Vietnam

Why Vietnam

Vietnam, is a beautiful country stretching 1600 kms up the eastern Chinese Peninsula that offers images of conical hats emerging form rice paddy fields; grainy black and white photographs of slender, dark haired women in flowing white ao dai tunics; stunning white sand beaches fringed with coconut palms; luxurious resorts and golf courses.

It is home to 5 World Heritage sites, Halong Bay, with its many islands and grottos, its mystical landscape of torquoise water sprinkled with thousands of jagged limestone islands. One of the world's natural wonders, it is a bay with more than 3000 islands which time, wind and waves have sculpted into fascinating shapes; The ancient city of Hue, synonymous with royalty, culture and spiritual reflection is considered to be one of the most beautiful as well as historic cities in the country; Hao An, with its historic past as a trading port; My Son, which was one of the most important holy sites of the Cham people and Phong Nha, with its limestone formations, grottos and caves.

Hanoi an elegant and stately capital full of nostalgia with history seeping from every street and quaint alleyways and whose worn beauty hints at many untold stories.

What to see and do

Visit Saigon and the Cu Chi tunnels, Hanoi, with its vibrant and colourful old quarter, Halong Bay, Hao An, Hue.

When to go

Vietnam's weather is very diverse. From May to October the summer monsoon brings hot, humid weather to most of the country. For those visiting the south November to February is usually dry and a little cooler. In the north and central areas July to November can bring violent, unpredictable typhons.

Vietnam Destination Guide