Jerry Stiller (father of the famous actor Ben) once remarked, “Hollywood never knew there was a Vietnam War until they made the movie.” The veteran comedian's quote is probably an apt way to describe current tourist attitudes toward this southeast Asian country, characterized by stunning landscapes, well-kept beaches and chaotic cities full of vibrancy and culture. It is probably not the first choice that comes to the minds of travelers from the Middle-East wanting a taste of Eastern or Far Eastern cultures, with Malaysia and China more popular options. However, for those who want a break from the norm, Vietnam is a very rewarding experience. The best way to experience Vietnam is to travel from north to south (or vice-versa) because this would give a fascinating insight into the variety of cultures that inhabit the country. Going through an ethically responsible tour operator such as Footprint (footprintsvietnam.com) that will plan your stay for reasonable prices and ensure the local community and environment benefits from its customers is highly recommended but not completely necessary. Begin your stay in the capital city of Hanoi, where the people are friendly and courteous but culturally conservative. Make sure you check out the mausoleum housing the embalmed body of eminent Vietnamese leader and icon Ho Chi Minh and the nearby French colonial era presidential palace, with its surrounding gardens and the original stilt house where “Uncle Ho” was said to have resided. Also, the Museum of Ethnology, which focuses on the 54 recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam, is a must-visit before you take in one of the unique water-puppet shows and a cyclo trip around the city. From there, move up north using an often violently rocking shared sleeper train to the hilly town of Sapa, surrounded by expansive fields and rich indigenous wildlife. There, take a cycling trip through the hills and interact with the many ethnic minority groups that reside there before climbing up Dragon Mountain for a breathtaking view of the area. Return to Hanoi and then move east toward the coast for a boat cruise on the gentle waters in Halong Bay. The spectacular scenery consists of thousands of limestone islets, some of which contain caves that you can explore safely. It is also possible for more adventurous visitors to kayak around some of the designated tourist beaches. You can also visit the locals who live on the floating villages in the area before heading back to the capital. From Hanoi, get on another sleeper train to the ancient capital of Hue, home to the old Imperial City. The fortress currently remains a stark reminder of the ravages of the Vietnam War due to the numerous bullet holes that line the walls and the beautiful structures that have been damaged by bomb blasts. It is going through an extensive refurbishment that is expected to be completed this year. Other notable sights in Hue include the Perfume River, so-called because in autumn orchids fall into the water and give the air a pleasant aroma, and the royal tombs of the Vietnamese line of emperors that can be differentiated in terms of architecture by their attitudes toward their subjects and the French colonial rulers of the time. Leaving Hue, you will make your way to the ancient town of Hoi An, a remarkably well-preserved ancient trading post that has been rightfully recognized (along with Hue's Imperial City) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its mix of small businesses, cafes, restaurants and museums, it is an absolute must-see for visitors. At this point, if you have time and want to relax a bit, then it is worth stopping over for a few days in the seaside city of Nha Trang. Book a stay in one of the beachside hotels and make the most of the wide array of shopping centers, restaurants and other attractions in this modern city that clearly caters to a tourist and expatriate audience. But be warned, prices are much higher in Nha Trang than anywhere else in the country. Otherwise, once you are done with the historical cities in the middle of the country, start making your way south to Ho Chi Minh City, informally known as Saigon. By then, a cultural transition from the conservativeness of the north of the country to the more liberal and Westernized influences of the south will be complete. While the women of Hanoi are more formally dressed, with dresses and skirts rarely above the knee, in Saigon hot pants and tight jeans are the norm, especially at night when the city really comes alive and the bars and cafes are pulling out the stops to attract customers. Be sure to visit the colorful Cao Dai Temple for a noon mass that incorporates elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity before making your way to the Cu Chi outdoor museum to learn about the guerilla tactics employed by the Viet Cong. There is a chance to experience the tunnel system used by the soldiers during the Vietnam War, but this is definitely not for claustrophobics. Wrap up your visit with an overnight river cruise down the Mekong Delta, a network of rivers and canals, and take the chance to visit the floating markets. If possible, take a cycling trip through the villages in the delta and visit the well-preserved house of Marguerite Duras, a noted French writer and director who was born in colonial era Vietnam. Most passports are eligible for a paid-for visa on arrival that is usually arranged through a tour agency, but it is worth checking with the Vietnamese Embassy in Riyadh ([email protected]) first. There are no direct flights from Saudi Arabia, but Etihad Airways, Emirates and Malaysia Airlines are just some of the companies offering reasonably priced indirect flights to Vietnam.
