Access to Vietnam has now improved rapidly and
with it, the country’s popularity and infrastructure. Hidden for years behind
the ‘Bamboo Curtain’, the countries of Indochina are intriguing communities that present a wealth
of traditions and treasures, and a culture often intermingled with a French
colonial past. Although ‘global’
influences and pressures are becoming more evident in the cities,
Vietnam as a whole preserves a
distinctive character and charm few visitors can resist. Begin to explore the
timeless rural traditions, glorious coastal and mountain scenery and rich
ancient culture . . . and start planning your
return.
WHAT TO SEE
Hanoi
The busy capital still retains a lingering air of French colonial
elegance, with attractive yellow stuccoed buildings lining leafy streets. Wander
round the Old Quarter, an intriguing warren of tiny shops, markets and cafés.
Pay your respects at each of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Residence and
Museum.
Halong
Bay
Take a boat trip across Halong Bay to
marvel at the 3,000 extraordinary limestone islands and islets rising sheer from
the waters of the South China Sea. The entire
area has a strange, surreal and very beautiful feeling. Many of the islands
contain bizarre cave formations and grottoes.
Hué
Explore the former capital of the emperors of Vietnam, with its fascinating
architecture and the remains of the Imperial Citadel (mostly destroyed in the
wartime Tet offensive). Visit the nearby mausoleums of several of
Vietnam's past emperors, including
Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, each with its own unique style.
Sapa
Drive up to the alpine scenery around this, home to several
intriguing hill tribes, who continue to wear traditional costume and follow a
little-changed traditional way of life.
Da Lat
Also away from the heat of the coastal plains is Da Lat, a former
colonial hill station, with more than a passing resemblance to a provincial
French town, its elegant but weathered old villas evocative of an era now long
gone. The surrounding mountain scenery and romantic lakes are magnets for local
honeymooners.
Ho
Chi Minh City
Dip into the hurly-burly of life on the streets of one-time
Saigon, whose diminutive temples and faded
French colonial buildings are now being overshadowed by shining new high-rises.
Visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants
Museum to gain fresh
insights into the realities of the bitter Vietnam
War.
Tay
Ninh
Attend the midday service at the unique Cao Dai Temple here in Tay Ninh. Drive to the
extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels – a labyrinth of narrow tunnels built by the
‘Vietcong’ virtually underneath the U.S. bases, from where they
successfully launched attacks against US forces.
Mekong
De
Wander among the river markets on the Mekong De, where everyday life
is dominated by this mighty waterway and along whose course much of Vietnam's rice crop is
grown.
WHAT TO DO
Sports
With 2,000 miles of coastline, Vietnam
may surprise you by its beaches and watersports opportunities. Popular beaches
are Vung Tau (north of the Mekong Delta) and Nha Trang (near Da Lat), where
clear, turquoise waters offer good snorkelling and scuba-diving. Snorkelling and
diving equipment can be hired at most beach resorts. Other good beaches are Phan
Thiet (south-central coast); Mui Ne (noted for its large sand dunes); and
magnificent Ha Long Bay – which is also an ideal spot for sea kayaking amid the
limestone karsts that rise dramatically out of the
sea.
Adventure
Take a boat trip on the Mekong River, with its intricate network of rice
paddies, swamps and forests interlaced with canals and river. A vital source of
water for both transport and food for much of Southern
Vietnam, it gives a vivid snapshot of everyday rural life here.
Shopping
Though Vietnam has
yet to achieve the shopping status of Hong Kong or Bangkok, the streets are
awash with little shops selling all manner of items. There’s a huge variety of
souvenirs and traditional handicrafts like lacquer painting, reed mats,
embroidery and mother-of-pearl inlay on ornaments & furniture, not to
mention the traditional conical hats. If you’re buying jewellery verify the
quality of the gold or stones. Markets are always great places to enjoy the
local flavour and buy souvenirs. The best place for shopping for antiques (check
that they have an export licence) or replicas is Hanoi. Saigon
has the best buys for modern goods like CDs and clothing.
Nightlife
Vietnam’s nightlife is perhaps not the most sophisticated
entertainment that the East has to offer - but Ho Chi Minh City does have an
extensive range of bars, clubs, live music venues and restaurants, while Hanoi
is also beginning to catch up (although things can still seem rather quiet after
10:00 pm). In other towns there are bars and restaurants but the choice for
visitors is definitely modest.