Vietnam Travel Guide
Sadly, for so many, the very mention of Vietnam conjures images of jungle warfare and the strife that marks the country's late history. Though the events of that turbulent time just over a quarter century ago lie just below the surface for all combatants and those who lived through the war in Vietnam and abroad, Vietnam is long a vibrant tourist destination and a visit of any length will dispel many preconceptions. From lush jungle terrain to beautiful coastline, cosmopolitan cities to friendly hamlets, or among Vietnam's many hill tribes, travelers can experience the gamut in only a short trip here.
The country has more than 2,000 years of its own history to boast, and while occupation by the Chinese, French, and Americans has left its brutal imprints on the Vietnamese story, it has also left a rich cultural smorgasbord. Chinese and French food, language, and architecture have been assimilated smoothly into Vietnamese culture and exist as attractive embellishments to an already fascinating nation. An ancient Confucian university, a Zen monastery, a Buddhist temple built in the Hindu style, a Vietnamese puppet show, French country chalets, and gourmet restaurants -- you'll find them all in Vietnam. The Kingdom of Cham, an Indian- and Khmer-influenced nation, also made what is present-day Vietnam its home from the 2nd through 18th centuries, leaving a stunning legacy of art in its temples and sculpture.
Ethnic Vietnam can be seen by visiting some of the country's more than 54 minority groups, usually living in rural, mountainous areas. Their distinct clothing, language, and customs present another side of the country entirely.
Then there is the land of natural beauty. From tall mountains and craggy limestone formations to dense jungles, river deltas, and pristine beaches, Vietnam's ecological treasures alone are worth a trip. Adventure and outdoor travel outfitters have discovered the country lately, and many travelers come to trek, bicycle, and paddle their way through scenic surroundings. On the other side of the spectrum, luxurious Vietnam is available in the form of five-star hotels and idyllic seaside resorts.
If you want to see the country's past in terms of its wars, you can easily do so. Many sites, like the tunnel city of Vinh Moc, near Hue; crumbling pill-boxes of the DMZ; or old Viet Cong hideouts in the Mekong Delta are somber reminders of the past. American veterans and history buffs of all nationalities visit former bases and battle sites. The Vietnamese, though, would rather put their turbulent history behind them; the sentiment is almost a public policy, and you'll hear it like a mantra. You might have a chance to talk about the wars on a casual basis with people, and some might even share their stories, but expect no recrimination here.
Instead, the Vietnamese are going forward to establish their country as a unified whole, a unique entity in the world, a strong nation at peace at last. From the smallest northern village to frantic Saigon in the south, all seem to be rushing to develop infrastructure as quickly as possible, to make money and embrace foreign investment and tourism. Since the inception of doi moi, the Communist Party's policy of loosening stringent economic restrictions and opening trade, Vietnam has enjoyed exponential growth. Following the Asian Economic Crisis that hit Thailand in the 1990s and sent all neighboring economies for a spin, Vietnam is enjoying prosperity, with an influx of foreign investment and trade. In the larger cities, the central business districts rank with any in the world for quantity of glass and steel, and are peopled by busy Western business-people (they're the ones in suits unharried by touts). Expat residents bring along their pocketbooks and appetites, and local hotels and restaurants rise to the challenge, offering some great dining and luxe hotels.
If you've never been to Vietnam, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to navigate. Everybody seems to speak English and to be somehow connected with the tourism industry. Everybody wants to sell you something, too, and that means lots of touts, but that can work to your advantage: You'll have your pick of tour guides, ticket agents, and chauffeurs. That might not be necessary, though; Vietnam's relatively good roadways and newly efficient air system make much of this small country within very easy reach of the casual traveler.
So, whether to close a chapter on the past, to experience a lively ancient culture, to see beautiful countryside, to get your adventure fix, or to just get a bit of beachside or cosmopolitan comfort, Vietnam has it all. Be sure to bring your camera: The whole country is a photo op in motion.
