| A commercial attitude has always been part of | | | | the wettest place in Vietnam, and still pretty cold in |
| Vietnamese culture. So it's no miracle that after the | | | | winter, Hoi An sees a lot of sun, and is warm |
| years of isolation, Vietnam quickly changed into a | | | | year-round. |
| unique mix of communism and capitalism. As soon as | | | | In these regions, there are a lot of interesting sights. |
| you will arrive in Vietnam, you will be offered all kinds | | | | Independent travelers, however, need to take care |
| of services, including postcards, shoe shine, and | | | | since a lot of landmines are still around. This is the |
| different Vietnam tours. | | | | area of the former demilitarized zone, and a lot of |
| Independent adventure travelers, however, do not | | | | fighting took place here. The remnants of the once |
| fancy organised tours in buses with many tourists. | | | | flourishing Champa kingdom at My Son has suffered |
| But the lack of public transport almost requires taking | | | | from it, but is still worth a visit. While on the road, |
| such a tour. Unless, of course, you have your own | | | | you can see more sites with Cham towers, though. |
| means of transport. In that case, try to reach the | | | | Around Dalat |
| following exciting Vietnam destinations on your own. | | | | Moving south, it's best to move away from the |
| Northern hill tribes | | | | coastal road into the central highlands around Dalat. |
| In the mountainous regions of North Vietnam, several | | | | This area is well suited to visit with your own means |
| different hill tribes still live their traditional lives. The | | | | of transport, visiting waterfalls, hill tribes, nice |
| village of Sapa and the valleys around it are great for | | | | scenery, etcetera. Without transport, you are stuck |
| exploring. For independent travelers, it can be | | | | to another Vietnam tour to visit those sites. |
| reached by train and mini bus, but it is also great for | | | | Mekong Delta |
| touring around on a motorbike. Make sure, though, to | | | | The most challenging area for independent adventure |
| make a trekking, too. | | | | travel is in the south of Vietnam. The Mekong Delta |
| Tours from Hanoi | | | | area mainly has waterways. The roads alongside the |
| From the capital of Hanoi, different tours can be | | | | water are connected over the water by monkey |
| made. Before exploring by yourself, however, take | | | | bridges. The Vietnamese take their motorbikes over |
| into account that for instance Halong Bay, but also | | | | these bridges, but can you? |
| the Perfume Pagoda, require boat transportation as | | | | So many places in Vietnam are worth a visit. But |
| well. | | | | visiting those independently is often a challenge. For |
| Central Vietnam | | | | some regions, you may want to stick to a Vietnam |
| In the centre of Vietnam, between the cities of Hue | | | | Tour. For others, consider having your own means of |
| and Hoi An, lies a small mountain range, causing a | | | | transport for the best adventure travel. The choice is |
| change in climate, especially in winter. Where Hue is | | | | up to you. |