After enduring the long and catastrophic Vietnam War
in the 1960s and 70s, Vietnam engaged in disputes with
neighboring Cambodia
before it began to truly open up its doors to the rest
of the world. Though the Vietnam War is the first thing
you might think about, there is so much more to this beautiful
country. Vietnam boasts a long and storied history that
includes many different conquerors and empires. Today,
it is a socialist country that is attempting to align
itself with other Asian Tiger economies, and by the looks
of things, it’s well on its way to succeeding. In
the country’s larger cities, new hotels and office
buildings give testament to Vietnam’s attempts to
modernize. Vietnam tourism is on the rise, and with so
much to see and do, this is certainly one country that
is able to impress. Vietnam is welcoming more visitors
than ever, and many a Vietnam holiday sees
folks enjoying a stay at one of the new Vietnam resorts. This
country has come a long way. With casinos,
world-class golf courses, and enticing international restaurants
making their way into the fabric of Vietnam travel, mixing
the old with the new is what it’s all about. If
you want a real travel experience, Vietnam tourism can
offer it.
Vietnam is situated on the South China Sea, and it is
bordered by China
to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west. It is
a diverse country in terms of landscape, with soaring
mountains, steamy jungles, and picturesque beaches, so
those planning Vietnam vacations will certainly have a
range of experiences to choose from. Interesting tours
in the northern highlands are recommended, and they can
be arranged in Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi,
which is an ideal base for Vietnam travel. Hanoi itself
offers a range of delights for visitors, including a large
central market, an interesting Old Quarter with French
colonial buildings, and a series of scenic lakes. In Hanoi,
winter can bring temperatures of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You probably won’t need a jacket in the summer,
however, as the temps can soar over 100 degrees!
From Hanoi, visitors might entertain the idea of taking
boat tours in Ha Long, or head south to the country’s
largest city. Ho Chi Minh
City, formerly known as Saigon, is some 1,100 miles
south of Hanoi, and it offers a bounty of attractions,
including the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants
Museum. Thankfully, there is an adequate intra-country
air service in Vietnam. Otherwise, it’s rental car,
rail, or bus, though you will want to avoid driving unless
you are confident you can handle the traffic. For those
less inclined to drive in Vietnam, you can hire a car
and a driver for tours and such, the cost of which is
usually very low. Also, don’t be surprised if you
end up on a motorbike at some point during Vietnam vacations,
as the country is full of them.
In addition to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, those enjoying
Vietnam tourism can check some other choice spots. The
ancient capital of Hue is interesting, and the Vietnam
beaches are always beckoning, especially in the southern
part of the country where the sandy stretches are more
beautiful and the weather consistently warm. Various Vietnam
travel packages can be arranged for those who are planning
Vietnam vacations, and many of these packages include
one of the large cities, if not both, as well as one or
more of the Vietnam beaches. Wherever you go in Vietnam,
you’ll notice the warmth of the proud Vietnamese
people. The Vietnamese people are friendly, so by
all means should you embrace their culture while you are
here. Often times, foreign visitors are invited to special
family events when in Vietnam, and these kinds of affairs
can make for a truly authentic travel experience.
