Cat Tien National Park covers almost 280 square miles of primary lowland tropical forest, around 100 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of the few places in Vietnam, where visitors can encounter many species which are rare in the rest of the country.

The bus from Ho Chi Minh City takes around four hours and depart every 30 minutes during the daytime. It is also possible to enter the park from other parts of the Central Highland, by road. Getting around the park itself is done on foot and should be done with a guide. There are several good reasons for this – firstly, the guides do these walks on a daily basis, they know they habits and hideouts of different species, and therefore you have a greater chance of seeing more wildlife if you go with a guide. The second, and most important reason is your own safety. The trais in this part of the country can be very hazardous for all kinds of reasons. Risks are posed by flooding, swamps, landslides, poisonous snakes and insects, as well as dangerous mammals and reptiles. Furthermore, the terrain can be quite tricky – ever year a number of foreign tourists die on the trails of Vietnam. Using a guide means you are much less likely to get into trouble, and that help is easier to find in case you do. By far the biggest danger faced by lone hikers is that of getting lost in the jungle. Even if you are an experienced hiker, now is a good time to swallow some pride and concede that the local guides know better.

The main trails lead to Crocodile Lake, Elephant Hills and Ta Lai. You can stay overnight at the lake. This is a good idea if you want to wake up early and have a chance to see gibbons and even Asian black bears in the forest. The national park is also home to a variety of macaque species, wild boar, leopard cats, a variety of bat species, turtles, crocodiles, kraits and cobras. If you do stay at the lake, you may have the chance to catch your own fish to be prepared for supper.

If you’re planning on coming to Cat Tien, ensure you wear long pants and long sleeves to protect yourself from mosquitoes and leeches.

Vietnam – Getting to know Vietnam’s Central Highlands

One of the least visited, yet most intriguing and beautiful areas of the country is Tay Nguyen – known in English as the Central Highlands. The striking scenery, ethnic diversity and striking traditional homes are a big draw for those who are intrepid enough to make the journey. Stretching westward from the borders with Cambodia and Laos, this area comprises a series of contiguous plateaus, mostly notable the Lam Vien Plateau, which reaches 1,500 meters in elevation.

The easiest way to get into the Central Highlands is bus local bus from the major cities, including Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and even Hanoi. The main terminus for arrivals is located in Dalat. Getting around, you won’t be able to rely much – if at all – on public transport, but there are still a number of options available to you. You can hire a motorbike, hire a local driver or boat owner to take you on a tour. Cycling is also an option, but most people who pass through here do so on foot. The real appeal of the area lies in its scenery and charming villages, which are best appreciated while trekking. Unlike much of the rest of the country, this region is still home to wild animals such as the Indochinese Tiger, Asian Elephants and the Asian Water Buffalo.

Dalat itself is home to numerous restaurants catering to all tastes. If you’re hoping to experience local ethnic cuisine, it’s better to try your luck in one of the smaller villages dotted around the area. The area has a surprisingly wide variety of fruits, vegetables and other delicacies. Most notable among these, should you wish to try, are the artichoke tea, dried venison and avocados. Dried fruits and local candies are on sale at the Nguyen Thi Minh Khai market, which also sells a variety of locally made clothes and handmade goods.

The journey from Dalat to Kontum is punctuated with a number of scenic and interesting spots that are well worth the visit. The first of these which you will come across, is Lak Lake, which you can tour on the back of an elephant, taking you to and from a number of tribal villages spread around the perimeter of the lake. Getting closer to Kontum you will begin to spot the villages of the Banhar tribal group, with their towering, thatched structures. The combination of the area’s natural beauty, the opportunity to spot rare wild animals, and the serene peacefulness and charm of the Banhar villages, give this area an almost other-worldly feeling, for those more used to the hustle and bustle of modern day city life.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, slightly inland from the coast of Central Vietnam, lies the imperial city of Hue. Famous as the seat of the Nguyen dynasty, which dominated the country from the 1600s right up until 1945, Hue is most often visited for its Imperial Citadel, which remains largely intact despite American artillery bombardment.

The city is one of the main hubs of central Vietnam, around 400 or so miles south of Hanoi, and approximately 700 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City. Many visitors arrive by train, and there are both soft and hard-sleeper carriages running this route. Coming into Hue by train gives you an opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of central Vietnam, on your journey towards the city. Those arriving from Da Nang may choose to take the bus, which takes around three hours. Some travelers arrive by air – either at Hue’s own airport, or at Da Nang, which has a greater choice of international connections. Getting around the city can be done by taxi, motorcycle taxi, bicycle or even on foot.

In case you’ve worked up an appetite and you want to sample some of the local fare before taking in the sights of Hue, you’ll be pleased to know that this city has its own cuisine. Hue food is associated with imperial splendor, and presentation is a key element in its preparation. Perhaps the most liked local dish is Bun Bo Hue – beef noddles with chilli. It is not difficult to find an eatery in the downtown area, or you could head over to Dong Ba market to enjoy an authentic Hue dining experience with the locals.

As mentioned, the main attraction of Hue, for travelers, is usually its Imperial Citadel. At one time, all of Vietnam was governed from this huge complex. Highlights include the courtyard of Ngo Mon and the gardens of the Truong Sanh residence, which can both easily inspire thoughts of a distant time, when the world was not the global village it is today, and the Nguyen dynasty ruled in splendor over this East Asian country. The Imperial Citadel is so large and has many surprising and charming corners, that it is worth taking a full day to try to take it in at your leisure.

The other main attraction for visitors are the Tombs of the Emperors – another large attraction, which warrants at least half a day or more to take in properly. These really are the elaborate tombs of Ngyuen emperors from the 1800s. In many cases, the emperors played a major part in designing their own tomb – aiming to ensure that it was more splendid than the nearest neighboring tomb. The best way to see the tombs is by riverboat, and you’ll find it relatively easy to find someone who will take you there, as well as serve your lunch on the boat itself. If you prefer, you can rent a bicycle to cycle around the area, too – giving you more freedom to stop as and when you want.

It may surprise visitors to learn that Vietnam’s largest island is actually in the Gulf of Thailand. Directly south of Cambodia (which disputes the ownership of the island), Phu Quoc is a densely forested and highly mountainous island, complete with sandy beaches and a deep blue sea.

Visitors can reach Phu Quoc by air from Ho Chi Minh city, although it is much more common for travelers to arrive by sea. There is a fast ferry which leaves from Ha Tien, on the Cambodian border, and takes less than two hours. It is possible to book the bus and ferry tickets together in Ho Chi Minh City, and simply transfer once you arrive in Ha Tien.

Until a few years ago, Phu Quoc was relatively untouched by tourism, and was widely regarded as one of the cleanest and most unspoiled island in Southeast Asia. However, the construction of resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants, along with the typical dive schools and watersports centers, has seen an increase in visitor numbers year on year. No more are the unlittered beaches and quiet sleepy villages. There are, however, plenty of unspoiled places to explore inland.

As Phu Quoc is such a mountainous island, relying on walking or a bicycle will inevitably restrict your exploration to the beach and coastal areas, for the most part. If you want to have a chance to see a bit more wildlife and greenery, be sure to rent a motorbike and a map to take you up into the trails. These trails are quite safe in general, although some of them have become overgrown in parts, so it’s important to stay aware of your bearings and not venture too far away from the visible trail.

If you want to get out onto the sea, there are numerous opportunities to charter a boat for a fishing trip. One of the more popular activities is squid fishing at night – you will take a boat out into the bay and try your hand at catching a squid. Once there is enough for everyone, this will quickly be prepared into a dinner, which you can then enjoy on the boat, under the stars.
If you’re still not ready to go to bed, you’ll find a string of bars along Duong Dong which cater to tourists.

Don’t leave Phu Quoc without visiting one of the many markets, including the night market at Duong Dong, where you can purchase some of the island’s local produce, such as its famous fish sauce, peppers, seafood and even pearls.

Heading south from Ho Chi Minh City for a few hours, we begin to approach the market garden of Vietnam, with its own monsoon climate – the delta of the mighty Mekong River. At this far point of the Southeast Asian peninsula, the Mekong splits into nine separate rivers, which then cascade eventually into the South China Sea.

As with any major river delta, the area is excellent for growing certain types of grain, fruit and vegetables, however it does have its drawbacks, too. In this part of Vietnam, you will notice a great number of houses built up on stilts, due to the potential for flooding, especially during the rainy season. These characteristics and features give the Mekong Delta a slightly different, although still thoroughly Vietnamese, appearance and ambience.

Not all of the region’s people live in stilted homes, however – there are a number of cities which are well protected from the course of the rivers. These cities have grown up as hubs for the surrounding farming industry, which supplies an incredible 70% of all Vietnam’s fruit and vegetables.

While there are interesting towns with lively markets of their own – such as Chau Doc, close to the Cambodian border – it is a much more thrilling and authentic Mekong experience to travel through the region by boat. This also gives you the advantage of being able to visit a number of the area’s famous floating markets. Here you will see an astounding array of tropical produce – boats piled up with durian, papaya and jackfruit, being transferred to the sampans and paddle boats of large resellers and private customers alike.

Con Dao is the name given to an archipelago around 100 miles off the coast of mainland Vietnam, in the South China Sea. The group is centered around the main island of Con Son. These islands were once part of the Khmer Empire, falling to the Vietnamese as late as the 17th century. Until recently they were largely undeveloped, save for a number of times they were put to use as prison camps during times of war. The remaining prisoners and guards make up the population of just 5,000, and now appear to have buried their differences in favor of a peaceful life.

A peaceful life is exactly what you could expect, too, if you spend any length of time in Con Dao. This is perhaps the quietest part of Vietnam, with its untouched tropical beaches and spectacular wildlife. Nevertheless, tourist have started to arrive, partly to enjoy the beaches in peace, and to observe the turtle colonies here.

Visitors usually arrive by air, with a regular service from Ho Chi Minh City, run by Vietnam Airlines. There is also a ferry which departs from the port at Vung Tau and takes around 12 hours. Con Son itself is quite small, and it is possible to explore the island on foot. However, due to the mountainous terrain and lack of shade, it’s more advisable to rent a motorbike to avoid fatigue.

All of the beaches genuinely look like something from a picture postcard. The beach nearest to the port is An Hai Beach, and here you’ll be close enough to a group of hotels and restaurants if you are worried about getting hungry. It is quite possible that the other beaches will have very few, if any people, there, so you may very well have a pristine white sand tropical beach to yourself. The cleanest of all the beaches tends to be Dat Dong Beach. There is also a resort here where you can find food and something to drink. Snorkeling and diving are popular on the islands and you will be able to rent kit and perhaps even an instructor by visiting one of the many small shops, or asking at a resort.

Aside from the beaches, there are other interesting things to do in Con Dao. Due to the role the prison camps played in Vietnamese history, the island’s cemetery is a popular place to visit for Vietnamese nationals. There is also a shrine to Vo Thi Sau – a Vietnamese schoolgirl who took up arms against the French occupiers, and who was martyred in 1952. Visit on an evening and you will be able to observe the burning of incense and the offering of prayers for her soul.

Vietnam’s largest city is still commonly known by Vietnamese and foreigners by its pre-1976 name: Saigon. Once a Khmer fishing port, it was conquered by the Vietnamese towards the end of their drive southward in 1698. Under Vietnamese rule, Saigon grew into a major port and it’s population began to grow rapidly. By the time of the French invasion, it had already become one of the country’s most important centers.

The French occupation made a significant mark on the city’s appearance, with plenty of grand, colonial-style buildings appearing in the central district – most of which still stand today. These days, part of Saigon’s charm lies in its blend of French villas, Vietnamese pagodas and supermodern skyscrapers. Following the capitulation of American forces, North Vietnamese tanks rolled into Saigon in 1975, and the following year the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. Today it stands as the economic powerhouse driving the phenomenal growth in Vietnam’s economy. The city is responsible for one-third of the nation’s industrial output and also one-third of its shipping. As Saigon’s metropolitan population is expected to reach 20 million people in the coming years, the former fishing village has truly taken its place among the world’s greatest cities.

Most visitors arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport – the city’s international hub, which is around an hour away from the central district. Air conditioned buses leave at 20-minute intervals all day long, and provide the first-time visitor with a more relaxed journey into the city, as opposed to taking one of the many taxis. Saigon is also a major hub for bus and rail travel, and you won’t have any trouble finding connections from any major town in Vietnam or the surrounding countries.

Getting around Saigon, you also have a wide range of options, although perhaps the most important thing to remember at this point is to keep your wits about you. Whether you explore the city on foot, by bicycle or on a motorbike, you should be aware of the extreme driving skills of the Saigonese, who have a ‘me-first’ attitude to seemingly everything once they are behind the wheel. Take extra caution when in traffic, crossing roads and at junctions. Taxis are unregulated and first time visitors are highly likely to be overcharged. If you really need to take a taxi, try to get a local Vietnamese friend to negotiate the fare in advance, and note it down in front of the driver. Failing this, plan in advance, make sure you know where you want to go and roughly how much the fare should be. To get a real feel for the city and the lifestyle of its citizens, get yourself a map of the city’s bus routes and hop on. The fares are cheap and, due to the heavy traffic, bus journey are often just as quick as taxi rides anyway.

Saigonese cuisine has been heavily influenced by that of their former colonial masters, the French. Thus, you will find menus offering cheese dishes and baguettes, alongside pho and other typically Vietnamese dishes. Banh Xeo are Saigonese omelets often filled with locally grown ingredients such as bamboo shoots. You are spoiled for choice with places to eat, from the most basic street food, to the most opulent upscale restaurants, Saigon has too many options to get through in a lifetime.

Saigon: The Main Sights

The first place you’ll probably want to see is the magnificent Reunification Palace. It is by no means the grandest or most beautiful building to have been called a palace – its architecture is distinctly 1960s kitsch in some respects, but its attraction actually has little to do with the architecture. As you approach the building, you’ll see a replica tank, which commemorates the moment a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the gate of the building in 1975, signaling the final downfall of the US-backed capitalist forces. The interior of the building is also an authentic throwback to the 1960s, with some rooms left just as they were when Communist forces took over the building – complete with old phones, maps and radios.

A stone’s throw from the Reunification Palace is the War Remnants Museum. This attraction is particularly popular with American tourists, as well as those from the rest of the world, who can see real American war material – some spent, some captured by the victorious Vietnamese forces – in a series of exhibits. This military hardware includes American tanks, airplanes, bombs, rifles, uniforms and grenades. There are also numerous opportunities to learn about the horrors of the American campaign in the country and the devastation and suffering caused by the use of illegal weapons such as napalm and Agent Orange.

For a further insight into the Party’s view of the country and its history, take a look at the Ho Chi Minh museum, which documents and celebrates the life of the mercurial leader. The museum itself is housed in one of the city’s many beautiful French colonial buildings, while the interior and contents are just the way the Party would like the world to view its most famous champion.

For a taste of modern Saigon, head over to the imposing Bitexco Financial Tower. This building stands at 68 floors tall and has a Skydeck, from where you can gaze past the other skyscrapers that adorn the central district, to the colonial and traditional buildings of the past. This view is best appreciated around sunset, when you will see the city transform into a sea of shimmering lights. If you’re looking for somewhere to start off the night, there is something of a swanky bar on the 50th floor – be sure to dress to impress.

There is also an endless list of activities for you to take part in when you’re in Saigon. Perhaps one of the most appealing is to take a personal guided tour with a local. Rather than struggling with maps and transport on your own, let a Saigonese native take you to the places the locals go to eat, enjoy the parks and walks where they get away from the tourists, see a real Vietnamese home and soak up their stories of life and love in exotic Saigon.

The Ao show at Saigon Opera House is also a great way to start off an evening. Don’t be put off by the idea of watching a circus in an opera house – this is strictly modern circus, with an enthralling display of agility and finesse by some of the country’s top athletes, set to a backdrop representing Vietnam’s colorful culture and heritage. It’s also a winner for music lovers, who will be treated to a soundtrack which wonderfully fuses traditional elements of Vietnamese music with more modern influences.

Dam Sem Park is a great place to cool off from the sticky heat of the city. Here you’ll find an assortment of water slides to please children and adults alike. There is also a collection of moving dinosaurs to captivate the kids’ imaginations as they dry off.

The Chu Chi tunnels are well worth a visit. Originally over 150 miles in length, they were used by the local resistance fighters – the Viet Cong, to plan and stage operations against the US aggression. Military strategists agree that these tunnels played a key role in the liberation of Saigon – so much so that US military top brass declared them a free-fire zone – a place for pilots to drop unused ordnance indiscriminately in the hope of damaging them. Today tourists are shown what life was like in the tunnels for the freedom fighters – enduring harsh and dangerous conditions in their struggle to overthrow the oppressor.

If you’re hoping to make local friends, head over to 23rd September Park on a late afternoon. There are plenty of groups playing games and taking part in activities, from traditional games to badminton. Many people come here simply to chat, relax and enjoy the sunset before embarking on a night out in the city. It is particularly popular with university students. As soon as these students become aware that you’re not local, there will be no shortage of people hoping to make friends with you – partly to satisfy their inquisitiveness about the world outside their country, and perhaps to practice and hone their English skills on you. Either way, it’s a great way to make new friends and get an insider’s viewpoint on Vietnamese and Saigonese life.

Saigon is a huge city, so if you find yourself looking for less exotic comforts and activities, there are plenty of theaters, restaurants, cinemas, live music, nightclubs, bars, gyms, markets, libraries, art galleries and the whole host of attractions that you can find in any big city. These are great places to meet regular locals who are just relaxing on their day off or after work. In Saigon, you’re far more likely to meet people who can speak English, French, Mandarin and Japanese than in the rest of Vietnam, and the chances are that they will be eager to practice their language skills with you.

Nha Trang is one of the less commonly visited cities in Vietnam, but those visitors who do make it here, usually come in search of the beaches and the lifestyle that goes with them. Nha Trang’s beaches stretch out for five miles along the coast, giving visitors plenty of room to spread their wings. Aside from the beaches, Nha Trang has a vibrant and interesting urban core, and some fascinating sites in the surrounding area.

Buses from Ho Chi Minh usually take around 12 hours to arrive in Nha Trang, whereas those coming from Hoi An can take up to 16 hours. Express buses from the major cities tend to drop people off in the tourist areas around Biet Thu, rather than at the central bus station. Nha Trang is popular with Vietnamese beach-goers and scuba divers, and therefore most of the activity happens around the beaches and the areas that are geared up fro tourism. If you want to see more of the city, the pubic bus system is convenient and reliable. If you don’t feel confident getting on a bus, there are also the usual options of hiring a taxi, cyclo or motorbike.

The beach itself is not the most pristine or serene in Vietnam – if you want a paradise-like scene in which you can relax under a palm tree listening to the waves lap the shore, you might want to head on to Qoy Nhon. However, if what you’re looking for is beach activities, water sports, diving and the rest, you are in the right place. As with other coastal cities, Nha Trang has a good selection of local seafood restaurants, plus a good number of bars for you to relax in after a long day in the water. If you are looking for authentic, locally-caught seafood, you might want to head up to Doc Let beach, where fishermen will prepare their catch for you in the local style.

If you want to take a boat out on the water, you can hire a captain and a vessel from the Nha Trang Sailing Club. If you prefer to indulge in a spot of surfing, look out for The Shack on Bai Dai Beach, where you can hire equipment and even book lessons. This is also a great place to spend the evening, with an authentic barbecue steak grill and plenty to drink. There are also diving shops all over Nha Trang and you can hire equipment and take diving courses for a snip of what it would cost you in some other countries.

Away from the beaches, there are plenty of other outdoor activities you can take part in around Nha Trang, such as off road cycling, climbing, trekking, hot springs and mud baths. One of the most popular places is the Thap Ba Hot Springs and Mud Bath, on the north side of the city. This place is geared up rather like a resort, with various pools, a restaurant, cocktail bar and massage service.

If you don’t feel like taking part in too many outdoor activities, you can always head over to the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam, where you can see various endangered and rare aquatic species. Alternatively take a look around the central core of this pleasant and vibrant city, perhaps stopping in the French-built cathedral for a rest and to enjoy the cooler air.

If you’re looking to really get away from the hassle of vendors, the noise and smells of the city, and just be left alone to relax and invigorate yourself, Quy Nhon is the place to go. Located on the coast about halfway between Hoi An and Nha Trang, this is a city with a real small town feel. The main draw to the city are its pristine, picturesque beaches that remain virtually untouched by mass tourism. Here’s a place you can lay back under a palm tree without being bothered by vendors, and take a dip in the ocean without seeing the plastic bags and other trash that clutter up other beaches. If you hadn’t heard of Quy Nhon before, there’s a good reason for it – it’s not on the main tourist routes, and that’s perhaps why it remains so special to this day.

Buses run regularly from Da Nang and take between six and seven hours. Coming the other way, from Nha Trang, buses usually take around five hours. The main bus terminus is around half an hour’s walk from the city center, but you can talk a local bus into town if you prefer not to walk. Quy Nhon is quite spread out along the beach, and so it’s often a good idea to rent a bicycle or a motorbike if you want to explore the area.

The beaches on the south side of the city are the best for swimming and bathing – there is nothing wrong with the northern beaches, but there just happen to be more fishing boats arriving and leaving from that area. The water is crystal clean and the sand is pristine. You will most likely be the only foreigner around, so be prepared to make the most of body language and hand gestures if you don’t speak Vietnamese – you may be lucky to find someone who can converse with you, but the city is just not set up for international tourism.

If you’re looking for something to eat after you arrive, as Quy Nhon is a coastal town, you can’t go wrong with the local seafood. Along the front you’ll find plenty of eateries catering to the local population. There are also a number of bars for you to quench your thirst. If you’re traveling as a couple, or if you’ve managed to make a friend locally, definitely check out Surf Bar in Xuan Dieu, for its friendly and romantic seafront ambience.

If you’re staying a while longer in the Quy Nhon area, you might want to check out some of the beaches just outside the city. Bai Xep beach is a 15 minute ride out of the city and is just as nice, but much quieter. Having said that, you’ll still be able to find food and drink in the village if you can tear yourself away from the golden sand and turquoise ocean water. The beach at neighboring Xuan Hai is probably the most beautiful in the area – equally pristine and virtually untouched, only this time with an expanse of white sand petering off into the ocean.

Quy Nhon city itself has a few attractions that you might like to visit if you don’t feel like spending all your time at the beach. The Thap Doy Towers are around a 20-minute bicycle ride from the train station and are located in a tranquil park. These structures are a good example of ethnic Cham architecture. If you’re interested in that, you might also enjoy visiting larger Cham towers around 18 miles out of the city in a temple complex by the same name.

For those who are looking for the quintessential Vietnamese experience, Hoi An surges straight to the top of their itinerary. This ancient port city has everything from the country’s fainest and most famous cuisine, to beautiful beaches, glorious traditional architecture and an almost enchanting ambience. The city itself has been of major importance for over 2,000 years, and its key role in the regimes of occupying powers is reflected in its traditional buildings, which features examples of Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Japanese architecture.

Many visitors arrive here from Da Nang airport, which is a mere 45 minutes away by air-conditioned bus. There is no railway station in Hoi An, but it is possible to travel to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and then switch to the bus at Da Nang airport. Alternatively, there are plenty of overnight tour buses carrying travelers from the two major cities by bus into Hoi An. Most of the city center is off limits to motorized traffic, and so you’ll do most of your sightseeing on foot. This is perhaps one of the most charming aspects of Hoi An – it’s a relief to be able to lower your guard and relax from the chaos and noise of the traffic of other Vietnamese cities.

If there is one place in this country where you should sample the local cuisine, it is here. The city’s name itself is synonymous the world over for its food, and there are a number of dishes worth trying while you’re here. Banh Bao Vac is a type of shrimp dumpling which is hand formed into the shape of a flower. Cao Lau noodles are prepared with water from the local area, and is served with pork and vegetables. Hoanh Thanh are similar to Cantonese wonton dumplings, also served in soup, or occasionally deep fried. There are plenty of eateries in this town, but for a more authentic local experience, you might want to make your way over to the Central Market, where you can soak up the smells of authentic Hoi An cuisine, before sitting down and enjoying your meal in the company of locals.

Take a walk around the old town and along the riverfront to take in the sights of Hoi An’s historic center. From traditional Japanese pagodas to Vietnamese town houses and Chinese meeting halls, a stroll around the Old Town will take you on a tour of the city’s rich history. Once the sun begins to set, the city gently ushers you into the past – there is no electric street lighting in Hoi An. Instead, the streets and buildings are lit by silk lanterns, which create an air of mystery, romance and nostalgia. Many visitors who experience this decide to prolong their stay in Hoi An, simply to experience it again.

Around Hoi An
One of the reasons Hoi An makes a great destination, is that it is not only a fascinating and historic town, but it is also surrounded by places of beauty and interest. Nearby Cau Dai beach stretches out under the palm trees with barely a tourist in sight. If you’ve been to other beaches in Southeast Asia – expecting the pristine setting of golden sand sinking into a turquoise ocean, only to be disappointed by throngs of tourists, noise and litter – then you should definitely head for Cau Dai beach, which won’t disappoint you.

Marble mountain is a popular sightseeing spot due to the numerous statues of Buddha carved into the rock, along with the splendid vista it gives way to. Those interested in the was with the United States also find this spot to be of interest, as it was from here that Viet Cong soldiers managed to gun down so many American aircraft at the height of the war.

The My Son Sanctuary is home to a great number of sculptures which span the centuries, dating back to the Champa Kingdom. Many of the older towers are covered with jungle overgrowth, giving it a real feel of being a ‘lost kingdom’.

Staying in the far north, close to the Chinese border crossing at Lao Cai, and nestled in the misty mountains, lies the beautiful town of Sa Pa. This part of the country has become popular with trekkers, who make a bee line for the rugged, untouched natural beauty of the area’s mountain terrain. Buses run from Hanoi and take just under eight hours. If you are coming from Lao Cai, there is also a fairly regular bus which takes just over an hour to reach Sa Pa. Once you have arrived in the town, the best way to get around is on foot.

Sa Pa is a place in which the country’s ethnic minorities form a majority. Many of them have realized the allure that their culture and costumes hold for traveler, and you may be asked to buy trinkets and hand-made souvenirs from them. On the other hand, many travelers want to have their pictures taken with local people in costume. Most of the time, people will be happy to oblige for free, but it is important to always ask for permission before taking a photo of a local person.

Due to the popularity of the town, a number of backpacker hostels, restaurants and bars have sprung up to cater for the incoming crowds. It is possible to share a drink with travelers from around the world in the evening and then have an entire mountain panorama to yourself the following morning.

If you don’t fancy trekking alone, you can sign up for tours with local guides who will show you the most impressive sights of the area. Be sure to visit Heaven’s Gate – the most spectacular view in all Sa Pa. You might also be interested in a longer tour, in which case you can arrange a homestay with a local family on your route. Alternatively, take a poncho and a warm blanket with you, and rent a motorbike from the town to see as much as you can in one day.

One of the most remote, mountainous and hitherto inaccessible corners of Vietnam, Ha Giang is slowly gaining the recognition it deserves for its breathtaking mountain views and traditional way of life. Nestled up by the Chinese border, this part of the country has, for the most part, been ignored by the regional powers, including the Vietnamese themselves, making it home to a large number of ethnic minority communities. These people continue to live our their traditional lives, tending to rice paddies and living in small villages which cling to the mountainside.

Most people who arrive in Ha Giang, do so either coming from Hanoi, or having crossed into Vietnam from China. From My Dinh bus station in Hanoi, it takes around six or seven hours to get to Ha Giang. If you are crossing into Vietnam from China, there are two buses running each day from the Lao Cai border crossing. Be aware that foreign travelers are still required to apply for a permit to travel in this region, due to the sensitive situation around the border.

Getting around the province can be done in several ways. There isn’t much in the way of public transport, but many people are happy to hire a local driver and agree a fee in advance for a day, or several days touring the area. Alternatively, it is possible to hire motorbikes. If you really want to get close to nature, it’s a great area for trekking, with a number of established trails.

Once you’ve found a place to stay, you might want to partake in some of the local food offerings of this unique region. Many dishes originate with the ethnic communities who live here, and can’t be found anywhere else in Vietnam. Chao Au Tau, for example, is a popular evening dish served around Ha Giang town – a dish based on glutinous rice, featuring pigs trotters and an assortment of herbs. Alternatively, you might want to plump for smoked buffalo meat, another local delicacy.

In terms of seeing the sights, most people aim to get the to Ma Pi Lang pass – a steep road climbing up to 2,000 meters of elevation, offering travelers some incredible views stretching from China, out across the mountainous province. From there, you might want to head towards Xa Phin Village, where you will find a grand edifice known as the Hmong King Palace, and named for the ethnic Hmong people who inhabit the area.

To get closer to more local ethnic minority communities, and to see their everyday lives, head to Pho Bang Village, where you can appreciate the wooden columns and mud walls of their traditional architecture. People here belong to the Hoa and Mong ethnic minorities and, with any luck, you might be able to see them in their traditional costumes. If you are trekking, you’ll want to head for the Dong Van Plateau – an almost untouched part of the country, offering panoramic views down to the Vietnamese rice paddies on one side, and the mountains of China on the other. The ethnic minority communities here have been isolated from the rest of the country, and offer the chance to see their communities without the typical tourist gimmicks.

This is another of Vietnam’s most celebrated natural wonders, and its beauty has inspired many a painter, movie director and advertising executive. Here you have an unmistakeably East Asian water scene, with limestone karsts facing the jade green of the forest across the bay – a spectacular scene which almost couldn’t exist anywhere else.

Halong Bay lies just over 100 miles to the east of Hanoi, opening up into the Gulf of Tonkin. Visitors usually arrive by bus from Hanoi – a journey of around five hours, leaving from Hanoi’s Gia Lam terminus and arriving at Bai Chay in Halong.

Once you have settled into your accommodation (you don’t need to be too picky about location – there are several ports within Halong City and around the bay, too), you can venture out to try a local delicacy known as Ngan – a type of clam dish which is only served in this part of northern Vietnam. The large clams are usually served with wine and are best enjoyed overlooking the bay as the sun begins to set.

The main attraction of the bay are its island cruises, of which there are plenty to choose from. Despite the abundance of different types of water transport – from junks to speedboats – it is better to book your trip in advance due to the sheer popularity of the rides. As high season approaches, after March, you may even find it impossible to find a ticket at the time you want to travel. A typical cruise itinerary may involve stopping at islands and caves for some swimming, diving and exploring isolated beaches. Overnight cruises may also involve beach parties or cocktails on deck.

Sixty miles south of the capital city lies the small, sleep city of Ninh Binh, capital of the province of the same name. This former garrison town is most often used as a base for exploring the dramatic surrounding scenery, although the city does have a few charms of its own.

Most tourists arriving from Hanoi will arrive by air-conditioned bus, which departs from Hanoi Giap Bat Station and takes around three hours. Getting around the town itself is easy enough on foot, but to see the countryside, you’ll either need to join a tour, use a taxi or rent a motorbike.

Phat Diem Cathedral dates back to the 1870s and is renowned as one of the loveliest churches in the country. From there you can make your way to Dinh Tien Hoang Plaza, by the riverside, to take in the relaxing atmosphere of the city and enjoy the riverscape. As evening approaches you can find plenty of eateries around the train station area. If you’re looking to sample the local cuisine, be sure to ask for Com Chay – a specialty of Ninh Binh which consists of burned rice and pork. Wash it down with a glass of sugarcane juice – another local favorite, while you plan your visit to the surrounding area.

Perhaps the most popular of the areas around Ning Binh is Tam Coc River Garden. Board a boat here and be rowed by a local through some of the most wonderful scenery in all Vietnam. As the cliffs of the river disappear behind you, you’ll pass through three cave systems, which were carved through the mountain by the river, millions of years ago. Once your riverboat ride is over, you can head into Tam Coc itself and find the Bich Dong Pagoda, for equally spectacular views looking out from the cliffs over the river you just traveled on. Try to get their early and avoid public holidays, and Tam Coc is popular with both foreign and Vietnamese tourists.

Not all that far from Tam Coc is Hang Mua Peak. The trek up this mountain is made easier by the construction of steps for most of the way, but be aware that the peak does drop away dramatically, so this is not for those who are afraid of heights. The drop, however, does off magnificent views which, as you approach the top of the peak, become a complete panorama of breathtaking proportions. From the distant mountains to your west, you can watch the land pan out into the Red River Delta to your west. If you’ve brought a camera, you’ll definitely want to use it here.

The capital city of Vietnam has, for a long time, been somewhat overlooked in favor of its larger counterpart in the south. These days, however, Hanoi is firmly on the tourist map and visitors continue to come each year to sample the city’s delights. The city’s architecture and cuisine reflects a fascinating blend of Vietnamese culture with French influences. As the city was largely undamaged in the war with America, it is perhaps the best place to get to grips with a more traditional side of the country.

Most visitors arrive at the international terminal at Noi Bai Airport, which was opened in 2015, and has vastly improved visitors’ experiences. It takes just under an hour from the airport to Hanoi station by air-conditioned bus, which runs at regular intervals through the day. This is generally the preferred way to get to the city, as many visitors have been put off using taxis due to being overcharged and other bad experiences. Taxis, however, do remain one of the most important ways to get around the city, although you also now have the option to use Uber. Motorcycle drivers and pedicabs will also take visitors on shorter journeys. For the truly adventurous, the bus is an excellent, cheap and reliable option. If you are unsure where to get off, ask the conductor when he or she comes to collect your fare.

Perhaps the most famous attraction which continues to draw the tourists, is Hanoi’s Old Quarter. As its name suggests, this is one of Hanoi’s oldest districts, and its streets and buildings survive intact to this day. Take a stroll around and admire the mixture of traditional Vietnamese buildings, interspersed with architecture from the French colonial period. At one time, this part of the city was the most important merchant district, and it still has the bustle, sights and sounds suggestive of that time. If you’re lucky enough to be there around lunch or dinner time, the aromas of freshly cooked food will be added to that blend, making the Old Quarter a real treat for the senses.

For something of a relaxing chance from the Old Quarter, you can take an early morning, or late evening saunter around Hoan Kiem Lake. This charming body of water provides citizens with a place to relax together, exercise, socialize and forget the stress of the city. It is punctuated with delightful bridges and statues. The lake itself is also home to a number of giant turtles. In fact, don’t forget to look out for the most conspicuous of the temples around the lake – Turtle Temple.

To get some idea of more recent history, no trip to Hanoi is complete without visiting the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. The former leader’s embalmed body lays here, with thousands visiting each day to show their respect. You’ll need to dress appropriately – no shorts or exposed midriffs, and the guards don’t tolerate loud, drunken or rude behavior. You won’t be allowed to stop for too long to take a look at the embalmed body – the line is supposed to be constantly moving. But you’ll get an idea of just how much the country reveres the memory of this extraordinary man.

If all that walking takes its toll on your feet, it isn’t difficult to find a good places to sit down to eat and drink. No visitor to the city should leave without trying a Hanoi specialty – Banh Tom – deep fried and battered shrimp and sweet potato. If you were wondering what to wash it down with, look no further than Bia Hoi Hanoi, a local, unpreserved beer that perfectly quenches thirst on a hot afternoon.