Vietnam Travel - Country and Culture Overview

Preparing to Visit Beautiful Vietnam

The intense beauty of Vietnam travel is breathtaking in all regards. Although the country is just beginning to emerge as a travel hotspot, Vietnam’s recognition is long past due. If this country is on your travel agenda, there are some definite dos and don’ts you’ll want to remember before you go!

Since your health should always come first, plan to make a doctor’s appointment a good 2 months before your trip, if possible. A good health provider will help decide what immunizations you may need to keep you alive and healthy during the course of your vacation. Vaccines for yellow fever & anti-malaria are just a couple of the things you will need to address before you go. For a trip like this, make certain the doctor you visit is well-versed in medicine for travelers. Be sure to mention any current medications you are on as well!

One strong suggestion for all you American’s scheduling trips to Vietnam; do not focus too much of your attention on the war. Although the Vietnamese like to tell their side of the story, they are also plagued with the daily task of forgetting it. With so many loved ones who still hold deep wounds and scars from the blood-filled battle, forgetting is something that’s not easily come by. If you are intrigued by the history of the war however, there are plenty of battle sites and memorials to keep you busy your entire trip. With the help of a trusty search engine, you can plan out your course through Vietnam’s war country before you go.

Vietnam travel is notorious for being a very inexpensive vacation. Although it is expected to rise in price as it becomes more discovered, you can plan an entire vacation extremely cheap. If you are booking your hotels online before you leave, do not be afraid of splurging! By splurging, we simply mean paying a few measly dollars extra a night. In doing so, you are ensured a safe, clean and splendid hotel experience. Safety is something you shouldn’t take lightly when visiting a foreign country!

Finally, prepare yourself mentally to be mauled…in a sense. The Vietnamese people are very loving and affectionate. People all over the country will shower you with kindness, love and attention. Being a tourist, you will also be classified as rich and encounter scores of people trying to sell you something, or simply ask you for some spare change. Always know where you are headed next and act as if you belong! Many of the Vietnamese people speak English and are willing and ready to help, if needed.

All Vietnam travel will leave you with an unforgettable experience. Between the crystal clear waters trickling into the sandy beaches and the beautiful green plains of rice paddies, your eyes will be in heaven. Any new trip to a foreign land results in a reverence for the people who live there and call the country home. All Vietnam travel will leave you with increased wisdom, respect, and a fountain of fond memories.

Check out other Vietnam guides to find lots of places to travel to - http://www.ruba.com/vietnam_travel

South Vietnam

You can get a taste of every lifestyle when you plan a trip to Southern Vietnam. Fields laced with miles of rice paddy’s, beaches holding massive amounts of visitors and crystal clear water, and the fast-paced life of Ho Chi Minh City. South Vietnam travel has emerged as South Asia’s premier destination.

The hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City is quite the site to behold. If the name Ho Chi Minh City isn’t ringing a bell, it was formerly known as Saigon. Most locals still refer to it by its original name instead of the new one implemented by government officials. Thousands of buildings line every square inch of possible living space. Congestion doesn’t begin to describe the amount of people who are proud to call Ho Chi Minh City their home. However, the crowds are enjoyable and people kind and gracious. Mile after mile of terrific Vietnam travel shopping are located in the heart of the city and a few of your dollars can go a long way. Rivers surge through all parts of the city and flowing around Ho Chi Minh City is the Saigon River itself. In thanks to its deep French roots, you will witness an immaculate culmination of Paris and Asia when you visit Ho Chi Minh City.

Now that you have Ho Chi Minh City on your must-see list, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels when you are there. Most foreigners have never heard of these tunnels if they haven’t studied greatly about the Vietnam War. These underground tunnels stretch out over 100 miles long and were used as a safe haven for communistic Vietnamese forces. The U.S. soldiers came to despise these tunnels for providing a safe shelter for their opponent. The U.S. forces launched attack after attack on these tunnels, only to have each of them turn up short. The Vietnamese were too ingenious in the design of these tunnels and the U.S. troops greatly underestimated the massive size. Today, the Cu Chi tunnels stand as a bitter remembrance of such dark days many decades ago. However, they are not worth missing and provide a vivid taste of Vietnam travel.

A couple other stunning gems of Vietnam travel lie in the cities of Vung Tau and Phan Thiet. Vung Tau is a short 1 ½ hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City and takes you to a Vietnamese get away complete with a relaxing beach. If you’re seeking more authentic and laid-back ways of life don’t forget to plan a stop in Phan Thiet. Life does seem to move a whole lot slower in this village and you can see what the average day goes like for a Vietnamese citizen. If you are looking for a resort style vacation, schedule a week full of sun, relaxing, and pristine beaches in Phu Quoc Island. Feeling like you are in the movie South Pacific, Phu Quoc has some of the most envious scenery in the country. Book early…Phu Quoc’s secret splendor has leaked out and visitors are only too eager to spend their vacation time there. Wherever you decide to go, Vietnam travel offers a delicious bite into Asia’s finest.

For places to travel in South Vietnam, try checking out some other Vietnam travel guides - http://www.ruba.com/vietnam_travel

The Allure of Central Vietnam

If you’ve never gotten the opportunity to step foot in Vietnam’s gorgeous countryside, you may need a little direction on what central Vietnam travel holds. The sites to see are plentiful, so make sure to schedule plenty of time dedicated to this intriguing portion of the country. Vietnam travel would definitely be classified as incomplete without a trip to the heart and soul of the country.

Although it’s most pleasant in Vietnam during the latter part of the year, central Vietnam may be the exception to that rule. The weather is actually quite damp and humid during the later months. Instead, plan your Vietnam travel between the months of March and April. You still may see a drop or two, but typically not enough to make you too uncomfortable.

When sketching out your travel agenda, jot down Hue on the destination list. Being once known as an Imperial Capital, Hue has oodles of ancient monuments to keep one busy. The Nguyen Dynasty called Hue home for hundreds of years. The Forbidden Purple City is just one of the many attractions that the great central city of Hue holds for a tourist. Situated closely to the Perfume River, the water separates this Citadel full of mysteries from the rest of the city. It is once said that if an average civilian tried to enter past the walls of the Forbidden City, certain death was thrust upon him. Only those authorized were let past the city gates. Seeing the Forbidden City in person is a wonder and great addition to Hue’s rich culture. As you take a few days in Hue, remember to pay a visit to the tombs of Vietnam’s most infamous emperor’s.

If you’re after a bit of Vietnam’s French culture, don’t forget to stop in at Da Lat. Located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, this city is all relaxation and eye candy. Designed after a quaint French village, Da Lat can’t help but beckon out to those who are in love. Walking down a street in Da Lat, you will be overwhelmed with signs of France everywhere you look. The city even comes complete with its own miniature Eiffel Tower! Although Vietnam travel does lack crisp temperatures and mountain breezes, Da Lat makes up for it in spades. Pine trees dot the countryside completing this perfect mountain town.

Known in part for its gigantic white Buddha watching over the city, Nha Trang waits to offer you a respite from reality. Scuba diving, swimming, boating, it can all be done at Nha Trang. With grand hotels boasting of luxurious accommodations, you’ll think yourself in the Western Caribbean instead of half-way around the world. Speckled with bordering islands, lazy days and fun adventures are awaiting you at Nha Trang. Another hotspot central Vietnam would be the riverside residence of Hoi An. Located in the southern part of the central region, Hoi An possesses the largest harbor in Southeast Asia. If you were ever curious where the magical spices of the east were shipped out of, Hoi An would be your answer. Architecture is abundant with a temple and pagodas a plenty. Get these great destinations on your travel guide and you will see some of the greatest sights Vietnam travel has to offer.

For more places to travel to in Central Vietnam, check out some other travel guides - http://www.ruba.com/vietnam_travel

The Stunning Sites of Northern Vietnam

Although there are many beauties dotting Northern Vietnam, few stand out among their competitors. With islands lined up beckoning for your arrival, how can you choose just a few? Knowing the best places to see when you visit will help your Vietnam travel experience to be nothing short of incredible.

Roll up your sleeves and set up camp at stunning Hanoi. This capital has all the appeal a city would need to attract thousands of travelers, non-stop. Charming parks and lakes are arranged delicately throughout Hanoi’s countryside, screaming of appeal. Café’s, small shop’s, markets, bakeries and much more are just some of the businesses you’ll encounter in this big city with a small-town feel. There isn’t a better place in Vietnam travel that can offer more variety than Hanoi. The people are down to earth, the conversation pleasant, and the food is unimaginably favorable. Hanoi even hosts a shopper’s paradise called the Old Quarter. With every Vietnamese good you could dream of purchasing, the Old Quarter is bustling with visitors from home and abroad. Shoes, handicrafts, food, coffee beans, the Old Quarter is packed with it all! You could spend a good amount of time exploring the shops that line approximately 40 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

If Hanoi is known for its sticky hot days, Sapa is alternatively known for its much cooler and brisk climate. Appearing as a frontier town, this village is melting pot for many diverse cultures and people. Several tribes and ethnic groups call Sapa home. Vietnam travel in Sapa is famous for their market as well. Saturdays in Sapa are quite the sight to behold with a completely packed countryside. Sapa natives are only too eager to converse and sell their goods to tourists of all nationalities. Bargaining is a heavy tool used by the Sapa people when trying to get their hands on your hard earned money. However, the products are of great quality and worth every dime charged most of the time. Sapa is a prime example of superior Vietnam travel.

Being the biggest island in the Bay of Ha Long, half of Cat Ba Island is deemed National Park. Only a hop, skip & jump away from Hanoi, Cat Ba Island is a great little overnight stop for tourists. Many shrimp catchers call Cat Ba Island home with its prime waters stocked with those tiny fish they are after. Located in Phu Long town, the Thien Long cave is a must see when visiting Cat Ba. Dark, cool and full of ancient stories, Thien Long cave is a jewel in Vietnam travel. Interesting enough, you could even see the roots of an old Si tree seeping down from its location on top of the mountain. Talk about incredible! Cat Ba is pretty quiet for the most part but holds a peaceful beauty not found elsewhere. Each of these destinations above provides a little something for everyone. You can’t help but leave with great adoration for your Vietnam travel adventure.

Check out more places in Northern Vietnam to travel to - http://www.ruba.com/vietnam_travel

Culture of the Vietnamese People

Vietnam culture is ancient, thought-provoking, intriguing and completely worth seeing all on your own. It’s hard to fully appreciate the Vietnam culture to the fullest extent, if you haven’t first studied up on who you are visiting. The Vietnamese people are made up of a rich history, stunning life experiences, a deeply moving countryside and a refreshing way of life.

Vietnam culture varies from north to south. North Vietnam culture is much more traditional and true to its roots than its southern counterpart. If you want a glimpse of old Vietnam, the north is the place for you. However, if you are after good times, fun and lively people, and a more laid back pace…the Southern part of the country is calling your name. As in any country, people all over the land are unique and captivating in their own right. The best way to experience Vietnam as a whole is to spend a few days in each region, mingling with various Vietnamese people. Don’t forget to look up the hill people when you visit. These tribes, a wholesome group for the most part, has much to tell with their simple way of life.

You wouldn’t immediately think Vietnam to be a land affluent in poetry, but that is precisely what it is. Some of the greatest poetic verses ever written have come out of the Vietnam culture. Poet’s hold high esteem from the citizens of Vietnam and are revered for their writing. Education is also held in great regard and the Vietnam culture works daily to ensure its continual growth. If you think you were mistreated growing up, school days in Vietnam generally last around 9 hours. A pretty long day for little tikes!

The Vietnam culture would most accurately be defined as agricultural. Since ancient times, rice has been the country’s sustaining force. Workers are spread out on all sides of the land and are harvesting rice paddies in the same manner that was done so long ago. Even the conical hats haven’t changed much and are quite charming to tourists. You can’t leave Vietnam without getting a conical hat to take home with you!

Vietnam culture has brilliantly combined the old with the new, forming a way of life that is appealing to everyone who visits. The people of Vietnam are anxious to show others how they live and where they come from! Although classified as a simple people, they have enough charisma to entertain any tourist fortunate enough to come across them.

Vietnam Festivals

Most all Vietnamese men and women have a vast amount of spiritual beliefs they hold close to their hearts. This spirituality has blossomed into a reverent way of life in which is quite apparent through everything they do. Peace is abundant in this little country, in spite of the tumultuous history they have gone through. Despite hard times, the Vietnam culture still understands the benefits of a good festival to celebrate, learn, and reflect.

If you’re interested at all in Buddhism or simply wanting to learn a little more about it, you’ve come to the right place. Large portions of the Vietnamese people are devout Buddhists. Every year, throngs of people travel great distances to attend the Yen Tu Festival. Lasting for approximately 3 months, you would call this great journey to Yen Tu a renewing of faith for the Buddhists in Vietnam. At the hillsides of Yen Tu, they are able to renew their faith as they witness firsthand the roots of their religion. The land of Yen Tu has been a gathering spot for century’s religious events, and spiritual growth. It’s truly a marvelous sight to feat your eyes upon if you happen to plan to see the Vietnam culture at the right time.

You can’t speak the word festival in Vietnam without mentioning Tet in the same sentence. Known as the Vietnam New Year holiday, Tet is one heck of a family reunion. You won’t find baked beans or potato salad at these gatherings though, they serve more traditional dishes that have been around for centuries. Tet is an opportunity to not only give thanks, but to celebrate the arrival of spring time. Fruit trees and bouquets of vibrantly colored flowers are littered on the paths of every street as Vietnamese citizens rush to purchase these symbols of hope. Tet is not a celebration to be taken lightly. Only the most immense of preparations will be enough to prepare for such a grand festival. Families rush to spring-clean their homes, stock up on the finest foods, and prepare themselves mentally for this rich outpouring of family togetherness.

In the midst of Chinese New Year lies a refreshing little festival that would be quite interesting to the average traveler. Vieng Market Festival is said to bring its visitors the best of luck and happiness for the year to come. A substantial undertaking, this market is perfectly perched on the coast and run by local farmers and merchants. In part for its setting, thousands of people travel to Vieng Market Festival each January to acquire produce, wood carvings, farming tools, and any other hand made work imaginable. All 3 festivals aren’t just for enjoying ones self, but more for bettering ones self. If witnessing these tremendous festivals is something that peaks your interest, make sure to plan your trip accordingly!

Vietnamese History in a Nutshell

It’s hard to believe, but there were many people enjoying Vietnam’s fertile soil 4500 years ago. You can imagine them discovering this prosperous land rich with rice, fruit of all colors and a heavy portion of fish. Even thousands of years later, Vietnam culture is still known for these same appealing attributes.

Freeing itself from China’s rule in about 900 A.D., Vietnam didn’t really become a civilized place to live until the French showed up and colonized the surrounding country. That French flair is still alive and well today in modern Vietnam. You can find traces of French architecture, baking, and customs scattered throughout the Vietnam countryside. Unfortunately, the history of Vietnam is full of many blood filled battles and wars. There has been an internal battle within Vietnam itself for hundreds of years now. Although they claim to be one unified nation, you can still notice a considerable difference between the people of the north and of the south. With such a gap in the way of life, it is a great opportunity to get a good vision of two different cultures living in one country.

The largest known piece of Vietnam history is undoubtedly the Vietnam War. Stretching out over two decades, this war brings up a host of bad memories for not only the U.S., but for all of Vietnam. Trying to free itself from the northern communistic way of life, southern Vietnam went to war against its own kin. Communistic Russia and China backed up northern Vietnam with ample soldiers and supplies, while the U.S. aided the Southern half. With so many years full of fighting, bloodshed, and little to no results…many wonder why American Presidents kept its soldiers in Vietnam’s borders for so long. It wasn’t until April of 1975, that Saigon was captured by northern forces and the war ended. Was the bloodshed necessary? Everyone seems to have differing opinions on the matter. Vietnam culture has been drastically shaped by this 20 year war though and still holds strong evidence of struggle and pain. If you are looking to investigate the war with your own eyes, be prepared for many sights to choose from.

Although the land is small, Vietnam culture has grown to establish its own place in the world. Architecture, agriculture, and spirituality bond the Vietnamese people together as they go forward writing their future. See this little country emerge as a new destination spot for tourists all over the world.

Fun, Food & Culture

The spice of life is literally located in the center of the Vietnam culture. The Vietnamese have come up with the perfect dose of fun, food and culture…making each gathering an unforgettable one. Vietnam culture is waiting for the rest of the world to discover what a unique and unforgettable vacation a trip to their land would be. However, the wait is about to end as the travel industry is catching on to Vietnam’s splendid way of life.

Vietnamese food is poorly represented anywhere else than besides the country itself. Leave all your preconceptions at the door and get ready for your palette to be pleased. Using only the freshest of ingredients, the tastes seem to jump out at you grabbing your attention and bringing a vast craving for more. Deemed one of the healthiest forms of food in the world, it lacks nothing when it comes to taste. It seems that every cook in the country seems to know just the right amount of spices to use in their cooking. Lemon grass, coriander, mint, basil and sauces extracted from shrimp, squid and other sea creatures…are a few of the Vietnamese secrets in cooking. As far as great cooking goes, Vietnamese food takes a fair amount of time to assemble and create. However, you absolutely reap what you sew…which is apparent with every dish you taste!

One of Vietnam’s many sand filled beaches will provide a good time and some much needed relaxation. Vietnam is full of a coastline that is uniquely beautiful and utterly fascinating. A bit of history is always intertwined when visiting any portion of the country, which only enhances the Vietnam culture experience. Ruins of ancient temples, pagodas, and other architectural gems are found wherever your eye looks. Southern Vietnam culture is definitely the place to have a good time. You can find ample amounts of bars, coffee shops, clubs and other hotspots in Ho Chi Minh City. Smiles are abundant, and laughter anything but foreign.

The perfect foreign vacation consists of these vital elements: fun, food and culture. Without even one of them, your vacation ends up lacking. Having an open mind in regards to the Vietnam culture will definitely enhance your trip. People are uniquely interesting everywhere you go, and this is especially true with the Vietnamese. You can’t help but feel at home with the Vietnam culture.