Full Description
Brand new from Bradt is Vietnam, a travel guidebook celebrating this fascinating southeast Asian country, which combines 2,000 miles of coastline - complete with idyllic islands, golden beaches and fishing villages - with tropical rainforests, vibrant cities, stunning inland waterways, thousand-year-old temples, terraced paddy fields, herb-infused street food and a richly varied history. Little wonder that the country is increasingly on the wish list of discerning, independent travellers.
Here you can cruise among the karst islands of Ha Long Bay, explore the forested mountains of the Central Highlands, go underground into the caves of Phong Nha or visit the tribal villages of Kon Tum. Alternatively, why not experience the French-style boulevards of Hanoi, the cobblestone streets of Hoi An or neighbourhood floating markets?
Written by a long-term resident, Bradt's Vietnam not only covers the key tourist sites but casts a wider net to encompass lesser-explored alternatives and get under the skin of the country. Covering all three regions in Vietnam - north, central and south - this guidebook has responsible travel at its heart. Within the broad range of options suggested for sleeping and eating, what to do and where to go, particular attention is paid towards sustainability - identifying environmentally sensitive accommodation options, experiences that contribute to the local economy, and retail outlets that support traditions and certain communities.
In Bradt's Vietnam, you can find: advice on selecting the optimum beach destination for each season; a rich exploration of the vibrant urban café culture (including where to savour speciality coffee drinks in each city); street-food details for all major towns and cities; tips on how to enjoy unmissable sites while avoiding any crowds; suggestions for getting the best out of motorbiking around the country; and insider knowledge about nightlife and cultural sights in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, from speakeasy bars hidden behind bookshelves to boutique art spaces. Whether you want a taste of everything Vietnam offers or prefer a deep dive into singular opportunities for heritage tourism, trekking, wildlife watching or caving, having Bradt's Vietnam to hand is like travelling with a knowledgeable local friend.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography and climate, Geology, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture, Sport
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Outdoor activities, Opening hours, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO NORTHERN VIETNAM
Northern Vietnam: An Overview
Highlights
Chapter 3 Hanoi (Hà N?i) and Around
History, When to visit, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Hanoi
Chapter 4 The Northern Mountains
When to visit, H.a B.nh, Mai Châu and Pù Luông, Son La, Ði?n Biên Ph?, Thác Bà and Mù Cang Ch?i, Sa Pa, B?c Hà and around, Thái Nguyên Province, Ba B? National Park and around, Hà Giang, Cao B?ng, L?ng Son
Chapter 5 The Northern Coast and the Red River Delta
When to visit, H? Long city and H? Long Bay, H?i Ph.ng and Cát Bà, Nam Ð?nh and around, Ninh B.nh
PART THREE CENTRAL VIETNAM
Central Vietnam: An Overview
Highlights
Chapter 6 The Northern Central Coast
When to visit, Ngh? An Province, Hà Tinh Province, Ð?ng H?i and Phong Nha, Hu? and around
Chapter 7 Ðà N?ng
History, When to visit, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 8 The Southern Central Coast
When to visit, H?i An, The Chàm Islands (Cù Lao Chàm), Tam K?, Qu?ng Ng.i and Son M?, L. Son Archipelago, Quy Nhon and the Cham towers of Vijaya, Tuy H.a, Nha Trang, Phan Thi?t
Chapter 9 The Central Highlands
When to visit, Kon Tum, Pleiku, Buôn Ma Thu?t, Ðà L?t
PART FOUR SOUTHERN VIETNAM
Southern Vietnam: An Overview
Highlights
Chapter 10 The Southeast
When to visit, Vung Tàu, Cát Tiên National Park, Tây Ninh
Chapter 11 The Mekong Delta
When to visit, M? Tho, Vinh Long, B?n Tre, C?n Tho, Trà Vinh, Sa Ðéc, Hà Tiên, Châu Ð?c
Chapter 12 The Southern Islands
Phú Qu?c, Côn Ð?o
Chapter 13 H? Chí Minh City
History, When to visit, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around H? Chí Minh City
Appendix 1 Menu Decoder
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
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