The country neighbours China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west, with the South China Sea lying to its east and south. Vietnam is a combination of luscious mountains, golden sand beaches and bustling cities – attracting close to 20 million international visitors every year.
Roughly divided into the north, south and central regions, the landscape of Vietnam varies depending on which region you are in. To the north, the landscape is mainly mountainous filled with expansive rice paddies and the Red River Delta, whilst in the south of the country, you can find the Annamite Mountains (Giai Truong Son), the coastal lowlands and the Mekong River Delta. Central Vietnam on the other hand boasts enormous cave systems protected by national parks. The coast then snakes along the East Sea before curving to the Gulf of Thailand to the west – creating the country’s famous “S” shape.
INFORMATION
WHEN TO GO Vietnam is a year-round destination, but visiting between March to April is typically the best time, as the temperatures are moderate and rainfall is light
GETTING AROUND Getting around Vietnam is relatively convenient with Cyclos, or bicycle rickshaws, available in many places. However, drivers have a tendency to ask for outrageous sums so be sure to negotiate fiercely and settle on a price before climbing aboard! In larger cities, you can also get around by train, bus and boat
This story is from the AG 01/2021 - 146 edition of ASIAN Geographic.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the AG 01/2021 - 146 edition of ASIAN Geographic.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Green Dreams
With its tea plantations and rice paddies, dense jungles and expansive forests, the region is well known as a green paradise. But many of the most impressive Asian landscapes have names you may never have heard of. Journey with us as we reveal just some of the incredible locations that make the rest of the world green with envy!
Life On The Edge
In the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, in the remote northern Russian Far East, indigenous ethnic groups like the Chukchi and the Yupik live in the most extreme conditions, hunting seals in their traditional kayaks as they have for millennia
The Karakoram Anomaly Decoded
For decades, scientists have believed that glaciers in the Karakoram Range are defying the trend of those across the globe-resisting glacial melt due to human-induced global warming. But as we trek up the Karakoram's second-longest glacier in July, as the United Nations announces the world's hottest ever month on record, does the melting ice beneath our feet suggest the so-called Karakoram Anomaly is slowing? Or is there a ray of hope it will continue to delay the inevitable?
Green Water Revolution
Southeast Asia's Quest to Sustainable Wastewater Management in an Era of Climate Sensitivity
Green Philippines
The Philippine Archipelago may be synonymous with perfect beach holidays, but the Southeast Asian nation is also a great choice for your next ecotourism adventure
Why so Green?
From the Green Dome of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina to the fluorescent greens of flags and political campaigns, Islam has established itself as the world's \"green\" religion
Pilgrimage To Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun is as eclectic as it is fascinating, an exotic blend of ancient and modern. But two destinations in particular offer visitors an authentic taste of this unique nation: Wakayama, its spiritual centre, and Kyoto, its cultural heartland.
The Silk Road Through Uzbekistan
High-speed trains may ply some of this route today, but the historical, religious and cultural significance of the great cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva remains intact
10 Awe-Inspiring Reasons To Visit Sri Lanka
From eye-popping temples and tea estates to jaw-dropping national parks and natural wonders, the "teardrop island" has it all
Nepal: In The Shadow Of Giants
Sandwiched between China to the north and India to the south, Nepal receives influences from Asia's two major powers, but this unique land bordered by the greatest mountain range on Earth promises experiences offered nowhere else