Vietnam – Have you gone yet?

Now is the time to visit Vietnam before it transforms itself into a modern country. In many ways it is like China was before it’s giant leap into a modern growing economy.

Vietnam is a country deeply scarred by war and yet its outlook is forgiving and forward-looking. Its people believe the last century’s occupations, battles and political influences have enriched the nation.

Vietnam is a country on the cusp. It’s moving toward capitalism but it is still a one-party system controlled by the Communist elite in Hanoi. The contrasts are everywhere in this country that teeters between tradition and the 21st century. Under Communism they used to ban golf courses but not anymore as they welcome investment and tourists. And tourism now is booming as the country races against time to catch up to the rest of the world.

One consideration to make up your mind to visit Vietnam is it is one of the safest countries in terms of terrorism and it is inexpensive. Top international hotels are no more than $200 per night, but lower your standards a bit and you will find clean, safe rooms in smaller hotels in cities and on beaches for around $50 per night. Food follows the same pattern. You can find local restaurants that will serve multi-course meals for around $2.

Vietnam has hundreds of miles of beaches and they are nearly empty. Surprisingly this small country has a population of over 80 million. When you arrive in Vietnam, you will start your trip in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The north is cooler so it is a popular starting point where it is cooler, less populated and developed. Hanoi has a population of 3 million where all the foreign embassies are located along with the Old Quarter. Driving in from the airport you will then start to encounter the tides of traffic as you meet pedestrians, bicycles, pedicabs, mopeds, buses and a few cars.

When visiting Hanoi you must take in the usual sights, the Temple of Literature, the marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and a water puppet theatre.

When you leave the north and travel south to Ho Chi Minh City, known also as Saigon, you will find that it is a city on the march, a boom town where the rule of the dollar is king. The centre of Ho Chi Minh is compact and ideal for wandering around. You will find fine restaurants, immaculate hotels and glitzy bards amidst its colonial villas and venerable pagodas.

There are many interesting places to visit including the markets, cathedral, river-port. Presidential Palace and the nearby park which also houses a museum of Vietnamese History and Culture.. This is a port that is steamy hot but the streets are lined with imaginative boutiques, designer stores and busy cafes. Shopping is excellent with bargains to be had. Ho Chi Minh City is far more cosmopolitan than the capital, Hanoi.

For more information visit www.vietnamtourism.com.