The southeast Asian nation of Vietnam features ancient temples, tall mountains, beautiful beaches and a warm climate. Visitors can see a variety of exotic animals, such as tigers, crocodiles and elephants. If you decide to visit Vietnam, you will also experience the unique culture of the Vietnamese people and enjoy their excellent cuisine.
Mountains
Vietnam’s northern and central regions offer numerous mountains with dense forests to explore. The tallest mountain is called Fan Si Pan; it is located in northern Vietnam. Fan Si Pan reaches a height of 10,306 feet, according to the Britannica encyclopedia. On the eastern coast, mountains meet the sea and create spectacular scenery.
Seashore
A long coastline on the South China Sea frequently attracts foreign visitors to Vietnam. Encarta indicates that the eastern coast extends a total of 2,140 miles. Many tourists favor the mountainside beaches of Nha Trang and Da Nang. The summer months typically offer excellent beach weather throughout the country.
Climate
Most parts of Vietnam become rather hot during the summer. The central and southern regions experience significant rainfall in the spring and autumn. The north becomes cool but pleasant during the winter months. If you prefer moderately warm summer weather, look for flights to Vietnam in January and visit the country’s central region.
Temples
Vietnam is home to a number of venerable Buddhist temples. The beautiful Ngoc Son Temple can be found on an island in the city of Hanoi. It was constructed during the 18th century. You may reach this temple by crossing a wooden bridge, according to the Encarta encyclopedia.
History
Vietnam’s museums provide a look at the country’s recent history and its distant past. The Ho Chi Minh Museum is located in southern Vietnam, near the Saigon River. This impressive building features a large statue of the former leader and a number of exhibits related to his accomplishments. You can visit additional museums in Hue.
Hue City
Tourists often visit the historic city of Hue in central Vietnam. It offers several museums of various types, including the vast Royal Antiquities Museum. Resorts and beaches are located nearby. VietnamNet recently reported that Hue plans to rebuild the Can Chanh Palace by 2015. It was ruined during a war in 1947.
Travel
Many people reach Vietnam by boarding cruise ships or using Vietnam Airlines. Lonely Planet recommends flying to Hong Kong or Bangkok before you travel to Vietnam; this often reduces the cost of airfare. Foreigners must show their passports when checking into any hotel, according to the U.S. State Department.
Trains generally offer the safest and most pleasant mode of transportation within Vietnam. Buses prove somewhat safer than cars and two-wheeled vehicles. Vietnam’s narrow shape and long coastline also make it possible to reach many destinations by boat.
