Vietnam Backpacking

Vietnam has it all: an incredible history, vibrant cities which offer an eclectic mix of old and new, amazing scenery, idyllic beaches and wonderful food.

Vietnam’s climate varies greatly depending on the area. In the north and south, the monsoon season runs from May to October and in the centre from September to January. The rest of the year enjoys a dry and warm climate.

Overland crossings to Vietnam are possible from Cambodia, China and Laos. You must have a valid visa before arriving the border, as they are not issued at land crossings. It is also possible to arrive by boat from Cambodia. Do check the latest information on border crossings before departure as there are more opening all the time. Vietnam has a slightly complex but comprehensive and dirt cheap bus network. There are also regular ferry services along the Mekong River. A relatively cheap and more flexible option is to hire a car or motorbike.

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is a beautiful city on the banks of the Red River that retains an atmosphere of French colonial elegance. At present there are very few cars, with most people travelling on bikes or mopeds. At the heart of the city lies the tranquil Hoan Kiem with the fascinating 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple, located on an island at its centre. To the north of the Lake is the Old Quarter, a wonderful collection of antiquated streets lined with market stalls, restaurants and cafes. Also worth a visit is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the main commercial centre of southern Vietnam. In spite of more modern and commercial than other Vietnamese towns, Ho Chi Minh City has also managed to retain some of that French colonial charm.  Major attractions include the colorful Emperor of Jade Pagoda and its elaborate woodcarvings and the markets of Cholon in the ancient Chinese quarter. The War Remnants Museum is definitely worth a visit to learn more of the country’s turbulent history.

The city of Hue lies midway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and is renowned for its beautiful imperial architecture, although a great deal of this was destroyed during the war. It also houses some fine temples and Buddhist pagodas and the incredible, grandiose Citadel.
For beaches, head to Nha Trang, a beautiful city bordered by mountains and sweeping, sandy beaches. There is plenty to see and do here – island hopping, boat trips and scuba diving and historic sites to name but a few of the attractions. However, for many a weary traveller, the main activity involves lounging at beachfront bars and sipping cocktails in comfort.

For trekking, head to Dalat in the Central Highlands, where you can explore pine-clad hills, coffee plantations and hill tribe villages. It is recommended that you either take an organised tour or hire a guide.

The currency of Vietnam is the dong, but the US dollar is also widely accepted. It’s not the cheapest of South East Asia’s countries and budget travellers should reckon on spending at least 30 US dollars a day. One thing which won’t break the bank is dining out, particularly if you’re happy to eat from the delicious noodle stalls in the street.

Vietnam is the only country in South-East Asia which has snow in its winter months (November to March) – in the highlands of Northern region, closest to China. The southern region is hot, humid, and tropical, and the central region is the most comfortable of temperatures year-round.

Quick Facts
Capital city: Hanoi.

• Borders: China (north), Laos and Cambodia (west).
• Time Zone: UTC+7
• Population: approx 85 million
• Languages: Vietnamese (official), Chinese, English, French, Khmer and mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian).
• Religions: Buddhist, Daoism, Confucianism, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic, some Protestant), indigenous beliefs, Muslim.
• Currency: Dong, though US currency is mostly accepted (US$1 = 16000 Dong)

History
Vietnam was once ruled from Hue, under the Nguy ễ n Dynasty (1802-1945), though the French ‘de facto’ colonized the country during a succession crisis in 1884. After By the end of the brief Japanese occupation during the Second World War, H ồ Chí Minh (leader of Communist Viet Minh party) led an insurgency against the French, and forced the last Emperor Bao Dai to abdicate in 1945. The French were officially defeated in 1954. The country was divided between the north (Communist) and south (Democratic) by the Geneva Conference, and the US sent many troops to what was eventually known by the rest of the world as the ‘Vietnam War’ of 1966-1975 (though the Vietnamese refer to it as the ‘American War’). It has been estimated that two-thirds of the current population in Vietnam were born after 1975, and many young Vietnamese are consumers of American popular culture and trends. The current government encourages tourism, as it helps their economy.

 

Hot Spots

Hanoi
Located in the northern region, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, with many buildings of French design still intact from the French colonial period. Ha Long Bay is a mystical formation of rocks along the beach about 170 km east of Hanoi – the name ‘Ha Long Bay’ literally translates as ‘ Bay of Descending Dragons.’

Hue
The ancient city from the time of the Nguyen Dynasty lies midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in the central region.

Ho Chi Minh
The bustling economic capital of Vietnam. Located in the southern region, the city is still commonly referred to as ‘ Saigon’ by both locals and tourists. The city is filled with historical museums, French colonial architecture, gardens, bars, clubs, and a very helpful Tourist Information Centre right in the heart of the city.

Shopping

Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh is the largest and most popular with tourists. You’ll find anything from fruits and vegetables to jeans and t-shirts. Night markets are a great experience.

Food & Drink
Authentic Vietnamese food can be found in smaller, local restaurants. Fish sauce is a major ingredient in most Vietnamese cooking.

Pho
The national dish comprised of broth noodle soup with herbs and chilli.

Pastries
French influences remain abundant, and pastries can be found in local cafes and restaurants.

Seafood
Fresh from the water when ordering from the seaside towns.

Drinks
Local beers available, as well as rice alcohol (rou de) and for something more tropical, enjoy the fresh coconut or sugarcane juices.

 

Transport

 

Train
Vietnam Railways has a very informative website at www.vr.com.vn.

Ferries
Expect to pay around US $20 for one day’s hire of a tour boat. Three-day tours are also available, providing beautiful scenic routes along the Mekong. 90 minute speed boat ride may cost around 120,000 dong one way.

Buses
Ask your travel agent for more information on tour bus packages.

Cyclo
Three-wheeled pedicab, more common in smaller cities such as Hue. Pricing should be around 20,000 dong for a 2 km trip.

Bikes
Available for hire, or pre-arranged as part of package tours.

Motorbikes
Can hop on one for a short trip as a taxi service (around 10,000 dong for 10 minute tripe), or rent one for the day (prices starting at 60,000 dong). You should have either a Vietnamese Motorcycle License or an International Motor-vehicle Permit to rent.

Cars
International Drivers’ Licenses are not recognized in Vietnam, so when hiring a car, it will come with a driver. An 8-hour day trip starts from US $50, prices going higher with better quality vehicles.