The most populated city in Vietnam. Cities of Vietnam: the largest, most beautiful, resort. Major city codes

Vietnam is one of the “rice civilizations” with ancient Buddhist temples lost in the jungle, underground guerrilla tunnels and a rich colonial heritage, perfectly preserved from French times. Vietnam is the Thailand of 20 years ago, not yet trampled by millions of tourists. “Fun, bright, inexpensive” - this is how you can describe local resort life in three words. Incendiary discos until the morning, forbidden pleasures, excellent shopping, unimaginable exotic dishes... Or relaxing holiday with children, romantic sunsets, mountain hikes and best photos as a keepsake. You choose what you like.

How to get there?

It takes approximately 9 hours to fly from Moscow to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City on regular Aeroflot or Vietnam Airlines flights. And this is the only point that can confuse beach lovers in winter. Our fellow citizens do not need a visa to Vietnam. And if you want to see more in one trip, it’s logical to combine a vacation in Vietnam with a visit neighboring countries– China, Laos, Cambodia, Burma or Thailand. Where is the best place to relax? More on that later.

Which resort should you choose?

If you fly now or in the coming months, then a rain-free holiday is most likely in the south and center of the country. These are popular resorts: Phu Quoc Island, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Da Nang. Focus on flights to Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, depending on the chosen resort. January and February are “velvet” months, it’s comfortable to relax, the air and water are +25...+28 °C. In March and April it is hot and dry, the temperature is +30…+35 °C. In the summer months, it is better to choose resorts in Northern Vietnam with a flight to Hanoi. Now let’s briefly describe the most popular and rated resorts in the country, where you should go first.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang and its antipode Phan Thiet top the preference rankings Russian tourists. Nha Trang Bay takes an honorable 29th place in the world ranking of the most beautiful resort bays. Nha Trang (Russians from Far East They say “nishtyang”) is growing and developing rapidly, new hotels of international hotel chains appear every year. Many restaurants, shops, colorful markets, a beautiful resort promenade. You won't be bored. After or instead of the beach, you can go on a boat to the neighboring islands - see the monkeys or hang out for the whole day in an amusement park. Temple complexes, Buddha statues, pagodas are a cultural component of the resort. And you can improve your health in local mud baths and thermal baths. Nha Trang has a lot of European youth, decent clubs with trendy DJs, a good choice inexpensive alcohol. A few disadvantages: most hotels are on the second line; Locals come to the city beach, which is used by most tourists, in the late afternoon; after work, they like to relax here with their children. And in the summer months there are many jellyfish near the shore.

Phan Thiet

The complete opposite of Nha Trang. Relaxed, democratic, inexpensive. Most of the hotels are two- or three-story cottages on the shore, comfortably hidden in palm groves. Here everyone smiles at each other, there is no crowd on the beaches, only the sea, the sun and a light, fresh breeze. If flip-flops (aka “flip-flops”), shorts and a white Panama hat are your style of relaxation, but you want to forget about the dress code at least for a while, this is definitely the place for you. Tourists come with children because it is inexpensive, sandy beaches and the entrance to the water is gentle. Couples find romantic sunsets and time to be alone in Phan Thiet. Lovers of large portions of seafood with ice-cold beer will find relaxation here, and local masseuses will make you see “the sky in diamonds” with their little hands. There are no particularly interesting attractions in Phan Thiet and the surrounding area. Tourists tired of the sun prefer to lie idle on the sand to dilute aquatic species sports And the downside is perhaps the only one. From the nearest airport in Ho Chi Minh City, it will take 5-6 hours to get to the resort by bus or taxi.

Mui Ne

A neighbor of Phan Thiet, this resort is loved by outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to the constant wind, there is an ideal wave for surfers and kiters and several dozen specialized schools with professional instructors. Prices are tolerable: an hour of windsurfing costs about $50, kitesurfing costs $70. Many speak Russian, and there are several establishments where you will be treated to borscht and dumplings. True, prices at the resort are higher than in Phan Thiet, again thanks to the large number of our tourists. On the central street of Mui Ne you will find spas and massage parlors, cafes and souvenir shops.

Phu Quoc

An island resort in the very south of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand, just 15 km from the coast of Cambodia. Taking into account the size of the island (the largest big Island Vietnam is the size of Singapore) there is room to expand here. Active tourists They choose trekking through the jungle, kayaking and canoeing, walks through numerous gardens and parks, and excursions to pearl factories. And diving in coastal waters is considered the most interesting and inexpensive in the country. But the main natural wealth of the island is its luxurious sandy beaches, stretching for many kilometers. There are still very few tourists on the island, although the infrastructure is rapidly developing. Hotels, casinos, golf courses, shopping and entertainment complexes are being built, new airport. But today it is still a calm, clean and still inexpensive resort. There is no better place for a quiet family or romantic holiday in Vietnam.

Vung Tau

A popular family resort 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is almost as large and famous as Nha Trang, but there is no vibrant nightlife here. But in the evening you can while away the time in bars with live music, which is very rare for Vietnam. The beaches are wide and sandy, in the former villas of the French aristocracy there are now restaurants and guest houses. The choice of hotels is also decent, for every taste and budget. Buddhist temples, pagodas, parks, former royal residence, caves and underground tunnels– there is where to walk and what to see. There are two disadvantages: petty theft on the beaches and the presence of oil drilling platforms in the water area.

Con Dao

“Let’s catch up and overtake Thai Phuket!” – this is roughly how one can voice the ambitions of the Vietnamese tourism authorities on the islands of this archipelago in the South China Sea. The first description of the islands belongs to Marco Polo, and Con Son (the old name of Con Dao) received its notorious fame thanks to the most terrible prison for political prisoners in Vietnam. Today it is a young resort with beautiful beaches and the best hotel complex Six Senses. Most occupies the islands National Park, many interesting dive sites and fishing spots.

Dalat

A popular international mountain resort in the south of the country, 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City. These places are reminiscent of the French Alps with their mild climate and natural beauty. And it was built during the French colonization of Indochina as a mountain refuge from the sweltering heat. It is cooler here than on the coast, and daytime temperatures, even in the hottest summer months, do not exceed 25 °C, and at night drop to a comfortable 15 °C. From November to April is the dry season, it is better to come at this time. Dalat can be compared to Ubud in Balinese. Here are the best spas and massage parlors in the country, and also offer several options for treatment and healing using traditional oriental methods. These are acupuncture, Vietnamese herbal massage, Indian massage, Tibetan practices of facial and body massage with warm basalt stones. And Dalat has the best themed restaurants serving Vietnamese and French cuisine. As souvenirs, tourists buy the famous Luwak coffee (a palm marten has already feasted on its beans), artichoke tea, ceramic dishes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and premium quality silk products. It’s logical to combine Dalat with a holiday on the beaches of Nha Trang and a few nights in Ho Chi Minh City.

Danang and Hoi An

Most Popular seaside resorts Central Vietnam. Best season for a beach holiday - March and April. Da Nang has a modern international Airport, the city is the fourth largest and industrial center Vietnam. Nevertheless, it is very picturesque, there are several nearby good beaches, including the famous China Beach - a place for youth hangouts and surfing stations. And 40 km away is the cozy town of Hoi An with a huge number of temples, pagodas, art salons, silk and souvenir shops. This is a museum city; 844 historical monuments are officially registered in it. Here you should try authentic Vietnamese cuisine and inexpensively replenish your summer wardrobe with handmade silk items, literally sewn in front of you. The ancient imperial capital of the country, the city of Hue, is a place of pilgrimage for tourists, history buffs and adventurers a la Indiana Jones, located a few hours away by car from Da Nang.

Halong and Haiphong

Ha Long Bay is very beautiful and unusual place in the north of Vietnam. From Hanoi it takes 3-4 hours (150 km) by bus or taxi. If you've seen James Cameron's film Avatar, the cliffs of Ha Long will remind you of the floating boulders of the planet Pandora. Only in Ha Long do they strangely stick out from the turquoise waters of the bay. The best way to spend a few days in Ha Long is on board a wooden cruise ship. So you can swim to your heart's content in warm and clean water, visit the most beautiful and interesting places, buy authentic souvenirs in the floating village, go down to mysterious caves on the shore and take the best selfies of your life. And don’t forget to try the local delicacy – sweet and sour fish baked in sugar. Ha Long is also famous as the filming location for the films “Indochina” starring Catherine Deneuve and “Tomorrow Never Dies” with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Haiphong is a cozy resort town not far from Ha Long. It is reminiscent of Hanoi twenty years ago with its clean flower-filled boulevards, colonial houses and leisurely pace of life. In addition to good shopping, the city has many temples, inexpensive restaurants, there is a decent zoo. The proximity to Hanoi makes it easy to visit Halong and Haiphong in one trip, along with a few days' stop in the capital.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

A description of the resorts will be incomplete without mentioning the main cities of Vietnam, which are usually visited by almost all tourists, because they air gate countries. These cities are definitely worth attention and at least a short introductory visit.

Hanoi is the capital of the country. This city will not leave anyone indifferent: old French houses are surrounded by greenery, and two steps around the corner there are ancient temples. Halt a rickshaw and ride along the city boulevards, and in the evening catch a performance at the Theater on the Water. Have dinner at a national restaurant, and the next morning go take a photo at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, look into the Temple of Literature and be amazed at the elegance of the One Pillar Pagoda and throw a coin into the Lake of the Returned Sword. And if you have time and energy left, go for a while to the mountains to the former French resort of Sapa. In one day in Sapa you can feel all four seasons, enjoy the natural beauty, see the unique Tafin Underwater Palace and the Thac Bak Silver Waterfall. And the bravest and most resilient will be able to climb highest peak Indochina Mount Fansipan (3,143 m).

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as locals and American tourists usually call it, - main city South Vietnam. Saigon is interesting during the day and does not sleep at night. Colonial buildings from the last century coexist peacefully with skyscrapers, shopping centers and office buildings. You'll be impressed by the former Presidential Palace, and you can buy interesting finds from local designers on Dong Hoi Boutique Street. For lovers military history It will be interesting to go down into the guerrilla tunnels of Cu Chi, and families with children will appreciate river walk along the Mekong with lunch and a visit to a snake nursery. And in the evening it’s so nice to admire the bright lights and life boiling below, while sipping a cocktail or a cool beer at the hotel’s rooftop bar. And with renewed vigor, go in search of “adult” night adventures after an invigorating foot massage. In terms of the number and density of bars, discos, and entertainment on the edge, Saigon is not inferior to Bangkok.

Located in a long strip along the South China Sea. The city of Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, located in the north of the country, another Big City- Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is secretly considered southern capital. In addition to these large cities, there are many places in Vietnam that deserve attention. Let's start our journey from the north to the south of the country.

1. Hanoi

An ancient city with a thousand-year history, ranking second in population. Hanoi bears a huge cultural heritage Vietnam. Its exterior features traditional Chinese style mixed with colonial French style, and is noticeable throughout. Walking through the old quarter of the city, you realize that this place is simply imbued with Asian flavor. There are many shops and trading stalls where local artisans sell their goods. The French Quarter is distinguished by buildings from the colonial era; walking through it, you can imagine what Europe looked like in those days.

2. Hue

This ancient capital Vietnam. Palace complexes, pagodas, tombs, temples, museums attract many tourists. Unfortunately, the city was badly damaged during the war, but was restored. Lovers of antiquity should definitely visit Hue, because the entire city is one huge museum.

3. Nha Trang

A resort town in Vietnam with a seven-kilometer-long beach, you can always find a place where there will be few people. Not far from the city there are islands to which excursions are organized. Each island is unique and offers various activities: snorkeling or diving, feeding monkeys, exploring wild flora and fauna. It’s also worth driving along the longest cable car, laid above sea level, and visit an amusement park. The city has quite a few museums, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

4. Dalat

This city was built by the French to escape the tropical heat. Dalat is located in a mountainous area, so it has a cooler climate. Tea, coffee, strawberries, and vegetables are grown on the high slopes. Dalat is a city of spring, a small Europe in the center of Asia. Tourists should visit the famous waterfalls, ride elephants and go to the most unusual hotel in the world of "Mad House".

5. Phan Thiet

6. Ho Chi Minh City

The largest and most populous city in Vietnam. Arriving there, you immediately notice a continuous stream of mopeds. It seems that these are rivers of people and technology. However, Ho Chi Minh City is a very colorful city, where you can find many museums, monuments, churches and pagodas. Quite a few attractions are dedicated to the Vietnam War. To save space, houses are built very narrow and stretched deep into the courtyards. At the same time, the style of buildings can differ sharply from each other, which is very noticeable. True, comfortable high-rise buildings have been built in the new part of the city.

List of cities in Vietnam
List of resorts in Vietnam
Cities of Vietnam
How to get there
Getting to Vietnam from Russia is relatively easy - several airlines operate regular flights, but the list of Russian cities from where you can fly directly to Vietnam is small - these are Moscow, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok. However, during the tourist season (winter months) charter flights are carried out from other cities, for example, from Yekaterinburg (sometimes), St. Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk.
From Moscow to the largest Vietnamese cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly non-stop on flights from Aeroflot, Vietnam Airlines and Transaero.
Aeroflot operates direct flights from Sheremetyevo Airport to Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport. The flight is very long, so passengers are provided with meals twice. Along the way, the airplane covers almost the entire Asian continent - Central Asia, India, etc. The time in the air is 9 and a half hours.
From Domodedovo Airport, regular flights to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are operated by Vietnam Airlines, the country's main air carrier. In Ho Chi Minh City, planes land at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Vietnam Airlines Boeings have all the conditions for a long, comfortable flight, including many technical aids such as screens mounted in the backs of seats, etc. During the flight, all passengers are offered hot meals twice, as well as a certain amount of alcohol. It is also worth noting that Vietnam Airlines has special tariffs for residents of other Russian cities, who can thanks to this make it much easier to get to Vietnam with a connection at Moscow Domodedovo Airport (if flying from Vladivostok - connection in Seoul).
Representative office in Moscow: Moscow, Frunzenskaya 3rd st. 1, building 1. tel. 5892450, fax 5892552. Office at Domodedovo airport: room. 512, 5th floor, opening hours 14.00-20.00, tel. 9268661, fax 9268661, E-mail: [email protected].
Transaero operates flights only to Ho Chi Minh City, their frequency is determined primarily by the season, so this airline’s planes can fly to Vietnam from December to April. Departure from Domodedovo airport.
S7 Airlines (Siberia) also has regular flights to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, but not from Moscow, but from Novosibirsk. Planes fly every two weeks.
You can fly from Vladivostok to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, by Vladivostok-Avia airlines.” The flight frequency is once a week, and the flight itself lasts just over 5 hours.
Connecting flights
From Russia to Hanoi
By Asiana Airlines from Khabarovsk and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk with a transfer in Seoul (Incheon Airport).
By airline Korean Air» from Vladivostok, Irkutsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg with a transfer in Seoul (Incheon Airport).
Japan Airlines from Moscow with a transfer to Tokyo (Narita Airport).
Hong Kong Airlines from Moscow with a transfer in Hong Kong.
Seasons, weather: The weather in Hue is not cloudless. Due to the terrain formed by the Truong Son Mountains, located south of the city and which collect almost all the clouds from the area, it is often foggy here, it drizzles, and there are frequent downpours. The tourist season in Hue continues all year round, but from September to January there is a rainy season with frequent and heavy rainfall. And in September, October and November it is generally not advisable to visit Hue due to possible floods.
Danang
Danang - (Da Nang, Danang) former. Tourane is the third largest and most important city in Vietnam (after Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi). Located on the coast (shore of the South China Sea) approximately halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Administrative center of Quang Nam Da Nang province. Population 887,069 (2009) and projected to reach one million by 2014. The city has an international airport, a railway station, an intercity bus station and a seaport. Textile (cotton, silk), food industry, mechanical engineering.
The first Europeans in Vietnam landed in 1535 in Danang Bay. In 1787 Annam ceded Danang to France, in 1858 Danang became a French concession. During the Vietnam War, there was a large military base USA.
The city of Danang itself is usually ignored by tourists as it is a typical industrial city without any special attractions or beaches. It's really. However, Forbes magazine named Da Nang's beaches among the most attractive in the world. Da Nang's beaches are magnificent and attract everyone every year great amount tourists from all over the world, but for some reason not from Russia. The Vietnamese also love to relax on the beaches of Da Nang and this is one of the most popular holiday destinations for them.
The main attractions for tourists are the sights near Da Nang. Among them are the ancient town of Hoi An, the imperial capital of Hue, the ruins of My Son, and Marble Mountain. The world's longest aerial ropeway. Danang for these attractions is Starting point or a transfer point due to the airport and railway station. Therefore, people are mainly interested in Danang: how to get there and how to get from there to the right place?
Seasons, weather: The tourist season in Da Nang lasts all year round. The ideal time to visit is from May to August. The high tourist season is from January to August. The rainy season is from September to December.
Hoi An
Hoi An - Not Big city in the central part of Vietnam on the coast of the South China Sea. Hoi An is one of the popular tourist destinations. The city is located 25 kilometers north of Da Nang. located on the banks of the Thu Bon River a few kilometers from the coast.
Hoi An, also known by its ancient name Faifo, was an important and very busy place in the 16th and 17th centuries. commercial port. Later, the center of trade moved to Da Nang, but in the heart of Hoi An, the old town, the spirit of the ancient trading city was preserved.
Hoi An, more than any other place in Vietnam, retains the atmosphere of past centuries and is favorite place tourists. Hoi An was recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1999 as an example of a Southeast Asian trading city from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Hoi An is sometimes called a museum city under open air. Today there are 844 officially recognized buildings of historical significance in Hoi An. These include ancient Chinese houses, Cham temples, shops, public buildings, and graves. Here you will spend hours making hiking through the ancient quarters of the city, visiting the numerous meeting halls of Chinese communities and charming family houses, some of which are already home to the fifteenth generation of the same family. The city is also known for its traditional and souvenir shops, and a large number of sewing workshops.
You won't be left here without a great beach holiday. The beaches are located a few kilometers from the city center, but you can easily get there by bicycle or motorcycle, taxi or free shuttle bus. Or you can even stay at one of the hotels on the beach. The quality of the beaches here is excellent. They are sandy, uncrowded and very clean. Here, right on the beaches, real round Vietnamese fishing boats with gear are stored.
Hoi An's cuisine is a completely different matter. In the numerous cafes and restaurants that light their lights for visitors in the evenings, you can taste incredible delicacies. After all, this is a city of artists and craftsmen. And the cooks here are artists too. And most importantly, everything you eat and drink will cost mere pennies. Only in Hoi An restaurants you can drink a glass of beer for 2,000 dong (about 6 rubles), and eat to your heart's content for 40,000.
Well, when it comes to shopping, some people here may simply “blow your mind.” The city is famous for its sewing workshops, shops making shoes and hats, and souvenir shops. And it’s not without reason that Hoi An is famous for all this. Once you fall into the hands of one of the local artisans, you won't leave without purchasing one. In every sewing shop you will be presented with a number of possible clothing models from catalogs to choose from that you will not find even in an Italian factory. And the most important thing is that the very next day your order will be delivered directly to your room, and if something doesn’t fit, they will immediately alter and adjust it.
But lovers of nightclubs and discos will be disappointed. You won't find anything like this in Hoi An.
Seasons, weather: The tourist season in Hoi An lasts all year round. The ideal time to visit is from May to August. The high tourist season is between January and August. The rainy season is from September to December.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang ( Nha Trang) is the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province in central Vietnam. The beaches of Nha Trang are washed by the South China Sea. Residents of the city are busy with fishing, fish processing and serving tourists. There is a small seaport in Nha Trang.
Nha Trang is the most popular resort in Vietnam, located in the southern part of the country and is considered southern resort, although it can just as well be attributed to central Vietnam. Nha Trang is famous among tourists all over the world and is no less popular among residents of Vietnam, and especially Ho Chi Minh City, who often spend their holidays and weekends here. Nha Trang, one of the oldest resorts, became popular during the times of emperors and at a time when Vietnam was a French colony.
Tourists go here to combine excellent beach holiday(the length of the beaches is more than 6 kilometers) with a large number of restaurants, bars, cafes, nightclubs, discos, massage parlors and beauty salons. There are several diving centers, there are healing springs and mud (there is a mud bath in the city). Here you can enjoy snorkeling, surfing, diving and other water sports. The nearby island of Hon Tre is connected to the resort by the longest cable car, and on the island itself, in addition to hotels and beaches, you can have some good fun on night disco inside an artificial mountain. Nha Trang is not deprived of cultural and historical attractions, including the ancient Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda, Monkey Island, and many temples.
The range of hotels in Nha Trang represents the entire range of prices and levels of comfort. Everything here is done and works to please tourists with any level of income.
Definitely Nha Trang, one of the most resort places Vietnam, and local businessmen are dreaming and working to turn Nha Trang into the Vietnamese Pattaya in the coming years.
Seasons, weather: The tourist season in Nha Trang lasts all year round. The low season lasts only three months - from October to December. The ideal time for a beach holiday in Nha Trang is from January to August.
Dalat
Dalat (also Da Lat) is a city in the south-central plateau of Vietnam, the capital of Lam Dong province. Dalat is located on the Langbang plateau at an altitude of 1475 meters above sea level, at a distance of about 300 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The city's population is just over 200,000 people (in 2009).
Dalat is a special place. Not every tourist wants to get here, but those who do can confidently call themselves experienced and inquisitive travelers. Dalat attracts tourists who want to get new experiences and see a different Vietnam. Tourists who are sensitive to the situation may have the feeling that they are in another country, in some other Vietnam. The streets here are clean, taxi drivers don’t bother you on every corner beckoning you to take a ride, and merchants don’t grab you by the sleeve, offering to buy more glasses and a lighter. The attitude towards foreign tourists here is reverent, if not tender.
Dalat is a mountain resort and you will not find any beaches here. There are also almost cultural and historical attractions here. The attractions of Dalat are, first of all, natural beauty and education. Around there are picturesque valleys, evergreen forests, numerous waterfalls, lakes, passes and natural natural parks. Here are the most best routes for hiking and mountain biking. Thanks to the elevation of the plateau above sea level to a height of 1500-2000 meters, ideal conditions are maintained here for growing fruits and vegetables, tea and coffee, and flowers that cannot grow at sea level. Grown here, they are offered throughout Vietnam under the special “made in Dalat” brand. This the only place in Vietnam, where they make wine. Dalat is also the most popular place carrying out honeymoon for newlyweds, as well as the city of artists and artists of Vietnam. It is also one of the centers of Vietnamese science.
Most often, tourists visit Dalat in the form of a one- or two-day excursion, which depart from Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang. But this time is definitely not enough to get to know the city and its surroundings. This is a very pleasant city and you will probably want to stay longer there. But nothing prevents you from visiting this city on your own and staying in a hotel here for a few days. The tourist infrastructure is at a high level and there will be no inconvenience.
The question often arises: how many days to visit this town? Of course, there are so many people, so many opinions, but the majority are still inclined to believe that there are two full days enough for sightseeing in Dalat and its surroundings. If you want to not only quickly run through the sights, but also feel the subtle atmosphere of this place and enjoy the fresh mountain air, then you can stay here for three or more days.
Seasons, weather: The tourist season in Dalat lasts all year round. The high tourist season in Dalat is from November to April.
Phan Thiet/Mui Ne
Phan Thiet (Phan Thiet, also Phan Thiet) is a resort city in the south of Vietnam on the coast of the South China Sea, approximately 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The city's population is 350,000 people (in 2005).
Actually, when we talk about tourist Phan Thiet, we also mean the resort of Mui Ne. Mui Ne is called differently - a resort, a beach, a cape, a peninsula, a city, but in essence the town of Mui Ne itself, located about 22 kilometers from the center of Phan Thiet, is just a fishing village. Most of the beaches and hotels are located neither in Mui Ne nor in Phan Thiet, but on the coast between Phan Thiet and Mui Ne, which is called Mui Ne Beach.
So, Phan Thiet/Mui Ne is one of the most popular, if not the most popular resort in Vietnam among Russians. So popular that in many local restaurants There is a menu in Russian, there are signs in Russian on the streets, excursions are conducted in Russian. You can even watch Russian films in one of the local cafes.
All tourist area Mui Ne Beach lies along the coast and the hotels here are located, with rare exceptions, right on the beach. Literally leaving the hotel, you will find yourself on a snow-white sandy beach. The beach here is shared, and although it is conditionally divided between hotels, no one will forbid you to relax in any place you like. All the necessary infrastructure for tourists has been created and is being actively developed here, although Phan Thiet is not yet replete with nightlife establishments (but they do exist). There are many restaurants, bars, massage parlors, and the surrounding area has several natural, historical and cultural attractions. The beach offers water sports and activities, while on land there is a golf course for those who enjoy it.
Phan Thiet is also a Mecca for windsurfing, kiting and, to some extent, surfing. It is believed that here are the most Better conditions for practicing these sports throughout Asia.
Phan Thiet is still losing the palm of popularity to the most popular resort in Vietnam, Nha Trang, at the same time, many tourists are faced with the choice of where it is better to go: to Nha Trang or Phan Thiet/Mui Ne:
Phan Thiet is a little more relaxed in terms of entertainment and nightlife than Nha Trang. Nha Trang is a fairly large city and hotels there are located on the beach right in the city (with the exception of island ones), while in Phan Thiet the resort area is located 7 kilometers from the city and is populated mainly by tourists and workers tourism business. The opinion of the author of the site is that Phan Thiet is more democratic and more “resort”, there are more young people who come here to practice water sports, more tourists. Nha Trang leaves the feeling of a resort city, and Phan Thiet is just a resort on the seashore. In general, in order not to make a mistake with your choice, read information about both resorts, reviews, and choose what is closer to your spirit and easier to afford.
Seasons, weather: The tourist season in Fantette lasts all year round. The high tourist season and the influx of tourists in Phan Thet/Mui Ne occurs from November to April. The most best time for a swimming holiday on the beach calm waves- from April to November.
Ho Chi Minh City
Some people believe that tourists visiting Vietnam are divided into those who love Hanoi and those who love Ho Chi Minh City. This is probably true, and you can only understand which category you belong to when you visit both places.
Ho Chi Minh city is the official name of the city since 1976. This name is used primarily on official documents, signs, addresses and schedules. But for the population of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is still good old Saigon, and almost no one uses the new name in colloquial speech.
Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam (more than 7.5 million inhabitants) and the economic capital of the country (about 300 thousand enterprises). For many visiting tourists, Saigon may just seem boring. industrial city and a gateway to enter the country. Few tourists stay here. But there are also those who purposefully stop in Saigon in order to plunge into its bustle and wander around shopping centers and walk along the rows of the Ben Thanh market, visit numerous parks and squares, spend carefree evenings in cafes, restaurants and bars in the tourist area. There are also many ancient architectural monuments, famous historical places and picturesque corners of nature. Images of exotic and ordinary life are everywhere - street markets where bargains are made, sidewalk cafes whose stereo speakers fill the surrounding streets with music, clean new pubs where tourists chat over peanut beer and a huge bowl of Pho soup.
The city is located in the south of the country and is quite an attractive place for tourists looking for interesting vacation, not related to lying on the beach. Saigon is also a transfer point for tourists who go on vacation to nearby resort towns Phan Thiet and Mui Ne.
From Saigon you can go to almost every corner of Vietnam and beyond. Numerous excursions in the vicinity of Saigon, in the Mekong Delta, in Cambodia. Laos and Thailand can be bought for literally a few dollars. In Saigon itself, you will not have any problems visiting attractions and recreational areas: a well-developed network public transport, an abundance of taxis and motorcycle taxis will allow you immediately after arriving in the country, even from the airport to get to the doorstep of your hotel in literally the city of Vietnam, the list is only a few rubles.
Of course, Saigon is not Bangkok with its cutting-edge discos and crazy nightlife (but who knows what Saigon will be like in a couple of years), but a few days stolen from your holiday is worth a visit to this tourist mecca.
Seasons, weather: The tourist season in Saigon lasts all year round. The rainy season is from May to November.
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island is an island in the Gulf of Thailand. This is the largest island in Vietnam. The length of the island is 48 kilometers, width is about 25 kilometers.
The island is located in the south of the country, 45 kilometers from the coast. Scattered around the island a large number of small islands that can also be visited during a holiday in Fukuoka.
Phu Quoc is often compared to the popular Thai island of Phuket. It really does resemble him in some way; they are even approximately the same size. But, compared to Phuket, Phu Quoc is more “wild”, less developed and developed. And much less quiet. There is such an abundance of entertainment like Phuket discos, noisy bars, shopping, not to mention tourism, in Fukuoka. Even in terms of historical and cultural attractions, Phu Quoc is significantly inferior to Phuket. But all this has its own charm, otherwise thousands of tourists would not visit the island every year.
Phu Quoc Island is definitely one of the most popular resorts in Vietnam. For many tourists who once visited the island, it remains forever paradise island. The resort is known and popular primarily for its beach holidays. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in Vietnam, and their length is impressive. In 2008, the island and its beaches were named the cleanest and most beautiful in the world. If you want to find yourself on a secluded beach, where there is no one else in sight except you, then even at the height of the season you can find such a place here. Well, if you want to relax on a well-equipped popular beach with restaurants and cafes a stone’s throw from the water, there are also plenty of such places here.
You are probably wondering: “What is there to do on the island other than lie on the beach?” Yes many. You can go on an eco-tour to the jungle and mountains. If you want, you can go there even for a few days. You can rent a motorcycle or mountain bike to explore the island on your own, taking wonderfully beautiful photographs along the way. Be sure to visit the farm and pearl museum, because the second name of the island is “Pearl Island”. There is also a black pepper farm on the island that is accessible to tourists. One of the popular entertainments for tourists on the island is fishing. Moreover, you can not only catch fish, but also try yourself as a catcher of squid, crabs and other marine life. It will be quite interesting to visit the Nuoc Mam fish sauce factory, if, of course, you don’t disdain unpleasant odors. There are also several historical attractions on the island, but they are not numerous.
Another activity for which people go to the island is diving. This is one of best places in all of Vietnam for diving and one of the cheapest places in the world. But it’s cheap not in terms of quality, but in terms of the costs you incur. Rich underwater world with coral reefs, rare species The underwater flora and fauna along with the clear water make this place ideal not only for diving but also for snorkeling. All conditions for both are available here: there is a diving center, there is equipment rental, excursions to remote beaches and nearby islands are organized.
Well, in the evenings, when you are tired of the daytime entertainment, you can dine in numerous restaurants with the freshest and inexpensive seafood and chat with other tourists.
What’s also good is that since 2005, Fukuoka has had a special visa regime, according to which citizens of any country can visit Phu Quoc for up to 15 days without a visa. In this case, there must be at least 45 days before the passport expires.
To summarize, the island can be recommended specifically for relaxation, and not for active travel or entertainment. And, first of all, for beach holidays, diving or snorkeling.
Seasons, weather: The tourist season in Fukuoka lasts all year round. The rainy season (low season) is from July to October, not very suitable for a purely beach holiday.
Con Dao Island
Con Dao Island is located in the south of the country, about 100 kilometers from the coast in the waters of the South China Sea. The island is the largest of the eponymous archipelago of 16 islands with a total area of 76 sq. km. The island is also sometimes called by its old name Con Son (renamed Con Dao in 1977). Previously, the island was a place where political prisoners were kept.
Con Dao is one of the popular island resorts in Vietnam. The island provides guests with excellent beach holidays and opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Considering the remoteness and inaccessibility of the island, a holiday here is considered quite secluded, calm and exotic. There are few tourists here, and you can still find wild, little-explored places. Currently, the construction of tourist infrastructure is actively underway on the island, so if you want to see the island that is not yet densely populated with tourists, you should hurry.
Since 1984, most of the territory of the archipelago has been the territory of a National Park, where you can get acquainted with exotic animals, plants, as well as underwater world(diving on the island is considered the best in Vietnam).
There are also some historical attractions on the island: the political prisoners' prison (Phu Hai prison), in which 20,000 prisoners died, the cemetery (Hang Duong Cemetery), the Revolutionary Museum, and the lighthouse.
The tourist infrastructure of the island is still quite poorly developed, which is more of a plus for such a place than a minus. Apart from hotels and restaurants, there is almost nothing here, although new facilities are being built. The center of the island is only a newly built town (Con Son Village) with excellent roads, new buildings, but even in it you can find only the most necessary things. You can only buy something in the markets, there are no shopping centers here. Everything is very expensive, so it’s better to buy everything you need for your vacation on the mainland. There are diving centers and travel agencies, ready to take you to nearby islands or on excursions around National Park. There is nothing to do on the island in the evenings.

Vietnam is a country in South-East Asia, located on the Indochina Peninsula and washed from the east and south by the South China Sea. Officially the country is called the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The neighboring states of Vietnam are Laos and Cambodia, with which Vietnam borders in the west, as well as China, with which the border lies in the north. total area The country's area is 331,212 square kilometers, which is only 65th in the world. B O Most of Vietnam is occupied by low or medium-high mountains and plateaus. Highest point countries - Mount Fansipan (3143 meters) mountain range Hoang Lien Son. In addition, the largest Indo-Chinese rivers, the Mekong and Hong Ha, flow through Vietnam and empty into the South China Sea.

For a long time, Vietnam was an Indo-Chinese colony of France and achieved independence only in the middle of the 20th century - this happened in 1945, although armed clashes continued in the country for several years. Vietnam was also the scene of a war with the United States from 1965-1973, which cost many lives on both sides.

Modern Vietnam is a socialist state that has chosen the Chinese version of development - modernization and liberalization of the economy. As of 2016, the population of Vietnam is 94,569,072 people.

Visa

For entry into Vietnam for a period of more than 15 days for citizens Russian Federation You must have a visa obtained from the Vietnamese consulate; you can also apply for a visa upon arrival.

In order to obtain a visa at the consulate, you need to provide the following documents: foreign passport (minimum validity period - 6 months from the end of the trip); 2 photographs measuring 4x6 cm; 2 forms filled out in Russian, English or French; invitation, tourist voucher or reservation. The visa is issued within 5 working days and is valid for 30 days. There is also a US$25 application fee.

When obtaining a visa directly at the border, at the Vietnamese airport, you need to provide 2 photographs measuring 3x4, one completed application form, as well as a visa permit from the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, which is issued within 5-7 working days. Upon arrival, citizens must go to the “Visa on arrival” window, and from that moment their vacation in Vietnam begins.

Among other things, the visa specifies the points of entry and exit through which a visitor to the country can cross the border. To change the specified location, you must contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This service is subject to payment.

If the period of stay in Vietnam does not exceed 15 days, then Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa. In addition, similar rules apply in neighboring Laos and Cambodia (in Cambodia, a visa can be obtained at the border without problems), so after a 15-day stay in Vietnam, you can go to one of the neighboring countries and then return again for 15 days. Often, when entering Vietnam for a period of less than 15 days, border guards may require you to present a ticket to leave the country - this is prescribed by the rules, but is not always followed.

Customs regulations

When entering Vietnam there are certain customs regulations. Thus, you can import an unlimited amount of foreign convertible currency into the country, but if the amount exceeds 3,000 US dollars, then the currency must be declared, since no more than the amount that has been declared can be exported from the country.

You can also transport the following goods without paying duty: a maximum of 1.5 liters of strong alcohol or 2 liters of drinks with an alcohol content of maximum 22 degrees; either 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco; 5 kilograms of tea; a maximum of 3 kilograms of coffee, as well as two cans of black or red caviar weighing no more than 100 grams. In addition, other goods are also transported, the total value of which does not exceed 5 million VND (Vietnamese dong).

As in other countries of Southeast Asia, the penalties for attempting to smuggle drugs are the most severe - up to and including the death penalty. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to transport medicines containing narcotic substances without having a doctor’s permission to use them, as well as explosives, firearms, pornographic products or insulting local culture.

Current time in Hanoi:
(UTC +7)

Upon arrival, all tourists undergo sanitary and epidemiological control, and also fill out a Health Declaration on board the plane. If, when passing control, the visitor does not show any symptoms of diseases such as AIDS, plague, tuberculosis, cholera, yellow fever and others, then no problems will arise. Otherwise, the tourist will face treatment in one of the local hospitals, and not a full-fledged vacation in Vietnam.

How to get there

Getting to Vietnam from Russia is relatively easy - two airlines operate regular flights, but the list of Russian cities from which you can fly directly to Vietnam is limited to Moscow. But during the tourist season (winter months), charter flights are also operated from other cities, for example, from Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk.

You can fly directly from Moscow to Hanoi on Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines flights. Aeroflot flies daily, Vietnam Airlines - three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Both Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines operate direct flights from Sheremetyevo Airport to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport. The flight is very long, so passengers are provided with meals twice. Time in the air is 9 and a half hours.

You can also fly to Ho Chi Minh City from Sheremetyevo by Aeroflot without a transfer, on a direct flight. Travel time is approximately the same as to Hanoi.

From Vladivostok, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk you can fly non-stop to the resort town of Nha Trang using S7 aircraft.

Connecting flights

From Russia to Hanoi

By Emirates airlines from Moscow and St. Petersburg with a transfer in Dubai.

From Russia to Ho Chi Minh City

By Turkish Airlines from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Samara and Ufa with a transfer in Istanbul.
By Thai Airlines from Moscow with a transfer in Bangkok.
Air China from Moscow with a transfer in Beijing.
By Qatar Airways from Moscow and St. Petersburg with a transfer in Doha.
By Korean Air airline from Vladivostok, Irkutsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg with a transfer in Seoul (Incheon Airport).
By Japan Airlines from Moscow with a transfer to Tokyo (Narita Airport).

There are more complex options - with two transfers. However, during airline sales periods it makes sense to take advantage of them due to attractive prices. For example, you can get to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by airline " Air France» from Moscow and St. Petersburg with transfers in Paris and Bangkok.

It is worth remembering that long flights are associated with a certain risk to the health of passengers who do not tolerate such loads well.

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Climate and weather in Vietnam

So that your holiday in Vietnam is not ruined weather conditions, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the climate data for the country. Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, so the humidity is quite high - 84% on average throughout the year. However, the climate often varies markedly depending on the region. This happens due to the difference in latitudes and the relief features of a particular area. The winter dry season, lasting from November to April, is dry only in comparison with the rainy season, since even in these months there is sufficient rainfall, thanks to the monsoon winds blowing from the northeast coast of China. In the southern regions of the country it is quite hot in winter - about 25 degrees, while in the north it is on average 10 degrees colder. The lowest temperatures are in December and January, sometimes reaching only 1 degree above zero. In any case, it is most comfortable in the south of the country, where in any season the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees, and in April - the hottest month - sometimes even reaches 37 degrees.

Average annual rainfall ranges from 1200-3000 millimeters per year, with 90% percent of all rainfall occurring between May and October. At this time, each region of the country receives its share of precipitation, but in the winter months in the south of Vietnam the probability of rain is much less than in the north. It is also worth knowing that at the end of summer and beginning of autumn there comes a time for typhoons, often with truly destructive power.

Cities and regions

Vietnam consists of 59 fairly small provinces, plus there are 4 centrally controlled cities - the cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong and Da Nang. The most economically developed provinces are located in the northeast of the country, which is not so popular among tourists, as well as in the south of the country near Ho Chi Minh City.

Administrative divisions of Vietnam

Provinces of Vietnam

Laityau
Laokai
Hau Giang
Cao Bang
Dien Bien
Shonla
Yen Bai
Tuyen Quang
Buck Kan
Lang Son
Futo
Vinh Phuc
Thai Nguyen
Buck Giang
Bac Ninh

Hai Duong
Quang Ninh
Hung Yen
Haiphong City
Thai Binh
Ha Nam
Nam Dinh
Ninh Binh
Hoa Binh
Thanh Hoa
Nghe An
Ha Tinh
Quang Binh
Quang Tri
Thua Thien Hue

Quang Nam
Kontum
Quang Ngai
Zia Lai
Binh Dinh
Fu Yen
Dak Lak
Khanh Hoa
Dak Nong
Lam Dong
Ninh Thuan
Binh Thuan
Binh Phuoc
Dong Nai
Baria-Vung Tau

Tay Ninh
Binh Duong
Long An
Tien Giang
Dong Thap
Vinh Long
Benche
Kanto
Hau Giang
Chavin
An Giang
Sok Trang
Bac Lieu
Kien Giang
Kamau

Main cities and islands of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's largest city and the country's economic capital. There are a lot of industries developed here; It is estimated that 40% of Vietnamese exports come from Ho Chi Minh City. The city was founded by French colonialists in 1874 (the official founding date is March 15, 1874). Until 1975, the city was called Saigon.

Nha Trang

The city of Nha Trang is the capital of Khanh Hoa province and at the same time the capital of beach holidays in Vietnam. Simply - the most popular resort in the country. Nha Trang is home to about 200,000 people, and almost the entire life of local residents is connected with the tourism industry.

Ha Long

Halong is called both a city and a bay. The city itself is nothing special, and the real pearl of this area and all of Vietnam is Halong Bay. This bay is included in the list world heritage UNESCO. Surprisingly, over an area of 1,500 square kilometers, more than 1,600 islands and rocks of various shapes, sometimes very bizarre, are scattered, making the bay more reminiscent of a fairy tale than a real place. It's no surprise that Ha Long Bay is one of the most visited places in Vietnam.

Phu Quoc

The Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand just 15 kilometers from the shores of neighboring Cambodia. The island, whose area reaches 567 square kilometers, is also called the “island of 99 mountains.” Fukuoka is home to 85,000 people, mostly engaged in tourist services or agriculture.

What to see

By following the links in the text, you can get more detailed information about a specific object (description, location on the map, cost of entrance tickets, opening hours, ways to get there, photographs, reviews of tourists, etc.). If you are interested in the sights of Vietnam in general, without dividing into cities, there is a special section for this.

Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh City

There are many things to see in Ho Chi Minh City interesting buildings- colonial buildings, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon, Buddhist temples and pagodas, the Presidential Palace, mosques and much more.

In addition, from Ho Chi Minh City itself you can easily get to the neighboring province of Tay Ninh, where many beautiful Cao Dai temples are located, as well as the Mekong Delta region.

As for attractions, in the central part of the city there are several very interesting places for tourists. And if you come to Ho Chi Minh City in the summer, from mid-May to the end of August, you can find "Southern Fruit Festival", held here every year.

Nha Trang

Among the attractions of Nha Trang, one should highlight the Long Son Pagoda, behind which on the top of the hill there is a large stone statue of Buddha seated on a lotus flower. You can also look at the 13th-century Cham towers, which were built during the era of the Champa state. There is also the opportunity to sail with an excursion to Monkey Island, located 12 kilometers away north of the island Hong Che. The excursion includes a cruise around the islands, fishing, visiting Bajo Falls, mud and mineral springs, local craft villages. If you wish, on the island you can visit the Dog and Monkey Circus, the Elephant and Bear Circus and much more.

Ha Long

A mandatory item on the program is a trip on a boat or some other vessel around the islands. At the pier in the city you can find out in detail about all possible routes, which can be both short and long and even include an overnight stay on the ship. A typical excursion includes a visit to a fishing village on one of the islands, a cave, and an island named after German Titov, the famous Soviet cosmonaut who vacationed here in the 70s. You can also go night fishing directly from the boat, which, however, must be booked in advance. But then you can enjoy the taste of your own catch! Popular islands in Ha Long Bay are Tuan Chau and Cat Ba Islands.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc has a lot of beautiful beaches, stretching from the town of Duong Dong to the town of An Thoi. The island has many beautiful hills and mountains covered tropical forest. In addition, in Phu Quoc you can watch the sunset on the sea, which is not possible in other resorts in Vietnam that face the east.

Vietnam resorts

Tourists in Vietnam, first of all, will be interested in its numerous beaches and warm sea, and only then the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and everything else. There are plenty of resort towns in the country. Of course, not all of them correspond to the European level of quality, equipment and infrastructure. It is noteworthy that resorts stretch along the entire coast of Vietnam - from south island Phu Quoc to the resort of Mong Kai in the north of the country.

The waters of the South China Sea are quite salty - saltier than in the neighboring Gulf of Thailand, but at the same time healthier. At the confluence of rivers (especially the Mekong and Red) the water is fresher.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Shops and markets

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Vietnam

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Vietnam in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Getting around the country

In Vietnam, all modern types of transport can be found and used in varying quantities - from domestic aircraft to intercity buses and taxis. Some of them are very well developed, some are not well developed, but in some cases they can be irreplaceable. In any case, it is possible to get even to remote places in Vietnam, even if you have to make several transfers from one type of transport to another or, say, from one bus route another.

The following types of transport are developed in the country: air transport, railway transport, buses, water passenger transport And different kinds Taxi. You can find recommendations for traveling in the country and learn more about each type of Vietnamese transport in our special material “Transport in Vietnam: from a scooter to an airplane.”

Communication

Vietnamese is a member of the Viet Muong group of the Australasian language family and is the mother tongue of the Viet and Kinh people. Neighboring China has had a great influence on the Vietnamese language and culture: two thirds of the words in the Vietnamese language are of Chinese origin.

It is very convenient for tourists that instead of hieroglyphs in the Vietnamese language, the Latin alphabet is used, although with the addition of diacritics to the vowels under or above the letter, which indicate a particular tone. Due to the fact that Vietnamese speech has a huge number of tones and semitones, it is very difficult to perceive it by ear. At the same time, the Vietnamese themselves have problems with the correct pronunciation of European words. It is often very difficult to understand what a Vietnamese person is saying in English.

English is the most common foreign language among local residents, which, however, is not surprising. It is studied at school, at universities, in courses, etc. Also in educational institutions in Vietnam, Chinese is taught - the second most popular foreign language after English. English and Chinese are followed by French, Russian and German, but they are much less common. Thus, Russian is most often known by adults who studied at universities in the USSR, as well as Vietnamese traders who returned from Russia, but their level of language proficiency is very low. Recently, due to the growing number of tourists from Russia to resort areas local residents are slowly starting to master the Russian language.

Culture

Vietnamese culture throughout its history centuries-old history was subjected to numerous influences from its powerful neighbors or metropolis, but each time melting them into something original and unique in its own way. India and China play a special role in the development of Vietnamese culture. China introduced more than half of the words and hieroglyphic writing into the Vietnamese language (replaced by the Latin alphabet in the 20th century), and Confucianism and elements of Taoism into the culture. In addition, in the Middle Ages the influence of Indian culture was noticeable, and subsequently, after the colonization of Vietnam by the French, also French. This was reflected, in particular, in the architecture of many cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City. In the second half of the 20th century, with the communists coming to power, many cultural elements began to be borrowed from the Soviet Union.

Vietnamese literature has a rich history - from ancient folklore, including the legend of the Dragon Sovereign Lac Long Quan, the Muong epic “The Birth of Water and the Birth of the Earth” to books of the 20th century, similar in theme to European literature. In modern times, the most significant writers in the history of Vietnam worked - Nguyen Chai in the 15th century, Nguyen Binh Khiem in the 16th century and Nguyen Du at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries. Nguyen Chai is one of the first major Vietnamese writers, as well as an outstanding statesman and philosopher. Nguyen Binh Khiem was an outstanding poet, close in worldview to Taoism, and Nguyen Du, who wrote the poems “The Lamentations of a Tormented Soul” and “The Story of Kieu,” is as significant a figure in Vietnam as Pushkin in Russia.

Vietnamese folk music is quite original. There can be a surprising number of vocal genres, and among the main musical instruments one can highlight the amazing disc-like guitar, which can be either four or five strings, as well as dan there (three-string guitar), dan ni (violin with only two strings ) and om dit is a Vietnamese bamboo flute.

Theater is popular in Vietnam, presented in several interesting genres. Teo is an ancient folk theater that at one time originated among peasants living in the Red River Delta. Today it exists in Thai Binh and Hai Hung provinces. Theatrical performances include folk music and the use of traditional folklore stories.

Vietnamese opera is called Tuong. Tuong originated in the courtly atmosphere and is considered a high theater genre that combines dance, music, mime, poetry, acrobatic arts and much more. By the way, there are no decorations on the stage, and a heroic character is always at the center of the performance.

Particularly interesting is the water puppet theater, which simply has no analogues in the world. It also originated in the Red River Delta. The dolls move through the water during sunset, and all the action is accompanied by pleasant melodic music. The puppets are controlled by actors standing waist-deep in water, hidden behind a bamboo screen, so that they have the opportunity to observe the puppets. The performances begin with the appearance of a boy doll, Teu, saying: “Hello everyone! I probably don’t need to introduce myself?”

Kitchen

Vietnam is a paradise for foodies. The culinary traditions of this country amaze with their richness and variety of dishes and ingredients. Many recipes were borrowed from China, India and France, but in no case can we say that Vietnamese cuisine is a clone of any of them.

The use of a variety of sauces and seasonings is common in Vietnamese cuisine. In dishes prepared, by the way, only from fresh ingredients, seasonings from garlic, onion and ginger root are often added, as well as purely Vietnamese sauces “nuoc mam” and “nuoc cham”. Various herbs and even bamboo are very popular in Vietnam, the young shoots of which are readily eaten.

The most popular foods used in Vietnamese cuisine are rice, seafood, pork, noodles, herbs and more.

It is especially worth paying attention to rice. This crop is one of the symbols of the entire Southeast Asia, and Vietnam is the second largest exporter of rice in the world. In addition, Vietnam refused to grow genetically modified rice, so there is no doubt about the quality of the product. In every Vietnamese family, rice is the main dish on the table, but besides this, it is part of countless of the most amazing and original recipes.

Vegetarian cuisine is also developed in Vietnam, which is explained primarily by Buddhist gastronomic traditions. Among the Vietnamese meat dishes Rice with fried dou-fu bean curd and rau vegetables stands out. In general, soybeans and products made from it in Vietnamese cuisine replace dairy products, which are practically not used among the Vietnamese. There is, for example, a special soy milk called sya-dau-nan. Soy sauce is very popular.

Various fruits that grow in abundance in Vietnam are widely used. These are coconuts, durian, guava, lemons, lychee, Java apple, Siamese persimmon, papaya, rambutan and many other exotic fruits.

As for meat dishes, the Vietnamese usually eat the familiar beef, pork and poultry. Various insects or reptiles are now considered rare delicacies that are not served in any restaurant.

In general, Vietnamese cuisine is rich in exotic meats. For example, you can try boa constrictor meat, which is considered extremely healthy. Or try a snake dish, which is a whole ritual-like action that can truly shock the especially impressionable. The waiter makes a small incision on the still living snake, then removes the heart from it and drains the blood. The person who ordered the dish eats a beating snake heart and drinks rice vodka mixed with snake blood. Afterwards, vodka is used, mixed with snake bile. After some time, the finished dish is served - snake meat, fried with spices and nuts. The head of the snake is cut off during cooking so that the poison cannot get into the dish.

Other exotic dishes include dishes made from field rats, dogs, cats (although there is an official ban on their use) and many other amazing ingredients.

Purchases

Shopping is an essential part of any vacation. In some places it is so developed that there seems to be no room for further development, and in other places, in terms of purchases, things are not going well. Vietnam is somewhere in the middle, with a tilt towards the first group. Shopping here is not at the same level as in neighboring Thailand, but with the growing number of tourists there are good reasons for quality development. Moreover, Vietnam has a lot to offer its guests.

Connection

For calls to other countries in Vietnam there are special call centers, as well as street payphones. Hotel residents have the opportunity to make calls directly from there, but this is quite expensive.

The international code for Vietnam is 84.

To call from Vietnam to Russia you need to dial: 007 - area code - subscriber number
For calls from Russia to Vietnam you need to dial: 8-10-84 - area code - subscriber number

Major city codes

Hanoi - 4
Ho Chi Minh City - 8
Haiphong - 32
Da Nang - 511
Hue - 54

There are no problems with cellular communications, since all three largest Russian operators - MTS, Beeline and Megafon - have agreements with Vietnamese companies. Vietnamese operators: MobiFone, VinaFone, S-Fone, G-Tel, Vietnamobile, Viettel Mobile. A SIM card from a Vietnamese operator costs about $5, which includes 30 minutes of talk time.

You need to be careful if you are dealing with local “priestesses of love”, who are often not averse to profiting from their clients’ wallets. Foreigners can only gamble in special establishments, and an attempt to involve local residents in them can result in criminal prosecution. Anything related to drugs - storage, distribution, use - is punished especially severely. In this case, the most severe punishments are applied, up to and including the death penalty. This is a traditional practice in Southeast Asian countries.

Tourists should exercise discretion while on vacation. In particular, this applies to drinking alcohol, since an “overdone” tourist in Vietnam can easily get into trouble, become a victim of robbery, etc. When swimming, you should watch out for the ocean surf, which can become a source of danger. Between September and November, Vietnam is frequently hit by typhoons and severe flooding in some areas of the country.

As for health issues, before arriving in Vietnam you need to take care of the issue of obtaining health insurance (regular or extended). You can also pay a fee to International SOS and use their medical services at their offices in Vietnam. The address in Hanoi is 31 Hai Ba Trung in the central part of the city. Phone - 9340555.

In the Vietnamese province, sanitary conditions are not very good - both in local hospitals and in hotels. Doctors' services are paid almost everywhere only in cash, and treatment under insurance policies is carried out only in some metropolitan clinics. However, it is worth noting that prices in Vietnam are lower than in neighboring Thailand.

You need to be careful when ordering Vietnamese cuisine, which is quite unusual for Europeans due to its spiciness, abundance of spices and exotic products. If you overestimate your strength, then problems with the stomach and intestines are likely.

Where to stay

Vietnam will delight all visitors with a large selection of accommodation options - there are not just many hotels and guesthouses, but also a wide range of prices, and the level of service is quite high. In addition, Vietnamese hotels have a unique Asian flavor that adds color to the entire vacation. In total, there are approximately 11 thousand hotels in Vietnam, but they do not experience a serious shortage of guests.

Cheap accommodation options are 2- and 3-star hotels, which are of the same quality as Turkish 3- and 4-star hotels, so many experts rightly note that the class of Vietnamese hotels is somewhat underrated. 2-star hotels are usually located in old 4-6-story buildings, well decorated inside. The rooms have a bath or shower with hot water, air conditioning, satellite TV and even a minibar. three-star hotels occupy more modern and larger buildings, and the level of service and equipment in them is quite high. Prices in hotels of 2 and 3 star categories are approximately 15-40 dollars per night.

Even more budget option are guesthouses, prices in which are often below 10 dollars, and their number is in tourist places truly huge. In Ho Chi Minh City, for example, many guesthouses and cheap hotels can be found in Pham Nu Lao, considered a backpacker area. True, it is not a fact that cheap guesthouses and hotels will have hot water.

In resort towns, particularly in Nha Trang, accommodation will most likely cost more than in the capitals. Many tourists come to these cities who have little understanding of the intricacies of the Vietnamese tour business and are, moreover, able to easily part with large sums of money. For such tourists, there are luxury 4 and 5 star hotels with their own swimming pools, private beaches, etc.

For more budget-conscious Vietnamese beachgoers, there are plenty of bungalows available. True, the amenities in them are minimal, and besides, if the walls of the bungalow are bamboo, then mosquitoes can fly inside through the existing cracks. However, anti-mosquito ointments may well correct the situation. In any case, the most vivid memories of a holiday in Vietnam almost always remain!

And the eastern sides are washed by the waters of the South China Sea. The area of the territory occupied by the republic is more than 337 thousand km 2. In total, almost 94 million people live here. 30% of the total population lives in cities. Official language- Vietnamese. A small part of the population speaks French, Russian, English and Chinese.

Cities in Vietnam have the status of central and provincial subordination. There are also communes and administrative units of the first order. In total, there are about 150 cities in Vietnam. All of them are very popular among tourists.

Big cities

The largest cities in Vietnam (the list will be presented below) are important transport and economic centers. There are 5 of them in the state. They have the status of cities of central subordination. Let's look at them.

Ho Chi Minh City

This city is the largest in the country. It is located in the south, like some other cities in Vietnam. It occupies an area of more than 2000 km2. The date of its foundation falls on 1698. The most densely populated city in the country. About 8 million people live here permanently. Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 5 rural counties and 19 urban areas. Economic spheres are distributed as follows: services - 51%, construction and industry - 47%, the rest is occupied by fishing, agriculture and forestry.

Hanoi

This city ranks second in terms of population in the state. It is This status was received in 1945. It occupies a territory with an area of about 3.3 thousand km 2. In Vietnam it is the main center of politics, culture and education. More than 6.5 million people permanently live here. In the industrial sector it ranks second, behind Ho Chi Minh City. It is administratively divided into 10 urban and 18 rural districts, and also includes one city.

Haiphong

Located in the north of Vietnam. It occupies an area of 1.5 thousand km 2. It is a commercial and industrial center. Due to the fact that it was built on the banks of the Kin Mon River, it is considered a large seaport. About 2 million people live here permanently. The economy of this city in Vietnam is based on fishing.

Can Tho

It is the fourth city of central subordination. Located in the Mekong Delta. The territory on which the city is built has an area of almost 1.5 thousand km 2. More than 1.2 million people live permanently in Can Tho. It is the main center of tourism. Large universities operate here. There is an airport and a river port. Internally it is divided into 5 urban and 4 rural districts.

Danang

The last major city in Vietnam. It is located in the central part of the country, with access to the South China Sea. It occupies an area of 1.2 thousand km 2. It is a port city. The population living in it is about 900 thousand people. It is divided into 6 urban districts and 1 rural county, and also includes one island archipelago.

Best cities in Vietnam

But there are other settlements in the country, not so large, but very beautiful.

Hoi An.

Hoi An is located in the central part of the state. Every year it is visited by a large number of tourists. They are attracted here not only by beach holidays, but also by numerous attractions. The city is called an open-air museum. In total there are about 800 buildings of historical significance. The infrastructure in Hoi An is developed at the highest level. There are numerous shops here that sell souvenirs. The city has become famous throughout the world for its homemade shoes and hats. It is believed that these things are much better than Italian ones.

Dalat.

The city of Dalat is not inferior in beauty to Hoi An. It is located in the southern part of the central plateau. When compared to other cities in Vietnam, Dalat is very different from them. The streets are very clean, merchants and taxi drivers do not pester tourists. Due to its location, Dalat is mountain resort. There are practically no historical sights in it, but the natural beauty will amaze anyone who comes here. There are unique picturesque valleys covered with evergreen forests, beautiful waterfalls and lakes, there are numerous natural parks in the city.

Phan Thiet.

Phan Thiet is a city located in the south of the state. The main economic sectors are tourism and fishing. Located on the coast of the South China Sea, it is a resort city. There are a lot of beautiful sights here. The colorful dunes make this area unique. This spectacle amazes with its magnificence. Also located here are the Kega Lighthouse, Buddha Statue and the Cham Towers of Poshanu.

Talking about beautiful cities in Vietnam, you cannot remain silent about Hue. First of all, it is an important economic, cultural, political and educational center. It was previously the imperial capital. The city is interesting for its rich history. A lot of sights have been preserved here. You can find objects of ancient architecture, natural monuments, pagodas and churches.

Cities on the coast

Given the peculiarities, there are many coastal cities in the state. Almost all of them have resort status. The first one that deserves attention is the city of Nha Trang (Vietnam). It is the largest and most popular resort in the country. Within the city there are equipped beaches, the length coastline is about 6 km. A variety of entertainment events are organized for tourists. You can not only relax but also improve your health with healing springs and mud. The air here is saturated with fumes from eucalyptus groves, which have a positive effect on the respiratory system and restore weakened immunity.