Vietnam

From tall mountains and limestone formations to dense jungles, Vietnam is a land of rich natural and cultural beauty, showcasing river deltas, and pristine beaches. Vietnam's ecological treasures alone make this a unique destination.

Cycling, kayaking, trekking and hill-tribe tours are just a few of the out doors activities you can experience. Or if you prefer a relaxing break, you can take in some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Vietnam offers something for everyone.

Understanding the Geography

Vietnam can be found in Southeast Asia. Its neighbouring countries are China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west.

Regions of Vietnam

• The North, around Hanoi from the Red River Delta to high mountains near China, to the World Heritage site HaLong Bay, the North harbours some of the most magnificent views of Vietnam.
• The Central Coast, around the ancient city of Hue, is the home of the still recent Vietnamese kings, and features one of the nicest old seacoast town in Vietnam: Hoi An, A World Heritage Site.
• The Central Highlands, are hilly and covered with lush forest, features tribes and the occasional elephant, but is still accessible to the more adventurous. Dalat, the former retreat of the French is the largest city in the Central Highlands with a great golf course and the tallest mountain near by.
• The South is the economic engine of Vietnam, built around Ho Chi Minh City, but also covering the lush and little-visited Mekong Delta, the rice basket of Vietnam.

Cities of Vietnam

• Hanoi - the capital
• Hue – Central Vietnam, the former imperial capital
• Da Nang – Vietnams fourth largest city
• Hoi An – Is an ancient trading port, and it’s old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Nha Trang – traditional seaside resort-town
• Dalat
• Ho Chi Minh City AKA Saigon
• Can Tho – the heart of the Mekong Delta

Climate Conditions

Vietnam is large enough to have several distinct climate zones.

The South is hot, humid and tropical, with temperatures hovering in the 25-30°C all year round, but it rains the most from May to November.

The North has four distinct seasons, with a comparatively chilly winter (temperatures can dip below 15°C in Hanoi), a hot and dry summer and pleasant spring (March-April) and autumn (October-December) seasons. However, in the Highlands both extremes are amplified, with occasional snow in the winter and temperatures hitting 40°C in the summer.

In the Central regions the weather is somewhere in between, only just to confuse things here the rainy season is in the summer, not the winter.

Understanding the Culture

Souvenir shops in Vietnam sell lots of T-shirts with the red flag and portraits of "Uncle Ho." Though they may make good souvenirs, you are advised not to wear them in overseas Vietnamese communities back home such as in France, Canada or the USA!

According to the 1999 Vietnamese census numbers, 80.8% of Vietnamese subscribe to no religion. Vietnamese people are predominantly Confucian and Mahayana Buddhist.

Things to See and Do

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The city down south may have his name, but only Hanoi has the man himself. No cameras, talking, short pants, or other signs of disrespect allowed while viewing. Besides the grand Ba Dinh Square, there are several other historic buildings in the vicinity, including the charming One-Pillar Pagoda.

Imperial Citadel

The former imperial seat of government and Hue's prime attraction, this is a great sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, walls, gates, shops, museums and galleries, featuring art and costumes from various periods of Vietnamese history.

Marble Mountains

A group of Buddhist temples built into caves, and a popular pilgrimage site.