Backpacking & travel Cambodia Site under construction                   Country links City Links   While Vietnam is known to many, partly due to the infamous Vietnam War, it is only recently that it become accessible to tourists and foreign visitors. The country covers a 2,000 km long narrow strip along the South China Sea and includes high plateaus, cool uplands mountains, untouched coastal stretches, thriving cities and the relaxed capital city, Hanoi has become one of the most beguiling cities in Asia and features preserved colonial French-style architecture, recreational lakes, stately monuments, galleries and Photo: Halong Bay                                       modern skyscrapers. Halong Bay, east of Hanoi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a perfect holiday destination with its 3,000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and it is the most recognized landmark in Vietnam. There are many ethnic groups, mainly H'mong, Dao and Kinh people, living a traditional way of life around Sapa, a beautiful valley, to the northwest of Hanoi but its population is mostly made up of ethnic-Vietnamese followed by ethnic-Chinese. Further south, the Ancient Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World World Heritage Site, on the Perfume River was once home to the Emperors and was once Vietnam's political capital. Hue has been one of Vietnam's main cultural, religious and education centre and it is filled with religious festivities throughout the whole year. The archaeological remains of the Cham people are best seen in Danang. Nearby is Hoi An, a preserved fusion of architectural styles dating from the 16th century where its magnificent collection of almost 850 older structures and intact streetscapes just beg to be explored. South-Central Coast contains many good beaches with Nha Trang being the nicest municipal beach in Vietnam whereby the turquoise waters are almost transparent making for excellent fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Vietnam's best known hill station and cool mountain retreat is Dalat, jewel of the southern Central Highlands, a quaint holiday hideaway as well as home to various interesting ethnic groups and is located in a temperate region dotted with astonishing lakes, waterfalls and surrounded by evergreen forests whereby it is a suitable place for family gathering. Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the most obvious sign of doi moi, Vietnam's well-known economic restructuring. The city is vibrant, lively, dynamic and progressive. The city has museums and grand public buildings which are major tourists attractions. The markets are good places for shopping of souvenirs and there is lively entertainment     Photo: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi and dining scene in the city and trying the local delicacies is a must. Cholon, known as Saigon's Chinatown, is nearby and there are interesting pagodas, shops and streets and this places is packed with party-goers during the Lunar New Year. In and near Ho Chi Minh City, there are several tourist attractions including the Cu Chi Tunnels which became legendary during the 1960s for its role in facilitating Viet Cong control of a large rural area only 30 km from Saigon, the Caodai Great Temple and untouched farming villages Photo: Hoan Kiem Lake               like Long Xuyen. The most accessible beach resort is Vung Tau, 128 km south-east of  Ho Chi Minh City. Back Beach (Bai Sau, also known as Thuy Van Beach) is popular among Vietnamese which is always packed during the weekends. With over 81 million people there is a great cultural contrast within the country. The food is unique and combines subtle spices with fresh ingredients. Street stalls are common and pho, a type of noodle soup is as popular as coffee and baguettes. There are many festivals with Tet or Vietnamese New Year being the most significant. Vietnamese culture is complex with music being central to many activities. Water puppets are uniquely Vietnamese and there are some very good painters in the country. Traveling in Vietnam is easy due to its slim shape whereby you can start in the north at Hanoi and move your way southwards to Ho Chi Minh City, or vice versa. 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