While Vietnam’s recorded history goes back thousands of years, the Vietnam War (referred to by the Vietnamese as the American War) which raged from 1961 to 1975 is what largely features in the minds of many foreigners. Vietnam is now a country at peace with the upwardly mobile younger generation knowing very little of the disastrous years that killed millions, destroyed much of the countryside and slowed the country’s economic development for years afterward.
Tourists discover a lively, vibrant and colourful country with vast cultural diversity and abundant natural and leisure-time attractions.
The French were active in what was known as French Indo-China from 1859 to 1954. Much of the country was controlled by the French with the emperors and local people being reluctantly ruled.
Some 65 per cent of Vietnam’s population of nearly 100 million people is below 30 years of age. Vietnam is one of the most crowded countries in the world with population densities exceeding 319 per km2.
Food is one of the best reasons for travelling to Vietnam. The country was once influenced by the Chinese and the French as well as having traded extensively with Portuguese and Indian merchants.
Some 65 per cent of Vietnam’s population of nearly 100 million people is below 30 years of age. Vietnam is one of the most crowded countries in the world with population densities exceeding 319 per km2.
Food is one of the best reasons for travelling to Vietnam. The country was once influenced by the Chinese and the French as well as having traded extensively with Portuguese and Indian merchants.
While Vietnamese wines may not be capturing the attention of global connoisseurs just yet, vineyard expansion continues in the country. Viticulture was introduced into Vietnam by the French colonialists and now foreign winemakers guide local producers.
Vietnam’s natural beauty is typified by the limestone karst topography of Halong Bay. Although much of Oscar-award-winning, 1992 French movie Indochine was shot in Malaysia, Halong Bay’s picturesque scenery featured prominently.
Some 800 historic buildings miraculously escaped the Vietnam War and are now protected as the Hoi An Ancient Town UNESCO World Heritage Site situated beside the Thu Bon River.
Cam Ranh is a rapidly emerging venue with impressive properties such as Alma Resort Cam Ranh offering extensive facilities along a near-deserted beachfront.
Da Lat was originally accessible by the old Crémaillère Railway (a cog-wheel railway) that connected it to Thap Cham 84 km away on the coast.
Many visitors come merely to wander the streets of Da Lat, linger in the cafés and enjoy the highland coffee.
Various cruise ships ply the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. Operators like Compagnie Fluviale du Mekong by CroisiEurope use five vessels on the river.
Vietnam’s natural beauty is typified by the limestone karst topography of Halong Bay. Although much of Oscar-award-winning, 1992 French movie Indochine was shot in Malaysia, Halong Bay’s picturesque scenery featured prominently.
Some 800 historic buildings miraculously escaped the Vietnam War and are now protected as the Hoi An Ancient Town UNESCO World Heritage Site situated beside the Thu Bon River.
Cam Ranh is a rapidly emerging venue with impressive properties such as Alma Resort Cam Ranh offering extensive facilities along a near-deserted beachfront.
Da Lat was originally accessible by the old Crémaillère Railway (a cog-wheel railway) that connected it to Thap Cham 84 km away on the coast.
Many visitors come merely to wander the streets of Da Lat, linger in the cafés and enjoy the highland coffee.
Various cruise ships ply the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. Operators like Compagnie Fluviale du Mekong by CroisiEurope use five vessels on the river.
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| ISBN 9781913679774 £12.99 hardback Publication April 2025 |
Enchanting Vietnam describes the country’s beautiful beaches, alluring scenery, UNESCO-listed world heritage sites, dynamic cities and species-rich national parks, which combine to offer an outstanding range of opportunities for visitors from Hanoi, the capital city, in the north to Ho Chi Minh City, the biggest city, in the south. The delicious cuisine, renowned for its freshness and bold flavours, can be sampled especially in its street-food dishes wherever you are.
For cultural visits, the colonial heritage of cities such as Hoi An or Hué is richly rewarding; for wildlife enthusiasts, there are the jungles, caves and monsoon forests to explore, and for a less energetic appreciation of the stunning countryside, there are cruises around the visual drama of Ha Long Bay.
This fully updated third edition is the perfect introduction to this lively, vibrant and colourful country with its vast cultural diversity and abundant natural and leisure time attractions.
David Bowden is a freelance journalist based in Malaysia, specializing in travel and the environment. While Australian, he’s been living in Asia longer than he can remember, and returns to his home country as a tourist. When not travelling the world, he enjoys relaxing with his equally adventurous wife, Maria and daughter, Zoe. He’s the author of Enchanting Australia, Enchanting Bali & Lombok, Enchanting Borneo, Enchanting Indonesia, Enchanting Langkawi, Enchanting Malaysia, Enchanting Penang and Enchanting Singapore also in this series.
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