Destinations
Vietnam
Timeless Charm!
- Experience the uniqueness of Vietnam -
Vietnam is a beautiful country with a long and complex history, which world travelers are just starting to explore. A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.
Vietnamese Tourism Industry
Tourism in Vietnam is a component of the modern Vietnamese economy. In 2018, Vietnam received 15.5 million international arrivals, up from 2.1 million in the year 2000. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is following a long-term plan to diversify the tourism industry to bring foreign exchange into the country.
Over the past decade, the country has become a new tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The economy of Vietnam has transformed from an agrarian to a service economy. More than a third of gross domestic product is generated by services, which include hotel and catering industry, along with transportation.
About Vietnam
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, through a huge marble mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) hosts French colonial landmarks, plus Vietnamese War Remnants Museums and the Củ Chi Tunnels, used by Viet Cong soldiers.
Vietnamese Culture
Vietnamese culture is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia and is heavily influenced by the Chinese. Despite the changes over the years, some elements like the veneration of the ancestors, respect for family values, devotion to study, remained intact.
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are known in Vietnam as the ‘triple religion’, and all three are prevalent. However, Vietnam owes much of its belief system to folk tales and in the traditional sense, is one of the least religious countries in the world.
Traditional Vietnamese cooking is greatly admired for its fresh ingredients, minimal use of dairy and oil, complementary textures and reliance on herbs and vegetables. With the balance between fresh herbs and meats and a selective use of spices, Vietnamese food is considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide.
Fact About Vietnam
All in all, Vietnam is an extremely safe country to travel in. The police keep a pretty tight grip on social order and there are rare reports of muggings, robberies, or sexual assaults. Scams and hassles do exist, particularly in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang, and to a lesser degree in Hoi An.
Although Vietnam is getting more expensive every year, it’s still a cheap country to visit. Costs are comparable to Thailand and other nearby countries. One meal in an inexpensive eatery costs you USD 1.5 to 3, while mid-range restaurant around USD 9.
Vietnamese is the official spoken language in Vietnam. In tourist centers, many Vietnamese will speak some English, but a lot will speak none. In more remote areas, English speakers can be very rare. Some older Vietnamese will speak more French than English
Must-see, Must-visit
Known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities, Vietnam is undeniably one of Southeast Asia’s sought-after destinations. Learn more about this diverse country through some of its spectacular destinations:
Discover the wonders of Ha Long Bay – This must-see natural attraction in North Vietnam is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500sqkm. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Be in awe by the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne – There are numerous tour operators in Mui Ne that organize daytrips to these Saharan-like red and white sand dunes, but you can easily make your way to both locales if you prefer exploring according to your own pace.
The classy city of Ho Chi Minh – For big city fans, Ho Chi Minh City is the best destination. The city is a buzzing commercial hub of the country with streets flocked with high-end vehicles, cosmopolitan restaurants, and superb shopping malls.
Participants of our Cultural Exchange Programs to Vietnam will be asked to enter the country by arriving either in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
You must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page.
