At a glance
| Capital city: | Hanoi (population 3 million) |
| Population: | 90.5 million |
| Language: | Vietnamese |
| Currency: | VND |
| Time zone: | (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta |
| Electricity: | Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) |
| Dialing code: | +84 |
Best time to visit Vietnam
Generally, there's no 'best' time for travelling in Vietnam as the seasons are a little vague and vary considerably from north to south, and within regions.In the south, the dry season generally runs from December to June with March to May being particularly hot and humid. Temperatures usually range from 27°C to 36°C during this time. The wet season brings short and heavy rain showers from July to November, with temperatures averaging between 22°C and 27°C.
Unlike the South, the northern regions of Vietnam have four seasons. Winter is from December to February - it can be extremely cold in Hanoi and the mountainous regions, with overnight temperatures of 4°C and daytime highs between 10°C and 20°C. Summer is June to August - expect hot and humid conditions at this time, with temperatures averaging between 27°C to 30°C and high humidity.
Culture and customs
Vietnam's ancient culture can be traced back centuries and
over the years has been influenced in different ways by the Chinese,
Khmer, French and American cultures. For most Vietnamese people,
connection to family and community is paramount - whether they are from
rural villages or living in the fast-paced cities. Most festivals and
holidays are spent with the extended family - participating in rituals,
feasting on special foods, giving symbolic gifts and paying respects to
ancestors. Most Vietnamese people practice a form of religion that is an
interesting mix of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, although there
are also a large number of practicing Catholics living in Vietnam.
Having endured the hardship that the Vietnam War brought in the 1960s
and 1970s, most Vietnamese people are keen to get on with life, living
with a sense of optimism and humility.
Eating and drinking
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a
country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a
cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose
from wherever you are in the world.
Quick to prepare and simple to make, the cuisine of Vietnam relies on fresh produce, fragrant herbs and (quite often) lots of chilli.
Quick to prepare and simple to make, the cuisine of Vietnam relies on fresh produce, fragrant herbs and (quite often) lots of chilli.
Things to try in Vietnam
1. Pho
Gaining international popularity, a steaming bowl of flavoursome pho is one of Vietnam's most celebrated dishes. This noodle soup usually features clear noodles in a broth with beef or chicken and some vegetables and herbs.2. Banh Xeo
This delicious crepe-like savoury pancake is often served with seafood or pork, onions, oil, lettuce and other condiments.3. Banh Mi
The French influence in the region is obvious when considering the popularity of the fresh baguette in Vietnam. Take crusty bread and stuff it with pork or ham, coriander, salad and pickled condiments and you've got a favourite lunch or breakfast treat for locals and travellers alike.4. Fresh Fruit
When in Vietnam, take the opportunity to try exotic fruits not widely available elsewhere in the world. Rambutan, persimmon, mangosteen, dragon fruit, jackfruit and durian are all delicious snacks that can be bought cheaply from markets and roadside stalls.Geography and environment
Occupying a long, thin part of the Indochinese peninsula,
Vietnam shares borders with China, Laos and Cambodia. Much of Vietnam's
terrain is mountainous, particularly the north and central highland
regions. Although people still choose to live in the densely forested
highland regions, most of Vietnam's population is concentrated in the
cities of the low lying areas, where infrastructure is more easily built
and the land is fertile. One of the 12 great rivers of the world, the
Mekong, runs through Vietnam and has been responsible for wide-scale
flooding. A system of canals and levees has been quite successful in
redistributing the water during monsoons, and has helped to alleviate
flooding in the Mekong Delta and surrounding areas.
History and government
Early History
The land now known as Vietnam has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological finds suggest that structured societies were in existence from as early as the 1st millennium BC. Early society was mostly feudal and agriculture-based, with various dynasties overseeing different parts of Vietnam until the Chinese invasion of 111 BC, which saw the societies of Vietnam and China become intertwined. Various Chinese dynasties dominated the area for hundreds of years, although revolts finally led to Vietnam gaining self-autonomy in 905. By 938, this period of Chinese imperial domination came to a close and Vietnam entered into an age of independence.Recent History
During the 19th century, Vietnam came under the influence of French colonisers, who assumed control of Vietnam after the Sino-French War of 1884 and 1885. French Indochina was formed in 1887, and included parts of Vietnam, Cambodia and, later on, Laos. Although the French managed to suppress internal movements towards independence for many years, their control was finally relinquished in 1954 when Vietnamese forces overcame the French during the first Indochina War. Following this war, Vietnam was divided, with separate forces ruling the north (led by Ho Chi Minh) and the south (led by Ngo Dinh Diem, with support from the United States).The second Indochina War created wide-scale devastation and turmoil for the people of Vietnam, leading to mass migration to other parts of the world as asylum seekers tried to escape the conflict that ravaged their homeland. By the 1980s Vietnam's economy had all but collapsed, leading to further waves of migration out of Vietnam. More recently, Vietnam has benefited from the free market economy that was set up in 1986. Vietnam's economy continues to expand, with agriculture and industry providing the backbone, and the tourism sector also contributing. Although many Vietnamese people live below the poverty line, there have been widespread improvements in literacy and health which hopefully will continue to improve in the years to come.
Top Picks
Top 10 Iconic Landscapes of Vietnam
1. Halong Bay
There's nothing quite like Halong Bay first thing in the morning. As the mists clear, hundreds of huge karst towers appear, looming high above the boat. In the soft morning light it's like waking up in a watercolour painting of a mythical land.2. Hanoi
Motorbikes piled high with people, produce and even animals zip through the streets. It's crazy, haphazard and somehow it works. The best way to take it all in is from a rooftop cafe. Order an extra strong coffee and watch the chaos unfold below.3. Mekong Delta
This massive area of floating markets, emerald rice paddies and lush islands is home to some of the friendliest people on earth. Take a boat trip to one of the sleepy islands to get a front row view of life on the Delta, and meet the people who call it home.4. Sapa
Head to the hills and see the colourful villages of Vietnam's minority groups - the Zay, and the Blue and Black H'mong. The area is remote so the best way to experience it is on an overnight trek, spending the night as a guest of a local family.5. Qui Nhon
Quaint Qui Nhon is a sleepy beach town off the main tourist trail. It's worth coming here just for the drive. The road hugs granite cliffs that plunge into the South China Sea, and islands, lagoons and sand dunes slowly give way to sugar plantations and rice fields.6. Hue
Jam-packed with imperial sites, Hue is one for the history buffs. Explore the Citadel with its ruined Forbidden Purple City before embracing your inner emperor and taking a dragonboat cruise down the Perfume River.7. Hoi An
This shoppers' paradise is home to more boot makers, tailors and handicraft than you could visit in a lifetime. While you wait for your suit to be made, hire a bicycle and explore the Old Town - the streets are blissfully car free.8. Ho Chi Minh City
Still known as Saigon to most, HCMC is a city on the go. It's fast-paced, exciting and full of amazing sites. Temples and markets collide with churches and skyscrapers for a heady mix of traditional, colonial and modern.9. Mai Chau
Mai Chau feels a million miles away from the bustle of Hanoi. Misty mountains and emerald rice paddies contribute to the air of peacefulness. Be sure to look out for the traditional fabrics woven by the White Thais that call this area home.10. Dalat
It's spring all year round in Vietnam's 'honeymoon capital'. Soak up the French-inspired atmosphere, spot the quirky local artists and explore the surrounding lakes, waterfalls and forests. C'est fantastique!Shopping
Vietnam has a nice mix of interesting markets and small shops, with handicrafts, art and clothing among the best picks.
It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
1 nhận xét:
Vietnam beautful at all time, Where did you choose to go to decide that trip was great?
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