Vietnam
Amazing coastlines and beaches, an incredible interior for adventure activities, and a wonderfully live culture and history that is evident at all times, Vietnam packs masses of holiday punch into one package.
For a country so relatively small and narrow, Vietnam offers myriad different options for travellers. You could easily just flop on the many beautiful beaches that line the South China Sea, particularly in the south-central areas of the country, or explore the World Heritage features of Halong Bay (Vietnam’s #1 destination). Add in Hoi An for it’s amazing nightlife, food and beaches, Hanoi for culture or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for nightlife and a bustling city experience (full of motorbikes!), and you’re well covered for experiences typical of this part of the world. But, Vietnam also offers up amazing hiking in the mountainous regions of the north of the country, caving in many parts throughout, and obviously the ability to visit the relics and sights from the War, a very challenging part of the country’s history, but one from which it has very much emerged and started to thrive again.
From a cultural perspective, there’s the opportunity to experience the great contrasts in people, culture and religion from north to south. And, of course, to be quite honest, you could just travel around Vietnam to experience the incredible cuisine, one that also varies greatly from the Chinese influenced dishes of the north to the more Indian flavoured south. Pick up a cooking course and visit some of the food markets along the way and you’ll come back with a whole new appreciation for Vietnam.
Image by Quang nguyen vinh, Shutterstock
For a country so relatively small and narrow, Vietnam offers myriad different options for travellers. You could easily just flop on the many beautiful beaches that line the South China Sea, particularly in the south-central areas of the country, or explore the World Heritage features of Halong Bay (Vietnam’s #1 destination). Add in Hoi An for it’s amazing nightlife, food and beaches, Hanoi for culture or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for nightlife and a bustling city experience (full of motorbikes!), and you’re well covered for experiences typical of this part of the world. But, Vietnam also offers up amazing hiking in the mountainous regions of the north of the country, caving in many parts throughout, and obviously the ability to visit the relics and sights from the War, a very challenging part of the country’s history, but one from which it has very much emerged and started to thrive again.
From a cultural perspective, there’s the opportunity to experience the great contrasts in people, culture and religion from north to south. And, of course, to be quite honest, you could just travel around Vietnam to experience the incredible cuisine, one that also varies greatly from the Chinese influenced dishes of the north to the more Indian flavoured south. Pick up a cooking course and visit some of the food markets along the way and you’ll come back with a whole new appreciation for Vietnam.
Image by Quang nguyen vinh, Shutterstock