Tourism Planning in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country rich in history and culture, emerging as a vacation destination. Traveling the length of the elongated country is time consuming because of its terrain, so consider flying between northern and southern destinations. You will find differences in culture, cuisine and people in part because of the geographic barrier mountains in the central region. Look for evidence of Chinese, French and American influence in food, architecture, language and religion during your visit.

Basics for Touring

You will need a passport with six months remaining before expiration for entrance and a visa that will be valid for 30 days. Vietnam charges a visa fee and a visa processing fee as of 2011. Find out what immunizations are recommended for your itinerary. Carry cash to Vietnam. Credit cards are not accepted except by large businesses in major cities. When converting to Vietnamese dong, get some small denominations such as 20,000 VND to use for minor purchases and transportation.

Hanoi
Spend a few hours in the Ho Chi Minh Museum where history is told from the Vietnamese perspective. Located adjacent to the museum, visit his granite and concrete tomb modeled after Vladimir Lenin's. Ho was a passionate patriot leading the struggle to free his country from French rule to establish an independent nation. Take a day trip to Halong Bay to float past the towering limestone formations that grace the area. Rent a kayak to explore caves.

Nha Trang
Nha Trang is home to plentiful beaches, tall palm trees, waterfront activities and delicious seafood. If traveling with children, spend a day at Vinpearl Amusement Park. Ride a gondola 200 feet above the South China Sea or take a ferry to get there. Relax in a warm mud bath followed by a hot mineral bath at Thap Ba Hot Springs. Examine Cham towers at Po Ngar. These intricately carved square temples were built to honor their gods around the eighth century. Arrange for a day-long boat trip around the 20 area islands with stops for lunch, swimming, snorkeling and more.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Tour Reunification Hall for a peek into the life of the south before the war.This was the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace. The guides' commentary is from the perspective of the winner with obvious reworking of some facts. Outdoors see the tanks that rammed their way into the compound at the fall of Saigon. Wander down the mall to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and General Post Office built by French architect Gustave Eiffel. The ornate, attractive building features sculptures of famous philosophers and scientists and a vaulted ceiling.

Mekong Delta
Another must see is the intricate web of waterways measuring 1,740 miles that make up the Mekong Delta. View scenic mangrove swamps, coconut farms, floating markets and bright green rice fields. Sample a sugar cane drink fresh from the treadle operated press. Contact a travel agent to join a tour or arrange a cycling trip through Mekong.