Vietnam Vacation And Tours

Vietnam is a very beautiful country with lots of mountains and trees.  It is about the size of Germany, and it has a huge population. When we travel to this country, we will notice some cultural diversity among its people.  As you go to the North, one would not fail to notice there is a huge influence on its culture from its Chinese neighbor and, as you go down South, the influence is not as strong.  Laos and Cambodia are also its neighboring countries and some cultural links are inevitable.  Besides, there are many ethnic minorities which continue to live in their various villages bringing alive their strong traditional practices.

You will get some of the most incredible sceneries when you move to the outskirts, thanks to the many beautiful mountains and forests.  One such places that immediately come to mind is Sapa, at Lao Cai, which you can get there with an over night train from Hanoi. If you are visiting Hanoi, this is one place that you must not miss.  The view at Sapa is breath-taking and the weather is cooling, never too hot.  It has many ethnic minorities living there, and people are friendly.  It just make the place a perfect destination to relax and enjoy life.

Vietnamese people are a friendly lot.  However, it is always difficult to communicate with the locals if you do not know Vietnamese.  Children do study English at school but generally the communication skills in English is still not up to par.  This must not be seen as a hindrance to our travels.  I am always excited to learn a little Vietnamese. Also, the use of sign language during our trips will make the experience a lot more adventurous!

 

Vietnamese History For Tourists

When we visit Vietnam, it is nice to understand a little about its history so that we can appreciate where it comes from.   The first thing you will notice is that it has a long historical association with China.  China dominance ended with the emergence of various dynasties in the country.

These dynasties mark its flourishing period and it is during this time that Buddhism started to take root there.  Nevertheless, it was not all peace — for example, the Chinese Ming Dynasty momentarily interrupted some of its growth during that time.

Then, we have the French rule and the Vietnam war.  This was a disastrous period for Vietnam as it destroyed many things including its agriculture, economics, culture and its people.  Many people died.  And from this, Ho Chi Minh was the person who led a revolutionary movement under the communist banner to free the Vietnamese people from the French rule.  Ho Chi Minh is a highly respected person in Vietnam and, if you are at Hanoi, you must visit the Ho Chi Minh memorial.  It is an very unique feeling when you are there, and you will get to know and understand the deep respect the Vietnamese people had on Uncle Ho.

 

Tourism in Vietnam

After the Great Asian Financial Crisis in 1997, many countries in Asia suffered.  However, the Vietnamese economy has been growing from strength to strength.  When you reach Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon), the first thing you will notice is its vibrancy.

There was a rush into Vietnam to establish businesses and, with this, came the boom in tourism as well.  Inflation is a big problem for the country but many tourists are still very happy there because things are still relatively cheap.  Everything is transforming very quickly in Vietnam, including its living standard.

In 2009 alone, there are about 4 million international tourists that visited the country.  The Unesco World Heritage Sites like the Complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, Ha Long Bay, Phong Na – Ke Bang National Park, Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long-Hanoi, and the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty must not be missed.  In addition, the big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi will sure present you with many surprises in your vacation.  They are truly amazing.

Vietnam has a rich culture and tradition with many beautiful places to visit.  I urge you not to think twice and quickly plan a vacation there.  As the country progresses, many things will disappear along with it.  Pack your bags and off you go!