TRAVELING TO VIETNAM TIPS FOR AMERICAN VISITORS BY KIM PHAM AND DR. MARK MORGAN
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by various ethnicities. These are great places for hiking and the best places to experience a homestay with a local family. Beautiful beaches in the central and southern parts are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
The country is also a popular tourist destination that welcomes millions of international visitors each year. Vietnam is often ranked among the best places for travel and tourism, according to websites such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet.
The ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An are ideal for visitors who enjoy history. Many places offer rural experiences for tourists to fish or harvest crops with local farmers. Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, often amazes tourists with its dynamic and modern lifestyle.
he last American troops left Vietnam 45 years ago. With the war over, the healing process moved forward quickly, especially since the U.S. government lifted the trade embargo in 1994. Nowadays, Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Vietnam has something for everybody: stunning natural landscapes, historical features, a vibrant mix of traditional and modern culture, affordable goods and services, and plenty of hospitality. The Old Quarter of Hanoi showcases the hustle and bustle of local life with many restaurants, cafés, shops, and street vendors. Ha Long Bay is dotted with more than 1,600 islands and islets where tourists can take an overnight cruise to view stunning scenery. The northern mountainous destinations such as Sapa and Ha Giang feature terraced rice fields that are maintained
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greenliving | April 2020
The number of American visitors to Vietnam has increased during the past decade. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the country welcomed more than 900,000 American tourists in 2019. Yet, some Americans wonder how they will be treated in Vietnam, and if there are lingering hostilities associated with the war. Via an online travel form, a group of American visitors and expatriates were asked about their experience in Vietnam. They said that Vietnam was a dynamic country where people concentrate on the present and future, and that, “Americans should not experience any xenophobia. Overall, the country is very warm and friendly!” greenlivingaz.com
