VIETNAM
The culture
A coastline of >3200kms, Vietnam offers not only fantastic value for money, luxury beach escapes with a culture of warmth through the rustic charm of the Mekong through to the rice field laden terraces and mountains of the highlands both in the south and the north.
Vietnamese customs have a long history and are rooted in a reverence for the land, sea, and people. Confucian principles, which place a high value on wisdom and experience, form the foundation of society. Vietnamese culture promotes youth, education, advancement, with a strong regard for their elders and family life. It is deeply engrained in the rivers, paddies, mountains, and seas of the country. Consequently, food is the heart of this country.
Best time to travel
Visit Vietnam in at the first or last 3 months of each year to enjoy cooler temperatures in the south, while winter in the north. Summer season is May – September allowing perfected beach days and rice planting starts in May, enjoy the green terraces of the rice (north) by July/August. Wet afternoons and evenings will happen during the summer that helps cool things down.
HOW TO GET THERE
Vietnam has excellent connections worldwide with direct flights (Vietnam Airlines) available from North America (San Francisco); European hubs of Paris, London and Frankfurt and all cities via middle eastern gateway cities of Doha and Dubai. You can easily connect from neighboring Asian gateways of Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Australians have excellent direct connections from Melbourne and Sydney.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Vietnam is home to some great accommodation options for all types of travellers. There are also several remarkable luxury resorts throughout the country and its islands. There are excellent mid-range hotels everywhere, and they all have excellent amenities and knowledgeable employees. To add some variety, take a look at local homestays, lodges and camps as well.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Vietnam is home to some great accommodation options for all types of travellers. There are also several remarkable luxury resorts throughout the country and its islands. There are excellent mid-range hotels everywhere, and they all have excellent amenities and knowledgeable employees. To add some variety, take a look at local homestays, lodges and camps as well.
WHAT TO EAT
Vietnamese food is often a highlight with dishes ranging as you traverse from north to south. Worldwide hits include Phở, Banh Mi and of course hotpot (Lẩu) and numerous varieties of rolls using beef, pork, chicken or tofu accompanied with each's own condiments (usually based on fish sauce). Vegetarians will also enjoy the options across the country.