Not all cities in Vietnam are interesting and visited from a tourist point of view. The most popular resort cities are Phan Thiet and Nha Trang. They actively visit the capital of the country, Hanoi, and the largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Hoi An and Hue, Dalat, Sapa, Danang are interesting.
Hue
The town is located on the coast of the South China Sea. It was the capital of the country for two centuries (from the 18th to the 20th). The presence of historical buildings and complexes was the reason for the inclusion of this city on the UNESCO list.
All four seasons are clearly visible in the city; winter, from a Vietnamese point of view, is quite cold. It is rainy here from September to February, dry weather is from March to August.
The city attracts tourists primarily for its historical attractions. The Citadel, a museum of antiques, whose collections contain household items of emperors, is interesting. The most beautiful palace considered Longan. The costumes of the royal court can be seen in the procession during the annual festival. The village of Phuoc Thich is interesting. It helps to get an idea of the architecture typical of rural areas.
It is worth taking a walk along the Fragrant River, which is so called because herbs grow along its banks.
The city has good beaches and hot mineral springs. Although, still, Hue is not considered a place beach holiday and relaxation.
It is worth mentioning the kitchen separately. Its development was influenced by the fact that kings once lived here, so it is particularly elegant and famous throughout the country.
There is something unusual here for shopping lovers - this is the ancient Thanh Toan market.
Sapa
This city is located in the mountains at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level on the border of Vietnam and China. The weather here is quite cool, there are fogs and such a rare phenomenon for the country as snow. It is recommended to visit this place between September and mid-December.
The city is interesting with its unique flavor, which cannot be seen anywhere else in Vietnam. Terraced fields covered with rice create this special atmosphere. The spectacle is impressive.
Thanks to hard work local residents a system for supplying water to the fields was created that made it possible to conduct agriculture here, but at the same time preserve the mountains and not cause destruction to them. An amazing example of harmony between man and nature.
The next attraction is the representatives of national minorities who live in this area. They wear colorful national costumes, grow rice, create their own goods and bring it all to sell at the local market. Residents are also happy to invite tourists into their homes to show them the peculiarities of life.
Another amazing place– the highest point of Indochina Mount Fansipan. To climb to the top you do not need any special skills, but it is recommended to take a guide with you.
From a gastronomic point of view, local wines are interesting.
Dalat is another city located high in the mountains (1475 meters above sea level). This place is unique when it comes to its special atmosphere. It is not typical for Vietnam as a whole; it has a number of similarities with the French Alps.
This place is loved by both locals and foreign tourists. Once upon a time, French colonialists escaped the unbearable heat here and built their villas.
The streets here are much cleaner, there are no beaches, since the resort is mountainous, there are not as many attractions as in other places in Vietnam. What attracts tourists here?
First of all, the beauty of nature: forests, amazing waterfalls, natural parks, valleys full of lush greenery. Therefore, cycling is popular.
This city is home to one of the strangest architectural structures in the world - the Crazy House Hotel. This is a real work of art. The building is made in the shape of a tree, its windows are round in shape, there are tunnels and unusual stairs. The house is devoid of right angles, all its lines are soft and rounded.
The Lam Dong Museum is interesting. His collections contain antiques: costumes, dishes, musical instruments. Tourists visit summer palace Bao Dai, Lin Son Pagoda, flower gardens.
The best time to visit Dalat is from November to April.
Located in the central part of Vietnam. This is another city included in the UNESCO list and is very popular among tourists. Those who have visited here call Hoi An a huge open-air museum. It, like no other city in the country, has preserved its ancient atmosphere. There are 844 historical buildings: Cham temples, ancient Chinese houses, shops and public buildings.
It’s a special pleasure to just wander around the city and look at all these buildings and ancient quarters.
Shopping lovers will be delighted by the local sewing and shoe workshops. They are famous for the fact that they can very quickly and inexpensively make custom-made clothes, hats and shoes from good materials. Hoi An is considered a city of artisans, artists and craftsmen.
The advantage of Hoi An is that there are beach holidays here too. A few kilometers from the city center there are beautiful sandy beaches, characterized by cleanliness and a small number of vacationers.
On Cham Island, located near the city, there is a diving school, which is famous for its low prices.
The local cuisine is highly praised. If you really like something, the chefs are even ready to give a master class and teach guests the intricacies of preparing a particular dish.
The best time to visit Hoi An is considered to be from May to August.
Danang
Located on the coast of the South China Sea. Tourists come here, but not as willingly as in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. However, there is something interesting here too.
In Da Nang there is the second largest temple dedicated to a young religion called “Caodaism”, there is a museum of Cham sculpture with the most extensive collection in the world, the “Dragon Bridge” across the Han River is interesting, there is water park. Once a year a very spectacular fireworks festival takes place here.
If you drive 40 km west of the city, you can get to a good mountain resort Bana. It has one of the longest cable cars in the world, for which it was even included in the Guinness Book of Records. While walking around cable car there is a magnificent view of the jungle.
30 km from the city is the highest pass in the country - Haivan, 12 km from the city - the Marble Mountains with caves, in the valley of the mountains there are Buddhist temples. All this can be seen if you go on an excursion.
Haivan pass
There are also beaches in Da Nang, but they are not located in the city itself, but in its surroundings. The most famous is the Chinese Beach in the seaside resort of Furama.
It is rainy in Da Nang from August to December, dry weather occurs from January to July. Typhoons occur in October and November. Recommended period for visiting is from May to August.
Vung Tau is a small Vietnamese town of about 300,000 people located along the coast of the South China Sea. The most convenient way to get here is from Ho Chi Minh City, which is located 128 km from Vung Tau
Vung Tau is considered a year-round resort with a mild climate.
But still, there is a dry season and a rainy season. So, best time to visit the city - the period from November to April. During these months, the weather is clear and sunny, the sky is mostly clear, and precipitation is extremely rare. The period from May to October will be more cloudy and rainy, although still warm.
The hottest month in Vung Tau is April. The air temperature during the day can reach +35 degrees, at night it drops to +25-26 degrees. But the South China Sea warms up best in May - to about +29-30 degrees.
The least amount of precipitation falls here in February, the most in September.
As for the beaches in Vung Tau, there are four of them.
Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia, located on the Indochina Peninsula and washed from the east and south by the South China Sea. Officially the country is called the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The neighboring states of Vietnam are Laos and Cambodia, with which Vietnam borders in the west, as well as China, with which the border lies in the north. The total area of the country is 331,212 square kilometers, which is only the 65th figure in the world. B O Most of Vietnam is occupied by low or medium-high mountains and plateaus. The highest point of the country is Mount Fansipan (3143 meters) mountain range Hoang Lien Son. In addition, the largest Indo-Chinese rivers, the Mekong and Hong Ha, flow through Vietnam and empty into the South China Sea.
For a long time, Vietnam was an Indo-Chinese colony of France and achieved independence only in the middle of the 20th century - this happened in 1945, although armed clashes continued in the country for several years. Vietnam was also the scene of a war with the United States from 1965-1973, which cost many lives on both sides.
Modern Vietnam is a socialist state that has chosen the Chinese version of development - modernization and liberalization of the economy. As of 2016, the population of Vietnam is 94,569,072 people.
Visa
For entry into Vietnam for a period of more than 15 days for citizens Russian Federation You must have a visa obtained from the Vietnamese consulate; you can also apply for a visa upon arrival.
In order to obtain a visa at the consulate, you need to provide the following documents: foreign passport (minimum validity period - 6 months from the end of the trip); 2 photographs measuring 4x6 cm; 2 forms filled out in Russian, English or French; invitation, travel voucher or reservation. The visa is issued within 5 working days and is valid for 30 days. In addition, there is a US$25 application fee.
When obtaining a visa directly at the border, at the Vietnamese airport, you need to provide 2 photographs measuring 3x4, one completed application form, as well as a visa permit from the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, which is issued within 5-7 working days. Upon arrival, citizens must go to the “Visa on arrival” window, and from that moment their vacation in Vietnam begins.
Among other things, the visa specifies the points of entry and exit through which a visitor to the country can cross the border. To change the specified location, you must contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This service is subject to payment.
If the period of stay in Vietnam does not exceed 15 days, then Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa. In addition, similar rules apply in neighboring Laos and Cambodia (in Cambodia, a visa can be obtained at the border without problems), so after a 15-day stay in Vietnam you can go to one of neighboring countries, and then come back again for 15 days. Often, when entering Vietnam for a period of less than 15 days, border guards may require you to present a ticket to leave the country - this is prescribed by the rules, but is not always followed.
Customs regulations
When entering Vietnam, certain customs regulations apply. Thus, you can import an unlimited amount of foreign convertible currency into the country, but if the amount exceeds 3,000 US dollars, then the currency must be declared, since no more than the amount that has been declared can be exported from the country.
You can also transport the following goods without paying duty: a maximum of 1.5 liters of strong alcohol or 2 liters of drinks with an alcohol content of maximum 22 degrees; either 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco; 5 kilograms of tea; a maximum of 3 kilograms of coffee, as well as two cans of black or red caviar weighing no more than 100 grams. In addition, other goods are also transported, the total value of which does not exceed 5 million VND (Vietnamese dong).
As in other countries of Southeast Asia, the penalties for attempting to smuggle drugs are the most severe - up to and including the death penalty. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to transport medicines containing narcotic substances without having a doctor’s permission to use them, as well as explosives, firearms, products of a pornographic nature or that offend the local culture.
Current time in Hanoi:
(UTC +7)
Upon arrival, all tourists undergo sanitary and epidemiological control, and also fill out a Health Declaration on board the plane. If, when passing control, the visitor does not show any symptoms of diseases such as AIDS, plague, tuberculosis, cholera, yellow fever and others, then no problems will arise. Otherwise, the tourist will face treatment in one of the local hospitals, and not a full-fledged vacation in Vietnam.
How to get there
Getting to Vietnam from Russia is relatively easy - two airlines operate regular flights, but the list of Russian cities from which you can fly directly to Vietnam is limited to Moscow. But during the tourist season (winter months) charter flights are also carried out from other cities, for example, from Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk.
You can fly directly from Moscow to Hanoi on Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines flights. Aeroflot flies daily, Vietnam Airlines - three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Both Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines operate direct flights from Sheremetyevo Airport to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport. The flight is very long, so passengers are provided with meals twice. Time in the air is 9 and a half hours.
You can also fly to Ho Chi Minh City from Sheremetyevo by Aeroflot without a transfer, on a direct flight. Travel time is approximately the same as to Hanoi.
From Vladivostok, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk you can fly non-stop to the resort town of Nha Trang using S7 aircraft.
Connecting flights
From Russia to Hanoi
- By Emirates airlines from Moscow and St. Petersburg with a transfer in Dubai.
From Russia to Ho Chi Minh City
- Airline " Turkish Airlines» from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Samara and Ufa with a transfer in Istanbul.
- By Thai Airlines from Moscow with a transfer in Bangkok.
- Airline " Air China» from Moscow with a transfer in Beijing.
- By Qatar Airways from Moscow and St. Petersburg with a transfer in Doha.
- By Korean Air airline from Vladivostok, Irkutsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg with a transfer in Seoul (Incheon Airport).
- By Japan Airlines from Moscow with a transfer to Tokyo (Narita Airport).
There are more complex options - with two transfers. However, during airline sales periods it makes sense to take advantage of them due to attractive prices. For example, you can get to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Air France from Moscow and St. Petersburg with transfers in Paris and Bangkok.
It is worth remembering that long flights are associated with a certain risk to the health of passengers who do not tolerate such stress well.
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Climate and weather in Vietnam
To ensure that your holiday in Vietnam is not spoiled by weather conditions, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the climate data for the country. Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, so the humidity is quite high - 84% on average throughout the year. However, the climate often varies markedly depending on the region. This happens due to the difference in latitudes and the relief features of a particular area. The winter dry season, lasting from November to April, is dry only in comparison with the rainy season, since even in these months there is sufficient rainfall, thanks to the monsoon winds blowing from the northeast coast of China. In the southern regions of the country it is quite hot in winter - about 25 degrees, while in the north it is on average 10 degrees colder. The lowest temperatures are in December and January, sometimes reaching just 1 degree above zero. In any case, it is most comfortable in the south of the country, where in any season the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees, and in April - the hottest month - sometimes even reaches 37 degrees.
Average annual rainfall ranges from 1200-3000 millimeters per year, with 90% percent of all rainfall occurring between May and October. At this time, each region of the country receives its share of precipitation, but in the winter months in the south of Vietnam the probability of rain is much less than in the north. It is also worth knowing that at the end of summer and beginning of autumn there comes a time for typhoons, often with truly destructive power.
Cities and regions
Vietnam consists of 59 fairly small provinces, plus there are 4 centrally controlled cities - the cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong and Da Nang. The most economically developed provinces are located in the northeast of the country, which is not so popular among tourists, as well as in the south of the country near Ho Chi Minh City.
Administrative divisions of Vietnam
Provinces of Vietnam
| Laityau Laokai Hau Giang Cao Bang Dien Bien Shonla Yen Bai Tuyen Quang Buck Kan Lang Son Futo Vinh Phuc Thai Nguyen Buck Giang Bac Ninh |
Hai Duong Quang Ninh Hung Yen Haiphong City Thai Binh Ha Nam Nam Dinh Ninh Binh Hoa Binh Thanh Hoa Nghe An Ha Tinh Quang Binh Quang Tri Thua Thien Hue |
Quang Nam Kontum Quang Ngai Zia Lai Binh Dinh Fu Yen Dak Lak Khanh Hoa Dak Nong Lam Dong Ninh Thuan Binh Thuan Binh Phuoc Dong Nai Baria-Vung Tau |
Tay Ninh Binh Duong Long An Tien Giang Dong Thap Vinh Long Benche Kanto Hau Giang Chavin An Giang Sok Trang Bac Lieu Kien Giang Kamau |
Main cities and islands of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's largest city and the country's economic capital. There are a lot of industries developed here; It is estimated that 40% of Vietnamese exports come from Ho Chi Minh City. The city was founded by French colonialists in 1874 (the official founding date is March 15, 1874). Until 1975, the city was called Saigon.
Nha Trang
The city of Nha Trang is the capital of Khanh Hoa province and at the same time the capital of beach holidays in Vietnam. Simply the most popular resort in the country. Nha Trang is home to about 200,000 people, and almost the entire life of local residents is connected with the tourism industry.
Ha Long
Halong is called both a city and a bay. The city itself is nothing special, and the real pearl of this area and all of Vietnam is Halong Bay. This bay is included in the list world heritage UNESCO. Surprisingly, over an area of 1,500 square kilometers, more than 1,600 islands and rocks of various shapes, sometimes very bizarre, are scattered, making the bay more reminiscent of a fairy tale than a real place. It's no surprise that Ha Long Bay is one of the most visited places in Vietnam.
Phu Quoc
The Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand just 15 kilometers from the shores of neighboring Cambodia. The island, whose area reaches 567 square kilometers, is also called the “island of 99 mountains.” Fukuoka has 85,000 employed people for the most part serving tourists or agriculture.
What to see
By following the links in the text, you can get more detailed information about a specific object (description, location on the map, cost entrance tickets, opening hours, ways to get there, photos, reviews from tourists, etc.). If you are interested in the sights of Vietnam in general, without dividing into cities, there is a special section for this.
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
In Ho Chi Minh City you can see many interesting buildings - colonial buildings, Notre Dame Cathedral, Buddhist temples and pagodas, the Presidential Palace, mosques and much more.
In addition, from Ho Chi Minh City itself you can easily get to the neighboring province of Tay Ninh, where many beautiful Cao Dai temples are located, as well as the Mekong Delta region.
As for attractions, in the central part of the city there are several very interesting places for tourists. And if you come to Ho Chi Minh City in the summer, from mid-May to the end of August, you can find "Southern Fruit Festival", held here every year.
Nha Trang
Among the attractions of Nha Trang, one should highlight the Long Son Pagoda, behind which on the top of the hill there is a large stone statue of Buddha seated on a lotus flower. You can also look at the 13th-century Cham towers, which were built during the era of the Champa state. There is also the opportunity to sail with an excursion to Monkey Island, located 12 kilometers away north of the island Hong Che. The excursion includes a cruise around the islands, fishing, visiting the Bajo waterfall, mud and mineral springs, and local craft villages. If you wish, on the island you can visit the Dog and Monkey Circus, the Elephant and Bear Circus and much more.
Ha Long
A mandatory item on the program is a trip on a boat or some other vessel around the islands. At the pier in the city you can find out in detail about all possible routes, which can be both short and long and even include an overnight stay on the ship. A typical excursion includes a visit to a fishing village on one of the islands, a cave, and an island named after German Titov, the famous Soviet cosmonaut who vacationed here in the 70s. You can also go night fishing directly from the boat, which, however, must be booked in advance. But then you can enjoy the taste of your own catch! Popular islands in Ha Long Bay are Tuan Chau and Cat Ba Islands.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc has a large number of beautiful beaches, stretching from the town of Duong Dong to the town of An Thoi. The island has many beautiful hills and mountains covered with tropical forest. In addition, in Phu Quoc you can watch the sunset on the sea, which is not possible in other resorts in Vietnam that face the east.
Vietnam resorts
Tourists in Vietnam, first of all, will be interested in its numerous beaches and warm sea, and only then the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and everything else. There are plenty of resort towns in the country. Of course, not all of them correspond to the European level of quality, equipment and infrastructure. It is noteworthy that resorts stretch along the entire coast of Vietnam - from south island Phu Quoc to the resort of Mong Kai in the north of the country.
The waters of the South China Sea are quite salty - saltier than in the neighboring Gulf of Thailand, but at the same time healthier. At the confluence of rivers (especially the Mekong and Red) the water is fresher.
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Leisure
Transport
Shops and markets
Wellness holiday
Private guides in Vietnam
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Vietnam in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Getting around the country
In Vietnam, you can find and use everything in one quantity or another. modern views transport - from domestic aircraft to intercity buses and taxis. Some of them are very well developed, some are not well developed, but in some cases they can be irreplaceable. In any case, it is possible to get to even remote places in Vietnam, even if you have to make several transfers from one type of transport to another or, say, from one bus route to another.
The following types of transport are developed in the country: air transport, railway transport, buses, water passenger transport and various types of taxis. You can find recommendations for traveling in the country and learn more about each type of Vietnamese transport in our special material “Transport in Vietnam: from a scooter to an airplane.”
Communication
Vietnamese is a member of the Viet Muong group of the Australasian language family and is the mother tongue of the Viet and Kinh people. Neighboring China has had a great influence on the Vietnamese language and culture: two thirds of the words in the Vietnamese language are of Chinese origin.
It is very convenient for tourists that instead of hieroglyphs in the Vietnamese language, the Latin alphabet is used, although with the addition of diacritics to the vowels under or above the letter, which indicate a particular tone. Due to the fact that Vietnamese speech has a huge number of tones and semitones, it is very difficult to perceive it by ear. At the same time, the Vietnamese themselves have problems with the correct pronunciation of European words. It is often very difficult to understand what a Vietnamese person is saying in English.
English is the most common foreign language among local residents, which, however, is not surprising. It is studied at school, at universities, in courses, etc. Also in educational institutions in Vietnam, Chinese is taught - the second most popular foreign language after English. English and Chinese are followed by French, Russian and German, but they are much less common. Thus, Russian is most often known by adults who studied at universities in the USSR, as well as Vietnamese traders who returned from Russia, but their level of language proficiency is very low. Recently, due to the growing number of tourists from Russia in resort areas, local residents are slowly beginning to master the Russian language.
Culture
Vietnamese culture throughout its centuries-old history has been subject to numerous influences from its powerful neighbors or mother country, but each time melting them into something original and unique in its own way. India and China play a special role in the development of Vietnamese culture. China introduced more than half of the words and hieroglyphic writing into the Vietnamese language (replaced by the Latin alphabet in the 20th century), and Confucianism and elements of Taoism into the culture. In addition, in the Middle Ages the influence of Indian culture was noticeable, and subsequently, after the colonization of Vietnam by the French, also French. This was reflected, in particular, in the architecture of many cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City. In the second half of the 20th century, with the communists coming to power, many cultural elements began to be borrowed from the Soviet Union.
Vietnamese literature has a rich history - from ancient folklore, including the legend of the Dragon Sovereign Lac Long Quan, the Muong epic “The Birth of Water and the Birth of the Earth” to books of the 20th century, similar in theme to European literature. In modern times, the most significant writers in the history of Vietnam worked - Nguyen Chai in the 15th century, Nguyen Binh Khiem in the 16th century and Nguyen Du at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries. Nguyen Chai is one of the first major Vietnamese writers, as well as an outstanding statesman and philosopher. Nguyen Binh Khiem was an outstanding poet, close in worldview to Taoism, and Nguyen Du, who wrote the poems “The Lamentations of a Tormented Soul” and “The Story of Kieu,” is as significant a figure in Vietnam as Pushkin in Russia.
Vietnamese folk music is quite original. There can be a surprising number of vocal genres, and among the main musical instruments one can highlight the amazing disc-like guitar, which can be either four or five strings, as well as dan there (three-string guitar), dan ni (violin with only two strings ) and om dit is a Vietnamese bamboo flute.
Theater is popular in Vietnam, presented in several interesting genres. Teo is an ancient folk theater that at one time originated among peasants living in the Red River Delta. Today it exists in Thai Binh and Hai Hung provinces. Theatrical performances include folk music and the use of traditional folklore stories.
Vietnamese opera is called Tuong. Tuong originated in the courtly atmosphere and is considered a high theater genre that combines dance, music, mime, poetry, acrobatic arts and much more. By the way, there are no decorations on the stage, and a heroic character is always at the center of the performance.
Particularly interesting is the water puppet theater, which simply has no analogues in the world. It also originated in the Red River Delta. The dolls move through the water during sunset, and all the action is accompanied by pleasant melodic music. The puppets are controlled by actors standing waist-deep in water, hidden behind a bamboo screen, so that they have the opportunity to observe the puppets. The performances begin with the appearance of a boy doll, Teu, saying: “Hello everyone! I probably don’t need to introduce myself?”
Kitchen
Vietnam is a paradise for foodies. The culinary traditions of this country amaze with their richness and variety of dishes and ingredients. Many recipes were borrowed from China, India and France, but in no case can we say that Vietnamese cuisine is a clone of any of them.
The use of a variety of sauces and seasonings is common in Vietnamese cuisine. In dishes prepared, by the way, only from fresh ingredients, seasonings from garlic, onion and ginger root are often added, as well as purely Vietnamese sauces “nuoc mam” and “nuoc cham”. Various herbs and even bamboo are very popular in Vietnam, the young shoots of which are readily eaten.
The most popular foods used in Vietnamese cuisine are rice, seafood, pork, noodles, herbs and more.
It is especially worth paying attention to rice. This crop is one of the symbols of all of Southeast Asia, and Vietnam is the second largest exporter of rice in the world. In addition, Vietnam refused to grow genetically modified rice, so there is no doubt about the quality of the product. In every Vietnamese family, rice is the main dish on the table, but besides this, it is part of countless of the most amazing and original recipes.
Vegetarian cuisine is also developed in Vietnam, which is explained primarily by Buddhist gastronomic traditions. Vietnamese non-meat dishes include rice with fried dou fu bean curd and rau vegetables. In general, soybeans and products made from it in Vietnamese cuisine replace dairy products, which are practically not used among the Vietnamese. There is, for example, a special soy milk called sya-dau-nan. Soy sauce is very popular.
Various fruits that grow in abundance in Vietnam are widely used. These are coconuts, durian, guava, lemons, lychee, Java apple, Siamese persimmon, papaya, rambutan and many other exotic fruits.
As for meat dishes, the Vietnamese usually eat the familiar beef, pork and poultry. Various insects or reptiles are now considered rare delicacies that are not served in any restaurant.
In general, Vietnamese cuisine is rich in exotic meats. For example, you can try boa constrictor meat, which is considered extremely healthy. Or try a snake dish, which is a whole ritual-like action that can truly shock the especially impressionable. The waiter makes a small incision on the still living snake, then removes the heart from it and drains the blood. The person who ordered the dish eats a beating snake heart and drinks rice vodka mixed with snake blood. Afterwards, vodka is used, mixed with snake bile. After some time, the finished dish is served - snake meat, fried with spices and nuts. The head of the snake is cut off during cooking so that the poison cannot get into the dish.
Other exotic dishes include dishes made from field rats, dogs, cats (although there is an official ban on their use) and many other amazing ingredients.
Purchases
Shopping is an essential part of any vacation. In some places it is so developed that there seems to be nowhere to develop further, and in other places, in terms of purchases, things are not going well. Vietnam is somewhere in the middle, with a tilt towards the first group. Shopping here is not at the same level as in neighboring Thailand, but with the growing number of tourists, there are compelling reasons for quality development. Moreover, Vietnam has a lot to offer its guests.
Connection
For calls to other countries in Vietnam there are special call centers, as well as street payphones. Hotel residents have the opportunity to make calls directly from there, but this is quite expensive.
The international code for Vietnam is 84.
- To call from Vietnam to Russia you need to dial: 007 - area code - subscriber number
- For calls from Russia to Vietnam you need to dial: 8-10-84 - area code - subscriber number
Major city codes
- Hanoi - 4
- Ho Chi Minh City - 8
- Haiphong - 32
- Da Nang - 511
- Hue - 54
There are no problems with cellular communications, since all three largest companies have agreements with Vietnamese companies Russian operators- MTS, Beeline and Megafon. Vietnamese operators: MobiFone, VinaFone, S-Fone, G-Tel, Vietnamobile, Viettel Mobile. A SIM card from a Vietnamese operator costs about $5, which includes 30 minutes of talk time.
You need to be careful if you are dealing with local “priestesses of love”, who are often not averse to profiting from their clients’ wallets. Foreigners can only gamble in special establishments, and an attempt to involve local residents in them can result in criminal prosecution. Anything related to drugs - storage, distribution, use - is punished especially severely. In this case, the most severe punishments are applied, up to and including the death penalty. This is a traditional practice in Southeast Asian countries.
Tourists should exercise discretion while on vacation. In particular, this applies to drinking alcohol, since an “overdone” tourist in Vietnam can easily get into trouble, become a victim of robbery, etc. When swimming, you should watch out for the ocean surf, which can become a source of danger. Between September and November, Vietnam is frequently hit by typhoons and severe flooding in some areas of the country.
As for health issues, before arriving in Vietnam you need to take care of the issue of obtaining health insurance (regular or extended). You can also pay a fee to International SOS and use their medical services at their offices in Vietnam. The address in Hanoi is 31 Hai Ba Trung in the central part of the city. Phone - 9340555.
In the Vietnamese province, sanitary conditions are not very good - both in local hospitals and in hotels. Doctors' services are paid almost everywhere only in cash, and treatment under insurance policies is carried out only in some metropolitan clinics. However, it is worth noting that prices in Vietnam are lower than in neighboring Thailand.
You need to be careful when ordering Vietnamese cuisine, which is quite unusual for Europeans due to its spiciness, abundance of spices and exotic products. If you overestimate your strength, then problems with the stomach and intestines are likely.
Where to stay
Vietnam will delight all visitors with a large selection of accommodation options - there are not just many hotels and guesthouses, but also a wide range of prices, and the level of service is quite high. In addition, Vietnamese hotels have a unique Asian flavor that adds color to the entire vacation. In total, there are approximately 11 thousand hotels in Vietnam, but they do not experience a serious shortage of guests.
Cheap accommodation options are 2- and 3-star hotels, which are of the same quality as Turkish 3- and 4-star hotels, so many experts rightly note that the class of Vietnamese hotels is somewhat underrated. 2-star hotels are usually located in old 4-6-story buildings, well decorated inside. The rooms have a bath or shower with hot water, air conditioning, satellite TV and even a minibar. three-star hotels occupy more modern and larger buildings, and the level of service and equipment in them is quite high. Prices in hotels of 2 and 3 star categories are approximately 15-40 dollars per night.
Even more budget option are guesthouses, prices in which are often below 10 dollars, and their number is in tourist places truly huge. In Ho Chi Minh City, for example, many guesthouses and cheap hotels can be found in Pham Nu Lao, considered a backpacker's area. True, it is not a fact that cheap guesthouses and hotels will have hot water.
In resort cities, in particular in Nha Trang, accommodation will most likely cost more than in the capitals. Many tourists come to these cities who have little understanding of the intricacies of the Vietnamese tour business and, moreover, are able to easily part with large sums of money. For such tourists, there are luxury 4 and 5 star hotels with their own swimming pools, private beaches, etc.
For more budget-conscious Vietnamese beachgoers, there are plenty of bungalows available. True, the amenities in them are minimal, and besides, if the walls of the bungalow are bamboo, then mosquitoes can fly inside through the existing cracks. However, anti-mosquito ointments may well correct the situation. In any case, the most vivid memories of a holiday in Vietnam almost always remain!
Vietnam is one of the “rice civilizations” with ancient Buddhist temples lost in the jungle, underground guerrilla tunnels and a rich colonial heritage, perfectly preserved from French times. Vietnam is the Thailand of 20 years ago, not yet trampled by millions of tourists. “Fun, bright, inexpensive” - this is how you can describe local resort life in three words. Incendiary discos until the morning, forbidden pleasures, excellent shopping, unimaginable exotic dishes... Or a relaxing holiday with children, romantic sunsets, mountain hikes and best photos as a keepsake. You choose what you like.
How to get there?
It takes approximately 9 hours to fly from Moscow to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City on regular Aeroflot or Vietnam Airlines flights. And this is the only point that can confuse beach lovers in winter. Our fellow citizens do not need a visa to Vietnam. And if you want to see more in one trip, it’s logical to combine a vacation in Vietnam with a visit to neighboring countries - China, Laos, Cambodia, Burma or Thailand. Where is the best place to relax? More on that later.
Which resort should you choose?
If you fly now or in the coming months, then a rain-free holiday is most likely in the south and center of the country. This popular resorts: Phu Quoc Island, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Da Nang. Focus on flights to Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, depending on the chosen resort. January and February are “velvet” months, it’s comfortable to relax, the air and water are +25...+28 °C. In March and April it is hot and dry, the temperature is +30…+35 °C. In the summer months, it is better to choose resorts in Northern Vietnam with a flight to Hanoi. And now we will briefly describe the most popular and rated resorts in the country, where you should go first.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang and its antipode Phan Thiet top the rating of preferences of Russian tourists. Nha Trang Bay takes an honorable 29th place in the world ranking of the most beautiful resort bays. Nha Trang (Russians from the Far East say “nishtiang”) is growing and developing rapidly, new hotels of international hotel chains appear every year. Many restaurants, shops, colorful markets, a beautiful resort promenade. You won't be bored. After or instead of the beach, you can go on a boat to the neighboring islands - see the monkeys or hang out for the whole day in an amusement park. Temple complexes, Buddha statues, pagodas are the cultural component of the resort. And you can improve your health in local mud baths and thermal baths. Nha Trang has a lot of European youth, decent clubs with trendy DJs, a good choice inexpensive alcohol. A few disadvantages: most hotels are on the second line; Locals come to the city beach, which is used by most tourists, in the late afternoon; after work, they like to relax here with their children. And in the summer months there are many jellyfish near the shore.
Phan Thiet
The complete opposite of Nha Trang. Relaxed, democratic, inexpensive. Most of the hotels are two- or three-story cottages on the shore, comfortably hidden in palm groves. Here everyone smiles at each other, there is no crowd on the beaches, only the sea, the sun and a light, fresh breeze. If flip-flops (aka “flip-flops”), shorts and a white Panama hat are your style of relaxation, but you want to forget about the dress code at least for a while, this is definitely the place for you. Tourists come with children because it is inexpensive, sandy beaches and the entrance to the water is gentle. Couples find romantic sunsets and time to be alone in Phan Thiet. Lovers of large portions of seafood with ice-cold beer will find relaxation here, and local masseuses will make you see “the sky in diamonds” with their little hands. There are no particularly interesting attractions in Phan Thiet and the surrounding area. Tourists tired of the sun prefer to dilute their idle lying on the sand with water sports. And the downside is perhaps the only one. From the nearest airport in Ho Chi Minh City, it will take 5-6 hours to get to the resort by bus or taxi.
Mui Ne
A neighbor of Phan Thiet, this resort is loved by amateurs active rest. Thanks to the constant wind, there is an ideal wave for surfers and kiters and several dozen specialized schools with professional instructors. The prices are tolerable: an hour of windsurfing costs about $50, kitesurfing costs $70. Many speak Russian, and there are several establishments where you will be treated to borscht and dumplings. True, prices at the resort are higher than in Phan Thiet, again thanks to the large number of our tourists. On the central street of Mui Ne you will find spas and massage parlors, cafes and souvenir shops.
Phu Quoc
An island resort in the very south of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand, just 15 km from the coast of Cambodia. Taking into account the size of the island (the largest big Island Vietnam is the size of Singapore) there is room to expand here. Active tourists choose trekking through the jungle, kayaking and canoeing, walks through numerous gardens and parks, and excursions to pearl factories. And diving in coastal waters is considered the most interesting and inexpensive in the country. But most importantly natural wealth The islands have luxurious sandy beaches stretching for many kilometers. There are still very few tourists on the island, although the infrastructure is rapidly developing. Hotels, casinos, golf courses, shopping and entertainment complexes are being built, new airport. But today it is still calm, clean and yet inexpensive resort. Best place You won’t find anything for a quiet family or romantic holiday in Vietnam.
Vung Tau
A popular family resort 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is almost as large and famous as Nha Trang, but it’s stormy night life missing here. But in the evening you can while away the time in bars with live music, which is very rare for Vietnam. The beaches are wide and sandy, in the former villas of the French aristocracy there are now restaurants and guest houses. The choice of hotels is also decent, for every taste and budget. Buddhist temples, pagodas, parks, a former royal residence, caves and underground tunnels - there is where to walk and what to see. There are two disadvantages: petty theft on the beaches and the presence of oil drilling platforms in the water area.
Con Dao
“Let’s catch up and overtake Thai Phuket!” – this is roughly how one can voice the ambitions of the Vietnamese tourism authorities on the islands of this archipelago in the South China Sea. The first description of the islands belongs to Marco Polo, and Con Son (the old name of Con Dao) received its notorious fame thanks to the most terrible prison for political prisoners in Vietnam. Today it is a young resort with beautiful beaches and the best Six Senses hotel complex. Most of the island is occupied National Park, many interesting dive sites and fishing spots.
Dalat
A popular international mountain resort in the south of the country, 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City. These places, with their mild climate and natural beauty, resemble French Alps. And it was built during the French colonization of Indochina as a mountain refuge from the sweltering heat. It is cooler here than on the coast, and daytime temperatures, even in the hottest summer months, do not exceed 25 °C, and at night drop to a comfortable 15 °C. From November to April is the dry season, it is better to come at this time. Dalat can be compared to Ubud in Balinese. Here are the best spas and massage parlors in the country, and also offer several options for treatment and healing using traditional oriental methods. These are acupuncture, Vietnamese herbal massage, Indian massage, Tibetan practices of facial and body massage with warm basalt stones. And Dalat has the best themed restaurants serving Vietnamese and French cuisine. As souvenirs, tourists buy the famous Luwak coffee (a palm marten has already feasted on its beans), artichoke tea, ceramic dishes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and premium quality silk products. It’s logical to combine Dalat with a holiday on the beaches of Nha Trang and a few nights in Ho Chi Minh City.
Danang and Hoi An
Most Popular seaside resorts Central Vietnam. Best season for a beach holiday - March and April. Da Nang has a modern international Airport, the city is the fourth largest and industrial center of Vietnam. Nevertheless, it is very picturesque, there are several nearby good beaches, including the famous China Beach - a place for youth hangouts and surfing stations. And 40 km away is the cozy town of Hoi An with a huge number of temples, pagodas, art salons, silk and souvenir shops. This is a museum city, with only 844 officially registered historical monument. Here you should try authentic Vietnamese cuisine and inexpensively replenish your summer wardrobe with handmade silk items, literally sewn in front of you. The ancient imperial capital of the country, the city of Hue, is a place of pilgrimage for tourists, history buffs and adventurers a la Indiana Jones, located a few hours away by car from Da Nang.
Halong and Haiphong
Ha Long Bay is very beautiful and unusual place in the north of Vietnam. From Hanoi it takes 3-4 hours (150 km) by bus or taxi. If you've seen James Cameron's film Avatar, the cliffs of Ha Long will remind you of the floating boulders of the planet Pandora. Only in Ha Long do they strangely stick out from the turquoise waters of the bay. The best way to spend a few days in Ha Long is on board a wooden cruise ship. So you can bathe to your heart's content in warm and clean water, visit the most beautiful and interesting places, buy authentic souvenirs in floating village, go down into the mysterious caves on the shore and take the best selfies of your life. And don’t forget to try the local delicacy – sweet and sour fish baked in sugar. Ha Long is also famous as the filming location for the films “Indochina” starring Catherine Deneuve and “Tomorrow Never Dies” with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Haiphong is a cozy resort town not far from Halong. It is reminiscent of Hanoi twenty years ago with its clean flower-filled boulevards, colonial houses and leisurely pace of life. In addition to good shopping, the city has many temples, inexpensive restaurants, and a decent zoo. The proximity to Hanoi makes it easy to visit Halong and Haiphong in one trip, along with a few days' stop in the capital.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
A description of the resorts will be incomplete without mentioning the main cities of Vietnam, which are usually visited by almost all tourists, because they are also the air gates of the country. These cities are definitely worth attention and at least a short introductory visit.
Hanoi is the capital of the country. This city will not leave anyone indifferent: old French houses are surrounded by greenery, and two steps around the corner there are ancient temples. Halt a rickshaw and ride along the city boulevards, and in the evening catch a performance at the Theater on the Water. Have dinner at a national restaurant, and the next morning go take a photo at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, look into the Temple of Literature and be amazed at the elegance of the One Pillar Pagoda and throw a coin into the Lake of the Returned Sword. And if you have time and energy left, go for a while to the mountains to the former French resort of Sapa. In one day in Sapa you can feel all four seasons, enjoy natural beauty, see the unique Tafin Underwater Palace and the Thac Bak Silver Waterfall. And the bravest and most resilient will be able to climb the highest peak of Indochina, Mount Fansipan (3,143 m).
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as locals and American tourists usually call it, - main city South Vietnam. Saigon is interesting during the day and does not sleep at night. Colonial buildings from the last century coexist peacefully with skyscrapers, shopping centers and office buildings. You'll be impressed by the former Presidential Palace, and you can buy interesting finds from local designers on Dong Hoi Boutique Street. Military history buffs will be interested in descending into the guerrilla tunnels of Cu Chi, while families with children will appreciate a river cruise along the Mekong with lunch and a visit to a snake nursery. And in the evening it’s so nice to admire the bright lights and life boiling below, while sipping a cocktail or a cool beer at the hotel’s rooftop bar. And with renewed vigor, go in search of “adult” night adventures after an invigorating foot massage. In terms of the number and density of bars, discos, and entertainment on the edge, Saigon is not inferior to Bangkok.
Vietnam is one of the oldest countries in Asia. The state is located in the eastern part of the Indochina Peninsula. Vietnam has a favorable geographical position: A narrow strip of the country's territory extends from north to south along the coast of Bakbo Bay and the South China Sea. Vietnam's neighbors are Laos and Cambodia in the west, China in the north.
The first mentions of Vietnam date back to the second millennium BC. But legends say that the Vietnamese are the descendants of the dragon emperor Lac Long and the fairy bird Au Co, who fell in love with each other with unearthly love. To this day, Vietnam has preserved its original culture with ancient temples and thousand-year-old traditions. In the same time Russian tourists Much in this country may seem painfully familiar - from red flags to pioneers in ties. True, socialism does not prevent Vietnam from being very attractive tourist destination. Amazing nature, magnificent beaches, a rich excursion program, modern comfortable hotels and amazing friendliness towards travelers from Russia - not every country can boast of such a set of tourist advantages, but Vietnam has it all.
Capital |
Hanoi |
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Population |
90.5 million people |
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Population density |
273 people/km² |
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Vietnamese |
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Religion |
local animistic beliefs (80.8%), Buddhism (9.3%), Catholicism (6.7%) |
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Form of government |
one-party unitary socialist republic |
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Vietnamese dong |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Domain zone |
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Electricity |
220V or 110V, 50 Hz |
Climate and weather
A pleasant feature of Vietnam’s climate is that at any time of the year you can find a place in the country where the weather will be truly resort-like.
The best place to relax in the south of Vietnam from December to April. At this time, the weather here is mild and pleasant without the aggressive sun. The air temperature varies from +21 °C in January to + 30 °C in April. Rain season begins in May and lasts almost until October: sudden heavy rains occur almost every day, but do not last more than 15-20 minutes.
It is optimal to go to the central part of the country in March - June. The fact is that from July to November there are frequent typhoons, rains and fogs, and in the winter months the sea is very choppy. But in spring the weather is comfortable (on average +26 °C) and there is a lot of sun.
The north of Vietnam has humid, hot summers and cool winters (+15 °C). Frosts in winter occur only in the mountains. The rainy season runs from May to October, so the ideal time to visit the northern regions of the country is April-May and October-November, when there is almost no rainfall and the sea water is warm.
Nature
The landscape of Vietnam is very picturesque. It is a country of mountain ranges and hills that give way to spacious plains with lush vegetation. The most high mountain in Vietnam - Fansipan(3145 meters). The river delta is an amazingly beautiful place Mekong And Hongha. The Vietnamese believe that this is where all life on earth originated.
Vietnam is famous for its forests - fragrant evergreen jungles. Valuable trees grow here: sandalwood, brown lim tree, bamboo, ironwood and mahogany. Of the beneficial plants, cardamom, anise, cinnamon and, of course, ginseng occupy a special place.
One cannot help but admire the wildlife of Vietnam. Here you can find elephants and rhinoceroses, wild cats and leopards, tigers, bears, antelopes, wild bulls and deer. The jungle is home to numerous subspecies of monkeys, lemurs, and panthers. The country is home to about 400 species of birds and many species of reptiles. Every year in Vietnam, scientists discover new subspecies of animals, fish and birds, and even, what is especially interesting, animals that were considered extinct long ago.
Attractions
There is a lot to see in Vietnam. Worthy of admiration and temple complexes ancient civilizations, and the most beautiful National parks, and even architectural monuments of the socialist era. It’s interesting to visit not only the capital of Vietnam Hanoi, but also in Ho Chi Minh City and in the city-museum Hoi An, at resorts Dalat, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet.
The ancient capitals of Vietnam deserve special attention. This is, first of all, a city Hue on the shore Fragrant River, where the imperial palaces and other architectural structures were restored. Attract travelers and such former capitals, How Koloa, Meling, Hoyles. In total, there are 12 ancient capitals in Vietnam, each of which has an interesting history and many interesting sights.
Modern capital of the country Hanoi, or Thang Long(“the city of the soaring dragon”), is famous not only for the historical vicissitudes of the struggle for independence. Such architectural masterpieces as Temple of the Turtle, which is located in the middle of the lake Hoan Kiem(“lake of the returned sword”), and the pagoda Chua Mot Cat("One Pillar Pagoda"), the original of which was built in 1049. Tourists from all over the world are eager to see Hanoi Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh- one of four mausoleums in the world where visitors are allowed access. The mausoleum is very similar to the Moscow one, but the Vietnamese structure is much grander.
There are many picturesque places in Vietnam, but the true delight of travelers is the pearl of Vietnamese nature - the bay. Ha Long(“Landing Dragon Bay”), which many call the eighth wonder of the world. On the crystal clear surface of the sea there are about 1,600 islands of the most incredible shapes: a stone frog, an old fisherman, a vase for incense sticks. On the rocky islands there are beautiful caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
Nutrition
On post-Soviet space Vietnamese cuisine gained a dubious reputation due to the notorious “aroma” of fried herring that permeated the dormitories where Vietnamese students lived. Meanwhile, in reality, Vietnamese culinary traditions provide the preparation of fresh and healthy food, although it may seem unusual in taste to a European. The most important gastronomic difference between Vietnam and other Asian countries is that the products here are not subject to long-term heat treatment, and in addition, little fat is used in the cooking process.
The basis of Vietnamese cuisine is rice (“ com"), noodles (" mi") and a variety of seafood. In general, the Vietnamese are omnivores in their culinary preferences, so here you can try fried grasshoppers, monkey brains, and bird’s nest soup. But still more familiar to a Russian traveler will be such national dishes as eel soup, rice noodle pancakes, green soup “pho”, boiled beef with bamboo shoots and cinnamon “ bo ho ku».
There are many restaurants in Vietnam where you can enjoy Chinese, Indian, Thai and European cuisine. An important plus for tourists is that in Vietnam you can expect relatively low food costs. In large cities, for $8-10 you can have a hearty dinner in a restaurant (along with coffee and beer), and during the day it’s not difficult to find a place where a hearty lunch costs $4-5.
Accommodation
In Vietnam, there is no official system for assessing the level of service in hotels. But for convenience, the European five-star hotel classification system is still used, however, you need to understand that the declared category does not always objectively correspond to the real state of affairs. For example, not every 4-star hotel has a restaurant, and instead of air conditioning, there is often only a fan in the room. However, there is no need to worry, since the hotels of global hotel operators, of which there are many in Vietnam, comply with generally accepted service standards.
Every year more and more comfortable hotels are built in the country. However, demand often exceeds supply, although there are more than 200 hotels in the 3-5* categories in Vietnam. Breakfast, by the way, is not always included in the price.
In the south of Vietnam - at resorts Phan Thiet, Da Lat, Nha Trang- the most popular hotels and the highest cost of living. There are also high-quality tourist complexes, and family half boards, and guest houses with a basic set of services. You can save on accommodation by coming here in the off-season - in July and August.
There are not many 4-5* hotels in the central part of Vietnam and the north of the country. The exception is cities Hanoi And Ho Chi Minh City, where the hotel base boasts luxury hotels.
If you are traveling independently and do not consider luxury accommodation a priority, you can big city find a budget hotel, guest house or private apartment. If you want to stay at luxury hotel, we recommend that you make a reservation in advance.
Entertainment and relaxation
Vietnam invariably delights its guests with a variety of entertainment: from water sports to nightclubs and casinos. In this country you can ride elephants, bask on beautiful beaches, visit crocodile farms, go sea fishing and diving. A real highlight of the entertainment is going to partisan camps. Cu Chi Tunnels.
If you are lucky enough to attend one of the colorful Vietnamese festivals and holidays, the impressions will last for a long time. In Ho Chi Minh City you can visit the " Southern Fruit Festival", in Da Nang - on fireworks festival, in Nha Trang they arrange maritime festival , and bullfights take place in Doshon.
In Vietnam, diving is very affordable, and the level of dive organization is decent. The country has many interesting dive sites. The best dive sites are considered Hoi An, Nha Trang Phu Quoc And Con Dao. There you can see corals, cuttlefish, octopuses, barracudas, clams, moray eels, squids and even puffer fish and manta rays. And diving at the archipelago Con Dao, you can meet dugongs (sea cows) and large green turtles.
The beaches of Vietnam have snow-white sand and clear water. No wonder the central and southern regions countries are called " Vietnamese Hawaii" The best beaches in Southeast Asia are located here.
Purchases
Vietnam has an incredibly wide range of souvenirs and gifts. At the same time, prices are the most affordable in the region. Trade is thriving both in small souvenir shops and in modern shopping centers Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The top shopping list in Vietnam should include items made from natural silk, crafts made from rare wood, gold and silver jewelry, items made from stone, metal and bone. We advise you to focus on specialized stores if you want to purchase high-quality silk, silver, and pearls. Ceramics are best bought in the suburbs of Hanoi Bat Chang, where there are many workshops producing porcelain dishes. And the best pearls are bought on the island Phu Quoc. Be sure to also pay attention to green tea and coffee.
As a rule, shops are open daily from 07:30 to 17:30, but many are open until late in the evening.
In government stores, prices are fixed, but in private shops and markets it is recommended to bargain, even if you see a price tag - know that this is only a starting point for bargaining.
Currency can be exchanged at a bank, hotel or exchange office. The first option is the most profitable, but banks are open for a limited time. Under no circumstances agree to offers of profitable currency exchange from passers-by - there is a risk of becoming a victim of scammers.
Plastic cards MasterCard, Visa, American Express And JCB You can pay in all big and small cities where there are tourists. But to places remote from tourist areas it is better to take cash with you.
Transport
It is convenient to travel between cities in Vietnam by bus. There are two varieties: Big Bus(with air conditioning and seat according to ticket) and Mini Bus(no air conditioning and fixed seat).
Functions well water transport. Thousands of private boats, coasters and boats cruise along the coast and lakes. The cost of the trip in most cases is negotiable and agreed with the captain of the ship.
The most convenient way to get around in cities is by taxi, motorcycle and pedicabs. Although bus transport is present, it operates irregularly, and the confusing system of stops is not very attractive to travelers. But the fare is only about $0.1.
Traveling by taxi is, of course, more expensive, but they are always available and are paid strictly according to the meter readings. Companies such as: Vina(yellow cars) and Mai Linh(green cars): taxi salons are always kept clean and air conditioned. Taxi fares are the same for the capital and the province; the price is approximately $0.6 per kilometer.
Remember that payment for travel on bicycles and auto-rickshaws must be agreed in advance. Don't be afraid to bargain, otherwise the price will be significantly higher. In general, the reward for 15 minutes of travel should not exceed $1.
Connection
You can call anywhere in the world from a hotel, internet cafe, post office or mobile phone. mobile connection, by the way, is absolutely accessible. You just need to purchase a SIM card from one of the local operators ( Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone). You can top up your account using prepaid cards (sold at any kiosk, store or post office). Keep in mind that calling from a hotel is several times more expensive than calling from a mobile phone.
Internet access services in the country are provided by the company " Internet Vietnam" Internet access is available in large hotels, Internet cafes and post offices. Prices for services are quite affordable and, as a rule, do not exceed $0.5.
Safety
Vietnam is quite safe to travel, even if you are moving around the country on your own. There is no religious fanaticism or racial prejudice here; Vietnam is one of the ten safest places in Eurasia.
The main problem facing tourists here is petty theft. Therefore, you should carefully monitor your personal belongings, especially in crowded places. Do not carry large sums of money with you. It is better to leave valuables in the hotel safe. Avoid riding rickshaws after dark.
A separate “headache” is the intrusiveness of local residents, who are constantly trying to sell something, stopping tourists right on the move. Do not give in to persuasion under any circumstances - not only will you receive a low-quality product at an inflated price, but in place of one, a whole crowd of new “sellers” will immediately appear. In addition, you can run into real scammers.
From a health point of view, maintain good personal hygiene and do not buy food from street stalls. We recommend drinking only bottled water.
There is no need to get vaccinated before traveling to Vietnam - there are no raging infections in the country.
Business climate
Just a couple of decades ago, the prospect of starting a business in Vietnam would hardly have seemed reasonable to a Russian entrepreneur. But times are changing, and these days Vietnam is beginning to attract foreign investors.
Although Vietnam is a country with a market socialist economy, the state practically does not interfere in the affairs of enterprises of various forms of ownership, unless these are strategic industries. Enterprises with 100% foreign capital are already allowed.
Positive factors for opening a business in Vietnam include stability political situation, low labor costs and a warm climate that does not require additional costs for space heating. On the other hand, transporting goods to, say, Russia is not very cheap.
Therefore, most often foreign investors invest money not in production, but in the construction of tourist facilities, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
In general, opening a business in Vietnam is not very easy. In terms of the complexity of obtaining licenses and the simplicity of the procedure for opening a company, Vietnam ranks 99th in the world. But for a foreigner, given the assistance of local authorities to foreign investments, the process may not be very painful. However, you should not expect easy and quick profits. Patience is the main thing you need to stock up on when starting a business in Vietnam, according to experienced investors.
Real estate
Vietnam, as a country with a dynamically developing economy and tourist attractiveness, is bringing its real estate market to the world stage. But for foreigners, the laws are such that they can only purchase apartments here. In this case, the following conditions must be met: marriage with a Vietnamese citizen, permanent residence in the country, investment in the Vietnamese economy. The purchased apartment can only be used for the owner’s residence, that is, it cannot be rented out. Let us add that an apartment can be purchased for a period of 50 years, after which time it will have to be sold or donated.
Therefore, investments are considered optimal not in private housing, but in construction commercial real estate in the tourism sector. The fact is that now the demand for comfortable hotel complexes in Vietnam exceeds supply. Until the situation changes, such investments promise high returns in the near future.
When planning a trip to Vietnam, remember customs regulations. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency, but amounts over $3,000 must be declared: only what has been declared is allowed to be exported. It is prohibited to export national currency.
You can import 400 cigarettes or 0.5 kg of tobacco, 3 kg of coffee, 1.5 liters of strong alcohol or 2 liters of low-alcohol drinks, as well as 5 kg of tea. All equipment must be declared, otherwise it cannot be exported without paying customs duties. Be sure to pay attention to the list of items prohibited for import into the country: firearms, explosives, pornography, as well as drugs and drug-containing medications without a doctor’s prescription. The last point is very serious, since violation of the ban is punishable by up to the death penalty! In addition, you cannot export antiques, jewelry and art objects without permits.
Before entering a Buddhist temple, do not forget to leave your shoes outside the threshold and do not turn your back to the temple when leaving it. Photographing temples and local residents is only possible with permission, which usually requires a fee.
Vietnam is known throughout the world for its luxurious tourism conditions. The excellent location has made the country an ideal resort for a summer holiday; almost every part except the central one has a sea. In addition, the weather is good and pleasant all year round. And this is without even talking about a unique culture closely associated with the East, but with a pronounced identity and unique features. Arriving in Vietnam, you can not only get the most out of your trip, but also enjoy a real journey by walking through old temples or wonderful natural attractions. Any potential tourist should pay special attention to the hospitality with which Vietnam welcomes guests; citizens of the Russian Federation can even enter without a visa for a vacation of more than two weeks.
Vietnam largely lives on the incredible flow of tourists who come to the sea every year. Therefore, here you can find a lot of entertainment and recreational places that are aimed mainly at visitors. For everyone, this is a mutual benefit, you only get hospitality from the local population and a bunch of interesting places for yourself, and the locals earn good money and have a decent income from vacationers. If you take a closer look at the advantages that you will get in Vietnam, you can easily understand that this is an excellent option for a tour trip. But having already started choosing a specific point in such a large country, the choice will not be so simple. Most of Vietnam's territory is washed by the sea, and virtually every such city has a tourist focus. There are many nuances that need to be taken into account before choosing a particular resort. Everything largely depends on the part of Vietnam you go to.
The differences between the areas are based on the location of the territory, for example, the Southern part and the Northern part, but in fact for the traveler the difference will be important in the characteristics of the weather and local attractions that you can see there. These main points are worth paying attention to, as they are the most important in Vietnam. For example, at the same time in the country in one city it will constantly rain and the sky will be more often overcast with clouds, while in another part of Vietnam it will rain half as often and will not interfere with relaxation on the beach at all. Somewhere the sea will be warmer, somewhere calmer.
You need to pay attention to whether the climate you are going to is suitable for you, whether you can relax there calmly, whether the water is warm enough for you, or whether you can engage in active water sports here. You can learn more about this here; below we will try to characterize the most popular resort cities in Vietnam, and explain to you why they are so famous among others and why they attract tourists.
TOP 6 best resorts in Vietnam
You will learn about this city first of all, since it is the capital of Vietnam. But if you want to enjoy the sea, you won’t be able to do that here; the main city is located where there are no sea shores. But I'm still focused here main life countries. Hanoi will still be of interest to any tourist and is definitely worth getting to know. It combines the old era and modern world. On the streets of the city you can easily notice the combination of old Asia with modern progress, which now shouts from all the walls.
Such an interesting mixture is fascinating. Therefore, if you are going through the capital to another part of Vietnam on vacation, then stay here for a while and spend time walking along the streets of this interesting city. The most tempting thing here will be visiting the sights that contain ancient history. It’s even worth visiting a few excursions and getting to know the world of Vietnam better.
If you decide to go here on your trip, you will be able to thoroughly learn how the modern East lives; the city is quite large and progressive, but, like other capitals, it has something to boast about. Any season is suitable for visiting, since the weather is average all year round, even February is quite warm, the rainy season occurs in the summer.
This bay has already become famous throughout the world, one of the contenders for not being included in the new list of world wonders. And it didn’t get this status in vain; the place is truly amazing. Natural conditions The people here are simply unique, you can only get this impression here. For tourists, everything here is already well equipped for tourists; here you can rent a hotel room not only on one of the islands with beautiful view, but also literally live on the water in one of the ships. Here you will definitely find something to do, you can kayak, climb islands, see caves and just admire the beauty around, this will be simply heavenly for any person.
Another resort that is not so famous for its summer vacation, how much abundance interesting places. For Vietnam, it is an important cultural center throughout their history, it used to be an imperial capital, and today it is rather famous on an educational scale. Now you can get acquainted with its main places and see the sights live with a very interesting story. Although if you want to get out to the sea, it is quite easy to do so, since the nearest shore is 12 km from the city.
You will be surprised, but in Vietnam there is also a holiday among the mountains; it is the area of the city of Sapa that is closest to them. In general, this city was founded as a French colony, later they were mainly engaged in agriculture, but now it is a developed place on a tourist scale. It has its own tempting flavor, which attracts tourists who are not so fond of beach holidays. Therefore, if you are more interested in experiencing culture and enjoying the beauty of nature, then Sapa will be the ideal destination for you.
This city not only aims to entertain tourists, but is also involved in the country's large industrial economy. In Vietnam, it ranks third in size, and although it does not have such a large influx among visitors, the Vietnamese themselves often go on vacation to Da Nang. Among many experts, it is here that beach holidays have been recognized as well-equipped and attractive when considering the quality of the beaches. Therefore, a Russian tourist should not ignore this city if you want have a relaxing holiday on the seashore.
This city is very famous among the kings of beach holidays. Everything here is filled with the atmosphere of an exotic holiday by the sea in Vietnam, which is what most tourists love so much. Here you will meet not only a new oriental culture, but also a pleasant tropical holiday. It was this incredible tandem that put Vietnam at a high level among countries to visit. Haivn will delight you with beaches, sun and heat, which you can get in abundance here.
Author of the publication
I am interested in hiking and traveling, photography and videography.
I have been going hiking since childhood. The whole family went and went - sometimes to the sea, then to the river, to the lake, to the forest. There was a time when we spent a whole month in the forest. We lived in tents and cooked over fires. This is probably why I am still drawn to the forest and, in general, to nature.
I travel regularly. About three trips a year for 10-15 days and many 2 and 3 day hikes.
