Vietnam / Cộng hòa Xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a stunningly beautiful country in south east Asia. It’s about 1½ times the size of the UK, and a similar size to Finland. It’s a mostly hilly and forested country, and it has a very long coastline – over 2,100 miles (3,400 km) long. Mountains cover two fifths of the country. The highest point is Fansipan, at 10,326 ft (3,147 m) above sea level.
It has a very long, rich and troubled history, and its neighbours include China, Laos and Cambodia.
The population of Vietnam is around 100 million people (2023), about one in five of whom live in the metropolitan area of the capital, Hanoi.
A bit about the history of Vietnam
Early History
Vietnam’s history stretches back thousands of years, with its earliest civilisations emerging around 3000 BC. The region was influenced by Chinese culture for over a millennium, from the Han dynasty’s control in 111 BC to its eventual independence in the 10th century. The kingdom of Đại Việt was established in the 10th century after a successful revolt against Chinese rule.
The Dynasties and French Colonization
From the 11th to the 19th centuries, Vietnam was ruled by various dynasties, with notable periods of cultural and territorial expansion. The Nguyễn dynasty, the last ruling dynasty, took power in the 19th century. During this period, Vietnam saw increasing French influence, and in the 1880s, it became part of French Indochina. The French exploited the country’s resources, which led to growing discontent among the Vietnamese population.
The First Indochina War and Division
After World War II, the Vietnamese resistance, led by figures like Hồ Chí Minh, fought for independence from French colonial rule. The First Indochina War (1946–1954) ended with the defeat of the French and the signing of the Geneva Accords, which temporarily divided the country into North and South Vietnam along the 17th parallel, with the north controlled by communists and the south by a pro-Western government.
The Vietnam War
The division of Vietnam led to the Vietnam War (1955–1975), a conflict between the communist north, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and the south, supported by the United States. The war resulted in immense loss of life, widespread destruction, and became a symbol of Cold War tensions. In 1975, after years of fighting and US withdrawal in 1973, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, leading to the reunification of the country under communist rule.
Post-War Period and Economic Reforms
After the war, Vietnam faced significant challenges, including rebuilding the country and dealing with the aftermath of the conflict. The economy struggled due to war damage, isolation from the global economy, and inefficiencies in state controlled systems. In the late 1980s, Vietnam began implementing economic reforms known as Đổi Mới, which introduced market oriented policies, foreign investment, and greater integration into the global economy.
Modern Era
Since the 1990s, Vietnam has experienced rapid economic growth, becoming one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. It has expanded its manufacturing, export markets, and tourism industries. Politically, the country remains a single party communist state, but it has moved toward greater political stability and reform, balancing socialist policies with a growing market economy. Vietnam has also become a key player in regional and global affairs, strengthening its relations with countries like the United States and China.
Vietnam road trip
Map of Vietnam
We haven’t finished our planning for our road trip through Vietnam yet. When we do though, we’ll post it here, and in the blog.
Hopefully our journey will improve our knowledge of this intriguing and beautiful country, and enable us to meet some interesting people. We’ll be updating this page at that time – don’t forget to check back 🙂
What’s it like to drive in Vietnam?
They drive on the right hand side of the road in Vietnam. In the main, roads are quite good, however there are many being unsurfaced dirt tracks. Driving standards are also quite poor.
Do you require an international driving permit in Vietnam?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Vietnam?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Vietnam?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What currency do they use in Vietnam?
In Vietnam they use the Vietnam Dong. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted, although not guaranteed in more rural areas. Travellers cheques are not readily accepted. There are many ATMs in cities and towns throughout the country.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Vietnam?
They speak Vietnamese in Vietnam. French is very widely spoken, and English is also spoken in many tourist areas.
What time zone is Vietnam in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Vietnam?
Yes, wild camping is fine in Vietnam.
What plug / socket type do they use in Vietnam?
In Vietnam they use plug / socket types A, C and D.
Health issues in Vietnam
Is it safe to drink water in Vietnam?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Vietnam. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country.
What vaccinations are required for Vietnam?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Vietnam.
Phones in Vietnam
What is the country calling code for Vietnam?
The country calling code for Vietnam is +84
What are the emergency phone numbers in Vietnam?
- The emergency number for police in Vietnam is: 113
- In Vietnam, the emergency number for ambulance is: 115
- The emergency number for fire in Vietnam is: 114
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!