This comes as a surprise to many, especially those who have grown up with images of Vietnam as a struggling war-torn country. That it is even a viable tourist destination is still inconceivable to some. Yet determination and resilience have seen the nation thrive, and today it is proving a worthy rival to the likes of Thailand.

Nha Trang was once the stomping ground of backpackers but nowadays it offers great examples of increasingly sophisticated Vietnam hotels. Beachfront spa hotels offering total privacy make this South China Sea resort a firm favourite with honeymooners and even royalty. But you don’t need to have deep pockets to enjoy the great hotel offerings here.

If Nha Trang’s notorious jellyfish population gets to you, head for the cool hill station of Dalat, where colonial charm isn’t a thing of the past. This is where the French used to hang out when things got too hot in Saigon, and a mini Eiffel Tower is testament to this. While Dalat may not live up to its nickname, ‘Little Paris’, it does have some fantastic, and surprisingly affordable, Vietnam hotels that are throw backs to the 1920s.

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