Product Description

"The Rough Guide to Vietnam" is the essential guide with clear maps and detailed coverage of one of Southeast Asia's most enticing destinations. Using expert advice explore the best attractions of Ho Chi Minh City, roam the best Vietnamese markets, shopping, temples, national parks and then slow the pace down with a trip to the paddyfields of the Red River Delta. From the rugged mountains to the west to the South China sea to the east, the "Rough Guide" steers you in the right direction to find the best hotels in Vietnam, Vietnam restaurants, stylish Vietnamese bars, cafes, clubs and shops across every price range, giving you clear, balanced reviews and honest, first-hand opinions. This guide covers the unspoilt islands, pristine beaches and trekking opportunities that have long made Vietnam a travel hotspot, from magical Ha Long Bay to the hill-tribes of the mountainous north. Explore all corners of Vietnam with authoritative background on everything from Vietnam's ethnic minorities to Hanoi's impressive colonial architecture, relying on the clearest maps of any guide and practical language tips. Make the most of your holiday with "The Rough Guide to Vietnam".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #60305 in Books
• Published on: 2009-10-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 632 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781848360846
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author

Jan Dodd is an experienced travel writer and is co-author of the award-winning Rough Guide to Japan.

In 1989 Mark Lewis spent the year teaching in Singapore, since then he has travelled throughout Southeast Asia.

Jan Dodd is an experienced travel writer and is co-author of the award-winning Rough Guide to Japan.

In 1989 Mark Lewis spent the year teaching in Singapore, since then he has travelled throughout Southeast Asia.

Jan Dodd is an experienced travel writer and is co-author of the award-winning Rough Guide to Japan.

In 1989 Mark Lewis spent the year teaching in Singapore, since then he has travelled throughout Southeast Asia.

Jan Dodd is an experienced travel writer and is co-author of the award-winning Rough Guide to Japan.

In 1989 Mark Lewis spent the year teaching in Singapore, since then he has travelled throughout Southeast Asia.

Jan Dodd is an experienced travel writer and is co-author of the award-winning Rough Guide to Japan.

In 1989 Mark Lewis spent the year teaching in Singapore, since then he has travelled throughout Southeast Asia.

Jan Dodd is an experienced travel writer and is co-author of the award-winning Rough Guide to Japan.

In 1989 Mark Lewis spent the year teaching in Singapore, since then he has travelled throughout Southeast Asia.

Customer Reviews

Covers the entire country in great depth, but has a few irksome qualities
I visited Vietnam in the summer of 2007, touring mainly the north of the country, and used THE ROUGH GUIDE TO VIETNAM, fifth edition. I was immediately impressed by the depth by which the Rough Guide writers covered the country. It's a big book, meaning it weighs down a bag significantly, but no matter where you want to go in Vietnam, it's here.

I cannot comment on the accommodation listings, as I travel by means of Internet hospitality associations and prefer to avoid hotels or hostels. I gave much study to the restaurants listings while on my way to Vietnam, but ultimately didn't use them. The authors give plenty of street kitchens, but travelers shouldn't have difficulty finding such fare, as it's available everywhere you look. Still, the authors do deserve kudos for including a colour section on the concept of street food, encouraging travelers to put aside their fears and partake of this very delicious Vietnamese tradition. The walking tours are easy to follow, and the maps are the clearest you'll find, as one can expect from a Rough Guide publication.

Downsides? Well, I was disappointed by two facets of this Rough Guide. The first is that recent history is completely biased towards the Communist forces fighting for independence, with no understanding of the French and American sides. Other guidebook describe in detail the horrors that ensued in the South after the North claimed victory, and the poverty that created the plight of the boat people, but I felt this guide skirts the issues. The other disappointment was that the guide shows travelers towards the fragile lands of Vietnamese minority people. When minority peoples move their markets to another village to avoid tourists, it seems insensitive for the book to send even more in. Whatever happened to the philosophy that these independent guidebooks had in days of yore, that some places shouldn't be included in the book to challenge travelers and preserve secluded spots?

As I write this, the Lonely Planet guide is quite old, leaving the Rough Guide as the easiest guidebook to find for the independent traveler (the Let's Go guide is good as well--and lighter--but has less detailed coverage).

As good as it gets
This is a very well-researched guide, and proved extremely useful on a recent 2 month trip to Vietnam. The food and lodging reviews were mostly spot on, with lots of useful practical information on getting to and from places. I've always liked the Rough Guides, and this one is right up there.

great travel guide to vietnam
As someone who is Vietnamese, I think that this is a great book for both Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese readers. In addition to being extremely detailed, it also has a great section with colored photos about Vietnamese cuisine that I think is great for those who may not be familiar to this country's unique flavors. Furthermore, at the very beginning, it has a top ten list of places to see in Vietnam for those who want to narrow down their trip to the most essential places.