National Geographic Traveler May/June 1996 [antikvár]

EDITOR NOTE The new Vietnam It is a place wliose beauty is legendary. Take it from Steve Raymer, who photographed this issue's story for Traveler (page 60). Steve—a veteran of the Vietnam War—has traveled to more than 75 countries during his 23-year career, but he states unequivocally that Vietnam—with its rugged mountains, its lush, green rice fields, and its many scenic rivers, bays, and beaches—is the most beautiful country he has ever seen. Period. But that's just one good reason to visit the "land of the ascending dragon." Another is to experience a culture dating back more than 2,000 years. Here the visitor encounters a rich tapestry of architecture, art, religion, festivals, archaeological sites, and fascinating towns and cities. Then there's the food—an amalgamation of Asian and French that food Steve Raymer lovers find both delectable and inexpensive. (To read about Vietnam's national dish, a tasty noodle soup called pho, see page 32). Yet another reason to visit is the friendly, outgoing Vietnamese people themselves. Says Traveler managing editor Paul Martin (also a Vietnam veteran), who wrote the story, "Perhaps the thing I found most startUng was the extraordinarily cordial welcome I received. The people seemed genumely happy to see me." The opening up of Vietnam was a long time conung. After the war ended in 1975, U.S. pohcy prohibited Americans from traveling there. But in December 1991, the restriction on tourism was lifted by the Bush Administration, and the gates were open. Two years later, in February '94, President Clinton ended the 19-year-long U.S. economic embargo, and that was followed last July by full diplomatic recognition. Today, Vietnam is a hot travel destination, and tourism facilities are being improved steadily to accommodate the ever growing numbers of visitors from abroad (over a million last year). Those travelers find the country ahve with energy, optimism, and signs of prosperity: a new Mercedes-Benz dealership in Ho Chi Minh City; Hanoi businessmen cutting deals over their cellular telephones; ubiquitous signs for Coca-Cola and Japanese and U.S. electronic products. As Paul observes, "The communists may have won the war, but capitalism is winning the peace." Clearly, the time to go has arrived. Vietnam's exquisite Lang Co Peninsula basks in the sun.