Vietnam - A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is unforgettably compelling. The country is also threaded with a modern history of multiple independence wars from both France and America and the combination make it a treat to both visit and learn.
Vietnam is really divided into three different tourist regions.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, offers plenty of enticing experiences. Perhaps head to the city’s colourful old quarter and explore the charming jumble of shops and cafés, or check out Hoa Lo Prison, known as the Hanoi Hilton, which is where Vietnam Communists and later American prisoners of war were subjected to extreme torture and malnutrition in captivity. Near Hanoi is Halong Bay, a Unesco site, easily sail in comfort as unforgettable views of scattered islands and towering limestone outcrops slowly unfold in front of you.
Hoi An – Get to Hoi An from Da Nang which is in the center of the country. At Hoi An’s Old Town, discover a blend of traditional treasures and cultural influences from historical traders. A small city, you can wander the pagoda lined streets, tailor custom clothes and shoes, and basically soak in a vibrant area of both beauty and fun.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, with a population of around 9 million in 2019. Situated in the Southeast region of Vietnam, you will see well-preserved French colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. It has varied cultural institutions, which include historic landmarks, walking streets, museums, and galleries, and it abounds with nightlife. Multiple areas in the city offer everything from beautiful restaurants to redlight zones with throbbing music and dancing girls beckoning you to join them in the fun. No tour of Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network dug by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. Enter a widened section of the tunnels with your leader who will help you imagine what life underground must have been like and explain how the tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation and schools, and were used for refuge, storage and as a military base for the Viet Cong. Also somberly see the War Museum and understand the extent of suffering that Vietnam experienced in gaining its independence and reunification.
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s lively capital city. At Phnom Penh, Tour the Royal Palace, home to King Sihamoni and closed off to the public and visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung to understand the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. At night walk through the markets where you can sit on carpets and grab delicious food from vendors who serve you traditional delicacies.
Siem Reap – No visit to Cambodia can miss Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Spend a few days discovering the amazing temples of Angkor. The memories of seeing some of the world’s most important ancient sites are ones you’re going to want to preserve forever. Begin at Angkor Wat, the largest and most complete structure, and the only one of Angkor's temples that has its entrance facing west – the others face east. Also visit Angkor Thom, the 'Great Royal City', a temple famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Of all the temples, Bayon temple is the centerpiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. Spend the nights at Pub Street, a vibrant 3 block area that feature aquariums where you stick your feet into and have fish clean off dry skin, eat Asian food and shop. Within Siem Reap are multiple beautiful hotels so you can also easily relax in laidback luxury at a resort. It’s a wonderful place to visit.
Credit Cards and Currency – Parts of Vietnam simply does not accept credit cards; the service is too spotty. Not to worry ATMs are everywhere. It is smart to take Vietnam Dong with you before you land. Cambodia is similar but it mostly functions in US dollars. Take small 1-dollar bills with you, the place is very inexpensive and often you will be dishing out one or two US dollars for Tuk Tuks or street food.
The weather is humid and hot. Take dry fit clothes and shorts and sandals and make sure you have a hat. Bring Deet mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
Airports are highly functional and are in every major city. Driving on the other hand is chaotic and it’s much smarter to take Taxis and Tuk Tuks wherever you go.
I loved both Vietnam and Cambodia. They aren’t the same, but their history and people are interwoven. People are welcoming and lovely, food is fantastic and fresh, your emotions will be stirred with sadness and devastation cause by politics and war, and your mind will be nourished with adventures where you can touch incredible history ranging from a 1000 years ago to 30 years ago.
