Phu Quoc was used as home for French missionaries during the 18th century and during the Vietnam war there was a POW camp for Viet Cong soldiers here. But today the island has a much more laigback feel and the 80,000 people that live here make their living from fishing and tourism.

Another claim to fame for Phu Quoc is its famous fish sauce (nuoc mam), commonly regarded as the finest in the world. It also produces very high quality pepper although, unique for the Mekong Delta region, doesn’t grow much rice and staple crops due to rugged terraine and poor soil quality.

In 2008 ABC News voted the island as having “the cleanest and most beautiful beach in the world” and many tourists have contined to flock here, with many thinking considering it an unspoilt version of Thailand’s Phuket. Hiring a motorbike is the best way to explore the island, and there is great snorkelling just offshore as well.

There are hydrofoils and ferries between Phu Quoc and the maintain ports of Ha Tien, Rach Gia and Hon Chong. Although disreputable tour agents may claim that fast services are full, you may be able to buy tickets on the street directly at the dockside.

Wherever you travel in the world there are things that simply must be ticked off the experience list while there. Whether it’s braving a tuk tuk ride in Bangkok, or sinking a pint of velvety Guinness in Dublin, there are experiences we simply must try while we have the opportunity.

Here is your check list for essential experiences in Vietnam:

Try some street food: it doesn’t have to be anything as adventurous as fried bugs or blood soup, stick to noodles, rice or sweet snacks. Some of the best food is found at street side stalls and small markets. Always check of the vendor looks presentable, as it is usually a good indication of how hygienic his set-up is.

Allow yourself to get lost in markets: Ben Thanh Market in Saigon is the best place to hunt for bargains. The atmosphere at markets is usually electric, so even if you don’t plant to buy anything you can still enjoy the experience.

See the Water Puppets in Hanoi: the city’s top attraction definitely isn’t overrated. The show is simply magical, and even though you aren’t likely to understand the dialogue it doesn’t seem to matter.

Take a white knuckle ride: you don’t need a fairground, to get a buzz in Vietnam. Whether it’s in the narrow lanes, or broad highway, taking a trip in any form of vehicle in Vietnam is often a heart stopping experience. All part of the adventure!

There are a number of areas along the country’s coastline which are growing in popularity as beach resorts. The location you choose will ultimately depend on your individual preferences, as throughout Vietnam it is possible to find accommodation to suit every budget.

Nha Trang is a popular choice, although it can seem a little overrun at times, especially during the busy peak season. The city itself, has a few sights worth a visit, although is mainly a market town. The beach area is peppered with stylish resorts, but Nha Trang’s best offering has got to be its incredibly delicious seafood.

Phu Quoc Island offers a delectable blend of pristine beaches and verdant forests. The interior of the island is heavily wooded, with some breathtaking displays of nature; while the perimeter features long stretches of sand and surf. The island has avoided development up until now, so should be top of your must-see list before the bulldozers set sail.

Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet, is just a few hours drive from the city of Saigon, and offers a welcome escape from the chaos of the city. Attractions in the area include a golf course designed by Nick Faldo, remote sand dunes, fishing villages and some of the best seafood restaurants around.

Vietnam’s single rainy season falls between May and September, at the time of the southern monsoon. The rest of the year is relatively dry. In the north of the country, cloudy days with light showers are more frequent at the time of the northeast monsoon, while the south enjoys a sunny dry spell.

Temperatures remain high throughout the year, however the north experiences a considerably cooler season due to the north monsoon bringing colder air from China. Frost and snow can occur, but only in the extreme highlands and for a very short period of a few days. The sheltered lowlands of the south are protected from any outbreaks of colder weather, and the dry season is hot and sunny.

During the rain season, the air is humid and oppressive. Coastal and higher regions are particularly sultry due to the frequent cloud, high humidity and lack of sunshine.

The best time to visit the north of the country is between September and December, when humidity is lower and before the heavy rains. The south and central region are best visited during the period of December until April while it is dry.

Ao dais and bicycles
Travel Vietnam virtually here, as we reveal the country weekly on this travel professional’s blog. From the Delta in the South to Sapa in the North we cover all the sightseeing, culture, history, food, entertainment, hospitality and activities travellers can expect to see and do in Vietnam.

We’ve been travelling Southeast Asia for years, here’s a full blown info resource with colourful pics and video clips to get you all excited about visiting Vietnam.

Whether you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Sapa or Dalat, you can plan your trip here.

Tip! You can get some good discounts on hotel rooms and accommodation for Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on discounthotels.co.uk