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Emerald green paddy fields, cliffs enveloped in clouds of mist and azure blue water - can there be a more perfect getaway than Vietnam? This sliver of heaven on earth has had a turbulent and violent history, but the country's unreal flawlessness in the present, leaves you in a state of bliss. As well as discovering the country's natural wonders, it's also a mecca for those looking for more than just tanning on the beach.
More than half of Vietnam comprises hills, mountains and tropical forests. Phan Xi P?ng is the country's highest peak at 3,143m (10,312 ft) and its topographical opposite at the other extreme, is the Mekong delta. An intricate network of distributaries where the Mekong River empties into the sea, it is rarely higher than three metres above sea level. Vietnam also boasts some of the world's most magical sights, especially at
Halong Bay, where boats float between towering cliffs emerging straight from the sea.
Its tropical climate results in unpredictable weather so it's best to plan ahead, keeping annual changes in mind. Winter, between the months of November and April, is drier than the rest of the year, most of which is affected by the monsoon or rainy season. Temperatures on the plains usually vary between 21 and 28C through the year, but if you're heading higher, remember that it falls to -5C in winter, and shoots up to 35C around July and August.
Besides the awe-inspiring sights, including powerful waterfall cascades against green-spiked paddy fields, Vietnam is also known for its varied cuisine and culture. The best place to sample these is in the cities of
Hanoi (the capital) and
Ho Chi Minh city. A strong Chinese and Indian influence has created a sensual and assorted cuisine. There's spicy pho noodle soup, suited to most tastes and Balut, a fertilized duck egg with a half-developed embryo eaten boiled and washed down with beer (only for the strong-hearted).
The country's varied terrain makes it a perfect destination for adventure seekers; Vietnamese mountains provide ample trekking and hiking paths, and the 3,444m long coastline begs for water sports. Thankfully, there are more than enough opportunities. Needless to say, your trip to Vietnam, no matter what you do, will stay indelible in your memory.
Cycling
In Vietnam, two wheels can take you anywhere: through jungles, mountains and plains, and along the coast.
Cycle holidays can range from two days to two weeks and you don't need to be Lance Armstrong to keep up. Besides stretches of green plains and flat land, the north-western highlands of Mai Chau allow leisurely biking through villages and the opportunity to spend a few nights with the locals. On the other hand, there are also longer trails between South and North Vietnam, through jungle and mountain pathways originally used by the US military to transport supplies. Today, the dust paths have been transformed to roads. You'll find yourself on deserted highways one minute, and suddenly cycling into hidden orchards and beaches the next.
Kayaking
Spread over 1,500 square kms, there are 1,000ft limestone cliffs emerging from perfectly blue crystalline waters. Kayaking through Halong Bay, across the calm and tranquil sea, is an unrivalled pleasure. Unpredictable turns lead you to hidden stalagmite caves, lagoons that are straight out of storybooks and secret islets. A day of
kayaking in Halong Bay usually ends in a scrumptious dinner, while interacting with its unique floating fishing village - a local community who spend their whole life on the sea, on boats.
Kitesurfing
The sun, sand and perfect wind conditions make Mui Ne one of the premier destinations for
kite surfing. The two-week long itinerary notes endless beaches and a fantastic night-life. Beginners need not fear: there are qualified instructors on hand and it helps that the rainfall here is negligible.
Trekking
Most of the country is a haven for
trekkers. Among the top trails is the three-day long trek to the highest peak in the country, Phan Xi P?ng. Besides the exceptional views, it takes you to remote villages and through the country's most famous nature reserve, Pu Luong. Phan Xi P?ng is accessible through the year, although wanderers should note the region does tend to get wet and cold. Ha Giang is one of the most varied treks, its rocky mountains separated by rivers, valleys and terraced paddy fields. The woods around the area provides walkers a mini-safari, so you shouldn't be surprised to see peacocks and tigers while you're traipsing through.
Motor Biking
Vietnam's motorable roads take you through historically rich terrain. The Hanoi trail leads to the ancient trading town of Hoi An, a city as known for its unique lanterns as it is for its formidable tailors, who can stitch together any western outfit in a matter of minutes, at a fraction of the original price. The Ho Chi Minh highway is one of the country's oldest roads, where once donkeys were the only travellers. It eventually became one of the main conduits between war-torn North and South Vietnam. Today it's an enviable stretch of concrete and tar for
bikers, edged by luxuriant forests on one side and lofty cliffs on the other.
Other Activities
Rest assured, Vietnam has something special for you no matter how diverse your taste for adventure might be. You can go on the Top Gear Vietnam trail that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May immortalized on their show, jazzed up with rounds of golf, some basic lessons in Vietnamese martial arts Kinh Van Van and some yoga. You could opt to crawl around on your hands and knees in the Cu Chi tunnels, a maze that was the key hideout of the VietCong during the war. For more sedate moments, we'd recommend a slow ride down the Perfume River. It's flanked by fruit orchards and the falling blossoms from the trees earned the river its moniker. For the inbetweeners there are unhurried treks through the national park of Cu Phuong and its lush rainforests of gigantic century-old trees, and caves filled with prehistoric art.
Classic Itineraries
The country is so culturally and historically rich, you might just end up leaving feeling you didn't experience enough, no matter how long your stay. The Mekong River boat cruise is exceptional as it meanders through rice fields. You can organise your trip to end at Cambodia's incredible temple complex of Angkor Wat. Local markets throughout Vietnam are a visual delight, and the accompanying flavours and perfumes leave your head whirling. If you're suitably inspired, you can even sign up for short-term cooking classes and learn to whip up a mean spicy spring roll, or enrol in craft classes and roll out translucent sheets of rice paper. For the more altruistic, there are programmes where you can teach village children basic English, and help out in various activities.
Vietnam is truly exceptional - that there can so be so much beauty, despite its harsh past, is a matter of wonder. Each corner you turn reveals views that stop you in your tracks. Saturated colours and expanses of space combine to create fascinating vistas. It's a natural magnet for adventure seekers. In Vietnam, the terrain and weather challenge and indulge the spirit equally, and you leave wondering if your holiday was all but a perfect dream.
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