Viet Nam

This long and narrow S-shaped nation looks like it is balancing two baskets- holding rice from its two major fertile river deltas- the Red River in the north, and the Mekong in the south, supporting the population with an abundance of agriculture.
Vietnam recognizes 54 ethnic groups, with the low land Kinh people forming the majority, while 53 other ethnic minorities, each with unique languages and cultures, make up the rest, primarily living in the mountainous regions of the north and west.

The 3200 km coastline along the South China Sea, known as the East Sea to the Vietnamese, stretches from the dramatic limestone islands of Halong Bay in the north, down through fishing villages, and to bustling beach cities of Danang and Nha Trang and to the tip of the Mekong Delta.

Hoi An, is a charming, well-preserved ancient trading port on the central coast, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, with colorful lanterns and unique architecture blending Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese styles.
Not far from Hoi An, are the ancient former Cham Empire archeological sites at My Son. The Champa Cham Empire was a maritime kingdom known for its trade and Indian cultural influence dating back to early centuries AD. Controlling much of present-day central and south Vietnam, with its peak between 7th-14th centuries, Champa was finally fully absorbed into Vietnam in 1832.

Central Vietnam is also home to Hue, the former imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) and remains a center of Vietnamese history, art and spirituality along the Perfume River.

Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) originated from the Khmer fishing village of Prey Nokor, annexed by Vietnam in the 17th century. Becoming a major trading hub, and later a French colonial center, today this bustling city and modern metropolis blends French colonial heritage with a vibrant Vietnamese culture.

4,000 year story of Resilience

Vietnam – a country and people of persistent struggle for independence- a long period of Chinese domination, followed by French colonialism, and a 20th century war for unification.
Vietnam is filled with stories of heroes who stood up to 1000 years of Chinese domination,100 years of the French and lastly,10 years of the Americans.

Reunification:
The Fall of Saigon ended the American-Vietnam War on April 30, 1975.
Hanoi became the national capital, and the former North Vietnamese flag, anthem and symbols were adopted into the official unified country in 1976 as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with Saigon renamed Ho Chi Minh City. 

Crisis & Reform: Following post-war economic hardship, isolation, and conflict with Cambodia and China in 1979, the government introduced the Doi Moi (Renovation) reforms in 1986.

Modernization: Doi Moi transitioned the country to a “socialist-oriented market economy,” sparking rapid economic growth and international integration. Today, Vietnam is a rising, stable, manufacturing-driven economy that normalized relations with the U.S. in 1995, and is a member of ASEAN.

Where to Visit: The North vs the South

The question that often comes up is where is best to visit and what is the difference between the North and South. There is so much to explore combining north, central and south Vietnam- so take the time to enjoy it all.

The North is more traditional and conservative, proud of thousands of years of defending and nation building. The North can be grey and cold with harsher in climate certain times of year.

The South feels more open and fast-paced, a thriving commercial center which has had more western exposure. The weather in the south is warmer, although at times very hot and humid, it can feel easier to live in.

Climate and Weather Conditions
For a trip covering North, Central, and South Vietnam, aim for March-April or September-November
for good overall weather, balancing cooler north with warmer south; otherwise, focus on the dry seasons: Nov-April for South/Central (beaches) and Oct-Nov or March-April for North (cooler, great for trekking)
December-February can be very grey in Hanoi and very cold up in the highlands of Sapa.
Wet season monsoon is from May-October when you can also enjoy lush green landscapes.
Typhoon Season: June-November mostly in Central Vietnam but can also hit the north.
The south is usually spared powerful typhoons, but with weather patterns becoming more extreme and unpredictable, rains may be heavier at times.

THESE PAGES IN PROCESS of BEING UPDATED:

Click on Links Below for:
North Vietnam:
– Hanoi: https://alamasia.net/hanoi/
– Halong Bay
– Sapa Highlands and on to Dien Bien Phu

Central Vietnam:
– Hoi An and My Son
– Hue

South Vietnam:   Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta

– Vietnam Visa Info:  https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/
– Train Travel in Vietnam:  https://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm

Wishing you wonderful Journeys! Travel Gently and Live Consciously