Many people who visit the country of Vietnam feel powerfully drawn to return again at another time. Why? Well, I haven’t quite been able to put my thumb on it. It may be because of the adorable children of the nation, who run through the streets, grinning and flashing peace signs for the tourists’ cameras. It may be because of the overall gentle and gracious demeanor of the people of Vietnam. Or, it could very well be due to the vividly colorful landscape, dramatic coastline, or compelling history. Even though I am not sure which reason is most persuasive, I find that I myself have certainly not escaped the grasp of Vietnam’s charm.
I’ll be returning to Vietnam with the Deluxe Kosher Tours trip this February, and I can’t wait to share the beautiful sights and sounds of this country with you and others. Vietnam is an optional pre-extension to the Cambodia and Laos trip this winter, and I would most certainly encourage you to book it. Vietnam has a great number of beautiful surprises in store for every visitor, regardless of whether it is your first or fifth trip there.
February is a particularly good time of year to visit Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, as this tends to be the driest part of the year. Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with hot temperatures all year round, and really only has two seasons: wet and dry. Because we are visiting the city at the driest time of the year, we will be able to enjoy the many outdoor sites and attractions Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Average temperatures this time of year are between 73 and 91 degrees F, so bring clothing in light, breathable fabrics.
Ho Chi Minh City is such an active town that you will find absolutely no lack of things to do during our two days there. If you are interested in history, as I am, you will love our first day in the city, when we will tour the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here we will explore some of the enormous network of tunnels that were built by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam/American War. During the war, these tunnels, which stretch for over 124 miles, served a variety of purposes, from communication and supply routes to hiding spots to weapon caches. At the nearby firing range, you can get the opportunity to fire a US assault rifle. And if you’re interested in exploring the history of the Vietnam/American War even more, you can take a trip to the War Remnants Museum. Here you can explore the history of the war by observing hundreds of different photos. (I wouldn’t recommend this museum for children, as it is rather graphic.)
The last stop on your historical tour can be the Reunification Palace, which is considered to be the most important building in Ho Chi Minh City in terms of recent history. This building was the headquarters of the South Vietnamese during the war. In front of the palace, you can have your photo taken with two tanks- the very same tanks that knocked down the gates during the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Each time I am able to experience a piece of a country’s history so closely, I find it utterly amazing. These historical spots in Ho Chi Minh City are no exception.
