Tourism in Vietnam is given a facelift today with an excellent blend of the new and the old. Vietnamese cities are influenced by the Chinese and French culture but have maintained their uniqueness by combining their ethnic lifestyles with the new external influences. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is the perfect example of this combination .It has retained its French colonial influences but has embraced capitalist reforms with great enthusiasm. The streets here are crowded with mopeds and scooters and the markets are chaotic and busy.
Juxtaposed to this scene is the Mekong delta where floating markets on paddled boats selling fruits and vegetables are a daily feature. There are huge patches of green paddy fields everywhere with cattle and farmers busy tilling and farming their land. There are several villages concentrated more in the mountainous regions of the country. Life here continues as it has been for centuries with proudly worn traditional costumes, traditional food and style of living. The coastal area is no less exciting with the chalk islands in the Halong Bay, Vietnam in the South China Sea, a great place for Vietnam tourism.
One of the major historical tourist attractions in Vietnam is Hue. Hue, Vietnam carries a legacy of being a capital of Nguyen Dynasty (1802-0945) with various artifacts and structures standing to tell the tales of its time. It lies in central Vietnam on Huong River (Perfume River). At present Hue is an important trade centre with Vietnam tourism and manufacture of textile and cement being its chief industries. Some other must visits with regards Vietnam tourist attractions are Hoi An, Vietnam and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Vietnam also offers a number of good accommodations for the tourists.
- Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
- Thanh Xuan Hotel, Hoi An
- Phuong Nam Hotel, Hoi An
- Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
- Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Hanoi
- Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara, Nha Trang
- Orchid Hotel, Hue
History of Vietnam
What makes Vietnam popular among the tourists from all over the world is its rich history. Get to know more about the history of Vietnam during Sightseeing in Vietnam. History of Vietnam dates back more than 4,000 years, however, the reliable source for Vietnam's history dates back to around 2,700 years. Whenever one talks of the history of Vietnam, the first word to come in mind is 'War', how let's explore with Asiarooms.
Known as America's longest war, the 'Vietnam War' was a military struggle fought in Vietnam from 1959 to 1975. The main cause for the Vietnam War was the failure of Vietnamese nationalists, to gain control of southern Vietnam during the struggle for independence from France in the First Indochina War (1946 - 1954). After claiming more than 2.5 million Southeast Asian lives, the Vietnam War finally ended on 30th April 1975 with the fall of the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon to North Vietnamese forces. History of Vietnam cannot be accounted without mentioning this terrible war of Vietnam.
Other major historical events in the history of Vietnam include 'The Geneva Peace Accords' that was signed by France and Vietnam during the summer of 1954 that resulted in the strains of the international cold war. Then there was 'The War in America' when Washington moved a limited war in Vietnam but this war was soon called off due to lack of volunteers.
Coming to the origin of the name of the country there is no doubt that the name 'Vietnam' conjures up haunting images of war in some remote corner of Southeast Asia. But reality is something else, the name Vietnam means the Viets of the South (Nam) or the south populated by the Viet the main ethnic group in Vietnam. It was the Chinese Emperor of the times, who gave this name to this historical country.Culture of Vietnam
Vietnam tourism is on a high these days. Globe trotters are gushing about the sights and sounds of Vietnam and the stunning natural beauty of the country but even then precious little is known about the culture of Vietnam, and let alone the diversity and profundity of it.
The Various Aspects Of the Culture Of Vietnam
The various facets of Vietnamese culture, its music, dance, arts and architecture will give you an idea about its antiquity and richness.
Music And Dance In Vietnam
It is said that the best expression of a people is in their dances, because bodies don't lie. So if you want to know about Vietnam and the Vietnam culture, try to empathize with the various forms of Vietnamese folk dances. For the Vietnamese people, these dances are ways to give vent to their feelings, beliefs, desires and aspirations, as also depict their daily activities.
The diversity of the culture of Vietnam is no more best expressed than in the music forms prevalent in Vietnam. There exist myriad motifs in Vietnamese music, from chamber music to ritual music, from ensemble music and folk music to the musical accompaniments in theatres and poetry sessions. Besides there are regional variations too.
Arts And Crafts In Vietnam
The arty side of Vietnam is yet to be revealed to the world at large. But even a casual glance at the culture of Vietnam and you won't fail to notice the vibrant arts and crafts scene, made up of the exquisite ivory and jade-glazed ceramic works of the Red River Delta, the blue-white ceramic art pieces originating in the royal art studios and the village of Bat Trang and the wood-carved wonders.
Architecture Of Vietnam
The culture of Vietnam is a heady blend of beauty, aestheticism, harmony and grace and the architectural creations herein reflect these attributes in large measures. Take a tour of the Vietnamese temples and monasteries. The predominantly pagoda form of architecture will leave you gaping at its sheer magnificence. You have the numerous pagodas of the Son La Mountains in North Vietnam or the Giac Lam Pagoda of Ho Chi Minh City, where the concrete and wooden edifices are readily mistaken as dreams.
Vietnamese Cuisine
The dizzying diversity of the culture of Vietnam spills into the country's cuisine as well. The gastronomic delights of Vietnam span an entire gamut from Buddhist veggie wonders to meat dishes like the beef noodle soup and the Banh Chung to exotic ensembles like the balut and dishes made from dog and snake meat.
Vietnam Popular Destinations
The vignettes from Vietnam come in multitudes. The country has spectacularly scenic locales, vibrantly colorful cities, quaint towns and villages where life flows languorously and some amazing architectural creations that actually seem poetic. The Vietnam popular destinations promise a colorful and versatile assortment. Ensure that you include them in your Vietnam travel guide.
About The Various Vietnam Popular Destinations
Vietnam is a little known country and mostly known for its stunning natural beauty that resides in its forest lands, beaches and the riverine terrains. In your Vietnam tours, Halong Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the Vietnam popular destinations that definitely merits a visit. The dramatic natural setting herein consists of over 3000 rock formations dotting the Gulf of Tonkin, interspersed with numerous caves, beaches and secluded coves.
Vietnam boasts of an array of pristine beaches, where the sands are soft to the feet and the azure waters are brilliantly clear. Head out for the breathtakingly beautiful sands of Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, considered by many to be the best beach resorts in Vietnam or the piece of Hawaii at Mui Ne in Phan Thiet, Vietnam. Other beach destinations that shouldn't get the miss while you are sightseeing in Vietnam are the Nha Trang Beaches, Vietnam and the China Beach, Vietnam.
Nurture your soul and your senses in the verdant greenery of Vietnam's national parks. The Ba Be National Park, Vietnam and the My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam are some of the most popular of the tourist destinations in Vietnam, famed for both their scenic settings and the wealth of indigenous flora and fauna specimens to be found here.
Get closer to Vietnam and know the influences that have shaped it up. The historic tourist attractions in Vietnam include the Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, still affectionately alluded to as Saigon by the locals and "The Pearl of the Orient" by the foreigners, the World Cultural Heritage sites of Hoi An, Vietnam and Hue, Vietnam and of course, the ancient city of Danang, Vietnam. These places still treasure numerous historical monuments dating all the way back to the dynastic era in Vietnam and a visit to these Vietnam popular destinations will help you better comprehend the historicity of the land.Vietnam Festivals & Events
Lying in the Southeast Asia, Vietnam is one of the densely populated nations in the region and is officially called as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Blessed by nature, Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich and exotic culture. Vietnami people with vibrant culture celebrate various festivals and events with great fun and fanfare. Asiarooms offers to give you online information on Vietnam festivals and events.
Due to its long association with its neighboring country China, Vietnam culture also has a major Chinese influence.
With majority of population being rural, community spirits is really high in Vietnam. With festivals and events forming an important part of their lives, the festivals are more agrarian based and celebrated throughout the year.
Festivals and events in Vietnam are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Various games like tug of war, buffalo fights, rope pulling, pigeon race etc. are an important part of the festival celebration.
Festivals and events like Dong Ky Festival, Keo Pagoda, They Pagoda Festival, Huong Festival, Dong Festival etc. are some of the important festivals of Vietnam. Folk songs, traditional music and dance form an important part of these festivals.
Festivals and events form an important part of the Vietnamese culture. For, generations festivals have been an important cultural activity of the Vietnamese people. Master Pagoda is an important festival and event of Vietnam with puppet shows being the main highlight. Most of the festivals and events of Vietnam are dedicated to the natural powers like rain, cloud, lighting etc.
Besides, the foot tapping drumbeats and traditional music create an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm in these festivals. Vietnam festivals and events are also marked by the remembrance of the national heroes and various religious ceremonies. Festivals in Vietnam are the occasion to dress beautifully and show their customs and habits. This I the time when one can witness social encounters and springing up of new relationships.
Tet or Vietnamese and Chinese Lunar New Year is the most important festival of Vietnamese people. The festival is celebrated sometimes in between late January and early February. It is a minimum three-day affair and is the time for enjoyment, family reunion and paying respect to the ancestors. Gifts are also exchanged between near and dear ones during this important Vietnam festival and event.
Major festivals in Vietnam are Lim Festival (Quan Ho Singing), Do Son Buffallo fighting festival, Hung Kings Festival, Tet "New Year" Festival and Mid Autumn Festival.How to get in
Vietnam is the easternmost nation of Indochinese Peninsula. Located close to South China Sea from the eastern side it borders China, Laos and Cambodia from north, northwest and southwest respectively. Therefore it is very easy to get to Vietnam as it is accessible by all modes and from all corners of the world.
By air:
Getting to Vietnam by means of air is the best way to reaching the country. Several countries offered direct flights to and from Vietnam. However flights from long distance destinations are limited. Vietnam has four international airports that take care of all air travel.
By train:
One can get to Vietnam by trains also but only from China. There are two rail route connections between these two countries, twice a week, one from Beijing to Hanoi Vietnam, via Nanning and Lang Son and another from Kunming to Hanoi and passing through Lao Cai.
You can travel to Vietnam by road from China, Laos and Cambodia. There are road crossings between these countries and Vietnam and the roads will take you past scenic locales so that you also get to have an enjoyable journey.
Adventure and Recreation in Vietnam
You cannot really know Vietnam too well unless you go off the beaten track. The real wonders of Vietnam reside in its towering mountains and dense forests, in its meandering rivers and the expansive river valleys. So you just give the cities a miss for a while and go about cycling in Vietnam to explore the countryside or indulge in kayaking in Vietnam and take in the charms of the villages lying on the waterfront. The combined package of adventure and recreation in Vietnam will not only take care of your leisure hours, but will also unfold a hitherto unknown side of Vietnam in your Vietnam holidays.
About Adventure and Recreation In Vietnam
In your tours to Vietnam, take stock of the various Vietnam adventure sports that are on offer. You can go golfing in Vietnam , one of the most popular of the Vietnam recreation modes, amidst the verdant greenery or if the adventure bug has bitten you then you can very well go motor biking in Vietnam and experience the thrill of taking on the rugged terrains of the land. There are plenty of options for adventure and recreation in Vietnam.
Hiking In Vietnam
Know Vietnam from close quarters. Explore the mountains up north, revel in the mesmerizing natural setting in the Central Highlands of Vietnam or saunter along the grassy paths in the Mekong Delta in your hiking expeditions in Vietnam. Along the way, you will be passing by the quaint Vietnamese towns, villages and marketplaces. Take a detour through them and get friendly with the locals.
Jungle Trekking In Vietnam
A large part of Vietnam is covered with forests. There is an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna in these parts, most of it hidden in the depths of the jungles. Besides you have the numerous facets of a forest to discover in your jungle trekking tours: the deafening silence of the interiors interspersed by the sundry sounds that are unique only to a forest.
Water Sports In Vietnam
The glistening waters of Vietnam's rivers and the alluring surf of its beaches give you ample opportunities for adventure and recreation in Vietnam. Go cruising in Ha Long Bay and prepare to be bowled over the spectacular and almost surreal scenery herein. Go scuba diving in Vietnam, at Vung Tau and Nha Trang beaches and discover the myriad colors and shapes of Vietnam's watery world.
Things to do in Vietnam's waterfronts are countless. The Pong Nha riverine caves come with ample scope for caving in Vietnam, while you can also go windsurfing in Vietnam on its numerous pristine beaches.
In Vietnam, adventure and recreation opportunities come with promises of loads of thrills and feast for the eyes. You can be sure that your Vietnam vacations will pack in lots of feel-good factors.
Hotels in Vietnam
