Vietnam is fast becoming a top tourist destination. There are many reasons why. Shopping is definitely a major reason for many. However, there is a growing number of visitors that appreciate the history, scenery, culture, cuisine and local people. A small effort to learn a few phrases in Vietnamese allows for making friends, brings smiles to their faces and sometimes laughter – it is a difficult, tonal language like Chinese. Xin chao could mean “hello” or “give me a bowl of soup”, so it is easy to have lots of fun practicing Vietnamese and it is amazing to observe happiness radiating from those one addresses.
The climate is hot. Thus the locals start their day early and have a siesta during the hottest part of the day. The mornings start with walking to the nearest park or riverbank. Everybody seems to be walking and exercising at 5 am. Parks and riverfronts are full of people doing keep fit exercises, even the seniors do the slow motion Tai Chi. It is the only time of day cool enough to be energetic. A spectacular sunrise is an extra bonus.
The history of Vietnam is reflected in the architecture dating from the 10th century on. Luckily those treasures have not been destroyed by war. The citadels, temples and pagodas scattered through the landscape are impressive and pleasing to the eyes. The history behind them shows constant foreign presence – Chinese, French, American although the last one caused only distraction.
The scenery in Vietnam is varied and stunning. From vast waterways and vibrant life on the rivers of Mekong Delta, through scenic Hai Van Pass to Halong Bay in the North of the country, the landscapes are enchanting. The life in Mekong Delta is as busy as in any city. People live and shop on the river and the boat traffic matches car traffic anywhere in the world. Well, except Vietnam itself. The main road traffic here is still a scooter. Scooters are so plentiful that one needs assistance in crossing a road. Or if you brave the crossing by yourself here is a bit of a local advise: ”Never hesitate when crossing a road, just keep on going, the scooters will avoid you! If you turn back an accident is inevitable.”
Vietnam is a destination that can fascinate a variety of interest groups: social study, linguistic, photography, cuisine – most hotels have cooking classes, lovers of history and lovers. There are resorts made for honeymoon, like Pilgrimage Village in Hue or Victoria Hotel in Hoi An. A visit to Vietnam is a memorable experience. And a very important feature of a visit to Vietnam is excellent shopping. Value for money is the motto and superb shopping spots are Binh Tay Markets in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An Markets and the merchants’ homes of the old Town scattered among pagodas and temples, souvenir shops of the Old Quarter in Hanoi and its markets. Vietnam will not disappoint a visitor disregarding what is the reason for the visit.
No comments:
Post a Comment