Vietnam has gradually developed into one of the most fascinating tourist spots in the whole of Southeast Asia, but it remains annoyingly natural in comparison with some of its neighbours. The country, which spans across 1,600 kilometers along its northern and southern borders has an astonishing array of landscapes, cultures as well as experiences that are packed in a rather small area. Blonde mountains and green rice fields on the one hand and crowded cities and serene beaches on the other hand are only part of the puzzles that Vietnam is always ready to present even to experienced travelers.
Vietnam is a truly memorable place because of this combination of natural beauty, the depth of the cultural experience and its everyday authenticity.
The scenery of Vietnam is usually more than what has been imagined, particularly to those who have never been to Vietnam before or have no idea that the country is as geographically varied as it is. In the north, the karsts of limestones stand vertically out of the emerald waters such as Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh that makes the scenes seem nearly surreal. As one moves inland, the rice terraced fields of Sapa and Ha Giang flow down the mountain sides, shifting colour with the season and making the sight-seeing experience more than amazing at every corner.
As the setting is shifted to the south, the landscape changes once again. Vietnam as a country is characterized by the perfect coastlines as well as the picturesque scenic coastal passes, and the old towns adjacent to rivers which are situated in Central Vietnam. Mekong Delta is a remarkable water ecosystem of flooding markets, canals and fertile farmlands in the south. The dynamic nature of the land will also make traveling in Vietnam an exciting experience as each of the areas appears to be a new beginning rather than the extension of the previous one.
Vietnam culture is well-grounded in the thousand years of the history that has been formed under the impact of the native traditions, Confucian ideals, and the external interventions. Old temples, pagodas, and imperial citadels are placed along the side of the colonial period buildings, and they tell the tale of struggle and change. Hue and Hoi An have particularly succeeded in retaining such a stratified background so that visitors can explore the history of the past not in a dead museum, but in a living one instead.
Vietnamese living traditions are also quite impressive. These rituals are a daily occurrence and a visitor can just observe or participate in such rituals as morning tai chi practices at the lakes, visitor offering incense at the local shrines and family meals that bring together several generations.
Vietnam is the ideal location to slow travel and people who are ready to slow down are rewarded. Taking long train rides on the coast, spending time on the motorbike riding around the country villages, and spending time in cafes watching the day to day life all promote a more conscious outlook on exploration. In contrast to busy schedules in which a traveler runs between one attraction to another, Vietnam calls upon the tourist to take his/her time and experience the feeling.
Real-life stories are also exceptionally available. Staying in homestays, attending cooking classes with local people, or even having a meal with locals tends to result in the actual cultural exchange. Since the concept of tourism in most regions is community-based, interactions are informal instead of formal. This authenticity enables visitors to build better relationships and have a more complex perception of the Vietnamese life.
The diversity that is found in Vietnam is what can draw a great number of travelers. Romance is another aspect where travelling between the scenic landscapes that the couples love has become a favorite thing to do whether when they are on a cruise through the limestone bays or taking an evening stroll along the lantern lit streets or even resting along the quiet beaches. It is also easy to enjoy memorable and yet affordable stays in the country and the special experiences as the affordability of the country does not force it to spend a lot of money, making it a favorite destination when it comes to memorable yet affordable getaways.
Families and explorers are also well taken care of. Children have the chance to have practical cultural experiences, gentle adventure and warm hospitality and those who are more adventurous can hike the remote mountains, have cave systems or navigate through the unknown areas by motor bike.
Vietnam can impact its visitors far more than on its landmark and scenery. It is little things, personal interaction and emotional connection that will be remembered even after the trip has been finished. All these together bring the impression of place that is too human and too memorable.
Vietnam is exceptional in the Southeast Asian region since it has much more than a list of renowned attractions. It is a place that appeals to all the senses and pays off in inquisitiveness, patience and receptiveness. The sceneries of the country are breathtaking, the history makes it deeper, and people are warm and human in every experience.
Many years after the trip, tourists tend to discover that Vietnam had not left Vietnam, but rather in pictures, in the recollection of the meals together, the silent moments, and some kind gestures. Such power to create an unforgettable emotional impact is what actually makes Vietnam a memorable and unique travelling experience in the south east of Asia.