Vietnam Introduction

Vietnam is a stunning and exciting country, boasting the most incredible scenery, white sand beaches and unique culture – and all still relatively untouched by tourism. Covering an area of 330 363 square kilometres, Vietnam is about as large as Italy and has three main geographic regions, the tropical south, the dry central region and the more temperate north comprising the Red River Delta and mountain highlands. Between the bustling centres of Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh in the south, lie the beautiful towns of Hoi An, Nha Trang, the famous Mekong Delta, with its floating markets and maze of intricate waterways and Phu Quoc Island. Vietnam is a slender country of jungles, rice fields, beaches and bays, stunningly beautiful, never less than enthralling and is waiting to be discovered.

HO CHI MINH the southern capital, formerly known as Saigon, features busy tree lined boulevards and pulses with energy day and night. World’s collide as old and new compete fro space in this dynamic city of ancient temples, colonial quarters and soaring buildings. Popular excursions include the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where war history is revealed in great detail and Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, a fascinating place to learn about Vietnamese religion.

PHU QUOC ISLAND is mountainous and forested and located in the Gulf of Thailand, only 15 kilometres from the coast of Cambodia and 45 kilometres from the Vietnam coast. This tear shaped island is ringed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam and there are fantastic views of marine life through transparent blue-green waters. The hotels are located at the southern end of Tau Ru Bay Beach and the water is crystal clear with coconut palms lining the beach. A visit to the market is definitely worth a visit. Since Phu Quoc Island achieved National Park status in 2001, tourists are beginning to discover this Vietnamese gem.

NHA TRANG the capital of Khanh Hoa province is situated on Vietnams east coast and is only 60 minutes flying time from Ho Chi Minh. Nha Trang is host to one of the best beaches in Vietnam and the clear turquoise waters make for excellent scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing.

HOI AN is a charming coastal resort, situated on the central coast of Vietnam and is ideal for a few days relaxing on the beach or exploring this fascinating World Heritage Site ancient town, with its famous market, restaurants and shops. Travelling here is immensely rewarding and you will find pleasant surprises at every turn.

HANOI, the capital city of Vietnam features an elegance and charm not often found in this part of South East Asia. With a laid back lifestyle, it’s a great place to sit at a pavement café and watch life pass by. Hanoi has lakes, immaculately manicured parks and wide shady tree lined boulevards. There is plenty to see and do here, with many fine old buildings to explore, more than 600 pagodas and Hoan Lake located right in the heart of the city. Among the more popular sights to visit are Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and the One Pillar Pagoda.

CURRENCY:	Vietnam New Dong
TIME DIFFERENCE:	GMT+7
VISA:	Letter of invitation required costing €25.00 per person. Another $25.00 is also required on arrival.
VACCINATIONS:	Recommended. Please consult your local GP for further information.

Vietnam Ho Chi Minh

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sun hrs	5	6	5	6	4	4	4	5	5	4	4	4
Rain mm	25	0	25	51	229	330	305	280	330	280	102	51
Temp C	32	33	35	35	34	33	33	32	32	32	32	31