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General Advice
Why Travel to Vietnam?
This is increasingly one of the great winter-sun destinations - it's rich in
culture, has superb white beaches, great cuisine, friendly people [who don't
mind mentioning the war] and irresistable shopping, but many fewer visitors
than, for example, Thailand.
The two French colonial cities are attractive and interesting while the four
UNESCO World Heritage Sites - listed below in yellow- are fascinating.
The place does not look anything like most of the post-war movies which were
damp, dark, dirty, dangerous and shot in the Philippines, Thailand and
California!
How to get to and from the Airport:
Some of the larger International hotels provide free
transport from the airport direct to the hotel.However before departure it
is advisable to check with your travel agent about hotel courtesy buses
and/or cars.
Tipping is not expected for taxi drivers.Some hotels will add 10% to the
bill as a service charge.
Main attractions from north to south:
1] **Sapa, a remote town in the scenic northwest of the country where
colourful hill tribes [e.g. Dao, H'mong, and Kinh people] gather for market
day.
The famous Saturday market can be touristy, with hordes of packaged people.
2] **Hanoi, the 1,000-year-old capital, set in a beautiful landscape, with a
relaxed old fashioned atmosphere.
The prime sites are: the Old Quarter, the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh [the body
of Uncle Ho is taken to Moscow for annual maintenance every November], Van
Mieu [The Temple of Literature], and One Pillar Pagoda.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
3] ***Halong Bay, the panoramic view of the bay, with more than 3000
limestone islets, is one of the world's must -see natural wonders. A one day
trip from Hanoi, or stay overnight nearby Haiphong.
4] ***Hué, the ancient imperial city, has a Citadel and a fortified palace
which is one of the country's most important historic sites. The prime
visits are: The Citadel, including imperial City, Tien Mu Temple [Pagoda],
Royal Tombs including Tomb of Minh Mang.
5] Da Nang, Vietnam's 4th biggest city, has not much to see, apart from Cham
Museum, but travel a few kms out and there are limestone caves of *Marble
Mountains, the endless white sands of *China Beach where American troops
landed during the War.
6] ***Hoi An and ***My Son.
Hoi An, a medieval trading port has a unique historic background of mixed
influences from Chinese, Japanese and European merchants. My Son, 50 km
south of Hoi An, is the focus of the Cham civilization, and used to be
Vietnam's cultural and religious centre.
7] **Da Lat, a cool mountainous town, is a pleasant place to avoid heat or
to explore the highlands. Do not miss a bizarre sculpture piece, the Hang
Nga Tree House Hotel [also called Cobweb House/Crazy House].
8] ***Ho Chi Minh City [Saigon], a vibrant, commercial centre, with bustling
street life where travellers can get a glimpse of ancient culture and
colonial elegance. The prime sights are: Reunification Palace, the Giac Lam
Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Ben Thanh market,
China Town and the War Remnants Museum.
Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnel, built by Viet Cong during the war and cruising
the Mekong Delta by boat are popular excursions.
9] ***Beaches. Vietnam has nearly 3500 km of coastline, with many newly
built resorts.
Try Phan Tiet, Na Trang, Ha tien, Dao Phu Quoc Island. See Vietnam Beaches
page.
Traveling around Vietnam:
Noi Bai airport is 38km from Hanoi city centre and Tan
Son Nhat is 3km from Ho Chi Minh City Centre.Internal flights by Vietnam
Airlines(State-owned)link Hanoi and other major towns.
The main mode of transport for both centres particularly in the south is
predominantly mopeds,bikes and cyclo's,taxi's and private owned cars come a
close second.
When travelling outside of the main city centre's four wheel drive mode of
transport is advisable, as some road conditions can be difficult.Hire
cars(with or without driver's)may be arranged via hotels.Hanoi is also
serviced by a rail network.