Geography Vietnam covers an area of 330,363 sq. km and is about as big as Italy or New Mexico. The country has three main geographic regions - the tropical south dominated by the Mekong River estuary, the dry central region, and the more temperate north comprising the Red River delta and mountain highlands.
The North: The cold season is between November and April when average temperatures are around 60°F/16°C and it is often wet and chilly. In the hot period, between May and October, the average temperature is about 86°F/30°C.
Central: Central Vietnam offers a combination of climates: northern and southern. The southern part has less rainfall and the temperatures are similar to those in the south. The northern part has more rain and significant changes in temperature. The rainy season in the center lasts from September to December. Especially during the months of October and November, central Vietnam is hit by typhoons with strong winds and heavy downpours.
The South: The temperatures in the south are constant all year, ranging from 77-86°F/25-30°C. The dry season is from November to April and the wet period from May to October.
History In 111 BC ancestors of the present-day Vietnamese who inhabited part of what is now southern China and northern Vietnam were conquered by forces of China's Han dynasty. Chinese rule lasted more than 1000 years (until 939 AD) when the Vietnamese ousted their conquerors and began a southward expansion that, by the mid 18th century, reached the Gulf of Siam. Despite their military achievements the Vietnamese continued to suffer from internal political divisions. Throughout most of the 17th and 18th centuries, contending families in the north and south struggled to control the powerless kings of the Le dynasty.
Vietnam was reunited following a devastating civil war in the 18th century but soon fell prey to the expansion of European colonialism. The French conquest of Vietnam began in 1858 with an attack on what is now the city of Danang.
Fiercely nationalistic, the Vietnamese never truly accepted the imposition of French rule. By 1930, the Vietnamese Nationalist Party had staged the first significant armed uprising against the French, but its virtual destruction in the ensuing French repression left the leadership of the anti-colonial movement to those more adept at underground organization and survival - the communists.
A prolonged three-way struggle ensued among the Vietnamese communists (led by Ho Chi Minh), the French, and the Vietnamese nationalists (nominally led by Emperor Bao Dai). Ho Chi Minh's Viet Minh forces fought a highly successful guerrilla campaign and eventually controlled much of rural Vietnam. The French military disaster at Dien Bien Phu in May 1954 and the conference at Geneva, where France signed the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam on July 20, 1954, marked the end of the eight-year war and French colonial rule in Indochina.
By 1963 the Vietnamese communists had made significant progress in building a strong network of supporters in South Vietnam. Nevertheless, in 1964 Hanoi decided that the Viet Cong (VC) cadres and their supporters were not sufficient to take advantage of the political confusion following the overthrow of Diem in November 1963. Hanoi ordered regular troops of the North Vietnamese army (People's Army of Vietnam - PAVN) into South Vietnam, first as ‘fillers’ in VC units, then in regular formations. The first regimental units were dispatched in the autumn of 1964. By 1968, PAVN forces were enduring most combat on the communist side.
In December 1961 President Diem requested assistance from the United States. President Kennedy sent US military advisers to South Vietnam to help the government deal with the instability that plagued the southern part of Vietnam. By the spring of 1969 the United States had reached its greatest troop strength - 543,000 - in Vietnam.
While the United States withdrew from ground combat by 1971, it still provided air and sea support to the South Vietnamese until the signing of the ceasefire agreements. The peace agreement was concluded on January 27, 1973. At the beginning of 1975, the North Vietnamese began a major offensive in the South that succeeded in breaking through the central highlands defences. After taking over provincial capitals in that area, a combination of forces from the demilitarised zone area and the highlands led to the withdrawal of South Vietnamese forces.
For the first few months after the war, separate governments were maintained in the northern and southern parts of the country. However, in mid-November 1975, the decision to reunify the country was announced, despite the vast social and economic differences remaining between the two sections. The assembly ratified the reunification of the country and on July 2 renamed it the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV). It also appointed a committee to draft a new constitution for the entire country.
Religion Vietnam supports adherents of all the major world religions, as well as followers of religions that are peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao Daism, Hoa Hao and Hinduism. In addition spirit and ancestor worship, To Tien, is also practiced. Confucianism is probably the most pervasive doctrine of all.
People Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of the population in Vietnam. Originating in what is now southern China and northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese people pushed southward over several centuries to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of the Indochinese Peninsula. This expansion began in 939 AD, after a millennium of Chinese occupation. Although Vietnamese culture was strongly influenced by traditional Chinese civilization, the struggle for political independence from China developed a strong sense of national identity in the Vietnamese people. Nearly 100 years of French rule (1858-1954) introduced important European elements, but the Vietnamese still attach great importance to the family and continue to observe rites honoring their ancestors, indicating the persistence of tradition.
Various ethnic groups make up the remaining 10 percent of the population, with approximately 1.2 million Chinese, concentrated in southern Vietnam, being the most numerous.
The second largest minority, the southern Montagnards (mountain people) comprises two main ethno-linguistic groups - Malayo-Polynesian and Mon-Khmer. About 30 groups of various cultures and dialects are spread over the highland territory. The third largest minority is the Khmer Krom (Cambodians), numbering about 600,000, who are concentrated in the southern provinces near the Cambodian border and at the mouth of the Mekong River. Most are farmers. Other minority groups include Cham (remnants of the once-mighty Kingdom of Champa, destroyed by the Vietnamese in the 16th century).
Arts and Architecture The first flourishing of Vietnamese art occurred with the emergence of the Dongson culture on the coast of Annam and Tonkin between 500 and 200 BC. The inspiration for the magnificent bronzes produced by the artists of Dongson originated from China: the decorative motifs have clear affinities with earlier Chinese bronzes. At the same time, the exceptional skill of production and decoration argues that these pieces represent some of the first and finest Southeast Asian works of art. This is most evident in the huge and glorious bronze drums that can be seen in museums in both Hanoi and Saigon. If there was ever a 'golden' period of the Vietnamese art and architecture it was that of the former central Vietnamese kingdom of Champa, centerd on the Annamite coast. It flowered in the 10th and 11th centuries. Only 20 of 250 former sites have survived the intervening centuries, the most famous being My Son and Dong Duong. Characteristic of Vietnamese art and architecture are the pagodas and palaces at Hue and Hanoi, although Chinese prototypes are evident.
Manners The Vietnamese used to greet one another by clasping their hands, prayer-like, in front of their faces and bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this charming custom has been replaced by the handshake. When trying to gain the attention of a Vietnamese, try not to point or gesture excessively. This is regarded as rude. Call out their names if possible, if not beckon by using the whole hand, palm downwards. Again, as in the other countries of Southeast Asia, do not touch people on the head as it is regarded as spiritually the 'highest' part of the body. Expect to be the center of attention outside Saigon, Hanoi and the main tourist centers. React accordingly and be a good ambassador.
Dance and Theatre Classical Vietnamese theatre, known as hat boi, shows links with the classical theatre of China. Since the partition of the country in 1954, there has developed what might be termed 'revolutionary realist' theatre and classical Vietnamese theatre is almost defunct today. However, the most original theatrical art form in Vietnam is mua roi muoc or water puppet theatre. Plays are based on historical or religious themes: the origins of the Viet nation, legends, village life and acts of heroism. Some include the use of fireworks - especially during battle scenes - while folk opera singers and traditional instruments accompany all performances. Performances usually begin with the clown, Teu, taking the stage and acting as a linking character between the various scenes.
The Vietnam of today is influenced not only by its ancient traditions and culture but also by its chequered and often tragic past. Vietnam is finding its way back to its ancient roots of serenity and family oriented lifestyle. Experience a country still unspoiled and tolerant, a country quite unique in the world.
Hanoi Vietnam's lovely capital is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. With narrow alleyways lined with shophouses selling traditional handicrafts and arts, the old center is an enchanting place to wander. Other major attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and house.
Cuc Phuong National Park The largest national park of Vietnam is home to unique flora and fauna. Many species dwelling were no longer found anywhere else in the world. Excursions under the expert guidance of park rangers help visitors experience this unique habitat. The park also includes the largest jungles remaining in Vietnam.
Dien Bien Phu In the far northwest of Vietnam near the Laotian border in a beautiful valley, the last, decisive battle with the French was fought in 1954. The journey to this remote region passes through impressive and picturesque mountain terrain with glimpses of ethnic villages - a very special experience.
Hue This imperial city was the cultural and intellectual center of Vietnam. The old imperial palace, the citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is one of Vietnam’s landmarks, are only a few examples of the sights of Hue. There is also a boat trip down the Perfumed River, which leads to the six impressive imperial tombs.
Hoa Binh The capital of the province of the same name is the starting-point for excursions to the Muong and the Thai-minorities still living in their traditional pile-dwellings. See traditional dances and taste traditional tribal food prepared especially for visitors from afar.
Halong Bay With thousands of exquisite limestone islands rising from the waters, this bay was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. According to legend, the bay's beautiful scenery was carved out by a dragon as he made his flight seawards. The bay is best enjoyed by a leisurely excursion by boat, with stops to explore the area's many cliffs and caves.
Nha Trang Nha Trang is perhaps one of Vietnam’s most beautiful seaside resorts. It features miles and miles of empty beaches, deserted bays, numerous islands and coral reefs. Swim, snorkel and dive all day. Nha Trang has many good mid-range hotels. There are beach cafés, fine seafood restaurants and one beach resort.
Danang The road from Danang to Hue crosses the famous Pass of Ocean Clouds, one of the most spectacular parts of Highway One. The Cham Museum, the Marble Mountains and China Beach are all in close vicinity, the latter being famous for the wave surfing GIs of the Vietnam War.
Hoi An For many centuries Hoi An was one of South-East Asia's most important ports. Fortunately Hoi An was spared much of the destruction of the Vietnam War. No other town in Vietnam has such well-preserved ancient buildings. Today Hoi An is unsurpassed for its charm and has blossomed into an artists' colony.
Dalat Vietnam's honeymoon town nestles in a mountain valley at an altitude of 5000 ft. (1500 m). The climate is temperate and the cool evenings attract newly weds from all over Vietnam. The area is dotted with lakes, waterfalls, evergreen forests and gardens.
Mekong Delta This huge river delta is home to a bustling rural culture of floating markets along its many river branches and canals. Although it is difficult to single out individual towns, Vinh Long, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh are all especially worth seeing.
Con Dao The notorious penitentiary island Con Dao is the home of the ‘tiger cages’, made famous by movies on Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Once again the city has become the effervescent economic center of Vietnam. To some it's a hectic and terribly noisy city, to others the former ‘Paris of the East’ with Vietnam's best restaurants and cafés and an intense nightlife. Saigon has restored famous hotels like the Majestic, the Continental and the Rex and boasts recently opened Asian luxury hotels a la Bangkok or Singapore.
Vietnam spans several climatic zones, resulting in substantial weather condition variations between the north and the south. Average temperatures year round range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius (68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) so there is no particularly good or bad time to visit Vietnam.
Central Vietnam
A visa is required for entry to Vietnam
Citizens of Australia, UK, US, EU Countries, New Zealand and Canada require a visa to visit Vietnam. All other nationalities should check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
Obtaining a visa
A visa must be obtained before departing your country of residence. It can be arranged up to 6 months before your scheduled arrival date into Vietnam. A full passport is required, valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your departure from Vietnam. You can acquire your tourist or business visa from your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Travel Indochina can assist in arranging visas for Travel Indochina clients residing in Australia, UK and the US.
All Vietnam visas are SINGLE ENTRY unless you have specifically requested MULTIPLE ENTRY and this is stamped into your passport. Please ensure you have a multiple entry visa if you are entering Vietnam twice. The status of a tourist visa cannot be changed from SINGLE ENTRY to MULTIPLE ENTRY once you have arrived in Vietnam. It is your responsibility to ensure all visa and entry requirements are met prior to your arrival in Vietnam.
Please Note: All information provided on this page is correct at the time of writing. Rules and regulations can change suddenly. Travel Indochina will do their utmost to advise you in ample time of any changes but cannot be held responsible for any additional charges incurred. We strongly suggest that you check with the relevant embassies in your country of residence that these guidelines are applicable to you.