Since opening its borders to tourists in the late 1980s, Vietnam has become an incredibly popular destination. Having said that, Vietnam is still an exciting, and relatively untouched tourist destination in Southeast Asia that holds many pleasant surprises for first-time visitors.
Vietnam has well over 3,000 kilometres of coastline, most of which is lined with sandy beaches. It is an excellent location for scuba diving and is becoming increasingly popular for beach holidays. The remote hills of northern Vietnam on the Chinese border are home to more than 40 ethnically unique minority peoples. The cultures and lifestyles of these ethnic groups have often remained unchanged for centuries, and exploring this region provides a rare glimpse of undiscovered Asia.
Vietnam is a safe, secure and enjoyable holiday destination. The political and economic situation is stable, and the country has been at peace for over 25 years. The legacy of Vietnam's long history remains in evidence today. Cham towers dot the hillsides and entire towns and villages have remained almost unchanged for centuries. Vietnamese art and culture remain vibrant to this day with young Vietnamese artists recognised around world for the quality of their work.
In north-western Vietnam the mountain ranges are so high that it is not unheard of for it to snow at Christmas time. The trek up Mount Fansipan - Indochina's highest peak - is a true challenge for even the hardiest trekker. Vietnam's hotels and resorts are fast becoming recognised as some of the finest in the world, quite an achievement considering that four or five years ago there were no five-star hotels in the country at all.
Nowadays visitors can play golf on international standard golf courses, relax on superb beaches, enjoy the facilities of world-class hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi, and even find comfort and style in some of Vietnam's more remote destinations. Vietnamese people are some of the friendliest you are likely to encounter anywhere in Asia. The genuine smiles of the people here are an enduring memory for almost every visitor. It is not unusual for complete strangers to be invited into a private home to share a meal or a cup of tea. UNESCO has recognised the importance of four separate sites in Vietnam and has bestowed World Heritage status on Halong Bay, Hoi An, My Son and the Imperial City of Hue.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
Vietnam shares its land borders with Cambodia and Laos to the west, and China to the north. Vietnam's eastern border is the 3,000 kilometre coastline facing the East Sea. The country's topography varies from coastal plains to mountain ranges.
CLIMATE AND SEASONS
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with wet and dry seasons. These seasons vary from north to south and with elevation changes. In general, the dry season lasts from November to April in the north, south and central highland regions. The coolest, driest times to visit are from October to January (north), from February to April (Central Highlands) and from late December to March (south).
PEOPLE
Vietnam has a population of 79 million, 85% of which are ethnic Vietnamese. 15% of the population is ethnic-Chinese, Khmers, Chams, or members of more than 60 ethnic-minority peoples who live in the mountainous regions of the central highlands or northern regions. The largest ethnic minority groups are the Tay, the White Thai, the Black Thai and the H'mong. These groups display similar rural and agricultural lifestyles, but have different languages, dress, cultures, and physical features.
LANGUAGE
Vietnamese is a tonal language that uses the Roman alphabet together with tone and diacritical marks. Much of the language is Sino/Vietnamese, though influences from French and English are also apparent. Today, English has replaced French and Russian as the most studied and spoken foreign language, and is widely spoken in major cities.
RELIGION
Buddhism is the most common religion in Vietnam, with about 60% of the population practising some form of Buddhism. About 8% of the population is Catholic. Other religions practised include Protestantism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Caodaism.
FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS
Tet, the Lunar New Year, is undoubtedly the most important holiday for the Vietnamese. It usually takes place in February and is celebrated for five days. Visitors should be aware that virtually all businesses are closed during this period and international and domestic flights are fully booked as overseas Vietnamese return to visit their families and friends. Other significant public holidays are on April 30th (Reunification Day), May 1st (International Labour Day), and September 2nd (National Day). Other popular holidays include New Year's Day (January 1st), and Ho Chi Minh's birthday (May 19th.)
HANDICRAFTS AND SOUVENIRS
Vietnam is particularly known for its various styles of lacquer wares (mother of pearl inlay, duck shell etc.) and for its growing silk industry. A wide array of other handicrafts is also available, including quality hand embroidery, woodcarvings, brass or marble figurines and ivory or tortoiseshell accessories. Paintings, silk screens, and hand-painted ceramics can be found in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. War paraphernalia, such as army helmets, are popular souvenirs, as are the old cameras, watches, stamps and coins sold on side streets in Ho Chi Minh City.
