Vietnam is a country of extremes, with bustling cities and quiet rural villages. Somewhere in the middle you’ll find Hoi An, a small city on Vietnam’s south central coast which enjoys the best of both worlds. Hoi An is the place to come if you want to experience cosmopolitan Vietnam without the traffic or the crowds. With relatively few cars on the roads, pedestrians rule here. It’s becoming increasingly popular with tourists, especially backpackers who flock to the city for its inexpensive dining and interesting array of shops. Hoi An was a major international seaport in the 16th and 17th century, and these foreign influences are still apparent today. Hoi An is a cultural...

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city, and the heart of the Asian nation. Its bustling pace can intimidate tourists at first, but with a little know-how the area is much easier to navigate than many Eastern centers. Life moves fast on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s not advisable for tourists to try to drive themselves about. Instead rely on the expert taxi drivers and motorbike taxi riders, who are accustomed to the city’s pace. Transport is quite centrally located. Trains run from District 3, which is just north of the heart of the city. Buses are a more affordable, and often more accessible transport option. They run all over the city, and due to recent...

Vietnam is a safe and friendly country, but its unique culture can come as a shock to foreign travelers. As with entering any country, it’s important to be sensitive of these customs and do your best to fit in. The advice you’ll find here will help you avoid making any embarrassing faux pas. Friendliness is something the Vietnamese people pride themselves on, and you will never see one drop this happy façade in public. Travelers should do the same and avoid losing their temper, especially when bargaining in the markets or dealing with members of the hospitality industry. This kind of scene is interpreted as a loss of face for both parties. Vietnamese people dress conservatively, p...

Vietnam is rarely a vacation destination associated with luxury, but Nam Hai Villas in Hoi An is doing its best to change all that. You'll find the one-bedroom villas on a 32-hectare property in Central Vietnam. Tranquil China Beach borders one side of the resort, and the Cham Islands are just a stone's throw away. The local environment is stunning, and the villas have been careful to preserve that natural beauty. There are 60 villas in all, each with indoor and outdoor sitting areas, perfectly manicured gardens, and private outdoor showers. You'll get a blissful night’s sleep on the beds, which are surrounded by mosquito netting to keep the creepy crawlies at bay. And for the ultimate ...

The busy markets of Asian nations like Thailand and Vietnam are a mecca for bargain shoppers, but the culture shock of bargaining can scare some foreign tourists. The process won’t be so daunting if you follow these simple tips. It’s good to get a feel for the markets before you commit to your first purchase. Spend some time walking around, perusing the wares and watching other shoppers bargain for the best price. This will give you some sense of what items are worth, and what sellers may be willing to settle for. It’s also important to choose the optimum time to shop. Many sellers may be willing to discount goods in the late afternoon, particularly if they have not had a su...

Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is a rich shopping mecca, offering opportunities for luxury lovers and bargain hunters alike. Known as the Paris of the Orient, this Vietnamese city specializes in fashions and homewares. The Old Quarter is the hub of Hanoi’s shopping district with its modern malls and traditional markets. If your time is limited make sure you hit up the Dong Xuan Market. This three-storey market has hundreds of stalls selling just about everything including knitwear, gourmet foods, jewelry, imitation designer fashions, cosmetics, and woven mats. Bargain hunters should also explore Hang Bac and Hang Be. Stores here sell lacquerware and other traditional goods at bac...

Backpackers hoping to enjoy the real Asia without the frills should definitely consider a trip to Vietnam. The country’s tourism industry is relatively new, so it offers visitors a more authentic experience than many Asian nations. These are also not publicized as well as they might be in other countries, so a Vietnam guidebook is a good investment for making the most of your stay. Vietnam is a very affordable destination, with one American dollar equaling approximately 18, 475 Vietnamese Dong (VND). It’s easy to find meals for around 15, 000 VND, so travelers can easily eat on in Vietnam for a week for less than $20 US. The biggest temptation for travelers is shopping. While ...

Vietnam attracts visitors drawn to its rich history and magnificent natural vistas. But there’s a different side to the Asian nation, a tropical paradise just off Vietnam’s south-east coastline. Vinpearl Land on Hon Tre Island is thought to be one of Asia’s best keep secrets, a coastal tourism complex which makes the most of stunning Nha Trang Bay. This is not a holiday destination for budget travelers, with few high end resorts. It was designed for guests who want to have all their needs met on site. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, a sprawling pool and spa for relaxing, and a gymnasium for working up a sweat. Later this year a six-star hotel is scheduled to ...

Women in the West enjoy many freedoms not experienced by girls in many global destinations. While this shouldn’t deter female travelers from exploring exotic locales such as Vietnam, girls should follow a few simple rules to ensure they stay safe and have fun on their Asian vacation. Vietnamese women dress modestly, and tourists should try to do the same. Wearing tight or skimpy clothes may be seen as provocative, and a sign that you do not respect local culture. Instead, choose conservative clothes that are relatively loose fitting and comfortable to wear. When visiting holy places and national monuments, female tourists should dress even more sedately. When stopping by these sign...

If you want to see the real Vietnam, forget the tour buses and get on your bike! While the motorized excursions zoom through the countryside on the way to major tourist centers, an eco-friendly cycling journey allows you to stop and smell the paddy fields. As cycling is the locals main form of transportation, it’s a great way to interact with the natives. While their grasp of English may be limited, particularly in the country areas, locals are friendly and always willing to chat with tourists. Trips through rural communities allow you to meet the rice farmers and their buffalo at work in the fields, while rides through the cities let you experience Vietnamese life at a faster pace. Tr...