Vietnam - from imperial palaces to street food
General information
Vietnam is a country where ancient traditions, a turbulent history and dynamic modern life exist side by side. Located along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula, it stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from north to south and offers extremely varied landscapes - from the mountains in the north and terraced rice fields to tropical deltas and long beaches on the South China Sea.
Vietnam borders China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west, and opens onto the South China Sea to the east and south. This location has strongly influenced the country's history and culture. Chinese influence is especially strong in the north, while in the centre and south you can feel traces of the ancient kingdom of Champa, the Khmer civilisation and the later French presence.
The capital, Hanoi, is the political and cultural centre of the country. The city combines centuries-old temples, French colonial architecture, lakes and lively streets full of small restaurants, cafés and shops. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City is completely different - a huge, dynamic and modern city where skyscrapers and shopping centres alternate with markets, colonial buildings and historic sites.
Vietnam is also known for its impressive natural diversity. Among the most popular places are Ha Long Bay, the mountainous Sapa region, the Mekong Delta, the beaches of the centre and the islands of the south. This diversity means a trip to the country can combine culture, nature, gastronomy and relaxation.
Climate
Because of its great length from north to south, Vietnam has no single climate. The north has distinct seasons, while the central and southern regions are more tropical. The rainy season also differs in different parts of the country.
For northern Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, autumn and spring usually offer pleasant conditions for sightseeing. The winter months can be relatively cool and damp, especially in the mountains. The centre has a different rainfall pattern, and southern Vietnam usually has a distinct dry and rainy season.
This means that when planning a trip it is important to take the route into account. The period that is ideal for Hanoi and Ha Long is not necessarily the best for the beaches of central or southern Vietnam. However, it is precisely this climatic variety that allows the country to be visited at different times of year.
Culture and history
Vietnam's history is one of the most complex and interesting in Southeast Asia. For centuries the country developed its own culture under strong Chinese influence while keeping an independent identity. Later, different civilisations and European powers left their mark, and the 20th century made Vietnam the centre of one of the most significant conflicts of modern history.
Hanoi is one of the best places to start getting to know the country. At its centre is the Old Quarter, whose narrow streets are linked to traditional crafts and trade. The streets are alive with small shops, street restaurants and cafés, and between them appear temples and old houses with characteristic narrow façades.
One of the capital's best-known sights is Hoan Kiem Lake, in the very centre of the city. It is linked to the legend of Emperor Le Loi and the magic sword that, according to tradition, helped him free the country from Chinese rule. In the middle of the lake stands the small Ngoc Son Temple, reached by a distinctive red bridge.
French influence on Hanoi can be seen in the wide boulevards, colonial buildings and architecture of the French Quarter. One of the most recognisable buildings is the Hanoi Opera House, built at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of European opera houses. This architectural layer is an interesting contrast with the traditional Asian urban setting.
About 170 kilometres from Hanoi lies Ha Long Bay - one of Vietnam's natural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hundreds of limestone islands and rock formations rise from the sea, creating a landscape that is among the most recognisable images of the country. The most popular way to see it is by boat, on routes that pass caves, small islands and calm coves.
In central Vietnam lies Hue - the former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty. The city is best known for the Imperial City, a huge fortified complex containing palaces, temples, gardens and ceremonial spaces. Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a completely different atmosphere from bustling Hanoi.
Not far from Hue is Hoi An - one of Vietnam's most picturesque historic towns. Its old town is known for its well-preserved architecture, colourful lanterns and narrow lanes. In the past Hoi An was an important trading port where Chinese, Japanese, European and local merchants met. Today evening walks through the old town, when lanterns light up the streets and riverside, are among the most characteristic experiences in Vietnam.
The south of the country has a completely different character. Ho Chi Minh City, known until 1975 as Saigon, is Vietnam's economic centre and one of the most dynamic cities in the region. Its sights include Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace and Ben Thanh Market.
The history of the 20th century is very present in Ho Chi Minh City and its surroundings. North-west of the city are the Cu Chi Tunnels - a vast underground network used by Vietnamese fighters during the war. Some of the tunnels are open to visitors and show the conditions in which people lived and operated underground. Historic sites in Vietnam are not just tourist attractions - they are often a way to better understand the country's modern history.
Vietnamese culture, however, is far from defined by history alone. It is felt most strongly in everyday life - in the food, the markets, the temples and the way people use urban spaces. Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most recognisable in Asia, and its best-known dishes include pho, banh mi, spring rolls and various dishes with fresh herbs, rice and seafood. Coffee also has a special place in local culture - French influence helped it spread, and the Vietnamese have created their own distinctive ways of making it, including coffee with condensed milk.
For nature lovers, the northern mountain area around Sapa is especially interesting. There you will find rice terraces, mountain villages and routes through green valleys. The area is home to various ethnic communities that preserve their own traditions, dress and crafts. Sapa shows a different side of Vietnam - far from the big cities and tourist centres.
In the south lies the Mekong Delta - a vast watery world of rivers, canals, islands and fertile land. Floating markets, small boats and tropical gardens are typical of the region and offer a glimpse of everyday life outside the big cities.
Why and when to visit?
Vietnam is ideal for a trip that combines many different experiences. A single programme can bring together the busy streets of Hanoi, a cruise among the limestone islands of Ha Long, the imperial history of Hue, old Hoi An, the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the calm of the Mekong Delta.
The best time depends on the chosen route. For a first trip covering the north and centre of the country, spring and autumn usually offer a good balance between temperature and rainfall. If the main focus is a beach holiday, you need to choose a specific area and match the season to its climate.
One of the reasons Vietnam remains such an interesting destination is its contrasts. Here ancient temples stand next to modern cities, French colonial buildings appear among Asian markets, and mountain rice terraces and tropical deltas exist within the same country.
