Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Discovering Vietnam in two weeks or more

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Discovering Vietnam in two weeks or more

Having a diverse natural environment, age-long traditions and a rich culture and long history, Vietnam could satisfy tourists for a wonderful vacation. To discover the country more thoroughly, tourists could book a two-to-three-week trans-Vietnam tour to well-known destinations recently offered by Ben Thanh Tourist.
Tourists cruise at Halong Bay.The first stop on the tour is the Mekong Delta, a land of endless green rice fields, tropical orchards and floating markets such as Cai Rang and Phong Dien in Can Tho City.
Sapa, the misty town in the northern province of Lao Cai, is a must-see destination listed in every itinerary. One reason is the famous Sapa Love Market and another is the trek to Ham Rong Mountain for a panoramic view of Sapa Town. Hikers will be dazzled by the poetic and splendid scenery of red-tiled roofs looming in the mist.
Despite its growing popularity Sapa has changed very little and much can be earned about the life and culture of ethnic groups from the locals.
Next stop is the UNESCO world heritage Ha Long Bay, in the northern province of Quang Ninh. Halong Bay resembles a geographic work of art with more than 1,500 spectacular islands and islets including the Sail, the Pair of Roosters and the Incense Burner, as well as grottoes and caves such as Thien Cung (Heaven Palace Grotto), Dau Go (Wooden Stake Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), and Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto). When exploring the bay and observing the stalactites of many shapes and colors it is easy to get lost in the legendary world of the stone islands.
Another world heritage awaits the travelers: Hoi An Ancient Town in the central province of Quang Nam. The ancient town is famous for pagodas, wooden houses and architectural wonders such as the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky House, Tu Duc King Temple and Thien Mu Pagoda, all standing as a testimony to the elegant and meticulous architecture and design of the past.
The grandiose complex of Bich Dong Pagoda and Tam Coc Grotto in Ninh Binh Province will excite even the most seasoned travelers with the pristine beauty of stalactites and stalagmites sparkling like gemstones in the caves and the serenity of the ancient pagoda.
The tour also includes a city tour in HCMC and Hanoi with visits to famous cultural and historical sites and cruises to coastal cities such as Nha Trang and Danang, as well as Mai Chau Valley, a beautiful green valley with stilt houses of ethnic groups in Hoa Binh Province.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.