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Vietnam Major Areas of Interest
Hanoi
The Ho chi Minh Mausoleum and Stilt House are a must! Other must-sees are the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi, as well as the "Hanoi Hilton," where American POW’s were imprisoned during the Vietnam War. Outstanding, inexpensive restaurants and be found throughout Hanoi. Do not miss the Water Puppet Theater. Many travelers prefer Hanoi to Saigon – more charming with its French colonial architecture and much less traffic, noise, and pollution.
Halong Bay
With over 3000 islands in the emerald waters off the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is truly one of the natural wonders of Vietnam. Similar to Guilin in China, Halong Bay’s landscape of limestone islets is awe-inspiring. The area is dotted with thousands of caves and grottoes. A morning or afternoon boat tour of the surrounding area is an absolute must-see – an added bonus is the sumptuous, fresh seafood served on board. We recommend a day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi.
Hue
Thien Mu Pagoda, Citadel, Royal Tombs, sampan trips up the Perfume River.
Danang
Vietnam’s fourth largest city, Danang is home to the truly unique Cham museum. The open-air collection of Cham sculpture is the finest in the world, dating from the 7th to 15th centuries. Do not miss the Ho Chi Minh museum and "China Beach," where American soldiers were airlifted during the Vietnam War for "rest and relaxation."
Hoi An
Approximately 19 miles south of Danang, Hoi An is a must for any visit to Vietnam. This former 17th Century international seaport is perhaps the most charming town on the coast. Many of Hoi An’s wooden structures date from the first part of the 19th century, including a block of colonnaded French buildings. Great places to eat and great shopping for custom-tailored clothes!
Dalat
This former French colonial hill station is a cool respite from the tropical heat of South Vietnam. Dalat is home to many Vietnamese artists and is also Vietnam’s favorite honeymoon destination. Some places of interest are Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, French Quarter, Valley of Love.
Nha Trang (South Central Coast)
A great place for sun and partying! Blessed ith very clear turquoise water, snorkeling, diving, and fishing are its prime activities. Some interesting sites are the Long Son Pagoda and Cham towers.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Min City exemplifies the gritty, high-energy hustle and bustle of modern-day Vietnam. You and find anything in this city; unlimited culinary possibilities, endless street markets, and many historical reminders of the U.S. involvement during the war. Do not miss the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh market, and the many museums, including the War Remnants Museum.
Mekong Delta
This lush and green "rice basket of Vietnam" conjures up many Westerner’s images of the pristine beauty of Vietnam’s farmer village culture. Formed by the sediment deposits of the Mekong River, the Mekong Delta produces rice to feed the entire country plus export. The only way to see this natural beauty first-hand is to take a boat trip through the canals which splinter from the end of the river. The floating markets are fascinating.
High Energy Vietnamese Youth! Over 65% of Vietnam’s population was born after the Vietnam War. You will see very little signs of resentment against visiting Americans. In fact, especially amongst the young, the Vietnamese seem to embrace anything to do with American culture, particularly music and movies.
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Destinations: Vietnam
Vietnam is truly a land of contrasts — wonderfully chaotic city markets, lush green rice fields, verdant jungles, charming historical Hanoi, perhaps representing Vietnam's past, and bustling Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), epitomizing Vietnam's high energy quest for economic development. Vietnam is a unique combination of contemporary history, culinary excellence, and a sincere warmth among its people that is incomparable. You will love engaging with the genuinely friendly and kindhearted Vietnamese! In addition to Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam is one of Kipling and Clark's Featured Destinations for November through February 2005/2006 travel.
Vietnam Overview
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
– Area: 329,566 (128,527 sq mi)
– Population: 79 million
– Capitol city: Hanoi
– People: 84% ethnic Vietnamese, 2% ethnic Chinese, Khmers, Chems and
50 ethnolinguistic groups
– Language: Vietnamese, Russian, French, Chinese, English
– Religion: Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Muslim, Catholic
– Government: Communist People’s Republic
– President: Tran Duc Luong
– Prime Minister: Phan Van Khai
– GDP: US$24 billion
– GDP per head: US$300
– Growth Rate: 8%
– Inflation: 8%
– Major industries: Rice, rubber, food processing, sugar, textiles, chemicals
– Major trading partners: China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan
Facts for the Vietnam Traveler
Visas
Visas are required for all foreigners entering Vietnam.
Health Risks
The U.S. Center for Disease Control provides a 24 hr. recorded Traveler’s Health Line @ (877) 394-8747 or www.cdc.gov. Dengue fever, hepatic, malaria, rabies, typhoid, tuberculosis. Health insurance, especially medical evacuation is recommended as international health care is minimal, especially in rural areas.
When to Travel to Vietnam
Vietnam has a great diversity of climate due to its location in both tropical and temperate zones. When the weather is too wet, cold, or hot in one region, there is always somewhere else that is sunny and delightful. North Vietnam has two basic seasons: a cool humid winter from November to April, and a warm, wet summer for the remainder of the year. Summer temperatures average around 70 degrees F (22C), with occasional typhoons. The northern provinces of Central Vietnam share the climate of the North, while the southern provinces share the tropical weather of the South. South Vietnam is generally warm, the hottest months being March through May, when temperatures rise into the mid-90’s (low-30’s c). This is also the dry season in the south, followed by the April-October monsoon season.
Festivals and Events
Festivals have long been considered the traditional cultural activity of the Vietnamese people. They appeal to all social classes and have become a necessary part of the Vietnamese lives for many centuries. They are a place to enjoy and learn about the various crafts, customs, and interesting games. Some of the major religious festivals follow a lunar calendar. They include: Tet (late January/early February), the highest and most widely held festival which lasts the week marking a new lunar year; Trung Nguyen, (Feast of the Wandering Souls and Hungry Ghosts) held in August/September is the second largest festival of the year, when offerings of food and gifts are given to the souls wandering the earth for one day.
Currency
All businesses must accept payment in dong. Your best bet is to bring travel checks and US dollars and then exchange currency at banks or hotels. If you plan to visit areas outside the major cities, stock up on dong as it is impossible to exchange currencies in the rural areas.
Language & Environment
Vietnamese (kinh) is the official language of Vietnam, although there are dialectic differences across the country. The most widely spoken foreign languages in Vietnam are Chinese Cantonese and Mandarin, English, French, Russian, plus dozens of different languages spoken by the ethnic minorities.
Communications
Vietnam uses GMT+7, which is equivalent to the US Central time zone minus 9 hours. Most Vietnamese post offices and tourist hotels offer domestic and international fax, telegraph, and telex services. Access to online services is now available through cybercafes and computer terminal in the lobbies of guesthouses.
Food & Drink
Avoid consumption of potentially contaminated food such as fruit and vegetables that cannot be peeled and shelled and fruits with damaged skins. Also, avoid food bought from street vendors. Importantly, do not drink or brush your teeth with unsafe water. Sealed bottles and packaged cold drinks are safe.
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