8 Reasons You Will Never Be Able To Vietnam Backpacking Tour Guides Like Steve Jobs

It's a journey across the Cambodian-Vietnam border to reach Saigon. Sapa - Head to the hills and see the colourful villages of Vietnam's minority groups - the Zay, and the Blue and Black H'mong. Most Vietnamese people practice a form of religion that is an interesting mix of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, although there are also a large number of practicing Catholics living in Vietnam. Some hotels offer great tours at reasonable prices.

However, rail travel has its advantages : you'll avoid the frequent near-collisions and general mayhem that pervades Vietnam's roads, you'll get to see much more of the rural scenery, and you might get to meet fellow travellers - and share their food, if you're lucky. Vietnam is the world's second-largest exporter of coffee, but most of the stuff that leaves the country is the low-grade instant variety. The tour guide will ensure for the extrovert and the introvert that you will have a holiday of a lifetime.

Vietnamese people tend to have traditional values and adhere to many rules of etiquette. A socialist country, the government often attempts to limit access to foreign influences. Much of its terrain is mountainous, particularly in the north and central highlands region.

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by the south-westerly monsoon from May to September and the north-eastern monsoon from October to April. Don't be afraid to bargain when shopping in Vietnam. Hoi An Full Moon Festival: Once a month (the 14th day of the lunar month) the city of Hoi An throws the most epic night party.

Buddha's Birthday: Temples throughout vietnam travel information; https://www.vietnam-travel.org, celebrate Buddha's birthday with lively street processions on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month each year. Vietnamese food is characterised by fresh, contrasting flavours - sweet and sour, crunchy and silky, fried and steamed. Dishes in central Vietnam are spicier, whereas the south prefers sweeter flavours.

A healthy drinking culture means most towns in Vietnam brew their own brand of beer, which is often cheaper than imports. This light, low alcohol beverage is extremely popular with locals and can be found everywhere. Thick and decadent, it's served either hot or cold.

Consisting of broth (beef or chicken), noodles and your choice of meat, it's served with a side plate of herbs, bean sprouts, chillies and lime. Banh Xeo: Similar to a savoury crepe, these delicious thin Vietnamese pancakes are usually stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and onions. Half the fun of travel is experiencing a destination just like the locals - including how they get around.

This way we can reduce our environmental impact, support local operators and have a great time. Say hello to the Vietnamese version of the tuk tuk and rickshaw. If you are arriving by air at one of Vietnam's four international airports (Ha Noi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang), you can apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) online at Submit an application form to receive a Visa Approval Letter.