By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ross_D_Taylor]Ross D Taylor
Vietnam, as of recently, has become popular among tourists for its opulent history, dating back more than 2700 years, its lush tropical growth, magnificent mountain hills and splendid coastline beaches.
When Vietnam's history is brought to conversation, the first thought that comes to mind is 'war.' In the 19th century France's colonization sought to establish a presence and rule on Vietnam. Several years later, after World War II, Vietnam fought back to rid French occupation and lunched the start of what would be remembered as the longest war ever fought. When the struggle emerged in 1959 (lasting to 1975) it claimed more than 2.5 million lives and was one of the bloodiest wars fought.
With the war ended, the country rebuilt and has become a leading tourist destination. With former hostilities forgotten, Vietnamese generally like Americans and other foreign tourist. A western presence is still evident, having been left behind from former occupations of the France and the USA.
Haiphong - If you like to take pictures then you will not want to miss Haiphong which is also known as the "City of Flower-lined Streets". Haiphon is often compared to Hanoi, it is Vietnam's third largest city and boasts magnificent ancient pagodas built over 3 centuries ago, housing interesting ancient furnishings.
For more picturesque scenery, Ha Long or Bay of the Descending Dragon is not to be missed. Often the area is portrayed to be the eighth wonder of the world, with majestic limestone mountains jetting out of the sea and exquisite sandy beaches.
Mekong River - Move inland in Vietnam and take a boat tour of the mighty Mekong River. Travel through beautiful lush jungles of Laos and Thailand to see towns and temples along the shores while traveling up river. Take a side excursion and travel through the local canals to see interesting sights and the local people. It will surely be worth carrying your camera as you won't want to miss anything.
Hanoi - Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the 2nd largest city which shares a unique blend of East and West. Centuries of Chinese dominance and French architecture from its past colonization have played a vital part of what is now modern Hanoi. Tourists will find it to encompass an impressive array of museums of Vietnam's history, magnificent pagodas, temples and even remnants of wartime sights. Hanoi is sure to please and makes it worth visiting.
These handy Vietnam travel tips are brought to you by Ross Taylor on behalf of [http://www.travelvisapro.com/]TravelVisaPro.com, your one-stop destination for travel documents like passports or a [http://www.travelvisapro.com/visa/vietnam]Vietnam Visa.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Must-See-Tourist-Destinations-in-Vietnam&id=6629870] 3 Must See Tourist Destinations in Vietnam
Showing posts with label Vietnam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vietnam. Show all posts
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Top 7 Tips When Traveling to Vietnam
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Arad]Sylvia Arad
You're just a few days away from your Vietnam adventure travel holiday and scrambling to find out as much as possible before you go. With the tips below, the only thing you'll feel before you go on your family adventure vacation is excitement!
When to Go: Know the Climate
Vietnam's climate is complex and seasons vary depending on your destination. The north is warm, dry and sunny between September and December, though you'll need warm clothes for chilly evenings in the mountains. December to February can be surprisingly cold with temperatures as low as 10*C (50F). The rainy season starts in June with heavy downpours.
The Central region has a wet climate, though the dry season lasts from February to May, after which is humid and rainy, with temperatures around 30*C (86F). Between November and January, the rains subside. The dry season in the lower east coast and South lasts from December to May and is followed by a rainy season. Daily temperatures here rarely fall below 20*C (68F) and mostly rain falls in short downpours.
Money and Valuables
� Store Cash, credit cards and valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes; otherwise ask the reception to store valuables in their safe deposit.
� Never carry more money than you need nor wear large amounts of jewelry when walking along the street. In Vietnam, it's considered impolite to flaunt wealth and you're more likely to be a pickpocket's victim.
� Monetary transactions are best made in cash in the local currency, the Dong. Vietnamese merchants will also gladly accept USD, but bring along small bills. ATM's dispense only large bills which can be difficult to break.
� Credit cards are used in the large cities, but may be difficult to use in smaller towns.
What to Wear
In Vietnam, the dress code is casual but conservative. Unless you plan on dinners at ultra-upscale restaurants, there is no need for formal clothes. When packing, the main thing to consider is the weather, as it can be cold in the northern mountains and at the same time, hot and humid on the central coast.
� For winter months in the mountains, long jeans and a warm coat are necessary. For the more tropical areas, lightweight, quick-drying clothes are appropriate.
� Rain can catch you anywhere in Vietnam, so lightweight raingear is essential.
� Good hiking shoes for treks are a must, and sandals and flip-flops are good for coastal destinations.
� Dress appropriately so as not to offend local people. Clothing should be kept simple and discreet. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops or low neck-lines.
Additional Useful Accessories
� Bring along a good sun-protectant as local products are unreliable.
� A wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck, and sunglasses with high UV protection are necessary.
� Though there aren't really mosquitoes in the towns and cities, a bug repellent based on natural ingredients is recommended for itineraries including treks and forested areas. 'Deet' based repellents can cause rashes in humid climates.
� To be safe, bring an extra pair of reading glasses or orthopedic shoes, if you wear them.
� For conventional cameras, plenty of film and extra batteries are necessary, as these have virtually disappeared in Vietnam. For digital cameras, equipment is readily available.
Follow Local Customs
� Remove shoes when entering temples, pagodas or Vietnamese homes.
� It is considered extremely rude to wear shorts or dresses and tops with low neck-lines and bare shoulders to temples and pagodas.
� Handshaking is the normal way of greeting in Vietnam. But Vietnamese people should not be touched on the head.
Shopping in Vietnam
Vietnam is a bargain hunter's haven with Hanoi, Saigon and Hoi An top shopping destinations.
� Hanoi's Old quarter is excellent for visitors, its streets filled with small shops selling clothes, fabrics, gold and all manner of articles.
� Hanoi's Dong Xuan Market and Saigon's Ben Thanh Market are both worth visiting.
� For "designer-styled" clothing, Hoi An is the place to go.
� Hill tribes in the north and Central Highlands sell colorful hand-crafted goods and silk paintings.
� Bargaining is a cultural 'must' and should be good-natured as "saving face" is very important in Vietnam.
Tipping in Vietnam
Tipping is not expected but very much appreciated. A good guide may receive $10 per day and a driver $5 per day.
It is considered proper to make a small donation when visiting a pagoda, especially when accompanied by a priest. Most pagodas have contribution boxes for this purpose.
I'm a trip consultant, planner and manager who loves creating unique intercultural adventures for families. I want to impart information,tips and personal experiences especially related to family adventure travel. http://www.familyadventuretravelworks.com
[mailto:Sylvia@travelworks4u.com]Sylvia@travelworks4u.com http://www.familyadventuretravelworks.com/top-7-tips-when-traveling-to-vietnam
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-7-Tips-When-Traveling-to-Vietnam&id=5174899] Top 7 Tips When Traveling to Vietnam
You're just a few days away from your Vietnam adventure travel holiday and scrambling to find out as much as possible before you go. With the tips below, the only thing you'll feel before you go on your family adventure vacation is excitement!
When to Go: Know the Climate
Vietnam's climate is complex and seasons vary depending on your destination. The north is warm, dry and sunny between September and December, though you'll need warm clothes for chilly evenings in the mountains. December to February can be surprisingly cold with temperatures as low as 10*C (50F). The rainy season starts in June with heavy downpours.
The Central region has a wet climate, though the dry season lasts from February to May, after which is humid and rainy, with temperatures around 30*C (86F). Between November and January, the rains subside. The dry season in the lower east coast and South lasts from December to May and is followed by a rainy season. Daily temperatures here rarely fall below 20*C (68F) and mostly rain falls in short downpours.
Money and Valuables
� Store Cash, credit cards and valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes; otherwise ask the reception to store valuables in their safe deposit.
� Never carry more money than you need nor wear large amounts of jewelry when walking along the street. In Vietnam, it's considered impolite to flaunt wealth and you're more likely to be a pickpocket's victim.
� Monetary transactions are best made in cash in the local currency, the Dong. Vietnamese merchants will also gladly accept USD, but bring along small bills. ATM's dispense only large bills which can be difficult to break.
� Credit cards are used in the large cities, but may be difficult to use in smaller towns.
What to Wear
In Vietnam, the dress code is casual but conservative. Unless you plan on dinners at ultra-upscale restaurants, there is no need for formal clothes. When packing, the main thing to consider is the weather, as it can be cold in the northern mountains and at the same time, hot and humid on the central coast.
� For winter months in the mountains, long jeans and a warm coat are necessary. For the more tropical areas, lightweight, quick-drying clothes are appropriate.
� Rain can catch you anywhere in Vietnam, so lightweight raingear is essential.
� Good hiking shoes for treks are a must, and sandals and flip-flops are good for coastal destinations.
� Dress appropriately so as not to offend local people. Clothing should be kept simple and discreet. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops or low neck-lines.
Additional Useful Accessories
� Bring along a good sun-protectant as local products are unreliable.
� A wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck, and sunglasses with high UV protection are necessary.
� Though there aren't really mosquitoes in the towns and cities, a bug repellent based on natural ingredients is recommended for itineraries including treks and forested areas. 'Deet' based repellents can cause rashes in humid climates.
� To be safe, bring an extra pair of reading glasses or orthopedic shoes, if you wear them.
� For conventional cameras, plenty of film and extra batteries are necessary, as these have virtually disappeared in Vietnam. For digital cameras, equipment is readily available.
Follow Local Customs
� Remove shoes when entering temples, pagodas or Vietnamese homes.
� It is considered extremely rude to wear shorts or dresses and tops with low neck-lines and bare shoulders to temples and pagodas.
� Handshaking is the normal way of greeting in Vietnam. But Vietnamese people should not be touched on the head.
Shopping in Vietnam
Vietnam is a bargain hunter's haven with Hanoi, Saigon and Hoi An top shopping destinations.
� Hanoi's Old quarter is excellent for visitors, its streets filled with small shops selling clothes, fabrics, gold and all manner of articles.
� Hanoi's Dong Xuan Market and Saigon's Ben Thanh Market are both worth visiting.
� For "designer-styled" clothing, Hoi An is the place to go.
� Hill tribes in the north and Central Highlands sell colorful hand-crafted goods and silk paintings.
� Bargaining is a cultural 'must' and should be good-natured as "saving face" is very important in Vietnam.
Tipping in Vietnam
Tipping is not expected but very much appreciated. A good guide may receive $10 per day and a driver $5 per day.
It is considered proper to make a small donation when visiting a pagoda, especially when accompanied by a priest. Most pagodas have contribution boxes for this purpose.
I'm a trip consultant, planner and manager who loves creating unique intercultural adventures for families. I want to impart information,tips and personal experiences especially related to family adventure travel. http://www.familyadventuretravelworks.com
[mailto:Sylvia@travelworks4u.com]Sylvia@travelworks4u.com http://www.familyadventuretravelworks.com/top-7-tips-when-traveling-to-vietnam
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-7-Tips-When-Traveling-to-Vietnam&id=5174899] Top 7 Tips When Traveling to Vietnam
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Travel Tips - Top Destinations in Vietnam, From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brian_Willett]Brian Willett
If you never thought of Vietnam as a top travel destination, you're probably not alone. However, you'd also be missing out on a spectacular, unique and exciting experience. Vietnam is like no other country on earth, and boasts a distinct culture thanks to the country's rich history. While Vietnam is not a particularly large country, it has a high level of geographic diversity, which means that you can pursue a variety of different experiences on one trip. Here are a few of the top travel destinations in Vietnam, from cities to silent retreats.
Hanoi: This is the capital city of Vietnam and is a common point of arrival. Hanoi is the second-largest city in Vietnam and offers a spectacular fusion of eastern and western cultures, due to the French and Chinese influences from past occupations. In addition to stunning architecture, Hanoi offers an impressive lineup of museums and has a vibrant nightlife.
Ho Chi Minh City: Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the most populous metropolis in Vietnam and is a major tourist attraction. The city is rich with cultural and historical destinations, including Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral. Ho Chi Minh City also offers several water parks and other locations for enjoying nature.
Phan Thiet: This city of 350,000 draws most visitors not because of its bustling shopping districts but rather its impressive array of resorts. Phan Thiet is adjacent to Mui Ne, a small fishing village that is Vietnam's most famous beach. Due to all of the resorts, Phan Thiet is full of restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues. In addition, Phan Thiet offers kite surfing, sailing, parachuting and other extreme experiences.
Hoi An: This city was once a bustling port, hitting its height in the 16th and 17th centuries. Now, Hoi An is a World Heritage site that is a major tourist draw because of the distinct culture that emerged from the wide array of cultural influences arriving by sea. Although small, Hoi An has plenty to see, including four museums, several landmarks and seasonal festivals and events.
Nha Trang: This seaside town is the most well-known resort in Vietnam and is so entrancing that you may forget that you're in Vietnam. Scuba diving abounds in Nha Trang, and there are plenty of cruises, live music and other forms of entertainment available. Nha Trang also boasts a healthy shopping scene and several museums and landmarks.
When traveling to Vietnam, a [http://www.vietnamesedictionary.net/]Vietnamese dictionary can be very helpful.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Travel-Tips---Top-Destinations-in-Vietnam,-From-Hanoi-to-Ho-Chi-Minh-City&id=5806446] Travel Tips - Top Destinations in Vietnam, From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
If you never thought of Vietnam as a top travel destination, you're probably not alone. However, you'd also be missing out on a spectacular, unique and exciting experience. Vietnam is like no other country on earth, and boasts a distinct culture thanks to the country's rich history. While Vietnam is not a particularly large country, it has a high level of geographic diversity, which means that you can pursue a variety of different experiences on one trip. Here are a few of the top travel destinations in Vietnam, from cities to silent retreats.
Hanoi: This is the capital city of Vietnam and is a common point of arrival. Hanoi is the second-largest city in Vietnam and offers a spectacular fusion of eastern and western cultures, due to the French and Chinese influences from past occupations. In addition to stunning architecture, Hanoi offers an impressive lineup of museums and has a vibrant nightlife.
Ho Chi Minh City: Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the most populous metropolis in Vietnam and is a major tourist attraction. The city is rich with cultural and historical destinations, including Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral. Ho Chi Minh City also offers several water parks and other locations for enjoying nature.
Phan Thiet: This city of 350,000 draws most visitors not because of its bustling shopping districts but rather its impressive array of resorts. Phan Thiet is adjacent to Mui Ne, a small fishing village that is Vietnam's most famous beach. Due to all of the resorts, Phan Thiet is full of restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues. In addition, Phan Thiet offers kite surfing, sailing, parachuting and other extreme experiences.
Hoi An: This city was once a bustling port, hitting its height in the 16th and 17th centuries. Now, Hoi An is a World Heritage site that is a major tourist draw because of the distinct culture that emerged from the wide array of cultural influences arriving by sea. Although small, Hoi An has plenty to see, including four museums, several landmarks and seasonal festivals and events.
Nha Trang: This seaside town is the most well-known resort in Vietnam and is so entrancing that you may forget that you're in Vietnam. Scuba diving abounds in Nha Trang, and there are plenty of cruises, live music and other forms of entertainment available. Nha Trang also boasts a healthy shopping scene and several museums and landmarks.
When traveling to Vietnam, a [http://www.vietnamesedictionary.net/]Vietnamese dictionary can be very helpful.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Travel-Tips---Top-Destinations-in-Vietnam,-From-Hanoi-to-Ho-Chi-Minh-City&id=5806446] Travel Tips - Top Destinations in Vietnam, From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
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