Vietnam is the correct name of the country. Where to relax and what to see in Vietnam. Socialist Republic of Vietnam: attractions and tourism potential of the country

Vietnam - ( official name SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM). The country is located along
Vietnam - (official name SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM).
The country is located along the eastern coast of the Indochina Peninsula in southeast Asia. The maximum length of the country from northwest to southeast is about 1,650 km, and the maximum width from east to west is about 550 km in the north and about 340 km in the south. Vietnam borders China in the north; the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Sea are located in the east and south; the Gulf of Thailand is in the southwest; Laos and Cambodia (Kampuchea) are located in the west. The capital of the country is Hanoi. The area of ​​the country is about 331,041 square kilometers. Population - 74,545,000 (as of 1995).
Earth.
In the north of the country, the densely populated Red River Delta is the main breadbasket where the main crop is cultivated. grain crop countries fig. The Red River and its tributaries are regularly subject to severe, extensive flooding, while also serving as fields for irrigation and transportation routes for goods. The fertile Mekong Delta is almost four times larger than the Red River Delta and is one of the world's major rice-producing regions. Annual floods in the Mekong Delta, unlike floods in the Red Delta, occur regularly and increase the fertility of the land, bringing new land ill. In addition, the country has sugarcane, banana, and coconut plantations in the Mekong Delta. A narrow coastal plain, approximately 1,000 km long, connects these two main river deltas.
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with hot winters in the south and cold winters in the north. The annual average temperature in the north (Hanoi) is -23° and in the south (Ho Chi Minh City). - 27°. Average annual precipitation (mainly from May to October) is 1,500 - 2,000 mm. Typhoons occur in the north and southwest.
Almost one-third total area countries - under tropical evergreen and subtropical deciduous forests of oak, beech, chestnut, pine, teak. Bamboo is widespread both in forests and along rivers. Mangrove forests are common in the tidal coastal plains, while grassy savannas cover the tablelands and plateaus in the southwest. Large areas were devastated by barbaric farming methods (cutting and burning), as well as by bombing and herbicides used by the US military during the Vietnam War, although the devastated areas were subsequently restored (reclamation). About one fifth of the country's total area is used for agriculture.
Northern Vietnam is rich in mineral resources, especially anthracite and coal. Other minerals are discovered in the north, including iron ore, lead, zinc, bauxite, copper, chrome ores, and tungsten. tin. Small oil reserves have been found on the southern coast.
Currency: The national currency of Vietnam is the dong. Currently, 1 dollar is equivalent to approximately 16,000 dong. Payment in dollars is common in hotels, but you will need local currency when shopping in stores and paying for taxis. In big cities, you can pay with credit cards in hotels, restaurants and large stores. The Visa credit card is especially preferred.
Electricity: network voltage throughout the country is 220 volts. Sometimes hotels (especially in the southern part of the country) have electrical outlets that differ from European ones. In this case, you will be provided with the necessary adapters.
Security: Vietnam is one of the most safe countries in Asia. However, you should pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings. When staying in hotels, store valuables, documents and credit cards in safes.
At the airport: Keep the entry/exit form you filled out when entering Vietnam carefully. You will need it when leaving the country. Airport Tax - The airport tax for international flights is US$14. The fee is not charged for children under 2 years of age. The airport tax for domestic flights is included in the air ticket price. Luggage tags - keep your luggage tags (attached to your air tickets) to pass control when leaving the airport with your luggage.
The judicial system includes the Supreme People's Court in Hanoi and the subordinate people's courts in the provinces and major cities. The National Assembly may, in special cases, for example when national security interests are affected, by its decision create a special judicial body. The Supreme People's Court exercises control over the work of subordinate institutions. Representatives of national minorities have the right to use their native language in court. At the state and provincial levels and in the army, there are people's inspections, each of which is led by responsible prosecutors who carry out the task of monitoring the implementation of the law in government agencies, private organizations, military personnel and civilians. The judge considers cases during trials together with a council of people's assessors, consisting of five to nine people. There are over 10 thousand such councils in the country.
Armed Forces: Everything related to the Vietnamese People's Army and other security forces is strictly classified. In November 1998, the National Council voted for “transparency” of information in the field of public administration, after which the government developed a detailed program to familiarize the public with the issues of financing the services and departments it manages (it does not apply to the army, internal security agencies and party organizations). The number of military personnel in the country is estimated at approximately 0.5 million people, and security personnel - 2 million people.
Geography
Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia and stretches for 1600 km along east coast Indochinese Peninsula.
More than 80% of Vietnam's territory is occupied by low and medium-altitude mountains. Less than 30% of the country is covered by forests. In the north, block-folded ridges of southeastern stretch stretch parallel to each other - Hoang Lien Son (with the highest point of Vietnam, Mount Fansipan - 3143 m), Shusung Chaotai, Sham Shao, separated by narrow, deep longitudinal valleys. The Annam Mountains (Chuong Son) stretch along the western border. In the central and southern parts of the country there are basement and basalt plateaus - Pleiku, Dak Lak, Lam Vien, Zilin, and the Central Plateau. The largest and deepest rivers in Southeast Asia, the Hongha and Mekong, end their course in Vietnam, flowing into the South China Sea. The Bac Bo alluvial-deltaic plain is located in the lower reaches and delta of Hong Phi in northern Vietnam. This is also where the country's highest population density is (1,100 people/km2-) and where the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is located. The vast alluvial-deltaic plain of Nambo is located in the extreme southwest of the country in the Mekong Delta. It also has a high population density (450 people/km2-) and is home to the country's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City. Many small rivers flowing from the central plateau and the Annam Mountains where they flow into the South China Sea have formed a narrow strip of accumulative coastal plains.
Vietnam is located in the region of a subequatorial monsoon climate, but due to the country's large extent from north to south, the climatic conditions on its territory are somewhat different. Winter in the south is hot (26° C), in the north it is cool (15° C), the air temperature sometimes drops to 1° C due to the penetration of cold air from China. In the mountains at an altitude of more than 1500 m, frosts occur. Precipitation patterns also vary across Vietnam. Winters are dry in the south and wet in the north, and in summer monsoon rains water the entire country. At the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the coast of Vietnam is visited by destructive typhoons. On the windward slopes of the mountains, 2500-3000 mm of precipitation falls annually, on the leeward slopes - 700-900 mm.
Climate
The country has three regions - the northern with dry and mild winters and humid, hot summers, the central with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year and the southern, whose climate is similar to that of the northern regions, but with higher temperatures.
In northern Vietnam, the dry season lasts from November to April, with the least rainfall occurring in December-January (about 10 mm). The maximum rainfall occurs in July-August and varies depending on the location from 270 to 450 mm per month, and 80% of the annual rainfall falls between July and September, amounting to 1400-1700 mm. In mountainous areas, annual precipitation reaches 3000 mm. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of +18C during the day and +9C at night. In the mountains at altitudes above 1500 m in winter there are frosts at night, and snow is also possible. In the summer months, during the day the thermometer rises to +30-32 degrees, at night it drops to +23. In the second half of summer and autumn, typhoons are common in the northern regions.
In central Vietnam in winter, daytime temperatures range from +21 to +24 degrees, night temperatures - from +15 to +18. The coldest month is January. During the summer, the air temperature remains almost unchanged - +34 C during the day and +25 C at night. Based on the nature of moisture in this region, a special area of ​​coastal lowlands is distinguished. They are protected from the southwest monsoon by the Truong Son mountains, so Vietnam's official maximum precipitation is not in the summer months, as in other areas, but in the autumn. The wettest months are September and October, when 400-500 mm of precipitation falls. The rainy season lasts until January. The least amount of precipitation occurs in February-March (about 40 mm).
In the south, the rainiest months are also July and August, but more precipitation falls - from 400 to 700 mm. Rain most often occurs during the day in the form of short showers. In January, the coldest month, the typical temperatures at night and during the day are +21 and +30 degrees, respectively. The warmest month is April with an average night temperature of +23oC and daytime temperature +33oC.
Administrative-territorial structure
Vietnam is divided into 58 provinces (Vietnamese: Tỉ-nh, Tinh). Along with this, there are 5 cities of central subordination, which have the same status as provinces.
Population
Vietnam is a multinational country. More than fifty-four ethnic groups inhabit Vietnam from the Northern Highlands to the southern tip of Ca Mau. The ethnic majority of Vietnam - the Kinh - are petite, dark-haired, with brown or black eyes, the indigenous people of the country make up a total of eighty percent of the total population of Vietnam. By the way, the total population of Vietnam reaches eighty-two million inhabitants. Some other ethnic groups include the H'Mong, Muong, Zao and Thai peoples living in the Northern Highlands of Vietnam. The peoples living in the Southern Highlands of Vietnam include the Bahnar, Ede, M'Nong, Giarai, and Stien tribes. Each group has its own traditions and language, but the most popular and widespread language in Vietnam is Vietnamese.
Religion
The population of Vietnam is Buddhists 9.3%, Catholics 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestants 0.5%, atheists and followers of local animist cults 80.8%
The main religion of the Vietnamese is a system of folk beliefs, the basis of which is the rituals of “tho cung to tien” (ancestor cult), strictly performed by the majority of the country’s inhabitants. This cult does not have a formalized doctrine, hierarchy of clergy and social organization (communities, parishes, etc.) and, therefore, does not have the status of a religious denomination. During the 1999 census, all persons who found it difficult to indicate their religious affiliation were recorded as atheists. It should also be noted that the place of worship of ancestors is often Buddhist temples, which causes another popular misconception, according to which more than 80% of Vietnamese are Buddhists.
Economy
Vietnam exports crude oil, seafood, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, clothing and shoes ($57 billion in 2009). The main buyers are the USA 21.4%, Japan 14.4%, China 7.3%, Australia 4.4%, Germany 4.3%.
Vietnam imports industrial products, petroleum products, fertilizers, grain, cotton, cement, and motorcycles ($65.1 billion in 2009). Main suppliers - China 20.9%, Singapore 9.6%, Japan 9%, Taiwan 8.2%, South Korea 7.7%, Thailand 6.4%, USA 4.3%.
In the past, the USSR and Vietnam cooperated closely in various fields: Agriculture, oil production, construction and science, not to mention the military-technical industry. Now many projects are closed, but the joint oil production venture Vietsovpetro in the city of Vung Tau and the Center for Tropical Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Hanoi (with branches in Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang) are still operating.
For a long time, the economic growth of Vietnam was hampered by the American embargo and the excessive tutelage of the Soviet state - foreign capital was not welcomed in the country. In December 1988, the Vietnamese government passed the Foreign Investment Law, which guaranteed companies from other countries that their property and profits would not be nationalized. Vietnam, the official name Vietnam, was first attracted by companies from the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, primarily South Korea and Australia, and then many others. And in 1997, the Vietnamese Parliament allowed all provinces and districts to independently carry out foreign trade operations. On January 11, 2007, Vietnam became the 150th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Holidays
Public holidays: Tet - a week off in January or February - Hung Kings' Day (a holiday with a "floating date" - usually in April) - April 30 - Liberation Day of South Vietnam - May 1 - Workers' Day - May 19 - Ho's Birthday Shi Mina - September 2 - Independence Day (from France since 1945). The Vietnamese meet their New Year- Tet - by lunar calendar, accordingly, the holiday does not have a fixed date.
Transport
Large and small air-conditioned buses run from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to all other cities in Vietnam. Air and rail connections have been established between all major settlements. You can rent a car, but only with a driver, because... The local traffic police do not recognize any driving licenses other than Vietnamese ones. To rent a motorcycle, you don't need anything other than a deposit. In cities, it is best to use a taxi. The cost of travel in taki is $1–1.5 per landing and then every kilometer 6–10 cents (depending on the class of car). The slowest, but most exotic transport is pedicabs, which are best suited for exploring the ancient quarters.
Interesting Facts
There is a legend that the Vietnamese (Viets) descended from a dragon and a fairy bird.
In the city of Vung Tau in southern Vietnam, a parish of the Russian Orthodox Church has been operating since 2002.
In Vietnam, near the city of Da Nang, there is the world's longest cable car.
Vietnam is shaped like the Latin letter “S”.

General information

Vietnam is an extraordinary country. Due to its geographical location, namely the country's length along the sea from north to south, as well as its rich history, Vietnam, like no other country in Southeast Asia, is an ideal place to travel.
Hanoi - Halong - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Dalat - Phan Thiet - Saigon - each has its own flavor and character.
Hanoi is the capital of the country, as well as the northern and cultural capital, a city traditional and strict, but at the same time graceful and calm, a city of shady alleys and millions of motorcyclists.
Ha Long is one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Sapa is a land of flowering valleys and mountain ranges, inhabited by numerous rare mountain peoples who flock in their colorful national costumes to the weekly Sunday market
Hue is the imperial capital of the country, the arena of many historical events, which has seen not a single emperor and has preserved in memory of many of them - tombs - complexes of peace and tranquility and magnificent examples of French-Vietnamese cuisine.
Hoi An is a museum city under open air, protected by UNESCO and which has not lost its appearance after 200 years.
Nha Trang has snow-white beaches, a rich underwater world and an innumerable number of restaurants with excellent seafood.
Dalat is a city-garden, a city-park, the Vietnamese Alps, where artists and poets create, where the country's elite vacation, where vineyards for Vietnamese wine “Dalat” grow, where strawberries are harvested three times a year, and flowers bloom 12 months a year. .
Phan Thiet is a year-round resort with white beaches, cozy green hotels located along the coastline, and cute restaurants.
Saigon is the capital of the southern part of the country, a stronghold and “hotbed” of capitalism, bearing the imprint of the colonial past and French culture. A city of contrasts - neon lights, nightclubs, vices and freedom.

Impressions of any country are complemented by getting to know its cuisine. And the cuisine of Vietnam, which has absorbed the best of the cuisines of the peoples of neighboring countries and supplemented this mixture with sauces and recipes from French - the most exquisite cuisine in the world, is one of the most delicious in Southeast Asia.

In addition, for those wishing to holiday in Vietnam there is no good or bad season, because if in one part of the country it is too humid or too damp, then there will always be a place where at the same time it is sunny and warm.

Explore, conquer, submit and love Vietnam with us!!!

Vietnam is a country with ancient history and culture, has a huge number of valuable historical monuments, a diverse landscape and more than three thousand km of coastline along the rich South China Sea. Vietnam amazes, first of all, with its natural beauty. A strip stretches along the coast wonderful beaches, and in the center of the country there are mountains covered with dense forests.

Here is Ha Long Bay, whose name translates from Vietnamese as “Descending Dragon,” with more than two thousand islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. According to legend, this bay was created by a huge Red Dragon that descended from the heavens. According to local residents, he still lives in these waters. To make sure of this, you can go on a junk in search of a monster or visit numerous caves and grottoes on the islands, and when the search tires you, sunbathe and swim in the crystal clear waters of the bay and enjoy a lunch of squid, crabs, lobsters and shrimps cooked according to the special recipes of Vietnamese cuisine...

Tourists can see unique architectural complexes, whose age often dates back to more than a millennium, which have absorbed all the charm and flavor of the East Hoi An, the picturesque Ha Long Bay and its two thousand islands... Each of these places in Hoi An deserves not just a detailed description, but a visit and a thorough study of all the sights and beauties that the Viet land is so rich in.

Best beaches South China Sea, also located on the territory of Vietnam, have long attracted Europeans who know a lot about have a great holiday. The classic combination of bright sun, warm sand and the blue surface of the sea makes these places ideal for escaping all everyday problems and immersing yourself in the world of a coastal fairy tale. Diving enthusiasts will be able to thoroughly enjoy their favorite pastime - the rich underwater world warm sea combined with relatively low prices for equipment and accompanying services make the waters of the South China Sea very tempting for diving.

Many hotels on the coast have their own massage rooms and SPA complexes, which have a unique healing clay that can rejuvenate the body and improve health, undermined by the stresses of modern civilization. Supporters of unconventional forms of treatment will discover the art of Vietnamese healers, perfected over thousands of years - when used correctly, these tinctures made from snakes, sea ​​creatures, bird's nests and rare herbs can work wonders. Aesthetes will discover mountain resorts, for example, Dalat, built by the French colonialists as a sanatorium city for local nobility: mountain air, coniferous forests and cool mountain reservoirs can relieve the blues and heal any ailments.

And of course, information about the service should be included in a separate line. To say that it is of European class is to tell only half the truth about it: the highest technical equipment of the hotels and competent organization of the staff’s work are complemented by truly oriental respect for the guest - here you will not see strained smiles and formal attitudes - you can be sure that you are welcome here!

Weather and Climate

When choosing tours to Vietnam, we advise you to pay attention to the climate: the climate is tropical monsoon, formed under the influence of the summer wet (southern and southwestern) and winter dry (northeastern) monsoons. The winter monsoon arrives from the northeast between October and May, bringing rain to areas north of Nha Trang but dry and sunny conditions to the south. In autumn the weather is unstable - typhoons hit the coast. Average temperatures are little variable and range from +26 C in December to +29 C in April.
Southern Vietnam - subequatorial climate (Saigon, Vung Tau, Phan Thiet).
Wet season: May - November. At this time, usually in the afternoon there are heavy, very short showers.
Dry season: December - April.
In Saigon, the average annual temperature is +27C. Air humidity - 80%. In April, the average daily t is +30C. In January - +21C. The absolute minimum temperature recorded in Saigon is +14C.
The rainy season in South Vietnam is different from what our tourists usually imagine. It rains for 10-15 minutes a day, and if there are cloudy days, this provides a pleasant respite and brings slightly cooler weather. In general, the weather during the rainy season is very pleasant, and we can say that in our Russian summer it rains much more often than in the south of Vietnam. There are two main seasons: wet - from May to November and dry - from December to April. Average temperature - +27C, average humidity - 80%. About 2000 ml of rain falls. in year.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat) is divided into two parts: coastal plains and mountains. In the coastal area around Da Nang, typhoons are possible from October to November. In the central mountainous regions there is frequent fog and drizzling rain.
Wet season: September-January.
From December to February the ocean is quite stormy, so diving is difficult during this time.
Air temperature: +25 - 27C
in winter: during the day: +17-20C, at night: +10-12C.
in summer: during the day: +32-35C, at night: +25-27C.
In the north there are two main seasons - winter from November to March - quite cool and rainy; and summer from April to October is hot and dry.

Holidays and weekends

During the full or new moon, special prayer services are held in Vietnamese and Chinese pagodas. These days, most Buddhists eat only vegetarian food. Some of the major religious celebrations are celebrated according to the lunar calendar.
- Tet (late January - early February) - the new lunar year - the most important holiday of the year, which lasts a whole week (and rituals begin a week earlier);
- Day of the Wandering Souls (Trung Nguyen) - celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh moon (August), the second most important holiday of the year, when gifts and food are presented to the wandering souls of the forgotten dead;
- Thich Doan Ngo (Summer Solstice Day) is celebrated in June. During it, a ceremonial burning of human figurines is carried out in order to satisfy the need for the souls of the army of death;
- The Festival of the Dead (Thanh Minh) is celebrated in April in honor of deceased ancestors.
When planning the dates of your tour to Vietnam, try to combine them with holiday dates, and then you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with bright fragments of the unique culture of the Vietnamese.
Weekend:
January 1 - New Year
Late January – early February – Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
February 3 is the founding day of the Communist Party
March 8 – International Women's Day
April 30 - Saigon liberation day
May 1-2 - International Labor Day
May 19 is Ho Chi Minh City's birthday
May 28 - enlightenment of Buddha
September 2 - Vietnam Day
September 3 is the day of death of Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its unusualness and refined taste. It is not like Chinese, Korean, or Japanese, although it has borrowed a lot from them. Mint leaves, coriander, lemongrass (schisandra), shrimp, nuoc mam fish sauce, ginger, black pepper, garlic and basil give Vietnamese dishes a unique, distinctive aroma. Not scalding, but gentle and piquant spices, minimal use of fats, an emphasis on fresh ingredients, a variety of dishes from rice, vegetables and seafood make Vietnamese cuisine not only tasty, but also healthy, and in addition very popular among both the most sophisticated gourmets and for adherents of healthy eating.
Traditionally, fish, chicken and pork dishes are a favorite among locals in Vietnamese cuisine, along with cooked vegetables and rice or noodles. In addition, in Vietnam they eat young bamboo shoots - a very healthy and tasty product, although they do not have a pleasant smell. Even the Vietnamese themselves consider “a repulsive smell with excellent taste” to be a characteristic feature of their cuisine.
The French influence in Vietnamese cuisine is evident in the abundance of fresh baguettes, pates and cheeses that can be purchased from street vendors everywhere. The country also inherited the French love for coffee. Vietnamese coffee usually has a very strong chocolate and mocha flavor and is served in a small glass or cup with condensed milk.
The national cuisine is quite different in different regions of Vietnam: North, Central and South. Each of them has its own unique recipes of Vietnamese cuisine and cooking traditions. The north is mostly known for its famous noodle soup, fried meats and seafood. In the Center, especially in the area of ​​​​the ancient capital of Hue, perhaps the most complex dishes of Vietnamese cuisine are prepared. This is due to the city’s imperial past, when chefs sought to create special and exotic Vietnamese dishes for the emperor and his court. In the South there is a great abundance of spices, and accordingly, all dishes are much more spicy. In addition, if there is a long kilometer coastline, there is a great variety of delicious seafood: crabs, shrimp, lobsters, squid, and, of course, hundreds of varieties of fish.
In Vietnam, tourists will be able to enjoy national cuisine both in exquisite deluxe restaurants and in affordable street cafes - food everywhere is quite cheap and different high quality

Vietnamese currency is dong. Banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, and 100000. The most popular foreign currency is the American dollar, it is accepted everywhere. 1 dollar is equal to approximately 15,000 dong. Major credit cards such as Visa, Master card are also accepted. It should be noted that Vietnam is a very convenient country in terms of currency exchange. The point is that doing this is not at all necessary. Anywhere - in a cafe, on the street, in national parks - they will accept dollars and give you change in dongs. The rate is uniform - about 15,000 dong. The only exception is, perhaps, state museums, where the entrance fee is usually 10,000 dong, but they can charge 1 dollar without change.

Visa and customs control

From January 1, 2009, for citizens of the Russian Federation for a period of up to 15 days, visa-free entry into the country. For a trip lasting more than 15 days, as well as for CIS citizens, in order to obtain a visa to Vietnam, you must have permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam - visa support - which is issued by Vietnamese travel companies. When receiving a visa upon arrival, CIS citizens pay a consular fee of $25 per person.
You can apply for an entry visa in Moscow (the processing time is 7 working days) or you can receive it at the airport upon entry.
Documents required to obtain a visa to Vietnam:
1. International passport (at least 3 months before the passport expires)
2. 1 photo 4x6
3. Questionnaire
4. visa support

The region where Vietnam is located is called Indochina and is considered one of the most densely populated in the world. Throughout its history, Vietnam has been inextricably linked with China, which has influenced its southern neighbor.

Where is the country of Vietnam?

A narrow strip of Vietnam stretches for 1,750 kilometers along the eastern coast of the Indochina Peninsula. Such a large extent, together with significant changes in relief, creates very different natural conditions, which change from north to south.

Along the border with Cambodia and Laos, the Annam Mountains stretch across the territory, the most high point which is located in Vietnam and is called Mount Bia.

The region where Vietnam is located has no shortage of water resources. The two deepest rivers in Southeast Asia flow through the country - the Mekong and Hongha. And on its territory they form their deltas, flowing into the South China Sea.

Water resources and climate

To answer the question of where Vietnam is located along the equator, it is enough to draw an imaginary line from the largest city in the country, which is Ho Chi Minh City, named after the first president of an independent state. The distance between the eight million population of Ho Chi Minh City and the equator by air is approximately one thousand two hundred kilometers.

Since the country lies at a considerable distance from the equator, this gives the climate a seasonal nature with pronounced fluctuations in precipitation patterns. In southern Vietnam, the dry season lasts from mid-December to April, and the rainy season from May to November.

Great River of Asia

The river known throughout the world as the Mekong is called Cuu Long in Vietnamese, which translates to “River of Nine Dragons.” The length of the river reaches four and a half thousand kilometers, during which it flows through the territory of six states and serves as the border between Burma, Laos and Thailand.

The Mekong originates in the Tibetan Plateau, controlled by China. On the territory of Tibet, the river is called Dza-chu, and after entering Chinese lands it receives the name Lancangjiang.

Flowing through the territory of six states, the river supplies food to the lands of local peasants, but is characterized by instability and significant differences in the volume of flow from season to season. If in its upper reaches the river is filled by melting snow, then in the region where Vietnam is located, it depends on the rainfall.

Capital of Vietnam. Where is?

Whatever country the capital is located in, it is always a place of attraction for business and the population. Today the capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, whose name translates as “City between the rivers.”

Hanoi is the second largest city in the country after Ho Chi Minh City, but the cities differ not so much in this as in their geographical location. Hanoi is one of the twenty largest cities in the world by area and occupies seventeenth place in this ranking. At the same time, it is one of the ten most popular cities in Asia among tourists. Travelers are attracted by the city's long history, architecture, craft districts and good climate.

The unofficial symbol of the city, which is often caught on camera, is the tower of the Hanoi Citadel, built in the fifteenth century. The citadel was repeatedly rebuilt and destroyed during numerous military conflicts, the most destructive of which was Civil War, which lasted eighteen years and claimed the lives of two million local residents.

Conflict of interest

In the twentieth century Southeast Asia became the arena of struggle between two systems represented by the USA and the USSR, and by the end of the sixties the conflict flared up in the region where Vietnam is located. On whatever continent the conflict between the two superpowers occurred, thousands of local residents became its victims.

As a result of a long conflict, which left an indelible mark on the history of all participating states, the communist leaders, supported by the Soviet Union and occupying the northern part of the country, won.

After American troops withdrew and Ho Chi Minh took control of the entire country, the capital of South Vietnam was named after the first president of the new communist republic.

The communist economic system established as a result of the war collapsed already in the early eighties of the twentieth century. The authorities began to carry out market reforms, attracting investment from other countries. The country slowly began to open up to the world, but to this day the influence of the communist past on people's lives is great, and the symbol of this past is the Ho Chi Minh Tomb - a mausoleum built in the capital of the country, Hanoi.

Modern economics

Despite all the efforts of the country's leadership, Vietnam still remains largely an agricultural country, exporting products with low market value. However, the Vietnamese Communist Party has no plans to give up and says it plans to make life in the countryside more comfortable and at the same time increase agricultural productivity.

It is planned to provide electricity to rural areas, build roads and increase the share of machinery in the production of agricultural products. At the same time, residents will be trained to operate the new machines.

As for industrial production, we can say that in any part of the country where the city is located, Vietnam turns into not the most environmentally friendly place.

In the 21st century, many industries appeared in Vietnam that did not meet modern environmental safety standards. More and more factories are opening in the country due to the low cost of labor, which even China can no longer boast of. Workers live in terrible conditions, industrial safety regulations are not followed, and wages are barely enough to cover minimal expenses.

Ecological problems

The region where Vietnam is located is mostly mountainous or hilly. medium height, however, in the Mekong Delta the land level drops significantly. This coastal depression poses the threat of flooding if global sea levels rise due to global climate change.

Vietnamese scientists believe that by 2100, sea levels could rise by one meter, leading to almost complete flooding of provinces located in the vast river delta.

Another danger to the country's ecology could be the rapid urbanization that began in the 2000s. Height settlements and the increased number of cars create unfavorable conditions for the health of the urban population.

Visit Vietnam- means immersing yourself in an incredibly beautiful and harmonious atmosphere, in a world of picturesque nature filled with bright exotic colors. Those who are interested in the culture of Asian countries know and appreciate the rich spiritual heritage of this country. For its guests, Vietnam offers a huge selection of unique attractions, original national cuisine, excellent tourist services at the best price.

Dalat, Crazy House Hotel

Location

The country is located on the Indochina Peninsula. For a long time, Vietnam had the status of a French colony and became an independent state only in the middle of the last century. Today Vietnam is considered a socialist country.

Vietnam opened up for mass tourism relatively recently, but very quickly became one of the most popular holiday destinations for travelers from all over the world.

Main cities of Vietnam

The largest cities in Vietnam are Hanoi (the capital), Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Can Tho, Haiphong and the ancient city of Hoa Lu.

Nature

The nature of Vietnam is very picturesque and very diverse. About two-thirds of its territory is occupied by mountains. The largest mountain ranges- Hoang Lien Son (peak - 3143 m), Chuong Son. In the south of the country plateaus and plateaus predominate; the coast consists of lowlands.

Vietnam has many jungles with rich flora and fauna. Among the trees there is a large amount of bamboo, there are many precious species, and there are also aromatic ones (sandalwood). Plants are abundantly represented by the well-known ginseng, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Jungle

The species of animals living in forests are no less diverse. There are predators, antelopes, deer, lemurs, and monkeys here. A traveler who dares to go “out into nature” will certainly be pleasantly surprised by an encounter with a wild elephant, rhinoceros or python. As for birds, there are a great many of them here, about 400 species: eagles, pheasants, parrots, peacocks and many other birds.

The pride of the country is its magnificent national parks: Ben Neng, Cuc Phuong, Yok Don, Cham Tim, a mangrove forest near Ho Chi Minh City, the picturesque Va Ve Lake, Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, and the Red River Delta. The nature in these places is fantastically beautiful.

Phong Nha Park - Ke Bang Bach Park - Ma

The most interesting sights

Vietnam is an ancient city with its majestic temple doors, where every stone breathes history, stunning landscapes high mountains, transparent bays and blooming gardens. Natural and historical attractions are everywhere, and in just a few days of travel you can discover many amazing places.

High in the mountains there is a small, but very popular among those interested in history, the picturesque town of Sapa, where you can plunge into the life of ancient times and spend the night in a village house where the atmosphere of the ancient past is recreated, as well as meet representatives of ethnic tribes.

No less interesting is the city of Hue, which was once the capital of Vietnam. The abundance of luxurious palaces, ancient temples and pagodas greatly impresses guests of the city and leaves vivid memories.

Fans of a relaxed beach holiday will be delighted with Da Nang, a port located close to famous city Hoi An, or Phu Quoc Islands, these places are famous for their beautiful well-kept beaches with snow-white sand.

Da Nang - Dragon Bridge

Lovers of quiet and have a relaxing holiday far from the big cities, they will find their happiness in the villages with the famous green rice fields located in the Mekong Delta.

The real jewel of the country is the picturesque Halong Bay with two thousand islands.

However, for many, Vietnam is associated primarily with the largest cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

In that amazing city the atmosphere of old, leisurely, exotic Asia is combined with the rapid rhythm of the modern metropolis. Ancient historical and cultural monuments coexist with giant buildings shopping centers, and the crazy traffic flows are complemented by a large number of pedicabs.

Hanoi - capital of Vietnam

This city is ideal for lovers of active, educational and excursion holiday. A rich history and many historical and architectural attractions: museums, ancient temples, pagodas attract tourists from all over the world.

One of the places to visit in Hanoi is Lake of the Returned Sword (Hoan Kiem). It is the heart of the city and is very popular among locals and tourists. In the center of the lake you can see the Turtle Tower, and on its islands, one of which is connected to the shore by a beautiful red bridge, there are ancient pagodas. According to one of the many legends surrounding the lake, a wise turtle once lived there, who kept a magic sword at the bottom and surfaced only during important events for the country.

Not far from the Presidential Palace you will find another attraction - the Ho Chi Minh City Mausoleum. Outwardly, it is very reminiscent of the Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow, which is not surprising - it was built with the help of Soviet specialists. In general, Lenin is highly respected by the Vietnamese; it is named after him central park Hanoi.

Another place you can see in Hanoi is St. Joseph's Cathedral. This is Catholic Cathedral, very beautiful, especially inside, and reminiscent of Notre Dame in Paris. Catholic services there are held in Vietnamese, which is very unusual for tourists from Europe

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the most Big city country, founded by French colonialists in 1874. Now it is a metropolis in constant motion, the business and cultural center of Vietnam.

Urban architecture here is characterized by a mixture of traditions and styles: Western European, Chinese and others.

Its main attractions are the Palace of Independence, the unique Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the colonial style, Historical Museum, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, the Museum of War Relics, among the exhibits of which are weapons used by the Americans during the Vietnam War, the country's main zoo and the Botanical Garden with rare tree species.

In the Ku Chi area, you can visit real guerrilla tunnels built during wartime, with living quarters, hospitals and weapons workshops.

The city is famous for its beautiful parks, one of which is Dam Sheen. Its visitors can become spectators of a puppet show, visit the water park and bird garden and the Royal Garden of Nam Tu.

The Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, famous for its unique mangrove forests, is always in great demand among tourists. It is called the “lungs” of Ho Chi Minh City. On its territory you can easily find many exotic animals and birds, and tourists feed crocodiles from a fishing rod while sailing past them on a raft.

30 km north of the city, in Binh Duong province, there is " bamboo village", which is a museum of bamboo, the role of which in the life of the Vietnamese is very great. 130 species of this plant are grown on its territory.

Those who visit Vietnam in the summer will be able to become guests of a popular annual event - the Fruit Festival, during which they will learn a lot of interesting things about the most exotic fruits and will be able to buy them at very reasonable prices.

One of the rarest and famous places in the country - the amazingly beautiful Ha Long Bay, included in the list of objects World Heritage, protected by UNESCO. Every year it is visited by a huge number of tourists from many countries of the world. Picturesque islands with mysterious grottoes and caves, rocks rising in the middle of clear emerald water, like works of art, do not leave anyone indifferent.

As expected fabulous place, the bay is shrouded in legends and myths. Its name translates as “dragon descending into the sea.” According to legend, a giant dragon living high in the mountains one day decided to descend and furrowed the earth with its tail and claws, as a result of which valleys and gorges appeared. Tired, he sank into the sea, which as a result rose and flooded the shore, leaving only the tops of the rocks on the surface, which became islands. Many Vietnamese are still convinced that the dragon is alive and hiding in one of the many caves. It is not surprising that this mythical creature has become a kind of brand in the country, and its images are an invariable attribute of many local souvenirs. By the way, among the souvenirs you can buy very interesting things here: stalactites from caves, corals and beautiful sea shells.

Even amateurs will enjoy the bay educational excursions, and for those who prefer beach holiday. Exploring caves and other natural attractions, diving, rock climbing can be combined with swimming on one of the local sandy beaches.

There are floating boats in the bay fishing villages, which are home to more than 1,600 people. You can go there on an excursion to get acquainted with the life of Vietnamese peasants.

Bay Islands

The most visited island in Ha Long Bay is Cat Ba. The main attraction of the island is National Park, occupying half of its territory, in which it lives rare view primates - langurs.

Quan Lan Island is famous for its crescent-shaped sandy beach, Minh Chau, where you can swim in clear waters and surf when the waves appear, which happens quite often here. When you're on the island, be sure to see the wonderful Quan Lan Pagoda, built in the 18th century.

Dachu Be Island attracts with its amazing beauty of lakes connected by a whole system of caves. Thanks to the huge number of corals and underwater caves, the island is favorite place for divers. And on its surface you can see monkeys, exotic birds and flying squirrels, and also admire the marvelous orchids growing there.

There is never a shortage of visitors on Titov Island. The island received such an exotic name on the occasion of a famous astronaut visiting it in 1962. Climbing up observation deck, you will be able to admire the amazing scenery, especially beautiful in the evenings when the sun sets.

Not big Island Dinh Huong fits on a rock rising in the middle of the water surface. It is supported by four “columns”, clearly visible at low tide.

Caves

The largest cave in the bay, discovered by speleologists at the end of the 19th century, is called “Surprise” (Sung Sot). It is located on Bo Hon Island. The cave is filled with bizarre stalactites of various sizes and shapes. Don't forget to capture amazing landscape, which will be revealed to you when you exit - after all, it is business card Ha Long Bay.

Thien Kung Cave is famous for its countless stalactites and stalagmites of the most bizarre shapes, which are several million years old.

Me Cung Cave (translated as "charm") begins with a very narrow corridor that can only be passed by one person, and then divides into several "rooms" filled with stalactites. Recently, archaeologists discovered human objects related to stone age.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Ha Long Bay's rich history was enriched with significant cultural events. It was here that films known far beyond Vietnam were filmed - “Indochina” and “Tomorrow Never Dies.” In 1962, the bay was awarded the status of a “National Landscape Monument of Prominence”, and in 2009, Ha Long was included in the list of candidates for the title of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Hoi An

Hoi An is an ancient city with rich history, in terms of the number of historical and architectural values, reminiscent of an open-air museum, where every building breathes antiquity and peace. Most of the ancient houses in it have remained intact, thanks to which time seems to have frozen in the 16th-17th centuries, when Hoi An was a busy trading port. At that time, the Chinese settled in large numbers in the city, so temples, one-story residential buildings covered with tiles, and other buildings in chinese style meet there quite often.

Center ( Old city) Hoi An is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can spend hours walking along its streets with countless souvenir shops and cozy cafes and admiring the beautiful houses of a joyful yellow color, but no matter where you are, sooner or later you will definitely find yourself at the Japanese Bridge - the symbol of Hoi An, which is depicted on its coat of arms. The covered bridge was built at the end of the 16th century to connect the Chinese and Japanese quarters. This significant event in the life of the city was also reflected in the legend. A certain giant monster, whose head was located in India, its body in Vietnam, and its tail in Japan, at the slightest movement caused all sorts of natural disasters: hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. Having decided to deal with the annoying monster, people found an excellent means for this - a bridge. Having built it in the most vulnerable place of the monster, they lived calmly and happily.

Other must-see attractions include the ancient Chuc Thanh Pagoda, the Siep Dong Nguyen House, the Tran Family Chapel and the magnificent Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, where you will see intricate wood carvings on the walls.

There are many interesting museums in the city, among which is the Museum of History and Culture of Hoi An - a real paradise for those interested in archeology and life of different times. In it you can see many rarities, some of which are about two thousand years old: tools, ancient ceramic dishes and other valuable finds found during excavations.

Be sure to take time to visit the Cantonese Community Meeting House, located near the Japan Bridge, a late 19th-century Chinese-style building. The impressive interior of the house and its very beautiful and well-groomed territory will be remembered by you for a long time.

One of the most favorite places for walks among local residents and tourists is the embankment of the Thu Bon River, a romantic place, especially beautiful in the evenings, when multi-colored illuminations are lit everywhere, and large red lotuses light up on the river, among which many candles float in cardboard flowers.

Every year the city hosts the popular Paper Lantern Festival, during which travelers admire lanterns of various colors and shapes in the form of fish, animals and fairy-tale creatures.

Nature lovers will also be pleased when visiting Hoi An. Not far from the city is the Ky Lao Cham archipelago, on which the eponymous nature reserve. On the way there you can admire the beautiful corals through the clear water.

You can also take a trip to the village of Cha Que, located 3 km from the city, where you will be kindly offered to work in the garden so that you can feel like a real Vietnamese peasant, and as a reward they will reveal the local “know-how” - the secret of the amazing taste of vegetables and herbs grown in local garden beds.

In some of the villages closest to Hoi An, you can ride a buffalo and plant a mangrove palm as a souvenir of yourself.

Nha Trang is rightfully considered the beach capital of Vietnam. He is noisy and energetic resort town, attracting many lovers of a fun holiday with active nightlife and lively parties. Nha Trang is also famous for its mud baths, which provide excellent healing effects.

Nha Trang is a city of divers, and this is no coincidence: in the sea on which it is located, in addition to many unique species of fish, you can also see a huge number of corals, forming entire underwater gardens.

In this city you can see the ancient Pognagar towers, the Long Son Pagoda and the museum of Alexandre Yersin, a scientist from France who lived in Vietnam for many years.

Among the natural attractions, it is worth visiting the Yangbai and Bach waterfalls. You can also go on an excursion to Monkey Island, which is located near the city. You and your children will certainly enjoy the Dog and Monkey Circus and the Elephant and Bear Circus located on this island, as well as the opportunity to hand-feed the monkeys. You must keep in mind that on the island you will definitely become the object of the closest attention from the monkeys: as soon as you open your bag or backpack, they will surround you with a dense wall and will not let you out until you feed them or remove your hand from the bag.

You will also be impressed by a trip to the famous aquarium on Chi Nguyen Island, built in the shape of a huge ship, where you can see stingrays, sharks, turtles, statue fish and other sea inhabitants.

Must visit temple complex Michonne. Once upon a time, the Holy Land of Miron was the center of the state of Champa, which existed for about a thousand years. There you can see unique ancient buildings of a religious nature.

The world's longest cable car takes you to Vinpearl Park Land, located on the island of Hon Tre, is especially popular among travelers with children: it has an amusement park, a water park and an aquarium.

Caves

Vietnam is famous for its ancient, unusually picturesque caves.

Shondong is the largest and most spectacular cave not only in the country but in the whole world, its dimensions are 200 meters high, 150 meters wide and supposedly 6-7 km long, and its volume is 38.5 million cubic meters. To date, more than 150 “halls” have been opened, which are connected to each other by long labyrinths of passages. Shondong is located in national park Phong Nha-Kebang in the central part of the country. The age of the cave is 2.5 million years. To get there, you need to have extraordinary endurance: you will need to walk for about seven hours throughout the park, but the adventure will not end there - you will have to climb down an 80-meter rope into the cave itself.

The name of the cave is translated as “mountain river cave”; there is actually a turbulent underground river flowing in it. In addition, in those places where the sun's rays penetrate, real lush jungles with 3-meter trees grow. Inside the cave you can even see clouds formed due to high humidity. All this affects visitors who dare to go deep into the cave, unforgettable impression. Shondong is more likely not like a cave in the traditional sense of the word, but like an entire underground world with its own nature and laws.

In Shondong you can see stalactites of impressive size, which when exposed to sunlight become like huge stone cacti.

In addition to a variety of plants, new unique species of animals were discovered there - hornbills and flying foxes.

The cave has not yet been fully explored, and one can only guess what surprises it will present to researchers and travelers.

There is another one in the same park amazing cave- Phongnya. The length of the cave is more than 7 km. You need to get to it by boat, and along the way you can admire the unusually beautiful scenery of the surrounding forest.

Inside the cave there are 14 grottoes and an underground river about 14 km long with real beaches. No one brought sand to them; it appeared here on its own. Recently, two lakes were discovered in the cave, the depth of which is so great that it has not yet been possible to measure it by any means. That's why they got the name "Bottomless".

There is another amazing cave on the Island of Wonders - the Grotto of Wooden Pillars. The stones and stalactites located inside resemble the silhouette of a strange monster in their outlines. The grotto consists of three large halls, in one of which spears were once stored, intended for the battle of the Bakhdang River and which gave the name to the cave (although they were not used for their intended purpose, but blocked the river, preventing enemy ships).

Culture

The culture of Vietnam is one of the oldest in Asia and in the world; its formation dates back to the Bronze Age: the peoples living in the country at that time already knew how to process not only stone, but also metals. The culture of Vietnam is characterized by the cult of ancestors; family and community traditions are very strong in it. Important symbols in works of art have always been dragons, turtles, bamboo and lotuses.

The richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture is complemented by influences from other cultures, especially Chinese. Thanks to the territorial proximity of the two countries, a single cultural space has emerged since ancient times. The Chinese influence is especially noticeable in Vietnamese architecture and crafts: ceramics, pottery, silk painting. The culture of this country has also absorbed the traditions and customs of nationalities ancient state Champa, captured by Vietnam in the 10th century. French colonization also left its mark: as a result, hieroglyphs were replaced by official writing based on the Latin alphabet, and the influence of Catholicism increased in religious life. Since the 40s of the 20th century, socialist countries have had a strong influence on the culture of Vietnam.

Cultural monuments of particular historical value are included in the list of sites protected by UNESCO. Among them are the city of Hoi An, the Holy Land of Michon and the 15th-century Hanoi Citadel with the 33-meter Banner Tower, formerly used as an observation post, from which, as its name suggests, flies the banner - the symbol of the capital.

The religion of the peoples inhabiting Vietnam is dominated by three main directions that have had a significant influence on the development of culture: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Temples, where believers can pray and perform the necessary rituals, are open everywhere in the country in large numbers.

Traditional arts include silk painting, religious sculpture, ceramics, and a form of theater that combines drama, puppetry, dance, and music.

Tourists from all over the world are always particularly interested in such a unique genre of art as water puppet theater. When it begins to get dark, the dolls, controlled by actors hidden behind a screen, move smoothly through the water, performing the performance. Against the backdrop of a sunset, with beautiful lighting, it looks unusual and beautiful.

National cuisine

As in most Asian countries, the staple diet of local residents is rice. On average, a Vietnamese eats about 200 kg of rice per year. For a Vietnamese, no meal is unthinkable without this dish. It is prepared in a variety of combinations: with meat, fish, sauces and spices; all kinds of pies, pancakes, dumplings and noodles are made from it. When cooking, no salt or oil is added to it. Concerning meat dishes, then the Vietnamese are rare entertainers. In addition to traditional pork, beef and chicken, as well as exotic crocodile and ostrich, in many restaurants you can try dishes made from lizards, snakes, caterpillars and field rats. One of the most popular drinks here is a cocktail made from vodka and cobra blood, which is served complete with a still beating snake heart. Unfortunately, local residents even eat cats and dogs. They also respect seafood. By the way, the most delicious crabs can be tasted in Nha Trang. However, Buddhist culture has had a great influence on the formation of vegetarian traditions here, which many Vietnamese adhere to. One of the most delicious local vegetarian dishes is rice with fried bean curd Dou Fu. Soy, by the way, successfully replaces dairy products, which are practically not consumed here. And, of course, this country always has a huge selection of the freshest fruits, including such exotic ones as dragon fruit, longan, water apple, khaki and three-stone cherries.

What dishes should you try first when in Vietnam?

Soups

One of the signature dishes of Vietnamese cuisine is Pho soup. The Vietnamese eat it day and night. In any city you can see huge vats emitting an aroma familiar to every Vietnamese. The soup is a very rich meat broth, to which pieces of beef, pork or chicken, noodles, soy, a huge amount of seasonings and a lot of herbs are added. In the south of the country, banana flower petals become an important ingredient in this soup. Local residents generally love to mix many products in one dish, creating original flavors. The process of eating this dish turns into a kind of ritual with its own immutable rules. Liquids are supposed to be eaten with a spoon, but meat and noodles must be eaten with chopsticks.

Another soup that is very popular in Vietnam is Bun Bo. It differs from Pho in that instead of noodles, it uses rice vermicelli, and instead of thinly minced meat, it uses substantial chunks of beef. The essential ingredients of this soup are shrimp paste and lemongrass.

Fajitas Nem Nuong

This dish is also traditional in Vietnam. It consists of grilled pork sausages with garlic and spices, and fresh or pickled vegetables with lots of herbs. All this is served with carrot and peanut sauce and fried shallots.

You can't leave Vietnam without trying Rau Mong herb, which is fried with garlic in a garlic oyster sauce and served with chili sauce, or Bun rice noodles with meat, vegetables, herbs and nuts.

Very popular in Vietnam are crispy Nem pancakes made from rice paper and filled with a wide variety of fillings, Bánh bao steamed pies filled with different types of meat, quail eggs, mushrooms and vegetables, sautéed eggplant Cà Tím Kho Tộ, which is vegetable stew with the addition of chili peppers and other specific spices, Newk-Mam fish sauce, added to almost all dishes, as well as delicious egg coffee.

Holidays

The main official holidays are national weekends and reflecting events from the history of the country - Youth Day (26.03), Victory Day (30.04), Birthday (19.05), Memorial Day (27.07), Revolution Day (19.08), Day Independence (2.09) and Defender of the Fatherland Day (22.12). In addition, the Vietnamese celebrate New Year, March 8, and even May 1 together with Europeans.

In Vietnam there are many holidays according to the lunar calendar, the dates of which fall on different days in different years. As a rule, they are based on ancient traditions and religious beliefs of the people, and their roots go back centuries. The most important holiday in the life of the Vietnamese is Lunar New Year, or Tet Nguyen Dan. That's when the Vietnamese have fun! Festive performances are held on the streets of all cities, and all residents of the country put on folk costumes and prepare a family festive dinner. The Vietnamese have fun for one week, at which time life throughout the country comes to a standstill, and tourists may have difficulty finding hotels and moving around the country. Another “lunar” holiday is the Day of Wandering Souls, celebrated in August, when gifts are given to the souls of the dead and food is prepared. Both of these holidays are days off. Folk holidays also include Thich Doan Ngo, which usually occurs on the Summer Solstice. Then figurines of people are burned everywhere and sacrificed to the “army of death.”

Popular events include the Pagoda Festival in January, the Whale Festival in March, and, of course, the very beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival at the end of September and the ox races that take place in October.

Currency of Vietnam

The currency of Vietnam is dong (VND). In fact, only large bills are in circulation, from 500 to 500,000 dong. There are banknotes of 100 and 200 dong, as well as coins ranging from 100 to 5000 dong, but their production has practically ceased and they are gradually going out of circulation. Nowadays only numismatists are interested in them and travelers who purchase them as a rare souvenir. Starting from 10,000 dong, banknotes are made not of paper, but of plastic, due to which they last longer in conditions of high humidity. The local currency also has its own characteristics. For example, the 20,000 dong bill is very similar in color to the 500,000 dong bill, and the 10,000 dong bill is very similar in color to the 200,000 dong bill. Therefore, it is very easy to confuse them, especially in a poorly lit place. Don't rush to pay, check the money carefully. And one more feature: since the cost of one dong is very small, locals like to call a thousand dong “one dong”.

However, when paying for a purchase, the Vietnamese are always happy to use the US national currency, because the dollar is approximately 20 thousand times more expensive than debt. This currency may be useful to you if you have not yet purchased dongs. You can exchange dollars in banks, travel agencies, and jewelry stores, which, as a rule, offer the most favorable debt-to-dollar exchange rate. The country has a law restricting the purchase of foreign currency by local residents, so dollars offered by tourists are at a premium here. However, in a number of places (in public transport, cafes and restaurants, supermarkets) dollars will still not be accepted, so it is better to exchange some of them for dongs. If you want to change euros, this can also be done at almost any bank.

Accommodation

Most Vietnamese hotels, regardless of the number of stars, have a very decent level of service. The country is dominated by 4-star hotels, but there are also a considerable number of 3* hotels. Almost all of them offer BB meals, that is, breakfast included in the price of your stay. All hotel rooms have air conditioning and satellite TV.

Tourists can also rent an apartment, house or villa. The variety of options offered makes it easy to choose a room to suit every taste and budget. Spacious studio during the tourist season - from $300 per month. A house with furniture, a washing machine and the Internet will cost from $400, and a European-style villa with a swimming pool will cost from $100.

For those who are more suitable budget options, can book a guesthouse with a shared kitchen, a 2-3 star hotel room, or a bamboo bungalow with minimal amenities, but on the shore of the bay.

Safety

Vietnam is a relatively calm, comfortable and safe place, there are no terrorist attacks, no pronounced racial prejudices, no religious fanaticism, people are quite reasonable, and cases of unmotivated aggression are extremely rare. However, in order for your vacation to leave only favorable impressions, you need to listen to some useful tips.

Crime

Despite the fact that the country has fairly low rates of serious violent crime, one should not relax: fraud and theft, especially pickpocketing, are very common here. They occur mainly in crowded places, but hotel rooms are also popular with criminals. The subject of the theft is money, mobile phones, cameras, tablets - anything that is of any value. If you become a victim of theft, of course, you should immediately contact the police. If your documents are lost, you should take a police certificate and take it to the embassy or nearest consulate.

The intrusiveness of some local residents, who with manic persistence offer tourists their goods or services that no one asked for, deserves special mention. Especially often there is no end to self-proclaimed “guides” of extremely low qualifications. If, under pressure, you buy something from them, it will be very difficult to get change. It gets to the point where your clothes can be deliberately soiled in order to impose expensive “help”. They often demand illegal tolls for crossing a road or bridge. It is important to remember that when communicating with such people, no matter how difficult it may be, you should maintain composure and try to watch your facial expressions: a dissatisfied facial expression is regarded by them as aggression and can serve as a reason for a showdown.

How to avoid such troubles that can ruin your vacation experience for a long time? First of all, do not carry large sums of money with you, especially when going to crowded places. Keep valuables in the hotel safe; instead of documents, carry copies of them with you. Never leave things unattended for a second. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and watches. To avoid increasing the risk of robbery, do not drink alcohol in excess. And under no circumstances play in casinos that do not have a license.

Health

1. Health safety rules are not that complicated, and if you follow them, the risk of contracting any infection is small. These are the recommendations:
2. Be careful with water, even that from the minibar. Buy bottled water after first checking that the cap and the film around it are not damaged.
3. Always wash vegetables and fruits; If this is not possible, do not use them. Wash only with boiled water.
4. Try to choose proven places to eat that are popular among other tourists and locals. Do not overuse unfamiliar exotic dishes.
5. Avoid drinking drinks with ice, as it may contain harmful bacteria.
6. Avoid drinking unbranded wine to avoid methanol poisoning.
7. Eat meat and fish hot.
8. If possible, do not stay in the sun for a long time, use protective cream and special glasses.
9. If your plans include traveling through the jungle, take a course of malaria preventatives.
10. Buy health insurance that includes infectious diseases. In villages or forests, the risk of contracting dengue, malaria or cholera is quite high. True, not all clinics, especially in the provinces, accept policies. Be prepared to pay immediately and in cash. If you wish, you can easily pay a fee to International SOS.
11. If you feel unwell, consult a doctor immediately.

Road traffic

Vietnamese drivers are extremely undisciplined, like to change lanes and cut off, ignore red lights and do not obey speed limits. When crossing the road, you must be extremely careful. Always walk slowly and straight, do not run from side to side.

Natural disasters

Main natural disaster For the Vietnamese, floods are a consequence of the rainy season from June to December. At the same time, typhoons often occur here, mainly in the north of the country.

What to bring from Vietnam

Choosing a gift for family and friends is usually not a problem here, the gifts from this exotic country are so diverse and original, and also have very reasonable prices.

In shops, markets and bazaars you can easily find everything you need: from fashionable clothes and shoes to exotic food products.

Connoisseurs of good coffee always have something to choose from here. There are a great many varieties of this wonderful drink, and its quality delights the most picky gourmets. One of the rarest and most unusual types of coffee is Kopi Luwak. Before processing, its grains are passed through the stomachs of musangs, the local animals, after which the drink acquires a completely unusual taste and aroma.

The choice of quality tea varieties here is also huge: wonderful aromatic tea with artichokes, jasmine, ginger, mountain herbs and many other additives can be bought in any supermarket. The most popular varieties are Thai Nguyen and Milk Oolong, which are very inexpensive here. All varieties, both green and black, are grown on tea plantations in Vietnam. And for tea you can buy a variety of sweets or candied fruits in beautiful gift boxes.

Fresh fruits are also presented in a large assortment here. As a souvenir of an interesting and unusual country, you can take with you such exotic things as whips, mongoose, dragon's eye or longcon. The cost of fruit here is several orders of magnitude lower than in Russia, but sometimes traders, seeing foreigners in front of them, inflate the price. Don't forget that bargaining here is not only appropriate, but also very welcome.

As for products, tourists often bring home all kinds of seasonings, spices, syrups, rice noodles and rice paper.

Silk products here are always cast with high quality, because Vietnam is one of the world's leading producers of this fabric. You can please yourself and your loved ones by purchasing a silk robe, scarf or scarf, as well as beautiful bed linen. Any atelier can quickly and inexpensively sew you a wonderful dress from purchased fabric. A fan trimmed with silk or an exclusive painting embroidered with silk threads would be a wonderful gift.

Cotton products are also popular here, usually inexpensive and of high quality.

Exotic lovers can purchase an unusual souvenir - a beautiful bottle with a scorpion, snake or salamander preserved in alcohol. Whiskey is mainly used as alcohol. This gift is suitable for connoisseurs of good alcohol and those who like to decorate the interior in an original way.

As for alcoholic drinks, you can buy, for example, Dalat wine, which is very popular here, as well as balms infused with herbs and roots. Many types of alcohol are made from rice, and rice vodka is especially popular.

There is also a great selection of accessories here. A great gift for fans of exclusive fashion is a wallet, key holder, bag or phone case made of snake or crocodile skin.

The ideal gift would be magnificent yet inexpensive products made from white, black or pink pearls, which are grown here on oyster farms.

Among jewelry products, there is a particularly large selection of silver products. All jewelry has a unique design, especially those with ivory or pearl inserts. The silverware is also very beautifully made. Lovers precious stones they will find here a lot of sapphires, opals, rubies; all this is mined in Vietnam.

As for souvenirs, the range of them here is simply huge. This country is famous for its folk crafts. A traditional Vietnamese souvenir is hats made from banana leaves of various shapes and sizes. Many of the most skillful works of wood, bamboo, ivory and even coconut shells are so beautiful and unusual that they cannot but arouse admiration. Original gifts will be a mask self made made of coconut or bamboo, a beautiful national doll or box with silk upholstery.

A useful gift could be Cobratoxan ointment, made from cobra venom, or White Tiger balm. They are produced exclusively in Vietnam and serve as an effective pain reliever for many diseases.

As you can see, there is a lot to bring with you from Vietnam, the main thing is to make the right choice.

Note to tourists

To make your trip to Vietnam enjoyable in all respects, try to prepare properly for it and take into account some recommendations that will help you navigate this country correctly.

Visa

If your stay in the country is more than 15 days, you will need a visa obtained from the Vietnamese consulate or issued immediately upon arrival. It must indicate the points of entry and exit into the country.

Customs regulations

Foreign currency can be imported without restrictions, but amounts over $3,000 must be declared; You can export currency only within the amount declared upon entry. It is prohibited to export national currency from the country. You will also have to declare household and computer equipment. Duty-free transport of alcohol, coffee and cigarettes is limited. You cannot import weapons, drugs, drugs containing narcotics without a special order (punishment may be the death penalty), or pornographic materials. It is prohibited to export works of art, jewelry and handicrafts from the country without related documents.

Difficulties with language

The names of a place or street can be pronounced differently by different Vietnamese people, depending on the dialect, so sometimes it can be difficult for locals and tourists to understand each other. To avoid getting lost in an unfamiliar place, write down the names of the places you plan to go to in Vietnamese and show it to the locals if necessary.

Tips

It is customary to leave a tip here in the amount of 5-10% of the total bill.

Transport

In major cities in Vietnam, you can take a metered taxi or pedicabs. With rickshaws, the fare is agreed upon in advance, but you can and should bargain. Average price: 16,000 VND for 15 minutes. There are also intercity buses and taxis.

Renting a car here is only possible with a “load” in the person of a local driver. Fortunately, a motorcycle or bicycle is rented without any additional kits.

Traffic in Vietnam is on the right. In large cities, traffic lights and road signs are installed everywhere, but this has little effect on the discipline of local drivers, who behave extremely carelessly. Remember that driving in this country always involves considerable risk to life and health.

How to get to Vietnam

You can get to Vietnam from Russia without any problems; the choice of flights is quite large. However, there are few cities from which there are direct flights to this country: Moscow, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok. But sometimes, during high season, you can go there directly by charter flight and from some other cities, in particular St. Petersburg and Krasnoyarsk.

From Moscow you can fly non-stop to Vietnam on Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines flights.

Flights from Novosibirsk are operated by S7 Airlines (Siberia), and from Vladivostok by Vladivostok-Avia.

In addition to direct flights, you can take advantage of connecting flights in, for example, Seoul, Bangkok or Hong Kong.

There are also more complex options that require a lot of time and effort, with two transfers (for example, in Paris and Bangkok), but many people use them because of the fairly low cost of tickets.

Having visited this beautiful exotic country, you will gain unique impressions and will long remember all the interesting and Amazing places where you managed to visit.