Tyrone Constitution - Features - Travel to Asia May be Just What You Need

Features

Travel to Asia May be Just What You Need

Tuesday, 26 October 2010

We would all agree that Ireland is probably one of the most beautiful countries in the world and that when it comes to the perfect holiday, it would be hard to beat. But what if you really feel the need to get away from it all and to experience something which is a little off the beaten track? You might find that travel to Asia is exactly what you are looking for and that a holiday with more relaxation than you can shake a stick at is just a few mouse clicks away.

One of the most intriguing and beautiful countries in Asia has to be Vietnam. With incredible scenery, impressive food and a wonderful traditional culture, this small but fascinating country is the perfect spot for a relaxing retreat. While it is certainly a long way to go, getting there is much easier than you might imagine and not nearly as expensive.

One of the better ways to find cheap flights to Vietnam is to try one of the many online ticket sales websites. They can usually advise of the best way to get there and can offer the cheapest deals available. If you want to save even more money, it is actually advisable to combine your visit to Vietnam with China, Cambodia or Laos holidays. If you travel to one of these countries first and then continue to Vietnam overland, you may find that the overall cost is less and you get the added bonus of some more spectacular scenery.

If you chose to visit Cambodia first, you can easily reach Vietnam via a boat across the Mekong. These run regularly and are a common way to get there. If you want something which takes in a little more scenery, then a train from China is probably the best way to go. This trip is long but takes in some of the best scenery in the world. In addition to both of these methods, you can take an overnight bus or even self-drive.

Before you visit Vietnam it is extremely important to ensure you have the correct visa. You cannot get a visa at the Vietnam borders and they are very strict about this. However, obtaining a visa in this country is relatively straightforward and something which any company that arranges Vietnam tours will be able to help you with.

Once you are in Vietnam you will be overwhelmed by the variety of sights you can choose to see. Whether it is the rural peace and quiet of the Mekong Delta with its many miles of rice fields or the hustle and bustle of the capital city Hanoi, you can be sure that hospitality will be at the heart of it. The Vietnamese people have certainly had their share of wars and political difficulties, but it doesn't appear to have dampened their enthusiasm for their country. Visitors are welcomed with open arms and why wouldn't they want to show off such a beautiful country?

One of the most spectacular sights to see in Vietnam has to be the amazing Halong Bay. You could take a boat trip into the calm waters which are surrounded by mountainous hills and incredible wildlife. The peace you will find there will be enough to wash away any of the worries or stress you may have endured during your travels.

It's true that parts of Asia such as Vietnam have a more relaxed atmosphere than many other places we choose to visit. In a country where cars were only introduced less than ten years ago, it is hardly surprising to find that the pace of life is slower than we are used to. The people, while relatively poor, appear to live a life which is rich in terms of family and industry.

It is important to realise that visiting Vietnam will be an experience that will be completely different to anything you have had before. You will see sights which are new and which you may not be prepared for. But surely this is the purpose of travel; to find something that is both interesting and exciting and which you could not find in your own country. However you choose to get there, you will return home with a sense that you have done something out of the ordinary.