One of the great things about travel is that there are always up-and-coming destinations to consider for your next vacation. In the most recent survey of international travel trends, Vietnam was the top up-and-coming destination in Asia. Here, bustling cities retain a touch of colonial influence, the countryside ranges from mountainous regions to sand dunes to lush rice paddies, and the long coastline hugs the shimmering South China Sea.
The urban center of southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, offers a poignant look at the difficult years of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. The memory of war is ever-present, but there's much more to explore along the wide, tree-lined boulevards laid out by French colonists. There are hundreds of cinemas and live-performance theaters, a zoo and botanical garden, and lovely parks to explore. Take one of the bicycle taxis to the Ben Thanh Market to browse the silks and souvenirs, and then relax at the Suoi Tien Amusement Park, which has its own beach.
Beginning just west of Ho Chih Minh City, The Mekong Delta is where the Mekong River branches into thousands of distributaries that empty into the South China Sea. The beautiful area is a major producer of rice, fish and shrimp. A sampan tour can take you to rice fields, floating markets, orchards, and workshops where rice is used to make paste, candy and paper.
The northern city of Hanoi is Vietnam's cultural center: be sure to catch a performance of puppetry, music or dance. The streets and buildings of the city's Old Quarter are still home to many small artisans and merchants. The French colonial influence can be seen in impressive buildings like the Grand Opera House, the presidential palace and the Hotel Metropole. Try the flavorful cuisine which pairs delicate French croissant and pastries with famous Vietnamese dishes such as pho, a rice noodle soup available from hundreds of street-side, open-air restaurants.
Halong Bay is a popular side trip from Hanoi. Painters and photographers are attached to the bay's emerald-green water and the 3,000 towers of limestone hat rise from it. Some are hollow, with intriguing caves and grottos; others are large enough to form islands with their own lakes and beaches.
To explore your options for discovering much more of Vietnam, talk with your travel professional
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