Vietnam Holidays: The Trip of a Lifetime

Vietnam holidays weren't always a consideration when planning the annual summer adventure. With a troubled past and an undeveloped economy and infrastructure, the Far East nation was shrouded in mystery; a mystery that for too long hid its natural beauty, fascinating culture and friendly, welcoming people.

Things are, however, beginning to change. According to vietnamtourism.com, more than 3.7 million international visitors journeyed to Vietnam in 2009. While this was a 10 per cent decline from the total recorded 12 months previously, a decline attributable to the global financial crisis, Vietnam's modernisation is opening tourists' eyes to this most unique of Far East destinations.

So, what does Vietnam offer to travellers and holidaymakers? The answer is a great deal; for those looking to relax and have more of a traditional holiday there is Phu Quoc Island and Mui Ne Beach, while the more adventurous can spend their time exploring the Mekong Delta and Vietnam's ancient imperial capital, Hue.

The first thing to consider, however, is your flights. Fortunately, it's possible to arrange direct services to Vietnam. Chances are that you'll arrive in Hanoi, the capital, where your cultural excursion can begin. No visit to Vietnam would be complete without a trip to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay your respects to Uncle Ho, the country's former president and leader of the Viet Cong.

Visitors to Vietnam may be surprised to learn that the country has a vibrant festival scene. One of the best known is the Long Bien Bridge Festival, which began on November 20th. The festival, which takes place at the site of the historic cantilever bridge connecting Hanoi's two parts, featured more performers and events than ever this year.

The bridge, which spans 1,682m, was divided into 10 sections, each representing one of Hanoi's 10 centuries since its establishment. Elsewhere, in Hue, Vietnam's ancient imperial capital, the famous Festival of Hue takes place. Taking place biennially, the city plays host to a variety of performers during the event. If you're travelling to Hue for the festival, it's worth bearing in mind that hotel prices increase, so it's recommended to book your accommodation in advance.

If you want to travel around Vietnam, there are various transport options to consider. The country's rail system is set to be developed drastically during the next decade, which has been made possible thanks to an agreement between the country and Japan, with the latter nation's rail technology to be utilised fully.

The most popular forms of transport for locals are scooters, bicycles and motorbikes, although increasing numbers of people are able to afford their own cars. Indeed, it's possible to arrange car hire during your stay, and this can be done in Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's largest city. A further option is buses, which are often the least expensive option for intercity travel, although it's worth bearing in mind that traffic congestion is a problem in the country's major cities.

During your stay in Vietnam, chances are that you'll want to experience some of the country's culture. Heavily influenced by southern China thanks to its long-standing status as a Chinese tributary state, the Vietnamese language contains many Chinese words, despite the languages being unrelated.

A further aspect of the country's culture is religion, which continues to play a huge role in society, as is the case in neighbouring Cambodia. Some 85 per cent of Vietnamese identify themselves as Buddhists, which is followed in terms of popularity by Catholicism and the local Cao Dai faith.

Vietnam holidays offer a travel experience not to be forgotten. With the New Year only around the corner, why not see in 2011 by arranging the trip of a lifetime to the Far East?