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.

The tank that drove into Saigon's Presidential Palace on April 30, 1975, to end the Vietnam War

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.

The Mekong Delta is the area in the south west of Vietnam where the Mekong River empties into the sea. The region constitutes a large portion of the south west, covering about 39,000 sq km.

Every day life in Mekong Delta tends to revolve around the river, as many of the villages can only be reached by boat. The region is famous for its rice production, counting for about half of the country’s rice output. There is also a large shrimp, catfish and basa fish industry, and much of the catch is exported.

The best known places in the Delta region are My Tho and Cai Be. In the centre of the region Vinh Long and Sa Dec are also popular spots. The area to the west, close to Phu Quoc Island, is the most remote.

It is an area of low lying rivers, rice fields and dense mangroves. The tributaries of the Mekong provide a complex network of canals and waterways; this system is the best way to explore the area.

Exploring this area of Vietnam allows travellers to see a whole new dimension of Vietnamese life. Just observing how life exists around this dominating river is the major highlight of the expedition.

Sapa is situated in the north west of Vietnam, very close to the Chinese border. Sapa, as well as Halong Bay, is one of the main excursions from Hanoi. Travellers who have enough time to spare can complete a circuit of the northwest highlands, taking in Mai Chau, Son La, Lai Chau and ending up in Sapa, before returning to Hanoi. This trip takes around a week to be fully enjoyed.

Most visitors travel in this area by private vehicle or public bus. It can be very dangerous to travel during the wet season, due to landslides. The best time to tour the area is: March to May; or September to December.

Sapa is a vibrant town due to the diverse range of cultures residing there. The Hmong and Dzao tribes come to the town each day to sell their produce and goods. Visitors will find a pleasing array of clothes and handicrafts for sale in the markets.

The truly magical scenery lies outside the town, around Tram Ton Pass. This 1900m elevation is the highest in Vietnam and the 100m tall Thac Bac waterfall is also in the area. The scenery in this region is stunning, with almost vertical rice fields and magnificent mountain peaks providing an enchanting backdrop.

This small city is located on the South Central Coast of Vietnam, in Quang Nam province. Hoi An was home to the largest harbour in Southeast Asia during the 1st century. The spice trade aided the city’s growth around the 7th century, and again in the 16th century.

Hoi An is home to people of many different cultures, as people from all over the world have settled there throughout its history. The town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, which has brought the town to tourist’s attention.

The city is well equipped for this influx of travellers and caters for all styles of tourist. There are many craft shops, tailors and art shops in Hoi An, so visitors can find many interesting souvenirs.

A restaurant scene has developed on the picturesque waterfront, but it is also still possible to find cao lau noodles – which is an ancient dish originating from Hoi An.

Hoi An is definitely worth visiting, it has many historic buildings, museums, interesting shops and is just a few kilometres from the beach. The centre is mainly pedestrianised so it is easy to explore. There is accommodation to suit every budget, from basic backpacker digs to luxury beachfront suites.

Nha Trang is located on a beautiful stretch of coastline, providing the ideal spot for enjoying the country’s warm sunny weather. Stunning beaches and sparkling water create a picture postcard image.

The water in this area is known for its incredible visibility, so scuba divers throng to the resort. Under the water a diverse and vibrant world awaits snorkelers and divers.

Accommodation in Nha Trang is mainly luxurious resorts with swimming pools and gyms on site. However, budget travellers can also find good clean rooms within close proximity to the beach.

There is so much to see and do in Nha Trang; however, most visitors prefer to use their time to relax and take a break from sweaty, city sightseeing. The more energetic visitors take part in water sports and exploring the islands.

There is an excellent dining scene in Nha Trang and seafood lovers are in for a real treat. There is an abundant supply of fish and seafood in the local waters, and it is delivered to local restaurants straight from the boat.

Nha Trang’s nightlife is far from throbbing, but it is possible to have a good night out. Visiting Nha Trang allows visitors to experience yet another side of Vietnam. The pace of life in Nha Trang is a lot slower than the cities, and it is the ideal spot for a relaxing or romantic holiday.

Hanoi is considered one of Asia’s most enticing and attractive cities. Heavily influenced by French and Chinese invaders, the city is a fascinating mix of East and West.

From Noi Bai Airport it takes about an hour to reach the centre, after driving through a beautiful rural landscape, modern buildings and French villas start to appear. The city offers visitors a delectable blend of old and new, adding to its magic.

The north end of Hoan Kiem Lake is dominated by shops, cafes and hotels catering for backpackers and low budget tourists. It is the oldest district of the city, and undoubtedly the most charming.

Sightseeing is stress-free in Hanoi, as all the sights are within close proximity of each other, so it is possible to walk or take a short cyclo ride. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is a good place to start any tour and is the city’s most visited tourist sight.

Other attractions include Ba Dinh Square, Governor’s Place, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Hoan Kiem Lake has many personalities; just after dawn it provides the perfect arena for morning exercise, while afternoons attract tourists and office workers, and after dark it provides a private spot for romancing couples.

The Water Puppet Theatre is one of Hanoi’s most popular attractions, and is a must-see while in the city. Scenes depict Vietnamese folklore and history, and are accompanied by traditional folk music.

Hanoi is the best place for purchasing handicrafts, due to its close proximity to many hill tribe villages. Silk is also a good buy while shopping in Hanoi.

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!

Always drink bottled water in Vietnam

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.