Reasons To Visit Vietnam
There is so much more to do in Vietnam than just the odd city tour and museum. Kite making in Hue, a fisherman eco-tour in Hoi An, an educational talk in Hanoi, cycling through the rice terraces of Sapa - there are many wonderful ways to see the country, experience its culture and meet its people.
Famous for the Vietnam War, you can of course visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon. However, the country's history has many other facets to be explored such as the old merchant town of Hoi An or the imperial city of Hue. The imprints of the former foreign rules of the Chinese and French are present wherever you go from iconic buildings to everyday life; past and present existing in harmony.
Vietnam offers great value for money from every angle. From hotels to transport to food, your US dollars or Vietnamese Dong will go far!
Vietnamese food is renowned for its freshness, bold flavours and presentation. It is an integral part of the local culture and each region has its own unique and wonderful dishes. This part of Southeast Asia is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to eat. And if you want to learn the art of Vietnamese cooking yourself, there are also a number of fantastic cooking courses for you to enjoy.
The people of Vietnam are among the friendliest you will ever meet. They are also extremely resilient having survived foreign invasions by the Chinese and French, as well as famine and war with their cultural identity remaining intact. You only have to witness the National Flag Raising ceremony in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi to witness a nation united not simply by patriotism, but by a very strong sense of community and respect.
From the UNESCO site of Halong Bay with its thousands of limestone outcrops to the Tonkinese Alps and lush green rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam offers an abundance of stunning scenery and landscapes. Besides natural assets, there are plenty of other man-made photo opportunities such as the colourful floating markets of the Mekong Delta and the bustling streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi.
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Southeast Asia
pick up your bikes and begin a leisurely ride through the beautiful countryside with your guide, stopping for photographs and refreshments as you please.
The day begins with a short boat trip along the river to the village of Kim Bong where you visit a traditional boat building yard. Here you pick up your bikes and begin a leisurely ride through the beautiful countryside with your guide, stopping for photographs and refreshments as you please.
This is a lovely way to see some of the more traditional areas around Hoi An. The ride is approximately eight kilometres and is easy going on a flat route.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was set up to protect culturally important sites from around the world. Here we focus on eight sites in Indochina.
Hoi An is an ideal spot to stop for a few days, shopping in the market or having a silk dress or suit fitted. There are many restaurants, old houses, craft shops and art galleries.
Hoi An
63 miles away in Hue
Further reading:VietnamWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout VietnamCountry Guides
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