tombs of the emperors that lie a few kilometers south of the city. Each tomb is a walled compound containing temples, palaces, and lakes.
Marble Mountains or "Five Elements Mountains" is a cluster of five limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son ward, south of Da Nang city. The five 'mountains' are named after the five elements; Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). All of the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels, and it is possible to climb to the summit of one of the peaks. Several buddhist sanctuaries can also be found within the mountains, making this a noteworthy visit.
Following the fall of Saigon in 1975, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City which is located in South Vietnam. The old Saigon moniker is still used by both Vietnamese and foreigners, especially when referring to the most central part of the city, to which most tourists flock.
There are numerous options for getting around in the city. Taxis are plentiful and rather inexpensive. If you are up for a real adventure through downtown, try a ride on a cyclo, which is similar to a reverse tricycle with the passenger sitting in a front seat. It is a great way to see the city the way the locals do. The sights, sounds, and smells are a large part of the excitement of the city, and are best experienced from the relaxed pace of a cyclo. A word of warning: be careful with cameras, purses and watches while cyclo riding as these items are easily stolen by motorbike riders.
Bright green public buses serve 150 routes throughout the city. These are inexpensive, safe and not too crowded, but only if you can find the right line. If you cannot find your way, ask the locals nicely, they will try their best to help. A piece of paper and marker pen may help to ease the conversation
Reunification Palace, formerly known as Independence Palace, is a war museum which is open daily and is a five-floor time warp into the sixties. It was here when the war ended on April 30, 1975 that tank #843 — a replica of which is now parked on the lawn outside — crashed through the gate.
For shoppers, Vietnamese arts and crafts, as well as mass-produced knock-offs are sold by dozens of shops around the central tourist district. The best, most expensive items can mostly be found on Dong Khoi or the immediate side streets. The goods tend to get progressively simpler and cheaper as you move west toward Ben Than Market (though the best wood-carving shop is a stall on the back side of Ben Thanh). A few shops have authentic woven silk textiles from Sapa in the north. Lacquered paintings, plates, bowls, etc. are quite striking and unique to Vietnam. When shopping in Vietnam it is wise to use local currency. Be advised the banks and formal exchange businesses will provide you with a decent rate.
The Mekong Delta is the bottom half of Vietnam's two rice baskets, the other being the Red River Delta in the North. This vast delta is formed by the multiple tentacles and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which has its origin in the Tibetan highland plateau 2,800 miles away. The Mekong's Vietnamese name, Cuu Long, means Nine Dragons for the nine mouths that terminate the flow of this great river as it is absorbed by the sea. More than half the population of Southern Vietnam lives on the delta where agriculture is the main regional industry.
Hue was the capitol of Vietnam, the feudal sovereignty, from 1744 when the Nguyen lords co (I
The people of south Vietnam are often very proud of the richness and vastness of this land. When referring to the rice fields in this area, they often say, "co bay thang canh", meaning the land is so large that the cranes can stretch their wings as they fly. Today, the region is one of Vietnam's highest producers of rice crops, vegetables and fruits.
Vung Tau’s proximity to Ho Chi Minh City makes this seaside resort a popular retreat from the fast pace urban areas. Located on a peninsula approximately two hours by road or one hour by fast ferry, Vung Tau offers sandy beaches, colonial villas, cafes, thus provide a great weekend escape for visitors and city inhabitants alike.
You may choose to visit by land or by cruise ship this uniquely beautiful country. Whichever your choice, be certain to list Vietnam among your top international destinations to visit.
