Vietnam is probably best known for its war with America, but the country has far more than war memorials or the remnants of the battlefields to offer. Now that the current government is opening the country to tourism with great enthusiasm, there is an opportunity to discover the myriad facets of this diverse country.

Vietnam comprises 331,689 square kilometers of land mass with a coastline of more than three thousand miles facing the South China Sea, boosting numerous beach and island destinations such as Danang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Hoi An, Halong, Phu Quoc and Haiphong.

Vietnam is home to nearly 77 million people with Vietnamese as the majority – the rest made up of Chinese and other ethnic groups such as Mon-Khmer, Tai, Meo, Muong, Man and Cham.

The official language is Vietnamese while Chinese is the first language in many parts of the country. Nonetheless, don’t be surprised if you find Vietnamese merchants vying to sell souvenirs in French and English. The French colonialism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, left its mark on the arts and architecture in several cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Min, Dalat and Danang. Then of course, there was the war, which planted the seeds of the English language.

The other side of Vietnam

Besides war museums and French colonial-style buildings, Vietnam boasts varied styles of religious monuments, from ancient Khmer-style carved sandstone temples to centuries old tiered-roof Chinese pagodas and palaces, as well as nature’s contribution of thousands of jutting limestone outcrops with hidden grottoes, lush forests and tranquil beaches and islands. In addition, some cities such as Hoi An, My Son, Hue and Halong are internationally recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Travelers can start their journey either from the northern capital of Hanoi or Ho Chi Min city (formerly Saigon) in the South and move on to other cities by car, train, or domestic flights. Generally, it takes at least a week to cover the whole country on a tour package, but if you want to take itinerary management into your own hands, we suggest that you check all the information about the cities and accommodation and, especially, transportation prior to your journey – a 70 kilometer road trip might take longer than you expect between some cities. The country offers all classes of accommodation from luxury colonial style hotels to inexpensive local guesthouses. The official currency is Dong but American currency is accepted (and welcomed) in most hotels and restaurants in the big cities.

Vietnam Destinations

Ho Chi Minh
While Hanoi is considered the center of arts and culture, Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is the commercial hub of Vietnam and, certainly its most bustling city. The place springs to life early in the morning with the hustle and bustle of the local markets and incessant honks from all manner of vehicles. But if you really want to get to know Saigon, visit Ben Thanh Market, the oldest and largest market in Saigon …read more

Hanoi

There are some sightseeing activities you can do before heading to the countryside. Most activities center around Hoan Kiem River; the river shares its name with the district …read more

Hue

This ancient capital, also known as Thua Thien Hue, was founded on the northern bank of Perfume River in the 17th century by Nguyen Dynasty. Nowadays, the city, about 660 kilometers from Hanoi, looks more like a massive open-air museum with hundreds of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. Some parts of the city were badly damaged during the war but there are still many notable structures worth a visit …read more

Other Destinations

• Halong Bay, Hoi An,  Dalat
• Danang, Phan Thiet, Sapa, Can Tho
• Haiphong, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Ninh Binh
• Vung Tau, Phu Ouoc Island, Ca Mau

Vietnam: The Basics

Here is the information that will help you get to know Vietnam better. Read our comprehensive travel guides that include climate, Visa, Time zone and business hours, Travel by cyclo, Travel around Vietnam, Overland trip to Vietnam, Currency and traveler’s cheques, Internet access, Vietnamese cuisine and recommended dishes.