Vietnam is the easternmost country located on the Indochina Peninsula in the Southeast Asian region and has a rich legacy of historical locations, spectacular beaches, natural and lush countryside, and the lively and ever bustling cities. Vietnam has a lot to offer for all types of travelers and tourists, be it adventurous or otherwise.

One of the important and historical places to visit in Vietnam is the Cu Chi tunnels located at the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Cu Chi tunnels are a complex network of underground tunnels that were strategically used by the Vietnam armed forces during war times, especially during Tet Offensive. A video presentation before the actual tunnel tour emphasizes the strategic mastery of the tunnels. The actual crawling tour of the tunnels, though seems easy at start, becomes difficult due to inadequate natural light and the unknowing ascents and descents of the tunnel. But at the end of this walk through the underground ravines, you will know more about the conflict that took place in Vietnam and respect it.

Another adventurous spot is Vietnam’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan, which is located in a town called Sapa in Northwest Vietnam. You can travel by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai and either take a train to uphill Sapa or go biking. On your way to Sapa, you will encounter several tiny villages having great cultural importance and people belonging to traditionally rich tribes. All the way, you are in the midst of picturesque locations, splendid natural vegetation, paddy fields, mountain terrains and scenic water falls which make your biking ride pleasant and challenging. This entire journey lasts for around eight days but leaves you with ever lasting memories.  

If you are interested in marine adventures, then Phu Quoc Island is the best place to be. Its warm turquoise waters make it a pleasant viewing experience but the fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling experience is beyond imagination. You can also avail of beach massaging and other such services if you wish to. Such diverse destinations make Vietnam one of the best places to be.

John writes about Vietnam Adventure Tours, to get more information on Vietnam Adventure Tours and Vietnam Travel Packages, you can logon to Vietnamtourism-jsc.com

How to promote the positive images of vietnam?

Have anyone here ever been to Vietnam?If yes, can u please suggest ways to promote the positive images of vietnam in tourism industry ?What can we do to attract more tourists?

Answer
I went back for several weeks in the fall of 1995 and even then, Vietnam had already improved so much over what it was in the 1960’s. It was wonderful to visit both the North and the South and saw the country, so beautiful and modernizing and the people, so friendly and forgiving, finally had the peace that they so richly deserve.

When I was in Hanoi, I ran into a group of active US servicemen who were members of an MIA recovery team who happened to be staying at the same hotel I was staying at. They told me they encountered no hostilities from anyone in Vietnam and met nothing but friendliness and cooperation from the government to the people.

U.S. veterans I met on the streets and in museums and restaurants told me the same thing. What’s more, they told me their visits to Vietnam had helped so much in their healing process. They thought they could replace the horrible images of war with those happy ones they saw on their latest visits whenever they thought of Vietnam.

Vietnam needs to hire good American public relations/advertising firms to change the perception of the country still in the minds of many Americans, especially those over the age of 50 who still remember the images of Vietnam at war. When the Japanese began to sell cars en mass in America in the late 1970’s, they had to do the same thing as most Americans at that time thought of Japanese products as cheap but low in quality. It takes a lot of education to undo a prejudice.

Giving free tours of Vietnam to American travel agents, travel writers and tour operators is another way. They only need to report the truth of what they see there and tourism to Vietnam will substancially increase.

Already, there are over 300,000 American citizens visiting Vietnam each year, 100,000 (mostly Americans of Vietnamese descent) over the Tet holidays alone. But the number could be many times that when Vietnam is able to attract Americans of all backgrounds.

Who wouldn’t enjoy a beautiful country with lots of historical and natural sites, friendly and courteous people, safe and secure society, first class lodging facilities, delicious and exciting foods and what’s more, very reasonable prices…that is indeed Vietnam. I’m ready to go back later this year with my family!

Vietnam muon nam! (Long live Vietnam!)