Most travelers to Vietnam are attracted by the country's wonderful natural beauty: From green rice fields dotted with the conical hats of workers in Vietnam's north stretching to the fascinating bustle of the Mekong Delta in the south.

When to go

The best time to visit Vietnam mostly depends on what you'd like to see and when you have time to go. There are a few places where it would be ill advised to visit at a few specific times because of the weather and some relatively undiscovered (uncrowded) times with gorgeous weather. (read more)

Where to go

Hanoi: Capital and the second largest city of Vietnam, just about everywhere but especially the Old Quarter with good local atmosphere, the French Quarter and Hoan Kiem lake area.

Sapa: Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Sapa is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views. Sapa is an awesome place for adventurous activities from trekking, cycling to motorbike trips to explore the mountainous region and visit the villages and markets of the ethnic minorities.

Halong Bay (an UNESCO World Heritage): Undoubtly among the most popular tourist destinations of Vietnam offering both for the magnificent views of the bay and the relaxing boat trips.

Hue: As the former capital of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, and a trip to Hue is not complete without a visit to the ancient citadel and imperial palace.

Danang: The fourth largest city, Danang offers tourists with an ideal natural location, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the ocean, including the Hai Van pass to the north, the South China Sea to the east, Ba Na mountains to the west, and the Son Tra Peninsula with Nui Son Tra (Monkey Mountain) to the northeast.

Hoi An - Hoi An is known not only for its old-world atmosphere and architecture but also for its cheap tailors, quaint restaurants serving delicious Hoi An specialties, and relaxed atmosphere, as well as the nearby beach.

Nha Trang - lies in a beautiful bay on the south central coast of Vietnam. Nha Trang is also known as one of the best places in Vietnam for snorkling and diving, and tours are arranged year-round, although visibility is worse during the rainy season.

HCMC: Set on the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh is a sprawling city, with myriads of rivers and canals, although most tourists spend most of their time in the central districts.

Trips: Mekong Delta. Vung Tau by hydrofoil buys tickets from the booths on the riverfront. Cao Dai temple (very beautiful and apparently unusual- I have to admit I have not been but the pictures I have seen confirms)