VIETNAM

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

2. VIDEOCOMPILATION

3. PHOTO GALLERY

 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, has Hanoi as its capital and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) as its largest city. Vietnam experienced prolonged warfare throughout the 20th century. After World War II, France returned to reclaim colonial power, but Vietnam defeated France in 1954. The Vietnam War began shortly after, dividing the country into communist North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and anti-communist South Vietnam, supported by the USA. After North Vietnamese victory in 1975, Vietnam reunified as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The war devastated the country, with an estimated 3 to 3.8 million deaths.

Vietnam is a fascinating country with a long and complex history. Its modern history is strongly associated with the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975 after years of devastating conflict. The war had a profound effect on the Vietnamese people and the country itself, but Vietnam has since rebuilt and developed into a vibrant nation that combines its rich traditions with modern life.

Our own experience of Vietnam has been a little unusual. In 2013, while travelling through Southeast Asia in our Australian-registered motorhome, we attempted to enter Vietnam from Cambodia. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to cross the border with our motorhome, so Vietnam remained a country we could only admire from the outside at that time. Years later, in 2025, we finally returned to Vietnam, this time arriving by cruise ship. It was a wonderful feeling to finally set foot in a country that we had been unable to visit by road twelve years earlier.

Vietnam has an incredible variety of attractions. Hanoi, the capital, is known for its atmospheric Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, historic temples and fascinating street life. In the north, the spectacular Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous sights, with thousands of limestone islands and dramatic caves rising from the emerald waters. Ninh Binh is another beautiful destination, with limestone mountains, rivers and peaceful countryside. Further north, Sapa and the Ha Giang region offer spectacular mountain scenery and rice terraces.

Central Vietnam is equally impressive. The ancient town of Hoi An is famous for its colourful lanterns, historic buildings and charming riverside streets, while nearby My Son provides a glimpse into the ancient Champa civilisation. Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam, is home to the impressive Citadel, royal tombs and historic monuments along the Perfume River. Da Nang adds beautiful beaches and easy access to the mountains and surrounding countryside.

Further south, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a busy and energetic city filled with markets, historic buildings, museums and reminders of Vietnam’s wartime past. The famous Cu Chi Tunnels provide another insight into the history of the Vietnam War. Beyond the city lies the Mekong Delta, where waterways, floating markets, villages and lush countryside provide a very different experience.

Vietnam also offers beautiful beaches and islands, including Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, while Phong Nha is famous for its spectacular caves and karst landscapes. Add to this the country’s excellent food, particularly pho, banh mi and fresh seafood, and it is easy to understand why Vietnam has become such a popular destination.

For us, Vietnam is more than just another country on a travel map. Being turned away at the Cambodian border in our motorhome in 2013 made the country something of an unfinished chapter in our travels. Returning by cruise ship in 2025 finally allowed us to open that chapter and experience at least some of the history, culture, scenery and hospitality that Vietnam has to offer.

2. VIDEO COMPILATION

A. VIETNAM (Under Construction)

B. OVERLAND THAILAND to EUROPE

C, OVERLAND ICELAND TO CAMBODIA

3. PHOTO GALLERY (Under Construction)