A culture shrouded in complex layers, Vietnam is a destination like no other. From a war ravaged country, Vietnam has been reborn into a vibrant thriving economy bursting with opportunity - and opportunists. From the crazed streets of Ho Chi Minh to the stunning beauty of Halong Bay, this is a region that offers travellers the chance to really enjoy the road most travelled.

Landscape and Climate

Vietnam sits in the tropical region of Southeast Asia, which means heat, humidity and of course monsoons. However, Vietnam is unique in its topographical make up; while the northern part of the nation predominantly consists of highlands, the southern region is made up of dry coastal lowlands. As a result areas to the North experience frosty winter and snow while the southern coasts reach temperatures above 40 degree centigrade, during the dry season. There are also two monsoon seasons in Vietnam, with the summer monsoon season commencing in April and winding down in October, only to have the winter monsoons hit the northeast between October and March, which can make planning a trip challenging. Aim for the start and end of the monsoon seasons - that is the months of April or October, if you can.

History

Vietnam, like many of its neighbours, was ruled by a long line of kings, with one of the most prominent eras being the Hồng Bàng Dynasty around 100 BC. For most of the next millennium, the area was ruled by Chinese dynasties until the Vietnamese lord Ngô Quyền defeated the Chinese forces around the 9th Century. What followed was a period of warring kingdoms and brief dynastic rule until the area was incorporated into French Indochina around the 1880s. Vietnam fought a brutal war for its independence in 1941 which resulted in the dissolution of French Indochina and the subsequent independence of the Republic of Vietnam following the establishment of the Geneva Accords. However, refusal by the then Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem to hold the Accord mandated elections caused further strife in the region, culminating in the Vietnam War. The end result saw the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the region.

Getting There, Around and Enjoying your Stay

The nation has been rebuilt following the devastation of the wars and the cities of Vietnam are booming with economic and cultural activity. Visitors to Vietnam can find cheap flights to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, although many may choose to enter the country by land via one of the neighbouring countries, such as China or Cambodia. Those coming from China may opt to take the scenic train that stretches from Hanoi to as far as Beijing.

Once there, visitors will be stunned by the apparent commuting chaos in Vietnam’s cities, but rest assured it's a happily functioning system. Motorbikes and scooters are quite common and a cheap way to get around. Meanwhile, buses will take you practically anywhere in the country. Those particularly adventurous can hop on the train that operates between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city - a 30 hour trip if you're game.

Culture and Cuisine

The vibrant colours of Vietnamese culture are certainly one of the highlights of the country. Vietnam's culture comes primarily from its own indigenous roots, with strong Chinese and Indian influences. The Vietnamese celebrate Tet, the Lunar New Year, with elaborate festivals and gatherings. Travellers keen to take part in the festivities (in late January or early February) may find it difficult to reserve a place as the entire country seems to be on the move during this time. Meanwhile, any time you choose to travel, you'll be delighted by the fresh aromatic tastes of Vietnamese cuisine. With rice being the major staple, Vietnamese dishes include delectable noodles, meats flavoured by fragrant herbs and fish sauce.

Travel to Vietnam - Fast Facts

Area: 331,690 sq km
Capital: Hanoi
Population: 85 million
Language: Vietnamese
Currency: Dong
Economy: GDP: $89.8 billion

Did you Know?

Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site, with over 1960 islets, is one of the many bays in the Vietnamese region and has been recognized as one of the most beautiful areas on the planet. In addition to its picturesque landscape, Halong Bay is home to seven endemic species not found anywhere else in the world.

Wai Chim writes for Flight Centre in Australia, an online resource for cheap flights worldwide