The beaches of Vietnam are superb. Nha Trang is the perfect
combination of a long sandy beach for relaxing days under the palm trees and a
town with restaurants and bars to pass the balmy evenings. Boat trips take you
out to nearby islands and divers can explore the nearby coral reefs.
Alternatively, try Vung Tau, southeast of Ho Chi Minh City for some superb
snorkelling around the many offshore islands or head east of Phan Thiet to the
sand dunes of Mui Ne, which stretch for miles. Whatever your budget there'll be
a resort to suit you. Relax on the white-sand beaches or have a go at many of
the water sports on offer.
Cao Dai Temple
Head out to Tay Ninh to view the colourful midday service of
the intriguing Cao Dai sect held in a large temple almost Disney-esque in
style. The followers wear red, blue and yellow robes and chant to the
accompaniment of a traditional orchestra. En route, scramble through the
tunnels at Cu Chi, from where the Viet Cong successfully launched attacks
against US forces.
Central Highlands
Dalat is as far as most people go into the Central Highlands
but head further into the mountains for stunning views and waterfalls. You are
assured of a warm welcome in Buon Ma Thuot, a coffee growing region and home to
the Montagnards. The Ho Chi Minh trail is easily reached from Kontum.
Cooking lessons
Learn the subtleties of Vietnamese cookery at a class in
ancient Hoi An. Submerge into the hustle and bustle of the market to buy
provisions before retreating to the calm of the kitchen. The best part of the
day – you get to eat what you have helped prepare!
Dalat
To escape the heat of the plains, head for Dalat, a former
colonial hill station, reminiscent of a French town, with faded, elegant villas
evocative of another era. Colonists from Saigon headed to its cool climes as
well as the emperor and his entourage. The romantic lakes and alpine scenery
are magnets for Vietnamese honeymooners.
Halong Bay
Sure it is touristy, and if you take a boat trip you'll be
among a flotilla of dozens of old converted junks, but Halong Bay still remains
one of the most impressive sights in the world. Take the opportunity to borrow
a kayak (all boats should do this) and paddle through the limestone karsts
dramatically rising up out of the sea. Or spend the night on one of those junks
and explore the caves hidden deep in the islands, pass floating villages and at
night enjoy a sundowner on the top deck and look out for shooting stars.
Hanoi
Hanoi is a city of contrasts with the wide, leafy boulevards
lined by beautiful colonial buildings in the French quarter, the maze of narrow
streets of the Old Quarter and the tranquil lakes. Wherever you are, the
background noise is the buzzing of the motorbikes that crowd the streets of the
capital.
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train
A trip on the Reunification Express is a must. However, the
trains between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are certainly not express. It can
take between 30 and 40 hours to travel between the two cities so best to do one
section only. Popular is the 18-hour journey between Hanoi and Hue.
Hiking
There are hundreds of long distance hiking trails around the
country, and a significant infrastructure for visitors wanting guided hiking
tours. Head south from Hanoi into Cuc Phuong National Park, a wilderness of
forest-covered limestone mountains which rise up from the green rice paddies,
home to many rare species and the primate rescue centre. Spend the night with a
family from the Muong hill tribe in their traditional stilthouse.
Ho Chi Minh City
Gleaming skyscrapers sit side by side with ramshackle
buildings and crumbling colonial houses. Monks pass deluxe car showrooms
collecting alms and walk along sun-baked streets crammed with honking
motorbikes. The Saigon River is constantly crossed by small boats and ferries weaving
through larger boats.
Ho Chi Minh Trail history tour
See some of the Vietnam War sights by walking part of the Ho
Chi Minh Trail, used as supply routes by the North Vietnamese during the war.
You can't fail to be intrigued by the network of tunnels excavated by the Viet
Cong from which they launched regular attacks on the US forces. For a taste of
life underground scramble through one of the narrow tunnels, specially widened
for Western visitors.
Hoi An
Meander the narrow streets with their tiny shop houses,
relax in a riverside bar and savour tasty local dishes. This is the place to
buy souvenirs, silk items, T-shirts and ceramics. Whatever you do make sure you
treat yourself by having clothes made at one of the many tailors.
Hue
The former imperial city of Hue is crammed with wonderful
sights. The Imperial Citadel, suffering from the ravages and war and the
tropical weather, is slowly being painstakingly renovated; riverside is the
Thien Mu pagoda where novice monks peek shyly at the visitors; and the
mausoleums of the Emperors, each unique in style.
Meet the locals
The best way to meet the locals is to pull up a low plastic
chair in the pavement bar order some beer, order fresh peanuts and quails eggs and
chat to the locals. Even with a language barrier, you'll be clinking glasses
long into the night.
Mekong Delta
Explore the watery world of the Mekong Delta where channels
of the might Mekong Delta crisscross the land and provide a fertile place to
grow vast swathes of rice and fruit. Discover riverine towns, floating markets
and small riverside industries and spend the night in a homestay with a farming
family.
Motorbiking
It is becoming increasingly popular to hire a motor bike -
invariably a Russian made 125cc Minsk - and ride it from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
City. Riddled with all sorts of dangers, not least the vast amount of bikes in
the cities, it is nevertheless an exhilarating way to see the country.
River markets
The river markets on the Mekong Delta are an unmissable
sight. Life here is dominated by the mighty Mekong and much of Vietnam's rice
crop is grow, and the floating markets are still an essential part of life in
the south. Get up early to experience Can Tho floating market at its best. Dozens
of wooden boats, many that have seen better days, carry the freshest fruit and
vegetables. Smaller boats weave through them perusing the wares and the morning
air is filled with the sound of good-natured haggling over price.
Sapa hill tribes
Sapa's stunning alpine scenery is home to several hill tribe
villages where life continues pretty much unchanged. Many can be reached by
jeep but to get to the more remote villages be prepared to hike. The reward is
an overnight in a stilthouse with a family resplendent in riotously colourful
traditional costume
Son Doong cave is magnificent inside
The sparkling entrance of the world’s largest cave
The sparkling entrance of the world’s largest cave
The natural beauty of the cave
The natural beauty of the cave
