Where is the best place to go in Vietnam? What interesting things can be seen in this country? When is it worth visiting the resorts of the state? You will find answers to these and other exciting questions about this country in our article. The state of Vietnam is located on the Indochina Peninsula (Southeast Asia). This country has become an independent Democratic Republic since 1945.
After 31 years to the present time, a country with an area of more than 300 thousand square kilometers, where 92,480,000 indigenous people live, received the official name - the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Rich ancient history, amazing nature and budget holidays in the best resorts of the South China Sea attract tourists from many countries of the world.
Since 1997, travelers have been able to move freely throughout the state. This decision of the Vietnamese government contributed to the development of international tourism, which is one of the main components in the economy.this country.
Formation of country name
In the third century BC, a state association was created on the territory of modern Vietnam, which consisted of representatives of the Viet-Muong peoples. Over the course of several centuries, the civilization of the Viet was formed. Hence the name of the country "Vietnam".
The word “Vietnam” first appeared in the sixteenth century in the literary work of the Vietnamese educator and philosopher Nguyen Binh Khiem “The Prophecies of Trang Trinh”, where the expression “…And Vietnam was formed” was written several times.
Two centuries later, the name of the country appeared in many official documents that have survived to this day. In those days, the common people - "Annam", given by the Chinese emperors of this territory, were often used. In 1945, the name of the state "Annam" was officially withdrawn from circulation by Emperor Bao Dai and the historical name of the country was returned.
The name is a combination of two words: Viet, meaning nation, and Nat, meaning "south". Thus, Vietnam is translated as "the south side of the Viet". In this country, with its exotic nature and culture, there are many places that are interesting to see.
Main attractions of Dalat
In the central highlands of Vietnam is the city of Dalat. Excursions from Nha Trang to it are carried out often. This settlement, which now has a population of 301,500, was founded by the French at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Historical documents show thatthe French bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin in 1887 drew attention to the special clean air in this area and suggested that the French authorities establish a resort on the Langbang plain (1450 meters above sea level).
In 1907, the first hotel was built, and 5 years later, due to the growing popularity among Europeans, the city of Dalat was founded.
Now this area is a popular mountain resort, where tourist attractions are located among evergreen forests, lakes and waterfalls, natural parks.
Xuan Huong Lake
Where to go in Vietnam to see something interesting? To Dalat. In the center of the city is Xuan Huong Lake, which was formed in 1919 as a result of the construction of a protective hydraulic structure from the water element (dam).
While walking, guests of the city can see a sculpture exhibition made of natural minerals, visit a cafe or restaurant where you can taste dishes from the menu of national Vietnamese cuisine.
A playground with a variety of attractions for children of all ages has been created on the shore of the city reservoir, which has an area of 0.43 km². In addition, children have the opportunity to ride catamarans, and floriculture lovers can visit the flower park and purchase seeds of exotic plants.
Catholic Cathedral and Convent of the Virgin Mary
The sights of the city include a Catholic church built in 1930. Previously, there was a nunnery on the territory of the cathedral. Nowthe cathedral is active and tourists can attend the liturgies that take place daily at certain hours.
History lovers have the opportunity to visit the active Catholic monastery of the Virgin Mary and walk around the courtyard, where exotic flowers are planted, sprouting throughout the Vietnamese region.
A special attraction is that the architects combined elements of folk architecture and French architecture of past centuries.
Chuk Lam Monastery. Description
Very popular among tourists is a visit to Chuk Lam Monastery (bamboo park), located on a mountain among coniferous trees at a distance of 5 km from the city.
You can get to the temple cloister by using the cable car, which has a length of 2.5 km and is considered the longest in Asia. The starting point is located near the bus station.
Fare (both ways) - 70,000 VND (approximately $3). Within 20 minutes of the journey, guests of Dalat can see the "Vietnamese Paris" (as the locals call the city) from a bird's eye view.
The monastery, which was founded in 1994, is divided into two parts: open for tourists and closed, where monks and staff live.
Tourists can visit several temples and walk around its open area, which is surrounded by flower beds.
Datanla Waterfall
Where to go in Vietnam for nature lovers? Dalat has a large number of natural waterfalls that attract nature lovers.
Most popularthe Datanla waterfall (5.5 km from the city center) is considered to have three levels, the length of which is 350 meters.
The observation deck of the first cascade can be reached by a railroad that runs through the forest. The two-way trip, costing 50,000 VND ($2.5), and for children - $1 or 20,000 VND, is reminiscent of the famous roller coaster.
A cable car was built to the second cascade, the cost of which is 40,000, and for children 20,000 VND. To get to the third level of Datanla, you should use the free elevator, the shaft of which is cut into the rock.
Nha Trang City and Da Lat Day Tour
Tourists are of great interest to visit the resort of Nha Trang (440 km from the capital - Hanoi). The city is located on the banks of the Yachang River (hence the name of the city, which in the past was a small fishing village).
During the French colonization, the territory developed as a resort area and now Nha Trang is one of the central resort cities where historical cultural monuments of the Vietnamese people are located.
Long Son Pagoda
Long Son Pagoda (Buddhist religious building) and the sitting Buddha is considered the main attraction of the city. The temple was built in 1886 and the original name was "Dan Long Tu" (slow flying dragon).
In 1900, the temple building was damaged by a storm, but after some time it was restored and moved to a safe place. Now the pagoda, which is active, wearsthe name "Long Sean" (flying dragon).
Tourists can visit the pagoda for free, having overcome 144 steps, observing certain established rules, which the temple attendant (monk) who meets at the entrance will kindly tell about. At the top of Mount Trai Thu, where the first building was located, guests can view the majestic statue of Buddha sitting in the lotus position.
Catholic Cathedral
The start of construction of the Catholic Cathedral of St. Mary, which is located in the central part of the city, dates back to 1928.
At that time, Vietnam was under French rule. Six years later, the cathedral was consecrated according to religious rules and is now a functioning temple and the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Nha Trang.
Tourists are given the opportunity to attend the service, which is held in Vietnamese.
Until 1988, there was a cemetery next to the cathedral, which was demolished during the construction of the city station, and the ashes of the dead were reburied in niches in one of the walls of the temple.
Po Nagar Towers
The ten towers of Po Nagar, located on the top of Mount Ku Lao in the seventh to twelfth centuries, were part of the temple complex. To this day, only four temple towers have survived in their original form, which are considered by local residents to be a spiritual holy place with healing powers.
The most important is the North Tower, inside which tourists can see a stone statue depicting the goddess Po Nakar. Since each tower was dedicated to a specific god, the other three temples are dedicated to the Kree gods. Kambhu, Sandhaka and Ganesha. Inspection of each temple structure is paid - 22,000 dong (national currency, approximately 1 US $).
Winperl Park
Hon Tre Island is adapted as an amusement park (Winpearl Park), which the locals are proud of, as it is the only water park in Vietnam with fresh water, located on the coast of the China Sea. The territory of Winperl (more than 200,000 sq m) is divided into four zones: a zone of shops, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants with a menu of Vietnamese cuisine, a water park, an indoor play area, an amusement complex and an amphitheater.
Tourists can take advantage of the many water games and entertainment in the play areas, and for those who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday, a well-maintained beach area has been created.
To get to the island, you can use a boat or the world's longest cable car over the sea, the length of which is 3350 m. For all types of entertainment, a fee is set - 880,000 dong ($ 37.5) per person. For children - 700 thousand VND.
City tour and travel agency organizes a day trip from Nha Trang to Dalat. The distance between cities is 70 km. The cost of the trip, depending on travel companies, is from $20 to $40.
Russian tourists in their reviews note that this one-day tour leaves pleasant memories of the amazing beauty of the nature of this region, the mountain serpentine, the highway with stunning views, as well as the national Vietnamese cuisine of roadside cafes and restaurants. Positive emotions also leave a sightseeing tour ofDalat and the attentive, friendly attitude of the staff.
Vietnam resorts. Where to go and when?
Besides informative tours of Vietnam, you can relax at the resorts of this state, popular among Europeans. Given the tropical climate, you can relax in the resorts throughout the year. Where to go in Vietnam in November? At this time, it is advisable to choose resorts located in the south or in the central part of the country.
January and February are considered the most favorable months for Vietnam. March and April are hot and dry. In the summer months, it is best to choose resorts that are located in the northern part of the country. Where to go in Vietnam? In November, it is best to relax in the resort of Phu Quoc. Here during this period the temperature reaches 30°C. And the water by this time is not less than +25°С.
You can also choose Mui Ne resort this month. Since this region also has warm, not rainy weather. In Mui Ne at this time of the year you can sunbathe. These resort areas are located on the coast of the South China Sea and have beaches with developed infrastructure.
Where to go in Vietnam in December? Many tourists advise choosing the Phan Thiet resort during this period. This resort is considered the hottest this month. Daytime temperatures are around 30-33°C. But it should be borne in mind that due to the fact that cold currents pass in this region, the water here, in comparison with the air temperature, may seem cold. This is the only minus of the December holiday on thisresort.
From the numerous resorts, the most popular among Russian tourists are Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet and Nha Trang. We will talk about them further.
Nha Trang
Where is the clean sea in Vietnam? In Nha Trang. Nha Trang Bay is one of the most beautiful natural bays in the world, on the banks of which there are hotels, restaurants, various entertainment clubs and resort infrastructure developed according to international standards. Mud therapy facilities and thermal baths for vacationers operate on the territory of the resort.
And how much will a tour to Vietnam cost? Prices for two All Inclusive in Nha Trang:
- 4-7 nights and 8-12 nights (depending on the level of the hotel) - from 100 thousand rubles.
- 15 nights - from 160 thousand rubles.
Phan Thiet. Resort description
Which is better: Phan Thiet or Nha Trang? It is rather difficult to answer this question. Since each resort has its pros and cons. So that you can independently figure out which is better: Nha Trang or Phan Thiet, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the information about the second resort.
The resort town of Phan Thiet is located in the south of Vietnam (200 km from Ho Chi Minh City) and is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Surrounded by palm groves on the first coastline, three-story cottages are built with all the conditions for a pleasant stay. If you are interested in where it is better to go to Vietnam with a child, then pay attention to Phan Thiet. The resort is designed for budget tourists with children, as on all beaches in the sea, which warms up here totemperature 25°С, the entrance is gentle and safe for children of any age.
The only negative is that from the nearest airport, which is located in Ho Chi Minh City, the distance to the resort is 210 km, and the bus overcomes it within six hours.
Phu Quoc resort. Description and beaches
If you are interested in a beach holiday, where to relax in Vietnam? Pay attention to Phu Quoc. The resort island of Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand (580 km²). The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, drawing attention to the fact that active tourists choose this island for jungle tours, scuba diving with special equipment, and kayaking, decided to equip the island territory as a resort area.
The main attractions are, of course, wonderful beaches. The main one is Truong or Long Beach. Its length is 8 km along the western coast. There are also other equally beautiful beaches. These include:
- deserted Bai Thom Beach in the northeast;
- sunny beach Bai Dai (length - 3 km). It is located on the west coast;
- Bai Yong. There are a lot of palm trees on this beach;
- quiet Ganh Dau. This beach is located on the northwest coast;
- Sao beach. Located in the eastern part of the resort.
Now the city of Phu Quoc is listed as a developing resort in Vietnam. It becomes one of the most popular among youth tourism enthusiasts.
Mui Ne. Resort description
At a distance of 25 km from Phan Thiet is the resort area of Mui Ne. The weather here is usually very good. This zone has a tropical climate. It has hot, dry weather throughout the year.
If you are wondering where to go on vacation in Vietnam, then pay attention to this resort. Mui Ne has become popular among Russian tourists - lovers of water sports. This is due to the fact that there are always constant winds that create waves for surfers and kiters.
On the main street of the resort city there are sports and youth clubs, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. Many of the staff of these establishments speak Russian, which is very important for a Russian-speaking tourist.
How to get to Nha Trang? Three options
Nha Trang is considered the most popular resort. Therefore, the bulk of Russian tourists go to this place. To get to Nha Trang, tourists are given several options. Let's take a look at them.
- Option 1. Is there a direct flight from Moscow to Nha Trang? Yes. Buying a single ticket: Moscow - Nha Trang. The cost of one ticket, depending on the season, ranges from 26,000 Russian rubles to 32,000.
- Option 2. You can use transportation by special order (charter flight). Many budget tourists purchase last-minute trips to Nha Trang at travel agencies with ready-made tickets at discounted rates.
- Option 3. You can get to Nha Trang through Ho Chi Minh City. This option, according to tourists, is considered the most convenient. There are direct flights from Moscow to Ho Chi Minh City and the ticket price is much lower. The ticket price from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang is $13-15 (flight time is about an hour).
The plane arrives at Cam Ranh International Airport (35 km from the resort of Nha Trang). To get from the airport to Nha Trang, you need to use the regular bus.
You can get from Ho Chi Minh City to the resort city by bus with recumbent seats, which are installed in the cabin on two floors (“sleeping bus”). Travel time is eight to nine hours and the ticket price is $10.
Small conclusion
Now you know where to go in Vietnam. We looked at different resorts and their features. Amazing nature, resorts on the coast of the South China Sea, the goodwill and hospitality of the Vietnamese are worth it to make a rather long flight from Russia to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
