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VIETNAM
INTRODUCTION
see & do
HANOI The capital of Vietnam and one of the hidden gems of South East Asia, Hanoi retains an elegance and charm not often found in this part of the world. Enjoy in particular the city's French influence, seen in the fine old colonial buildings and tree lined boulevards. With a laid back pace it's a great place to sit at a pavement café and watch life pass by. HALONG BAY A popular one or two day experience from Hanoi, Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful and dramatic wonders of South East Asia. Listed as a World Heritage Area of Natural Beauty, it features more than 3,000 limestone islets rising from the warm emerald waters. Several of the larger islets contain immense caves which make an interesting stop off from your cruise. SAPA Located near the Chinese border in the Tonkinese mountains, Sapa's breathtaking scenery and colourful hilltribes make it an essential cultural experience in northern Vietnam, as well as an excellent base to discover the surrounding minority villages. The Saturday market is a wonderful spectacle, observe as the `Montagnards', dressed in their traditional clothes, descend
from their rural villages to trade their wares and buy goods to take back home. HUE No visit to the charming riverside Hue is complete without an exploration of the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802-1945. Close by is the lively Dong Ba market, a treasure trove of silks, designer clothes and handicrafts. Visit the food section, a riot of colour and exotic ingredients. HOI AN An exceptionally well preserved trading port dating from the 15th to 19th centuries, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An charms with its fascinating history and enchanting architecture. Visit the colourful local market and shop at one of the hundreds of Chinese tailors or many arts and crafts emporiums. HO CHI MINH CITY Vibrant and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City is often still referred to as Saigon, the cultural heart of the nation. The largest and most energetic city in Vietnam, it is a rich melting pot of culture and traditions, an eclectic mix of street markets, cafés and shops rubbing shoulders with restored colonial buildings and shiny new developments. During early February the Tet (Lunar New Year) Festival takes place and this can be an exciting if chaotic time to visit!
Ho Chi Minh City is a tumultuous jumble of traffic, people and architectural styles it's impossible not to be infected by the buzz of freewheeling old Saigon. CU CHI TUNNELS Close to Ho Chi Minh City stands an amazing complex of tunnels that formed an underground city of sleeping quarters, armaments, kitchens and command centres which at its peak housed up to 10,000 people. Crawl along the serpentine passageways, descend deep into the tunnel complex and search for the elusive hidden trap door. MEKONG DELTA Two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City the tributaries of the Mekong Delta provide ample irrigation for verdant rice terraces, fish farms and fruit orchards. Busy floating markets create lively tapestries as traders sell produce from boat to boat in almost acrobatic displays. River cruises along the Mekong provide an opportunity to experience this busy waterway and its unique way of life. BEACHES AND COUNTRYSIDE It is impossible not to be entranced by the sheer timeless beauty of Vietnam. With glorious beaches sweeping along the `S' shaped coastline and an emerald green patchwork of paddy fields diligently tended by ladies in traditional conical straw hats.
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1 Decorated shoes 2 `Cyclos' in Ho Chi Minh City 3 Ho Chi Minh City 4 Beautiful Vietnam 5 Hilltribe people
VIETNAM REGIONAL MAP
Sapa Hanoi Halong Bay Luang Prabang
INFORMATION Capital: Hanoi Population: 85,000,000 Language: Vietnamese. English, French, Russian & Chinese are also widely spoken. Time Difference: +7 Flight Time: 13 hours via Bangkok. Currency: Dong, although the US Dollar is widely accepted in major cities and tourist attractions, and in many shops, bars and restaurants is the principal currency. Farther afield, we recommend stocking up on Dong. Visas: A valid visa must be attained in advance. `Visas on arrival' are not issued. Passports must be valid for six months after return to the UK. Banks: Most banks will change US Dollar cash or travellers cheques. Credit cards are accepted in cities and major tourist areas. Major tourist areas have a number of ATMs. Banks are generally open 8:30-11:30, 13:00-16:00 Mon - Fri, 8:30-11:30 Sat, closed Sun. Geography: Shaped as a `S', the country is divided into highlands and the Red River Delta in the North, central highlands and lowland coastlines in the middle and the Mekong River Delta in the south. Weather: Vietnam is a country of contrasts, so when one area is `wet', another will be hot and sunny. Generally the summer is hot and humid, the winter cool and dry. See individual area information for specific details.
Laos
Vientiane
GULF OF TONKIN
Vietnam
Hue Danang Hoi An
Thailand
Bangkok
Siem Reap
Quy Nhon Nha Trang
Cambodia
GULF OF THAILAND
Phnom Penh
Phan Thiet
SOUTH HINA SEA
Phu Quoc Ho Chi Minh City C
Mekong Delta Area
call 01306 740500 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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