An Introduction to VIETNAM

Vietnam stretches south from the Chinese border along the east coast of the Indochina Peninsula. The country has a complex geography with soaring mountains, fertile delta plains, winding rivers and long sandy tropical beaches. Many years have passed since the end of the American War in Vietnam and yet this is often the first image that people still associate with this country. In reality Vietnam is a country of outstanding natural beauty; some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia can be found along the coastline of Vietnam.

The larger towns and cities are emerging into the 21st Century, yet they have retained much of the colonial charm and beauty in the architecture, parks and boulevards left behind by the French. The people of Vietnam are gentle, happy and welcoming to visitors. Spiritual life in Vietnam is a mix of beliefs including Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism (triple religion), with a blend of Roman Catholicism, Cao Dai and Hinduism.

Time - Vietnam is 5 hours behind New Zealand EST

Language - The official national language is Vietnamese. English is widely spoken, as is French by the older generation.

Entry Requirements - Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency; however, the US Dollar is widely accepted.
1NZD = 15000VND (approximately) 1NZD = 0.74USD (approximately)

Cities

SAIGON

By Vietnamese standards Saigon, or ‘Ho Chi Minh City’ as it is officially known, is a modern city thriving on the fastpaced lifestyle that comes with the commercial gains. Despite this, here are still many historical sites and locations to see and visit in and around Saigon, including the Mekong Delta to the south and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels to the west.

MEKONG DELTA

Known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, the Mekong Delta is an important region  economically as it is the world’s largest exporting region of rice. Home to 15 million Vietnamese, this is a worldof waterways, backwaters and canals.

DALAT

This small colonial town is surrounded by lakes, valleys and waterfalls. Built by the French as a hill station retreat from the Saigon heat and nestled in the Central Highlands, Dalat is a favourite destination for romantics.

NHA TRANG

Nha Trang traditionally relied on its vast fishing industry, however, taking advantage of some of the best coastline and weather in Vietnam, the city has now developed into one of the country’s main resort towns.

HOI AN

Once a major trading port of Southeast Asia from the 16th to the early 19th Century, this UNESCO World Heritage listed town is a place lost in time. Retaining its well kept original historic buildings and ancient backstreets, it is a charming town and also the best place for tailor-made clothing.

HUE

Hue is the ancient capital and cultural centre of Vietnam. It was home to Vietnam’s last Emperor dynasty and contains the UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial Citadel and Royal Tombs.

HANOI

Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Filled with lakes, tree-lined boulevards and French designed villas, this city
cuts a distinctly different style of life to that in Saigon.

HALONG BAY

UNESCO World Heritage listed Halong Bay is often referred to as the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’. No itinerary would be complete without cruising amongst the stunning scenery of the Gulf of Tonkin and its limestone peaks.

SAPA

The old French hill station of Sapa is set amongst the picturesque Hoang Lien Son Mountain range, which is the highest in Vietnam, and is inhabited by many colourful hilltribe minorities.

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Images from VIETNAM

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