A Vietnam guidebook (ISBN-10: 0792262034 ISBN-13: 978-0792262039) by author James Sullivan and photographer, Kris LeBoutillier, is required reading for anyone planning a trip to Vietnam.
The 271-page guidebook has an introductory chapter on history and culture. It includes sections on food and drink, religious beliefs, the arts, history and politics and the land (geography).
Subsequent chapters focus on cities and regions: Hanoi, North Vietnam (including Hill Tribes), North Central Vietnam (including the DMZ), Hue and Central Vietnam, South Central Coast (including the Kingdom of Champa), Southern and Central Highlands, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
An invaluable Travelwise section includes information on when to go, entry requirements, how to get there, airlines, and getting around by car, bus, cyclo, jitney, motorbike, tour bus, train and tour company. The chapter also provides local help for travelers in Vietnam on post offices, telephone and Internet cafés, currency conversion, ATMs, tipping, electricity, opening hours, rest rooms, local time, newspapers, radio and television. Contact information is provided for emergencies and several embassies and consulates.
A hotel and restaurant section, divided by cities and towns, includes price category, address, phone number, FAX, website, credit card information and amenities (eg, Wi-Fi). Food specialties and menus are featured in several of the restaurant descriptions.
Shopping information helps travelers look for Americana, antiques, artifacts, books, clothing, food and drink and crafts in arcades, malls, department stores, markets and shopping areas.
Entertainment advice is divided into theaters (cinema, court music, opera houses and water puppets) and nightlife in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The final Travelwise section focuses on festivals, by date, and active sports. Activities covered are cycling, mountain biking, diving, snorkeling, golf, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, tennis and trekking.
More than 180 captioned color photos illustrate the information. Clear area maps, driving tour and walking tour maps highlight the National Geographic Traveler Vietnam guidebook. Well-researched and indexed, easy-to use, and full of helpful information, travelers will find it an indispensable resource before and during any trip to Vietnam.
