Welcome to Vietnam!
HANOI has shaken off its hostile attitude to travelers to become one of the most beguiling cities in Asia. It's slow-paced and pleasant, with a lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and French colonial architecture. Hanoi's enchanting Old Quarter is rich with over a thousand years of history. Surface from its thronged labyrinth to explore the city's tranquil lakes and pagodas, its historical houses, and strange preponderance of turtle imagery. The museums will help make sense of it all.
SAPA lies on the side of the HoangLienSon Mountains with the Fansipan mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143m. The pyramid-shaped mountain is covered with clouds all year round and temperatures often drop below zero, especially at high elevations. SaPa’s flora is diverse, ranging from flowers to tropical fruits. The valleys surrounding Sapa are home to many of Vietnams ethnic Minority groups. Each has their own customs, languages and colorful dress. These tribes can be seen at the weekend-market in Sapa town.
DALAT, the city of Dalat is the jewel of the southern Central Highlands region. The cool climate and park-like environment (dotted with Vietnamese-style kitsch) makes it one of the most delightful cities in Vietnam. Dalat is also a good base for trips into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil. Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace is stuffed with interesting art and artefacts, and is well worth a look. Make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, nicknamed the Crazy House by locals. It's a counter-cultural gem created by artist and architect Mrs Dang Viet Nga (known as Hang Nga).
HALONG BAY, with its 3000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of Vietnam's natural marvels. The islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes created by the wind and waves. Hang Dau Go is the most impressive grotto, a huge cave of three chambers. Ha Long means 'where the dragon descended into the sea', and refers to a legend about a dragon who created the bay and islands with its flailing tail. There's a modern legendary creature, the Tarasque, said to haunt the area. Taking a tour of the bay is the main activity here; book one in Hanoi.
HUÉ, traditionally, Hué has been one of Vietnam's main cultural, religious and education centres. Sadly, the intriguing Forbidden Purple City was largely destroyed during the Vietnam War. About 15km (9mi) south of Hué are the splendid Royal Tombs, of the Nguyen emperors. Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most famous buildings in Vietnam. The remains of the huge moated citadel, constructed by Emperor Gia Long, contain many interesting sights, such as the Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Holy Cannons, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, Nine Dynastic Urns and the Halls of the Mandarins.
HOI AN. Recently named a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this is a trading outpost dating back to the 16th century. Because of its location on the Thu Bon River, Hoi An became a magnet for merchants from all over the world. Today its streets display a rich mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and European architecture and culture.
HO CHI MINH CITY is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It's a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre, the largest city in the country, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture. Ho Chi Minh City has several excellent museums that explore its dramatic history and feature everything from harrowing images of the war and revolution to political art. Outside, botanical gardens, temples, pagodas and churches beckon and inspire.
NHA TRANG, although it has the potential to develop into a flashy resort, Nha Trang is still a good place to go for sun and partying, just see it while it lasts. With very clear turquoise waters, snorkeling, diving and fishing are prime activities, and just lazing on the town beach is an experience in itself. There are some interesting sites nearby, such as the Long Son Pagoda, and 2km (1.2mi) to the north of town are the Cham towers of Po Nagar, built between the 7th and 12th centuries on a site that had been used for Hindu worship as early as the 2nd century.
CU CHI TUNNELS, just beyond the city limits. This amazing underground camp served as a refuge for thousands of Viet Cong during the war. For years the American military had no idea that the enemy lived literally beneath their feet in 125 miles of tunnels, staging camps, hospitals, operations bunkers, and more.
Today we can climb down into the tunnels to view their rooms and passageways. (This is not for the claustrophobic, as it is a very close space and you must slide along on your stomach at times.) Beforehand, watch a documentary that explains Cu Chi’s importance during the war..
THE MEKONG DELTA covers an area of 6700 square km in the southern region of Vietnam. Travel the bustling highway into the surrounding countryside where you will pass lush rice paddies carefully tended, before boarding your motorized sampan for a unique experience on the mighty Mekong Delta waterways. The people of Delta build their houses on stilts along the waterway and the water in Delta are use for cooking, bathing, washing clothes. You will see how important, to the people of Delta, the water is a lifeline - the focus of all daily activity.