Most visitors come to Vietnam somewhat aware of the country’s turbulent history of colonisation, communist rebellion and war. The tenacious Viets have been occupied by China four times but more often than not come out victorious when attacked by seemingly more powerful forces.

The Nguyễn Dynasty were the last clan of emperors to rule Vietnam and made Hue their capital from 1802 to 1945. However, the French moved in to exploit a crisis of succession after the demise of Tự Đức to make Vietnam effectively a colony from 1884. Both the French and Chinese occupation have been massive influences on Vietnamese culture, with European architecture and cuisine plus the teachings of Confucius extremely prominent.

During the Second World War Japanese forces occupied Vietnam for a short time, and in 1945 the Viet Minh communists based in the the north organised an uprising against the French under the leadership of the charismatic Hồ Chí Minh. The French fought on for nine years until their ultimate defeat in 1954 at Dien Bien Phu. At this point the country was partitioned along the 17th parallel, with Ngo Dinh Diem acting as president of southern Vietnamese Republic.

After years of aid to the Republic of Vietnam in a bid to stave off communist influence from the north, in 1966 the Vietnam War begun and half-a-million US troops arrived to fight communism in Asia. Over the next nine years around three million Vietnamese and more than 55,000 American soldiers (many conscripts) perished in the resulting military quagmire.

Despite the 1966 to 1975 war being the most brutal in the country’s history, and more than two-thirds of the current population born after this time, visitors from the USA still receive a warm and hospitable welcome and many young Viets follow American culture.

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.

Putting your knife in your mouth in the west is unheard of, and considered very rude if witnessed. So what is the dining etiquette in Vietnam?

First and foremost, don’t ever leave chopsticks sitting vertically out of your rice bowl at the end of a meal. This resembles the position of incense sticks used to commemorate death, and so it is considered very rude. Placing the chopsticks side by side, or on top of the bowl, is a lot more polite.

Do not tap the side of your bowl using your chopsticks as it is thought to be unlucky for your next life. The older generation believe if you do this, you won’t have rice to eat when you are reincarnated.

Unlike Thailand, it is better to finish every last grain of rice in Vietnam. If you have been invited to dinner with a family, allow the oldest family member to eat first, as a sign of respect. Try to eat everything you are given, as the best is always saved for guests. When you are full, gently cover your bowl with your hand to signal you have had enough. This is a polite way to refuse; however, it doesn’t always work!

If you have been to Asia before, you probably have a good idea of what to expect on arrival in Vietnam; however, every culture has its differences. Here is a quick list of travel tips which may be useful if you are planning a trip to Vietnam:

Don’t drink tap water. Bottled water is readily available and cheap.

Don’t take cyclo rides after dark. Exercise the same caution you would anywhere in the world. Using your common sense is usually enough to keep you safe in Vietnam.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and local dwellings.

Before heading out on the town at night, put any valuables in your hotel safe or a locked bag in your room. Also, avoid taking valuables to the beach.

When crossing busy city thoroughfares, walk slowly and keep looking to the right and left. Don’t ever change your pace, or turn back!

Don’t offer money to minority people, as it encourages begging. Making a donation to a local charity or offering a useful gift is the best way to help.

Always ask for permission to photograph locals or their communities.

No matter how frustrated you feel, don’t loose your temper. It is embarrassing for everyone and it certainly won’t help your situation.

Don’t be afraid to try some of the delicious street food. If you are concerned about hygiene, check the vendor is presentable and has a high turnover of food.

Book medical insurance before you travel.

Make sure you keep the yellow form from the airport. This exit/entry form needs to be returned on departure, so if you lose it you may be fined.

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!

In 1994, the population of Vietnam was estimated to be 73 million, making the country South East Asia’s second largest country. Indonesia is the region’s largest, with a population of 191 million. Vietnam is the thirteenth most populous country in the world.

Ethnically, the country is the most homogenous country in South East Asia, as around 90 percent of the population are Vietnamese. However, there are a large number of ethnic minorities in Vietnam, mainly residing in the mountainous areas.

Around 85 percent of this ethnic minority population belong to indigenous groups, who settled in the hills many centuries ago. The most prominent groups are the Thai and Hmong tribes.

Unlike Burma and Indonesia, Vietnamese ethnic minorities are not strong enough to claim their own sovereign states.

Around one million ethnic Chinese live in the south of Vietnam. Chinese inhabitants face restrictions since the Communist takeover. This is mainly due to the dominant role they played in the capitalist economic system before the takeover. Between 1978 and 1979, more than 450,000 Chinese inhabitants left the country.

Many minority groups speak their own language, and French is still spoken by older inhabitants but is fading rapidly. English is quite popular and is obligatory in most schools.

Despite rapid development, Vietnam manages to retain its rich cultural heritage and sublime natural beauty. Even the big noisy cities such as Hanoi and Saigon, possess undeniable character and charm.

Tourism has undoubtedly affected the mountain towns and ethnic villages in the north; however, they are still worth visiting. Most visitors stick to the main tourist hubs, but straying off the trodden tourist trail can be incredibly rewarding.

The coastal town of Ha Tien is situated on the Gulf of Thailand, just five miles from Vietnam’s border with Cambodia. The town’s cluster of limestone rock formations create a network of caves, which are home to a series of temples. The surrounding region is also incredibly scenic with white sandy beaches, sparkling water and picturesque fishing villages.

The Western Central Highlands are located along the border with Cambodia and Laos, and receives few visitors. The region’s diverse agriculture and multitude of ethnic groups provide a fascinating landscape for exploration.

Dien Bien Phu nestling in Muong Thanh Valley is one of Vietnam’s most remote areas. The landscape features steep mountains covered in thick carpet of vegetation and are inhabited by the famous Tai and Hmong hill tribes. It is also the site of an important battle and a small museum depicts the story of Vietnam’s fight against colonial forces.

Cat Ba Island lies 19 miles east of Haiphong. The island is a tropical wilderness of evergreen forests, mangroves, lakes, waterfalls, caves and secluded beaches. An abundance of wildlife enjoy life on this paradiscial island including monkeys, boars, deer and squirrels, while the clear waters are home to fish, molluscs, seals and dolphins.

Bargaining is a little daunting for first time visitors to Vietnam; back home everything has a price tag and the numbers aren’t there for negotiation. In Vietnam, even on the odd occasion when an item has a price tag, the numbers are not the final figure.

Westerners are naturally hesitant when negotiating their first few purchases, but once the code of conduct has been cracked, the fun begins! It’s acceptable to bargain almost everywhere in Vietnam, with the exception of restaurants or large commercial stores.

Rooms, buses, cyclos, market goods, guides can all be bargained; however, you must ask when arranging the service, otherwise you will be responsible for the full payment. Always smile and keep your cool, even if you know the price offered is ridiculous, anger and frustration will spoil the fun and will get you nowhere.

If the first price offered by the vendor is very high, laugh in astonishment, this shows the vendor you know the fair price of the goods. After this, offer a price well below what you would expect to pay, to give you some room for manoeuvre. Don’t take this to the extreme though, as the vendor will think you don’t know the item’s actual worth.

If you feel you aren’t making progress, bid the vendor farewell and slowly walk away, this usually ensures another two reductions. If the price still seems too high and you are with a partner, you can explain that they control the purse strings and they won’t pay the price.

You will get the best results if you remain courteous, friendly but firm. Try to educate yourself beforehand, so you have an idea of the fair price. Sometimes a handicrafts feature intricacies that took time and effort to create, or the item is made from high quality materials. Most importantly, never make the vendor ‘loose face’, this is their livelihood and they don’t consider it ‘ripping you off’.

Remember the goal is to find the best price for both of you, so keep it lighthearted. If the vendor likes you, you will get a better deal.

Shopping on holiday is not only fun, but a great way to take away a little piece of treasure from your destination. Vietnam is one huge shopping arena, with bargains galore on every other street. Some areas of Vietnam specialize in a particular type of product, so it is worth taking time to compare prices and see the whole range.

The best bets in Vietnam are handicrafts, war souvenirs, clothing, jewellery and art. Shoppers should avoid imported brand name clothing, electronics and perfume, as these items are more expensive in Vietnam than neighboring countries.

Buying art and antiques is a risky business, aside from the strict regulations regarding their export, most pieces are fakes or reproductions. Shoppers should ask to see a certificate if a dealer claims an item is an authentic piece.

Many female visitors get measured up for the traditional costume of Vietnam called ‘ao dai’. This makes a fantastic souvenir, and the skilled tailors will create a gown that fits you like a dream. Gemstones are also a great buy, and are found at large retailers as well as independent outlets.

Unfortunately most of the war paraphernalia are fake reproductions. You can still find some quality items but be wary of vendors selling ‘authentic’ goods at steep prices, as their authenticity is usually highly questionable.

A wide variety of handicrafts can be found in shops, markets and stores throughout Vietnam. The range usually includes laquerware, wooden goods, bamboo products and leatherworks. If you are looking for ethnic minority handicrafts, Hanoi is the best place to shop as it is close to the villages where the goods are crafted.

Visitors to Vietnam are often captivated by the beautiful landscapes which lie outside the cities, and take reels of photos in an attempt to capture the essence of the country. However, there are many other aspects of the country worth photographing.

The local people make an excellent subject matter, and in particular the local children. Vietnamese people are very friendly and approachable, and they usually don’t mind being photographed if you ask first. Learn a few words of Vietnamese so you can ask. If you forget, just smile making a gesture at your camera and they will usually understand and strike a pose for you.

Markets are a vibrant affair throughout Asia, and markets in the rural areas are usually the most interesting. The floating markets on the Delta are particularly photogenic, as is the surrounding river-life. Markets are also a great place to capture locals conducting their daily business.

Vietnam’s architecture is also worth a few snaps. Aside from the beautiful temples and pagodas, many cities are adorned with classic architectural styles and ancient buildings. Hanoi’s colonial French architecture has distinct character, while Hoi An is adorned with ancient buildings.

Visitors should be careful not to photograph anything military sensitive, as you may find yourself in trouble with the police.