Places To See: Vietnam

HANOI

In 1010 Emperor Ly Thai To founded his capital, which he christened 'Rising Dragon', on the banks of the Red River. Almost a millennium later, Hanoi remains Vietnam's political centre, its crowded streets lined with reminders of its long and tumultuous history. You'll find the Temple of Literature, a bastion of Confucian scholarship founded in 1015; an Old Quarter of winding alleys, crowded markets and traditional shop-houses; tree-lined avenues flanked by imposing French colonial villas; and the Soviet-style mausoleum built in honour of the man who led the country to independence, Ho Chi Minh.

HO CHI MINH CITY ( SAIGON)

Renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1975, Saigon is Vietnam's business hub, a city that never stops. There's a buzz of energy; everyone is buying, selling, building, moving' Beautiful French colonial buildings stand beside newly-built skyscrapers. Women dressed in Vietnam's traditional ao dai tunic stroll past fashionable boutiques and crowded cafes. You'll find great nightlife and some of the best shopping in Southeast Asia in this vibrant, fast-changing city.

HALONG BAY

More than 3,000 limestone islands rise from the turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay, an archipelago that lies 160km from Hanoi. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is a naturalist's dream. Sculpted into strange shapes by the wind and weather, the islands hide deserted beaches, many magnificent caves and hidden lagoons that may only be reached by chinks in the cliffs that are revealed at low tide.

HUE

While imperial rule ended almost six decades ago, the central city of Hue still bears the marks of its royal past. From 1802 to 1945 Hue was home to 13 Nguyen emperors, whose palaces and tombs provide fascinating glimpses into the luxurious and secretive world of the court. Visitors may explore the red-lacquered pavilions of the Citadel, take an evening boat cruise on the Perfume River accompanied by a troupe of musicians performing courtly love songs, or feast on delicacies once served in the royal palaces.

HOI AN

Set near the coast in central Vietnam, from the 16th to 19th centuries the riverside town of Hoi An once drew merchants from as far a field as Japan, India, Indonesia and Europe who bought the area's silk, spices and porcelain. A Japanese district and a Chinese quarter were built.

NHA TRANG

Located in central Vietnam, the sun-washed town of Nha Trang hugs a seven-km-long stretch of golden sand, making this the perfect place to get a dose of sun, surf and fresh seafood. Clear blue seas dotted with offshore islands offer excellent opportunities for diving, fishing and snorkelling, while the town itself is home to some interesting sites, including a massive white Buddha statue and a cluster of Cham towers built between the 7th and 12th centuries. For a truly dirty pleasure try the mineral mud baths warmed by natural hot springs.

SAPA

Set high in Vietnam's northeast mountains, the hamlet of Sapa offers spectacular views of jagged mountain ridges, terraced rice paddies and green valleys inhabited by people of various minority groups, all of whom congregate in Sapa's colourful market. Each group has its own distinctive style of dress. From early childhood girls learn to grow and weave hemp, to dye cloth with indigo, to sew the family's clothes, and to decorate items with traditional embroidery motifs.

MEKONG DELTA

Life in Vietnam's agrarian heartland still unfolds as it has for centuries, as farmers cultivate paddy, tend their orchards of tropical fruit, and fish in the rivers and canals that criss-cross this fertile plain. You can explore the region's myriad waterways by boat, watch rare storks and sarus cranes, and visit traditional floating markets.

DALAT

Set in Vietnam's picturesque Central Highlands, this quiet town boasts cool mountain air, some of the best-preserved French colonial architecture in Indochina, and stunning natural beauty. Year-round, the temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), making this a favourite destination for outdoor-enthusiasts. Mountain bikers and hikers will delight in the area's trails, as well as in views of pine-covered hills, fruit orchards and lush tea and coffee plantations.
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