Why go au Viêt Nam?
The good reasons to go au Viêt Nam
A diverse and spectacular nature
From north to south, Vietnam offers a wide variety of sumptuous landscapes.
A rich cultural heritage
Architectural wonders bequeathed by a history shaped by multiple legacies.
A still preserved country
A booming economy but a country that remains true to its traditions.
A mosaic of identities
A land of encounter where 54 ethnic groups have preserved their cultural identity.
A tasty cuisine
Gastronomy in Vietnam is an everyday art that every household is committed to cultivating.
An ancestral craft
Lacquers, basket makers, the encounter with these old trades alone justifies the trip.
Farniente under the sun
On the coast, heavenly beaches invite you to take long siestas facing the sea.
Memorable treks
Hiking on the mountainside with overnight stays with local people in high-altitude hamlets.
A motorcycle ride
In the mountains of the North, set off on adventure trails in the land of 2 wheels.
Quality hotels
Affordable prices and splendid hotels where everything is luxury, calm and pleasure.
Good to know when visiting le Viêt Nam
Timetable
The opening hours of the sites vary greatly. Museums are generally open between 8am and 5pm, some close at lunch time. Many sites (pagodas, temples...) are not strictly speaking tourist attractions. They welcome visitors, but have their own life which must be respected.
To be booked
In Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it is preferable to reserve seats for certain shows or concerts. The reception of the hotels will gladly take care of it.
Budget & Tips
The entrance fee to sites and museums is usually very modest (the equivalent of less than 2 €). It is common to leave a small fee when visiting pagodas.
Main events
Vietnam organizes a handful of festivals that have acquired international renown. These include the Hué festival and the martial arts festival in the town of Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh province), which take place every two years. Traditional festivals, linked to the solar-lunar calendar, can be an opportunity to discover Vietnamese culture, but it's important to bear in mind that they are not intended for tourism, even if, as elsewhere in the world, folklorization and commercialization tend to make certain events lose their original meaning.
Guided tours
Incoming agencies offer many guided tours. At first glance, the formula may seem unappealing to those who are fond of autonomy and independence, but within the framework of a short stay, the guided tour allows the accompaniment of a professional guide, often French-speaking, to save time, to free oneself from logistical problems and to make some savings (carpooling for the transport to certain remote sites). The most advanced agencies offer thematic workshops (cooking classes, lacquerware training, photography...) that allow you to discover the country from a particular angle.
Smokers
Smoking is not permitted in the museums. The rules of tact and courtesy also apply.
Tourist traps
When visiting certain sites, it is not uncommon to require the presence of an improvised guide. At the end of the visit, the guide will demand payment for his or her work. To avoid any misunderstanding, it is preferable to make things clear from the beginning and to oppose a clear refusal if one considers this presence as unwelcome. While knowing that the remuneration is often modest (the equivalent of 1 or 2 €) and that in certain cases, the indications and the advice of the guide can be judicious...
Find unique holiday offers with our partners
Discover le Viêt Nam
Vietnam... This is a very old country, which from 1946 to 1975 experienced the longest war of the 20th century. These tragic events often overshadow the long history and rich cultural and spiritual heritage that have shaped the Land of the Dragon. In this chapter, we'll take a look at some of the historical milestones that have brought to light kingdoms swallowed up by time and a number of historic events, such as those of Champa, which has now disappeared. We'll also look at geography. Vietnam's landscapes are renowned for being sumptuous, but as elsewhere, the country's natural riches are threatened by rapid economic growth and the effects of climate change. Demographic and social issues are also addressed... A little vade-mecum for the happy traveler who sets out to discover this sometimes bewildering, but absolutely fascinating country.
