vietnam visit

Undeniable historical, cultural and scenic appeal

 

Introduction Vietnam Despite having been the scene of one of the darkest passages in the history of the twentieth century, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (87.4 million) is also a territory with a historical, cultural and landscape undeniably, it becomes an enabling environment for the development of tourism territory.

Sita in Southeast Asia ?, Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina peninsula, which covers an area of ​​331 690 km2. States with which it shares border are: China, north; Laos to the northwest, and Cambodia to the southwest. Geographically, we can distinguish in the three distinct regions. First, we should refer to Annam, a mountain range that links the north and south on the western flank and covering almost two-thirds of Vietnamese territory, while the other two areas are the coastal plains of Cochin China and Tonkin .

The climate in Vietnam, monsoon type, has hot summers in the south and cold winters in the north. No wonder, indeed, thermometers exceed 35 ° C in much of the country. In any case, we must take into account the presence of typhoons during the summer, especially in the north and southwest, so this is the least desirable time to visit the area. On the other hand, they are especially abundant rainfall between the months of May and October, during which averages 2,000 mm was recorded.

 
 

Vietnam's historical roots lie in the Red River delta, territory remained under Chinese rule for a period of about 1,000 years. However, the Vietnamese people gained independence in the thirteenth century, also initiating a policy of expansion towards the south that allowed them to bring in the Mekong Delta, the Khmer and Champa. In 1802, the country was established as a political unit under the reign of the first emperor Gia Long. However, the French began the colonization of the area in 1858, which in 1884 became part of the Indochina Union with Laos and Cambodia.

During World War II, Japanese troops took Indochina, an action that led to the emergence of an independence movement: the Vietminh, led by communist leader Ho Chi Minh. The end of the war led to the country's independence and the proclamation of the Republic (1945). Nevertheless, attempts to France to be done again with Vietnam unleashed the war in Indochina (1946-1954), which ended with the gala defeat at Dien Bien Fu and the division of the country into two halves: Vietnam North (sponsored by the USSR and China and led by Ho Chi Minh City) and South Vietnam (ruled by the pro-American dictator Ngo Dinh). In the context of the Cold War, it was established in that State the Viet Cong or Viet Cong, a guerrilla group that in 1960 began an armed struggle to overthrow Ngo Dinh. The death of the president in 1963 during a coup sponsored by the US ? To those who had ceased to interest the presence of a Catholic man and corrupt straw? He intensified the arrival of US troops to the area, while the two giants socialist endowed weapons to the armies of Ho Chi Minh: thus began the Vietnam War, certainly one of the bloodiest chapters in the second half of the century XX. The year 1968 marked the beginning of the end of US military aspirations, as a result of the military defeat of Tet in Saigon and other Vietnam strongholds, leading to the signing of an armistice in 1973, conditional on not invade North Vietnam South Vietnam. Still, Hanoi betrayed the covenant, in 1975, came the fall of Saigon and the reunification of the country thus was born the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (1976). In 1991, USA restore diplomatic relations with Hanoi, making way for a recovery period of slow political and economic normalization.

 

The official language is Vietnamese, also called Annamite. As for the currency in the Vietnamese dong, abbreviated to VND (one euro equals 24.7 dongs, approximately) is used. However, in much of the country also the US dollar is accepted as payment.

To enter Vietnam, it is essential to have a passport valid for at least six months validity from the date of arrival. In addition, you must apply for the corresponding visa. Whereas a large number of tourists combine your stay with visits to other border states? such as Cambodia and Laos ?, it is recommended to apply for a multiple entry visa. This can be obtained at the Embassy of Vietnam in Madrid (C / Segre, 5). With respect to vaccines, there is no compulsory.

When hiring flights to Vietnam from Spain, different airlines linking the main airports with the Vietnamese cities of Hanoi (the capital), Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Dien Bien Phu Banmethuot. From this list, the first two options are by far the cheapest.

As for hotels in Vietnam, the country has an extensive network of hotels and apartments and cottages, at prices significantly lower than those of Europe. On the other hand, the supply of accommodation is especially concentrated in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the two main cities.

 

Ethnic, archaeological sites and stunning natural landscapes
Sightseeing in Vietnam then, summarizes some of the main tourist attractions in Vietnam.

    Cai Be: Located in the stunning Mekong delta in the southwest of the country? and in the province of Tien Giang, this enclave is widely known for its colorful and bustling floating market. Also, some tour operators offer the possibility of hiring a river cruise, you will discover how the day to day running of the locals.
    Can Tho: This is one of the main localities in the Mekong Delta. The main attraction, highlights the bustling Cai Rang floating market, the only one of its kind? Together with Cai Be? with respect to the Southwest. In it, merchants selling all kinds of food, although those fruits produced by local farmers. The market opens at dawn and ends with sunset.

    Ho Chi Minh City: Known as Saigon before the country's unification (1975), his six and a half million inhabitants making it the largest city of Vietnam Republic. It is located north of the Mekong Delta, beside the Saigon River, and in the past was the capital of the French protectorate of Cochin (1862-1954) and South Vietnam (1954-1975). During the gala domination, this city hosted a metropolitan center chaired by beautiful official buildings and tree-lined avenues. However, during the Vietnam War almost all its architectural references were lost. Also, after the end of the war (1975), many entertainment establishments were closed. Today, the city accommodates a commercial and industrial center that houses the country's largest port. As most emblematic places, more stark Thien Hau pagoda, Notre Dame, the old Post Office of Saigon, Binh Tay Market and Chinatown.

    Ha Long: Located near the Red River and in the Gulf of Tonkin, an arm of the South China Sea ?, This bay is home to nearly 1,600 limestone islands and islets that constitute a framework of extraordinary beauty?. Due to its rugged terrain, much of these territories have always been uninhabited, although still numerous nearby traditional activities are performed. Some of his most famous landforms are Tuan Chau Island and the caves of Surprises, Dau Go and Thien Cung. The enormous scenic and ecological value has led to Ha Long to join the list of World Heritage (1994, 2000).

   

 Hanoi: Capital of the country since 1979, Hanoi also had this status at the time of the French Indochina and the late North Vietnam. It is a modern city located on the Red River and with a historical background that rolled back to prehistory. Due to its proximity with China, the Asian giant native conquistadors chose it as the main political center. Architectural legacy part corresponding to the ancient kingdom of Vietnam was destroyed by American bombing between 1964 and 1975. The attacks also affected dams, roads, fields and hospitals, which had to be rebuilt. Nevertheless, the city still retains some samples of French colonial architecture. Among his most emblematic enclaves, Ngoc Son Temple? Site in the middle of Hoa Kiem lake ?, Temple of Literature, the house and the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, Ho Tay Lake, the Museum of Fine Arts are counted, Long Than theater? where water puppet represented? and Hang Be market. Similarly, worth a stroll through the old town? Or 36 Streets neighborhood ?, which in the past made room for many traditional economic activities.

    Hoi An: Inscribed on the List of World Heritage in 1999, the old town of Hoi An was a major trading port of China Sea Meriodinal between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries. As a legacy of this period still some interesting period buildings and a peculiar urban layout, in which different architectural styles that have provided Hoi An combine a strong personality. Among its incentives, it should emphasize its lively market and its magnificent Japanese style covered bridge, built 400 years ago.

    Hue: Despite the severe damage suffered during the Vietnam War, the capital city of Hue Thua Thien Province, located in the center of the country? It is still considered the most beautiful Vietnamese village. Became the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hue became the center of political, cultural and religious power in time of the Nguyen dynasty until the end of World War II. Among his most remarkable architectural legacy, stand-Capital City, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City, all framed in a magnificent natural environment. In 1993, the monuments of Hue was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   

 My Son: Between the fourth and thirteenth centuries, the coast of present Vietnam made room for a civilization unparalleled and culturally entroncada with Hinduism: the kingdom of Champa. For much the same, the political and religious capital went to the city of My Son, which still stand a set of imposing towers-shrines. Due to its good state of preservation and its undoubted historical significance, this enclave was incorporated into the List of World Heritage in 1999.

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang: Eastern National Park site in Quang Binh province in Vietnam, about 450 km south of Hanoi? It houses the oldest and largest karst formation of the entire Asian continent. It has evolved since the Paleozoic period dating back 500 million years ago. The picture offered by this natural area is far from homogeneous, and is noted for its spectacular caves and underground rivers. Phong Nha-Ke Bang is part of a World Heritage Site since 2003.

    Sa Pa: Located northwest of the country, this high mountain border town which gives its name to one of the districts in the province of Lao Cai? It is one of the most frequented by tourists areas. Founded by the French in Indochina times, its perimeter stands out for its impressive alpine scenery and its extensive plantations of rice distributed in terraces. Also, visitors will find villages that seem stuck in the past, and which still survive traditional forms of life. A clear example is found in the neighboring village of Ma Tra, residing in the Hmong people. On the other hand, west of Sa Pa, the Fan Si Pan, the highest peak in the country, with 3,143 m above sea level rises majestically. The summit is, in turn, in the beautiful nature reserve of Hoang Lien Son, that deserves to be discovered.

    Ta Van: Sito in northwest Vietnam, specifically in the valley of Muong Hoa, this picturesque village has turned its back to civilization to preserve the ancient forms of life giay ethnicity. Nevertheless, the locals speak French, a legacy of the period in which the country was part of Indochina.