History weighs heavily on Vietnam. For more than a decade, reportage of the war that racked the country portrayed it as a savage netherworld, yet nearly thirty years after the war's end, this incredibly resilient nation is beginning to emerge from the shadow.

Despite Vietnam's on going economic liberalization and the pressures of rapid development, this dignified country has managed to preserve its rich civilization and highly cultured society. Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some divine beaches along the coast too, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests.

The country has discarded its post-war fatigues and the boom in budget traveling, coupled with the softening of government control, have enabled more contemporary and relevant portraits of the country to gain currency in the West. Vietnam offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world

Country Fact*:

Full country name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam Area: 331,690 sq km Population: 86,116,559 Capital city: Hanoi People: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, mountain groups Language:Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) Religion: Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic, some Protestant), indigenous beliefs, Muslim Government: Communist People's Republic Business Hours: Basic hours of business are 7.30-11.30am and 1.30-4.30pm. Most offices close on Sunday, and many also close on Saturdays. States-run banks and government offices as a general rule open Monday to Friday, usually closing at weekends, though there are exceptions. Travellers' cafes and tour agents tend to open early to late every day; state-run tourist offices usually open daily until the early evening, sometimes closing Sunday. As a general rule, museums open daily; core opening hours are usually 8-11am and 1.30-4.30pm; however these vary at the weekend. Hanoi museums tend to close Monday to Friday. Temples and pagodas occasionally close for lunch but are other-wise open all week and don't close until late evening. Major industries: Rice, rubber, food processing, sugar, textiles, chemicals Major trading partners: China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, US Internet domain: .vn International dialling code: +84

Major Tourist Cities/Areas Information:

	Hanoi		Halong
	Hoi - an		Ho Chi Minh City ( Saigon )

Hanoi, capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, has shaken of its unwelcoming attitude to travellers and is now one of the most beguiling cities in Asia. It is slow paced and pleasant and its lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks is home to beautiful and diverse architectural treasures, colonial French homes and astounding modern skyscrapers. Its bustling markets, thriving nightlife and excellent food are attracting visitors of every stripe to this ancient city.

Birthplace to so much of Vietnam's traditional culture, Hanoi, more than any other city in Vietnam, is a unique fusion of old and new. It personifies the spirit of historic Vietnam in the temples, monuments and pockets of ancient culture found along the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, yet perfectly reflects the rapid changes sweeping the country as Hanoian yuppies sip cappucinos in roadside cafes and compare cell phones.

Hoi An is located approximately 375km north of Nha Trang. It is not quite a seaside town, though the beach is just a short distance away. Hoi An is a river town and is of particular historical interest. Many colonial buildings remain here and a lot of the old town is designated historic and remains closed to traffic, with some fine examples of Asian housing and landmarks including a Japanese covered bridge and several temples. Once an important trading port, Hoi An is now a sleepy place, probably one of the most laid back of Vietnam’s major towns. When it rains in Hoi An, the houses and shops nearest the river become flooded and the road becomes cut off (at least to pedestrians). One way to experience life in Hoi An is to peacefully cruise around on a bicycle and maybe cycle to the nearby beach. Along the roadside that leads to the beach are lush rice paddies with more shades of green than you could possibly imagine.

A round 50km south of Halong Bay is Haiphong, Vietnam's third largest city and northern Vietnam's main port. Despite being a largely industrial city the centre of Haiphong has many classic French colonial buildings, wide tree-lined streets and some pleasant parks. Haiphong is a good overnight alternative for visitors to Halong Bay and boats can be taken from Haiphong’s harbour.

Saigon also called the "Pearl of the Far East", this city is built along the Saigon River and officially, it is known as Ho Chi Minh City, though the locals still call it Saigon, which in the past only referred to the District 1. Now, the entire metropolitan with over 10 districts are called Ho Chi Minh City. With a population of over 5 million, it is without doubt the commercial heart of Vietnam, growing and modernizing at an astonishing rate. Most visitors do not expect to see a modern city but that is what it has become. The streets are lively, noisy and bright, attracting young Vietnamese from all over the country who want a piece of the action. The result is an enterprising spirit here that is unseen anywhere else in Vietnam.

Add to Favorite   |   Make Your Homepage
About Us   |   Disclaimers   |   Link Exchange   |   Contact Us

© 2008 Hotels Confirmation.com. All rights reserved.