 Overview |
 Relatively
new to tourism, Vietnam is opening its doors to the outside world.
The country once synonymous with war is a place of green rice paddies,
rugged mountain ranges, jungle, waterfalls and World Heritage Sites.
Over 3,500 kilometres of coastline dotted with islands, unspoilt
beaches and hidden coves , a history dating back to the Bronze Age
and several World Heritage sites, Vietnam is waiting to be discovered.
Why Visit?
Refreshingly un-commercial, especially in the northern part of
the country. While travelling in Vietnam may not be as sophisticated
as some other Asian countries, it offers many pleasant surprises.
Vietnam has no less than three UNESCO-designated World Heritage
Sites; the sixteenth century trading port of Hoi An; My Son Valley
– containing the ruins of the ancient Cham civilization and
the ancient imperial city of Hue. Development A coastline of unspoilt
beaches and hidden coves awaits. Halong Bay offers almost a mystical
experience.
| Where
to Stay? |
 Ho
Chi Minh (Saigon) - Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), is by far
the largest urban centre in Vietnam. It has a population of around
five and a half million, a figure that is expanding rapidly as poor
people migrate to the wealth of the metropolis. Saigon is the country’s
main commercial area: brash, noisy and, in Vietnamese terms, expensive.
People seldom seem to be indifferent about it – they either
love or hate the place.
 Hoi
An - Formerly Faifo, this ancient town and World Heritage Site,
located close to Danang has become one of Vietnam's most popular
tourist destinations.
 Hue
City - Hue is relatively small – less than a third of a
million - but enjoys the status of being the ancient Imperial City
(and the income from armies of tourists!). It is also a centre for
visits to Quang Tri Province and the Demilitarized Zone.
 Hanoi
- Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is just over half the
size of its southern counterpart. Like Ho Chi Minh City, it is expanding.
It's more stately and calmer than its boisterous offspring, with
tree-lined boulevards and large colonial villas, many of which are
now embassies or government buildings, and its prices are more reasonable.
It is surrounded by many ‘craft villages’, each specialising
in a specific traditional craft.
 Da
Nang City - Da Nang, in central Vietnam, is an expanding port
and industrial area: its population is now well over a million.
It is an attractive centre for three World Heritage areas: Hue Imperial
City, Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son Sanctuary, as well as being
very close to some excellent coastal resorts.
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