TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO VIETNAM Area Overview - Vietnam is one long, s-shaped country, capped at either end by its two biggest cities - Hanoi (north) and Ho Chi Minh City (south). Ho Chi Minh is also known by its former name, Saigon. In the middle of the country, you’ll only be an hour away from Laos on side and have beautiful beaches on the other. Most people do a trip starting in the north and then make their way south. Others, like us, go the other way, but we’re definitely the minority. You’ll find the most transportation options going in the southern direction and you’ll end up in or near Ho Chi Minh City, which as a ton of options for travel to other neighboring countries (like Malaysia, Cambodia, or Laos). Brief History - Vietnam was originally heavily influenced by Chinese culture, then the Japanese used central Vietnam as a trading port for its ships. Historic Vietnam was different kingdoms. North / south. American war, then united in 1974. Getting Arou...