Vietnam Travel Destinations: Hanoi's Marvelous Blend of Natural Charm and Modern Luxury

After long years of historic wars and giant revolutions, Vietnam is finally enjoying the lure of its opulent heritage, burgeoning cultural life, and splendidly detailed landscapes. A haven of heroic legends and enchantingly glorious traditions, the thriving country of Vietnam is now beginning to unravel the nostalgic charm of its most enthralling towns and cities to capture the imagination of other cultures and entice millions of travelers from around the world.

Vietnam is being famed as Asia's fastest rising star, offering more than a wealth of history. Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of travel enthusiasts and holidaymakers are flocking to Vietnam to explore and get a taste of the country's legendary marvels, and of course, fall in love with the richness of its wonderful origins and marvelous blend of old-fashioned traditions and emerging contemporary culture. Vietnam travel destinations are certainly a prime attraction and an enchanting encounter that should never be missed.

Vietnam is situated on the eastern part of the Indochina Peninsula, offering a plethora of enticingly beautiful landscapes and spectacular spots that are adored and worshiped by the outside world. But beyond this, Vietnam is a magnificent combination of tranquility and luxury. Indeed, while the country's picturesque natural attractions have drawn a number of passionate modern-day travelers looking for a complete privacy in an unspoiled setting, its superb mix of vibrant and eclectic nightlife have lured flocks of nightlife lovers seeking the glitz and glamour of the West.

Yet, unlike other Asian countries plagued by a myriad of colonial influences, Vietnam has retained much of its own unique charm and elegance. Featuring some of the loveliest towns and most livable cities in Asia, Vietnam is unsurprisingly a land of endless enchantment, enticing secrets, and awe-inspiring discoveries.
Hanoi, which is the capital of Vietnam, is without doubt one of Vietnam's largest and most beautiful cities. Despite the long battles that marred its early days, Hanoi has successfully harbored a wonderful civilization, with sophistication and wisdom, rivaling that of its Asian counterparts. The gracious city of Hanoi, also known as the cultural heart of Vietnam, hosts a wealth of gorgeous landmarks, spacious apartments, colossal hotels and glorious architecture.

Living in harmony with nature, the city is delightfully dotted with quaint lakes and verdant boulevards. Here lies the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, the local's most well-loved recreational spot that is also a favorite attraction among tourists. The Hoan Kiem Lake which means "The Lake of the Returned Sword" is not only famed for its unparalleled beauty and serene environment, but is also known for its wealthy history that is full of intriguing legends and myths.

The lake, being one of the most popular Vietnam travel destinations and the core of the city's vibrant life, is overwhelmed with an array of leisure activities. The Ngoc Son temple that perched on a small island in the center of the lake offers a good view of the sceneries surrounding it. Here anyone can catch a full glimpse of the locals playing traditional games such as chess and checkers.

Hanoi embraces the French colonial heritage, exuding an elegant European aura with its French style architecture and villas. Despite the evidence of French influences throughout the city, Hanoi has still\retained its ancient vigor. Aside from the sophisticated French style structures, Hanoi is dotted with vibrantly colored pagodas, highly acclaimed museums, and century-old buildings that exude a unique Asian charm.

Hanoi is one of the popular Vietnam travel destinations and an ideal place for travel aficionados and holidaymakers wanting to experience a mixture of old-world charm and modern elegance. For those planning a convenient trip to Hanoi, visit this Vietnam travel agency.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7396432

Sightseeing in Hanoi: A Traveler's Guide

Sightseeing in Hanoi is one of the things you should include in your bucket list. A beautiful city located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is easily one of the best cities in Asia with its rich culture, magnificent architecture, scenic landscapes, and bustling city life. There are a lot of places to visit in Hanoi, and it will take you more than just a day to see all. This is where this guide comes in handy.

Get Acquainted with the Culture.
First thing you should do once you get to Hanoi is to acquaint yourself with the city's rich culture. As the capital city, Hanoi is also the second most populated city in Vietnam. It has a long history-the earliest inhabitants were known to have settled around 3,000 BC-serving as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. One quick way to soak in the culture is to visit any of Hanoi's many museums, including the National Museum of Vietnamese History, Vietnam Women's Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, and Ho Chi Minh Museum to name a few. If museums are not your thing, you can also visit the Hanoi Opera House, if not to watch an opera, but to admire the structure's architectural beauty.

Visit Parks and Gardens.
Aside from the many museums, Hanoi also has a number of nature parks and gardens that the whole family can enjoy. Cuc Phuong National Park, about 100 km south of the city, is the foremost national park in the country. Endangered species, millennium-old trees, and various flora and fauna are within the park, along with caves and hot springs. There are also bike and walk trails for the adventurous. Another park, but with a different theme, is the Thanh Cuong Viet Palace. There's the Botanical Gardens located in the city. Offering a welcome escape from the city noise, the Botanical Gardens boasts of old trees, sculptures, and open spaces ideal for walking or having a picnic.

Take a Walk Near the Lakes.
Hanoi is a city built between two rivers, so it is no surprise that the city also boasts of a number of picturesque lakes. One of its famous lakes is Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Returned Sword. It has a Turtle Tower in the center due to its association with the legend of a turtle that grabbed the emperor's sword and then disappeared. Another famous lake is the West Lake, which is also the largest lake in Hanoi. A number of gardens, restaurants and hotels, and other entertainment places can be found surrounding the West Lake.

Eat, Eat, Shop, Shop!
Vietnamese cuisine has seen a rise in popularity as the years pass by, and there's no better place to sample delicious local and fusion fare than in Hanoi. From the smallest eateries to the grandest restaurants, you are sure to find meals that will tickle your palate. One famous restaurant in Old Quarter Hanoi that you shouldn't miss is the Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant, which has been operating for over a century. Of course, after you eat, shopping is a given. You can buy just about anything from small trinkets to expensive, exotic décor in one of Hanoi's many markets. The Dong Xuan Market in the Old Quarter is a popular tourist shopping stop. You can visit the Van Phuc Silk Village, where the centuries-old art of weaving silk from silk worms is practiced.

Take a Walk, then Rest and Relax.
If you are looking for a more laid-back activity, all you need to do is walk around Hanoi's less busy streets, visit a temple, or observe the bustling city from the confines of a quiet restaurant. After a long day of enjoying these Hanoi activities, you can simply relax in your cozy hotel in Hanoi, like Serenade Hotel, and maybe try that spa and get a well-deserved massage.

Try any, if not all, of the Hanoi sightseeing activities listed above, and you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7374345

Discover Vietnam - Travel Plans for the Perfect Vacation

Vacations are always an important part of modern lifestyle. These are breaks from the hectic schedules and long hours of work life when you can relax and unwind in a beautiful destination of your choice.

Travel to Vietnam
Among many countries of Asia there is an exotic and a land of varied wonders that awaits you and your family at Vietnam. This country is the last one on the Indochinese Peninsula. One of the first things that will always strike you about this country is the advancements and the modernity that it has achieved even while they have carefully preserved their rich heritage and cultural traditions.

This is a country that has various places for sightseeing many of which are even considered to be world heritage sites. There are plenty of shopping attractions and beach destinations with a wide variety of activities and leisure pursuits.

Food of course can be the last but definitely not the least. There is a delectable cuisine that you can taste here in Vietnam that will entice you with its beautiful flavors and taste.

Discover Vietnam
There are several places that you can visit in this beautiful oriental country. There is an ancient city of Hue that served as its capital. It is declared to be an international heritage site by UNESCO. Within this there are the Thai Hoa Palace, Cua Ngo Mon and the Imperial City that you will get to see as well.

One of the most famous places to visit in this country is Hoi An. This is a 200 years old city that still has the ruins preserved. It is a beautiful trip to the past of this country and there is a Cong temple here that stands since 1653.

Hanoi is the present day modern capital city of Vietnam that is also one of its important centers of political, economic and cultural affairs. You will be able to see a wide variety of architectural feats here along with shops and restaurants too. Look out for authentic Vietnamese cuisine and places where you can buy indigenous silk.

The largest city of the country is however Ho Chi Minh City. It is a place that is marked with a lot of activity and sustains a constant urban excitement. There is plenty of excitement that you can look forward to when you are here.

And if you are done with your sightseeing of this incredible country make sure you travel to some of the exotic beaches as well. There are plenty of options in Cua Dai, Bai Tam and Mui Ne.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5916825

Venues for Your Vietnam Travel

Vietnam travel with its irresistible grace and beauty for last the 5 years has become also one of the most favorite destinations for international and regional events. Five stars hotels and resorts with international standardization and spacious meeting rooms spread along the country such as in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam which just celebrated its 1000 year-old anniversary, Hoian, Hue, Danang, Nha Trang and Ha Long.

For your Vietnam travel, let's focus on the heart of Vietnam first. Ha Noi is full of choices for events venue in which consists of in total 9 international five star hotels: Sofiltel Metrople, Hilton Hanoi Opera, Melia, Sofitel Plaza, Horizon, Daewoo, Movenpick, Grand Plaza Hotel, Sheraton, and two more are coming which are M-Gallery ran by Accor and Crown Plaza by the InterContinental. This place has just welcomed the ASEAN 17 in a successful way; hotels played an important role in providing accommodation and venues for meetings for this regional event.

Ho Chi Minh, the biggest city in Vietnam, which is seen to be more modern and hustle than in Hanoi, is in diverse options of 30 four and five star hotels for accommodation and venue-planning. Among them, there are outstanding hotels like Sheraton Ho Chi Minh, Sofitel Plaza Ho Chi Minh, New World, Caravelle, Windsor Plaza hotel, Movenpick Saigon hotel, Legend hotel, Park Hyatt which plenty of choices for your Vietnam travel.

Wishing to have venues with leisure style and far away from the city crowds on your Vietnam travel, then Da Nang & Hoi An, Nha Trang would be the right decision. Da Nang is well-known for Purama, Hoi An is famous for the Nam Hai resort; Nha Trang is proud of its wonder land named Vinperland where Miss Earth 2010 will hold its finale on December 4th, 2010.

New resorts are now being built not only with accommodation but also with venues for meetings, events, conferences to meet the international increasing demands of choosing Vietnam travel to be their destination.
Vietnam travel now is turning the body to integrate into the region development flow and not far in the future will be in the flow of the world. Vietnam deserves to be the destination for any of your tour journeys and event organization. Come to join us. An interestingly unpredictable experience is waiting for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5419655

Top Things to Do When Visiting Vietnam

Vietnam may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of taking a relaxing holiday, however it may be time to readjust your thinking! It has plenty to offer by way of attractions and historical sites, and walking in Vietnam is a rewarding experience too, with many different destinations to discover.
If you need a little inspiration, here are some of the more unusual places you could enjoy while you're in the country.

Witness the waterfalls at Dalat
If Dalat is known for one thing, it is the plethora of stunning waterfalls that have made it famous. There are several of them, including the Cam Ly Waterfall and the Prenn Waterfall. If you're on holiday walking in Vietnam this is definitely a must-see area on the itinerary. A guided walk will ensure you see the best of your surroundings. If you feel like a change of pace from walking you can head for the Datanla Waterfall to try the toboggans that make their way from the top of the cliffs to the bottom.

Visit the Hanoi Zoo
Walking in Vietnam is never better than when you are taking in some of its finest attractions. The zoo was originally known as Bachthao Gardens, but today it showcases hundreds of different animals as well - including a rescued tiger, famous in throughout the country.

There are many mammals, amphibians and birds here - some you will never have encountered before. The zoo is built around a lake with an island in the middle, and is easy to get around. Breeding and other educational programmes are in place and the zoo is consistently striving to improve standards and facilities.

The Suoi Tien Amusement Park
Now this one might come as a surprise - few may think of Vietnam as the ideal destination to house an amusement park! But if you want to get away from exploring the country proper for a day and just have some all out fun, this is the place to do it. The park has many attractions, including a huge beach and pool area, a Snow Castle, offering the chance to try ice skating, and some thrilling rides.

A holiday walking in Vietnam can take you to many different locations. From Da Nang to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay to Dalat, there is no shortage of destinations that are worth a closer look. If you really want to make the most of each attraction or place you want to see, make sure you rely on the expertise of a tour leader to show you a side of the country you will never forget. Learn what the country is all about from the inside out; learn about its history and its landmarks, both natural and manmade. Only then can you fully experience the heart and soul of this delightful country.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7294131

Vietnam Travel Information

Unique in Southeast Asia, differ from Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam is a fascinating meld of Confucian values, western capitalism and the somnolent pace of life that is so characteristic of the far east.
While the legacy of both the war and Vietnam's seductive French colonial era remain well evident, both are being pushed well into the background as the very young, vivacious and enterprising Vietnamese population concentrate fully on the future.

For the independent traveler and tourist, Vietnam offers enough experiences and attractions to fill a lifetime. From sitting on a barge in the Mekong Delta eating freshly caught crispy fish, to the breathtaking vistas of Haling Bay or the charming yet cheeky novice that takes you around his village pagoda, traveling in Vietnam is an experience you'll never forget.

Sitting in a Saigon streetside cafe you can enjoy steaming noodles, while just down the road, cyclo drivers -- relics of yesteryear -- badger and bark at each other over a game of checkers, only to look up, catch your eye, and break out into that amazing Vietnamese smile.

Open to foreign tourists for well over a decade, Vietnam has rapidly developed a well-trodden trail of tourist attractions. In the north, hanoi charms, while the vistas of Ha Long Bay and the hilltribes of Sapa draw tourists in their thousands. In the centre of Vietnam the remnants of the war can still be seen around the DMZ, the Imperial capital of Hue offers a glimpse into yesteryear and the incredibly popular Hoi An attracts shoppers in their droves. South again to the beach strips of Nha Trang and Mui Ne offering the opportunity of a bit of sun and sand, before reaching the country's southern capital Saigon. Below Saigon the Mekong Delta offers much to the independent and intrepid traveller -- be sure to palm of the organized tours and do it yourself -- you won't regret it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/846697

Vietnam Travel

My wife and I travelled to Vietnam in June 2011; it was our first time to this part of the world. Our impression of what to expect, was based on a number of travel programs shown on TV several months before our departure together with some background reading about the country.

One of the main reasons for choosing Vietnam as a destination was because we thought it may offer a location not yet too influenced by the effects of mass tourism, plus it would also give us an introduction to South East Asia, which was totally new for us.

The two week trip was based on a desire to experience an overview of Vietnam and include the recognized destinations of the country, therefore the journey started in the north at Hanoi and we made our way south to Ho Chi Minh City.

Hanoi:
We spent the day sightseeing in Hanoi. The city centre is pleasant, and consists of lots of well-preserved colonial buildings and communist architecture. It is small enough to be explored on foot, although after a few hours of walking we got tired and take a taxi.

We enjoyed a short rickshaw excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. In the evening, we attended to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art.

Hoalu:
Hoa Lu has some pagodas and a rudimentary archeological exhibit which is an ongoing project, as it was the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century.

We visited the Bich Dong pagoda, a very beautiful cave discovered in the 16th century by a couple of monks which now has three carved Buddhas sitting most reverently in their lair.

Danang:
On the way to Hoi An, we stopped near Danang (Non Nuoc, I think). The place was filled with huge marble sculptures, shop after shop of them. There were also small ones which might make nice souvenirs, but there were so many that we didn't see how one could ever make a choice.

Saigon:
First impression: Saigon looks like a pretty developed town, with lots of elegant and modern shops and cool restaurants. The centre of the city is nice and has most attractions and modern buildings.

The tour took us to the Reunification Palace, where the presidents of South Vietnam lived. We visited the state rooms, command headquarters and bunkers.

After the tour we looked at some of the old buildings in central Saigon, including the Notre Dame cathedral and the post office.

The travel agency who organized the trip is located in Hanoi and is called Indochina Lands. We were a little apprehensive about booking a trip like this purely over the internet but our worries were unfounded. The agency organized the whole trip and we were presented with many options to choose from. Our representative was in contact frequently to ensure all was going to plan. I could highly recommend Indochina Lands to anyone thinking of travelling to that part of the world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6492761

Vietnam Travel Information You Can Use To Make It Simple

When traveling to a foreign country, it is a great idea to befriend some locals. Locals can give you unique and inside perspectives on the culture, and take you to places that are off the beaten path. This article will give you some tips about how to make friends with the locals next time you travel.

If you need to stop to take a break during a road trip, make sure that the area is well lit, and well populated or staffed. If you stop at a remote location where there are questionable people loitering, you could put your personal safety in danger, and risk having your car stolen.

Many of us read the book "Blue Highways" by William Least Heat Moon. It gave a fascinating look at the back roads of America, and is worth remembering when you are planning a trip abroad. Finding those charming out-of-the-way places can give you rich experiences that you will remember for a lifetime. (But be sure to keep safety in mind, also.)

Look for coupons online for things you may want to do during your trip. You can get restaurant coupons for free meals when you purchase one meal or discounts on attractions, etc. This proves very helpful when traveling with your whole family and vacations can be very expensive to plan.

Always pack empty plastic bags in various sizes when you travel. They will come in handy for all sorts of situations, including wet swimming suits when checking out of your hotel, protection against leaking bottles of lotions or shampoos, and transporting hand-washed articles of clothing that have not quite dried before departure time.

Travel is not always expensive especially if you know how to do it right. By purchasing bread and cold cuts at a supermarket you can make yourself sandwiches for during the days lunch. Also there are many very nice hostels which have prices that are much better than any hotel you can find.

Before you leave, compile a playlist of all your favorite songs on a portable music-player such as an iPod. Listening to your favorite songs while you are traveling will make your journey less boring. Make sure you take some noise cancelling headphones with you if you are traveling on noisy public transport.

When traveling to a foreign country, try using public transportation. Many countries have exceptional railway and subway systems, better than anything in the U.S.A. Public transportation is usually inexpensive and you will never have to worry about getting lost on a lonely road. Just be cautious of pick pockets when you board the bus or train.

If you want to optimize the quality of the food that you eat on the plane, bring hot sauce with you. Most of the meals are not going to have a lot of spice and may be dry, as this additive will help to inject flavor into your meal.

As was stated at the beginning of this article, befriending locals is a great idea when visiting a foreign country. Locals can take you places that you would not otherwise see just sticking to tours. Apply the advice from this article next time you travel, and you will be sure to appreciate a unique and different adventure from your regular travel plans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6739410

Traveling in Vietnam is a Well-Rounded Experience

One of the most overlooked vacation destinations is Vietnam. Vietnam has a rich history and interesting culture that is well worth experiencing. Traveling in Vietnam can include a variety of tours of places like the Citadel, Hoi Ann and the Royal Tombs of Hue. There are also plenty of 5 star lodgings, restaurants and resorts located in Vietnam where you can enjoy not only the local culture, but also the amenities of home. What many people do not know is that Vietnam is a beautiful country with landscapes and vivid colors of nature not seen in other parts of the world which makes it a fantastic vacation destination.

Contrary to popular belief, Traveling in Vietnam is a pleasing experience where tourists are welcomed with open arms by the native Vietnamese people. They are fiercely optimistic and enjoy their independence through a thriving capitalist nation. Many business people in Vietnam are willing to bargain with you, so when you find souvenirs you like, make them an offer and see how much you can save on the regular price. They will wheel and deal with you in a well-mannered way that should leave you happy with your treasure.

Traveling in Vietnam is more than just a visit to a land rich with history. It is a land of holistic healing and being one with nature. One of the best ways to experience Vietnam is to enjoy the relaxation of their holistic health spas and resorts. Tao Garden is the most well renowned natural spas in Asia and its popularity is growing fast to other continents. It is located at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains and is an oasis of healing the body, mind and spirit in ways only nature can provide. You can enjoy swimming, exercise and natural foods during your journey to better health and well-being. There are many spas and resorts in Vietnam to help you experience only the best in feeling well.

If you want to see historical sites while Traveling in Vietnam, you can have that experience as well. You can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or go to the Old Quarter and have a Vietnamese beer. There is no end to what you can do in Vietnam. What you do is up to you. The sky is the limit when you are visiting Vietnam, so you can choose to visit the amazing spas and resorts, stay in a 5 star hotel, and eat amazing food. Go on treks into beautiful wooded areas and even enjoy the coastal beaches and bask in the sun. Vietnam makes a well-rounded vacation spot.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4183112

How to Plan Your Next Vietnam Travel Tour

Traveling to Vietnam
Vietnam holds a special place in my heart, every time I visit, I thoroughly enjoy the culture and people that make Vietnam what it is. Traveling to Northern Vietnam and exploring the countryside while staying with locals in their homes is a particular favorite of mine. If you haven't tried a homestay before, I would recommend finding a good Vietnam tour company to assist you. These companies work with the local villages and help bring them tourists which help improve the locals standard of living and provide an income source for their families. When you're looking for a Vietnam Tour company, be sure to see how they help the communities you travel to. Finding a tour company that gives back to their communities is very important. Some of the larger tour companies send bus loads of people to the main attractions and shuttle them out before they can really get to know the people. Traveling in Vietnam with a tour company that will provide small custom tours, is a much more personal experience and usually with a little research, these companies give a lot back to the communities they help serve.

The average income in Vietnam is under $300 per month and lots of families rely on income from tourists to help them get ahead in life and put their children through school. To me, there is nothing better then being able to help a family on your trip as they go out of their way to show you a good time and let you have a glimpse of their culture and lifestyle. So on your next trip to Vietnam, consider planning a homestay.
Now I understand most travelers, don't want a homestay for their entire vacation, there are many incredible hotels and resorts to stay at and place to experience. Here are some of my top favorites.

1. Ha Long Bay Cruise
Taking a cruise on Ha Long Bay is a must do activity if you are traveling to Vietnam, This UNESCO World Heritage site is an incredible place to see and experience. Taking a 2 - 3 day cruise on Ha Long Bay is a great way to get to see all that it has to offer.

2. Hanoi City Tour
Visiting Hanoi is an excellent way to experience the busy city life of Northern Vietnam. There are many wonderful attractions and places to visit and shopping in Hanoi's old quarter is a very unique experience, you just have to try. There are also dozens of incredible restaurants in Hanoi, some tucked back in alleys and very hard to find. Don't be afraid to try new things, but keep in mind that our western lifestyles aren't used to the drinking water, so try to drink bottled water unless you like living on the edge.

3. Hue, Vietnam
Hue, Vietnam is a special city with a lot of history in central Vietnam, there are lots of wonderful cultural events in this area and lots of great history. Visiting the Hue Citadel is a must do activity if you're in Hue, also having lunch at a monastery is a great way to experience the culture and enjoy a unique tasty meal.

4. Hoi An, Vietnam
This special beach city is a great way to enjoy the beaches of Central Vietnam and pamper yourself. Some of the finest resorts in the world are located in Hoi An, including the Nam Hai an incredible 6 star hotel which provides a luxurious experience you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. The beaches are great and it's a nice way to relax from your trip and spend a few days exploring the town and some of the local attractions.

5. Saigon, Vietnam
If you're in Southern Vietnam, you'll have to visit Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, many people still refer to this city as Saigon. This city has been more westernized then others in Vietnam, but you can still experience a lot of very unique culture and there are hundreds of incredible attractions to visit while staying here. There are some beautiful hotels that are very affordable to stay at. Usually Saigon is a great starting and ending point for a Southern Vietnam tour. There are lots of incredible small towns around Saigon that have the small personal experience many are looking for, but you can still enjoy big city resorts and amazing dining options if you aren't up to spending all your time in smaller villages.

Well, there are a lot more incredible places to see when you travel to Vietnam, but there are some of the top 5. To learn more about Vietnam Travel and all that there is to see and do in this wonderful country, check out our website at http://www.evietnamtravel.com. We provide tips and tricks when traveling to Vietnam as well as destination reviews and tour companies to consider when visiting Vietnam. I hope this article was helpful to you and that you can enjoy your next trip to Vietnam.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6781137

The Advantages of Self-Guided Vietnam Travel

The amazing friendliness of the Vietnamese, an amazing collection of unique cultures, awesome scenery throughout the nation and gorgeous calm beaches are the things travelers dream about. There are only a handful of countries that offer all of these and you can include Vietnam among these. Anyone can join an organized tour group through a travel agency. Why don't you do some research on your own, save some money and enjoy a personally planned experience of a life time - plan your own Vietnam travel.

A country with over 50 sub-cultures, awesome landscapes with sandy beaches, tropical weather and friendly hosts aren't found everywhere. Sure, you can enjoy these travel attractions by joining an organized tour or even hiring a private guide to escort you around the country, but both of these options create a barrier between you and the friendly locals.

Vietnam has over 86 million people and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The two main concerns of travelers - heat and monsoon rains have been addressed in recent years. Modern accommodations and transportation with air conditioning are prevalent and many Vietnam travelers have decided to brave the inclement weather of the monsoons to enjoy some of the benefits the rains - mainly better "beach" weather when the rains of the day have passed.

A large variety of Vietnam hotels has emerged in the past few years - small family run "mini-hotels" to 5-star luxury resorts - make comfortable accommodations available to every travel budget. The "Backpacker Telegraph" provides access to bargain hotels by way of the internet and word-of-mouth. Spend a little time "surfing the web" and you'll find a wide range of places to spend a night or two to fit any budget.

Transportation "to and through" Vietnam can be financially managed by conducting a bit of research on the web. The large international carriers often offer great fares to various hubs in Asia. And the recent emergence of Asia's regional bargain carriers will provide that last "hop" into Vietnam if you can't manage to land in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi. Danang is now an arrival point for regional carriers from Thailand and other nearby countries.

In-country transportation can be arranged for a reasonable price by utilizing the "open tour" private tour bus industry, and if you're really adventurous you can try Vietnam's public bus system. Vietnam's railroads provide excellent transportation from one end of the country to the other. Both the private tour bus companies and the railroad provide a number of choices in the area of comfort. "Hard" and "soft" are the adjectives used to describe the levels of service available on the train. You might even chance a local trip on motorcycle or enjoy a trip around town on a cyclo.

If you're wondering what you do when you get to Vietnam, take a look at any Vietnam travel guide. There are "adventures" to meet the requirements of any traveler's abilities and desires. Providers of local tour services can be found "online", in travel guides, or "on the street" when you arrive in town. Waiting to arrange your tour until you're "on-site" will allow you to make last minute changes to your plans, stay a few extra days at someplace that catches your fancy or spend your money on something else. If you're on an organized tour you may end spending most of your time sitting near someone who's a pain.

Planning your own self-guided tour of Vietnam will not only benefit you financially, but also culturally. You'll not only save money, but you'll make some new Vietnamese friends along the way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3836756

Vietnam Travel - Your Perfect Choice Now

Travel to Vietnam for a spectacular adventure at any time of the year, or on any budget. Vietnam is full of attractions, from hiking in the north, to shopping in the heart of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. History buffs will be pleased with the numerous historical museums, ancient pagodas, and places of interest from the Vietnam War. Food lovers will find the exotic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine unforgettable. Vietnam travel can be inexpensive for backpackers wanting a long holiday, while those with a midsized budget can find comfortable accommodations and tour packages.

Vietnam travel has become increasingly easy for the traveler in recent years. Booking a plane, train, or bus ticket to get around the country is relatively cheap and simple. Both plane and train tickets can be purchased in advance on the internet. Vietnam offers "open tickets" for the intercity bus system which can be used at anytime between selected dates. Boats can also be cheaply rented for transport in the Mekong Delta and other bay cities.

Northern Vietnam travel destinations include the capital, Hanoi, and the UNESCO World Heritage site at Ha Long Bay. Hanoi offers a wide variety of military and history museums, and Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum is an important landmark. The spectacular, scenic cliffs of Ha Long Bay are an iconic scene from Vietnam that can be reached by taking a bus or plane from Hanoi.

Hue is Central Vietnam's most famous sightseeing destination. Situated on the banks of the 'perfume river,' Hue stands as a pivotal historic city just south of the DMZ. Like Ha Long Bay, Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is populated with tombs, pagodas, and palaces.

Southern Vietnam often takes up the bulk of the Vietnam traveller's holiday. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a rapidly developing metropolitan area that offers phenomenal shopping and nightlife. Much like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is teeming with historical, cultural, and art museums. From here, tours can be booked to the Mekong Delta, or the beaches of the East coast. The Mekong Delta region has white sandy beaches ideal for relaxing, swimming, or fishing. Adventurous tourists can rent a boat to experience the floating market.

Bicycles can be rented in Ho Chi Minh City to be ridden to the east coast beach cities of Nha Trang and Mui Ne. Mui Ne is recommended for its scenic sand dunes, and Nha Trang is considered to have the finest beach in Vietnam.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5453187