Commuting on a daily basis in an international country, looking for a not so expensive accommodation option, ordering food is considered expensive, that is why people start preparing a budget and saving money many months in advance. But, that is not the case for Vietnam. Accommodation facilities can cost you just around five dollars per night. A meal here just revolves around a mere two dollars to ten dollars. On top of all this, the locals of Vietnam are extremely friendly and warm people that’ll quick to jump to your help whenever or wherever you are lost.
HISTORY OF VIETNAM
Around two thousand years ago the North Vietnamese people built canals on the Red River Valley to irrigate crops. But, in the 2nd century BC, the Chinese conquered the valley. This led to the Chinese men to rule northern Vietnam for more than a thousand years. From the 1st century to the 6th century AD the southernmost part of Vietnam was part of a state called Funan. In the middle of Vietnam, an Indian influenced state called Champa arose in the 2nd century AD. Under the rule of the Chinese, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi who were both Vietnamese military leaders decided to rebel against them by forming an independent state. But, in 43 AD the Chinese crushed their quests which led to both Trung Trac and Trung Nhi killing themselves. The Chinese ruled North Vietnam till the 10th century. It was in 938 the Vietnamese king Ngo Quyen defeated the Chinese at the battle of Bach Dang River and North Vietnam. Around the thirteenth century, Vietnam was invaded thrice by the Mongols but soon they withdrew. Though, in the fifteenth century, China tried to conquer the Northern region of Vietnam but couldn’t pursue it and was driven out. The place is perfect for providing amazing options for indulging in some adventure sports like kitesurfing, quad biking, exploring the dunes, sailing and surfing.
PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM
Halong Bay
The Ha Long Bay translated as the descending dragon is one of the most popular and pristine locations of Vietnam. Halong Bay has been adjudged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the northeastern region of Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin, in the Quang Ninh Province. The serene turquoise waters foster over 1600 uninhabited islands and islets. The Halong Bay is commonly referred to as the descending dragon because of its significance and importance in the Vietnamese culture. According to the locals of Vietnam, when the Vietnamese were settling into the country, they were invaded by a bunch of invaders. To help the Vietnamese fight and protect themselves from the invaders the gods above sent a family of dragons to help. The dragons spat out jewels that turned out to the islands of Halong Bay. For the best tourist experience, you can opt for an overnight boat tour of Halong Bay. The tour will give you the best view of the islands of Halong Bay. Water activities such as kayaking and swimming can also be endeavour.
Ho Chi Minh
The Ho Chi Minh or Saigon city is considered as one of the most buzzing cities of the Vietnam country. It is considered as one of the most prominent commercial hubs too. The streets are flooded with tiny food joints who serve great varieties of delicious Vietnamese cuisine. You can choose to rent a bike to discover the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. But, if willing to discover these crowded streets is best done on foot to discover places you would want to experience or shop. The Dong Khoi district is where you surely head to as it comprises the best views possible. The place hosts the old Ho Chi Minh City Museum, that gives glimpses of the Vietnam war and the iconic cathedral grand Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Nearby this arena is the Da Kao.
This old spot of the city has one of the most significant shrines of the city, the Jade Emperor Pagoda that has a significant bunch of Buddhist and Taoist religious art and illustrations.
Hue
The city of Hue lies in the central part of Vietnam that has acted as one of the major tourist cities for its extravagant palaces and shrines. Hue was also the war ground for the battle of Hue that is still considered as one of the havoc and bloodiest battles of Vietnam. But in no way could you possibly take the charm and bliss that this city spreads among its visitors and native people. Hue lies on the banks of the Perfume river that due to the fallen orchards relieves the aroma of perfume. You will get to witness plenty of rich history of Hue through its artistic tombs and monuments. The prominent archaeological sides include the Tomb of Tu Duc, the Tomb of Minh Mang and the Tomb of Khai Dinh that have been around since the nineteenth and twentieth century. The tombs depict the stories of Buddhism and ancient emperors. The Tu Hieu Pagoda is another grand spot that was previously housed by the Kings and emperors during the Tran dynasty. The place has been surrounded by many orchids and lotuses.
Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng
Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng is a popular UNESCO World Heritage national park in Hanoi, the central part of Vietnam. The park is around 400 million years old that was discovered just around twenty years ago. The Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is surrounded by the picturesque four hundred years old Karst mountain range, the oldest of the region. Tourists will have fun discovering the many vast caves that can be visited by booking the popular tours of Phong Nha. The Tra Ang cave is one of the recently discovered caves of the national park. It was opened to the public only two years ago. Hence, it has been visited by only a few tourists. The trek to the cave is considered as extremely exciting as it takes you through the rugged jungles and makes you climb up the steep mountains. Adventure freaks should definitely check out this place. The trek requires a brief swim to get inside the cave. Other caves include the Tra Ang, Paradise, 8 ladies and the Hang En cave. The Paradise Cave and 8 Ladies Cave can be reached easily by a two-wheeler. Whereas, the Tra An is slightly difficult to reach. Therefore, you should hire a guide alongside you who can help you trace the route to the Tra Ang cave. Don’t forget to carry your life jackets.
Da Nang
Da Nang is the fourth largest city and is located in the eastern region of Vietnam. It is widely famous for being the topmost tourist-friendly and acclaimed region of Vietnam. Da Nang is full of sand beaches, museums and buzzing nightlife. The Goldenbridge of Da Nang is considered as one of the most attractive bridges. The 150-metre long pedestrian bridge has been connected by a cable car station that has two giant stone hands that appear as if the hands were holding the bridge together. Though the city also has many other bridges, none of them is as attractive as the Golden bridge. The best way to enjoy and relax at Da Nang is to visit one of the most popular beaches in Vietnam, My Khe beach. It is considered as the most beautiful beach with the most perfect coastlines that stretch up to 10 kilometres in length. The beach lets you witness the most beautiful blue sky, smooth white sand, scenic slopes, clean turquoise blue waters and tall coconut trees. As it is one of the cleanest beaches to visit you will have a great time laying back on the beach and admiring the naturalistic elements that will surround you. The Forbes magazine named the My Khe beach as ‘one of the most attractive beaches on the planet’ and ‘one of the ten most popular beaches in Asia’ by The Sunday Herald Sun of Australia. This statement has been agreed by every visitor and hence, you should also hurry to witness the same.
Sapa
Sapa is a popular hill station in Vietnam. It shares its border with the power giants of Asia that is China. Located at an altitude of 155 metres, Sapa is one of the most significant and breathtaking spots of Vietnam. This place was established as a hill station in 1722 by the French. It is known for its extensive cultivation of rice. Apart from great scenic points, the place surrounds itself with grand culture and traditions. Sapa is surrounded by many regional hill tribes that have grown to mark their significance and importance among the others. The rich are diversity aspect lets tourists into a whole new world where they get to learn many facets that might be different in their native places. This unique experience is witnessed by many people due to which Sapa has increased the Tourism value and business for itself and Vietnam too.
Da Lat
Located 1500m above sea level, Da Lat is located on the southwestern highlands of Vietnam and is considered as one of the most popular tourist destinations. Just a six-hour drive from the Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat is the perfect getaway for people on a solo trip, honeymooning or with their best buddies. The place has been the ideal spot since the French colonial times. People famously address it as a mini Paris of Vietnam or ‘Le Petit Paris’. The town even holds a mini Eiffel tower right at the centre of the hill. It is perfect for leaving the hot humidity of Vietnam behind and enjoying the cool breeze that surpasses Da Lat. The months between November to March are considered as the apt months to visit due to the relaxing and cold weather. Though you may not require an overcoat to protect yourself from the cold breeze, slight warner jackets are advisable to carry. The place is considered as a treat to the eyes because it is surrounded by a wide variety of bright flowers, stunning landscapes, green forests, farming of vegetables and fruits. The villagers of Da Lat earn their livelihood farming and tourism. But, it is also famous for promoting diverse professional courses through Dalat University. The university has more than thirteen thousand students enrolled. Hence, you’ll definitely be welcomed with enthusiastic young energy.
Mui Ne
The town of Mui Ne is located on the south-central Bình Thuan Province of Vietnam that is identified as a coastal fishing town with a very small population. The town is resided by only twenty-five thousand people. The town is regarded as the fishing spot as it has the most alluring sea waters. There are many beach spots located in Mui Ne, the famous two being the Ganh Beach and Suoi Nuoc beach that are both visited by a large number of tourists. The beach spots also have many resorts for staying and restaurants to try some delicious Vietnam delicacies.
FACTS ABOUT VIETNAM
Owing to the 20% market share, Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world.
The Vietnamese cuisine consists of fresh green herbs and seafood, that are cooked without any kind of oils or frying techniques. Hence, making Vietnamese cuisine as the healthiest to eat in any place in the world.
The Son Doong cave in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is the world’s largest natural cave
The Vietnamese consider travelling by their bikes as the most convenient form of travelling. Out of a population of more than 90 million, 45 million people have their privately-owned motorbikes. Only 2 million people in Vietnam own a car that is also considered a luxury because the taxes to be paid for the car are charged to around 100 to 200%. Hence, a larger population owns a motorbike due to its cheap cost.
Vietnam is rated as the 32nd lowest unemployment rate in the world with only 3.70%.
The literacy rate for Vietnam in 2016 was 97.3% despite being adjudged as a poor country.
The Vietnam flag consists of a golden star in the centre that represents intellectuals, youth, farmers, workers, and soldiers. The red colour of the flag represents the blood lost during the wars of Vietnam.
Never gift a Vietnamese a handkerchief, a chrysanthemum or anything lacking in colour as it is considered unlucky.
The hot springs of Binh Chau have a temperature of 82°C that is capable of boiling eggs for your breakfast!
Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of cashew nuts.
