Destinations Vietnam
For a country that is only a little larger than Italy, Vietnam has immense geographic and cultural diversity. Its varied climate and landscape range from four seasons of the mountainous north to year-round tropical temperatures of the lush south.
Vietnam 's cultural diversity stems from its intriguing history dating back more than 4,000 years. Its historical legacy includes a century of Chinese occupation, which has left a very strong foreign cultural influence, evident in the pagodas, local cuisine, and continuing practice of Confucianism. The Cham civilization, which blossomed in the central region in the 14th century, has left many ancient Hindu-like temples, which are still visited today. Vietnam 's regal past can be revisited in the former capital city of Hue , where the Citadel and Royal Tombs represent an era of cultural renaissance. The French colonial legacy is still evident in many parts of Vietnam , as illustrated by the distinctive yellow pastel-colored architecture of its villas and administrative buildings. In Vietnam you can discover unspoiled beaches along the coastline stretching 3,200km north to south and mountainous regions where hill tribe people continue to live isolated from mainstream society. There are also pastoral landscapes of lush rice paddies and fresh vegetation, offering ample opportunities to observe the agrarian lifestyle of eighty percent of Vietnam 's population. Today, most of the country remains relatively unchanged although in major cities you will discover modern infrastructure and technology. Visitors can choose to travel at various levels of comfort, staying in anything from budget to deluxe accommodations, using public or private transportation, and dining local style or in the finer Vietnamese and international restaurants. If you are in for a cultural exploration, picturesque landscapes, warm hospitality, or an adventure of a lifetime – Vietnam is your destination!
VIETNAM – REGION BY REGION
NORTH - CENTRAL - SOUTH
Hanoi
Hanoi’s history stretches back nearly a thousand years when the city was founded by Emperor Ly Thai To, who in 1010 renamed the area Thang Long – ‘Soaring Dragon’. Soon after some of the city’s oldest structures were built including the Temple of Literature , Vietnam ’s oldest university.
Hanoi is a city rich in tradition and legend. Probably the most famous legend of all is the Arthurian tale of Hoan Kiem Lake . Legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. Whilst rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honor of the event he renamed the lake ‘Ho Hoan Kiem’ – Lake of the Restored Sword.
Although nearly a thousand years old, Hanoi had to wait until 1831 to regain its former name, when Emperor Minh Mang established it as the capital of the Northern Province . Indeed the last Vietnamese dynasty, the
Nguyen Dynasty moved their capital from Hanoi to Hue . The name Hanoi means ‘ where the river bends’, the river being the Song Hong or Red River .The city’s main period of growth stems from the arrival of the French in 1888. Within a short time Hanoi was transformed into an elegant city with broad tree-lined boulevards, avenues and parks, making it one of the greenest cities in Asia . Fortunately many of the old boulevards and residences have survived and are used to house Foreign Embassies and Government institutions. From 1902 until 1953 the city served as the capital of French Indochina, although in 1945 Ho Chi Minh proclaimed in his independence speech from Ba Dinh square that Hanoi would henceforth be the capital of Vietnam .
Today Hanoi is a bustling capital city of nearly 4 million people. Its focal point is the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, immediately to its north. Here’s a list of some of the capital’s main attractions: Ngoc Son Temple: Set on a tiny island on the Hoan Kiem Lake , its history dates back to the 13th century.
Old Quarter:
Also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally each of the 36 streets names’ was related to the products being sold there. Hence you can walk from Fish Street to Tin Streetto Bamboo Street. It’s a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities.
Ho Chi Minh Complex:
Completed in 1975 the complex contains Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh museum. When visiting the mausoleum the following rules need to be observed: No short sleeves & skirts are allowed. Silence should be observed when entering the tomb and definitely no photographs (in fact all bags have to be left outside). It’s quite an experience as you queue with many Vietnamese, some of whom have traveled many miles to make the pilgrimage.
Temple Of Literature :
Originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam ’s first university dating back to 1070. Inside are the stone stele mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of the university’s graduates. The complex is divided into five courtyards with different paths that would originally have been reserved for the Emperor and his mandarins. One of the courtyards contains the statue of Confucius guarded by two beautiful bronze storks standing on turtles. The temple highlights the importance that Vietnamese society placed then and now on education.
Hoa Lo Prison:
Better known by its former inmates as ‘The Hanoi Hilton’ it became famous during the American War as many US POWs were incarcerated here. Notable prisoners included Republican senator John McCain and Douglas Peterson who later became the first post-war US Ambassador to Vietnam
Museum of Ethnology :
A must for anyone intending to visit either Mai Chao or Sapa in particular. This museum is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam ’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. As well as the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the grounds.
Water Puppet Theatre:
This is a uniquely Vietnamese creation with its origins dating back nearly a thousand years. Originally these plays would have taken place on lakes and ponds during the monsoon season, depicting daily life as well as numerous tales and legends. The stories remain the same but now the production takes place in a specially designed theatre with a stage knee-deep in water. The puppeteers are hidden behind a bamboo screen and the whole experience is both entertaining and amusing.
Quan Thanh Temple :
There are many interesting temples in the city, but one of the best is the Quan Thanh on the West Lake . It is dedicated to Than Vu a legendary general. At the centre is the four metre bronze statue dedicated to the man who later became the guardian saint of the city. It is believed that if you rub the statue’s right foot it will bring you good luck.
Ha LongBay
Legend has it that an enormous dragon caused the phenomenon of Halong Bay as it thrashed it’s tail against the earth, creating the huge bays & decending into the sea. Halong literally means descending dragon. Another legend says that actually the giant limestone rocks themselves are dragons, protecting Vietnam from hostile invaders.Certainly from a historical point of view the bay has played an important part in protecting the country from foreign aggressors. On at least two occasions the Vietnamese repelled marauding Chinese fleets near here. The second of the naval battles was waged by Vietnam ’s legendary General, Tran Hung Dao, who in 1288 successfully sunk most of Kubilai Khan’s mongol fleet. His cunning plan involved submerging wooden stakes in the nearby Bach Dang River and luring the Chinese ships into the trap where they were later scuppered.Today you can visit the Hang Dau Go cave where it is believed the General stored his wooden stakes immediately prior to the battle. Halong Bay is an impressive collection of over 3,000 islands covering an area in excess of 1,500km in the Gulf of Tonkin , 170km east of Hanoi . The bay was formed as a result of millions of years of erosion on the limestone rocks. Then when the last ice age finished, theseas rose as the glaciers melted, flooding the entire area transforming hills into the islands we see today.
The bay is dotted with literally hundreds of secluded bays, lagoons and coral beaches making it an ideal location for tourists to explore. Now it is a major tourist attraction and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Sapa & the Northern Highlands
Sapa is a charming former French hill-station, created during the 1920’s so that Hanoi ’s colonial residents could escape from the city’s stifling summer heat. Nowadays it is still a popular destination due to its beautiful scenery and colorful ethnic people. Situated in the country’s northwest in an area still referred to as the Tonkinese Alps, Sapa is reached via a winding 40km road from the town of Lao Cai. The drive itself provides a taste of what is to come as the road winds its way up through lush rice-terraced valleys and breath-taking scenery passing several different minority villages along the way before reaching Sapa at an altitude of 1,650m.The valleys surrounding Sapa are home to several of Vietnam ’s 54 ethnic minority groups, each with their own distinctive dress, customs and dialects. These tribes can all be seen at the weekend market in Sapa town to trade with one another as well as the growing number of tourists who make the journey up from Hanoi on the overnight train.
The various ethnic peoples here are relatively easy to identify due to their particular attire. For example the H’mong wear dark clothing, usually blue or black. The dye is fashioned from the indigo or hemp plant that is native to the area. H’mong women wear long aprons with embroidered waistcoats and have their hair rolled up into a turban-like hat, whilst the men wear a black skullcap, long waistcoat and loose trousers.
Another equally distinctive minority are the Dao (pronounced Zao). Dao women are particularly striking as they shave their hair and eyebrows and wear a large red turban often covered with old coins or jewelry.
Apart from its fascinating ethnic diversity, Sapa is also renowned for its trekking. With Vietnam’s highest peak, Mt. Fansipan (3,143m) only 9km away the valleys and mountains provide the perfect backdrop for some great treks. Some of the villages now have local homestays where you can overnight with a family in their traditional home.
CENTRAL - NORTH - SOUTH
Hue
Hue served as Vietnam 's capital under the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, and is arguably the most beautiful city in Vietnam . The city’s regal past can still be seen today inside the walls of the Citadel and the war-ravaged Imperial City . Both were heavily damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when the Communists took the city from the South and held it for 3 weeks. The walls of the Citadel bear witness to the terrible fighting that went on within and are riddled with shrapnel and bullet holes.
Now thanks to UNESCO funding, much of the City is being faithfully restored to its former glory. The Imperial City , created in the 19th century and modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing , has many palaces and temples inside. Further echoes of the Imperial age can be found in Hue’s surrounding countryside. Here several of the tombs of former Emperors can be found. One of the most impressive tombs, that of Emperor Minh Mang, is set within a beautiful landscaped garden. It is said that it took 13 years to find an appropriate burial site for the Emperor, and upon arrival it's not hard to see why they eventually chose this location. Set on the banks of the Perfume River and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills it is a tranquil and idyllic place. A boat trip on the Perfume River is definitely worthwhile. Along the way stop at the Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda – Hue ’s unofficial symbol. Situated 4 km upstream on the banks of the Perfume River, it is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, Thich Quang Duc, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Bach Ma National Park: Apart from interesting historical of this citadel, Hue also attacts traveller Cruisine: When tou tire of sightseeing do try some Hue cuisine, widely acknowleged to be some of the best in Vietnam .
Hoi An
Hoi An, formerly known as Faifo lies a mere 32km to the south of Danang. From the 16th to late 19th century this quaint riverside town was one of the busiest trading ports on the South China Sea coast. Merchants from Europe , the Middle East , China and Japan used to congregate here to trade. Hoi An was fortunate enough to be on the famous silk route linking India and the subcontinent to China and the Far East . It was only towrds the end of the 19th century that the Thu Bon River began to silt up, causing shipping and consequently business to head to nearby Danang. Today Hoi An is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam
With its colorful blend of Chinese Assembly Halls, narrow winding streets and ancestral family homes the town retains a feeling of ages past. The town’s five Chinese Assembly Halls and temples were built by the large Chinese merchant community that used to live here. Each clan would have its own hall and temple where they could discuss social and business affairs. One of the most spectacular Assembly Halls is the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, built in 1690. The pagoda inside contains intricate statues and artwork, in part dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and protector of fishermen. Another interesting site is the Japanese Covered Bridge, the unofficial emblem of the town. It is over 400 years old and was probably constructed to link the Japanese and Chinese communities. Apart from the obvious historical interest, which led to the entire old quarter being designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the town has a great variety of shops and restaurants serving such local delicacies as Cao Lau – a thick noodle soup made with water from one particular well. Hoi An is also renowned for its high number of tailors’ shops – you could easily have a new wardrobe fitted here! For many people coming from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam ’s larger cities, Hoi An can almost seem like an oasis. The lack of cars and motorbikes coupled with the town’s pleasant riverside setting means that most visitors choose to stay for a few days. If you do tire of the town itself why not hop on a bicycle and pedal the 4km to the nearby Cua Dai beach.
Nha Trang
Derived form the Cham word ’yakram’ meaning bamboo river, the town of Nha Trang has a long history. This part of the country was once inhabited by the Cham, a people whose bleives and culture was heavily influenced by Hinduism.
The Central Highlands
The Central Highlands are renowned for their cool climate, beautiful mountain scenery and innumerable streams, lakes and waterfalls. The region is also home to various ethnic minorities. Dalat: (once known as Le Petit Paris), with its evergreen forests and gentle rolling hills is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 1,500m in the Central Highlands. It is best known in Vietnam as a honeymooning spot. It was also a favorite of the Emperor and his family.
The Art Deco summer residence of Bao Dai, Vietnam ’s last Emperor can still be seen overlooking the town as can numerous colonial style villas with their distinct pastel shades and shuttered windows. As with Sapa in the north, Dalat was founded by the French to escape the intense heat of a Saigon summer. Further north at Pleiku the terrain becomes more mountainous and provides excellent opportunities for trekking. In some of the more remote areas you can still see domesticated elephants which are used for transport and logging.
VIETNAM – REGION BY REGION
SOUTH - CENTRAL - NORTH
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to is Vietnam’s largest city with a population in excess of 6 million divided into 16 urban districts. It is a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Saigon ’s history is only 300 years old, less than a third that of the capital, Hanoi . In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochinchina; one of the 3 colonies that Vietnam was split into. From 1956 until its dramatic demise in April 1975, Saigon was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam . Today Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurs. Incomes here are typically twice that of Hanoi and the city’s skyline is rapidly changing, reflecting the sharp influx of foreign trade within the last decade. And yet for all this modernity, the city still retains its connections to the past, particularly so in Cholon, Saigon ’s Chinatown . Here dozens of elegant temples and pagodas can be seen. The French too left their mark here – the city has many street cafes and patisseries where fresh croissants can be purchased. We recommend seeing the following sights in Saigon :
Reunification Palace :
Although not the prettiest building in Saigon
it is one of the most important. Here on April 30th 1975 the American War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam .
War Remnants Museum :
Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes , this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching; dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
Notre Dame Cathedral:
Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam . Her two 40 metre towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline.
Cholon:
Cholon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam ’s largest market, the Binh Tay is situated here.
Also this district (district 5) is home to the city’s 400,000 Chinese and as such the area has many beautiful temples and pagodas. A pleasant way to see these is by hiring a local cyclo driver for a couple of hours.
Ben Thanh market:
This bustling market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dais. Do be careful with your valuables, as pickpockets are known to operate here.
Giac Lam Pagoda:
This is Saigon ’s oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744 and one of the finest in Vietnam . Inside 98 pillars and 113 statues and a myriad of mini-Buddhas vie for your attention. Don’t miss the amazing Tree of Wandering Souls where people pray for their sick relatives by writing the names of their loved ones on slips of paper and then attaching them to the tree.
Jade Emperor’s Pagoda: This pretty Cantonese pagoda was built in 1909. Don’t let the pink façade fool you for there are horrors inside! Leading off from the main hall is a small room filled with wood panels depicting the 1,000 torments of hell! The temple is dedicated to the Taoist Jade Emperor, Ngoc Hoang.
Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet boasts some of Vietnam ’s finest coastal resorts as well as the beautiful sandy cape of Mui Ne. The cape is dominated by some impressive golden sand dunes and provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Saigon , some 200km away. Phan Thiet also has one of the country’s finest golf courses attractively located by the sea. Another site worth exploring is the nearby Cham Towers . These eighth century ruins, situated on a hill overlooking the Mui Ne headland are best visited at sunset.
Tay Ninh
Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, is home to the unique Cao Dai sect, whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill to name a few. Founded in the 1920’s by Ngo Van Chieu, a Saigon civil servant, the religion is an eclectic mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity and at one time had a very strong following in the Mekong Delta area, especially with the rural poor. Van Chieu had a vision from ‘Cao Dai’ – the Supreme Being to create a religion that would embrace all the major world theologies.
The Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh has been described as a Walt Disney fantasia of the East (author Graham Greene). The temple's exterior is decorated with multi-colored dragons of all shapes and sizes competing for space with a number of swastikas. The interior is just as engaging as statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha and the Hindu god, Brahma stand side by side.
Cu Chi
The Cu Chi Tunnels were pivotal to the Communist’s victory over the Americans and the South Vietnamese Armies as they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area around Saigon . At its height, the tunnel system, parts of which were several levels deep, stretched over 200kms from Saigon to the Cambodian border.
The area of Cu Chi was one of the most pro-communist districts in the far south; indeed the VC used the tunnels to organize the 1968 Tet Offensive. During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a free fire zone and was heavily bombarded: you can still see numerous craters caused by 500 pound B52bombs. It was this persistant bombing campaign that drove many of the residents of Cu Chi together with the Viet Cong underground. Originally the tunnels had been created as far back as 1948 to help combat the French. Now they were rapidly expanded to include innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres kitchens and even schools. Today the remaining tunnels of this intricate network have been widened to accommodate the larger western frame and have now become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience of what underground life in the American war must have been like and a deep appreciation of the courage and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta covers an area of 67,000 square km in the southernmost region of Vietnam and is often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam as it produces three harvests per year. The Mekong River begins its life in Tibet and travels 4,500 km through six countries before eventually splitting into nine tributaries (Cuu Long in Vietnamese) and flowing into the South China Sea.
Because the plains are periodically flooded by the rising Mekong River , traditional transportation is by boat, along a vast network of canals. These canals are the very lifeblood of the Delta and her 15 million inhabitants. Everything from human cargo to tropical fruits with exotic names such as Dragonfruit and Longan (Dragon’s eye) travel along this complex system of waterways. A cruise along these canals with their floating markets always proves to be a fascinating and rewarding experience for all visitors.