|
Top Things To Do
Hiking
There are hundreds of long distance hiking trails around the country, and a significant infrastructure for visitors wanting guided hiking tours. Whether in the Yok Don National Park or in the valleys around Sapa, two feet is a great way to meet the rural residents. Bia hois The best way to meet the locals is to pull up a low plastic chair in the pavement bar order some beer, order fresh peanuts and quails eggs and chat to the locals. Even with a language barrier, you'll be chinking glasses long into the night. Beaches The beaches of Vietnam are superb. Vung Tau, southeast of Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang has some superb snorkelling around the many offshore islands. And take the opportunity to slide down the sand dunes at Mui Ne. Shopping For anyone who likes handicrafts, Vietnam is Nirvana. Wooden water puppets, with ingenious mechanisms, silk, lacquerware, trinkets, clothes - including superb tailors -can be found even in the most remote areas, and for bargain prices. Hire a motorbike It is becoming increasingly popular to hire a motor bike - invariably a Russian made 125cc Minsk - and ride it from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Riddled with all sorts of dangers, not least the vast amount of bikes in the cities, it is nevertheless an exhilarating way to see the country. Horse riding For those who refer real horsepower, the emerald green lakes surrounded by mountains around Da Lat is a popular destination. Horse trails can also be found in Ba Be Lake National Park and Cuc Phuong National Park (near Hanoi). History tour See some of the Vietnam War sights by walking part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, used as supply routes by the North Vietnamese during the war. Go underground into the claustrophobic network of tunnels used by villagers and guerrillas during the war at Cu Chi. Take the train Hop on the Reunification Express (correct in only the first word), and take the slow train between Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to sample life on Vietnam's railways, and the spectacular views through the little-visited middle of the country. Take a junk on Ha Long Bay Sure it is touristy, and you'll be among a flotilla of dozens of old converted junks, but Halong Bay remains one of the most impressive sights in the world. Take the opportunity to borrow a kayak (all boats should do this) and paddle through the limestone karsts dramatically rising up out of the sea. Cooking lessons Learn the subtleties of Vietnamese cookery at a class in ancient Hoi An. Submerge into the hustle and bustle of the market to buy provisions before retreating to the calm of the kitchen. See Contact Addresses for further tourist information. |
