Australia
United States
Canada
India
To understand Vietnam is to explore a country shaped not just by war, but by centuries of resilience, regional pride and cultural contrast—where the story of north and south is as old as the land itself.
For those of us old enough to remember, or at least have seen the movies, the Vietnam War defined how we understood the country’s past—the narrative often painted the north as the aggressors and the south as defenders—but the reality was far more complex.
And while today Vietnam is officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, reunified for over 40 years, the idea of a united Vietnam is relatively new. Historically, the S-shaped nation has more often been defined by its regions—its people, geography, and political identity shaped by centuries of difference.
For travellers visiting Vietnam today, the war may seem like a distant echo, but the legacy of the Vietnam War still shapes the country—in museums, in memory, and in the nuanced contrasts between North and South Vietnam.
More than just conflict though, Vietnam’s story is one of resilience, resistance, and ultimately reunification and healing. And understanding even a little of her complex past can add depth and perspective to every step of your Vietnam tour.
An overview: Why was Vietnam divided?
To understand the Vietnam War, it helps to take a step back, long before the battle lines. Vietnam’s north-south split didn’t begin in the 20th century—it’s rooted in centuries of cultural, political and geographical differences.
North Vietnam with its capital in Hanoi, has long been seen as the country’s political and intellectual heart. Influenced heavily by China through nearly a thousand years of rule, North Vietnam became known for its Confucian values, centralised governance, and ancient customs.
The south, centred around Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) developed under different influences. Indian, Khmer, and later French colonial powers shaped a region that felt more open and outward-looking. These cultural and ideological differences set the stage for the eventual conflict between North and South Vietnam.
What caused the division of Vietnam?
By the time World War II ended, Vietnam was under French colonial control but resistance was growing. Ho Chi Minh, a revolutionary leader from the north, formed the Viet Minh, a communist-led independence movement, and declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945.
The French, unwilling to give up their colony, fought to regain control. This led to the First Indochina War (1946–1954), which ended with the defeat of the French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Following the defeat, France agreed to withdraw from Indochina, marking the end of French colonial rule of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Next, the Geneva Accords of 1954 marked a turning point—temporarily dividing Vietnam at the 17th parallel, with the hope of nationwide elections in 1956 to reunify the country. But those elections never took place, and the divide began to deepen.
The 17th parallel: The line that shaped a nation
With the country divided into north and south, two Vietnams quickly diverged.
The temporary border drawn at the 17th parallel cut through Quang Tri Province, just north of the Ben Hai River. In the north, Ho Chi Minh led the communist government, while the south was supported by the United States and its allies. The plan was to hold elections in 1956 to reunify the country, but this didn’t happen—setting the stage for war.
The clash of ideologies in one country—combined with rising Cold War tensions—slowly set the stage for what would become a long and painful conflict that was the Vietnam War.
Two Vietnams: Life on either side of the line
Once Vietnam was split, differences between the north and south deepened. These weren’t just political ideologies—they shaped daily life, culture, and how each side experienced the war.
Hanoi became the capital of North Vietnam, officially the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh. Life was defined by strict state control, national pride, and resource scarcity, as the war continued. Still, there was a strong sense of unity and shared purpose.
The south, with Saigon at its centre, was more open, cosmopolitan, and influenced by Western culture. US presence shaped everything from pop music to street fashion. Life here was marked by a more individualistic outlook, though also touched by war.
As you travel across Vietnam, you’ll begin to understand why regional differences still linger in subtle ways today. This contrast isn’t just preserved in museums and historical sites; it’s in the memories passed down through families, the way history is taught in schools, in language dialects, cuisine, and even in how locals interact with tourists.
Today, many young Vietnamese today are looking ahead, filled with optimism and pride in their country’s progress—while still carrying the stories of the past with quiet dignity.
The road to Vietnam’s reunification
The Vietnam War came to an official end on April 30, 1975, when Saigon was captured by northern forces—a moment now honoured across the country as Reunification Day, symbolising both an end and a new beginning for Vietnam.
Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, symbolising the beginning of a new era as Vietnam reunified under the Socialist Republic. But reunification on paper didn’t instantly translate to harmony. The transition was complex, with recovery and emotional rebuilding on both sides.
Although Ho Chi Minh's vision for a unified Vietnam drove the nation’s cause, he did not live to see its fulfillment. Ho Chi Minh passed away in 1969, six years before the war’s end. Still, his legacy endured, inspiring the movement toward reunification, and his image remains a powerful national symbol to this day.
In the decades that followed, Vietnam began to rebuild—gradually opening its cities and economy and identity. By the late 1980s, the country cautiously opened up to the world, laying the groundwork for the vibrant, welcoming destination travellers experience today.
Sites and memorials: Where the past comes to life
For those wanting to understand the Vietnam War, several key sites—many of which are visited on many Inspiring Vacations tours—offer insight into the country’s past.
War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most visited museums in Vietnam, the War Remnants Museum, offers a moving and powerful glimpse into the human cost of conflict—an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand Vietnam’s recent past through the eyes of its people.
Cu Chi Tunnels, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
Just outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels, visited on our 9 Day Highlights Of Vietnam Premium Small Group Tour, are a vast underground network used by the Viet Cong that gives travellers a hands-on sense of wartime strategy and survival.
Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi
Known to American POWs as the ‘Hanoi Hilton,’ the prison tells a different side of the story, focusing on Vietnamese resistance under French and American occupation.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Residence, Hanoi
Located in Ba Dinh Square, this site is home to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Behind the mausoleum, you’ll find his humble home—a modest residence where he both lived and worked. Together, these sites visited on our 23 Day Vietnam & Mekong Delta In Depth Small Group Tour, offer a glimpse into both the political and personal legacy of one of the country’s most important figures.
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and Ben Hai River, Quang Tri Province
In the context of the Vietnam War, the DMZ was a buffer zone established around the 17th parallel, intended to separate North Vietnam and South Vietnam following the Geneva Accords of 1954. If visiting the area today, you can explore bunkers, cemeteries, and the former dividing line itself.
Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City
The spot where South Vietnam officially surrendered in 1975 is visited on our 23 Day Vietnam & Mekong Delta In Depth Small Group Tour. Frozen in time, the palace offers a glimpse into the final hours of the war, complete with war rooms, vintage phones, and tanks still parked out front.
Reflecting on 50 years since the Vietnam War’s end
In April 2025, Vietnam came together to mark 50 years since the end of the war—a poignant milestone filled with remembrance, pride, and celebration. Across cities and small towns, patriotic flags lined every major road, with events honouring the journey from conflict to peace and unity.
The milestone commemoration included events and parades in Ho Chi Minh City, celebrating not only peace and unity but also the incredible strides Vietnam has made in the decades since. From a divided nation to one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and welcoming destinations, Vietnam continues to look forward.
For travellers, it’s a poignant reminder that while the scars of war still exist in memory and landscape, Vietnam’s story today is one of resilience, renewal and warm-hearted optimism.
How to be a respectful traveller in Vietnam
1. Take time to understand the history: While today’s Vietnam is vibrant and future-focused, the echoes of its past still shape its people and places. Learning even a little about the Vietnam War can add powerful meaning to your journey.
2. Be mindful of local perspectives: In South Vietnam, you’ll likely notice a stronger Western influence and more open conversations about the war. In the north, the tone is often more reserved and focused on national pride. Both narratives are valid—respect them equally.
3. Respect the local customs: No matter the country you’re visiting, war memorials and museums carry emotional weight. They’re not just historical sites but deeply personal spaces for many Vietnamese.
4. Engage with the people mindfully: Younger generations are often focused on the future rather than the past. Unless they raise it, avoid pressing for personal war stories. Be curious, but compassionate.
5. Support local communities: Beyond major cities, rural areas and small towns still reflect Vietnam’s economic contrasts. Shopping at local markets, visiting artisans, and choosing locally owned businesses helps distribute tourism’s benefits more evenly.
6. Adapt to local etiquette: Familiarise yourself with the basic Vietnamese customs, such as respectful greetings, dress codes at religious sites and table manners. Showing a little cultural awareness will be greatly appreciated.
Ready to explore Vietnam? Inspiring Vacations’ Vietnam tours range from our 9 Day Highlights Of Vietnam Premium Small Group Tour to our 23 Day Vietnam & Mekong Delta In Depth Small Group Tour. Read about staff member Aleisha’s tour experience on our popular, 10 Day 5 Star Memoirs of Vietnam tour and book today!