VIETNAM INFORMATION

Located on the eastern coast of the Indochina Peninsula , and shaped like the letter “S”, Vietnam covers a total area of 330,991km2 and has the population of over 76 million people.

The country can be divided into three sections. The north is the farming land of the Red River Delta and home to Hanoi , the capital of Vietnam . The central is narrow with many beautiful beaches. The south is the tropical fruit growing area and also is known as the “bread basket” or “ rice basket” of Vietnam .

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS

THE NORTH

Hanoi the capital city of Vietnam where there are cultural and historical remains up to one thousand years old. The main attractions to visitors of Hanoi is the area known as the Old Quarter, a myriad of narrow streets each named after a particular ware it sells. (e.g./ Tin Street , Silk Street ). Other highlights include the Temple of Literature which was the first university of Vietnam , the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the One Pillar Pagoda, and national museums such as: the History Museum and the Fine Arts Museum . There are also many beautiful landscapes in Hanoi such as the Restore Sword Lake and the West Lake . On the evening, visitor can enjoy one of the traditional arts of Vietnam - the Water Puppet Show.

Halong Bay recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1992, Halong Bay is 180km from Hanoi and has thousands of islands rising from the emerald water. Taking a cruise on the bay will allow visitors to explore hidden marvels of nature.

Sapa is known as the city in the cloud near the Chinese border. It is located 1,600m above the sea level, creates a cool climate and a little snow in the winter. This is also an interesting place for people who want to know more about customs and habits of the mountain people.

THE CENTRAL

Hue is an ancient land and was once of the Imperial Capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty for approximately 140 years. Most of Hue 's attractions are the royal architecture along the Perfume River , including Royal Palaces , Citadels, Temples , shrines, Pagodas and mausoleums. This area in particular was the political and cultural center of Vietnam for over a 100 years. It was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993.

Danang was the homeplace of the Cham people many centuries ago. Visitors can explore some excellent artistic temples particularly in the My Son Holy Land and in the Cham Museum at Danang. Other famous sites are China Beach , Marble Mountains , and the spectacular Hai Van Pass. This city nowadays is the largest city in the central area.

Hoi An was known as Faifo to early Western traders and was one of the major ports for merchant vessels between the 16th and 17th centuries. A walking tour will give visitors the chance to see the architecture of an ancient town that still remains the same as it did nearly 200 years ago. Hoi An is also recognized as a Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1999.

Nha Trang is one of the biggest coastal cities in Vietnam with many beautiful landscapes. A boat trip to the outlying islands offers the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling among the coral reefs leaving visitors with unforgettable memories. Other attractions of Nha Trang are the Po Nagar Cham Tower, Long Son Pagoda, Doc Lech Beach , Thap Ba Hot Stream and excellent seafood restaurants.

Dalat attracts visitors for its cool climate and the romantic lakes, waterfalls, valleys and flowers. The French discovered this city and therefore there are still many villas, schools and churches in French architectural style. This is also a lovely spot for couples who want to spend their honeymoon.

THE SOUTH

HoChiMinh City or Saigon is the largest city and is the economic center of Vietnam . With 300 years of foundation and development, Saigon has attracted visitors with its bustling life style that continues night and day. Combining many cultures from East to West, between traditional and modern life Saigon offers an opportunity to dine on cuisine from many different cultures all in one place.

CuChi used to be an underground village during the Vietnam war. Tunnels with a length over 200km are divided into three floors with many rooms large enough to hold meetings and even a medical station. Visitors learn during their visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels how they were created and how the people who loved here spent their life underground.

Mekong Delta is the common name to call Cuu Long River Plain which includes My Tho, Vinh Long, Can Tho, and Chau Doc town. The best experience of the Mekong is to take a cruise along the river to see the floating market, pick up some fresh fruits and visit some landowner's houses. This is the calm land where visitors can relax away from the busy life of the city.