Tourists from the CIS countries, arriving in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, note that you can see here no less than in Europe. Even after the long years of French colonization, the state has not lost its color and has maintained a unique culture.
Where is the Republic of Vietnam
Vietnam is located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. The Republic is washed by the South China Sea to the east and south. In the west, the state borders Laos and Cambodia. Vietnam’s northern neighbor is China.
What to see in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
The most popular among foreigners are the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where there are museums, parks and places of entertainment.
In recent decades, however, the Vietnamese have developed tourism in small communities.
Golden Bridge
The bridge was opened to the public in 2018. The golden thread structure is located at an altitude of 1,400 m above sea level. The bridge consists of several spans. The length of each of them is 150 m. The bridge offers beautiful views of the forest and mountains. To see them, it is recommended to visit the attraction in sunny weather. On cloudy days, clouds descend on the bridge. A distinctive feature of the design is the giant hands supporting the golden thread.
Khai Dinh Tomb
Khai Dinh was a Vietnamese emperor who lived at the beginning of the last century. Construction on the tomb began during the lord’s lifetime and was completed after his death in the early 1930s.
The construction of the tomb took 11 years. Architects used elements of Hinduism and Buddhism, Gothic and Roman styles. There are no parks or gardens near the shrine. However, there are many sculptures on the territory of the mausoleum complex.
The attraction is located near the city of Hue. To see the tomb for free, you should go on a tour during the holidays.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The tomb of the first president of North Vietnam is in Hanoi. The mausoleum was built from 1973 to 1975. The building of gray granite consists of 3 tiers. The first of these is used as a podium for politicians. The president’s body rests in the second tier.
It is unacceptable to talk and laugh loudly in the mausoleum. It is also forbidden to enter the tomb in open clothing (cleavage dresses, short skirts, shorts). Security has the right to deny entry to visitors who refuse to comply with the dress code.
The Temple of Literature
The attraction was built in the 9th century and is dedicated to the Chinese thinker Confucius. The temple complex includes five zones. Two of them are parkland. A pond and storage area are located in the third zone. The fourth welcomes tourists with a ceremony hall. In the fifth zone there is an active Imperial Academy.
The temple complex is often the site of national and religious festivals. The ticket costs 30 thousand dong (about 80 rubles). Students receive a 50% discount. Admission is free for those under 15 years of age.
Fuhai Prison
The prison on Con Dao Island was built in the 1960s. The prison on Con Dao Island was built in the 1960s, during the French colonization of Vietnam. People who rebelled against the occupiers were sent to Fuhai. The prisoner was placed in a cramped cage in which he was in the fetal position. Such torture was to break the resistance of the people, to force them to submit to the invaders.
In the middle of the last century, the prison became an open-air museum. Kondao Island has transformed from a place of exile into one of the best resorts in the Republic.
Michonne Complex
Mishon was the Buddhist religious center of the Cham Empire. The buildings on the site were erected in the 10th century from burnt bricks, which were made using the sap of one of the local plants. Thanks to the use of this material, the buildings survived into the 20th century. But in 1969, most of the buildings were destroyed in the American bombing.
The Mishon complex is located between Hoi An and the fashionable resort of Da Nang. You can get to the former religious center by cab or by bus number 6. It is recommended to hire a guide in Hoi An.
Hot Springs in Nha Trang
Thermal springs were discovered at the end of the 20th century. The water in them is not suitable for drinking and watering plants because of the high mineral content. The local health resort uses only healing mud.
Wellness treatments in Nha Trang are recommended for people suffering from arthritis. Mud baths are suitable for travelers who suffer from frequent acute respiratory infections.
Mekong Delta
In the Mekong Delta, the Nine Dragons River splits into several branches and flows into the sea. There are more than 10 thousand species of rare animals. The region is populated by farmers and fishermen. Floating markets are considered the main local attraction. Vendors lay out their merchandise on boats. Customers use the same vehicle to move around the market.
Kuti Tunnels
The tunnels are located in a suburb of the capital that bears the same name. This tourist site is among the most interesting places in Southeast Asia.
Dungeons dug in the 1940s during the war in Indochina. Locals used to hide food and important documents in them. Gradually the underground network expanded. It was used as a shelter during the armed conflict with the United States. The tunnels were equipped with rooms for the sick and wounded, stores of food and ammunition, and living quarters.
Lake Babe
The lake is located in the north of Vietnam in the park of the same name. Babe is not considered a popular tourist destination because it is difficult to get to. The pond is suitable for lovers of fishing. If the traveler intends to devote a few days to his hobby, he should rent a bungalow on the banks of the Babe. In addition to the lake itself, you can visit the nearby waterfall Ta Ken and caves inhabited by bats.
The Forbidden Purple City
The Forbidden Purple City (You Cam Thanh) is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. The tourist site can be found in Hue. Once upon a time there was an imperial family living in You Kam Thanh. The subjects of the lower classes were forbidden to enter the residence of the governor. Today, Tu Cam Thanh is a historical center with guided tours.
Hanoi Citadel
Hanoi’s largest landmark was built in the 11th century. It was home to the ancient capital of Vietnam. Not all of the buildings have survived to this day. Most of them were destroyed by the colonizers during the French occupation. Among the youngest buildings is the Flag Tower, erected in the 19th century.
Archaeological excavations are often conducted on the territory of the citadel. For this reason, it is not always possible to see the landmark.
Ho Xuan Huong Lake
The lake is located in the central part of Dalat. The banks of Ho Xuan Huong have become a favorite place for city residents to walk. There are small cafes and retail outlets. There are gardens around the lake that are open to the public.
The cable car to Hong Che Island
On the island of Hon Che, there is a theme park, “Wynperl,” which resembles Disneyland. This attraction can be reached by cable car over 3.3 km long. The funicular is supported by columns in the shape of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. These structures are designed for strong seismic activity. The height of the cable car is more than 100 meters.
Interesting excursions in Vietnam
Traditional tourist spots may seem boring to fans of the exotic.
Lovers of the unusual are encouraged to visit:
- A pepper plantation on Phu Quoc Island. The farm where the spice is grown covers 400 hectares. On the territory of the plantation there is a cafe and a souvenir store. The tour is conducted by an English-speaking guide.
- CanGio Reserve. The eco-tour includes visits to a crocodile farm and an island of monkeys. Travelers are also encouraged to go to the Museum of Archaeology and have lunch on the beach.
- Red Dunes. You can see this attraction near the town of Phan Thiet. It is advisable to visit the red dunes only with an experienced guide. You should bring a hat and a small supply of water.
- Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City. The block appeared on the site of a fishing village. The Chinese who settled here did not mix with the Vietnamese population, preserving their traditions. The residents of Chinatown were engaged in trade, which contributed greatly to the development of the city.
- Young Bay Park. The attraction is located near Nha Trang. The tour lasts at least 7 hours. The park has its own transport. During the trip, tourists participate in the feeding of bears, swimming in a waterfall, watching cockfighting. A good way to relax would be to visit a wellness center.
Nightlife and entertainment in Vietnam
After-dark entertainment can be found in most major Vietnamese cities.
The main part of the nightclubs is located in:
- Hanoi. Bia Hoi 68 Hang Quat bar, which sells high quality draft beer, is popular with vacationers. Locals prefer the Polite Pub and Funky Monkey nightclubs. Lovers of live jazz music should go to the bar Minh`s Jazz Club.
- Ho Chi Minh City. This city is home to the largest nightclub in the country, America Discotheque. Fans of karaoke, techno and disco gather here. You can get a bird’s eye view of Ho Chi Minh City from the Alto Heli Lounge Bar, located on one of the top floors of the skyscraper.
Vietnamese citizens are prohibited from gambling. However, among wealthy foreigners visiting a casino is among the fashionable entertainment. A large establishment started operating on the grounds of Corona Resort and Casino Phu Quoc (Phu Quoc Island). An entire gaming complex is being built in Hoi An, covering 1,000 hectares. On its territory will appear not only a casino, but also restaurants, water parks, shopping centers.
Peculiarities of accommodation for independent travelers
In addition to the national currency, euros and dollars are widely used in Vietnam. It is convenient to use them to pay for rented housing. However, it is advisable to carry dongs to visit markets and stores.
Transportation in Vietnam
Types of transport in Vietnam:
- Cab. A trip for short distances (up to 2 km) will cost VND25,000. It is desirable to use an official cab. There are rates on the doors or windows of cars. These machines are always equipped with meters.
- Buses. This mode of transport is found only in large population centers. The city fare starts at VND4,000. You can buy a ticket from the conductor.
- Boats and ferries. Water transport is common in some regions of the country. For example, you can get to the island of Catba only by ferry. Travelers planning to travel by water, it is advisable to buy sightseeing tours.
- Trains. A train ticket is 1.5-2 times more expensive than an intercity bus ticket. In January and February, prices increase 2-4 times. The railroad network in the country is underdeveloped. However, trains run between most major cities.
- Tourist transfers. This is one of the cheapest ways to travel in Vietnam. Transfers are made by buses, trains, minivans and other means of transportation. When traveling long distances it is worth giving preference to sling-basses equipped with sleeping berths. You can buy a transfer at the hotel or travel agency.
Nutrition
Tourists from Russia are recommended to eat at the local branches of KFC, Burger King, McDonald’s, where you can buy food familiar to Europeans. The cost of lunch in such establishments does not exceed 114 thousand dong.
You can eat in a café or restaurant with traditional cuisine. The minimum price of the dish is from 30,000 to 32,000 dong. However, not all products of Vietnamese cuisine are acceptable to the European. Dog meat and rat meat are often served here. The most expensive are cobra dishes, which can cost up to 570 thousand dong.
If a traveler rents a place with a kitchen, he should cook by himself to save money. Baked goods cost from VND5,000. The price of 1 kg of vegetables – from 11-15 thousand dong. The cost of 1 kg of seafood often does not exceed 133 thousand dong.
Housing
The longer a foreigner plans to occupy rented housing, the lower the rent for him. If a tourist intends to stay in the country for less than 1 month, it is advisable to rent a room in a hostel. The cost of such housing starts at $ 8 dollars a day. For this amount the traveler gets a room with a toilet, shower and sometimes a refrigerator.
Foreigners renting an apartment or house have to pay not only the rent, but also electricity, gas and water. To save money, you need to look for accommodations far from the beach.
The cost of renting an apartment or house on the coast – from 900 to 2,000 dollars a month.
In late December – early January, home prices rise by 30-40% due to the large influx of tourists. Faced with an increase in the cost of living can be in the last days of January, when Vietnam celebrates the New Year. The country has developed domestic tourism. During the New Year’s holidays, many families go on trips, which reduces the possibility of finding a free room, apartment or house.
