Vietnam is an amazing country. It has opened itself up to foreign visitors; capturing a greater share of business tourists than ever before. Some come for the shopping, some for the cultural interaction, others for food and the people and many for the simple fact that they have not been there before and they have heard such positive things about it. Vietnam has brushed away its mystique – although it still remains mysterious to first-time visitors.

One of the biggest plusses is that it is one of the safest destinations in Asia. Visitors travelling to Vietnam can relax and immerse themselves in the country without fear of being anywhere they should not be. If you choose to drive a motorbike or ride a bicycle, by law you must wear a helmet.

The reason why so many people visit more than once is that it offers so much variety. If you are not a person who likes the water, then perhaps you will prefer the mountains; if you do not like shopping, then perhaps you will prefer the culture performance. 

In Ho Chi Minh City there are War Museums to visit as well as the beautiful opera house which of course has the French influence in the architecture. HCM City is vibrant and modern, with trendy buildings, neon signs, fast food outlets and fashionable people. I would say a good mix of locals and tourists moves freely in the street. You can also do short trips to the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi tunnels. The extensive tunnel network was where the Vietnamese army based themselves during the war. You can see how they lived underground. They have widened the tunnels so tourists can visit. Ho Chi Minh City is still known as the Pearl of the Far East. It now covers 2000 sq. km and is home to about 7 million people. It is the biggest cultural, economic, scientific, technology and tourism centre in Vietnam and the gateway to South Vietnam, easily accessible to local and international visitors.

I ventured north through to Dalat which was a hill station for the French. Its alpine climate is quite a welcomed change to Ho Chi Minh as you can actually walk around without working up a sweat. Heading out to the coast to Nha Trang which is a great place to stop and soak up the rays on the beach. Fresh cooked seafood is sold by the locals on the beach so after gorging yourself on that you can have a massage, and, hey just enjoy the holiday! Dalat has charmed me with its fresh mountain air, pine forests and cool lakes. According to the Vietnamese people Dalat is the most romantic destination in the country.

Hoi An was a really pleasant surprise! It is a small town which is filled with glowing lanterns by night and smiling kids selling post cards during the day. You can instantly notice the lower volume of noise and pollution which exists in most other towns and cities of Vietnam. There are lovely restaurants that line the river and tailors galore ready and waiting to take your order for clothing. The markets are colourful and inviting. There is also a beach if you feel like a swim! In short, Hoi An charms visitors with its historic buildings and laid-back atmosphere.

Hanoi was full of character and charm. It is an important centre of politics, economy, culture and tourism. You can visit Uncle Ho (Ho Chi Minh)/Vietnamese Great father who is kept embalmed in the mausoleum or stroll through the old quarter of town; it is very stimulating for all the senses! The colour of the markets and street vendors and the smells of food………….mmmmmmmm.

Most of Hanoi’s typical architectural complexes are located alongside beautiful lakes or are surrounded by green trees. This close relationship between architecture, the environment and the people is a unique characteristic of Hanoi.

From Hanoi it is worthwhile doing a 2-3 day trip to the famous Halong Bay. This bay is filled with limestone mountains and hills. Then there are the hill tribes who are inland and close to the Chinese border in the Sapa region. To really get a feel for the hill tribes it is worthwhile doing a 3-4 days trek where you trek from a village visiting other hill tribes and staying with them in their houses. Weekend markets are the most colourful I have ever seen………… trading everything from flint to pigs to handmade clothes. Men and women dress up in local costumes and present themselves in the most attractive form to entice their dates or opposite gender. It is an amazing experience. It is a unique and exciting experience no visitor to Sapa should miss. They are beautiful people.

There is all this and so much more… It is a truly wonderful experience to witness a country still developing their culturally rich society. 

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