Vietnam now has world class hotels and resorts, beaches and cuisine, in addition to its natural beauty, rich history and traditional culture. The new slogan of Vietnam tourism, "Vietnam -Timeless Charm" was created with an aim to attract discerning travelers, who wish to experience its defining characteristics: thrills, nature, heritage, festival, pristine, luxury travel, scenery and essence. Thrills: The thrills offered are endless and span a wide range, including: hiking, trekking, biking, kayaking, climbing, rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, hot air ballooning, camping, yachting and more. Some of the locations where these activities can be enjoyed include: Sapa, Halong Bay, Cu Lao Cham, the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta, Phan Thiet, Con Dao, the Phu Quoc Islands and many more. Nature: The natural splendor amazes visitors, from the green beauty of the national parks, reserves and ramsars, to the mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and grottoes. Halong Bay is among the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visitors will discover the natural allure of Vietnam by indulging in a wide array of accommodations, tour packages and attractions at places such as Mai Chau, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be, Halong Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang, the Central Highlands, Nam Cat Tien and many more. Heritage With its long history and unique way of life, Vietnam has a rich heritage. There are many interesting and diverse sites to be found around the country. In fact, Vietnam boasts 7 world natural and cultural heritage sites, not to mention many others. As of January 1, 2012, there are more than 3,000 relics and landscape areas classified as national heritage sites, including some very special national relics. Besides the two mentioned above, UNESCO has recognized seven world cultural and natural heritage sites: the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Ha Noi, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty in Thanh Hoa, Halong Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, the complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary. There are also six entries on the world intangible heritage list: Nha Nhac Vietnamese Royal Court Music, the Space of Gong Culture in Central Highland, Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk songs, Ca Tru singing, Xoan singing of Phu Tho Province, the Giong Festival of Phu Dong and Soc Temples (Hanoi). Last, but not least, there are two inclusions on the World Documentary Heritage list: the woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty and the stone steles in the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. Festivals: Many colorful festivals can be enjoyed year round. The time after Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is especially exciting. Other festivals include the Perfume Pagoda, Hung King, Kate, and Lim and Giay Festivals, just to name a few. Pristine: Many pristine islands and beaches are to be found in this tropical country. Vietnam has 3,620 km of coastline, with beautiful white sand beaches and world class resorts. Of these, you should not miss the stunning sand and clear waters of My Khe, Cua Dai, Nha Trang, Ninh Van Bay, Quy Nhon, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc and the Con Dao Islands. Luxury Travel: Holidaymakers have the choice of new and trendy boutique hotels, spas, golfing, cruises, shopping centers, restaurants and nightlife. With new luxury hotels and world class golf courses having recently opened or set to open soon, and the introduction of luxury train journeys, exclusive cruises and upscale private tours spanning the length of the country, Vietnam is fast emerging as an exciting luxe destination in Asia. Scenery: Spectacular scenery and a diverse landscape exist from North to South. Mountains, forests, nature reserves, rivers, beaches, and islands are all here to be enjoyed. Verdant patchworks of rice paddies and pointed lampshade-style hats are just a small part of what there is to be seen in this formerly war ravaged country. Visitors will see more than the economic repression often portrayed on worldwide television and in newspapers. There is also natural beauty, a harmonious array of ethnic cultures, imperial monuments, timeless traditional villages, idyllic sea resorts and dynamic cities. Essence: Vietnam boasts scores of traditions, lifestyles and religions. The friendly and hospitable population has been influenced by the cultures of China, France and America, and this is reflected in the country's lifestyle, architecture, cuisine and art.

• published: 13 Nov 2012
• views: 1520