Vietnam - Guide

Vietnam, a country whose name was once synonymous with war, is gradually starting to attract the attention of tourists from around the world. The country’s historical past and modern present, different religions and cultural traditions, old and new all blend to give it a colourful and vibrant image.

A country of contrasts, from the dozens of islands in the south to the haunting beauty of Ha Long Bay, from the fertile land of the Mekong Delta to the rugged mountain ranges of the centre and north, Vietnam has at last opened its welcome arms and smiling faces to the world. Mysterious temples and pagodas stand in stark contrast to the energetic, lively cities of Saigon and Hanoi. The romantic imperial city of Hué houses treasures of a past era, while the beach paradise of Nha Trang offers all a young sun worshipers could want.

The countryside, a mixture of rice paddies and jungle covered mountains, is home to some of the warmest and hospitable people you could hope to find, with a welcoming smile never far away.

When to go

The most pleasant time to visit this Asian splendour is during the dry season of December to late April since rainfall is at its lowest and the footpaths aren’t overtaken by torrents of storm water. Average daily temperatures in the country range from 17 to 27°C with the cooler temperatures frequenting the northern cities. If you are travelling at this time you may wish to consider starting in the North prior to December and head south or alternatively, from February onwards, start in the south and head north. This will help you to avoid the considerably cooler temperatures of winter in the North.

If you are looking for a special event to experience in Vietnam then Tet Nguyen Dan – ‘the festival of the first day’ or the Vietnamese New Year is well worth a visit. This celebration lasts for 7 days and usually falls around the end of January or the beginning of February on the night of the new moon. Not only is this a New Year’s event but also when everyone in Vietnam becomes a year older – age is reckoned by the New Year and not individual birthdays. It is however a time when much of the country is on the move and accommodation fills up well in advance.

Highlights

• Ho Chi Min (Saigon) – pagodas, temples, museums and markets, and nightlife!
• Mekong Delta – boat trips, floating markets and village life
• Hué –Royal Citadel, tombs and pagodas, boat trip on the Perfume River
• Nha Trang – white sandy beaches, coral reefs for snorkelling and divingSapa – Ethnic minority hill-tribe villages, trekking and colourful markets
• Halong Bay – boat trips, caves, stunning scenery and wonderful seafood