Vietnam

Vietnam has been fighting for its independence since the beginning of time – repelling invasion from the Chinese, Japanese, French and Spanish! For this reason, many people have the impression that the Vietnamese are inherently mistrustful of all foreigners and that the country is brimming with resentment and darkness.

However, this really couldn’t be further from the truth – in fact the Vietnamese are some of the friendliest, warm-hearted, most spirited people you will ever meet. Vietnam itself has developed into an exciting, beautifully insightful country that still too few people have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Found on the east of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, along with its neighbours Cambodia and Laos, is a truly tropical environment with two very distinct seasons – Wet and Dry! The wet season runs from May to October and thedry season from November to April giving two unique perspectives on this marvellous country. It is certainly an adventure to get caught up in the heavy rainfalls of Vietnam’s dramatic monsoons, as although we may think that we know about rain – we’ve never seen anything like rain in Vietnam!

The entire country is blessed with soaring mountain landscapes, stunning coastlines, sleepy villages and rich, exotic crops. Adventure abounds in the unspoilt natural beauty of this intriguing paradise so it’s up to all who visit to make the most of it! Outside of its extraordinary climate, Vietnam is a treasure trove of historical and cultural delights. There are many weeks worth of sights and sounds to keep any traveller busy from museums and temples to the beaches, markets and local restaurants.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the captivating capital of Vietnam and at first glance can seem just like any other city – loud and chaotic, full of noise and lights, motorbikes and markets, but delve a little deeper and you will soon discover that all is not as it seems. Take time to tour the Old Quarter with its tangled web of tiny streets, stop off to sample the wares and pick at the delicious dishes in its markets. Hanoi is the perfect starting point for travellers wanting to tour the rest of the country – you will find plenty of hostels, bars and restaurants in the city to keep you busy, but be sure to tear yourself away and head out towards Halong Bay and Saigon to name but a few tempting sites.

Halong Bay

When you think of Vietnam, the vision that most of you will conjure up is that of Halong Bay and its 2000 limestone karsts rising dramatically out of the crystal clear waters. The peaceful tranquility of this magical getaway is awe-inspiring and an experience many travellers recount time and time again. Halong Bay is the stuff of myths and legends with the towering rocks alleged to have been created by a great mountain-dwelling dragon which charged towards the coast flicking its tail and etching out valleys and crevasses. The word ‘Halong’ actually translates as ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’, and you may well find yourself believing in this legend as you are taken in by its captivating aura.

One experience not to miss in Halong Bay is to spend the night on a traditional Junk boat – these floating mini-hotels are fully kitted out with all the luxuries you need for an overnight stay and is certainly an adventure in itself.

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh city, also known by the much more romantic name of Saigon, is a city perhaps even noisier and more chaotic than Hanoi, but with a very friendly vibe. Like most cities it can be hectic and claustrophobic but it does have a few attractions that help it stand out, such as its colonial centre, squares and French-style architecture. There are also some fantastic markets, temples and pagodas to cast your eye over. Its location in the south of the country also makes it an ideal base to explore the Mekong Delta and its floating markets, or escape to the nearby beaches of Muine and Vung Tau.

Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnam’s cuisine has gained in popularity over the years and you may well have noticed Vietnamese restaurants and cafes popping up in your local area, but the only way to truly experience the fantastically sweet and spicy dishes that originate from this part of the world is to go there. Fresh herbs, lemongrass, fresh fruit, vegetables and even fresher seafood are the order of the day, along with pork and chicken dishes influenced by Buddhist values.

Vietnam appeals to all types of visitors looking for adventure and a truly unforgettable experience. You will be pleasantly surprised by the outlook and values of the Vietnamese people and astounded by the remnants of history and beauty that the country holds.

More great pictures from Vietnam…

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If you’re looking for somewhere to sample the best of Vietnamese cuisine, you can’t go far wrong with Hoi An. Why not take advantage of a day long walking and cooking tour?