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== Viet nam travel and tourism ==

Http://www.relaxindochina.com/pictures/beach.jpg Nha Trang beach

Http://www.relaxindochina.com/pictures/vietnam travel map.jpg Vietnam destination

Image:Http://www.relaxindochina.com/pictures/vietnam travel map.jpg

Vietnam's natural beauty is another of the country's powerful attractions. From the Mekong Delta to the stunning coastline of central Vietnam, the rugged mountains of the north and Halong Bay, Vietnam's beauty is an inspirationVietnam is where Indochina-Holidays's story began ~ and it's a country very dear to us and our travellers. Liberated from years of war, occupation and isolation, the Vietnamese are focused firmly on the future and are revealed as a people of great charm and dynamism. Influenced by Chinese and French culture, the Vietnamese have maintained a strong sense of their own uniqueness while embracing new outside influences......Vietnam's natural beauty is another of the country's powerful attractions. From the Mekong Delta to the stunning coastline of central Vietnam, the rugged mountains of the north and Halong Bay, Vietnam's beauty is an inspiration.

Vietnam Travel Tour guide

For many people Vietnam conjures up nightmarish images of combat helicopters, napalm explosions and intolerable suffering. The terrible Vietnam War was one of the great tragedies of the 20th century for all involved. The war ended in 1975 but the sad legacy still lives on in the shape of physical and mental scars. But despite everything the Vietnamese went through, visitors will find them to be a remarkably optimistic and hospitable people with the little or no animosity towards foreigners. The smiles and grace of the Vietnamese are among the most lasting impressions of this beautiful country. This patriotic nation's history of fierce resistance goes back a lot further than its battle with the United States. Before ousting the American, the Vietnamese repelled French colonial forces and before that, crowbarred out their Chinese rulers, not to mention seeing off the terrifying Mongol hordes. Having spent a good millennium under the Chinese, the Middle Kingdom's influences have been heavily absorbed and are still very tangible. Much of the culture and historic architecture have strong Chinese foundations. European expansion saw the French colonising Vietnam for a century, ultimately leaving behind a splendidly romantic Gallic footprint. The Americans were to crank up the power struggle that followed the French exit, and the subsequent division of the country into north and south led to war tearing through the region and years of devastation. Revered national hero Ho Chi Minh would lead an ultimately successful effort to reunite the land under communist rule. A landmark offensive took place during the most celebrated national holiday, Tet, the Lunar New Year.

During Tet just about everything stops and it is not the best time to enjoy Vietnam. Weather may also play a part in deciding when to go if you have a particular destination in mind. This is a long gangly country straddling 30 degrees of latitude, and tucked just under the Tropic of Cancer. The climate therefore varies notably from north to south. Northern areas experience monsoons from May to September while the south basks in a typically tropical climate, although it is driest from December through April. With this see-saw of good and bad weather, generally speaking the country is accessible all year round – but be warned, it is prone to sudden and dramatic flooding, especially in the lowlands and river delta regions. The most attractive section of the capital Hanoi is the charming French Quarter complete with flaking old building with delightful decaying shutters. Hanoi also boasts some proud and opulent efforts such as the exquisite Presidential Palace. The conservative city is usually slow to adapt, however it offers an excellent combination of history and cuisine as well as a more gentle insight into Vietnam developing in the 21st century. Vietnam's narrow central regions have three sites protected by UNESCO for their heritage. The little town of Hoi An is a unique pocket of old French streets especially charming by night when gently lit by colourful lanterns. Beyond Hue's city walls the wooded environs contain dozens of imperial tombs. My Son, a little deeper into the interior, is a crumbling remnant of the fallen Cham civilization a pale shadow of the traditional Vietnamese enemy, the neighbouring Khmers. Back up north is the poetic rocky limestone outcrops of Halong Bay, another site protected by UNESCO, this time for its stunning natural beauty.

The country has often been polarized into north and south and to balance Hanoi is wild and energetic Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon. Vietnam's largest city and economic powerhouse, the city has traditionally been viewed as a bit of rebel by Vietnam's frowning rulers and is certainly that today. The male of the species may have a job fending off unwanted female attentions and vice is rampant. Ho Chi Minh City also has some potent reminders of its recent troubles. Powerful war museums are grippingly absorbing and the infamous Cu Chi tunnel network is within easy day tripping reach. The infrastructure has quite a way to go and flying is the only practical mode of transport for long distances, unless you have plenty of time and buttocks of steel. It must be said though that Vietnamese hotels are improving rapidly. The industry is currently a blend of boring government hotels, average hotels that tried and rather failed to be a bit fancy, and several new additions that can certainly mix it with Asia's best. The amiable Vietnamese character ensures that service is generally a delight although there are spluttering language and efficiency issues at times