The Mekong Delta is the area in the south west of Vietnam where the Mekong River empties into the sea. The region constitutes a large portion of the south west, covering about 39,000 sq km.

Every day life in Mekong Delta tends to revolve around the river, as many of the villages can only be reached by boat. The region is famous for its rice production, counting for about half of the country’s rice output. There is also a large shrimp, catfish and basa fish industry, and much of the catch is exported.

The best known places in the Delta region are My Tho and Cai Be. In the centre of the region Vinh Long and Sa Dec are also popular spots. The area to the west, close to Phu Quoc Island, is the most remote.

It is an area of low lying rivers, rice fields and dense mangroves. The tributaries of the Mekong provide a complex network of canals and waterways; this system is the best way to explore the area.

Exploring this area of Vietnam allows travellers to see a whole new dimension of Vietnamese life. Just observing how life exists around this dominating river is the major highlight of the expedition.

Sapa is situated in the north west of Vietnam, very close to the Chinese border. Sapa, as well as Halong Bay, is one of the main excursions from Hanoi. Travellers who have enough time to spare can complete a circuit of the northwest highlands, taking in Mai Chau, Son La, Lai Chau and ending up in Sapa, before returning to Hanoi. This trip takes around a week to be fully enjoyed.

Most visitors travel in this area by private vehicle or public bus. It can be very dangerous to travel during the wet season, due to landslides. The best time to tour the area is: March to May; or September to December.

Sapa is a vibrant town due to the diverse range of cultures residing there. The Hmong and Dzao tribes come to the town each day to sell their produce and goods. Visitors will find a pleasing array of clothes and handicrafts for sale in the markets.

The truly magical scenery lies outside the town, around Tram Ton Pass. This 1900m elevation is the highest in Vietnam and the 100m tall Thac Bac waterfall is also in the area. The scenery in this region is stunning, with almost vertical rice fields and magnificent mountain peaks providing an enchanting backdrop.

This small city is located on the South Central Coast of Vietnam, in Quang Nam province. Hoi An was home to the largest harbour in Southeast Asia during the 1st century. The spice trade aided the city’s growth around the 7th century, and again in the 16th century.

Hoi An is home to people of many different cultures, as people from all over the world have settled there throughout its history. The town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, which has brought the town to tourist’s attention.

The city is well equipped for this influx of travellers and caters for all styles of tourist. There are many craft shops, tailors and art shops in Hoi An, so visitors can find many interesting souvenirs.

A restaurant scene has developed on the picturesque waterfront, but it is also still possible to find cao lau noodles – which is an ancient dish originating from Hoi An.

Hoi An is definitely worth visiting, it has many historic buildings, museums, interesting shops and is just a few kilometres from the beach. The centre is mainly pedestrianised so it is easy to explore. There is accommodation to suit every budget, from basic backpacker digs to luxury beachfront suites.

Nha Trang is located on a beautiful stretch of coastline, providing the ideal spot for enjoying the country’s warm sunny weather. Stunning beaches and sparkling water create a picture postcard image.

The water in this area is known for its incredible visibility, so scuba divers throng to the resort. Under the water a diverse and vibrant world awaits snorkelers and divers.

Accommodation in Nha Trang is mainly luxurious resorts with swimming pools and gyms on site. However, budget travellers can also find good clean rooms within close proximity to the beach.

There is so much to see and do in Nha Trang; however, most visitors prefer to use their time to relax and take a break from sweaty, city sightseeing. The more energetic visitors take part in water sports and exploring the islands.

There is an excellent dining scene in Nha Trang and seafood lovers are in for a real treat. There is an abundant supply of fish and seafood in the local waters, and it is delivered to local restaurants straight from the boat.

Nha Trang’s nightlife is far from throbbing, but it is possible to have a good night out. Visiting Nha Trang allows visitors to experience yet another side of Vietnam. The pace of life in Nha Trang is a lot slower than the cities, and it is the ideal spot for a relaxing or romantic holiday.

Hanoi is considered one of Asia’s most enticing and attractive cities. Heavily influenced by French and Chinese invaders, the city is a fascinating mix of East and West.

From Noi Bai Airport it takes about an hour to reach the centre, after driving through a beautiful rural landscape, modern buildings and French villas start to appear. The city offers visitors a delectable blend of old and new, adding to its magic.

The north end of Hoan Kiem Lake is dominated by shops, cafes and hotels catering for backpackers and low budget tourists. It is the oldest district of the city, and undoubtedly the most charming.

Sightseeing is stress-free in Hanoi, as all the sights are within close proximity of each other, so it is possible to walk or take a short cyclo ride. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is a good place to start any tour and is the city’s most visited tourist sight.

Other attractions include Ba Dinh Square, Governor’s Place, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Hoan Kiem Lake has many personalities; just after dawn it provides the perfect arena for morning exercise, while afternoons attract tourists and office workers, and after dark it provides a private spot for romancing couples.

The Water Puppet Theatre is one of Hanoi’s most popular attractions, and is a must-see while in the city. Scenes depict Vietnamese folklore and history, and are accompanied by traditional folk music.

Hanoi is the best place for purchasing handicrafts, due to its close proximity to many hill tribe villages. Silk is also a good buy while shopping in Hanoi.

With a population of more than seven million, Saigon is Vietnam’s largest city. While Hanoi is the political core of the country, Saigon is the country’s economical heart.

The city has a distinct European flavour, with its wide boulevards and beautiful French villas. Aromas of coffee and baking bread fill the air, yet the city is still very Asian.

The widest variety of Vietnamese food and international cuisine is on the menu in Saigon; however, unfortunately it is becoming increasingly hard to find due to the city becoming more and more cosmopolitan. The key is to avoid overpriced tourist traps and follow your nose to where the locals are dining.

The History Museum is a good place to start any sightseeing tour of the city. The museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts from the country’s 2000 year old history. Shoppers throng to Saigon, and Ben Thanh Market certainly provides the ideal hunting ground for bargain seekers.

Chinatown is also a great place for shopping, although it can get very hot and congested. There is a massive variety of goods for sale and with a little bargaining, you can get considerable discounts.

There are many beautiful pagodas in the city, all lavishly decorated and worth admiring. Just outside the city, further attractions make ideal day trips. The Cu Chi Tunnels provide insight into life during the war, while visitors can take part in Cao Dai worship in Tay Ninh.