Highlights of a visit to Vietnam

For the outdoor enthusiast as well as the city lover, Vietnam can’t be beaten for a travel destination. The 3444 kilometers of coast offer a picturesque treat for a vacationer looking for something a little bit different on their next vacation. The area has had more than its share of war and strife but is now a different country, exotic and welcoming, and truly fascinating to explore.

For forty five years of the twentieth century Vietnam was embroiled in war. French and Spanish forces decimated the country and in 1867 Vietnam became a colony of France. In 1945, Vietnam declared its independence and became entangled in yet another attack by the French. The realization of the independence of Vietnam was not fully realized until 1989, and it is interesting now to see the ‘American culture’ being embraced.

The Vietnamese are a fiercely proud people. They welcome foreign travelers to their country and show their history throughout their culture. The economy of Vietnam has headed down the path of maturity and can be glimpsed in the culture that has sprung up.

When you visit Vietnam you will be treated to lush botanical gardens, monasteries and all the history of the proud Vietnamese. Hanoi is a city that is a constant testament to the culture of the Vietnamese, ranging from the One Pillar Pagoda for some eleventh century architecture that is preserved today to the Binh Soup Shop, the headquarters of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam war.

The real beauty of Vietnam can be seen in the rainforests of the Ba Be National Park. You will see the traditional stilt houses of the Tay people that live in the area. You can take an elephant ride and view all the magnificent species of animals that live in the region.

Halong Bay located in the Gulf of Tonkin boasts over 3000 islands with beautiful beaches and cliffs for the astounded traveler. If you don’t mind small spaces you can check out Phong Nha Cave. It is thousands of meters beneath the ground and is a wonderful place to explore.

Vietnam is a wonderful and fascinating place to visit on your next vacation. Visits are now possible without a tour guide, although you might prefer the itinerary and advantages of having your tour arranged for you rather than diving headlong and alone into the culture of Vietnam.