Vietnam offers an idyllic haven for those seeking outdoor thrills and urban exploration. Stretching along 3,444 kilometers of coastline, from the northern Red River Delta to the southernmost tip of the Southeast Asian peninsula, Vietnam boasts a captivating fusion of stunning beaches and verdant landscapes. With its turbulent past, visiting Vietnam today promises a fulfilling journey filled with historical significance and tranquility.
During the 20th century, Vietnam was at war with different countries for nearly 45 consecutive years. After French and Spanish forces ravaged the area, most of the south became a French colony by 1867. Finally, in 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnamís independence, sparking a French rebuttal and attracting international interest of U.S., Russian and Cambodian forces. Minhís dream of an independent (communist) nation was not realized until 1989 when the U.N. subdued the conflict with Khmer Rouge and pulled Vietnamese troops out of Cambodia.
Urban and Pristine Wonders of Vietnamese Travel
National identity has become an integral part of life for this war-trodden state, and today the proud Vietnamese are more willing to embrace foreign travelers and share their magnificent cultural history as their economy begins to mature. Visit the economic capital of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south to witness the vibrant and progressive culture that has taken root in Vietnam. While there, explore the extensive botanical gardens Buddhist monasteries and stop by the Binh Soup Shop, which was the secret Viet Cong headquarters in Saigon during the Vietnam War. In the far north, the capital city of Hanoi is a bit more relaxed, speaking to ancient Vietnamese culture and 1000 years of history along the streets of the Old Quarter. Visit the intriguing One Pillar Pagoda Emperor Tong built in the 11th century and replenish your spirits in the Bach Ma Temple, the cityís oldest and most revered.
Retreat to the captivating beauty of Vietnamís wilderness for a more tranquil portion of your journey. Tropical rainforests abound in the protected area of Ba Be National Park, located close to the Chinese border in the north. The local Tay people live in stilt houses, contributing cultural significance to the area. Take an elephant ride through the expansive Yok Don National Park for a chance to see monkeys, birds and even leopards.
If confined spaces donít trigger nightmares, the Phong Nha Cave is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was created 250 million years ago and boasts a cavernous entanglement stretching thousands of meters below ground. Portions of this natural wonder are open to the public daily. For the claustrophobic, travel to Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, another World Heritage Site, which is dotted with more than 3,000 tiny islands with cliffs and white sand beaches that cascade into the surrounding sparkling waters.
Phong Nha Cave. (2023, July 28). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phong_Nha_Cave
Due to the country’s broad north-south range, Vietnam is a wonderful country to explore any time of year. The sheltered forests and increased speed of the coastal cities offer an invaluable variety for a perfectly balanced journey. Travel to Vietnam to discover this underestimated Southeast Asian gem.
Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping adventures or cultural escapades, Vietnam has it all. Spanning over 3,444 kilometers of coastline, from the Chinese border in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, this country is a breathtaking amalgamation of pristine beaches and lush hinterlands. As you step foot on its soil, you’ll be immersed in a tapestry woven with tales of conquests and wars – a poignant reminder that peace is now cherished more than ever in this captivating nation.
