VIETNAM oneymoo

This popular, must-see travel destination has it all.

This popular, must-see travel destination has it all. Known for its beaches, culture, outstanding food and friendly people, it’s also one of the most cost-effective locations for traveling. Everything from lodging, transportation and food, to custom clothing, is affordable. It is a communist country, but public opinion regarding the US is very favorable.

Shaped like a stretched-out letter S, Vietnam is long and offers different areas to explore. If choosing between regions of Vietnam, your lifestyle, interest and tastes will determine the location. Climate is also a consideration as Northern Vietnam is cooler, has damp winters and hot dry summers. As you head south, expect a more tropical climate. Getting around Vietnam can be done comfortably and very inexpensively by bus and train with reclining seats and ample leg room.

Cuisine

The food in Vietnam is delicious and diverse. Don’t miss out on the street food that’s easy to enjoy on little plastic stools located on the sidewalks. One of the cultural differences between the regions is food. In the north, expect ethnic Vietnamese. It bears many of Vietnam's signature dishes (such as Phở and Bún chả). The cuisine is perceived as simplistic in flavors’ but complex in ingredients

Central Vietnamese cooking is distinct from the cuisines of both the Northern and Southern regions, using many small side dishes that are more complex and trend to be spicier with a flair for presentation.

Southern Vietnam cuisine has been influenced by the southern indigenous Cambodians and Chinese immigrants preferring more sweet and sour flavors in many dishes.

Beauty

Common in all regions of Vietnam is its natural beauty. Descriptions you’ll hear many times include stunning limestone mountains topped with rainforests rising from emerald waters. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site” and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, are just a couple great examples.

Vietnam

Included in those awe-inspiring views are caves. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is gorgeous and a must with over 500 caves to explore. The most popular are Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave, which are more accessible. Junker sails offer cruises around islands and caves. It’s worth the splurge and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Now add the limestone karsts in the Trang An Grottoes area and the jaw-dropping rice fields with breathtaking landscapes and you begin to understand why it’s a nature lovers paradise.

For relaxation, head to the beaches. Con Dao Islands (Côn Đảo) is an archipelago of 16 islands. The must-visit beaches include Nhat Beach or Dam Trau Beach. Be sure to swim in the beautiful turquoise blue waters.

For a bit of adventure, enjoy sea kayak tours, scuba diving, rock climbing and hiking, particularly in mountainous Cát Bà National Park. Consider riding a motorbike along the Hai Van Pass through the windy roads from Danang or Hoi An to Hue. If you can’t drive a motorbike, join a motorbike tour or car tour for the experience.

History

Located in the Northern region, Hanoi offers a traditional culture and historical Vietnamese experience and shouldn’t be missed. The Old Quarter is a great place for visitors to stay. It’s an active area to wander around, eat street food, rest at a café and of course, shop. Ho Kiem Lake in the center of the city. Other cultural places include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh, the main proponent of Communism, is embalmed. Other cultural places to visit include Tran Quoc Pagoda, The Temple of Literature, and One Pillar Pagoda.

Da Nang is the central region hub for the area and Hue is an ideal city for the history buff. You’ll need at least a few hours to explore the UNESCOrecognized Imperial City. Then wander through the various palaces, the Thien Mu Pagoda and Khai Dinh Tomb.

Hoi An is another beautiful destination. The picturesque preservation of the Ancient Town, with its yellow buildings, cobblestone roads and colorful lanterns, make it easy to see why it received the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. Watch out for the cyclos (part bicyclepart carriage) passing by on the narrow roads. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed.

Stay into the night, as the streets illuminate with multi-colored silk lanterns around the walking area. Ride a boat along the Thu Bon River and release your own candle lantern in the waters for good luck.

The largest city in Southern Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and a fabulous place to spend a couple days. Even though it’s a bit crowded with people and motorbikes, there are so many good places to eat, shop, and also learn more about Vietnam history. French-influenced architecture is visible everywhere and it has many iconic landmarks.

Something For Everyone

The list could go on and on. From Tan Lap Floating Village, an eco-tourism site surrounded by the cajuput forest and mangroves, to the network of Cu Chi underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Whether you’re into culture, history, landscape, beaches or food, Vietnam has it all. Add in affordability and it’s irresistible.