"Vietnam" Vietnam by pfsmalo

Vietnam Travel Guide: 12,413 reviews and 30,516 photos

A feeling of well-being.

From Hanoi down to the Mekong delta and on to Phu Quoc island everything in Vietnam is sights, smells and wonderful people. Everything wakes up your senses, from the bustle of Hanoi to the quiet reserve of the Jarai and Bahnar minorities near the border with Cambodia and Laos, near Playku and Kontum. It all brings a feeling of well-being and friendliness to the visitor. At no time during my 2 visits to the country did I feel insecure. A slight helplessness, due to language problems was the only negative feeling I ever had. But the warnth of the Vietnamese soon puts that one on the back boiler, as you can always find someone who speaks French or English. A small smattering of Vietnamese phrases does help with getting close to the people and always creates a smile or a good belly laugh.

Most of my tips and photos have now been moved to their appropriate city pages.

Sights of Vietnam.

Halong bay in the early morning mist.

The wonders of the country are everywhere. The most well known being Halong bay but others include the Mekong delta, the temples at Hué, even the quaintness of Hanoi itself.

Friendly people.

Young guide in traditional "Ao Dai". Hué.

I was really amazed at how friendly and outgoing the people are. Always ready to help and always a smile to make you feel welcome.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great sights, atmosphere and people.
Cons:Not enough sun at Halong bay.
In a nutshell:The most enjoyable place to visit I've ever been.

Last visit to Vietnam: May 2007
Intro Updated Aug 18, 2007
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Reviews (9)

Ngoc the receptionniste in splendid Ao Dai. - Vietnam

Good for golfers in Dalat. Hotels (2)

Pleasant, quiet hotel away from the centre of town, right opposite the golf course. Just a 10 mn. walk up a slight hill... more travel advice

Dalat Things to Do (1)

Dalat was built up by the French as a retreat from the humidity in the valleys as it is at 1500 metres altitude. Full of... more travel advice

Lak lake Off The Beaten Path (5)

South of the Central Highlands is this area of scenic beauty, where the M'nong people live. Possibility to take an... more travel advice

Playku and Kontum IV Off The Beaten Path (5)

more travel advice

What to Pack (1)
Don't forget !!!!!

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Travelogues (2)

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Comments (10)

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Aitana Apr 9, 2012 at 11:15 AM

Good introdution to Vietnam. Thanks for your pictures.
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tropicrd Mar 19, 2012 at 9:43 PM

Love your page Paul,have you or did you stay in a long house??I have but that was in Malaysia.Your people pics are wonderful,thanks for sharing them.
Dorrise :o)
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Nemorino Apr 28, 2009 at 2:36 PM

Fine portraits of Vietnamese people on your two travelogues! I've been to Vietnam twice so far, once as a soldier 1964/65 and again as a tourist thirty years later.
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angel-eyes Oct 30, 2008 at 8:13 AM

Of course I like this page
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TheTravelSlut Apr 15, 2008 at 1:10 AM

Wonderful photos really tell the story here and the tip bring back good memories of my 2 trips to Vietnam. Thank you. Ann, TTS
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volopolo Apr 14, 2008 at 6:39 AM

Vietnam is in travel plans!!
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Elodie_Caroline Mar 1, 2008 at 4:05 AM

Grrr, I wanted more! I want history, I always love historical stories on pages! I remember seeing a TV programme about agent orange... a disgusting act of inhumanity.
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dancinbudgie Feb 24, 2008 at 5:38 PM

I have really enjoyed looking through your Vietnam pages. I especially love the photo's you take of people. Thankyou so much for sharing your trip! Tracey
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SLLiew Oct 16, 2007 at 10:46 AM

Excellent page on introducing Vietnam, especially the less travelled places. Cheers, SL :)
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stevenfekete Aug 8, 2007 at 5:03 AM

Thank you for your notes. I am leaving for Vietnam in 3 weeks and will comment on my return Steven