Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, via a huge marble mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has French colonial landmarks, plus Vietnamese War history museums and the Củ Chi tunnels, used by Viet Cong soldiers.
Vietnam is a Republican country in Southeast Asia, bordered by China in the north, Laos to the northwest, and Cambodia to the southwest. It covers an area of about 329,560 sq km. A country of beautiful beaches and rivers, it provides an eclectic mix of fast paced city life, as well as scenic and serene beach and river getaways.
Hanoi -the capital city is known for its architecture, Sapa for mountainous landscapes and its variety of climatic conditions throughout the year. Another city famous for its architecture and history is Hoi An. Ho Chi Minh is a bustling economic city also boasting many museums, while Nha Trang is renowned for providing a luxurious beach resort feel to help you unwind and relax amongst some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Amongst the various attractions, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, with its beautiful islands and caves is popular as a water sports destination.
If the common tourist attractions do not catch your fancy, head out to Vietnam’s quiet and lesser frequented island of Phu Quoc, which is replete with an idyllic and isolated atmosphere.
The cuisine of Vietnam will tingle your senses, as much as it will flatter your taste buds, owing to the fragrance of fresh herbs, spices, and seafood that are used in the preparation. Vietnamese food is regarded as one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide. It comprises mainly of rice and fish. Meat dishes like bo kho, bo la lot and pho and bun cha are some of the dishes you would want to try during your visit. Vietnamese culture and traditions are often spellbinding and are best experienced by engaging with the local community.
Preferred mode to explore the country could be hiking or biking from Ha Long Bay in the north, and going across to Hanoi, all the way down to Hao Chi Minh city in the south, crossing the cities of Hue and Ho An. This way, you would be able to enjoy the country in its entirety.