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.

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.

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.

The coastal city of Nha Trang is a popular tourist resort. Tourists flock to the area to bask in the glorious sun and enjoy a range of activities. Blessed with pristine beaches and sparkling water, Nha Trang is a beach lover’s paradise.

The water’s fantastic visibility allows scuba divers to experience an equally captivating underwater world. The area receives a mix of visitors, including backpackers. Nha Trang is dominated by resort-style accommodation; however, budget options are also available.

Tran Phu Street, otherwise know as the Pacific Coast Highway of Vietnam’, is the town’s most beautiful street, while Hon Tre Island is home to one of the area’s most exclusive resorts.

Nha Trang offers its visitors an exhaustive list of activities, most of which are water based. Scuba diving, snorkelling and island hopping are among the favourites. The area often welcomes luxury cruise passengers, and is also a stopover for those attending the annual yacht races in Hong Kong.

Visitors can try some of the country’s best seafood in Nha Trang, as well as bird’s nest soup. The nests are collected from around the island and also in the town centre. This soup is considered one of the best in Vietnam.

Nha Trang isn’t party central, but there are areas were the candle burns into the wee hours. Biet Thu is the main tourist district and is the best bet for nocturnal activities.

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.

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