Vietnam - A.K. Taylor International

Vietnam

Vietnam is slowly beginning to escape the age-old stigma of a place of conflict, to instead be recognized for its charming beauty. It has taken more than two decades for not only the people of Vietnam, but also the rest of the world, to realize the powerful seductiveness that seems to emanate everywhere from rugged mountains to fertile valleys. Visitors are fortunate to see a country flavored with foreign influences, yet also anxious to redefine itself in a new phase of its history.

One can not think of Vietnam without picturing images of farmers wearing straw conical hats working alongside water buffalo in rice fields or of school girls in flowing white ao dai's gracefully pedaling their bicycles down wide shady boulevards lined with French-influenced buildings in Hanoi. These images as well as those of mausoleums and battlefields will provide one with a varied tapestry by which to remember Vietnam.

A RICH HISTORY

The former imperial capital, Hue, is a slow paced town that many consider the historical and cultural center of Vietnam. The Tu Duc and Kai Dinh Mausoleums are an impressive sight as they reflect the wealth and power of past Vietnamese courts as well as a deep-rooted belief in the afterlife. The ancient Citadel is also a historic treasure of this ancient city.

The hustle and bustle of city life in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) is a nice contrast to the French colonialism influences found in Hanoi. Although both cities have dizzying street scenes of bicycles and motorcycles whirring by, Ho Chi Minh is now known as thanh pho, or "the city." No longer considered a colonial jewel or fallen city, this capitalistic city is teeming with entrepreneurs, houses a vibrant nightlife scene, and is busy constructing modern buildings to match its label as the "Pearl of the Orient."

A FABLED LEGEND

	Perhaps the most picturesque scene in all of Vietnam is the mystical beauty of Halong, or "Bay of the Descending Dragon." According to legend, a dragon descended from heaven into the sea and his thrashing tail carved deep valleys in the oceanside, only to be instantly filled by the backwash of his plunge into the water. Only the topmost peaks remained above water to record the event. To this day, over 3,000 rocky islets emerge from the mists of the water to create a scene of ethereal beauty rivaling that of ancient Chinese scroll paintings.
For those who want to see one of the most intriguing battlefield sites of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an extraordinary underground network. These tunnels, or underground city, were used as hospitals, hiding places, meeting areas, and storage areas for the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. It gives one a new appreciation for the conditions under which American troops were fighting. A visit to the famous American GI R&R retreat, China Beach, is also worthwhile. Walking for miles on the white sandy beach or taking a dip in the clear water provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on one's trip.

COMBINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS

We recommend a combination trip to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The 326 foot golden dome of the Schwedagon Pagoda or the 5,000 shrines and temples that rise from the plains of Pagan are magnificent sights. The architectural greatness of the ancient temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia is also a great addition to one's Southeast Asia adventure. Or see how the terraced rice patties of Thailand compare with those just seen in Vietnam.

Legendary spas are a great extension for a few extra days in either Thailand or Bali. Spoil oneself with herbal steam aromatherapy or a relaxing massage. Careful, you may never want to return home!

LAOS IS A PERFECT EXTENSION FOR THOSE WITH A FEW DAYS TO SPARE

Another of Indochina's former French colonies; Laos has also been isolated from the outside world until recent years. Visit the Wat Si Saket Temple in the capitol city of Vientiane and climb the long staircase up to the Phoussy Temple in the former imperial capitol city of Luang Prabang. Once in Luang Prabang, board a riverboat on the fabled Mekong River and be rewarded with stunning views of deep forests and the mystical caves of Pak Ou. One can even learn the secret behind distilling Laotian whiskey from one of the local villagers. A visit to a hill tribe of weavers gives one a glimpse of a local craft that supports an entire village. These weavings make beautiful gifts for those loved ones not able to experience this rustic country firsthand!

For more information or questions, please contact us.

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