Hanoi -
Haiphong -
Halong -
Hoa Lu
-
ChuaHuong -
Sapa-
Hue -
Da Nang -
Hoian -
My Son -
Nha Trang -
Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City -
Cu Chi
Tunnels -
My Tho
- Vinh Long -
Can Tho -
Phan Thiet -
Da Lat -
Vung
Tau, Long Hai -
Tay Ninh
Vietnam-
here you will have a chance to find out about the History, Culture,
Landscape and the live-ways of people, the cuisine and tropical
fruits etc.
Vietnam
is all these things and more, a country with a past as rich as the
soil in the blazing green deltas. This past reads like a romantic
legend, full of heroic struggles and astounding victories, whereby
this small country retained its culture, absorbing and adapting the
strengths of its foes but never losing its. traditions or its sense
of history. In Vietnam, traditions carry real meaning. Ancient
heroes are still venerated at colorful temple festivals, people
honor their ancestors, and village elders teach values of hard work,
hospitality, and filial loyalty. With 54 ethnic groups, most of who
live in remote areas and follow age-old customs. Vietnam offers
unparalleled opportunities for cultural exploration.
The Kinh (or Viet) people account for nearly 90 per cent of
Vietnam's total population.
Vietnamese people describe their country as a bamboo shoulder pole
slung with two baskets of rice- the fertile southern Mekong Delta
and the northern Red River Delta. From these lowland paddy fields
stretch vast rubber plantations, rolling hills covered with thick
jungle, and jagged mountains rising more than 3,000 meters in
height. Over 3,200 km of coastline features endless stretches of
empty, white sand beaches.
Vietnam's varied photography allows for an incredibly varied travel
experience. The country offers everything from tropical coastal
lowlands to temperate zones above 2,000 meters. Visitors to the
North are often surprised by the region's distinct seasons; summers
are hot and humid while winters are invigoratingly cool.
As well as fine weather, spectacular natural scenery and historic
sites, Vietnam's greatest resource is its friendly, welcoming
people. Long closed to the outside world,
Vietnam
retains a charming innocence that more tourist regions lack. Things
are already changing since Vietnam opened its doors to the world.
The country has built world-class hotels and tourism facilities.
With international-standard lodgings and traditional Vietnamese
hospitality, Vietnam is ready to take you on an unforgettable
adventure.
History of the country’s name
At the beginning of the Bronze Age, the Viet tribe groups had
settled downed in the North and north of
Central Vietnam.
There were about 15 groups of Lac Viet tribesmen living mainly in
the northern highland and delta, and a dozen Au Viet groups of
tribesmen living in Viet Bac, the northern region of old Vietnam.
The two ethnic tribes of the Lac Viet and Au Viet lived together
with other inhabitants in many areas at that time. Due to the
increasing need to control floods, fight against invaders, and
exchange culture and economy, these tribes living near each other
tended to gather together and integrate into a larger mixed group.
Among these Lac Viet tribes was the Van Lang, which was the most
powerful tribe. The leader of this tribe joined all the Lac Viet
tribes together to found Van Lang Nation, addressing himself as Hung
King. The next generations followed in their father’s footsteps and
kept this appellation. Based on historical documents, researchers
correlatively delineated the location of Van Lang Nation to the
present day regions of the North and the North of Central Vietnam,
as well as the south of present-day Kwangsi (China). The Van Lang
Nation lasted approximately from the beginning of the first
millennium BC to the 3rd century BC
In 221 B.C, Tan Thuy Hoang, King of Tan (China), invaded the land of
the Viet tribes. Thuc Phan, the leader of the Au- Viet tribes’
alliance was respected as the chief of the resistance war against
the Tan enemy that later, in 208 BC, was forced to withdraw. With
his imposing power, Thuc Phan nominated himself as King An Duong
Vuong and founded Au Lac Nation with groups of Lac Viet and Au Viet
tribes. However, the resistance of An Duong Vuong failed soon after
this invasion. The northern feudalism took turns dominating the
country continuously over seven centuries, establishing their harsh
regime in the country, dividing the country into administrative
regions and districts with strange names. However, they could not
erase the country’s name of Au Lac from the people’s minds in their
everyday life.
In the spring of 542, Ly Bi rose up in arms and swept away Chinese
administration, liberating the territory. He declared himself King
of Van Xuan Kingdom in February 544, acknowledging the national
superiority complex of the independent spirits to live in eternal
peace. However, the existence of Ly Bi’s administration was very
brief. The Chinese imperial army defeated him, and the country
returned to feudal Chinese domination again in 602. The name Van
Xuan was restored only after the victory over the Han army in Bach
Dang River led by General Ngo Quyen in 938. This had marked the end
of the Chinese domination period in Vietnam.
In 968, Dinh Bo Linh defeated the twelve lords and unified the
country. He made himself King and named the country Dai Co Viet.
This name remained throughout the Dinh dynasty (868-979), Pre-Le
dynasty (980-1009) and the beginning of Ly dynasty (1010-1053).
In 1054, on the occasion of a flaming bright star that appeared in
the sky for many days, which was considered a good omen, Ly King
changed the name of the country to Dai Viet. This name remained
until the end of Tran dynasty.
In March 1400, Ho Quy Ly usurped King Tran Thieu De and founded the
Ho dynasty and changed the country’s name to Dai Ngu, meaning peace
in the ancient language. This name only lasted for very short time,
until April 1407, when the Ming enemy invaded Dai Ngu and defeated
the Ho dynasty.
After 10 years of resistance against Ming occupation (1418-1427), Le
Loi had achieved a victorious triumph. In 1428, Le Loi made himself
King of Le dynasty and changed the name of the country back to Dai
Viet. At this time, the territory of Vietnam had expanded to the
region of present-day Hue. The country’s name Dai Viet remained
under the Le dynasty (1428-1787) and the Tay Son dynasty
(1788-1810).
In 1802, Nguyen Anh claimed his coronation to become the first
Nguyen King, starting the Nguyen dynasty and changing the country’s
name to "Viet Name". This name was officially recognized in many
diplomatic missions in 1804. However, the words "Viet Name" had
already appeared very early in history. In the 14th century, there
was a book of code entitled "Viet Name The Chi", edited by Doctor Ho
Tong Thoc. In the book by scholar Nguyen Trai entitled "Du Dia Chi"
at the beginning of 15th century, the words "Viet Name" were
repeated several times. Doctor Trinh Nguyen Binh Khiem (1491-1585)
had written on the first page of his work "Trinh Tien Sinh Quoc Ngu"
the following: "... Viet Name have constructed its foundation..."
The words "Viet Name" were also found in some carved stellar of
16th-17th century in Bao Lam Pagoda, Hai phong (1558), in CamLo
Pagoda, HaTay (1590), in Phuc Thanh Pagoda, Bac Ninh (1664), etc. In
particular, in the first sentence on the stele Thuy Mon Dinh (1670)
at the landmark on the border at Lang Son, it was written: "This is
the gateway of Viet Name that guards the northern frontiers..." In
terms of meaning, there are many theories that prove these words
"Viet Name" are created by combining two racial and geographic
elements, which is understood as "Viet people from the south".
During the reign of King Minh Mang (1820-1840), the name of the
country was changed to Dai Name, but Viet Name was still widely used
in many literary works, civil business affairs, and social
relations.
Following the triumph of the August Revolution on August 19th 1945, which had entirely swept away the
Vietnamese feudal and French colonial oppression and began a new era
in the country, President Ho Chi Minh, on
September 2nd 1945,
proclaimed the nation’s independence and the national name
Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born. Although Vietnam suffered
from war and separation in the following 30 years, the sacred words
"Viet Name" were very popularly used from the north to the south,
and were deeply imprinted in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.
The Vietnamese nation was primarily influenced through a process of
anthropological cross-pollination between ancient Chinese and Indian
cultures. As far as anthropology is concerned, the Vietnamese people
have their origin in the Mongoloid race, which is scattered
throughout northern and eastern Asia.
At present, there are about 54 ethnic minority groups inhabiting
Vietnam.
The Viet language is recognized, however, as the official language
and serves as a universal means of communication for all inhabitants
of Vietnam. In the historical course of national development, all
ethnic groups have been closely attached, sharing in the fight
against foreign invaders, defending the country's territory, and
gaining the right to national independence and self determination.
The climate is divided in two distinct (dry and rainy) seasons.
Northern Region
HANOI
- THE CAPITAL OF VIETNAM
Being located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam
(founded in 1010 under the reign of King Ly Cong Uan), Hanoi is the
political, economical, and cultural center of the country.
Hanoi
still preserves plenty of ancient architectural works comprising the
Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas. Tens of hectares of lakes lie
intertwined between the streets, the largest ones being Hoan Kiem
Lake, West Lake, and
Truc Bach Lake. Many traditional handicrafts are also practiced in
Hanoi including bronze molding, silver carving, lacquer, and
embroidery.
Other famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1042),
the Temple of Literature (built in 1070), President Ho Chi Minh’s
Mausoleum (built in 1976 – 1979)
HAI PHONG
Hai Phong is the second biggest port city of the Vietnam connected
to
Hanoi
by the National Highway No. 5. It is an industrial and commercial
centre in the north, famous for the flame flowers which has become a
symbol of the city.
Hai Phong is a beautiful city with the central colonial style
quarter and the street bordered by flame flower trees. There is
hydrofoil service from Haiphong to Cat Ba islands or Halong Bay and
vice versa every day.
25 Km away from Hai Phong is the picturesque and popular beach
resort of Do Son, famous for the first casino set up for foreign
tourists and yearly buffalo fights.
HALONG BAY
HaLong Bay spreads over an area of 1,500 sq. km with three thousands
plus islands. It is one of the natural marvels of Vietnam. Legend
has it that a dragon once ran from the hills, creating valleys by
smashing its tails when he jumped into the sea, the water filled the
valleys to produce Halong Bay. People love
Halong
Bay with its emerald waters.
UNESCO has recognized Ha Long Bay as the World’s Natural Heritage.
HOA LU
Just about 100Km far from Hanoi, Hoa Lu (belongs to Ninh Binh
province) used to be the capital of Vietnam in 1020. There are two
temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh offer
the tourists a glimpse of Vietnam’s image in the 10th
century.
The boat excursion to through the paddy fields and Tam Coc (three
caves), a “Halong on the ground” site offers adventurous tour to
many curious tourists.
THE PERFUME PAGODA - “CHUA HUONG”
Chua Huong – Perfume pagoda is a complex of pagodas admist
mountains, forests, lakes and caves. Every year, it is the “chua
Huong” festivity for a delicate harmony between the nature and the
one’s beliefs from the January 6th to March 15th
(lunar calendar).
The boat trip throught the paddy fields to the mountains is
particularly impressive.
SA PA
The best time to witness the scenic beauty of Sapa is in April and
May. Before that period, the weather might be cold and foggy; after
that period is the rainy season. In April and May, Sapa is blooming
with flowers and green pastures. The clouds that settle in the
valley in early mornings quickly disappear into thin air.
Located at 1,500m high above sea-level, Sapa lies on the side of
Hoang Lien Son Mountains, 333 km northwest of Hanoi. Sapa’s flora is
diversified, ranging from flowers to tropical fruits.
To reach Sapa, one can take a train to Lao Cai and connect by bus to
Sapa. On Sundays, Nung, Dao, Tay, Cao Lan, Paxi, and H’Mong
minorities in their colorful clothes ride down the mountain to take
part in the Sunday market at the foot of Fansipan Mountain.
Sapa has many natural sites such as Binh Lu cave, Thac Bac, Thuy
Cung Grotto, Gio Cave, Troi Gate, and
Truc
Forest. Hoang Lien Son Mountains is also called the
Alps
of the North Sea area, since
Fansipan Mountain is not only the highest peak in Vietnam, but also
in the
Indochina
Peninsula (the top of Fansipan 3,143m). The pyramid-shaped mountain
is covered with clouds all year round and temperatures often drop
below zero, especially at high elevations.
A visit either to the minority villages or natural sites of Sapa
gives tourists unforgettable feelings
Central Region
HUE
Economic potentialities: tourism, mineral resources, fishery
Hue, belongs to Thua Thien Hue province, is located in the northern
part of Central Vietnam. Twenty-four ethnic groups share this province; more
than 96% of the population consists of the Kinh ethnic group. Other
groups include the Ta Oi, CoTu, and Bru-VanKieu.
The tropical monsoon climate has no distinct cold and dry season.
The province benefits from approximately 2,000 hours of sunlight
every year. However, this province is also the victim of numerous
typhoons, mostly in September and October.
Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam. Famous sites include Lang Co
Beach, Hai Van Pass, Tam Giang Dyke, as well as several temples and
pagodas, especially Kings’ Tombs in Hue.
Hue is recognized as the World’s Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
DA NANG
Economic potentialities: service industry, marine products,
agriculture
Danang is located in
Central Vietnam;
Thua Thien Hue surrounds it at the North border and Quang nam at the
South border.
The tropical monsoon climate is divided into two seasons: the rainy
and dry seasons. The average temperature is 25.6°C.
Ngu
Hanh Son Marble Mountains, Cham Museum and Non Nuoc Beach are
interesting attractions to visit.
HOI AN
Economic potentialities: agriculture, forestry, marine product
processing
Hoi An, belongs to Quang Nam Province, used to be the commercial
port town during 13th -15th centuries. Quang
Nam
is located in the middle of
Central Vietnam
and is surrounded by Thua Thien Hue, Quang ngai, and Kom Tum
provinces. The Truong Son Mountains, Laos, and the
East
Sea also border the province. Most of the population is part of the
Kinh group, along with CoTu, and Xe Dang minorities.
The tropical monsoon climate is divided into two distinct seasons.
The average annual rainfall varies between 2,500 and 3,000 mm and
the average temperature is 26°C.
Fabulous Hoian ancient town is famous to travelers by its narrow
streets, Vietnamese traditional life-style, by the Japanese bridge
as well as ancient houses with Ying Yang tiles, etc.
UNESCO has recognized Hoi An as the World’s Cultural Heritage.
MY SON
My Son also belongs to the
Quang
Nam Province. It is the former capital and religious centre of
Champa’s Kingdom in a lush green valley with many brick towers
dating from between the 17th and 13th
centuries. A visit to My Son will help tourists to understand a part
of Vietnam’s history and Champa’s architecture. As a connection, one
can visit My Son for a half day then go to Hoi An for overnight.
Myson has recognized as the World’s Cultural Heritage by UNESCO
NHA TRANG
Khanh Hoa province lies in the center of Vietnam and is located
1,450 km from Hanoi and 450 km from HCMC.
Visitors will enjoy a group of five or six islands standing close to
each other, the largest being Hon Tre, 3 km from Nha Trang. From Hon
Tre, one can see several other islands. Nha Trang is not only famous
for its natural landscapes, but also for its heritage of the Cham
culture.
Southern Region
SAIGON, HO CHI MINH
CITY
HoChiMinh
City is not only a commercial center but also a scientific,
technological, industrial and tourist center of Vietnam.
HoChiMinh
City, formerly known as
Saigon,
lies between the Mekong Delta and South Vietnam. It is 1,730 km from
Hanoi and 50 km from the East Sea. The city is the second most
important in Vietnam after Hanoi. The main ethnic groups populating
the area are Kinh and Hoa.
Its land is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers and canals, the
largest being the Saigon River. The Port of Saigon, established in
1862, is accessible to ships of up to 30,000 tones, a rare advantage
for an inland river port.
Over the past centuries,
Saigon,
once praised as ‘’Pearl of the Far East" was known as an important
trading center to for Chinese, Japanese, and Western merchants who
traveled upstream the Saigon River to Pho Island. Now, HoChiMinh
City is not only a commercial center, but also a scientific,
technological, industrial and tourist one.
CU CHI TUNNELS
Cu Chi Tunnels are located approximately 30 km North West of HCMC in
Cu Chi district. This district is known nationwide as the base where
the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in
1968.
This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground
hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels.
The tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough space for a
person to walk along by bending or dragging. However, parts of the
tunnels have been modified to accommodate visitors.
The upper soil layer is between 3 to 4m thick and can support the
weight of a 50-ton tank and the damage of light cannons and bombs.
The underground network provided sleeping quarters, meeting rooms,
hospitals, and other social rooms. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels
provides a better understanding of the prolonged resistance war of
the Vietnamese people and also of the persistent and clever
character of the Vietnamese nation.
For years, Cu Chi Tunnels have been visited by thousands of tourists
from all over the world.
MY THO
My Tho belongs to Tien Giang province which is located north of the
Mekong Delta, alongside the north of Tien River. The Kinh ethnic
group accounts for more than 99% of the total population.
Famous sites include Thoi Son Islet, Dong Tam Snake Farm, and Dong
Thap Muoi area.
VINH LONG
The capital town is Vinh Long. This province is famous for its
gardening tourism, floating markets and unique fruits. One can
visit the fish sauce workshop, coconut candy workshops, ceramic
factory or visit farmers’ houses, try special tropical fruits while
listening to the “Tai Tu” music and songs (Traditional music and of
of the Mekong Delta)
CAN THO
Being one of the biggest cities of Vietnam belonged directly to the
central, Can Tho is the capital, the social and economic centre of
Mekong Delta.
The population is 1,112,121 inhabitants. Kinh ethnic group is about
85%, the rest is Khmer and Hoa.
There are many economic, cultural and social bases as well as
material technological facilities in Can Tho. It is famous for the
Can Tho University, the live colorful floating market and many
cultural sites such as Binh Thuy temple, Hoi Linh ancient pagoda,
etc.
DA LAT
Founded in 1917 on Lang Biang highland, discovered by Alexandre
Yersin, a French scientist in 1893, Dalat is well known as the
European city and the “city of love” for its romantic landscapes
like valleys, pine forests, waterfalls. 300 Km north of Hochiminh
city at an altitude of 1,500 meters from the sea level, Dalat is
also famous for its cool climate, flower gardens, French villas, the
golf course and renovated hotels.
This green city has become the attraction for both local and foreign
tourists. The average temperature is about 20-25 degrees centigrade
year round.
PHAN THIET
Phan Thiet is the capital town of
Binh Thuan
province, which is located in the south of the Central Vietnam, 200Km away from
Ho Chi Minh city. Phan Thiet is well known for fishing
industry and popular fish sauce and a famous name: Mui Ne. Mui Ne is
a small town about 24 Km North East from Phan Thiet. Stretching on
the long white sandy beach, it is an ideal site for tourists with
untouched desolated and primitive beaches, huge the huge golden sand
dunes, coconut trees and wonderful resorts. Mui Ne has been the
biggest resort area of
Vietnam recent years.
TAY NINH
Tay Ninh is a strategic area of economy and defense located 100Km
west of Ho Chi Minh city. It is famous for the colorful
Cao Dai Great Temple, Ba Den (Black Lady) mountain as well as Dau
Tieng Lake and Binh Thanh Ancient tower.
Ba Den Mountain Spring festival is very popular to the Southerners
taking place in the Spring after Lunar New Year’ holidays.
Cao Dai Shrine is a famous for the combination of Buddhism,
Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity.
VUNG TAU - LONG HAI
A SEASIDE RESORT situated not very far away from Ho Chi Minh City
(around 125Km from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau and 120Km to Long
Hai) Vung Tau and Long Hai are nice beaches for tourists who like to
make a quick escape from the noise and bustle city to relax and
enjoy the sun, waves and….fresh seafood!
