Must -come beautiful spots in Vietnam

Nha Trang


Nha Trang a small town in Vietnam, located in the Khanh Hoa province is widely recognized because of it gorgeous beaches. In fact Nha Trang is often referred to as the ‘Seaside Resort’ of Vietnam. Having vast tranquil beaches and the finest climatic conditions, the Nha Trang Beaches, Vietnam are perfect for a lovely holiday.
Of the 6 major Nha Trang Beaches in Vietnam, Tran Phu is the most popular one. It is one of the most activities filled of the various Nha Trang beaches. It is also has the Tran Phu Street running parallel to the beach for its entire span, which is a beautiful avenue adorned with a lush green centre and pretty street lamps. Many key hotels, eateries and bars are lined along the street. Being the most frequented one the Tran Phu Beach is also the most crowed of all the Nha Trang beaches.

The other Nha Trang beaches, Vietnam though less popular than Tran Phu are perhaps more lovely and more soothing. The Northern part of Nha Trang and some of its islands flaunt beaches like Hon Chong (Chong Rocks)  beach and Dai Lanh Beach. With lovely scenic beauty these beaches are amongst the finest beaches in Vietnam and are surely a treat for the eye.

Apart from unwinding yourself in the midst of nature, you can also indulge yourself in some of the various outdoor activities that the Nha Trang Beaches, Vietnam has to offer. Here you can go for a swim in the sea, play football or badminton, perform Tai Chi, a kind of Chinese meditation popular in Vietnam and many other activities. Sun bathing is another favorite pastime popular among the tourists. The Nha Trang Beaches in Vietnam also invites long leisurely walks. It is no wonder that the Nha Trang beaches, Vietnam are recognized as the most frequented of the Vietnam popular destinations.

Nghe An

 

Nghe An is a province which has not only rich in material cultural products but also has an abundant in immaterial cultural products.

Đua thuyền Lễ hội sông nước Cửa Lò These immaterial culture have human culture, traditional struggle for defending the country and conquering the natural calamity; having the abundant folk culture and deeply stamped with national character such as: Vi dam singing, phuong vai singing and ho, ve songs. The immaterial cultural products are much attracted travellers. The sixth ethnic groups in Nghe An: Thai, Kho Mu, Tho, H'Mong, O Du and Dan Lai Clan remained the excellent cultural products in the west of Nghe An region. At present there still remains some ancient Thai Villages. This is the tourism cultural product that attract tourists in the country as well as the international tourists.

Hue

  

Hue  (pronounced Hway) is culturally and historically significant. It was once Vietnam's Imperial City and later the country's capital under the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).

The Thua Thien-Hue region was a political football during hundreds of years of early Vietnamese dynastic turf wars with the Cham people in the south and the Chinese in the north. It wasn't until the late 18th century that the leaders of the Tay Son rebellion and Emperor Quang Trung, having routed the Chinese out of the north, established a capital at Hue. Later, the Nguyen dynasty leaders, beginning with powerful Gia Long, made Hue the capital that served the Vietnamese puppets of the French until the end of World War II. The first citadel and Imperial City was built by Gia Long in 1803 on a former royal site; many of the city walls still stand, battle scarred from fighting with the French as far back as 1873, and later with the Americans during the notorious Battle of Hue in 1968.
Hue Although much of -- tragically, including most of Vietnam's walled Citadel and Imperial City -- was decimated during wars with the French and the Americans, there's still much to see. And because of the damaged buildings, you'll want to hit the temples with a good English-speaking guide who can bring the place back to life and offer some good background (otherwise, you might see just walls and rubble).

Perhaps most captivating is the daily life on Perfume River, with its many dragon boats, houseboats, and long-tail vessels dredging for sand. You can visit many of the attractions, including the tombs of the rather flamboyant and megalomaniacal Nguyen dynasty emperors, by boat. The enjoyable town features low-slung, colorful colonial-style buildings, and strings of lights at outdoor cafes at night are like the flame for the many tourist-moths that quickly flit through here. Try to sample some of the many local cuisine specialties; you'll find fine-dining establishments that specialize in tempering the cuisine to foreign tastes (with varying degrees of success). The Trang Tien Bridge, which connects the citadel area with the new town across the Perfume River, is itself a major attraction, a lovers' lane of sorts and a national symbol. You'll see local photographers selling their services in the little riverside park on the new-town side. The bridge is lit up at night with constantly changing bulbs, and lovers stroll the promenade, taking in all of the good Technicolor glistening off the river below. Vendors line the riverside promenade and it's a good place to buy something sugary (they even have cotton candy).
You may want to plan a full-day excursion to the nearby demilitarized zone (DMZ), the beginning of the

Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the underground tunnels at Vinh Moc.

What to take with you when coming to Vietnam?

Preparing to leave
To prepare for your journey, begin with things that are critical - those that couldn't be replaced in Vietnam if they were left behind or lost. Passports, tickets and so on are obvious, but damaging or losing a pair of spectacles or orthopaedic shoes can ruin your holiday if you can't manage without them - always carry spares.

In Vietnam, the dress code is casual. Unless you want to dress for dinner in the top-end hotels and upmarket restaurants, there's no need to bring smart outfits and accessories.

When thinking about travelling to Vietnam, don't be misled by cinema images of hot, steamy jungle. Although the country is located entirely between the Equator and the tropic of Cancer, the northern part of Vietnam has a subtropical climate and can be decidedly chilly in the winter months. However, there's no need to stock up with clothes for all seasons.

Many visitors bring too much luggage, and find that much of it returns home unused. You can buy almost anything you're likely to need in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, so taking lots of clothes isn't necessary.

Cut down your baggage
Prices are generally cheap, but bear in mind that the price of imported goods is nearly always higher than you would pay in your own country - international brands at cheap prices are either fakes or goods made locally under licence and often of lower quality. Bringing your favourite clothes and buying cheap local garments (and regarding them as disposable) is a good way to cut down on baggage.

If you forget something, it isn't a disaster because you should be able to find a substitute locally. Good quality, ready to wear clothes are easily obtainable, although larger sizes are difficult to find. Exceptions are shoes (Vietnamese feet are generally a lot smaller than those of people in the West), brassieres and women's swimsuits (for similar reasons!).

Basics
There are few problems with mosquitoes in the towns and cities of Vietnam, so there is no need to bring large quantities of repellent. However, a couple of tubes would be advisable if your itinerary involves trekking or travel in forested areas. We advise those based on natural ingredients because 'deet' based preparations sometimes cause rashes and allergic reactions in hot, humid conditions.

Good sun protection is important. Bring your own, as the ratings of locally obtainable preparations are not reliable. If you have sensitive skin, you should also bring an anti-inflammatory lotion in case of allergic reactions in addition to high factor lotion or sun block. The same applies to soaps and toiletries.

Women who use tampons should bring an adequate supply as they can be difficult to locate in Vietnam, even in the cities. Sanitary towels are freely obtainable.

Another essential item is a good sun hat - wide-brimmed to shade both face and the nape of the neck. There are plenty to choose from in Vietnam, but if your head size is much above average, bring your own. Also, if you use sunglasses, bring your own - local ones are either genuine and exorbitant, or cheap and fake (good fakes can also be expensive!).

Films, cameras and whatnot
The last few years have seen the the almost total disappearance of conventional cameras and film in Vietnam. Few shops now stock film, so if you're thinking of bringing an old style camera, bring film and batteries as well.

For digital cameras and camcorders, there's no need to stock up with films for conventional cameras. Unless your camera is particularly unusual, all the necessary batteries and other equipment are available at reasonable prices. If something goes wrong, and you're not worried about invalidating your warranty, camera shops can usually sort out most problems

Just in case
Avoid handbags and camera bags with shoulder straps, if possible - they're easy to snatch in places where petty crime is common, such as the tourist areas in Ho Chi Minh City.

Finding your way around
Of course, you'll probably want a good guide book. Most of the well-known publications have sections about practical details as well as travel information. However, don't be surprised if the reality is sometimes different from what the book describes. Even a new edition is already a year out of date, and much of it will be copied from the previous issue. If you're thinking about travelling to Vietnam and want up-to-the-minute information about the country and its people, e-mail us. We don't charge for advice or information!

Need more information?
You'll find more advice about what to bring and what to wear on these links. If you need advice about a particular item, customs regulations, or whatever, we're only an e-mail away.

What to take with you when coming to Vietnam?

Preparing to leave
To prepare for your journey, begin with things that are critical - those that couldn't be replaced in Vietnam if they were left behind or lost. Passports, tickets and so on are obvious, but damaging or losing a pair of spectacles or orthopaedic shoes can ruin your holiday if you can't manage without them - always carry spares.

In Vietnam, the dress code is casual. Unless you want to dress for dinner in the top-end hotels and upmarket restaurants, there's no need to bring smart outfits and accessories.

When thinking about travelling to Vietnam, don't be misled by cinema images of hot, steamy jungle. Although the country is located entirely between the Equator and the tropic of Cancer, the northern part of Vietnam has a subtropical climate and can be decidedly chilly in the winter months. However, there's no need to stock up with clothes for all seasons.

Many visitors bring too much luggage, and find that much of it returns home unused. You can buy almost anything you're likely to need in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, so taking lots of clothes isn't necessary.

Basics
There are few problems with mosquitoes in the towns and cities of Vietnam, so there is no need to bring large quantities of repellent. However, a couple of tubes would be advisable if your itinerary involves trekking or travel in forested areas. We advise those based on natural ingredients because 'deet' based preparations sometimes cause rashes and allergic reactions in hot, humid conditions.

Good sun protection is important. Bring your own, as the ratings of locally obtainable preparations are not reliable. If you have sensitive skin, you should also bring an anti-inflammatory lotion in case of allergic reactions in addition to high factor lotion or sun block. The same applies to soaps and toiletries.

Women who use tampons should bring an adequate supply as they can be difficult to locate in Vietnam, even in the cities. Sanitary towels are freely obtainable.

Another essential item is a good sun hat - wide-brimmed to shade both face and the nape of the neck. There are plenty to choose from in Vietnam, but if your head size is much above average, bring your own. Also, if you use sunglasses, bring your own - local ones are either genuine and exorbitant, or cheap and fake (good fakes can also be expensive!). 

Cut down your baggage
Prices are generally cheap, but bear in mind that the price of imported goods is nearly always higher than you would pay in your own country - international brands at cheap prices are either fakes or goods made locally under licence and often of lower quality. Bringing your favourite clothes and buying cheap local garments (and regarding them as disposable) is a good way to cut down on baggage.

If you forget something, it isn't a disaster because you should be able to find a substitute locally. Good quality, ready to wear clothes are easily obtainable, although larger sizes are difficult to find. Exceptions are shoes (Vietnamese feet are generally a lot smaller than those of people in the West), brassieres and women's swimsuits (for similar reasons!).

 

Films, cameras and whatnot
The last few years have seen the the almost total disappearance of conventional cameras and film in Vietnam. Few shops now stock film, so if you're thinking of bringing an old style camera, bring film and batteries as well.

For digital cameras and camcorders, there's no need to stock up with films for conventional cameras. Unless your camera is particularly unusual, all the necessary batteries and other equipment are available at reasonable prices. If something goes wrong, and you're not worried about invalidating your warranty, camera shops can usually sort out most problems

Just in case
Avoid handbags and camera bags with shoulder straps, if possible - they're easy to snatch in places where petty crime is common, such as the tourist areas in Ho Chi Minh City.

Finding your way around
Of course, you'll probably want a good guide book. Most of the well-known publications have sections about practical details as well as travel information. However, don't be surprised if the reality is sometimes different from what the book describes. Even a new edition is already a year out of date, and much of it will be copied from the previous issue. If you're thinking about travelling to Vietnam and want up-to-the-minute information about the country and its people, e-mail us. We don't charge for advice or information!

Need more information?
You'll find more advice about what to bring and what to wear on these links. If you need advice about a particular item, customs regulations, or whatever, we're only an e-mail away.

Introducing Vietnam

Blessed with a ravishing coastline, emerald-green mountains, breathtaking national parks, dynamic cities, outstanding cultural interest and one of the world’s best cuisines, Vietnam has it all.

The Vietnamese Experience
Vietnam is a nation going places. Fast. Its people are energetic, direct, sharp in commerce and resilient by nature. This is an outrageously fun country to explore, the locals love a laugh (and a drink) and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to socialise with them and hear their tales. The American War is over, and yet its impact endures – you’ll find reminders of that cataclysmic conflict everywhere you travel. That said, the country was never broken and emerged with its pride intact. Poor in parts but never squalid, Vietnam is developing at an astonishing pace. For travellers, there are issues to consider (including minor scams), but little real danger – on the whole it’s a safe, wonderfully rewarding and incredibly varied country to explore.
A Cultural Smorgasbord
This is a country of myriad influences and reference points. In the south, Indian and Hindu culture had a lasting influence in the Cham temples and spicy regional cuisine, spiked with chilli and tempered with coconut. Head north and Chinese connections are far more apparent. Between these two competing cultures, you’ll find a quintessential Vietnam in the central provinces: the graceful historic old port of Hoi An, and the royal tombs, pagodas and imperial cuisine of Hue. Oh, and there’s more, far more. Factor in an enduring French colonial legacy, which is evident in Hanoi’s graceful boulevards, in Ho Chi Minh city’s stately museums and in the crispy baguettes and coffee culture you’ll find on every street corner. Add the American interlude, more than 50 hill tribes, and of course the proud (battletested and victorious) ruling Communist Party ideology and you’ve got Vietnam: heady, intoxicating and unique.
Big Nature, Booming Cities
If you want visual dramatics, Vietnam delivers. Cruise an azure ocean pierced by surreal- looking limestone islands in Halong Bay, slalom through the majestic inland karst mountains of Cao Bang. Hike mountain tracks and explore tribal villages near Sapa and Bac Ha. Then witness the spectacular sandy bays of the central coastline and explore the reefs and coves of the Cham and Con Dao Island. Highway 1 is near-relentlessly urban, so get off it at regular intervals to see the astonishing cave systems of Phong Nha, national parks like Cat Tien, and the bewitching back waters of the Mekong Delta. Finally, no visit would be complete without experiencing the energy of big-city life in Vietnam’s capital Ha Noi, the grand old lady of the Orient, and
Ho Chi Minh City, the engine room of the economy and the nation.