The mountainous island of Phu Quoc has some of Vietnam’s most impressive beaches and is a popular holiday destination for those wanting to escape the hustle of nearby Saigon. There is also the best seafood in the country to sample and some interesting cultural sites to take in as well.

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!

Visitors arriving in Vietnam have so many sights to see, and ground to cover. The entire country is steeped in history and culture, which is often illustrated by its eclectic architectural styles.

Here is a short guide to some of the best architectural landmarks:

The Cao Dai Holy See: this is the spiritual seat of the Cao Dai religion, which is a unique contemporary faith. Here you can experience a vibrant display of coloured mosaics and eye-catching painting. Followers don white turbans and dress for the daily procession.

Tomb of Kai Dinh: The pompous emperor left behind a tomb that features a mix of baroque, Gothic, and classical Chinese architecture. It is a unique sight, well worth experiencing.

The Tunnels of Cu Chi and Vinh Moc: Both sites feature an extensive network of tunnels used during the war. Despite their narrow size and dire conditions, the tunnels served many purposes, and had medical facilities and meeting rooms on site.

Hoa Lo Prison: This compound was home to many US pilots during the War, including Senator John McCain. Although a chunk of the site was cleared to make way for an office block, parts of the prison are still intact and visitors can gain insight into the gruesome brutality of the war.

Reunification Palace: The Prime Minister’s Palace made international news in 1975 when tanks crashed through the gates, signifying the end of the Vietnam War.

Vietnam is emerging as an exotic holiday destination thanks to a number of stunning beaches and lively resorts. The powdery sand and crystal clear water is a major draw card attracting both sun seekers and water sports enthusiasts.

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.

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.

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.

While many visitors avoid travelling in Vietnam during Tet, Vietnamese New Year, those who happen to be here at this time needn’t shy away from the celebrations. In fact, Tet is one of the best times to experience Vietnamese culture first hand.

The seven-day new year celebrations are dictated by the lunar calendar but usually fall in late January or early February and coincide with Chinese New Year celebrations across the border. These two celebrations have some similarities yet are unique. 

Preparations for Tet are just as important as actual celebrations. The Vietnamese clean their homes to push out last year’s bad luck and make a fresh start by giving their homes or wardrobes a makeover. New year is also a time to settle your differences and pay off any debts.

The arrival of the new year is greeted with fireworks and gongs that go off long into the night. This is a good time to get merry with the Vietnamese. When the night-time partying and gambling ceases and daylight emerges, locals go about enhancing their luck for the coming year. This can be done through decorations, merit making or gift-giving among other things.

The only drawback to visiting Vietnam during Tet is that this is the most popular time for family reunions and therefore public transport gets fully booked. If you want to experience this festival be prepared to stay in one place or plan well in advance.

The northerly situated trekking hub of Sapa draws those in search of stunning scenery and mountain thrills around the year. It rests at the base of one of the region’s highest peaks, Fanxipa, and is easily reached from Hanoi.

To experience the highlands at their best, a trip to Sapa is a must. This peaceful trekking town is perched on the side of a mountain and offers amazing views of the surrounding terrain. The town is often shrouded in mist, but this adds to its appeal and mystique.

Depending on what season you arrive, you should come prepared for cold weather. Night-time can see temperatures plummet, but the log fires available in many hotel rooms keep guests toasty. For the beginner there are unaccompanied walks just outside of town, but those wishing to go farther afield will need to enlist the help of a guide.

Guided treks are offered all over Sapa and will take you along lovely wooded trails to places you would not otherwise find. The tough climb to the summit of Mount Fansipan takes around four days and is best left to experienced climbers while dozens of shorter, easier excursions are possible.

Trekking is not the only activity in Sapa; shopping is also a popular pastime. H’mong handicrafts and clothing are sold at reasonable prices at the local market and make for excellent souvenirs.

Ten days may not seem like a long time to take in this fascinating country but that is sadly all the time many visitors to Vietnam have. If you are on a tight schedule when touring this Southeast Asian gem, check out our tips on where to go during a whirlwind tour of Vietnam in just 10 days.

Dalat
This former French hill station is the perfect place to cool down and soak up Vietnam’s colonial charm. Situated in the Central Highlands, Dalat tricks you into thinking you could be in a rural corner of France.

Hoi An
Designated a World Heritage site, this centuries-old port city is a delightful stop off along the east coast. Evidence of its 16th and 17th century heyday are still discernable in its Chinese style shop houses that line the Old Town. 

Hanoi
Vietnam’s slightly subdued capital is less modern than its southern rival yet home to a host of cultural offerings including water puppet theatre, streetside bia hoi stalls, numerous art galleries and Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body.

Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly Saigon, the economic centre of Vietnam is also its most cosmopolitan city. While the bustling markets here will take you back in time, its sleek skyscrapers and modern entertainment will firmly remind you Saigon is keeping with the times.

Halong Bay
One of the prettiest landscapes on the globe, Halong Bay is best toured by junk on an overnight trip around this UNESCO protected area best known for its karst islands that jut out the water. 

Nha Trang
If you’re looking for beach action, look no further. This burgeoning beach resort has a host of top quality hotels and restaurants to keep even the most discerning visitor happy.

Hue
This delightful ancient city on the banks of the Perfume River was once home to Vietnam’s emperors and today their palaces and tombs can be toured at the Imperial Citadel and along the river.

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