Vietnam

Vietnam belongs to Southeast Asia. In terms of population, the country ranks 15th in the world. More than 8 million people live in the capital Hanoi. The total population of the state is more than 85 million people.

Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations among lovers of exotic holidays. Vietnamese is recognized as the official language. The schools teach English, French and Chinese. Tourism workers can speak Russian. Travelers come here to relax on clean beaches and swim in the sea and rivers. The country has an interesting history. The countdown is from the IV century BC. Excursion tourism is popular.

The climate in Vietnam is diverse. It's very hot in summer. The temperature can reach +40°C. There may be typhoons during the rainy season. To sunbathe on the beach, it is best to come from late February to April. The period from November to March is suitable for surfing.

Refrigerators are almost never used in the country. They love fresh fruit and produce here. If you order a fish, you can be sure that it was caught today. Meat is served with herbs and sauces. You can try lotus tea or cobra cocktail.

Vietnam is a country rich in history and culture, with a history dating back to ancient countries such as Champa and the state of Au Lac that flourished in the region from the 7th to the 19th century AD. In 1858, the French-Vietnamese War began, as a result of which France turned Vietnam into its colony. Vietnam was united with Laos and Cambodia to form French Indochina.

In 1940, during World War II, Japan seized control of Vietnam, ousting French power. At this time, the Viet Minh nationalist movement arose with the aim of fighting for the independence of the country. Under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, the Viet Minh fought against the Japanese and then against the French. In 1954, after the bloody war in Dien Bien Phu, France was forced to recognize the independence of Vietnam. However, the country was divided into North Vietnam, under communist rule, and South Vietnam, supported by the US and other Western countries.

In the 1960s, American intervention began in Vietnam out of fear of the spread of communism. The war in Vietnam lasted for many years and led to huge human and material losses. Protests against the war swept across the world, and in 1973 American troops were withdrawn from the country. In 1975, North Vietnam defeated South Vietnam, uniting the country under communist rule. This led to massive migrations from South Vietnam.

Vietnam faced economic challenges after the war, but the country has developed over time. Vietnam has become open to foreign investment and has joined many international organizations. Today, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the region and enjoys growing attention from the international community.

Vietnam is located in the southern part of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. The climate in Vietnam is diverse and three main climatic zones can be distinguished: subequatorial, tropical and subtropical.

• The sub-equatorial climate prevails in the southern part of Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta. Here the temperature is almost constant and is about 27-30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Humidity is high, especially during the monsoon period from May to November, when heavy rains occur and hurricanes are possible.
• The tropical climate is typical for the central part of Vietnam, including the city of Da Nang and the capital Hanoi. Here summer lasts from April to October, with high temperatures around 30-35 degrees Celsius and high humidity. Winter is characterized by mild temperatures around 15-20 degrees Celsius. Monsoons are also present in this region, dry and wet, which affect the amount of precipitation.
• The subtropical climate is found in the northern part of Vietnam, including the cities of Sapa and Halong Bay. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures around 25-30 degrees Celsius, while winters are cool, with temperatures around 10-15 degrees Celsius. This region also experiences seasonal changes in humidity and precipitation.

Vietnam is affected by the monsoons. The summer monsoon, known as the "southern monsoon", will bring the rainy season to the southern part of the country, while the winter monsoon, or "northern monsoon", will bring the rains to the northern part of the country. Monsoons bring significant changes to the weather and climate of Vietnam. Precipitation in Vietnam varies by region. In the southern part of the country about 1,500-2,500 mm of rain falls annually, in the central part - 1,000-2,000 mm, and in the northern part - 1,200-2,500 mm. Some areas, such as Sapa, can receive more than 3,000 mm of precipitation per year.

In general, Vietnam has a warm and humid climate, which can be variable depending on the region and season. This is important to consider when planning a trip to this amazing country.

Vietnam's flora and fauna are unique and diverse due to the different climate zones and landscape types in the country. The flora of Vietnam includes more than 16,000 plant species, of which about 6,000 are endemic, that is, they are found only in this region. Vietnam is known for its dense tropical forests, which make up a significant part of its territory. In these forests, trees such as oaks, mahogany, sandalwood, bamboo and many others can be found. Rice fields are also characteristic of Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta.

The fauna of Vietnam is also rich in species diversity. The country is home to about 840 bird species, over 300 reptile and amphibian species, about 270 mammal species, and over 11,000 insect species. Vietnam is home to rare and endangered species such as the Indochinese tiger, Asiatic black bear, Komodo lizard, Sarusian crane and many more. The country is also home to various species of monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, snakes and butterflies.

About 30 national parks and reserves in Vietnam have been created to preserve and protect the country's biodiversity. They provide shelter for many rare and endangered animal and plant species. However, like many other countries, Vietnam's flora and fauna also face various threats such as illegal wildlife trade, forestry activities, climate change and habitat loss. Therefore, the protection and conservation of nature play an important role in preserving the richness of the flora and fauna of Vietnam for future generations.

Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia on the east coast of the Indochina peninsula. It borders China in the north, Laos and Cambodia in the west, and is washed by the waters of the South China Sea in the east. The territory of Vietnam is about 331,690 square kilometers, which makes it the 65th largest country in the world.

Geographically, Vietnam can be divided into four main regions: North Vietnam, Central Vietnam, South Vietnam and West Vietnam.

• Northern Vietnam is characterized by mountainous terrain and magnificent landscapes. There are mountain ranges here, including the famous Sapa and Thanh That mountains. Also in this region are the valleys of the Red and Kyrong rivers, as well as the Hongha River Delta.
• Central Vietnam is known for its beautiful beaches, the cities of Da Nang and Hoi An, and national parks including Phong Nha Kebang Park and Pu Mat Park. Mountains and ranges such as the Anamitic Mountains and the Central Triangon Mountains can also be found here.
• South Vietnam is characterized by flat terrain and the Mekong Delta. This region is known for its famous beaches, the resorts of Nha Trang and Phan Thiet, as well as the city of Ho Chi Minh City.
• Western Vietnam is represented by the Mekong Delta, which is one of the most fertile and prolific areas in the country. Here you can find rice fields, orchards and many waterways.

Vietnam also has a rich network of rivers and lakes, including the Mekong, Kyrong and Hongha rivers, as well as the Dalat and Ba Be lakes. Vietnam, due to its geographical diversity, offers many opportunities for tourism and travel, from mountain hiking to beach holidays, from cultural excursions to natural parks and reserves.

The national cuisine of Vietnam is one of the most delicious in Southeast Asia. Vietnamese cuisine is distinguished by its freshness, richness of flavors and the use of many aromatic herbs and spices. It is also characterized by a balance between different tastes: sour, sweet, salty and spicy.

Besides these dishes, Vietnamese cuisine is also known for its fresh salads, summer rolls, noodles (mixao), coffee-based ice cream (caphae sua da), and many other delicious desserts. Vietnamese cuisine is also famous for its street food such as meatballs (nem ran), hot sandwiches (banh mi hot), and fruit on skewers (cha hap).

Vietnamese cuisine offers many options for different taste preferences and diets. It combines the richness of flavors, the freshness of ingredients and the harmony of various aromas, which makes it popular not only among locals, but also among tourists from all over the world.

Here are some useful tips for tourists traveling to Vietnam:

By following these tips, you can enjoy your trip to Vietnam and avoid some of the usual travel hassles.

Obtaining a visa and going through customs in Vietnam may be necessary for most foreign tourists. Here is some information about the visa process and customs regulations in Vietnam.

Getting a visa:

• Pre-Visa Obtainment: Most foreign nationals must obtain a Vietnamese visa prior to arrival in the country. You should contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for visa support and details of requirements for your country.
• Visa support: You may need documents such as an invitation letter from a sponsor in Vietnam or a hotel reservation in order to obtain a visa. Check with your consulate or embassy for exact requirements.
• Visas on arrival: Some countries have the option to obtain a visa on arrival in Vietnam, but this requires prior visa approval. Check if this option is available for your country.

Customs control:

• Completing customs declarations: When you arrive in Vietnam, you will be asked to complete a customs declaration. Make sure you fill it out correctly and honestly.
• Prohibited and Restricted Items: Before traveling, please check the import and export rules and restrictions in Vietnam. Certain items are prohibited, such as drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods.
• Declaring Money: You may be required to declare money entering Vietnam if the amount exceeds US$5,000 or its currency equivalent.
• Goods Accounting: Keep receipts and receipts for all high-value goods that you bring into Vietnam so that you can present them when you leave the country if necessary.
• Customs control procedures: Be prepared to go through customs control, which may include baggage and passport control. Follow the instructions of the customs officials.

It is important to remember that visa requirements and customs regulations may change, so it is recommended that you contact the Vietnamese representation in your country or visit the official website for up-to-date information before traveling.

Vietnam is a country rich in culture and tradition, with many celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most famous and popular holidays and festivals in Vietnam:

• Tet (New Year): This is the most important holiday in Vietnam and is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. Tet takes place in late January or early February and is accompanied by family gatherings, ancestor worship ceremonies, feasts and fireworks.
• Hoi An Festival: This festival is held in the city of Hoi An and is dedicated to the memory of ancestors. For several days, the streets are filled with traditional performances, costumed processions and cultural events.
• Hue Festival: The Hue Festival celebrates the ancient history of the imperial city of Hue. During the week there are parades, performances in traditional costumes, musical performances and fireworks.
• Hong Bang Festival: This festival, which takes place in Bac Ninh Province, celebrates the founders and heroes of Vietnam. The festival program includes traditional songs, dances, games and performances.
• Lunar New Year Festival: In addition to Tet, Vietnam also celebrates the Lunar New Year, which takes place in February and is accompanied by traditional ceremonies, costume processions and fireworks.
• Chung Kua Wu Festival: Also known as the Rice Cake Festival, this festival is celebrated during the Dragon Lunar Festival and takes place in April or May. It is related to the story of how an ancient Vietnamese hero baked rice cakes to defeat his enemies.
• Chua Ba Den Festival: This festival is held at Chua Ba Den Temple in Thai Binh Province and is dedicated to the goddess of the sea. At this time, people come to worship, perform rituals and arrange ceremonial performances.

These are just some of the many holidays and festivals in Vietnam. The calendar of events may change every year, so it is recommended to check the current dates and activities before traveling to Vietnam.

Shopping in Vietnam offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from traditional handicrafts to modern goods. Here are some of the popular places and goods to shop in Vietnam:

• Markets: Markets are one of the best places to buy souvenirs, clothes, shoes, accessories and local products. Some of the famous markets in Vietnam include Ben Thanh (Ho Chi Minh City), Dong Coi (Hanoi), Market 21 (Hanoi) and many more.
• Hanoi Old Quarter: Hanoi's Old Quarter is full of unique shops, galleries and craft shops selling traditional goods including silk, lacquerware, souvenirs and home furnishings.
• Ho Chi Minh City Saigon Square: Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Square offers many shops, boutiques and malls where you can buy clothes, shoes, electronics and other goods.
• Shopping on Dung Khe Street: This street in Ho Chi Minh City is known for its shops selling textiles, clothing materials and accessories. Here you can find a variety of fabrics, silks and embroidery.
• Traditional Crafts: Vietnam is known for its traditional crafts such as lacquerware, ceramics, bamboo crafts, woodcarving and embroidery. Many of these products can be purchased from specialist shops and art galleries.
• Shopping Malls: Major cities in Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have many modern shopping malls where you can find international brands, electronics, cosmetics and other goods.
• Clothes and footwear: Vietnam is known for its inexpensive and high-quality clothing and footwear products. Many local manufacturers and shops offer a wide range of models and styles.
• Coffee: Vietnam is famous for its aromatic coffee. You can purchase freshly roasted coffee beans or ready-made coffee from shops and coffee shops across the country.

Vietnam offers a variety of products and price ranges, so it's always worth bargaining and checking the quality of goods before buying.

Vietnam has a lot of entertainment that allows visitors to enjoy the country's rich culture, natural beauty and a variety of activities. Here are some of the popular things to do in Vietnam:

• Visit Historical and Cultural Attractions: Vietnam has a rich history and culture, and many attractions, such as the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the Citadel in Hue, the Angkorian Citadel in Nha Trang, the Mekong temples and many others.
• Boating and Cruises: Vietnam has beautiful bays, rivers and lakes that can be explored on boats and boats. Cruises on Halong Bay or the Mekong River offer unique views of the country's natural beauties.
• Beach Holidays: Vietnam is known for its beautiful beaches such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne and Phu Quoc. Here you can enjoy the sun, sand and crystal clear water.
• Food tourism: Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its aromas and flavors. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes such as pho, banh mi, fresh seafood and fruits.
• Rice field and mountain tours: Vietnam is known for its picturesque rice terraces, especially in Sapa and Mu Kong Chai. Hiking or cycling tours of these places provide an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature.
• Snorkeling and Diving: Vietnam offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Nha Trang reefs, Cham Islands and Phu Quoc Island are popular places to explore the underwater world.

Vietnam offers a variety of entertainment for different tastes and preferences. No matter what interests you, there will be many opportunities for you to enjoy this amazing country.